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History of Cambria County, V.2

1038 HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY

to Pittsburgh, working at his trade in both cities. He returned to Johnstown about 1874, and opened a shop of his own. From that time he was proprietor of his own business in the city, located on Adams Street, and a fair degree of success was the reward of his industry and perseverance. He was a member of the German Lutheran Church, and of Harmony Singing Society; in politics he was a conservative Democrat. He married (first) Elizabeth Wilhelm, a daughter of William Wilhelm, of Johnstown. She died in 1873, leaving one daughter, Amelia Franke, now the wife of Henry Lentz, of Johnstown. On Aug. 12, 1874, he married Anna Muelhauser, daughter of Lenhardt and Veronica (Mutter) Muelhauser. They were the parents of seven children: Frederick William, now deceased; Edward, born Dec. 31, 1876, a business man of Johnstown; Louis, the subject of this sketch; August; Otto; Charles; and Anna. Mr. Franke died Dec. 15, 1914.
    Louis Franke attended the grade and high schools until his 17th year, then entered the employ of Curtis G. Campbell, a prominent druggist of Johnstown, with whom he remained three years. He well improved his time in study and practical work of the store, finding the business so much to his liking that he determined to thoroughly prepare and make it his life work. In 1897 he entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, when he was graduated Ph.G. class of 1900. The June following graduation he formed a partnership with Dr. A. M. Wakefield, and opened a drug store on the south side of Johnstown. That association continued until 1902, when Mr. Franke sold his interest and began business under his own name on Horner Street. There, through his ability as a pharmacist, his business acumen, his industry, close attention and unfailing courtesy he has built up a large and profitable business. He was a member of the National Association of Retail Druggists, the Cambria County Pharmaceutical Society, and through the medium of these organizations kept in close touch with the larger aspects of his profession and business.
    Although a Republican in politics, Mr. Franke is broad minded and liberal in his views, and when in 1915 he was importuned by his friends to enter the primaries as a candidate for mayor on a non-artisan ticket, he accepted, and threw himself into the conflict with all his energy. At the primary election, although there were regular party candidates, he received within 86 votes of one-half of all the votes cast, and at the ensuing election won easily, and was installed for a term of four years.


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