My Genealogy Hound

Theodore and Francis Vogel, of the grocery firm of Vogel Brothers, at Fort Smith, Ark., were born in that city in 1851 and 1860, respectively. Their parents, Trangott and Appelinia (Fink) Vogel were both natives of Germany. Trangott Vogel was born in the Kingdom of Prussia in 1819, and is the son of William Vogel, who was also a native of Prussia, and who was forced to join the army of Napoleon when but seventeen years of age, and served under him four years. Trangott Vogel served his time in the Prussian army, and came to America at the age of twenty-four years. After staying two years in New Orleans he came to Fort Smith, where he located in 1845. He is one of the sturdy citizens now living who witnessed the gradual growth and development of the country, and who, by his unswerving energy and perseverance, amassed considerable wealth, owning some of the best property on Garrison Avenue, the central part of the city. By his marriage to Miss Fink he became the father of four children: Theodore, William, Frank and Henry. Trangott Vogel is now living a retired life in Fort Smith. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife and sons are members of the Catholic Church. Theodore Vogel supplemented his common school education with a literary course at Can Hill College, at Boonsborough, Washington Co., Ark. On leaving school he commenced life as a clerk in a store, and in 1876 engaged in the grocery business for himself, which he has since continued. He was married to Miss Kate Shumes, who bore him three children: Lena, Kate and an infant (deceased). Mr. Vogel is a member of the Catholic Knights of America. Francis Vogel is one of the competent business men of the city, was educated and reared in Fort Smith, where he also served an apprenticeship at the shoemaker’s trade, and afterward followed agricultural pursuits for five years. He then clerked in a grocery store for two years, after which he became a member of the present firm.