Dates

• Existence: 1868 - 1940

Biographical Note

Jacob Wissler Lantz, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Lantz was born October 21, 1868, at Lantz's Mills (Shenandoah County), Virginia. In his early years, Lantz moved to Max Meadows (Wythe County), Virginia and entered business with his uncle, Jacob H. Wissler. On April 8, 1896, Lantz married Clara Virginia Keesling, daughter of Emory S. and Emmaline (Derting) Keesling, of Cedar Springs (Smyth County), Virginia.

Lantz served in various capacities managing the local properties of the Lobdell Car Wheel Company until 1895, when he established the Cedar Springs Company, a general mercantile store. He also owned a flour mill in nearby Grayson County, engaged in the real estate and private banking businesses, and served as a director of the First National Bank of Rural Retreat, Virginia. Lantz apparently resumed managing the Lobdell properties in the 1930s.

A member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Lantz served for several years as President of the Virginia Sunday School Association. He also had a longstanding interest in the history of the Lantz family and in 1931 self-published The Lantz Family Record. Jacob Lantz died on March 16, 1940.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records: