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WILLIAM H. KIEFER is well known not only in Norwalk, but in the surrounding country as well, having been engaged in the undertaking business here since 1897.  He is a native son of this city, his birth having here occurred May 2, 1874.  His father, Robert Kiefer, was born in Germany and when a young man emigrated to the United States in 1869.  He at once made his way to Norwalk and engaged in the undertaking and furniture business, continuing in the same until his death, which occurred in 1889.  His wife, Mrs. Mary Kiefer, then succeeded to the business, the firm name being M. Kiefer, and thus continuing until 1896, when the establishment was destroyed by fire.      After leaving school, William H. Kiefer was employed in the undertaking department of his mother's business, becoming thoroughly trained in that line of work, and was ready to take charge of the business on his own account after the fire in 1896.  He then opened an undertaking establishment and has thus been identified with the business interests of the city of the present time.  He is a graduate in embalming of four different colleges and was the first to advocate the law requiring an examination for embalmers.  He is a charter member of the National Association of Embalmers, which was organized in 1896, and it was through the efforts of this society, that a state board was appointed for examination of embalmers.  Interested in everything that tends to promote his knowledge of the business to which he is devoting his attention, Mr. Kiefer today stands among the foremost undertakers, not only in his home city but throughout the state of Ohio, and he has secured a very large and lucrative patronage, his services being in demand throughout a vast section.      Mr. Kiefer is also a prominent figure in the public affairs, being an ardent supporter of the democratic party.  He served on the city council four years, being the youngest member of that body.  He has also for the past six years been chief deputy of the Huron county board of supervisors of election, while for several years he has served on both county, central and city committees.  He is regarded as a leader in democratic circles and his opinions carry weight and influence among his fellow citizens.      Equally prominent in fraternal circles, Mr. Kiefer was one of the organizers of the Knights of Columbus in Norwalk, of which he is a member, and he also holds membership with the Catholic Order of Foresters, of which he has been chief for the past eight years.  He is also identified with the Elks, the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Concordia Society.  Courteous and affable, he is a popular among a wide circle of friends, while as a funeral director, he has won a wide reputation. Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 277

W. A. Knapp

WILLIAM A. KNAPP   Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 60

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