W.C. Zoeller, proprietor of the Phoenix Hotel in Franklin Grove, is a native of Lee county, born June 20, 1893. He is a son of Louis and Ernestina (Kohl) Zoeller, the former a native of Chicago and the latter of German. Their marriage occurred in Lee county, Illinois, and to their union were born ten children, Ella, W.C., Bertha. Wilbur, Helena, George, Edward, Otto, Ruth and Harold.

W.C. Zoeller has had long experience in his chosen line of work, for he has been connected with hotels in various parts of the country, serving for some time as chef in the Hotel Sherman in Chicago and in the same capacity on the dining cars of several railroads. He is now operating the Phoenix Hotel and Restaurant in Franklin Grove and has founded a gratifying degree of success upon practical experience and thorough knowledge. He has made the Phoenix a modern and comfortable hostelry, well managed in all of its details. He gives practically all of his time and attention to its affairs and is regarded as one of the most successful and progressive business men of the community.

Transcribed by Karen Holt - 1914 History of Lee County Illinois Vol 2 by Frank E. Stevens.

Photo contributed by Cindy Boyenga Special Photos of Franklin Grove