Kostanzer - John E. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Success is only achieved by the exercise of certain distinguished qualities and it cannot be retained without effort. Those by whom great epoch changes have been made in the political and industrial world began early in life to prepare themselves for their peculiar duties and responsibilities, and it was only by the most persevering and continuous endeavor that they succeeded in rising superior to the obstacles in their way and reaching the goal of their ambition. Such lives are an inspiration to others, who are less courageous. Judging from the record of John E. and Herman P. Kostanzer are making, they have carefully laid the foundation for large future success, some of which they have already achieved, as may be seen from the rapid growth of their mammoth furniture establishment in Crawfordsville, but, having been trained in industrial affairs under their worthy father, Anthony Kostanzer, for many years one of the best known business men of Montgomery County, it is no wonder that these sons are forging rapidly to the front in commercial life. This family has been one of the most prominent in the history of Montgomery County during the past half century and is eminently entitled to representation on the pages of local history. Before giving the personal history of these sons, the biographer desires to quote the following paragraphs from Crawfordsville's leading daily paper, which appeared in February, 1912, under the caption of "Furniture Store Makes Big Growth." "The firm of Kostanzer's Sons, home furnishers, is one of the substantial business land-marks of Crawfordsville that has prospered and expanded with the growth of the town and the advancement of the surrounding country. "Like all good things that make substantial steady growth, it started in a small way and today there is not a larger house in this part of the state dealing exclusively in house furnishings. The remarkable progress of this firm is due to the skill, thrift and enterprise of the founder and his methods of fair dealing and good business judgment have been transmitted to the sons who are the present proprietors. "Anthony Kostanzer, founder of the business, was born in Germany, September 10, 1819, and came to the country in 1847. He was an expert cabinet maker and in 1850 opened a small shop on the site where the business is still located. In those days no dealer carried large stocks of ready made furniture and most of the furniture then in use was made by hand. Mr. Kostanzer made many hand-carved pieces to order and there are several inlaid pieces of his work still in use. While the hand-made furniture of that day was not elaborately finished as the parlor pieces of today, it was made from the finest woods and was very substantial. Such pieces command a high today, curio hunters often paying a large sum for them. Such goods could not be made today for the timber is not obtainable. At that time there were no coffin factories in this part of the country, and Mr. Kostanzer also made coffins, often making them to measure. His work gave satisfaction and his methods brought new customers. His trade increased and as it did he accordingly expanded his capacity. As the town and country became more thickly settled factory made furniture was in demand and Mr. Kostanzer put in a stock. Soon the demand was entirely for this class of goods and he increased his stock. The business grew beyond the capacity of his quarters and in 1876 he built the south half of the present store. Mr. Kostanzer had started something that could not be stopped. He had laid the foundation of a business. It was founded on reliable merchandise and honest values. In 1884 he doubled his floor space by erecting the north half of the building.

Each year the business increased and in 1890 Mr. Kostanzer decided to retire and sold the business to his sons, John and Herman. Mr. Kostanzer died April 12, 1898. He is remembered as one of Crawfordsville's pioneer business men who contributed his share to the upbuilding of the town. "A. Kostanzer's Sons had the strength and spirit of youth to add to their father's business experience and two years after they took over the business they found it necessary to again increase the floor space. They built two stories in the rear extending back to the alley. With their stock room in the big basement they now have about sixteen thousand square feet of floor space. Today they have as large a display as any store in the state outside of Indianapolis. In addition to their regular display rooms they have large ware rooms where they carry duplicate stock. They keep in touch with the big concerns of their business and pay regular visits to the factories in Grand Rapids, Chicago, New York, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Louisville and Rockford. They carry stoves, carpets, rugs, linoleums and furniture for every part of the home. They buy their goods in carload lots and pay cash. This gives them advantage of a double discount. They own their building consequently have no rent to pay. These advantages have enabled them to make prices that bring customers. They have many patrons today who are children and grandchildren of patrons in the years gone by, and the end is not yet, for the firm of A. Kostanzer's Sons is destined to live and prosper for many years to come." Anthony Kostanzer was born in Hechingen, Hohenzollern, Germany, in 1819, and there he grew to manhood and was educated, remaining in the Fatherland until 1847 when he emigrated to the United States in a sailing vessel, the voyage requiring thirty-five days. He married Jeanette APPKINS, and to this union thirteen children were born, six of whom are still living, namely: John E., and Herman P., of this sketch; Emelia, Julia, Anna, Flora. John E. Kostanzer was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, February 1, 1862, and here to grew to manhood and received his education. When a boy he went to work in his father's store and has since remained in the same, literally growing up with the furniture business, consequently he has mastered every phase of the same and is regarded as one of Crawfordsville's most progressive and energetic men of affairs. He was married in 1900 at West Minister Abbey, London, England, to Edith LANE, a lady of accomplishments and of English ancestry. Mr. Kostanzer has traveled extensively and his wedding took place on one of his trips abroad. He is a keen observer and talks most entertainingly of what he has seen, including the famous Passion Play and Paris Exposition, in fact, he has visited most all points of interest in the old world as well as the United States. He attends all conventions of furniture dealers at Grand Rapids, Chicago and other important furniture manufacturing towns. Politically, he has never been active nor a biased partisan, voting for the candidates he deems best qualified for the positions sought, irrespective of party alignment. He is a public-spirited man and always lends what assistance he can in movements having as their object the general improvement of the city of Crawfordsville and Montgomery County. His family consists of four children, all of whom are at home and in school, namely: Mabel K., John L., Fred A., and Paul H. He has an attractive and modernly appointed home at 308 South Green street, Crawfordsville. His brother, Herman P. Kostanzer, who is associated with him in the furniture business, was born in Crawfordsville, on December 4, 1864, and here he grew to manhood and received his education, and when but a boy went to work in his father's furniture store, and he has followed in the footsteps of the elder Kostanzer in a business way and seems to have inherited much of his splendid acumen and industry and with his brother is making a great success, building up a very extensive and rapidly growing business that extends all over western Indiana and into Illinois, and he is regarded as one of the leading men of affairs in the County.  He was married in 1899 to Anna GALEY, daughter of Joe Galey and wife, a worthy pioneer family of Montgomery County, Mr. Galey having been a grocer and also restaurant man for many years here. Mrs. Kostanzer grew to womanhood and was educated in Montgomery County, and she is a lady of many commendable characteristics. To this union one child has been born, Jeanette, who is attending school. Like his brother he is an independent voter, and is a worker for the betterment of the town and County. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, also the Patriotic Order Sons of America. He owns a beautiful home at 307 South Washington street, just across the street from the store. Like his brother he is a gentlemen of integrity, obliging disposition and courteous and genial address. - kbz