Jacob Franz, Sr.

    Jacob Franz, Sr., was born in Henderson County, Kentucky, December 2, 1853, being the only living child of four of Andrew and  Christina (Bohn) Franz, both natives of Germany. The father came to America and located in Evansville in February, 1851, where he was married, November 13, 1852. He then moved to Henderson County, Kentucky, but in 1856 came to Boonville and started a grocery store and brick-molding shop, and opened a boarding-house. He conducted the various businesses for several years, but finally abandoned all except the hotel and saloon; these he continued with great profit. September 24, 1872, he bought the St. Charles Hotel and thoroughly refitted and refurnished it, making it one of the first country hotels in the State. He conducted the hotel until his death, October 31, 1884. He was an enterprising citizen and an upright business man.

    Our subject was reared in Boonville, and  received a fair education, finishing at St. Meinrad College, in Spencer County, and at Evansville Business College. In 1870 he engaged in general merchandising in Evansville, but a year and a half later returned to Boonville and entered the hotel. This has since been his employment. Since his father's death he has had full control.

    April 21, 1875, he married Katie Weyerbacher, and by her has four children: John, Benjamin, Andrew and Katherine, the latter deceased. He is a Democrat and a Catholic, and his wife is a German Lutheran.

Source: History of Warrick, Spencer, and Perry Counties, Indiana, By: Goodspeed Bros. & Co., 1885.

Jacob Franz, Jr.

    Jacob Franz, Jr., a native of Germany, was born June 24, 1855, being the youngest of two children born to Michael and Elizabeth (Anslinger) Franz, both of whom were also natives of the Old Country, where they lived and died. Jacob lived at home until his thirteenth year, when he crossed the Atlantic Ocean and came to Newburgh, Indiana, where for two hears he was employed in a tan yard. After this he worked in Evansville and Mount Vernon a short time, then returning to the former city began learning the barber's trade. For over four years he found employment at his trade in Evansville and Terre Haute, but in 1876 he came to Boonville and embarked in the retail liquor business. Beginning with but small capital, he economized until he now owns the building in which he is doing business, three shares in the Building & Loan Association, and from a financial standpoint is a success.

    July 26, 1876, he wedded Maggie Wagner, by whom he was the father of two children, only one -Jacob A., yet living. The mother dying August 20, 1881, Mr. Franz married Catharine Fisher June 6, 1882, by whom he is the father of one son -William L. In politics Mr. Franz is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Source: History of Warrick, Spencer, and Perry Counties, Indiana, By: Goodspeed Bros. & Co., 1885.