C. A. MELCHER
C. A. Melcher, druggist, is located on Walnut between Third and Fourth streets where he established business in 1881. He keeps a general stock of drugs and fancy articles. He came to Cass county, in 1871, and located in 1880, at Griswold, where he was in business one year. He is a son of F. A. Melcher, one of the early business men of Atlantic. F. A. Melcher was born at Oldenburg, Germany, in November, 1838. In his youth he learned the grocery business and in 1869, came to the United States, leaving his family behind, in Germany. He located in New York City and remained there two years. In 1871 his family followed him to America, and landed at the city of Baltimore where he met them and came with them directly to Atlantic. Here Mr. Melcher engaged in the grocery business, which he continued till 1878. He was at first located on the corner of Fourth and Chestnut streets, and later, on the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets, which was the first grocery business opened upon Walnut Street. He was one of the most prominent business men upon that street and was instrumental in establishing other branches of business in that vicinity. In 1882 he opened a grocery store in Wiota, where he carried a large and complete stock. He was succeeded in business, in Atlantic, by Steere and Moehler, and in Wiota, by J. M. Foster. F. A. Melcher died at Atlantic, November 6, 1883, leaving a widow and two children--C. A. and a daughter, J. C. D., both of whom were born in Germany. C. A. Melcher was born in 1861, and came here, as before stated, in 1871. He learned the drug business with Dr. Wilkins, beginning in 1875, and continuing till 1880. he was associated with Dr. Wilkins, at Griswold, one year. He was married to Nellie F. Montague, a native of Wisconsin, and they have one son--F. T. The widow of F. A. Melcher was born at Oldenburg, Germany, in 1833. Her maiden name was J. C. D. Goeken. She now lives in Atlantic, and is a sister of Gerhard Goeken, of Brighton township.
Contributed by Lisa Varnes-Rex from "History of Cass County, Iowa. Together With Sketches of its Towns, Villages and Townships, Educational, Civil, Military and Political History: Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Citizens." Springfield, Ill.: Continental Historical Company, 1884, pg. 859-860.
