Jacob F. Gmelich

Jacob Friedrich Gmelich Jr. (July 23, 1839 – February 21, 1914) was an American politician. He served as State Treasurer of Missouri from 1905 to 1909, and as Lieutenant Governor of Missouri from 1909 to 1913.

Biography Gmelich was born on July 23, 1839, in Wurtemberg, to Jacob Gmelich Sr. and Barbara Gmelich (née Walter). His family immigrated to the United States, first settling in Ohio, then in 1852, they moved to Peru, Illinois. Following his education, he worked as a watchmaker. He relocated to Chicago in 1856, and to St. Louis in 1858. Beginning in May 1861, he was a jeweler in Boonville, Missouri. He also served eight terms as mayor of the city, and was a member of its board of education and president of its bank. During the American Civil War, he joined the Home Guard, a Unionist militia.

A Republican, Gmelich served Cooper County in the Missouri House of Representatives in 1895 and 1896. In 1900, he was a delegate of the Republican National Convention. He served as State Treasurer of Missouri from January 1, 1905, to January 1, 1909, He subsequently served as Lieutenant Governor of Missouri to Herbert S. Hadley, from 1909 to 1913. As an elected official, he was praised by both supporters and opposition for his integrity. At the time of his death, he and his wife's house was being built.