Biographical Sketches
H. C. SCHWITZGEBEL
One of Kansas City's favorite sons, prominent in business and social circles, is now the honored vice president of the Citizen's National Bank. He was born here on the 4th of January, 1857, and is a son of Peter and Minnie (Hoehle) Schwitzgebel, natives of Germany. In early life his parents had come to America and in St. Louis they became acquainted and were married. In 1853 they removed to Kansas City, but after a short time left this place, returning, however, in 1855, to become permanent residents. Here the father established a brewery and became a very prominent man both in social and political circles, although he was never an office-seeker. He accumulated considerable wealth, but lost his property in the financial panic which swept over the country in 1872. His wife also died that year, but he survived until 1882. He afterward married again and his family numbered 9 children. Those of the first union were Otto, Henry C., Katie, Robert, Louis and Adolph. Those of the 2nd marriage were Mollie, Lizzie and Minnie.
In the public schools of Kansas City our subject acquired his literary education and afterward pursued a course in Spaulding's Commercial College, at which he graduated with the class of 1870. Almost his entire business career has been in connection with banking. He first secured a position as messenger boy with the German Savings Association in 1870 and later was employed in the same capacity with the Union German Savings Bank. In 1875 he obtained a position in the brewery of Frank Kump, with whome he remained until 1878, when he became bookkeeper for the Kansas City Savings Association, and filled almost every position in connection with that bank and its successor, the National Bank of Commerce, up to that of assistant cashier. He resigned that office in January, 1895, to accept the vice-presidency of the Citizens' National Bank. He has been connected with the banking business nearly all his life and is well known in both banking and social circles. He is thoroughly well informed on all matters pertaining to the business, his ability is widely recognized and he is known as a most capable financier.
In 1883 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schwitzgebel and Miss Carolyn Mintun, a native of Iowa. They have 2 children, Jack and Carl.
Our subject is a member of several commercial clubs and ranks among the best citizens of this place. In manner he is a courteous and genial gentleman, and a friend once gained by him is always kept.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.