Encyclopedia Dubuque
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JAEGER, Francis
JAEGER, Francis. (Sageville, IA, July 18, 1842--Dubuque, IA, Aug. 7, 1912). Jaeger was one of the prominent business men of Dubuque and was associated with many of the principal industries of the city.
In 1871 at the age of 22, having served a nine year apprenticeship in several mercantile establishments, Ellwanger went to work for his older cousin, Francis Jaeger, already a successful Dubuque businessman. Jaeger had had begun as a co-partner in a wholesale grocery business, eventually bought out his partner, and shifted the company focus to a wholesale liquor dealership. Joining Jaeger as a bookkeeper, Ellwanger proved to be a “quick learner” of the whiskey trade.
Steady employment with Jaeger apparently emboldened Ellwanger to court and marry Sophia Buckman, the daughter of the former sheriff of Dubuque, William D. Buckman, who was a well known figure in the community. The couple would birth three children, William E., Ralph and Josephine. By June 1875, Ellwanger had saved enough money so that with a partner, Michael Brady, he purchased a controlling interest in Jaeger’s liquor company. It then was renamed Brady, Ellwanger and Company
On the March 1, 1890, Jaeger organized the DUBUQUE WOODENWARE AND LUMBER COMPANY, with a capital stock of $50,000. The officers were Francis Jaeger, President; Adam Truegel, Vice-President; and Louis H. BREDE, Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Jaeger continued as its president until March, 1894. At that time the capital stock was increased and new officers were elected, J. J. Dunn becoming President, while Louis Brede was made Secretary and Treasurer.
Jaeger aided in the organization, in 1891, of the Turbine Roller Mill Company, and was connected with it as a stockholder. He was also a stockholder in the IOWA TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK and the Key City Fire Insurance Company, of which he was one of the organizers.
Jaeger was counted among the early pioneers of Dubuque. He held a charter membership in the Dubuque Sharpshooters' Association and was a member of the OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. He was one of the first members of the ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.
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Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties, Iowa. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1894, p. 291
Oldt, Franklin T., History of Dubuque County, Iowa. Chicago: Western Historical Association, 1880, p. 815