JOHN HULSHIZER, dealer in wines,liquors and cigars,and proprietor of Hulshizer's billiard hall, entrance upon Chestnut and Tonica streets. Mason City. Among; the early settlers of Mason Co., we mention the name of John Hulshizer; he was born in the State of New Jersey Aug. 31, 1836; he removed to Ohio in 1844; and, in 1853, came to Fulton Co.. Ill.  In 1854, he came to Mason Co., and, until 1857, was engaged in milling, at Havana. In 1857, he went overland with ox teams to Pike's Peak, and assisted in building the first log building at Denver City; he remained here a short time, then returned to Leavenworth, and was in the employ of the Government as wagon master, freighting from the latter place to Camp Floyd. In 1860, his train of eighty wagons was burnt by the Mormons and Indians, and the following winter he resided in Salt Lake City. In the spring of 1861, he enlisted in the 17th Regt. I. V. I., and served three years, when he re-enlisted in Hancock Veteran Corps, and served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge after a service of nearly five years. He then followed milling one year, in Havana, and, in 1867, with his father, came to Mason City, and started the first mill at this place, under the firm name of Hulshizer & Co., which mill continued running by the Hulshizers until its destruction by fire, in 1874 or 1875. About the year 1870, he purchased his present business site, and engaged in the present business, which he has since successfully followed. He keeps the finer grades of liquors and cigars, and is always found in readiness to attend to the demand of his numerous patrons. He was united in marriage with Minerva Bowsock in 1867; she was a native of Ohio. They have no children, but an adopted daughter 3 years of age, which they have raised from infancy, and treated as their own child, their intention being to provide for her the advantages of a liberal education. Godfrey Hulshizer, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in New Jersey in 1802; here he learned milling, which business he followed in connection with distilling, until he came West. In 1854, he came to Illinois, and for six years followed milling in Fulton Co. In 1860, he located in Havana, and followed milling until 1867, when he came to Mason City and erected the first mill, which he ran until about 1875, when the mill was destroyed by fire. He then followed milling in Nebraska two years, and returned to Mason Co. and followed his business in Quiver Township, and now has one of the largest and finest water mills in Nebraska, located at West Mills, Seward Co. He has been twice married; his first wife was Phoebe Young; she died about the year 1856, leaving seven children, having lost one by death. He married Rosanna Dewitt about the year 1859, and has by the last union five children. He was the father of thirteen children, of whom twelve are now living.



Maintained by Mason County Coordinator Donna Mayer