From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, page 361-362.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


GEORGE LOOS

One of the prominent early manufacturers of cigars at Wheeling, was 
George Loos, a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, who came to the 
United States in 1859, with his wife and children.  Landing at 
Baltimore, they proceeded at once to Wheeling, and here the father 
engaged in his trade, which he followed until it was interrupted by 
the civil war.  In September, 1861, he went gallantly to the front in 
behalf of his adopted country, as a member of the Sixth West Virginia 
regiment, and served with honor three years and four months.  
Returning to Wheeling, he again engaged in the cigar business, in 
which he continued until his death in January, 1884, in his sixty-
sixth year.  His widow and five children survive him.  His son, Hugo 
L. Loos, who continues in the same business as his father is one of 
the well-known and popular citizens of Wheeling.  He was born in 
Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, June 10, 1848, and accommpanied his parents 
when they came to this country.  After learning the trade with his 
father he opened an establishment of his own in 1869, on Twelfth 
street, for the manufacture of cigars.  In  1886 he and his brother 
George engaged also in the manufacture of cigars and smoking tobacco.  
The house of H. L. Loos & Bro. is now established at 122O Market 
street, and does an extensive wholesale and retail business in all 
grades of cigars and tobacco.  A considerable number of skilled 
workmen are employed in the manufacture.  Mr. H. L. Loos is a 
director of the Chamber of commerce of Wheeling, and a director of 
the West Virginia Tobacco company.  For a number of years he has been 
connected with the building and loan business and is a director of 
the System Citizens' associations.  He takes an active part in public 
affairs and in 1888 was selected by the republican party as its 
candidate to the legislature.  He is prominent in that party and for 
several years has occupied the position of chairman of the city 
executive committee.  He is a member of the St. John's Lutheran 
church, and is a member of the Bates lodge, F.& A. M., of which he is 
past master.  Mr. Loos was married in 1873 to Matilda, daughter of 
Philip Troll, of Wheeling, by whom he has had six children, three of 
whom are living. 


(Linda Fluharty)