The firm of Floerchinger Bros., composed of John H. and William E. Floerchinger, the subjects of this sketch, is one of the best-known business institutions of Oxford, Iowa, and ranks with the leading general merchandise establishments of Johnson County. John H., the senior partner, received his mercantile training in Oxford, having served six years as a clerk in the Fair store and later as partner in a general merchandise store with Frank Harris. On June 11, 1903, the present partnership between the Floerchinger brothers was formed, since which time the firm has come rapidly and steadily to the front.

John H. is the second child and oldest son of George Floerchinger and his second wife, natives of Germany, who emigrated with four children to the United States in 1869. Although the voyage was made on a steamship, it required thirty-one days to make the voyage. The improvement in the trans-Atlantic service is indicated by the fact that in 1879, Mr. Floerchinger made the return trip in ten days, and again, in 1900, he made it in eight days going and six days returning. On arriving in Iowa, the family engaged in farming on eighty acres in section twenty, about one-half mile west of Oxford. Mr. Floerchinger thoroughly improved the place and added to its acreage. In 1909, he left the home farm. Thereupon he removed to Oxford and bought the Oxford House, which was the first building erected in the town, and was built by his brother, Frederick Adam Floerchinger, in 1869. In 1896, he erected a brick building, the first floor of which is used for storerooms and the second for a public hall.

Oxford was a small affair when the Floerchingers first arrived, and Mrs. Floerchinger, in describing her experience, said she started out to find the town and could see only timber and hazel brush, a small block house, and a little store building kept by M. E. Marvin. She “thought she was in the wilderness proper, and the English language sounded like the cackle of geese.”

The first marriage of Mr. Floerchinger was to Jennie Worf, January 4, 1860. She died in Germany in August, 1868, leaving four children: Katherine, born November 19, 1860, now wife of J. H. Ditte, Alberta, Canada; Frances, born March 16, 1862, wife of William Kruger Palermo, North Dakota; Adam W., born September 16, 1864; George born in November 1866, died May 23, 1906. On December 13, 1868, Mr. Floerchinger married Katie Worf, sister of his first wife, at Havre, France. The children by the latter wife are: Anna M., born December 8, 1869, died February 1, 198; John H., our subject, born June 4, 1872; Edward, born February 15, 1874, married to Nellie Hiney of Iowa City, living in Illinois; Frank, born September 10, 1877, in furniture and undertaking business at Oxford; William, our subject, born November 10, 1880; Carl, born February 24, 1885. All the last-named children were baptized and confirmed in St. Mary’s Catholic church of Oxford, of which Mr. and Mrs. Floerchinger have been members of the congregation. The direct descendants now include eighteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. In February 1910, he sold the old farm. George Floerchinger died February 23, 1912.

John H. Floerchinger was born on the old farm, one-half mile west of Oxford, where he was raised. He was educated in the rural schools and the Oxford public schools. He varied his employment when a good-sized boy by working on a construction train on the railroad. Later he took up the work of brickmaking at which he labored for nine years. His next occupation was merchandising, as stated heretofore. Mr. Floerchinger chose for his wife, Miss Nellie Sherlock, daughter of James and Rose Sherlock, of Iowa County. Mr. Sherlock was county supervisor and a prominent farmer of that county. One son was born of this union, James George, named after his paternal and maternal grandfathers. Mr. Floerchinger is a democrat, a member of the B. P. O. E. and M. W. A. of Oxford, and a communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic church.

William E. Floerchinger was also born on the old home farm west of Oxford. He attended district school and graduated from the Oxford High School. His first employment aside from farm work was as a clerk for E. B. Morse in the clothing business. Later he worked at the painter’s trade. His next step was to associate himself in partnership with his brother John H., as heretofore stated. William Floerchinger also married a daughter of James and Rose Sherlock, Miss Artie, who has borne him one daughter, Iowa. He is a member of B.P.O.E., of Iowa City lodge No. 590.
 

Source: Leading Events in Johnson County, IA by Clarence Aurner - 1912; Vol II. Biographical, pgs. 785 - 786