William Pfaender

William Pfaender Sr. was a German-American politician and businessman.

Biography

Born in Heilbronn, Kingdom of Württemberg, Pfaender emigrated to the United States in 1848 and went to New York. In 1848, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1856, after an attack by Know Nothings on his family and other German immigrant families at a picnic, Pfaender organized a move to New Ulm, Minnesota Territory. Pfaender was in the real estate and insurance business; he was also in the lumber business. During the American Civil War, Pfaender first served in the 1st Minnesota Cavalry Regiment from 1862-1863, followed by the 2nd Minnesota Cavalry Regiment from 1863-1866 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Pfaender served on the New Ulm City Council. He also served as mayor of New Ulm and on the New Ulm school board. He served as register for Brown County, Minnesota and as postmaster for New Ulm. In 1859 and 1860, Pfaender served in the Minnesota House of Representatives and was a Republican. Then, from 1869 to 1873, Pfaender served in the Minnesota State Senate. From 1876 to 1880, Pfaender served as the Minnesota State Treasurer. Pfaender died at his home in New Ulm, Minnesota.

British entertainer and fashion designer Victoria Beckham is Pfaender's great-great-great-grandniece.