My Genealogy Hound

Frederick Hempel, of the firm of F. Hugelmann & Co., of the California Woolen Mills, was born in Moniteau County, Mo., April 9, 1858, being an only child, and was reared on a farm until he was thirteen years of age. He then moved into town with his mother, and attended the schools of California and the Business College of St. Louis, from which institution he graduated. He began working in the woolen mills in 1876, and in 1881 became a partner in the business, and is now manager of the establishment, which gives employment to about fourteen hands, and is furnished with all necessary machinery. Mr. Hempel began life a poor boy, but has worked his way up to his present position, and is a credit to the county in which he resides. He takes great interest in improving the building, and near his mill is a pond which he devotes to the raising of carp. In 1881 he was married to Miss Caroline Hugelmann, by whom he has two children, Joseph and Clara. Mrs. Hempel is a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Hempel’s parents, John and Barbara (Martin) Hempel, were born in Bavaria and Saxony, Germany, respectively. Both came to America while unmarried, and united their fortunes in Boonville, Cooper Co., Mo. The father was a day laborer for several years, and about 1854 moved to Moniteau County and located on a farm about four miles north of California, where he died on the 22d of July, 1870. His widow is still living, and resides in California.