Meitzen, Albrecht C.

MEITZEN

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Date: 3/5/2010 at 23:40:55

ALBRECHT C. MEITZEN

The distinctive and specific office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself but rather to leave the perpetual record established by the consensus of public opinion, and determined by this standard Albrecht C. Meitzen's value as a citizen places him among the foremost residents of Avoca, where he is perhaps best known in his business connection as cashier of the Citizens' Savings Bank. To those who read the following it should be said, in justice to the extreme modesty of Mr. Meitzen, that this sketch was prepared without his knowledge, through the desire of his friends to have his sketch follow that of his warm admirer and confidante, the late J. W. Davis.

He was born on the 17th of August, 1867, in Breslau, Germany, which was also the birthplace of his parents, Albrecht and Clara (Erber) Meitzen, the former born in 1837 and the latter in 1846. The father was reared to farm life and became a scientific agriculturist in his native country. He was twice connected with military service in that land, taking active part in the Austrian war of 1866 and in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. He is now the proud possessor of a medal bestowed upon him by the late Emperor William of Germany: In 1883 lie left his native country with his family and oncoming to America established his home near the village of Persia in Harrison county, Iowa, where he was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1896, when he removed to Avoca, since which time he has made his home with his son Albrecht, the eldest of a family of five children. . The others are: Susanna, the wife of Charles Eggerss, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Margaret, the wife of A. J. Eggerss, of Omaha, Nebraska; Curt J., also living in Omaha; and Ella, who is with her parents.

In the schools of his native country Albrecht C. Meitzen began his education and while attending the Cadet Academy at Kulm (to which only the sons of army officers are eligible) he studied both French and English. He found his knowledge of the former very useful while traveling through France; but when he arrived in the new world he had the experience of many another man of foreign birth, in that his English was difficult to understand and his sentences of most peculiar construction. He was not long; however, in mastering the language here and today speaks the tongue as if "to the manner born." Continuing under the parental roof until 1889, he then started out upon an independent business career by accepting a position in a hardware store in Persia. After three years there passed he went to Omaha to assist in organizing the Omaha Paper Box Company, which is still carrying on business under the firm name of Eggerss & O'Flyng.

His identification with the banking business dates from the 20th of November, 1893, when he entered the employ of J. W. Davis, proprietor of the Commercial Bank of Avoca. His military training had made him accurate and methodical in his work and, his ability being quickly recognized by his employer, he was advanced to positions of trust and responsibility. Within two years after entering the bank he was made its cashier and was given charge of much of the routine work and business of the house. After the re-organization of the Commercial Bank and its incorporation as the Citizens' Savings Bank on the 1st of July, 1901, Mr. Meitzen was placed at the head of the institution in the position of cashier and is now practically in control. He has made a close .and thorough study of the banking business in every detail and under his able guidance the institution has made rapid and substantial progress. As a banker and business man he is eminently successful, basing his business principles and actions upon the rules which govern unswerving integrity, unfaltering industry and close application. His progressiveness is tempered by a safe conservatism that prevents him from making any false steps, yet he forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution. No word has ever been uttered against his probity and he is well known as one who employs no dishonest methods nor will he tolerate any such in a business transaction with which he is connected.

In matters relating to public welfare Mr. Meitzen has manifested a devotion to the general good which makes him a valued citizen. He is patriotic in his allegiance to the stars and stripes, and local advancement and national progress are both causes dear to his heart. He votes with the republican party, believing that its platform contains the best elements of good government. He is now serving as a member of the town council of Avoca.

In his fraternal relations he is connected with Mount Nebo lodge, No. 297, A. F. & A. M., of Avoca, with Raboni chapter, No. 85, R. A. M, and with Mount Zion Commandery, K. T. He belongs to the Gesang Verein and the German Congregational church. In his family relation as a brother and and son, he has proved himself to be most affectionate, kind, chivalrous and devoted. He holds high ideals in relation to citizenship, to business and to social relations, and is known throughout the community as a man of generous impulses, a genial companion and a faithful friend.

His efforts in behalf of soldiers and soldiers' widows in making out their vouchers gratuitously have been greatly appreciated by those who have benefited by his aid and in token of this appreciation he was recently prcsented with a pair of diamond cuff links, which he prizes most highly. The presentation was made on February 27, 1906, by William Leslie with the following:

Appreciating the friendship and kindness which prompts you to render such valuable assistance in so many ways to us as soldiers and the widows of soldiers, we beg to offer you a small token of our esteem and friendship, with our sincere thanks for the many favors we have received from you and trust that it will be as much pleasure to you to receive this small remembrance of our appreciation as its giving affords us.

C. H. Norton, William Leslie, Matt Sarvis, Henry Russell, James I. Moore, Charles Swartz, Mat. Stoeffel, Charles Swift, William Pickerill, A. W. McCart, F. N. Leslie, Joseph Gingrass, Steve Sanders, Jacob Wasser, J. A. Bunnell, J. B. Galbraith, Mrs. Mary Frantz, Mrs. W. Buck, C. L. Dunham, E. A. Wood.

1907 History of Pottawattaie County