LOEB, WILLIAM. - Springfield is proud of the fact that it is a musical center and that it appreciates the efforts of its musicians. One who has long been associated with musical matters in the Capital City and given of his best to its advancement and pleasure, is William Loeb, composer and organizer. He was born in Hemsbach, Baden, Germany, June 24, 1841, and, coming from the land of music, there is no wonder he excels in the art. He is a son of William Loeb Sr., and his wife, Anna Katherine (Young) Loeb, both natives of Germany. The elder Mr. Loeb came to America in 1848, bringing his young son with him. The trip was made by way of New Orleans, whence the family came to Springfield, and there the father found ready employment as a blacksmith. He made that city his home until his death, which occurred in 1852, when he was in the midst of his career of useful endeavor. Short as was his time there, though he helped to found the Lutheran Church, of which he was an earnest member.

William Loeb Jr., was brought up in Springfield, learning his father's trade, at which he worked, but his musical genius soon began to express itself, and he abandoned his trade to teach music, making a specialty of the violin. His interpretations of the masters and of his own compositions on this instrument are truly remarkable.

On February 20, 1865, Mr. Loeb was united in marriage to Emelia Bock, a native of Saxony, Germany, daughter of Carl Frederick and Wilhelmina (Schmidt) Bock, who came from Germany to Wisconsin at so early a day that the Indians were still numerous there. There they followed farming with considerable profit. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Loeb, eight of whom survive and all of whom have more or less a musical talent: Adam Frederick, married; Henry; William; Mrs. Anna Judgens; Charles; Adolph married to Margaret R. H. Ziegler, daughter of William Ziegler, formerly of Lancaster, Pa., is a professor of music; Albert is married to Emma Thornburgh, daughter of J. W. Thornburgh; and Mrs. Clara Hartman. All are residents of Springfield and among the city's most highly esteemed people.

Mr. Loeb is a member of the order of Modern Woodmen of America. A Lutheran in religious faith, he belongs to the German Church of Springfield, and his work in connection with its music makes him especially valued there. He is a pleasant, kindly man, devoted to his profession, and with many warm personal friends in the community who are attached to him, both because of his genius and on account of his many excellent qualities.