John L. Ganz, treasurer of the Union Electric Light & Power Company of St. Louis, was born in Sprague, Bates county, Missouri, on the 5th of March, 1884. His father, the late John Ganz, was a native of Germany and came to America in 1856, residing for many years in Missouri. He became a successful building contractor of Kansas City and was afterward engaged in mercantile pursuits in Bates county, his death there occurring June 7, 1899, when he had reached the age of seventy-six years. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Fannie Leora Wheelock, was a native of Madison, Wisconsin, and of English lineage. Her father was Dr. Edward Blood Wheelock, a descendant of one of the old Vermont families of English origin. Mrs. Ganz is still living and makes her home in Beaver county, Oklahoma. In the family were three sons: Arthur J., who is a ranchman of Beaver county, Oklahoma; Fred H., a farmer of Bates county, Missouri, and John L.
The last named pursued his early education in the public schools of Sprague, Missouri, and afterward attended high school at Rich Hill, Missouri, graduating with the class of 1899. He continued his studies in the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College from 1901 until 1904 and in the latter year became a student in the Missouri University, which he attended in 1906 and 1906, specializing fn the study of electrical engineering. In 1906 he entered the service of the Union Electric Company in the capacity of draftsman and filled the position for three years. He next became foreman of the mechanical repair department of the motor and transformer division and during this time, or in 1913, entered the Benton College of Law for night study and was graduated with the LL. B. degree in 1916, passing the required state bar examination in the month of June. In the following January Mr. Ganz became attorney for the company and on the 1st of November, 1920, was elected treasurer. He is now serving in this position of administrative direction and executive control and his long practical experience, the theoretical training which he received in college and his natural ability well qualify him for the duties that devolve upon him. His knowledge of law is also of great value to the corporation and he has done much to further the success of the enterprise. In early manhood he engaged in teaching from the time of leaving high school to the time when he entered the Oklahoma College and each activity of his life has brought him valuable experience, contributing to the success which is now attending his efforts in his present connection.
On the 12th of November, 1908, Mr. Ganz was married to Miss Emma M. Bueneman, a native of Augusta, Missouri, and a daughter of Frederick Bueneman, now deceased, who belonged to one of the old families of Missouri.
Politically Mr. Ganz maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than party. Fraternally he is connected with Anchor Lodge, No. 443, A. F. & A. M., and has reached the eighteenth degree of the Scottish Rite. He also belongs to the St. Louis Electrical Board of Trade and at all times keeps in touch with the trend of modern scientific thought and progress along electrical lines and is making a constant study of the development of the business with which he is connected, that the utmost service may be rendered to patrons, knowing at all times that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement.