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GEORGE HUTHMACHER. Prominent among those men who have advanced their communities by developing the commercial interests of their sections, and to whose efforts must be given the credit for the present high business standing of Southern Illinois, may be mentioned George Huthmacher, a prominent lumber and hardware dealer of Murphysboro, whose entire life has been spent within the confines of Jackson county. A business man of more than ordinary ability, he has proven his worth also as a citizen, and no man stands higher in the respect and esteem of his fellow townsmen. George Huthmacher was born February 1, 1869, at Sandoval, Illinois, and is a brother of Charles Christian Huthmacher.

George Huthmacher's early life was spent at Grand Tower, whence

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his parents moved when he was not yet two months old, and at this place he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the public schools. In 1888, after completing his studies there, he went to St. Louis to take a course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College, and in 1890, on his return, was appointed deputy sheriff of Jackson county, an office he held until 1894. In 1896 Mr. Huthmacher went to Joplin, Missouri, to engage in the furniture business, but after spending eighteen months there sold out, and in the fall of 1898, with his brother, A. J. Huthmacher, purchased the old Jackson County Lumber Company.

In 1905 hardware was added to the company's stock, and the business, under Mr. Huthmacher's management, has grown steadily from its inception, now carrying the largest stock of hardware and lumber in Southern Illinois. In addition to this the brothers are the owners of an asparagus farm of forty acres, the work on which is superintended by A. J. Huthmacher, and the firm also deals to some extent in stock.

Mr. Huthmacher has always been possessed of progressive ideas, one of which is that the community in which it is located will grow with it, thus open that the best way to develop a business is to conduct it in such a manner [open]ing a wider field and greater opportunities. Such a policy is bound to benefit any section, and for this reason, if for no other, the firm is a valuable addition to the city's industries. An able and astute business man, Mr. Huthmacher has taken advantage of every opportunity that has presented itself, but his dealings have been along strictly legitimate lines, and his popularity is assured with all who know him. His ability and administrative capability have been recognized by his election to positions of honor and trust, and as a nominee on the Democratic ticket was elected to the office of alderman. Fraternally his connection is with the Elks, and he also holds membership in the Hoos-Hoos, an organization of lumber men.