Spindler Monuments

John Jacob Spindler (1825-1899) arrived here from Basel, Switzerland, and after trying distillery and milling businesses, he opened a large general merchandise store. In 1883, his son, John Jacob Spindler Jr., helped form the Highland Swiss Embroidery Works. Trained in merchandising, he became the main salesperson. When John Jacob Spindler Jr. died in 1916, his associates and his son Julius continued the Works until it closed during the Depression. Later, Julius Joseph Spindler became president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank. After making their fortune in Highland businesses, the Spindler family gave back to the people of Highland by providing a new city park with a playground, ball field, and tennis courts.

Highland, Illinois · United States