From "History of Wheeling City and Ohio County, West Virginia and 
Representative Citizens," by Hon. Gibson Lamb Cranmer, 1902. 

Typed by Laurie Birks Dean

pp. 418, 421

George E. STIFEL.  This gentleman is a member of the well-known dry 
goods firm of George E. Stifel & Company, dealers in foreign and 
domestic dry goods, wraps and notions, etc., at Nos. 1154-56-58-60 
Main street, Wheeling, West Virginia.  Mr. Stifel was born in 
Wheeling, May 5, 1849, and is a son of J. L. Stifel, who was a 
prominent resident and manufacturer of Wheeling.  J. L. Stifel 
manufactured calico prints, a business which is now carried on by his 
son, William F. Stifel.
	At the age of fourteen years George E. Stifel entered the 
employ of Stone & Thomas and remained with them five years.  He then 
entered the employ of Henry Brues, and remained in that gentleman's 
employ for ten years.  Mr. Brues was one of the early dry goods men 
of Wheeling.  In 1878 Mr. Stifel, in partnership with F. C. H. 
Schwertfeger, engaged in the general dry goods business on Main 
street, near Tenth street, in a building which is now occupied by 
Friend & Son's furniture store.  In 1890 the store was moved to its 
present location, the main building then being erected by the 
company.  In 1896 they erected the building adjoining it.  This has a 
stone frontage of 92 feet, facing Main street, and is five stories 
high.  George E. Stifel & Company have also leased the building just 
north of the one occupied by them.
	Over 100 people are employed by George E. Stifel & Company.  An 
immense stock is carried, the first floor being devoted to the sale 
of silks, dress goods, notions, was goods, linens and flannels; the 
second floor to cloaks, suits and ladies' and gentlemen's underwear; 
the third floor to curtains, draperies, upholstery, rugs, etc.; and 
the fourth and fifth floors are devoted to the reserve and duplicate 
stock; while the basement is used for toilet and boiler rooms and 
storage for domestic goods.  The building is 135 feet in depth, and 
is heated with steam and lighted with electric lights, including the 
mammoth show windows.  These windows are always artistically 
decorated, and present at night a most beautiful and attractive 
appearance, illumination the street for some distance.  This store is 
very largely patronized, having the exclusive trade of Wheeling.  It 
is the largest dry goods store in Wheeling, and thus has established 
a wide reputation.
	Mr. Stifel married Emma Beck, a daughter of Peter Paul Beck, a 
pioneer of Wheeling, and formerly in the brewery business.  Mr. and 
Mrs. Stifel have two daughters, - Nellie and Alberta.  They have 
lived at No. 807 Main street for the past fifteen years.  Mr. Stifel 
is independent in politics.  He is a member of the Lutheran church.