My Genealogy Hound

Louis Pfunder & Son are prominent general merchants at Hickory Hill, Cole County. In 1879 Louis Pfunder bought the business from Anton Hahn, who carried on a small establishment, and immediately afterward added a large stock. He now handles an extensive line of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, groceries, provisions, etc., besides country produce. Louis Pfunder was born in Auggen Amt Muellheim Baden, Germany, March 14, 1829, and in his youth learned the sash-maker’s trade, which he followed for about eight years. In 1853 he immigrated to the United States, landing at New Orleans, and a few months later came to St. Louis, where he worked as carpenter for a year and a half, after which he engaged in merchandising, continuing at this for about eight years. While living in St. Louis, Mr. Pfunder married Miss Magdalena Loeffel, who was born in Muenchweier Amt Ettenheim Baden, Germany, June 20, 1831. She came to the United States in 1854, locating at St. Louis. In 1861 Mr. Pfunder came to Cole County, Mo., where he farmed for two years, and then returned to St. Louis, where he re-engaged in business. Four years later, in 1867, he returned to Cole County and purchased a farm, in Clark Township, of eighty acres, on which he immediately began making improvements, clearing about forty acres. He erected new buildings, set out orchards, and there remained until in the fall of 1878. In 1873 he purchased a tract of land of about 200 acres, at Hickory Hill, Cole Co., Mo., which was then wild land, and up to date he has cleared about seventy-five acres. On this, also, he erected buildings, and has surrounded it with everything to make it a pleasant home. In 1878 he and his family moved on their new farm, and in 1879 he bought the store in Hickory Hill. In 1883 Mr. Pfunder became the owner of a fine residence in the village, adjoining the store, and on eighteen acres of land which joins the farm, and on this they moved in the fall of 1884. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pfunder were born six children, all of whom are living: Louisa M., wife of N. Younker, resides in Sedalia, Mo.; Louis J. F., married and farming in Clark Township; Fredrick, married and lives on the old homestead; Henry, married and living on his father’s farm; Albert, married to Miss Minnie F. Carter, a native of Iowa, and the daughter of William Carter, who lives in Jefferson City. Albert is at present postmaster at Hickory Hill, having been appointed to that position November 27, 1888. He lives with his father, and formed a partnership with him in the store in 1886. Emil is single, and at home.