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Joseph KUNTZ, contractor and builder, was born in Philadelphia, Penn.,
September 5, 1851, and is a son of John B. and Elizabeth (HITZLER) KUNTZ, who were born in Rhine Province, Germany. The father was a shoemaker by trade, and is now residing in Erie City, Penn. Here Joseph grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1879 he left Erie and spent some time in traveling through the West. He finally located in Peirce City, Mo., where he has been prominently identified with the interests of Lawrence County. Among the many buildings here which do him credit is the Peirce City Opera House, the business blocks of D. S. FLOWERS, Charles HELWIG, Andy VOLK, and the German Catholic Church. He was married in Erie, Penn., to Frances SMALCE, a daughter of Michael SMALCE, and their union has been blessed in the birth of seven children: Eddie, Mary, Katie, Emma, Edmund and Johnnie and Frankie, (who are deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Kuntz are
members of the German Roman Catholic Church. They own some good mining
interests, and have a nice home on Pennsylvania Avenue.
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