From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 442-443.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


JOSEPH SPEIDEL

Joseph Speidel, son of the late Benedict Speidel, and the head of the 
most extensive wholesale grocery house in West Virginia, was born in 
Wellsburg, this state, October 1, 1843.  His early education was 
limited to the opportunities of the times and the circumstances that 
surrounded his boyhood.  At the age of twelve years he became a clerk 
in his father's grocery house and remained in that position five 
years.  He was next employed by Hobbs & Barnes, glass manufacturers, 
as shipping clerk.  Having arrived now at young manhood, he took a 
course of training at Duff's Commercial college, Pittsburgh; returned 
to Wheeling, and for the ensuing year was book-keeper and salesman 
for the grocery firm of George W. Reessing & Co.  June 1, 1863, the 
firm of Speidel & Inderreider, composed of Joseph Speidel and August 
Inderreider, was formed and launched into the jobbing of fancy 
groceries and tobaccos, in the building now occupied by the Franklin 
Insurance company on Twelfth street.  In 1865 they removed to 51 Main 
street, and in 1867 sold out to Burke & Irwin.  Mr. Speidel was next 
for a brief period associated with Alexander Turner in the wholesale 
grocery trade, and in the spring of 1868 embarked in that line for 
himself near the corner of Fourteenth and Main streets.  In 1872 he 
admitted to partnership in his business his brother John and a Mr. 
John Waterhouse, and in 1876 they erected the elegant iron front 
building, comprising Nos. 1416 Main street, and 1414 South street.  
Mr. Archie T. Hupp succeeded John Speidel in the firm in 1878, and 
the real estate of the old firm passed by purchase to the object of 
this sketch.  The present magnificent buildings occupied by the firm, 
to-wit, 1412 and 1414 Main street, and 1410 and 1412 South street, 
were completed in 1884.  The structure is 44x160 feet, four stories 
and a basement, and has a total floorage of 42,240 square feet.  The 
business of the firm extends throughout West Virginia, Maryland, 
Ohio, Pennsylvania, and the great south and West, and their 
aggregate, annual sales amount to over $1,000,000.  In addition to 
his mercantile interest, Mr. Speidel is prominently connected with 
the Electric Railway company of Wheeling, the Fire and Marine 
Insurance company of Wheeling, the Savings bank of Wheeling, the 
Savings bank of Bellaire, the National bank of Taylor, Texas (of 
which he is president), the McCullough (Texas) Land and Cattle 
company, the Hobbs Glass company of Wheeling, and the Pittsburgh, 
Wheeling & Kentucky Railroad company.  From 1876 to 1888, minus the 
term of 1878-80, he served as a member of the board of county 
commissioners from Madison district (one term as president of the 
board), and at the end of the last term declined further election.  
Though frequently solicited to accept various offices of trust and 
profit, he has steadily declined, preferring to devote, his attention 
to business.  He was married August 15, 1867, to Miss Lydia H., the 
accomplished daughter of James K. Wheat, Esq., and the children born 
to him are named respectively, John (deceased), Hall, Joseph W., and 
Eliza.  Mr. and Mrs. Speidel are communicants of the Episcopal 
church. 


(Linda Fluharty)