County Cole, MO, Adam Opel Bio

Adam Opel

Adam Opel, a contractor and builder of Jefferson City, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1821, and is a son of John and Margaret (Keisling) Opel, also natives of Bavaria, who immigrated to America in 1849, the father dying before the family reached St. Louis. Our subject worked as a common laborer in St. Louis eleven months, when he went to Cole County, and settled in Liberty Township, where he devoted his attention to farming until 1852. In the latter year he removed to Jefferson City, and after engaging in teaming one year went into a cabinet-maker's shop to learn the trade, which be followed about one year and then turned his attention to the carpenter's trade. He is now one of the best contractors and carpenters in the city, and has built many of the most prominent residences in Jefferson, employing from three to ten hands. He is also interested in the manufacture of brick, and is an enterprising citizen. Mr. Opel was first married in Germany to Barbara Schoetel, who died in Liberty Township, Cole County, in 1851, leaving one child, George, now a contractor of Columbus, Mo. Mr. Opel next married L. Denking, by whom he had two children: Carrie, wife of William Danes, of Jefferson City, and Charlie, now in partnership with his father. His second wife dying, our subject married, in 1879, Margaret Mayors, and this union has been blessed with three children. Louie, Hilda and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Opel are consistent Christians, the former a member of the Baptist Church, where he has served as trustee, and the latter worshiping at the Presbyterian Church. Both take an active and prominent part in all church work. Mr. Opel has several times served as city alderman, and is very prominent in business circles of the city. He served in the Home Guards and also the State Militia during the late war, and in politics his sympathies are now with the Republican party. He owns considerable property in Jefferson City, and is held in high esteem by all who know him. Mr. Opel has a brother, Capt. John Opel, who is also a carpenter of Jefferson City.

Transcribed from:
History of Cole, Moniteau, Morgan, Benton, Miller, Maries, and Osage Counties, Missouri, Goodspeed Publishing Company (1889).

 

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