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Emil G. Bandleon, vice-president and secretary of the Wyman & Rand Company, is a notable example of a feature in the business world today, — that is, it is the young men who are at the head of the leading business concerns of the country, infusing their enterprise and energy into the commercial, industrial, and professional world, with the result that America has become a commercial center of the world. Mr. Bandleon is now active in the management of one of the leading mercantile houses of Burlington, — Wyman & Rand, Incorporated, wholesale and retail dealers in carpets, rugs, draperies, curtains, furniture, and china and glassware.
Emil G. Bandleon was born in Burlington, April 26, 1876, a son of George and Nancy (Pfister) Bandleon. The father was born in Heidenheim, Wurtemberg, Germany, and the mother's birthplace was also in that locality. The ancestry of the Bandleon family can be traced back to France, and the grandfather, after serving in the Napoleonic wars, went to Germany.
George Bandleon learned the cabinet-making trade in his native country, and after coming to America in 1855, he established his home in Burlington, Iowa, where he resumed his labors along that line. He had remained a resident of this city for some time when gold was discovered in California, but he did not tarry long after that, being among the first to go to the mines. He spent some years on the Pacific Coast, being quite successful in his search for gold, and then returned overland to Burlington, where he built what was later known as the Lower Town Brewery.
Entering into partnership with his half-brother, George Bosch, they began the operation of their plant, which stood at the intersection of what is now Angular and Main Streets. The firm soon secured a large trade and conducted a prosperous business until 1884, when the prohibition law of Iowa went into effect, and they discontinued their business, Mr. Bandleon retiring permanently, and throughout his remaining days enjoyed a well-merited rest. He died at the age of fifty-nine years, and is still survived by his wife. They had two children: Mattie, now the widow of Charles H. Wyman; and Emil G. The father was also interested in other business enterprises of the city, and his labors contributed to its industrial and commercial activity, as well as to his individual success.
Emil G. Bandleon was educated in the public schools of Burlington, being graduated from both the ward and high schools, while later he pursued a commercial course in Elliott's Business College. Shortly after the completion of his studies he entered the house of Wyman & Rand as assistant bookkeeper, later becoming head bookkeeper, and after the death of Charles Rand he purchased his stock in the concern, and was elected vice-president, while subsequently he was also chosen secretary. He entered the firm in 1894. The business was established in 1852, and incorporated in 1903. They conduct a wholesale and retail trade in carpets and rugs, mattings, curtains, wallpaper, wood mantels, tiling, parquet flooring, furniture, and china and glassware at 313 to 317 Jefferson Street, and both departments of the business have a good patronage, so that the sales reach a large annual figure, and the stockholders receive a good return from their investment. The policy of the house is indicated by the prompt attention given orders, the courtesy shown to patrons, and the straightforward methods which characterize every trade relation.
Mr. Bandleon in his mercantile career displays the traits which are in keeping with the progressive spirit of modern business life, being watchful of every opportunity, and carefully considering every step made, that it may be one of advancement, bringing him continually nearer the goal of desired success. His political support is given the Republican party, and his social relations are indicated by his membership with Lodge No. 83, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Burlington Golf Club, and the Burlington Boating Association.
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