There are few business men in Rock Island or Moline who do not enjoy a personal acquaintance with the genial Julius Junge, vice-president of the Rock Island Brewing Company, a man who, though deeply engrossed in the concerns of a large and growing industry, has found time to cultivate his social nature and to enjoy the pleasures of companionship with his fellow men.
He was born in Prussia, March 23, 1848, being a son of Joseph and Johanna (Herschel) Junge. His father served for some years as a soldier in the Prussian Army, but being a man desirous of seeking larger opportunities for himself and his children, in 1854, when his son, Julius, was six years of age, he, with his family, emigrated to America and located on a farm near Fort Madison, Iowa. Here the father cultivated a vineyard. There were seven children in this family, and of these Julius was the youngest. The elder Junge after coming to America spent his entire life upon his Iowa farm, passing away at the ripe old age of eighty-one years. His beloved wife survived him six years, and then at the age of seventy-nine she joined her husband in death.
Their son, Julius, obtained his education in the schools of Burlington, Iowa, and after completing his schooling he located in the town of Jollyville, Iowa. Here he conducted a general store, and was also postmaster of Jollyville for three years.
He came to Rock Island in 1871, and for the first eight years of his residence in this city he was employed as bookkeeper by a mercantile firm. Then he established a bottling establishment which he conducted for one year. In 1893 he acquired stock in the Brewing Company formed by the amalgamation of the various brewing establishments in Rock Island, and was elected to the offices of vice-president and general superintendent, which offices he still holds, the Rock Island Brewing Company feeling indebted in no small degree for the success they have achieved to his boundless vigor and untiring energy.
Mr. Junge was married September 3, 1878, to Miss Amelia M. Frice, a young lady of Leland, Illinois. Three daughters were born of this marriage, the Misses Olga, Frieda and Lillie, charming and talented young ladies who have been given every advantage by their parents, and who are prominent in the social life of the Tri-Cities.
Some years ago Mr. Junge was largely interested as a breeder and owner of blooded. pacing stock, and during this time he was the owner of two of the noted pacers of that time-Bulmont, with a record of 2:09%, and Seal, whose record was 2:08%. Mr. Junge, however, sold both of these horses at a large profit, and since that time has not taken an active interest in racing stock.
He is an enthusiastic sportsman, and is a hunter and nimrod of no small ability. He belonged to the Marlin Rifle Club and later to the Rock Island Gun Club, and in these organizations he has always been a successful participant in the “shoots” that have been held. He is also an enthusiastic bowler and enjoys every form of clean, wholesome sport that calls into play both mind and muscle.
In affairs politically Mr. Junge maintains a strictly independent attitude, and cannot be said to belong to any of the old parties.
He is interested in several business enterprises, both in Rock Island and Moline, and in Davenport as well, and is a stockholder in the Peoples National Bank of Rock Island. Scrupulously honest in every business trans-action, he commands the admiration and respect of his many friends, by whom he is considered a most delightful companion, and in whose circle he is always a welcome addition to a happy, social hour.