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T. W. Kriechbaum, who, entering business life as a messenger in the German American Savings Bank, has for a number of years been cashier of that reliable institution, having advanced through consecutive stages of promotion to his present responsible position, was born in Burlington in 1860. His father, John P. Kriechbaum, was a native of Darmstadt, Germany, and at the age of twelve years came to America with his parents, the family home being established in Burlington, Iowa, in 1837. John P. Kriechbaum learned the cooper’s trade, and for many years owned and conducted a cooperage business in this city. He was married in Burlington to Miss Elizabeth Funk, also a native of Darmstadt, and unto them were born eleven children, six of whom are now living: August B., Charles, Fred, Edward, T. W., and Nellie. The daughter is the wife of Rev. F. D. Burhaus, a Congregational minister of Chicago. The father, John P. Kriechbaum, died June 7, 1887, at the age of seventy years, his birth having occurred on the 5th of March, 1817. He had retired from active life when about sixty years of age, thus spending the last decade of his earthly pilgrimage in well-earned rest from labor. His political support was given to the Democracy, and for one term he had served as alderman. He belonged to the German Evangelical church. Mrs. Kriechbaum died in February, 1905.
At the usual age T. W. Kriechbaum began his education in the public schools of his native city, and continued therein until he had mastered the high school course. At the age of seventeen, three years after the organization of the German American Savings Bank, he became a messenger boy in that institution. He was soon made a bookkeeper, and continued in that capacity until the retirement of W. A. Torrey, whom he succeeded in the position of cashier in 1897. He has contributed in no small degree to the success and development of the bank, and has intimate and thorough knowledge of the banking business in every department.
In 1883 Mr. Kriechbaum was united in marriage to Miss Sophia M. Niehaus, a native of Burlington, and a daughter of J. F. W. Niehaus, now deceased, who at one time was engaged in furniture manufacturing in this city. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Lazetta Von Palgenmeier, is of German birth, and is still living. Two children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Kriechbaum: Horace T., a graduate of the Burlington high school, and now a student of medicine in the Northwestern University at Chicago; and Walter, who is attending the high school of this city. In 1891 Mr. Kriechbaum built his present home at 413 South Gunnison Street. He is a member of Des Moines Lodge, No. 1, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is treasurer, and of St. Omer Commandery, No. 15, of which he is treasurer. He also belongs to Excelsior Lodge, No. 268, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is serving as its treasurer, and is likewise a member of the Commercial Exchange. He ranks as one of the enterprising business men of Burlington, equally active in matters of citizenship as in financial circles, and his broad humanitarian spirit is indicated by his liberal and frequent contributions to churches, hospitals, and charities.
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