Valentine Effinger
Valentine Effinger, dealer in fine liquors, etc., at Pilot Knob, was born in Baden, Germany April 15, 1846, and is a son of Sylvester and Magdalena (Seawood) Effinger, natives of Germany. The father was a quarryman in the old country, and also owned and carried on a farm. Both parents are dead. Of their family only two are now living: Elizabeth, who resides in Baden, Germany, and Valentine, who was reared in Germany, receiving a liberal education. In 1859 he immigrated to America, coming with some relatives, as both parents were dead. He took passage at Havre, and after of voyage of thirty-six days landed at New York. He then went to St. Louis and to Ste. Genevieve, where he landed. He remained some time in this county--part of the time on a farm, and part of the time in a brewery. He was married May 18, 1861, to Josephine Motzel, a native of Ste. Genevieve County and of German parentage. To their union were born nine children, six now living: Lizzie, Willie, Henry, Louisa, Valentine and Joseph. In 1866 Mr. Effinger moved to Middlebrook, where he remained until 1872, engaged in the brewery business. He then came to Pilot Knob, and engaged in the saloon business, which he has since continued. He served two months in the State militia, but was in no regular engagements. Mr. Effinger is a member of the I.O.O.F., having passed the chairs twice, and is also a member of the Sons of Herman, has been a member of the town council and city collector. He is a progressive and intelligent citizen, always ready to advance the interest of all public affairs. He and wife are both members of the Catholic Church.