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■ \
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MEMOIRS
OF
MILWAUKEE COUNTY
FROM THE EARLIEST HISTORICAL TIMES DOWN TO
THE PRESENT, INCLUDING A GENEALOGICAL
AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF
REPRESENTATIVE FAMILIES IN
MILWAUKEE COUNTY
LIEUT. COL. JEROME A. WATROUS, Editor
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
■
MADISON. WIS.
WESTERN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
1909
IBRARY
870 >
fHOX AN©
INDEX.
Aarons, Charles L 535
Abbelen, Peter M 41
Abert, Byron H 117
Abert, John B 494
Ackerman, John A 565
Adams, Samuel Vose ! 265
Adams, William Frazier 332
Adler, David 735
Adler, Emanuel D 734
Albrecht, Max J. P ' 62
Albright, Chas. Edgar ..825
Allen, William 502
Altstadt, John S 245
Amnion, Charles Augustus ...! 281
Arnold, John C 228
Arsand, Gustav , 679
Asmuth, Anton \. 941
Attwood, Carroll 550
Austin, Edwin 843
Averill, Lucius H 329
Bach, Oscar 606
Bachinski, Leonard Joseph 129
Backus, August C 102
Bacon, Edward Pay son 914
Beier, Anton D 196
Beifuss, Charless 576
Belding, George H 41S
Belitz, Arthur Frederick 374
Bell Fernando L 673
Bemis, Harry E 373
Bendler, August C 531
Benesch, Emil ,264
Benoy, John R 723
Berger, William 939
Bertram, William 863
Bertrand, Alford 346
Bettinger, John G 889
Bensemann, William C 1S3
Beyer, Christian H 410
Bever, William 157
Bills, Henry N 351
Bird, Ralph 727
Birkl, John A 453
Biron, Michael R 622
Black, Nelson Miles 407
Black, William Edward 431
Blank, Henry 412
Blatchley, Albert H.
Baden, Benjamin S59!Bloedel, Adam
Bading, Gerhard A 701
Bading, John F 760
Baermann, Gustav Frederick 311
Baetz, Henry 77s
Bailey, Enoch ... 684
Bailey, George D 917
Baiid, Joseph C 96
Baker, B. Fowler .446
Ball, Jacob M 700
Balsley, Eugene A 7?
430
685
Blommer, John 184
Bloodgood, Francis j S72
Blumenthal, Robert Warren 201
Bodenstab, Henry H 515
Boerner, Reinhardt W 195
Boettcher, Theodore 283
Bomhard. Herry C 610
Boorse, Lorerzo 687
Booth, Cvrus D 493
Borchardt, Paul C 314
Borgwardt. Fred J 246
Banzhof, Henry Leo 802
Bark, Ferdinand 402 Borueki.
Bark, Frederick H 402 Bossort.
Barker, Augustus Findorff 269 Bossert,
Barndt, Milton A 42.1 Bottum, Elias H
Barnickel, Leonard 263 Bowyer, Arthur D...
Barr, Thomas Edward 370 Bradley, Herbert P.
Bartel, Max 152 Braun. August E
Barth, Peter 563 Braun, Ernest W. . . .
Baum. Arthur J 3~9 braun, Lucas
Raumbaeh. William von 387 Brazee. Alvin C
Baurenfeind, Jacob 655 Brennan, Aloysius
Bautz. Wendelin 751 Brennan. John S...
Beals, Frederick E 60 Brenner, George P.
Beals, James Lewis 45
Bean, Trving M 910
Bearman. Joseph 271
Beclier. John A ] 92
Bechstein, William A 168
Beck. August C 501
Becker, John 68
Klemens 233
Gottlob 651
G. Fred 373
115
NTS
386
164
465
887
526
Ill
877
12r;
G.
Breslauer, Abraham 213
Bivslnuer, Joseph 219
Brett, James T 250
Breul, Charles W 633
Bringe, William F 266
Brinton, Warren D S3S
I '-meeker. Carl Otto 398
Becker, Ottmar A lis Brogan, Henrv T 558
Beckwith. Willard Parker 267 Brown, Alvin J 715
Beeck, Ottmar T 155lBrown, Frank E 422
8
INDEX
Brown, J. Royce 566
Bruce, William George 711
Brumder, George I'.".:'
Brust, Christ 660
Brzonkala, Michael C 372
Brzonkala, Peter S 373
Buehholz, August IT!
