A well known and successful business man of Carlinville, who has
figured prominently in the political life of the municipality, is
Charles G. Heinz, member of the firm of H. C. Heinz & Bro. He is a
native of this city, his birth having occurred on the 24th of May, 1858,
his parents being Peter and Johanna (Knabuer) Heinz, both natives of
Bavaria. To them were born seven children, five of whom are surviving.
Peter Heinz was reared and educated in Bavaria, where he also
learned the carpenter’s trade, emigrating to the United States in 1852.
The first year of his residence here was spent on a farm in the vicinity
of Chesterfield where he worked out by the month. At the end of that
period he came to Carlinville where he worked as a painter for a time,
later engaging in carpentry work and contracting. He was a skillful
workman and erected several business blocks as well as residences here,
meeting with most excellent success in his work. He later withdrew from
contracting work and opened a little shop in which he manufactured
furniture and coffins, all hand work; he later extended the scope of his
activities and added to his stock factory products, continuing to be
identified with the furniture business until his retirement in 1883. He
was succeeded by his sons, Henry C. and Charles G., who later took their
brother Gustave into the firm. The father passed away in 1905, at the
age of seventy-eight, having survived his wife one year, her demise
occurring at the same age. Peter Heinz always found time and inclination
to take part in all community affairs and was several times called to
positions of trust in the county and township, while he most efficiently
served the municipality. He was elected county treasurer for one term,
while he served three terms as mayor and filled some of the minor
offices of both city and township. His political support was always
accorded the democracy, while both he and his wife were communicants of
the German Lutheran church.
Charles G. Heinz was given the
advantages of a good education, which was begun in the parochial school,
where he attended six years. Later he entered the public school for two
years and then went to Blackburn University where he remained for a
year. At the expiration of that period, considering that he had
sufficient knowledge to begin his commercial career, he entered his
father’s store, which for the past twenty-eight years he and his
brothers have been conducting. Theirs is one of the oldest and best
known business houses in the city, having been established for over a
half century. They carry a full and well assorted stock of furniture, in
connection with which they also maintain an undertaking department.
Fraternally Mr. Heinz is connected with the Knights of Pythias,
while his political support he accords to the democratic party. He has
always prominently participated in all political activities and was a
delegate to the National Conventions held both in Indianapolis and
Chicago. At the last municipal election he was chosen a member of the
city council from his ward, the duties of which office he will
undoubtedly discharge with the same conscientious and scrupulous regard
for his responsibilities he has always exhibited in every position of
trust. He is one of the affluent citizens of the community and in
addition to his other business is secretary of the Carlinville Building
& Loan Association of which he was one of the first stockholders.
Extracted 15 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 450-451.
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