HUFSTEDLER, William M. - 1890 Bio (1843-1918)

HUFSTEDLER, KIRKHAM, MOHR

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/11/2007 at 12:28:13

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 378-379

William M. HUFSTEDLER, of the firm of Risk, HUFSTEDLER & Whitham, was born in Parke County, Ind., on the 2d of August, 1843, and on the paternal side is of German descent, while on the maternal side the family is of Scotch (sic) origin. His parents, Martin and Mary (KIRKHAM) HUFSTEDLER, were natives of Kentucky and Ohio, respectively.

The subject of this sketch became a resident of Keosauqua, Iowa, in 1850. His father following agricultural pursuits, during his youth he spent his summer months in aiding him in the labors of the farm and during the winter season attended the common schools of the neighborhood. When a lad of nineteen years he responded to his country's call for troops, enlisting in Company C, Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry, in August, 1862. He served three years as a non-commissioned officer and participated in many famous battles and sieges of the war. He was with Sherman at the first attack made on Vicksburg, later participated in the battle of Arkansas Post and at that place was wounded in the shoulder by a glancing shell. This caused his laying aside all duty for six weeks, but at the end of that time he rejoined his regiment. During the siege of Vicksburg he was for forty-six days in the pits and was present at the capture of that city. He also took part in the battles of Jackson, Miss., Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga, Resaca, Dalton, Corinth, Kenesaw Mountain and several minor engagements. At one time lameness caused him to again take a much-needed rest, but on his recovery he joined Sherman's army at Kingston, N. C. He then remained with his command until the close of the war, when he was mustered out at Washington City, after participating in the Grand Review in May, 1865.

On his return from the army, where he had faithfully served his country for three years, Mr. HUFSTEDLER located in Fairfield. His education had been interrupted by his enlistment and on his return he attended a private school. Not desiring to follow the pursuit to which he had been reared, he engaged as a salesman with Maj. J. W. Moore, dealer in groceries, hats and caps. A year later he bought a half-interest in the business, but the night after his purchase the store with nearly all its contents was destroyed by fire. Hardly anything remained and Mr. HUFSTEDLER was forced to resort to his former employment of clerking. He secured a position with Wells, Sterver (sic - should be Stever) & Averill, one of the oldest mercantile houses of Fairfield and remained with that firm until 1873, when on the 13th of September of that year he joined C.C. Risk in his preent (sic) business. The firm continued operations under the style of Risk & HUFSTEDLER until 1882, when Mr. Whitham was admitted to partnership and the firm name changed to Risk, HUFSTEDLER & Whitham.

On the 18th of June, 1875, Mr. HUFSTEDLER married Miss Emma MOHR, their union being celebrated in Fairfield, where their entire married life has been passed. The lady is a native of Pottsville, Pa., and a daughter of Henry MOHR. Both are members of the Congregational Church, and in political sentiment Mr. HUFSTEDLER is a Republican. He is an enterprising and sucessful business man, respected by all who know him, and the firm of which he is a member takes front rank among the mercantile establishments located in the county seat of Jefferson County.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.