Charles F. Orthwein

Charles F. Orthwein was born on January 28, 1839. His father was Frederick Charles Orthwein and his mother, Louise Lidle. He emigrated to the United States in 1860, where he was soon joined by his brother, William D. Orthwein.[1]

Orthwein was a grain merchant and "steel car magnate."[2] Orthwein co-founded Haenshen & Orthwein, a grain exchange firm in St. Louis in the 1860s.[1] In 1870, Orthwein co-founded Orthwein & Mersman, a grain commission firm, with Joseph J. Mersman.[3] The firm shipped grains to Europe from St. Louis, via New Orleans, Louisiana and Galveston, Texas. In 1879, Mersman left the business and he was replaced by his brother William.[3] As a result, the firm became known as Orthwein Brothers,[3] and it was in business until 1893.[1]

The St. Louis Mining and Stock Exchange was formed in St. Louis in the fall of 1880 with Orthwein as a founding member.[4] Orthwein was a member of the St. Louis Merchants Exchange.[5] With Corwin H. Spencer, Orthwein acquired the streetcar system in St. Louis.[5] He became a multi-millionaire.[5]

Orthwein married Caroline Nulsen. They had six sons, Charles C. Orthwein, Max R. Orthwein, Ralph Orthwein, Lee Orthwein, William J. Orthwein, and Armin F. Orthwein, and one daughter, Ruth Orthwein Feuerbacher.

Orthwein died of liver cancer on December 28, 1898.[2] He was buried at the Bellefontaine Cemetery.