Denver, History of Colorado, BIOS: SAENGER, Alfred (published 1918) *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Maggie Stewart-Zimmerman http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00015.html#0003643 November 6, 1999 *********************************************************************** "History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. (1918) Vol. II p. 343-344 ALFRED SAENGER. Alfred Saenger is the secretary and treasurer of the George Mason Company of Denver, manufacturers of and dealers in sporting goods. Theirs is the pioneer house and in fact the only house of its kind in Colorado. The business was established in 1890 by the late George Mason and Alfred Saenger and the trade of the house now extends to all parts of the United States and to foreign countries as well, the success of the undertaking being attributable in large measure to the business enterprise, sagacity and well formulated plans of Mr. Saenger. A native of eastern Germany, he was born near the Russian frontier, in the vicinity of Bromberg, on the 16th of July, 1860. His father, Emil Saenger, was also a native of that country and was an architect and builder by profession. He was quite successful in his chosen line of work and spent his entire life in Germany, where he passed away in 1862 at the comparatively early age of twenty-nine years. In young manhood he had wedded Emily Quant, who was also born in Germany and who came to America in 1882, settling in Chicago. Later she removed westward to Denver, where her remaining days were passed. She had reached the age of eighty-one years when in 1906 she was called to the home beyond. By her marriage she had become the mother of four children, of whom three are living, two being now residents of Chicago. The other surviving member of the family is Alfred Saenger of this review, who pursued his early education in the public and polytechnic schools of his native country. After his textbooks were put aside he was apprenticed to the machinist's trade, which he thoroughly learned, spending three years in mastering the business. In 1880 he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the new world, making his way to Chicago, where he resided for a decade. He was there employed in the factory of the George Mason Company and after six months' connection with the house he was advanced to a foremanship and there continued in the employ of Mr. Mason for ten years. In 1890 they came to Denver and established the business in this city under the name of the George Mason Company and for twenty-four years the business and salesrooms have been conducted at their present location at Nos. 1908- 10 Lawrence street. Mr. Saenger has always been active in the management and control of this enterprise and his thorough understanding of the trade, his unfaltering industry and his determination have been salient features in the continued growth of the business, which now covers a very extensive territory. Moreover, he is the president of the Farmers' City Investment Company, a real estate corporation of Denver. Mr. Saenger has been married twice. In Chicago, Illinos, in 1887, he wedded Miss Romonda Cochensky, who passed away, leaving a daughter, Amelia, who is now the wife of Charles Loloff, who is living in the Harding district of Weld county, Colorado, where he is engaged in ranching. In 1897 Mr. Saenger was again married, his second union being with Miss Tillie Lotz, of Denver. They have become parents of two children, Emily and Alfred, the latter now associated with his father in business. Politically Mr. Saenger maintains an independent course. Fraternally he is connected with Schiller Lodge, No. 42, A. F. & A. M., and with Colorado Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M. He is a member of the Lutheran church and he belongs to the Manufacturers' Association. His chief diversion is found in motoring and hunting. In his business career he has made steady progress and he now owns the business property at Nos. 1908-10 Lawrence street which he occupies, a three story building. In addition to this he has other city realty and since the death of Mr. Mason he has been sole proprietor of the business, which is carried on under the original name. Manufacturing and handling sporting goods and club room supplies, the company has built up a trade of extensive proportions, making Mr. Saenger one of the prosperous manufacturers and dealers in this line in the west. His business activities also extend to ranching, in which connection he is the owner of an extensive property comprising four sections of land, upon which he raises cattle, while devoting also a part of the place to crop production. He has developed this into one of the fine stock farms of the state, it being splendidly equipped with large barns, sheds and all buildings necessary for the protection of his stock. Well kept fences divide it into fields and pastures and the progressive manner in which his work has been carried forward makes this one of the valuable ranches of Colorado. His successful management of this indicates Mr. Saenger's business versatility and the conduct of his ranch and manufacturing interests is contributing to the agricultural and commercial development of the state.