FRANK R. LEVIN was made Chief of the City Fire Department in April 1890 and has been a member of the order since its early history. He joined the volunteer fire department in 1877 and was associated with it until 1884 when the city established the paid department. He was foreman of Rescue Engine Company, No. 3 for four years and when the paid department was organized he was foreman of it until it was thoroughly established.

Mr. Levin was born in Sweden, July 16, 1854, son of John and Louisa Levin. His youth was spent in his native country and in 1868 he came to America with his parents and settled in Council Bluffs. His father is living and resides in this city.

Before coming to the United States Mr. Levin spent one year learning the cigar trade and after locating here he was engaged in various pursuits for two years. Then he became associated with Filbert & Vaight, cigar manufacturers with whom he remained two years. After being with Mr. Hubstine one year and with Mr. Daubaum for a time, he, in 1877, established a cigar manufactory of his own. He also opened a retail store, and since then has done an extensive business, turning out as many as a quarter of a million cigars in one year. This establishment is located at No. 400 Broad Street. In 1889 Mr. Levin also operated a barbershop in connection with his cigar trade. He employs an average of four men in his factory and puts up a first-class line of goods. His oldest brand, the "Figaro" has been in use for ten years. Politically he has affiliated with the Republican Party until recently, but is now an independent. He is a member of the following orders: A.F. & A.M., No. 71, Council Bluffs; A.A.S.R., Oriental of Iowa Valley, Council Bluffs, and R.A. No. 156. In the A.A.S.R. he officiates as one of the degree officers.

Mr. Levin was married August 3, 1880 to Miss Caroline Acton a native of Denmark, born November 26, 1855. They have one child, Oscar. They hold the faith of the Scandinavian Baptist Church.