Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1026
BANSBACH, JOSEPH, whose successful career as a grocer demonstrates what can be accomplished by a man if he be industrious and possess a thorough knowledge of business methods. Mr. Bansbach was born in Baden, Germany, March 18, 1860, a son of Wilhelm and Frances (Golahn) Bansbach, native of Germany, the former born February 29, 1836, and the latter in Baden. The father was a farmer, who spent his life in his native land, and died there in August, 1885, his widow surviving until January, 1889. They were devout members of the Roman Catholic Church and had the following children: Joseph; Theresa, wife of Kilian Krinn; Peter, of Germany; Mary, wife of Louis Hemberger, of Springfield; Helen, wife of August Rechner, living at the corner of Twelfth and Reynolds Streets, Springfield.
Joseph Bansbach was educated in the schools of Germany and worked for his father until he came to the United States in 1885, when he was twenty-five years old. He first worked as a teamster for the Reisch Brewing Company, of Springfield, but in January, 1892, established his present store and has continued to handle a general line of groceries, controlling a large trade.
On July 15, 1885, Mr. Bansbach was married, in Springfield, to Anna Repp, born in Germany, June 10, 1862, daughter of Anton and Mary (Eck) Repp natives of Germany, who had six children. Mr. and Mrs. Bansbach have had five children: Mary, Valentine, Rose, Otto and Pauline. Mr. Bansbach belongs to the Western Catholic Union, St. Vincent's, and Loyal Americans, and carries united States accident insurance. His religious affiliations are with the Catholic Church. He owns his business property, as well as his home, and is in comfortable circumstances. Possessing traits of character, characteristic of the German, Mr. Bansbach has gone steadily forward, always industriously and thriftily making his money ear a good interest. He is genial and kind-hearted and makes friends, not only among his customers, but wherever he is known, and is one of the substantial men of Springfield.