My Genealogy Hound

E. C. Wehrfritz, one of the best-known citizens of Little Rock and proprietor of the Union Machine Works of that place, is a native of Germany, and was born in Bingen-on the-Rhine. When a boy fourteen years old he was apprenticed to the machinist’s trade, and remained at it for three years. He then went to England, and found employment at his trade for one year, and in 1864 came to America, locating first in St. Louis, where he resided for about eight years. Finding the opportunities in St. Louis for a poor man were few and far between, he moved to Little Rock, and after noting the enterprise and rapid growth of that city, he concluded to remain. He first obtained a position with Messrs. D. R. Wing & Co., and was soon after made foreman of the machinist and foundry department, remaining with them seven years. For the next eighteen months he was engineer of the Home Water Company, and at the end of that period went with R. L. Cobb & Co., assisting in the organization of the Southwestern Foundry and Machine Works. Mr. Wehrfritz soon retired from this firm, and in July, 1885, with but little capital, but any amount of pluck and enterprise, established the present industry, which is now one of the best paying in Little Rock. He also owns some city property in good localities, and several lots in the famous summer resort, Mount Nebo. His residence and shops are combined, making them convenient to each other, as he is a man who gives the strictest attention to his business. Mr. Wehrfritz served one term as alderman of the First ward, being elected by 300 majority. In secret societies he is a member of Barbara Lodge No. 12, K. of P., and is Past Chancellor Commander of that lodge. He also belongs to Germania Lodge No. 910, K. of H., in which he is Past Dictator, and the A. O. U. W., being Past Master Workman, and is president of Little Rock Turn-Verein and director of the Mechanics’ Loan and Building Association.