Budzien, Gustav Adolpb 848
Buestrin. Prank K lm;
Buestrln, Henry 244
Bulder. Henry 20S
Burg, Robert A 120
Burke. William E 126
Burmelster, John 508
Burton, George A 344
Button, Henry Harrison 59
Button, Henry Harrison. Jr 93]
Cady, Frank A 644
Cameron, Winfield H 84
< 'a m p. Robert 697
Campbell, Archibald D 382
Canar, Peter 616
Carlson, Oscar Wilhelm 23
Carpenter, Lester A ....2is
Carr, Lester L 826
Carstens, Ernest 849
Cary, Alfred Levi 24
Cary, Eugene 349
Cary, William J 907
CVlichowski. Bronislaus F 125
Cellchowskl, Walter P 883
Chandler, Ra 1 ph 340
Chapln, Charles Anthem 904
Cherry, Leslie Eugene 74!'
Childs, Bessie Calvert 9S
Chrysler. Oscar 935
Chrzan, Paul Peter 831
Chrzanowski. John J 321
Churchill. Thomas T 45
Churchill, William H 693
Clchockl, Frank H 230
Claflin. Thomas M 330
Clark. James M S2'
Clauson, Knud C 157
Claussen, Richard E 570
Clayton. John Edward 265
Cleaver. Howard A 334
Clisbee, Oscar Francis 315
Clute. Harvey p c,7^
Cochrane, Robert Emmet 514
Cohen, Jonas 800
Cohn, Alfred J 765
Cnhn. Arthur H 488
man, John Craps. -r 160
Comfort. Aaron Tvins 398
Comstock, Clarence G 667
Comstock, Curtis Addison 260
Comstock. Henry G 608
han, Charles J 261
Conway. Georgi M 269
Henry 270
Cords, Fred W 702
Cornwall. Newberry N
Cotzhausen, Arthur 168
Courl - Iney < '. fint
Cox, Winfred l» ::i7
Coyne, John n it
Cran phen S 860
Crane, Charli D 316
inann. Andrew Edward 352
ley, Michael 821
Cm,]..
Currle Brothers
Curtis, Truman H SS
irowskl. Martin B 104
Cytronowski, Frani ph 108
I ony V
.vln«kl.
vlnskl. ' ;:
Czerwlnskl. - E
1 John Alfre I
3
I6E
l lanlels, Lewis J
DanlelBon, Daniel B
Danischefsky, Henry
Darling, Earl H
Marline Frank Edward.
Darling, William S.
420
996
S06
445
640
199
I i.iv.laar. .Martin 814
1 >aviilsoii. Joseph 540
Davis, Edward Clark 926
Davis, J. Arthur 583
Davis, Price M 585
Davis. Warren B 97
Davis, William 262
Davitz, John A 711
Dearholt, Hoyt E 1000
Pecker, Anton Isidor 439
De Diemar. Charles A 834
Do Garis. John J S41
De Harde, Fred A. D 574
De Heus, Garrit C 7S
Dealing, Frank F 656
1 >• in in. .Ernest 94
Denny. William J 142
De Swarte, Peter B 572
1 '. uster, Emil F 354
Deuster, Peter Joseph 846
Devos, William H 517
l lewey, ''harles J 476
Dick, John C 636
Dickens. George 318
Dlderrich, Jacob S53
Dlderrich, Nicholas A 651
Dickinson, George Hardy 485
Dierolf, Edward 89S
Differt, Charles C 76
Dllger, Frank Paul 664
Dixon, Samuel 622
Doctor, Adolph S69
Dodel, Frederick W 415
Doepke, Fred 3S4
Doerflinger, Charles H 49
Doern. William G 690
Dohmen. Wm. F 572
Domachowski. Michael Joseph Ill
Donges. Jacob F. Jr 977
Donovan. John F 775
Donsing, William 621
Dorner, Fred H 828
Dorszynski, Anthony A iss
Dougherty, Edward 382
Downing, Albert C 996
Drefahl. John 857
Dreher, Jacob 672
Dreyer, Edward 742
Drlscoll, Timothy 208
Droppers, Walter s 312
Droznlakiewicz, Frank L. E 537
Dudenhoefer, Jacob 300
Dunbar, Thomas J 636
Dunbar, Thomas W 972
Dunn. John Thomas 335
Dunlin. Patrick Henrv [36
Durr, William Emil 421
Dyer, Joseph R 950
Ebert. Robert R 305
Echols. Chester M 639
Eckstein, B. A 564
Bdlefsen, William A. s 665
Bggert, Charles 716
Bhbei Jacob « > 77
Ehlenl Idt, < !ha P 854
Ehrler, Adolph 91
r, ' teorge 360
Eldred. John E., Jr 914
Ellis. Ellis F 821
Kills. Frank K
Ellsworth, Berthler George 829
Ellsworth, Wm. H 542
Elmer, Nicholas 725
El met i: ilph 194
I. on is 9ig
r, Louis J 594
• C i _
[NDEX
Elser, John 1S2
Emmerich, Herman Ludwig 680
E3nos, Edwin Walter 645
EJrnst, Frederick 282
Erz, Anthony Mathias 109
Bspenhain, Frank C 868
Eton, Henry L 536
Bttenheln, Sol H 220
Etzius, Joseph 216
Ewens, Anthony Christian 29]
F&ber, Charles A 409
Fairbanks, Hiram' Francis 56
Fall-child, Albert N 961
FaJbisoner, Ferdinand Joseph 4:17
Falk, Clarence Rudolph :;:,:
Falk, Herman Wahl 659
Falk, Otto Herbert 754
Farrell, Frank R 191
Farrlngton, Edgar E 824
Faust. William F 495
Federspie, Matthew Nicholas 491
Feerick, William C 481
Fehr, Henry 414
Fellman. George H 198
Ferge, Henry 920
Figved, John E. N..r
Finger, Jacob J
Fink, Henry
Fisher, Charles S
Fitzgerald, Robert P
Fitzgerald, William N.
Flash, Peter Kilian
Flack, Edwin R
Flanders, James Greeley,
Foellings, Ferdinand W.
632
1000
33
410
886
97S
109
251
35
879
Foellings, Gerhardt 998
Fons, Louis
Forest, Gale
Forsbeck, Filip A..
Forster, Charles G.
470
769
117
761
John 601
Amos P
Homer H
George Henry 403
314
737
14S
Forster
Foster.
Fowle,
Fowler,
Fox, Benjamin O
Fox, Philip Angus 427
Fox, William Edward 443
Frank. John H 912
Franke, Herman F 919
Frantz. Henry B 952
Franzen, Matriew 478
Frederick. Adolph 105
Freed, Harry H 250
Freeman, Robert Russell Lee 332
Freis, Adam W 264
Frew, James W 444
William Keller 431
Jacob Elias 764
Ralph M 824
Frederick William 383
Frick,
Friend,
Friend,
Friese,
Fink.
Bruno E.
Fritschel, Herman L.
Frost, Edward W...
Fry. Urias J
Fuller. Edward B...
Gattman. Henry
Gawin. August M...
Gawin,
Gehrke.
Gengler.
Georgi,
Gerber,
Gesell,
Gender
Geyer,
624
185
434
54:
son
667
745
John , ,324
65
865
863
79
<! I rich, William
Goodwin, George B 319
Coral, Boleslaus Edward 138
Coral, Felix Anthony 109
(loss, Charles Lincoln 54
Gottschalk, Gustav H 956
1 lottschalk, Siovi r,.j,|
Could, Charles Morton 134
Graebner, Wm. H 547
Graf, John 880
Graff, Henry 853
Graham, Chas. Wesley r>7
Cram. Edmund 975
Granger, Stephen A S23
Grant, William J 822
Gray, Alfred William 876
Alfnd William, Sr 875
Nathaniel A 875
William D 951
Arthur S 980
Benjamin 279
Gray;
Gray,
Gray,
Green
1 i-regory,
1 rregory,
Greulich
Griebel,
Robert ( !
Lawrence
Gennerotsky.i Fred
Georg. William V ,
Hermann Emi
Charles 469
Stephen 279
George.
