For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 752
HENRY W. ZEIDLER....The business and professional interests of Muscatine are well represented by Henry W. Zeidler, a widely known achitect and contractor, who has spent his entire life here. He comes well by his talents, as his father was a carpenter and contractor of good practical ability and his work may now be seen in many buildings. Mr. Zeidler was born January 2, 1859, and is a son of William and Christina Zeidler, both of whom were born near Berlin, Germany. The father was one of the early settlers of Muscatine and he and his estimable wife are both living in this city in the enjoyment of rest after many years of activity. He did a great deal of contracting in Muscatine and gained a reputation as one of its substantial and trustworthy men. He and his wife are identified with the Methodist church. John Zeidler, the paternal grandfather, was also a native of Germany. He came to this country and died at Burlington, Iowa, at the age of seventy-eight years. Of the children of William and Christina Ziedler six are now living : Henry W., our subject ; Charles J., Edward, Arthur, Clara, now Mrs. Paul Steinmetz, and Hannah, at home.The subject of this review was reared in Muscatine and attended the public schools, later becoming a student at the university at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he took up the study of architecture and gained a theoretical knowledge which he has since applied with beneficial results not only to himself but to his native city. He has planned many of the large structures of Muscatine, among them being school buildings, stores, residences and churches, and the beautiful chapel at Greenwood cemetery. He superintended the construction of the First National Bank building of Muscatine and planned the residence of Peter Musser, on Mulberry avenue, and many other buildings. By good taste and judgment he has acquired a reputation as one of the most capable architects in this part of the state.
In October, 1884, Mr. Zeidler was united in marriage to Miss Kate Anna Wittich, a daughter of Werner Wittich, of Muscatine. She is a member of one of the old families of this city and has proved to her husband a loving and helpful companion. Three children were born to them. Walter, who is connected with the Roach & Musser sash factory, married Alvina Minster and they have two children, Robert and Alvin. Wesley married Nettie Kemper and is a carpenter by trade. Huldah is bookkeeper and typewriter for her uncle, E. J. Zeidler, in his dry-goods store, and is now living at home.
Mr. Zeidler politically is allied with the republican party and is a stanch upholder of its principles. He has served three terms as a member of the board of supervisors of Muscatine and while in that position accomplished much work which resulted in permanent benefit to the city. He holds membership in Iowa Lodge No. 2, A. F. & A. M. and Washington Chapter No. 4, R. A. M., also being identified with Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias. He and his wife are valued members of the Methodist church. Whether as a professional man, public official or private citizen, Mr. Zeidler has proven his efficiency and is known as one of the most useful members of the community. He is a man whose assistance may always be depended upon to promote the public good.
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