Mr. Joseph L. Gatzert was born in Hofhein, Germany, May 6, 1836. In 1852 he came to Chicago. From October, 1860, to 1862, he was recording secretary, and from 1864 to 1865, financial secretary of the U. H. R. A. From 1873 to 1874, and again, from 1896 to 1898 he was a director of the charities.

In 1886 he was elected president of Sinai Congregation and for 10 consecutive years he was at the helm of this institution.

Mr. Gatzert is also a member of the Standard Club and an officer of the Jewish Training School.