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FRANK SCHARFENBERGER. Possessing unusually fine business qualifications and judgment, Frank Scharfenberger is an able assistant in developing and advancing the industrial interests of Waterloo, where he is held in high estimation as a man and a citizen. It is safe to say that Waterloo possesses no more progressive and enterprising character than this gentleman, who is proprietor of the Waterloo Marble & Granite Works. He is a native son of the state, his birth having occurred July 1, 1860, at Columbia, Illinois. He is a son of Benhard and Louise (Reininger) Scharfenberger, natives of Germany. He received his education in the public schools of the district of his nativity and in 1885

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established an independent household by his marriage to Miss Theresa Wamser, of Columbia, Illinois.

Mrs. Scharfenberger, like her husband, represents a family long established here. Her parents were George and Mary (Stark) Wamser. They were both of German birth and came to this country about the year 1840, at the time of the cholera epidemic, which spread terror and devastation throughout this section. She has three brothers and one sister. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Scharfenberger has been blessed by the birth of ten children, eight of whom survive, all being promising young citizens. Five of the number are boys and three girls. The eldest boy, who is twenty-four years of age, resides in St. Louis and is engaged in the printing business; and the second oldest is associated with his father in business. The youngest girl is five years of age. The subject owns a beautiful and commodious home, which is the center of a gracious hospitality, this being one of Waterloo's favorite gathering places.

The Waterloo Marble & Granite Works, of which Mr. Scharfenberger is proprietor, was originally established in 1872 by M. C. Rodenberg, at Columbia, Illinois, but three years later, in 1875, it was removed to Waterloo. In August, 1899, Mr. Scharfenberger purchased the plant and has engaged in its operation to the present date. Under his splendid management it has encountered the best of fortunes. He understands the business in all its details and knows exactly how to direct his men and to gain the best possible results. In short, the greater part of the business of this character throughout the length and breadth of the county falls to him, and his fair and honorable business methods have amply recommended him.

Mr. Scharfenberger is a communicant of the Catholic church and is very active in Catholic church circles, being prominent in all the fraternal organizations which have the sanction of the Church of Rome and doing all in his power to advance its campaigns for good and its charitable and philanthropical enterprises. His membership is with SS. Peter and Paul church, and since early manhood his name has been on the roll of the church societies. He belongs to the Mutual Protective League, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Knights of Illinois and the Western Catholic League. He is also connected prominently with the Commercial Club of Waterloo. He is widely and favorably known and has attained to that highest type of usefulness, good and helpful citizenship.

Mr. Scharfenberger confesses to no particular hobby or infatuation with any special sport. He is of a very domestic nature and finds his fullest pleasure at his own fireside, in the company of those nearest and dearest to him.