Claus Frederick Specht, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of Claus Frederick Specht
CLAUS FREDERICK SPECHT. From far across the seas have come many of the more industrious, thrifty and successful business men of the United States, Germany having, mayhap, furnished the east, west, north and south with many of its most respected and trustworthy citizens. Standing prominent among these men of foreign birth is Claus Frederick Specht, of Valparaiso, Indiana, one of the oldest business men of that city, well and widely known as president of the Specht, Finney, Skinner Company, a mercantile firm of note. Born January 12, 1853, in or near Hamburg, Germany, Mr. Specht was bred and educated in the Fatherland.
Immigrating to America in 1871, he came directly to Indiana, locating in Valparaiso. He was variously employed the next two years, while familiarizing himself with his new conditions and environments, working on farms, railroads and in brick yards. From 1873 until 1879 he was employed as a clerk in the clothing and dry goods establishment of G. Bloch, in Valparaiso, and the following five years was similarly employed in the store of A. V. B. Bartholomew. Embarking then in business with Messrs. S. L. Finney and Peter Hesser, he became a member of the firm of Hesser, Specht & Company. A few years later Mr. Hesser sold his interest in the business to his partners, the firm name being changed to Specht & Finney. In March, 1899, another change was made, the Specht, Finney, Skinner Company being organized, with Mr. Specht as president of the firm, a position which he has since filled most ably, the business under his management having grown in magnitude and value.
Mr. Specht married on the 12th of January, 1877, Miss Anna Holstein, who was born in New York City, and into their household eleven children have been born. There are eight living at the present time.
Mr. Specht is a valued member and one of the trustees of the German Lutheran church, and has reared his children in the same faith. He is a Democrat in politics, but not active in local affairs, his entire time being devoted to his business interests.
Source: Lewis Publishing Company. 1912. History of Porter County, Indiana: A Narrative Account of its Historical Progress, its People and its Principal Interests. Chicago, Illinois: Lewis Publishing Company. 881 p.
Page(s) in Source: 790-791
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook