Figge, Fred J. 1871 - 1964

FIGGE, GLEISNER, MEYER, PEYER

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/25/2014 at 15:48:37

Fred J. Figge is a central figure in banking circles of Ossian, for as president of the Ossian State Bank he controls the destinies of one of the soundest, safest and most conservative financial institutions in that part of Winneshiek county. A spirit of enterprise and initiative actuates him in all that he does and has been the dominating element in his rise to the responsible position which he occupies and which he is well qualified to fill.

Mr. Figge was born in Ossian on the 16th of June, 1871, and is a son of Frank and Catherine (Gleisner) Figge, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father crossed the Atlantic in the early '60s and eight years later settled in Ossian, where he erected the first brick building in the village and engaged in mercantile pursuits, building up a large and profitable patronage and becoming well known and prominent in business circles. He passed away in 1906 and is survived by his wife, who makes her home in Ossian. To their union were born the following children: Frank A., of Ossian; Fred J., of this review; Leo, who resides in Mason City, Iowa; Joseph, of Dubuque; Emma, who lives in Ossian; Alphonse, of Chicago, Illinois; Victoria, the wife of Joseph Meyer, of Ossian; and Eulalia, a student in an academy at Prairie du Chien.

Fred I. Figge attended college in Prairie du Chien and after he had completed the prescribed course in 1888, came back to Ossian and entered the Ossian Bank as cashier, acting in that capacity until 1907 and proving able, conscientious and reliable in the discharge of his duties. When the bank became a State Bank in the latter year he was elected to the office of vice president, which he held until 1912, when he was made president. In this capacity his business and executive capacity have been called forth and the credit for the more recent expansion and growth of the institution is in a large measure due him. The deposits of the bank have increased from sixty thousand dollars in 1889 to a half million in 1913, this growth having taken place principally since the reorganization of the concern. Mr. Figge is interested also in several banking institutions in other points in Iowa.

Mr. Figge married Miss Marie Peyer in 1894. She was educated in an academy at Prairie du Chien, completing a full classical course and graduating also in music. Mr. and Mrs. Figge are the parents of five children: Seraphia, who was born June 18, 1895, and who has been attending the school at Prairie du Chien where her mother was educated and is now attending an academy at Longwood, Illinois; Marcelitta, also attending the academy at Longwood; and Vivian, Reginald and Eugenia, who live at home.

The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church and Mr. Figge holds membership in the Knights of Columbus. He is at all times interested in the growth and development of the city, of which he served as mayor for three terms. In politics and business alike his is an excellent record and one which is in every way a credit to the city where he was born and where he has spent his entire life.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913

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