Henry Wax, president of the board of trustees of Grangeville and one of her most enterprising business men, claims California as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in San Francisco, on the 4th of August, 1859. His parents were Jacob and Amelia (Elkles) Wax natives of Germany, who located in California in pioneer days. The year 1852 witnessed their arrival in the Golden state, where the father carried on merchandising in several towns up to the time of his death. He passed away in his forty-fourth year, his estimable wife having been called to the home beyond three weeks previously. In their family were seven children, of whom only three are living.
Henry Wax, the third in order of birth, was only a small boy when bereft of his parents. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and began to earn his own living as a clerk in the store of Meier & Frank, remaining with that firm for seven years, as one of their most trusted employees. There he laid the foundation of his future successful career, by acquiring a systematic and thorough knowledge of business methods and becoming familiar with the qualities of goods handled. In 1880 he became a resident of Mount Idaho, and in partnership with Mr. Weiler began business on his own account. In 1886 he opened his store at Grangeville, and from the beginning success attended the new enterprise. In 1888 he established a branch store at Cottonwood, and for several years the firm conducted the three stores, but found that the one at Grangeville could supply the Mount Idaho customers, and accordingly the one in the latter place was abandoned. Business is carried on at Cottonwood by the firm of Wax & Brown, while Mr. Wax is now sole proprietor of the store in Grangeville. He carries a large and well selected stock of goods and has studied closely the varied tastes of the public, so that he is able to meet the demand. His honorable business policy, combined with his uniform courtesy and his earnest desire to please his patrons, has secured to him a liberal patronage.
His efforts have not been confined entirely to mercantile pursuits. He has been the promoter of other interests which have resulted to the general good as well as to individual benefit. He was the organizer of the Lewiston & Camas Prairie Telephone Company, one of the most valuable acquisitions to the business interests of the town. He is also one of the stockholders and a director of the Bank of Camas Prairie. He carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and his enterprise and capable management are most marked.
Mr. Wax is independent in his political views, casting his vote for the men and measures that he believes will best advance the interests of the county. That he is one of Grangeville’s most public-spirited and able citizens is evinced by the fact that he is now serving this third term as president of the board of trustees, and in that capacity is doing all that he can to promote the upbuilding and welfare of the town. The public acknowledges its indebtedness to him, and his fellow townsmen give him their active cooperation as he labors for the improvement of the place.
In 1885 Mr. Wax married Miss Hinda Binnard, daughter of A. Binnard, one of Lewiston’s most prominent merchants, now deceased. Their union has been blessed with a son, Monte, a bright young boy who takes an active interest in selling goods in his father’s store during the months of vacation from school. Mr. Wax is a valued member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, has passed all the chairs in both branches and has represented his lodge in the grand lodge of the state. He is also connected with the Woodmen of the World and has represented that organization in its grand lodge. His wife is a member of the Daughters of Rebekah, and both enjoy the high esteem of their fellow townsmen. His reliability in business, his devotion to the public good, and his fidelity to all the duties of life have made Mr. Wax a most popular citizen of Grangeville.