William and George Menzel, enterprising
business men of Redding, California, are natives of Polk City, Iowa.
William was born January 26, 1856, and George, March 4, 1858, sons of William
Menzel, a native of Germany. The family came to Shasta County, California,
in 1860, and settled at Millville, where the father purchased a farm.
In 1861, while attempting to cross Cow Creek in a skiff, he was drowned.
After the death of their father,
as soon as they were old enough, William and George did ranch work and
anything they could get to do to earn an honest living. They subsequently
learned the blacksmith's trade and, in 1881, opened their blacksmith and
wagon-making business in Redding. Honesty and industry won for them
success in this undertaking. In 1886 they established the Redding
Meat Market, and since that time have conducted both enterprises.
In July, 1890, their whole block and meat market were consumed by fire.
They were not insured and their loss amounted to about $3,500.
The day after the fire they
rented a building and opened their market, and are conducting the business
with their characteristic energy. It is their intention soon to erect
a new and better building.
The Menzel brothers are both
single gentlemen. Both have passed all the chairs in the
I. O. O. F. They have acquired considerable property, and are representative men in their line of business. They affiliate with the Democratic party, and are liberal and excellent citizens.