KSGenWeb Digital Library Biographical Sketch of A. W. Pretzel Atchison County, Kansas

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The following transcription is from a 750 page book titled "Genealogical and Biographical Record of North-Eastern Kansas, dated 1900.  These have been diligently transcribed and generously contributed by Penny R. Harrell, please give her a very big Thank You for her hard work!

A. W. Pretzel, wholesale dealer in wines, liquors and beers, at 708 to 716 Kansas avenue, Atchison, Kansas, has been in business at this location since 1875, having begun on a small scale and worked his way along until he has attained to his present financial standing.

Mr. Pretzel, as his name indicates, is a German.  He was born in Germany in 1847, received his education in the common schools of his native land, attending until his thirteenth year, when, in 1860, he came to the United States.  For five years after his arrival in this country he was variously employed at different places.

In 1868 he came to Atchison, Kansas, and secured employment as a section hand on the railroad.  His prompt and faithful service in this humble place soon gained him promotion and he was placed in charge of track laying.  On leaving the railroad he formed a partnership with a Mr. Berkhardt, under the firm name of Berkhardt & Pretzel, and engaged in the manufacture of soda water and carbonated drinks, this business association continuing until 1875, when it was dissolved.

That year Mr. Pretzel engaged in business by himself, in a small way, as already stated, and as prosperity came his way he increased the capacity of his plant from time to time, putting in new machinery as needed until his establishment has reached its present size.  He erected the brick building he occupies. 

His trade now extends over the states of Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri and Indian Territory, and he furnishes employment to a large force of men.  As compared with other bottling works, his is the most extensive in this part of Kansas.

Mr. Pretzel has a wife and two daughters, one of the daughters, Pauline, being now Mrs. W. T. Snider.  Mr. Snider is the bookkeeper in the A. W. Pretzel establishment and is a thorough and practical business man.  Mrs. Pretzel was formerly Miss Caroline Fess, and she, too, is a native of Germany.

Last update: Monday, December 26, 2005 18:14:37

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