Frank J. Burkhardt
Frank J. Burkhardt, secretary of the Burkhardt Furniture company of Dayton, Ohio, was born in this city April 1, 1860, a son of Frank Joseph and Gertrude Burkhardt, natives of Gissigheim, Germany, who both came to America shortly before 1850, and were married in Dayton, February 2, 1857.
F. J. Burkhardt, the father of Frank J., was an orphan and was bound as an apprentice to the cabinetmaking trade in his native land. On arriving in Dayton he was first employed by a Mr. Doup, a sash and blind manufacturer, and later by Beaver & Butt, remaining with the latter for some thirty years as foreman of the sash-making department, and while in this employment his death took place May 5, 1883. He was a quiet, unassuming man, and a devout member of Emanuel Catholic church. To him and his wife were born five children, viz: Mary H., wife of Charles E. Rotterman, of Dayton; Frank J.; Theresa, who died at two years of age; Louisa M., now residing with her mother; and Richard Vincent, president of the Burkhardt Furniture company.
Frank J. Burkhardt, after having received a good common-school education, at the age of fourteen years entered the employ of the Barney & Smith Car company, in whose shops he worked for fourteen years as cabinet-maker; he was next employed for upward of four years by John Stengel & Co., furniture manufacturers, when the Burkhardt Furniture Manufacturing company was formed, of which he was one of the incorporators. In politics Mr. Burkhardt is a democrat, and for one year served as assistant deputy recorder of Montgomery County. Fraternally, he is a Knight of Saint John. He was married May 9, 1886, to Miss Emma J. Hochwalt, daughter of George Hochwalt, of Dayton, and to this union have been born two children: Clarence E. and Marguerite. The family are members of the Emanuel Catholic church, and have their home at No. 703 South Ludlow Street.
Richard V. Burkhardt was born in Dayton April 5, 1868, was educated in the Emanuel parochial school and at Saint Mary's institute, and then, at the age of fifteen years, was employed by Stengel & Co. as packer; he was then made shipping clerk and later promoted to be bookkeeper, and finally, when about nineteen years old, was employed as traveling salesman. After having served this company for about ten years he resigned to become an incorporator of the Burkhardt Furniture Company, of which he is the president and also traveling salesman. He is still unmarried. Fraternally Mr. Burkhardt is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, the American Sons of Columbus, the Catholic Gesellen Verein, the Dayton Gymnastic club, and of the Saint Joseph's Orphan society. In religion he is a Roman Catholic.
The Burkhardt Furniture company, at Nos. 415 to 423 East First street, Dayton, was incorporated March 13, 1893, by R. P. Burkhardt, Sr., F. J. Burkhardt, R. P. Burkhardt, Henry Hambrecht and Aug. Zwiesler, and, with the exception of R. P. Burkhardt, who withdrew soon after the incorporation, these gentlemen still constitute the company. The present officers are R. V. Burkhardt, president and treasurer; H. Hambrecht, vice-president; F. J. Burkhardt, secretary, and Aug. Zwiesler, superintendent. The capital stock of the company is $50,000, and employment is given to over thirty men. Its output is distributed throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, Indiana and New York and the East generally. The company makes a specialty of parlor and library tables, and its members are all practical mechanics and furniture men. Although the concern was established at the time when business in general was at almost a standstill, it has prospered wonderfully and is now one of the strongest in its line in the state of Ohio, and this result is owing to the practical ability, skill and sound business tact and integrity of its individual members.
From Centennial Portrait and Biographical Record of the City of Dayton and of Montgomery County, Ohio, A. W. Bowen & Co., 1897