The history of the prominent jewelry firm of Texas “Joseph Linz & Bros” began 1877, founded by Joseph A Linz (1853 – 1908). For more than a hundred years of its activity, the Linz company also had alternative names – Linz Bros and Linz Jewelists.

Born in Virginia, Joseph Linz was the eldest of five brothers. After receiving his education in the public schools of St. Louis, he began his career in the jewelry firm of Goldsall. In 1877 Joseph Linz, with $750 in savings, bought the modest store in Denison, Texas and started in business for himself.

Five years later he moved to Sherman, Texas. Three brothers — Elias, Simon E Linz (1862 – 1935), and Albert Linz (1864–1949) joined the expanding business. From this time on the firm became known as Joseph Linz & Bros.

Elias died a few years later, leaving Joe and Simon to manage operations. In 1887 Benjamin Linz (1867 – 1940), Joseph’s younger brother, joined the business without changing the firm’s name.

The seven-story Linz Building

The firm Joseph Linz & Bros moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1895. Linz’s firm became known throughout the Southwest, and business grew so rapidly that the brothers decided to build their own six-story building. For many years, the company focused exclusively on retail.

Joseph Linz

Due to deteriorating health, Joseph Linz had to retire in 1907. To recover, he traveled extensively, visiting resorts in Europe and the United States. His brothers purchased the interest of Joseph Linz in the firm, and continued as Linz Bros.

Linz held a prominent position both in his profession and in certain circles. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Order of B’nai B’rith, and a Masonic lodge. He was a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Shriners, and Masons performed his funeral.

Even during the Great Depression of the 1930s, Linz merchants continued to thrive. Many businessmen, oil magnates, and farmers amassed significant fortunes during the early years of Texas’s prosperity, which they later invested in Linz diamonds.

Jewelists – something more than jeweler

For some years the firm has advertised itself as “Jewelists”, a word copyrighted by Linz Bros., jewelists means something more than jeweler. Linz’s definition was: “Incomparable jewelart fashionists.”

In 1947, the family-owned business Linz Brothers, located at 1608 Main Street in Dallas, celebrated its 70th anniversary. At the time, the company was well-known in jewelry circles in London and Amsterdam. Its cozy stores on Fifth Avenue, Park Avenue, placed it among the best.

The Linz Award

In March 1947 The Linz Jewelists, Dallas, Texas, announced that Joseph S Linz, grandson of the founder, was appointed to the staff to handle public relations. It was him who launched the Linz Awards in 1948. The award was given to the Dallas citizen chosen by a committee of outstanding citizens, for the most contribution for the city. Members of the Linz firm, of course, presented the winner with the plaque.

Family owned company

Over the decades, each brother contributed to the company’s traditions. The last surviving brother was Albert Linz (1864–1949), president of the company, which included the sons and grandsons of several of the founders.

Clifton M. Linz, president of Linz Brothers, died in 1956. The Board of directors elected Asher M. Kahn, son-in-law of Simon Linz, president of Linz Bros, Inc, 1608 Main Street, Dallas, Texas. Noteworthy, by that time Asher M Kahn, had worked 53 years for the Linz company.

In 1958 Carl B. Flaxman, former vice-president and secretary of Linz Bros became president of the firm. He succeeded the late Asher M Kahn.

According to Open Corporates data base, in August 1976 Linz Brothers ceased to exist as a result of a merger with the Gordon’s corporation.

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