Hugo J. W.
Ginzburger, David..
Glysz. Peter P
Godfrey, Byron R.
Goelzer, Lewis H..
Goes. Edward F
Gomber. Christ
606
605
64
681
719
858
928
847
John J 372
August 995
Frank L 479
Griewisch, Louis 564
Griffith, William S 100
Griswold, William S 362
Grobschmidt, John 851
Groom, John 84
Grose, Harry 717
Cross. Phillip 979
Gruendler, Edward 219
Gruenwald, Frank 729
Gruettner, Rudolph C 132
Crutza. Frank J 241
Guckenberger, Sebastian 628
Gue.tzkow, Herman A 251
Gulski, Hvacinth 126
Gumz. Rudolph 620
Gutknecht, William 353
Guttenstein. Bernard C 610
Guttenstein, Emanuel 609
Guttenstein, Sidney F 60S
Haase, Charles L 5S2
Haberstock, William 104
Hackett, James Hugh 424
Hackney, Clement 930
Haeberlein, George S66
Hall, Bannard Abram 351
Hall. Charles William 136
TTallbach. Louis 222
Halm. Edward 576
Hamilton. Alfred K 543
Ha m m . Henry 359
Arthur H 1005
Lawrence A 361
Adam 828
Henry 75
William T 9"i
Hargarten, Lambert J 191
Harnisehfeger, Henry 219
Harper, Geo. Arthur 835
William Dunlop 66
Otto A 474
Philander H 195
Harrison, Jeremiah Goble 101
Hartig Philip 258
Case, Charles F 541
Haubert, Charles 507
Hausmann, Theodore 16 <
Carman, Joel 499
Hazelwood, Robert T 349
Heitien, George A 513
Heller, Alexander J 41 1
Helm, John F JOG
Tiempe, Edward A M7
Henderson, Maurice L 193
Henderson, Stutley T 953
Hennessey, John J 546
Herron, Allen L 413
Herschman, Albert J re
Hess, J. Edward 115
Higgins, Charles A 748
1 [ansen,
Hansen,
1 ianst.
Harder,
Hardy,
Harper,
Harras,
Harris,
10
INDEX
Hilgendorf, Martin
Hilger. William F
J nil, Robert
Hill, Warren Brown
I lillenbrand, Charles
Hilton, Alfred
Hilton, William N
Bindley, Robert W
Hlnkley, Francis Daniels
Hinkley, George Madison
Hintze, Chas. P. A
Hinz, Richard C
Hirth, George G
Hoag, Harry J
Hoehl, Henry P
Hoehnen, William W
Hoerl, Henry *
Hoermann, Bernard Alfred
Holbrook, Arthur
Holbrook, Arthur Tenney
Holland. Carlton
Holm, John L
Holtz, Gustav
Holtz, Peter A
Homeyer, Dietrich
Honarath. Peter
Hopkinson, Daniel
Hopkinson, Lawrence
Hopkinson, William
Hopp, Adolph F
Houde, Edward C
Hoverson, Hans C
Howard, Orrin
Howard, Patrick
Howes, Merwin
Hoyer, Gustave C
Huebner, Herman
Hurley, Joseph P
II'Kting. Eugene L
1 lyile, Edwin
Hyzer, Edward M
Tnda, John S
Jacks, Charles C
Jackson, William Alfred
Jacobs, Kenneth W
Jaeger, Peter
Jahn, Ernst John
James, George A
James Joseph C
.Tankiewiez. Joseph
Jante, TIenry
.Tonkins, James Graham
Jenkins, John Brewster
Reinhart
Jermaln, Louis Francis
Jiran, Charles
Job • . Peter n
John, ' k F
Johnson, Edward Benjamin
Johnson, John Bestir
»n, Robert S
Jon A
l ' Milton
ir Morton
V I '
Irving
Jone*--. James T
.1 ' i ■ ; i
\
Iczynskl, John S
Kalkhoff, AIpl
Kalmerton, Edwar
Kamlnskl, Stanislaus W
Kampschr ry
r lctor
■ trtk, John
Karass, Hubert I'
273
414
2S
426
250
89
89
997
942
520
6.-,2
497
965
7'.'!'
