HENRY H. SCHWEITZER.

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         A well known merchant of Grand View, who is also a member of the town council, is Henry H. Schweitzer, who was born in this township on the 14th of September, 1872. He is a son of J. H. and Mary (Phifer) Schweitzer, the father a native of St. Louis and the mother of New Jersey, but they were married in Louisa county. Here Mr. Schweitzer, who is a cooper, followed his trade for fifteen years. At the end of that period he removed to a farm which he cultivated for ten years and then joined his son, William E., who was engaged in the general merchandise business in Grand View. They had been associated together for four years when the store was destroyed by fire and the father has since been living retired in Grand View. Of the union of Mr. . . .

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. . . and Mrs. J. H. Schweitzer there were born nine children, as follows: William E., who is in business in Grand View; Henry H.; George E., who is engaged in merchandising in Oakville; Del. A., an attorney of Los Angeles, California; Charley, who is in business with his brother in Oakville; Albert, who is a resident of Grand View; Vinnie, who passed away at the age of thirteen years; and Oscar and Daisy, both of whom are still at home.

         Henry H. Schweitzer attended the common schools of this county during his boyhood and early youth, during which time he was also assisting his father with the work of the homestead. When he attained his majority he felt he was ably qualified to begin farming for himself and for seven years thereafter he was identified with that vocation. At the expiration of that period he became associated with his brothers William E., George E. and Charley, in the mercantile business. They are now conducting two stores: the one at Oakville is a grocery and meat market and in the one at Grand View they carry a full line of general merchandise. Enterprising business men with progressive ideas, they have succeeded in building up a very nice business in both towns. Pleasant and accommodating they have the faculty not only of winning patrons but what is fully as essential of holding them as well. In addition to their stock at Grand View they also own the building in which they are doing business.

         The 21st of November, 1900, was the wedding day of Mr. Schweitzer and Miss Kate Beik, who was born in Louisa county on the 18th of July, 1880. Mrs. Schweitzer is a daughter of Jacob and Alurdo (Hanley) Beik, who were among the early settlers of this county. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schweitzer have been born four children, three of whom are surviving, the second having died in infancy. The others are: Marie, who was born on the 21st of April, 1904; Jacob, who was born on the 1st of August, 1906; and Erma, whose birth occurred on the 8th of April, 1909.

         Mr. and Mrs. Schweitzer are members of the Evangelical church and fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in Grand View Lodge, No. 724, I.O.O.F. Ever since attaining his majority he has cast his ballot with the republican party, but he has never prominently participated in municipal affairs, although he is now representing his ward in the town council. Mr. Schweitzer is a man of laudable ambition and determination, who is gradually and steadily advancing in the commercial circles of Louisa county.