WILLIAM and GEORGE MENZEL

William and George Menzel, enterprising business men of Redding, California, are natives of Polk City, Iowa. William was born January 26, 1856, and George, March 4, 1858, sons of William Menzel, a native of Germany. The family came to Shasta County, California, in 1860, and settled at Millville, where the father purchased a farm. In 1861, while attempting to cross Cow Creek in a skiff, he was drowned.
After the death of their father, as soon as they were old enough, William and George did ranch work and anything they could get to do to earn an honest living. They subsequently learned the blacksmith's trade and, in 1881, opened their blacksmith and wagon-making business in Redding. Honesty and industry won for them success in this undertaking. In 1886 they established the Redding Meat Market, and since that time have conducted both enterprises. In July, 1890, their whole block and meat market were consumed by fire. They were not insured and their loss amounted to about $3,500.
The day after the fire they rented a building and opened their market, and are conducting the business with their characteristic energy. It is their intention soon to erect a new and better building.
The Menzel brothers are both single gentlemen. Both have passed all the chairs in the
I. O. O. F. They have acquired considerable property, and are representative men in their line of business. They affiliate with the Democratic party, and are liberal and excellent citizens.

Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis Publishing Co., 1891 page 770
Transcribed by: Melody Landon Gregory August 2004

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