100
615
179
72
685
876
88S
859
2S3
185
02n
990
421
4S6
490
151
•_>••;;
620
W2
7i::
804
187
247
670
623
26
.-::•_'
UNI
629
429
>;!»'
989
166
926
597
240
270
38
::■-:,
848
638
47
•117
32S
1S1
S7
B7
86
16$
55
21 s
212
Karel, John Colonel 776
Kastner, Alfred L 90
Kaul, Jacob 591
Kayser, Charles 598
Keenan, Matthew 47
Kehrmann, Joseph S37
Kellogg E. Wells 689
Kelly, John T 694
Kelly, Walter J 187
Kemp, Fred W 146
Kemper, Jackson Bloodgood 435
Kempsmith, Frank 296
Kempster, Walter 30
Kennedy, William R 408
Kerler, Louis 938
Kern, Adolph L 549
Kern. J. F 549
Kershaw, William John 52
Kitter, Frederick 215
Kettler, William 805
Kiefer, Alois L 313
Kielpinski, Rudolph Anton 107
Killian, Louis A 614
Kipp, Frank J 994
Kissinger, Jacob G 595
Kitzerow, Charles F 284
Klamp, Emil H 715
Kleczka, John C 715
Kleinsteuber, Monroe A 174
Klemm. Louis F 216
Kletzsch, Alvin P 495
Kletzsch, Gustave Adolph 691
Kletzsch, Herman Oscar 496
Klingler, John L 627
Klos, Casimir 209
Knabel. Frederick William 855
Kneeland, Norman L 387
Knell, Otto C 731
Knell, William R 783
Knitter, Joseph Clement 112
Koch, John C 897
668
544
307
573
379
Kopmeier, Gerhard J 987
Kopmeier, John Henry 922
Kortebeln, H. F 205
Kosak, Leo S 974
Kossat, Charles R 193
lei. Louis M 243
Kowalsky, Frank J 224
Krahnstover, Ernest 618
Krahnstover, William 66
Krasney, T.<->uis 5S7
Kratzsch, Arno W 411
Krauskopf, Moritz 970
Krembs, Ernsl M 146
Kremers, Alexander 217
k. B.-ml C 809
I Cerman 939
Theodore, Jr 964
her, Julius 506
Krueger, '"'tin F 69
Kruszka, Michael 957
Kuczynski, Prank B 324
Kuczynskl, Thomas 472
Kuehn, Louis 923
Kuhnmuench, Andrew Jacob 121
Kunny, Andrew 379
Kuntz. Adam 268
Kupka, Hygln Florian 108
Kura, August C 359
Kurzawa, Michael ■' 321
' ' 152
idward 173
i »utton 768
■ ■ car E 192
Lndewig, A lb< ri W 441
iLammert, Charles E 164
Koch. William A
Koehler, "U r m. H...
ECo I'tiick. Emil J. ...
Koethe, Richard
Kohlsdorf, Edwin G.
IXDKX
II
Landauer, Adolpn 585
Lando, David Herman 71
Lando. M. X 532
I. and, .It, William II 721
Lasche, Alfred J. M 611
l.awiio. James, Sr 670
Leavens, Albert Fuller 816
Lee, John Edward 682
Leedom, James 181
Le Fevre, Clement F 15S
Leich, Frederick, Jr 994
Leister, Oscar Hiram 369
Lempicki, Stanislaw J 323
Leonard, John Walter 918
Lewis, Clinton H 448
Lewis. Sherman T 4S4
Leypoldt. Fred 348
Liepe, Arthur C 498
Lindsay, Edmond J 757
Linke, William H 70
Litza, Jacob J. Jr 999
Lochemes, Michael Joseph 789
Lofy, Albert Joseph 833
Logan, De Veauxelle D 119
Loge. Edward S 144
Lombard, John William Peterson 826
Loveland, Charles Alvin 947
Lucas, Abram Nicholas 176
Lucas, Henry 1006
Ludwig, John C 868
Luebben, Percy B 348
Lueneburg, Fred 712
Luenzmann, Frank 476
Lutz, Edward G 163
McCabe, Harry 913
McCabe, James 569
McCabe, Maurice A 340
McElroy, Thomas Henrv 933
McElrov, William J 463
McGee, Charles A. A 9S0
McGinn, Joseph H 899
McGovern, Francis E 787
McGovern, John J 422
McGovern, Patrick Henry 454
McGuffin, James 561
McKhitt, William E 1SS
McLean, Charles M 303
McLinden, John J 837
McMahon, Bernard J 836
McNamara. Michael J 661
McNary, John Foster 794
