My Genealogy Hound

LEVI RISELING, merchant, was born in Bedford county, Pa., Dec. 18, 1837. His father, Henry Riseling, was a native of Germany, born Nov. 16, 1800; his mother, Elizabeth (Sibbets) Riseling, was a native of the Keystone State, born in Somerset county, in March, 1812. Our subject was raised principally on a farm, receiving a liberal education in the common schools. When nineteen years of age he went to De Soto, Jackson county, Ill., and engaged to learn the trade of cabinet-maker, serving an apprenticeship of two years. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Seventy-third Illinois Infantry Volunteers, serving three months; was discharged because of physical disabilities at Louisville, Ky., and, returning home, engaged in the manufacture of furniture for five years, carrying on at that time a wholesale and retail business in that line. He disposed of his interests there and returned to Pennsylvania, remaining but a short time. He came west in 1868, locating in Baxter Springs, Kan., in April of that year, and in June following engaged in the furniture and house-furnishing business in partnership with Mr. Joseph Benoist, under the firm name of Benoist & Riseling. In June, 1873, the firm moved their entire stock of goods to Joplin and engaged in business here two years, when our subject purchased the entire interest, paying therefor $10,000 cash, and has since conducted the business alone. Mr. Riseling was married in De Soto, Ill., May 15, 1861, to Miss Mary, daughter of John Farner, a prominent farmer of Jackson county. From this union there are three children: Rebecca E., born Jan. 1, 1862; Joseph Henry, born in July, 1864, and John L., born in May, 1866 Mrs. R. died in April, 1869. Our subject was again married in Cherokee county, Kan., to Miss Mattie, daughter of John Hybarger, of that county. Mrs. R. was born in the Hawkeye State. They have three children: Lizzie, Willie, and Eddie. Mrs. R. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Joplin Royal Arch Chapter; also of the Germania Club. Mr. and Mrs. Riseling have a pleasant home on the corner of Sixth and Joplin streets, and are surrounded with an interesting family. Mr. Riseling is a man of extraordinary business qualifications. Active, energetic, and enterprising, he is deserving of the liberal patronage accorded him. His place of business is on the corner of Main and Third streets, a two-story brick, fifty feet front by two hundred feet deep, besides a warehouse in rear of main building 30x50 feet, two stories, the upper one being connected with main building by a bridge. The lower room of warehouse is used as a depository for heavy sheet-iron and other wares, the upper for coffins and undertaking goods. The second story of main building is used principally for furniture, carpets, etc.; the lower one contains a general assortment of shelf and heavy hardware, stoves, glass and queensware, etc., etc. The establishment is by far the largest in the Southwest.