Bio: Capt. J. F. Utz, Caddo Parish La
Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville,  1890

Submitted by: Suzanne Shoemaker


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CAPT. J. F. UTZ, of the firm of Utz & Smith, dealers in hardware,
machinery and agricultural implements, Shreveport, La.  Among the extensive
houses in its line in this part of the United States is the above mentioned
firm, whose business extends for a radius of 150 miles in the territory
adjacent to Shreveport, trade being drawn from Louisiana, Southern Arkansas
and Eastern Texas.  The firm occupies a fine building of three floors, 75x100
feet, at Nos. 517, 519, 521 and 523 Spring Street, in which is carried a
stock valued at from $40,000 to $ 50,000, comprising all kinds of heavy and
shelf hardware, machinery, agricultural implements, iron pipes and
fittings, engineers' supplies, belting, etc.  Plumbing and steam-fitting in
all its branches is prosecuted.  The business was established in 1868 by
Capt. James R. Utz, and in 1887 Mr. M. F. Smith became connected with the
firm, changing the name to Utz & Smith.  From the start this enterprise has
prospered, and has had a most successful existence, ranking with the very
best houses in the Southern States.  Capt. J. F. Utz, one of the leading
spirits of the community, was born in the town of Madison, Ind., in 1835,
and is a son of John and Henrietta (Badley) Utz.  He left Indiana with his
parents when an infant, came to Ohio and there grew to manhood.  In 1858 he
went to New Orleans and was engaged in business in that city for some time.
 At the breaking out of the war he was residing at Alexandria, La., and he
enlisted in Company B, Second Louisiana Regiment, know as the Moore Guards,
and held all the offices up to captain.  He received a gunshot wound at
Gettysburg, was left on the field and was captured and cast into Johnson
Island prison.  From there he was taken to Fort Delaware, and was there at
the close of the war.  He was  on crutches for seven months from the wound
he received at Gettysburg, and he was also wounded at Chancellorsville and
Malvern Hill.  He participated in all the principal engagements.  He then
returned to Alexandria and in 1868 came to Shreveport, where he has resided
for twenty-two years, having been a resident of the State of Louisiana for
thirty-two years.  He established his present business after coming here
and this is now very extensive.  He was president of the Confederate
Association for six years, is president of the Board of Trade, director in
the First National Bank, director of the Home Insurance Company of
Shreveport, president to the Opera House Company for some time, and is the
owner of considerable city property.  He has in fact been identified with
almost every public enterprise of Shreveport, and does all in his power to
advance its best interest.  Mr. Utz was married in 1870 to Miss Jennie
Thompson, a native of Caddo Parish, La.  He and wife are members of the
Presbyterian Church.