Biographical Sketches
FREDERICK ESSLINGER
Among the men of Jackson county who have achieved success in their respective callings and thus attracted the attention of the general public are to be found representatives of nearly all the nationalities of the civilized world. This country has been the Eldorado of many who have felt that they had but meager opportunities in their own lands, and so crossing the Atlantic to America have adapted themselves to the ways and customs of the New World and secured success as the reward of diligent labor and persistent effort. To this class belongs Mr. Esslinger. He was born in the Black Forest of Wurtemberg, Germany, April 13, 1818, and came to the United States on a sailing vessel in 1850.
When a young man he had learned the trade of watchmaking, which he followed until 18 years of age, when he took up the manufacture of musical instruments, especially the �orchestrion,� an organ that is run with music on a cylinder. For 12 years he carried on business in this line and had succeeded in building up a good trade at the time of the outbreak of the revolution there. This, however, largely interfered with his business, and in 1850 he resolved to try his fortune in America. Landing at New York he came at once to St. Louis, where he engaged in repairing organs, especially the large organs used in churches. During this time he rebuilt the one in the cathedral. He is a lover of music and had made a through study of the piano, manufacturing those instruments in Germany as large as church organs. After several months thus passed in St. Louis, he took up watchmaking and in June, 1851, came to Kansas City, where he began watchmaking and watch-repairing, and followed that vocation while there was work to do. Kansas City, however, was at that time small, and his business after a time fell off. This led him in September, 1851, to come to Westport, where he opened a shop and in connection with watchmaking dealt in jewelry. He was meeting with fair success in his undertakings, had secured a home and a good store; but about the time of the outbreak of the civil war Jennison's bushwhackers made a raid on the town and attempted to break into his store. In the excitement 2 or 3 people were killed. On account of these troubles, Mr. Esslinger returned to Kansas City, where he worked at his trade until the close of the war.
Peace having been again restored our subject resumed his residence in Westport and purchased his present property. He is now the owner of fine vineyards and is engaged in the raising of grapes and the manufacture of wine, having about 3 acres planted to the purple fruit. He has erected in Westport a commodious house, under which are fine wine cellars, and he also has an improved wine garden. Just across the street from his home he also owns another 3 acres of land. His business has proved profitable, and his careful management, close application and diligence have brought to him prosperity.
Mr. Esslinger was married in Westport to Christina, daughter of William Metrie, of this place. She lived only 2 years, her death being occasioned by cholera in 1855. One daughter survives her, Mollie, now the wife of Boley Vogle, of Westport. In Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Esslinger married Louise Houck, also now deceased. By that union were born 5 children, namely: Louisa, wife of George H. Michaelis, a hatter of Kansas City; William, who died at the age of about 30 years; Gustave, a jeweler of Lexington, Illinois; Edward, at home; and Albert, deceased. For his third wife, Mr. Esslinger chose Miss Theresa Andre, a native of Germany, with whom he is now living. She is a cultured and highly esteemed lady.
During the time of the civil war, Mr. Esslinger served as a member of the home guards, carrying a musket, and assisted in building the entrenchments to keep out the rebels. He is a Royal Arch Mason and an Odd Fellow, and is a member of the Lutheran church. He is a wide-awake, progressive man, and it was a fortunate day for him when he determined to seek a home in America.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.