HUNTZINGER, Franklin B. - 1890 Bio (1820-1908)

HUNTZINGER, KOCH, VORHEES, RUDY, BOYER, DAVIS, SHARPE, AXLINE, UNKRICH, JONES, SHUERT

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/11/2007 at 12:44:04

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

Franklin B. HUNTZINGER, who was formerly a prominent miller of Fairfield, Jefferson County, but is now living a retired life, dates his residence in this city from 1856, and in the thirty-four years which have since elapsed he has ever been numbered among the wide-awake and enterprising business men of the county. He was born in Schuylkill County, Pa., February 17, 1820, and is of German descent, although his parents, Jacob and Susan (KOCH) HUNTZINGER, were also natives of the Keystone State. His father made merchandising his life occupation and served as associate justice of the court of common pleas. He was also Colonel of a regiment in the War of 1812, and was a worthy and respected citizen.

The subject of this sketch learned the habits and methods of business life in his father's employ, but the success which has crowned his labors is due almost entirely to his own efforts. He had followed milling only one year before coming to Iowa, but his thirty-three years experience in this State made him master of the business. On his arrival in Jefferson County, he built the second mill ever erected in Fairfield. He also built two other mills in the city, a third in Batavia and a fourth in Washington County. He operated the last named for seven years but during that time made his home in Fairfield. He met with difficulties, his progress being impeded by two losses, one caused by the burning of one of his mills, while the second mill was washed away, yet he pressed on, overcoming all such obstacles until at last having acquired a comfortable competence he is enabled to lay aside business cares and spent his remaining days in retirement. He sold his last mill April 1, 1889, to his son-in-law, F. W. VORHEES.

Mr. HUNTZINGER was married on July 12, 1842, to Miss Sarah RUDY, a daughter ofJohn and Maria (BOYER) RUDY. The family is of German descent and both parents and daughter were born in the Keystone State. Mr. and Mrs. HUNTZINGER became parents of eight chidlren, two sons and six daughters as follows: Phoebe E., widow of Joseph P. DAVIS, is now living in Des Moines; Caroline, widow of Benjamin H. SHARPE, makes her home in Fairfield; Valeria is the wife of W. H. AXLINE, of Harlan, Iowa; Arabella A. is the wife of J. A. UNKRICH, of Fairfield; Libby Catherine wedded Frank A. JONES and with her husband resides in Omaha; Robert RUDY died at the age of twenty-seven years; John Frankin married Ella SHUERT, of Omaha, Neb.; Maggie is the wife of Frank W. VORHEES, a miller of Fairfield.

In political sentiment, Mr. HUNTZINGER is a Republican and a strong advocate of prohibition principles. He would never accept public office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests and the enjoyment of his home rather than to political contests. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Evangelical Church. They reared a good family and are most worthy people. Mr. HUNTZINGER has been an industrious, steady business man, enterprising and successful and it is with pleasure that we record this brief sketch of himself and family who justly rank among the best citizens of Jefferson County.

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