John C. Asahl, a resident of Ramona since 1903 and connected with its mercantile interests throughout, the period, has also figured prominently in connection with public affairs of the city and no man has labored more earnestly, zealously and effectively to bring about public progress, reform and improvement than he Mr. Asahl is a native of Missouri, his birth having occurred in the city of California, March 7, 1870. His father, Charles Asahl, was a native of Germany and came to the United States in 1850, settling in Chicago in the year of the yellow fever plague. He was a mason and followed his trade in Chicago and afterward in California, Missouri. Later he went into the hardware business in California, Missouri. Subsequently he removed to Kansas City, Missouri, where he turned his attention to the hotel business, his sight having almost failed him in the meantime. There he passed away in 1901. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna Roedel, died when her son, John C., was an infant and the father afterward married again, his second wife being still a resident of Kansas City.
John C. Asahl acquired his education at the place of his nativity, studying in both German and English schools until he was fifteen years of age, when he started out to provide for his own support, making his initial step in the business world as an employee of the firm of Gille & Van Peyma, dealers in heavy hardware. He remained with that house for fifteen years, winning promotion from time to time and eventually he entered the employ of the Banniwell Calvin Iron Company. After a brief period, however, he came to the Indian Territory, settling in Ramona in 1903. Here he purchased the business of R. W. Hosley, a dealer in hardware, furniture and implements, and he has since extended the scope of his trade by adding a stock of queensware and also plumbing supplies. He now has a well appointed store, carrying a large line of goods of the kind indicated and his business is one of substantial worth. He employs the most progressive methods in the conduct of his store and his name is synonymous with thorough reliability in all trade transactions.
Aside from his mercantile interests, he is the owner of oil interests in Texas and business property in Kansas City, which adjoins the property of his mother, who is in the confectionery business there.
Mr. Asahl was united in marriage on the 22d of April, 1919, to Miss Clara A. Hintsche of Kansas City, a daughter of William and Bertha (Letzig) Hintsche, her father being a member of the Hintsche Bicycle Works of Kansas City, Missouri.
Mr. Asahl’s activity and prominence in commercial circles alone would entitle him to mention as one of the representative residents of his section of the state, but in other ways, too, he has contributed to public progress and improvement. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to the office of mayor in 1904 and during his term of office he largely advanced the moral standards of the city and made it a safe place in which to live. He likewise put the cattle off the streets and he introduced many reforms and improvements which have had lasting effect and benefit. All of the clerks in Mr. Asahl’s store have served on the city council or on the school board and the little group of people, therefore, have a most enviable record for public-spirited devotion.
Fraternally Mr. Asahl is a Mason, belonging to the consistory and to the Mystic Shrine. He has traveled widely through Europe, visiting ten countries, including England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and the Isle of Man and he relates many interesting incidents of his trips. He has also visited all of the New England states, Canada, as well as many points in the west and is a man of broad and liberal information and wide culture. His varied experiences have made him a most entertaining companion and his friends delight in his company.