McNarv, William Duncan 424
Mack. Louis G. J 137
Mackie, William 577
Madden. "William Nicholas 355
Madison, James Daniel 683
Mahler, Reuben 390
Mahoney, James E 455
Ma iohrowicz. Bruno 232
Malek, Constantine J. M Sin
Malone, James F 710
Malone, Thomas C 452
Manegold, Charles 956
Manson, Lester C 364
Marcan, Carl M 119
Markham, George C 967
Marks, Solon 482
Marlewski, Theodore T 207
Marshall, Samuel 762
Martin, Eugene 981
Martin, James 601
Mase, Albert Jule 162
Maternowski, Stanislaus 999
Matthews, Quiney A 82
Mauer, Lorenz 156
Mautz, Henry 840
Mayer, Fred J 519
Mayer, George P 61
Meehan, Patrick 944
Mehl, Hugo Francis '. 203
Moinke. John J. D 43
Meiselbach. August D 1003
Menger, Charles 280
Mi r. ,iith, John T
.Mii-tin, Gustav 391
Metz, John 557
Meyer, Fred C 985
Meyer, Louis I'd
Michels, Anthony F 107
Middlemas, Archibald 013
Mlddleton, William C 960
Mieding, Albert Edward 190
Mietus, John 124
Mietus, Joseph 128
Miksch, Charles 748
Miller, August C SI
Miller, George Peckham 39
Miller, Henry 857
Miller, Morris 171
Milwaukee Yacht Club 968
Moeller, Bruno 725
Moedinger, Charles C 165
Moerschel, Jacob 80
Moffitt, Thomas Henry 276
Mohr, Ernst 173
Mollinger, Simon M 417
Moore, William Henry 884
Morton, Harvey Greenwood 93
Moss, Marshall C 42
Muekerheide, Albert J 186
Mueller, August 851
Mueller, Fred W 310
Mueller, Frederick W 469
Mueller, Jean Christian 149
Mueller, John -...'.. 167
Mueller, Robert W 625
Mulholland, Peter F .' 570
Murphy, Daniel Edmund 140
Murphv, Francis E 364
Murphy, Philip ; 899
Murray, Walter J 579
Mutz, Frank 633
Neacy, T. J 945
Neelen, Neele Bruno.., 792
Neff. Sidney Orren 650
Neidner, Herman 900
Neilson, Walter H 689
Neilson. William C 656
Nelson, Lars M 593
Nelson, William H 567
Nelson. William Vincent 203
Nemmers, Erwin Plein 385
Nethercut. William R 952
Neubert, "William L 120
Nichols. George J 642
Niemann, Henry 619
Nicholus. Hugo F 129
Xichol. John T 232
Nichols. Willard Thompson 70S
Nicholson. Isaac Lea 705
Niven. John McKean 692
Nobles, Byron 708
Norman. John R 712
Norris. Greenleaf Dudley 257
Notz. Eberhard John William 695
Novak, Anton 228
Nnvos. Cassius Miller 903
Nuelk, Herman 852
Nuesse, Louis 386
Nugent, Michael J 522
Oakland. Harry G 560
Oberembt, Bernhard H 6(1
O'Brien. James S 692
Oesterreich, August 616
Ogden, Joseph Oscar 287
Ogden, Lewis Morris 4H1
i)i. is. Edwin W 83
Olsen. Inerar 815
O'Neil. George F 807
Orth. John M 736
Orth. Philip 221
Otjen, Theobald 529
Otten, Joseph G 139
(•wens. C. Columbus 180
Owens, Richard G 214
Pabst, Frederick 986
12
INDEX
Paine, Obed W 553
Painter, Benjamin 356
Palmer, Alva E 744
Palmer, Henry L 731
Panetti, Ernest Jacob 417
Paradowski. Roman J 130
Paringer, Ferdinand 15S
Parker, Benjamin P 392
Parks, Warham 9S7
Parry, Richard R 278
Parsons, Nathaniel Spencer 356
Patterson, Frederick W 449
Patton, Luddington S95
Patton, Wilford M 169
Pawlak,, Jos. L 53S
Peacock, Samuel Frederick 127
Peairs, Ralph P 73
Pease, Lynn S 90S
Peck, George Wilbur S62
Peckham, George William 5S6
Pendergast. Thomas J 206
Perrigo. William H 511
Perry. William Watson 63
138
64?
