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JOHN M. STRIFFLER , a prominent ice dealer, with an office at No. 209 South Fifth Street and ice houses on Edwards Street between Ninth and Tenth Streets, is one of the oldest dealers in his line in the city of Springfield. He was born at Wurtemberg, Germany, May 22, 1840, and received a good education in the excellent schools of his native land. He was ambitious to better his condition and in 1864 after he had attained manhood he emigrated to these shores. He came to this city and located here permanently. He was a baker by trade, having learned and worked at that vocation in Vienna some six years, thus acquiring a thorough knowledge of his calling, and in 1865 he opened a bakery here which he managed until 1871 when he closed out and gave his attention exclusively to the ice business, which he had been carrying on in connection with his bakery. For two years he was engaged in running a bottling establishment and also a flouring mill from 1880 until 1882, and in the winter time he handled coal and wood, carrying on these various enterprises with good success.

Mr. Striffler has control of a very large ice trade, and puts up about twenty-five thousand tons of ice each winter and is one of the largest dealers in the city, running five ice teams constantly. He conducts his business systematically and manages it with prudence, wisdom and foresight, so as to make it a money producing affair.

Our subject was married in the month of October, 1865, to Miss Philipina Bellam, of this city and they have eight living children. They have built up here a home which for coziness and comfort and as the center of a pleasant hospitality is unsurpassed by any in its neighborhood.