ENGLER, MRS. SUSIE C. MUNCH

ENGLER, MUNCH, TROTTMAN

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 4/27/2004 at 13:21:00

Biography reproduced from page 312 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

Irreparable loss, deep sorrow and great adversity have contributed their full quota in the life of Mrs. Engler but she has met these misfortunes with a fortitude and heroism which reveals that strength of character and will, which has enabled her to rise above her misfortunes and gain for herself and family an independent place in business. She is owner of a store in Whittemore, in which she conducts a grocery business together with a home bakery and restaurant. She was born in Cassville, Grant county, Wisconsin, on the 27th of January, 1868, her parents being Henry C. and Mary B. (Trottman) Munch, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume.

Susie C. Munch was reared at home in Emmetsburg and Whittemore, in which places she attended the public schools. At the close of her school life she was employed by her father as clerk in his store until the date of her marriage. On December 8, 1887, she was united in wedlock to Edward M. Engler, a son of Erhart and Louise (Munch) Engler, both of whom were natives of Germany. Erhart Engler emigrated to this country at an early day and located in Cassville, Wisconsin, where he engaged in the saddlery business. He was also a shoemaker by trade and this business became a part of his occupation. He conducted his shop until the time of his death. His wife was called to her final rest in January, 1907.

Edward M. Engler was reared and educated in Wisconsin and before attaining his majority he left the parental roof and located in Maryville, Missouri, where he conducted a skating rink for some time. Closing out his interest in this business, he returned to Cassville, where he became an apprenticed blacksmith and after perfecting himself in this craft he moved to Whittemore, where he obtained employment in Mr. Munch’s store. He continued his relation in this employment for one year, at the expiration of which time he formed a partnership with Joseph DeGraw and this firm opened and operated a general blacksmith business for a period of two years. At the expiration of this time Mr. Engler found himself the unfortunate victim of so acute an attack of rheumatism as to render it impossible for him to continue at his trade. Disposing of his interest in his shop, he returned to Cassville, where he became connected with the restaurant business and he so continued for one year. Closing this business out, he returned to Whittemore and on December 8, 1887, was united in wedlock to Miss Susie C. Munch. Taking his young bride with him, he returned to Cassville, Wisconsin, where he engaged in business. Upon the death of his father-in-law, Henry C. Munch, he returned to Whittemore, where he erected a building and engaged in the restaurant business. He also was interested in dealing in grain, buying for the Hunting Elevator Company. Later he purchased the Richard Hatch blacksmith shop and operated this business during the remainder of his life. His rheumatic difficulties finally terminated in a pronounced and aggravated case of tuberculosis, to which at last he became a victim, dying July 8, 1902. He is survived by his widow and two daughters: Edna M., a young lady of eighteen, who is attending business college at Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Irma D., who is sixteen years old and has graduated from the public schools of Whittemore, and is attending the Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls, Iowa. Edward M. Engler was a member of the Modern Woodmen of American and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

In November, 1903, Mrs. Engler engaged in the restaurant business in Whittemore, to which she has added fancy groceries and a home bakery. In this line of occupation she is still engaged. She is a member of the Royal Neighbors. She and her daughters are members of the Methodist church. Mrs. Engler as proven herself to be a woman of great energy combined with a strong will and indomitable courage, and notwithstanding the loss of her husband in the midst of an active business career, she has ably provided for herself and family and successfully and bravely fights the battle of life.