538
523
397
Charles H 37S
John 345
Patrick 306
, Peter F 222
. Stanley E 229
T. E 808
Peters, Alvin E.
Peters, Carl Vogt..
Petrykowski, W. L.
Pfister, Charles F...
Phelps, Frank O
Phillips,
Phillips,
Phillips.
Piasecki
Piasecki
Pierce.
Pierron, Louis S30
Pipkorn. Harry W 630
Pirie, William S 893
Platzer. George Thomas 2S5
Plimpton, Howard Daniel 896
Poellman, Michael J 865
Pohl, Gustav Adolph 311
Polczvnski, John F 209
Polski, Stanley F 238
Pommer, Ernest 221
Poppert, George 259
Porth, Henry Charles 290
Poss, Benjamin 785
Potter, Walter Burleigh 172
Powell, William E 634
Poznanski, Frank 239
Pozorski, Stephen J 211
Pradzynski, Anthony 110
Prasser, Gustav 944
Preuss, Rudolph 2s1
Preusser, Gustav 928
Priester. William 580
Priestley, William E 320
Pritzlaff, John . >~
Prokop. Michael 477
Pritzlaff. Richard Bernhard 286
Puetz, Jordon 728
Puis, Arthur John 786
Purtell, Edward J 74
Purtell, John Edwin 74
Purtell. Joseph A 192
Purtell, Thomas A 75
Purtelle, Patrick William 255
Putten, Victor 131
Quaxles, Charles 1f>
Quarles. Joseph V 866
Quln, Joseph F 71
Radcliffe, Charles Allen 299
Radtke, Julius E 678
Rai 'z. Gustav
Raffauf, Alexander E 179
Raffauf, Jacob
Rahn, Charles 936
Rainor. Joseph
Rakowski. Stanislaus A.
Ramien. Rirhard 1".
1 1 i r. i Charles F
Rauwald, Joseph
R Charli s
Read, Albert J 170
Rebhan, August 550
Rediske Brothers 237
Regan, Eugene D 443
Regenf uss, George 102
Rehnquist, Olaf 51S
Reich, William Frederick 416
Reilly, Charles J 5S1
Reinertsen, Emma May Alexander... 769
Reinertsen, Hans E 579
Reinertsen, Robert Christian 772
Reitman, Leo 381
Revnolds, Charles T 638
Revnolds, Nelson W 412
Richter, Albert J .". 767
Richter, A. Leo 768
Richter. Rudolph G 95
Richards, Charles Dana 276
Richardson, Ansou B 571
Riebs, Alexander G 85
Riedl, John A 874
Riehl, Fred William 204
Ries, Florian J 459
Riesen, Richard 677
Rietbrock, Frederick 124
Riley, Daniel B 834
Rix, Carl B 343
Robbins, Edward S 703
Roberts, Arthur Price 304
Roberts, Richard Watson 341
Robinson. Willard B 122
Rodermund. Mathew Joseph 154
Roemer, John H 533
Rogers, Henry Gil man 394
Rogers, Isaac P 890
Rogers, Oswald 275
Rohde, Paul Charles 277
Rohner, Theodore 363
Rohr. Hugo 5(59
Rolfs. Theodore Henry 201
Romadka. John M 641
Rose. David Stuart 526
Rosecrantz, Clark Milligan 457
Rosenbaum, Charles F 568
Rosenheimer, Meyer 559
Rossow. John 617
Rothe. Charles 7S0
Rowell, George H 539
Rozewski. Michael M 713
Rozmarynowski, Anton George 130
Rubin, William Benjamin 376
Rummel, Jacob 675
Rumsev. Lee S 99
Runkel. Albert C 462
Runkel. Wallace William 413
Rupp, Paul H 406
Ryan. Franeis C 531
Ryan, Hugh 57
Pack. Edward 758
Saleiitine, Henry 285
Salomon, Charles 635
Sanborn. Perley Roddls 946
Sanborn, Sherburn 658
Sanford, Arthur 1 1 713
