Charles Frederick Gunther (Charles Frederick Gunther)

Charles Frederick Gunther

Businessman. He was a confectionery manufacturing magnate who created the “Cracker Jacks” confection, and is credited with introducing caramel to the American populace. A native of Germany, he founded a candy business in Chicago, Illinois that was completely destroyed by the 1871 Chicago Fire. He rebuilt the business with an even larger candy factory, which became a great success. In 1893 he introduced Cracker Jacks, a confection that combined popcorn, peanuts and molasses. He amassed great wealth from his business, which in his later years he used to collect historical and odd artifacts, many pertaining to the Civil War and the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Much of the collection was donated to the Chicago History Museum, where it is displayed today.  Family links:  Children:  Whitman Gunther* *Calculated relationship

Born

  • March, 06, 1837
  • Germany

Died

  • February, 02, 1920
  • USA

Cemetery

  • Rosehill Cemetery and Mausoleum
  • Illinois
  • USA

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