Franz Hix was born in Germany. At the age of 37 he and his wife, Racena, and their 4 children boarded a ship in Liverpool, England and immigrated to the United States. He arrived in New York City on May 31, 1853. The family moved to Fort Plain, NY and he put his skill as a cabinet maker to work. In 1859 he set up his own furniture making company on River Street in Fort Plain. The Hix Furniture Factory was in business in the village for over 70 years. Adam Hix, Franz’s son, took over the running of the factory when Franz died in 1894. He ran the factory until his death in 1915. His son, Charles Adam Hix took over the business but he died in 1917. The factory closed shortly after the death of Charles Adam Hix but reopened in the 1920’s upon its purchase by a group of local manufacturers. The company made quality furniture and many homes throughout the Mohawk Valley could boast of at least one piece of furniture made by the skilled craftsmen who worked there. By 1935 the business had closed for good probably due to the Great Depression and the prospect of another world war. The factory was destroyed by fire on April 6, 1945.