The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-11-01
FERDINAND LUGER
CALLED BY DEATH
PIONEER BUSINESS MAN or THE
CITY AND ONE or THE BEST
BOOSTERS or THE STATE, GOES
TO REST AFTER A LONG AND
USEFUL LIFE.

Ferdinand Luger died this morning
at his home on Sixth avenue south
from an attack of pneumonia. He had
been i'll but two weeks and owing to
his advanced age he was unable to
hold up under the ravages Of the at
tack. He was in his so years old.
Ferdinand Luger was born Jan. 2, in
Dornbirn, Austria. When he was "a
years old he came to America and
landed IN New York city after an
ocean voyage of thirty three days,
which was made in a sailing vessel.
On arriving in this country he had no
knowledge of the English language, so
attended night school to gain his edu
cation in this branch Of study.
After some months he decided to
come westward and in a short time he
located in Dubuque, la. Here he piled
his trade of cabinet maker, which he
learned in his fathers shop in Austria,
constructing hand made chairs, dress
ers and chiffoniers. His skilled work.
manship and the beauty of his designs
soon attracted the attention OF the
leading Wholesale manufacturers of
that city, who offered him positions Of
foreman in their plants
After having held several response
BILE positions in large furniture fac
tories, he embarked on his first indie
pendent business enterprise. After his
marriage to Dorothea Westlein, he
moved to Wabasha, Mimi, in the early
sixties. Here, with his earnings, he
founded the company of Luger Bros,
-A1Fo a+Y
power. In the early seventies the fac
tory had developed into an extensive
plant employing sixty men, with re-
tail store at Wabasha, and a branch
retail store at Plainview, MINI.
During the period Mr.. Luger trav-
eled as salesman in the northwestern
states winning much business and
many friends. On his travels the lit
tie town of Fargo impressed him so
favorably that he established retail
branch here in 1878. The store was
located on Broadway at the present
site of the Merchants National bank.
The move to this city proved no mis-
take, but characterized his foresight
and industrial enterprise.
In 1888. at his suggestion the manu-
featuring plant at Wabasha was moved
to North ST Paul. In 1890 he sold
his interests in the plant to his two
brothers.
In the spring of 1888 the Fargo furni-
ture store was moved from Broad
way to Front street at the location
now occupied by the Cream restaurant,
and here the business was conducted
by Mr.. Luger with his son Peter, un-
til 1t grew to such proportions that
larger quarters became necessary The
present location was then secured at
| 1914 broadway, a three story build
| ing erected on the site, and the re-
moval made in 1898.
| Ferdinand Luger was highly esteem
ed by his employees by his fair dealing
methods and his consideration for their
welfare His business integrity was
| foremost In the city's commercial dis
trict and his personality was such
that he was beloved by all who knew
him.
| He played a prominent part in the
| upbuilding of the city, ever active in
| furthering it's interests. For the last
| Ave years, his advanced age did not
allow him to take an active part in
the affairs Of his business, but he never
/ ceased to be live wire, his exper-
| fence and advice never losing value.
| In 1902, after being in this country
for forty eight years, in company with
| two of his daughters he returned to his
native country. The greatest pleasure
| OF his European trip was derived from
the fact that he was able to advertise
| Fargo and the Red River valley. His
advice to all foreigners VINO consulted
with him about emigrating was to
urge them TO come to the Red River
valley, the richest valley in the world.
He even went so far as to advertise
The Biggest Little City in the World
to the Americans who were passengers
on the boat going and coming.
He is survived by two sons and six
daughters his wife having died about
| ten years ago. The children are Mrs,
Louis Trautman of Minneapolis, and
Mrs. d. w. Shields, Mrs. Eugene
Kicker, Miss Julia Luger, Miss Claire
Luger, Miss Olivia Luger, Peter Luger
and Ferdinand Luger, ir., all OF Fargo.
The funeral will be held Thursday
morning at 9 O'Clock at St. Mary's
cathedral Interment will be made at
ST. Mary's cemetery.