CHARLES RETZER.
For a quarter of a century Charles Retzer has been a resident of Walla Walla and throughout the entire period has been connected with the bakery business. He has prospered in his undertakings, and working his way steadily upward, has become vice president and manager of a large and profitable business conducted under the name of the Model Bakery and Confectionery, Incorporated. He was born in Waldangelloch, Baden, Germany, on the 30th of March, 1871, and is a son of George and Carrie (Niebergall) Retzer, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America in 1897 and located in Walla Walla, where their remaining days were passed. They had a family of eleven children, six of whom survive.
Charles Retzer acquired his education in his native country and there learned the baker's trade. When he was fifteen years of age, however, he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the new world. He became a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was employed at his trade for five years, after which he heard and heeded the call of the west and in 1892 arrived in Walla Walla, where he has since made his home. He immediately sought employment at the baker's trade and secured work, spending six years in the service of others. He was ambitious, however, to engage in business on his own account and carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to establish a bakery of his own. He formed a partnership with his brother William and the association was maintained for a year and a half after which he purchased his brother's interest. He was then alone in business for some time and afterward he sold a half interest to his brother-in-law, H. E. Angermann. They are now conducting their interests under the name of the Model Bakery and Confectionery, Incorporated, and they have a splendidly equipped establishment, in which are found all of the latest improved machines that are used in connection with the mixing of bread, cakes and other bakery goods. The most sanitary conditions prevail in the establishment and the excellence of the product is such as insures a very gratifying patronage.
Mr. Retzer has been married twice. In 1896 he wedded Miss Matilda Shellberg and to them was born a daughter, Carrie. In November, 1913, Mr. Retzer was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Stella M. Hawley. By her first marriage she had three children: Philip, a member of Sixth Field Artillery, who volunteered before the draft and is now somewhere in France in the service; and William and Catherine, at home.
The family occupy an attractive residence which is owned by Mr. Retzer, and he and his partner are owners of the building in which they conduct the bakery. In politics Mr. Retzer is a republican but has never been an office seeker. He is not neglectful of the duties of citizenship, however, but cooperates in many well defined plans and measures for the general good. He is a stalwart Mason, belonging to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M., and he is also identified with the Odd Fellows lodge. He is likewise a member of the Commercial Club and is in deep sympathy with its efforts to promote the upbuilding of the city, to extend its trade connections and to uphold its civic standards. His has been a busy and useful life and illustrates what may be accomplished when energy and determination mark the way. He started out empty handed but early realized the eternal principle that industry wins and he has therefore led a most industrious life which has gained for him a position among the substantial business men of Walla Walla.
WESLEY A. LLOYD.
Wesley A. Lloyd has resided for forty-seven years upon the farm on section 9, township 9 north, range 37 east, which he is now operating, and his birth occurred upon that place May 23, 1871. His parents, Albert G. and Lois H. (Jasper) Lloyd, are mentioned at length elsewhere in this work.
Wesley A. Lloyd attended the Waitsburg public schools in the acquirement of his education and, on reaching manhood, was taken into partnership by his father, who farmed on an extensive scale. This relation continued until after 1907, when the son took entire charge of the homestead, which he has since operated independently in addition to cultivating six hundred acres, which he owns, and four hundred acres of rented land, operating in all twelve hundred acres. The management of such extensive farming interests demands marked executive ability and thorough knowledge of the principles underlying all branches and familiarity with the most improved methods of farming. Mr. Lloyd possesses all these qualifications and his land makes a gratifying return on the capital invested therein.