GEORGE HUTHMACHER. Prominent among those men who have advanced their
communities by developing the commercial interests of their sections, and to
whose efforts must be given the credit for the present high business
standing of Southern Illinois, may be mentioned George Huthmacher, a
prominent lumber and hardware dealer of Murphysboro, whose entire life has
been spent within the confines of Jackson county. A business man of more
than ordinary ability, he has proven his worth also as a citizen, and no man
stands higher in the respect and esteem of his fellow townsmen. George
Huthmacher was born February 1, 1869, at Sandoval, Illinois, and is a
brother of Charles Christian Huthmacher.
George Huthmacher 's early
life was spent at Grand Tower, whence his parents moved when he was not yet
two months old, and at this place he grew to manhood, receiving his
education in the public schools. In 1888, after completing his studies
there, he went to St. Louis to take a course in Bryant & Stratton's Business
College, and in 1890, on his return, was appointed deputy sheriff of Jackson
county, an office he held until 1894. In 1896 Mr. Huthmacher went to Joplin,
Missouri, to engage in the furniture business, but after spending eighteen
months there sold out, and in the fall of 1898, with his brother, A. J.
Huthmacher, purchased the old Jackson County Lumber Company. In 1905
hardware was added to the company's stock, and the business, under Mr.
Huthmacher's management, has grown steadily from its inception, now carrying
the largest stock of hardware and lumber in Southern Illinois. In addition
to this the brothers are the owners of an asparagus farm of forty acres, the
work on which is superintended by A. J. Huthmacher, and the firm also deals
to some extent in stock. Mr. Huthmacher has always been possessed of
progressive ideas, one of which is that the community in which it is located
will grow with it, thus open - that the best way to develop a business is to
conduct it in such a manner ing a wider field and greater opportunities.
Such a policy is bound to benefit any section, and for this reason, if for
no other, the firm is a valuable addition to the city's industries. An able
and astute business man, Mr. Huthmacher has taken advantage of every
opportunity that has presented itself, but his dealings have been along
strictly legitimate lines, and his popularity is assured with all who know
him. His ability and administrative capability have been recognized by his
election to positions of honor and trust, and as a nominee on the Democratic
ticket was elected to the office of alderman. Fraternally his connection is
with the Elks, and he also holds membership in the Hoos-Hoos, an
organization of lumber men.
Extracted 15 Jan 2018 by Norma Hass from 1912 A History of Southern Illinois, volume 2, pages 725-726.