Leonard L. Tolle, secretary and treasurer of the Cap Keystone Printing Company of St. Louis, one of the leading enterprises of this character in the Tower Grove district, was born at 1008 South Vandeventer avenue, in St. Louis, August 12, 1880, a son of George M. and Marie (Haack) Tolle. The father was a native of Ohio and represented an old family long connected with Ohio and Kentucky. He was a steamboat engineer for many years but at length retired from active business life and is now enjoying well earned rest at a comfortable home in St. Louis. His wife belonged to an old Kentucky family that was established in St. Louis during the Civil war period. Mrs. Tolle passed away in St. Louis in 1892 leaving two sons, the elder being George C.
The younger son, L. L. Tolle of this review, pursued his education In the public schools of St. Louis and when a youth of sixteen years started out to provide for his own support. He then entered upon an apprenticeship to the printer’s trade and after acquainting himself with the work followed the trade as a, journeyman printer for twelve year’s. In 1903 he entered upon his first independent business venture and in 1912 the Cap Keystone Printing Company was established with Mr. Tolle as one of the organizers. The business was started with a very small capital and in a. most modest way, no workmen being employed. Since that time the trade has steadily developed until theirs is now one of the leading printing establishments, of the city and employs an average of twenty-seven people. The firm owns a modern shop containing five thousand square feet, occupying a beautiful brick building erected especially for the purpose. The business is a credit to the Tower Grove district and has become one of the leading printing establishments in this section of the city.
In St. Louis on the 12th of August, 1908, Mr. Tolle was married to Miss Ella Faudi, a native of St. Louis. Mr. Tolle belongs to Lambskin Lodge, No. 460, A. F. & A. M. and is a worthy follower of the craft. In politics he maintains an independent course voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He is a self made man, one who started out on his own resources, and analyzation of his life work shows that his success is due entirely to his persevering effort.