The Washington herald., 1908-05-08
Famous Wine Merchant Is
Victim Of Rheumatism.
FUNERAL SERVICES ON SUNDAY
Last Illness of Three Weeks Dura-
tiOn-Had Suffered with Disease for
Many Years-Born i'm Germany and
located ia Washington in 1859.
Served in the Civil War.

BlUAllliCAlA dlilDlE6 ti4N UlA NACA tAAa-A 4U1tT
dents of Washington, and well known
over the nation for his famous wines,
died last night at 7:S0 o'clock at his
home, 909 Seventh street northwest
Mr.. XRnder had been a sufferer from
rheumatism for more than twenty-five
years The trouble became aggravated
at times, and he frequently sought the
benefit usually afforded by trips 10 Hot
Springs, Va, for treatment
He went TO Hot Springs in August last.
When he returned he told relatives and
friends ne had not been helped by the
waters, and expressed the opinion he
would never recover. Since his return
TO Washington he has had number
Of attacks which confined him to the
bed.
Unconscious Before Death.
He was taken i'll three weeks ago and
gradually grew worse. For d week be
fore his death he was unconscious and
subject to deliriUm. During the past few
days he was unable 10 move, and sank
rapidly yesterday afternoon.
Dr. G. K G. Baier was in constant at
tendance. DR.. G. \. Acker and Dr. S. 5.
Adams were called in for consultation.
When the end came there were present
around the bedside his son. Henry
Xander; his daughter Mrs. Minnie Ise-
man; his sisteT-in-law, Mrs. Jacob Kan
der and his grandson, George Xander.
Funeral services will be held Sunday
afternoon al O'Clock from the home
Rev. Paul A. Menzel, pastor of Concordia
Lutheran Church. OF which the deceased
was a member, will Officiate. InteTment
will be in the Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will probably be chosen
from among the various fraternal organi-
cations with which Mr.. Xander was afIili-
ated Funeral and interment viii be
private
Resident Since 1859.
0Ir Xander was resident OF Washing
ton since 1859. lie was born in a small
village in Wurttemberg, Germany. in
1887. His father was a farmer.
The boy attended the country school
near ais home until he was fourteen
years old. A year after leaving school
his father died and he was forced to go
10 work TO aid in the support Of his
mother and nine brothers and sisters.
He worked a year in his native land.
After accommodating a small amount OF
money. he came 10 this country. landing
in New York City. He had been appren-
tice 70 a baker in Germany and obtained
a position In the bakery Of hotel
Though only slxteea years old, he man
aged 70 make ard save enough money 10
send part Of his salary 10 his mother
each month, He continued to work at
his trade for a number of years, when
he discontinued the work for other occu-
pations He worked in many positions,
and became interested in the wine trade.
Started Famous Wine House.
In 1859 there were few wine houses of
consequence in the National Capital. The
fact that the city was the home of highest
officials in government life as we'll as
many wealthy foreigners struck Mr.
Xander. After surveying the field. he de-
cided this city was In need Of a fiTst-class
wine hoUse 10 supply the tables OF the
rich. He established that year the busi-
ness in which he was engaged until his
death, except for a short period during
the civil war
When the war broke out he gave up his
business TO fight for the Union He ac-
quilted himself with honor and partici-
pated in a number Of big engagements
After the close Of the war he resumed
the wine business, establishing partner
ship with William Muehleisen.
The first home Of the establishment was
IN Massachusetts avenue. between Seventh
and Eighth streets northwest near the
old Northern Liberty Market, which
stood on the site OF the Public Library.
At that time the section was the heart
Of business activity in Washington.
The business pTospered. After about
three years the partnership was dissolved,
MI Xander going into business alone at
SlS Seventh street, In few years he
again moved, to 81 Seventh street
Largest Wine Warehouse.
In 1855 he built the building at 500 Seventh
street, which has since been the home
Of the business. In 1892 he erected the
large warehouse. $50 Massachusetts ave
nue., connecting with the store in the
rear. The warehouse is among the largest
wine warehouses in the country
Mr.. Xander was considered the pioneer
wine merchant Of Washington He was
famous for the excellence Of his wares.
and supplied the tables Of the most
wealthy and prominent residents Of Wash
ington
About ten years ago he retired from
the active management Of the business.
which has since been conducted by his
son, Henry Xander who is also con-
ductor Of the Washington Saengerbund
Chorus.
Shocked by Friends Death.
Mr. Xander was among the most nonu-
lar German residents of this CITY He
was a close friend of Edward Droop, who
died a few months age. Mr.. Droon's $
death was great shock he never en-
uTely recovered from.
Mr.. Xander was well known for his
geniality, kindness ard iiberality. He
was baseball enthusiast and expressed
regret when his Illness made il impos-
slble 70 see the opening games Of the
Washington clubs Every day until he
became seriously I'll. he had a member
OF the family read the baseball news II
him from newspapers.
For more than thirty years he was a
member OF Acacia Lodge, No. IS, F. A. A
NJ. He was prominently connected with
The Saengerbund for forty years He
was treasurer OF the Washington
SchuetZen for eighteen years. and was
connected with the organization until its
dissolution.
He was a member of the Maenner.
Choir Singing Society and the Arion Sing
ing Society since their organization. He
was member Of the Washington Board
OF Trade until five years ago. when his
son, Henry Xander, succeeded to the
membership. He was also prominently
identified with the Business Mems Asso.
citation until his death
Mr Xander was fond OF travel an(
made a number Of long trips He ven
10 Germany, for a long stay in 1872 an,
visited the home of his boyhood In Wurt
emberg In 1883 he visited his son Hen.
ry who studied music at Stuttgart fol
more than eight years. He made hh
last trip to the fatherland in 1888
Before the United States obtained ron
troll OF the isthmian canal, he went {,
Panama, where he remained some time
returning through California. Oregon
II l.