Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 200
CHARLES L. HETZEL, of the firm of Hetzel & Highley, grain dealers of Stockton, Iowa, was born in Wheeling, W. Va., Nov. 27, 1838. and is a son of Charles F. and Regina ( Bayha ), who were both natives of Germany. The father, who was born in the month of August, 1803, had a passion for music, and in his younger days was a celebrated musician. His death occurred in the month of June, 1885. Mrs. Hetzel was born in 1810, and is now living in Scott County, Iowa, on the old homestead. They were the parents of thirteen children, three of whom are now deceased. Those living are: Rosa, who yet resides with her mother; Charles L., of this sketch; John, a resident of Avoca, Iowa; Mary, wife of Frank Haller, who is living in Durant, Iowa; George, who resides in Grand Island, Neb.; Fred makes his home in Avoca; Wilhelmina, Anna, Henry, and Jennie are all at home. In 1850 Mr. Hetzel removed to Scott County, Iowa, where he resided until his death, and there the family yet make their home.

Our subject was reared to farm life, and assisted in the cultivation of his father's land until he was twenty-two years of age, when he left the parental roof and made a trip to Pike's Peak, Colo., where he remained for two years. For a time, he there engaged mining, afterward following the butchering business, and also operated a quartz mill. Returning to his home , he assisted his father in the labors of the farm for six years, during which time he was united in marriage with Miss Meta Rohlfs, their wedding being celebrated April 14, 1861. Two children graced their union, but one died in infancy, while Cora, the other child, now makes her home with her maternal grandfather in Davenport, Iowa. The mother departed this life Feb. 14, 1870, on the day on which she was twenty-three years of age. Her parents were M.J. and Eliza ( Rhode ) Rohlfs, and to them were born seven children, five of whom are yet living: August, Theodore, Emma, Emiel, and Rudplph.

Six years passed after the death of his first wife when Mr. Hetzel was again married, becoming the husband of Anna Albrecht, May 29, 1876. The lady is a daughter of Paul and Louisa ( Newfield ) Albrecht, and one of a family of ten children, of whom she was the eldest; Louisa, the second child, is the wife of Hugo Lambach, a resident of Le Clair, Iowa; Caroline, a resident of Port Bryon, Ill; Charles, a commercial traveler; Pauline, yet at home; Bertha, a book-keeper of Sioux City, Iowa; Matilda, wife of George Hutchinson, of Moline, Ill.; Emelia and Emma, who are both at home.

By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hetzel two children have been born: William, born April 14, 1877; and Emma, Sept. 25, 1878. After his second marriage Mr. Hetzel removed to Fulton, now the village of Stockton, where he engaged in the stock and grain business in company with his brother-in-law, Frank Haller. Buying out a stock company, they built an elevator, and continued in business together for several years, when Henry Highley purchased the interest of Mr. Haller, since which time the firm has been known as Hetzel & Highley. By fair dealing and careful attention to business they have built up an extensive trade, and are well deserving of a liberal share of the public patronage. Socially, Mr. Hetzel is a member if the I. O. O. F., belonging to Scott Lodge No. 37, of Davenport, Iowa. Politically, he is a Democrat, and for several years served as Justice of the Peace. He is held in high esteem by a large circle of friends, and is one of the prominent citizens of Stockton.

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