Sanger, William F 726
Saur, Frank Nicholas 833
Sawyer, Silas J 901
Sayles, Berl Leslie 504
Soanlan, Charles Martin 428
Scharff, Gustav 256
S. •hand. in. Adolph 600
Schaper, Albert w 137
Scherft, Herman 235
Schlaefer, Allen Jacob 114
Schlaeger, Hugo Henry August 109
Schlapmann, Charles 781
Schlelf, Edward J 567
Schlenstedt, 1 lottlob 930
3chleslnger, Arm ill A 940
id. 'v.. Henry L 856
hi. v. Charles 63]
590 Schmellng, Fred S 846
Schmidt, Frederick H 860
i N i )i:x
13
Schmi.lt, Michael 1001
Schmidt, Richard 396
Schmidt, h'rank 607
Schmitt, Gustav 7:>G
Schmitt, John 790
Schmitt, Philip 795
Schneider, Adelbert 200
Schneider, Emil 603
Schneider, Herman J 253
Schneider, John M 475
Schneider, Louis 673
Schnetz, Thomas N 150
Schoene, Emil 44S
Schocnocker, Vincenz, J. Jr 625
Schocnccker, Vincenz, J. Sr 626
Schocnleber, Otto J 932
Schoknecht, Louis ; 676
Scholl, Charles 629
Schorse, Otto 769
Scho waiter, Jacob 139
Schram, David L 273
Schram, Julius 274
Schram, Samuel Jacob 274
Schramka, Valentine Leo 325
Schreibeis, Louis 747
Schroeder, John 500
Schroeder, William 399
Schroeder. William A 766
Schroth, Adam L 252
Schuerbrock, Victor 510
Schulte, Adolph Paul 820
Schultz, Alfred G 657
Schultz. Prank J 419
Schuster, Frank 510
Schutt, Herman G 361
Schwab, Henry W 178
Schwaiger, J. A 722
Schwan, Herman E. G 850
Schwandt, Samuel A 135
Schwartzburg, Edward H 948
Schwartzburg, William C 720
Schwefel, Adolph George 964
Schweickhart, George 959
Seaman, Gilbert E 426
Seeboth, Michael A 548
Seefeid, William Charles 343
Seemann, Frank 653
Seymour, Aaron 937
Sevmour, Frank M 555
Shaw, Henry Melvine 288
Sheets, Harrv M 460
Sheldon, John 991
Sheriffs, James 294
Sherman, Lewis 911
Showalter, Edwin A 132
Sichling, George M 262
Sieger, William 854
Siegert, Benjamin 927
Sievers, Peter 811
Silverman, Edward 724
Simpson, William H 175
Sindorf, Fred 718
Skinner, James Washburn 950
Skobis, Joseph 347
Skohis, Joseph C 542
Smith, Bryant 707
Smith, Eugene F 199
Smith, Henrv 9S3
Smith, Richard Joseph 832
Smoke, Jacob D 226
Soderburg, George Carl 505
Souders, Walter G 177
Souther, F. T 9SS
Southwell. Carolus Phelps 723
Spencer, Robert Closson 34
Spindler. William C 400
Spitz. Milton M 69
Stachowiak, Charles 212
Stafeil. William J 153
Stamm. John C 782
Stark, Henrv J 540
Starke, Christopher H 698
791
358
365
881
347
Steenberg, Hubert Spencer lis
Stealing, diaries W kxig
Steinman, Henry J 255
Steinmueller, Carl ijs\
Steinmueller, Fred 171
Stern, Albert F "!! 545
Stevens, George Henry 7.-,:;
Stewart, Morsman 33a
Stirn, August \[\ 817
Stockhausen,"Haiis Gustav von .......[ 380
Stollenwerk, Elias ss2
Stollenwerk, Frank ..!!!! 226
Stollenwerk, Joseph T 322
Stollenwerk, Nicholas 227
Stoddard, Charles H
Stolz, Joseph
Strasen, John C ...
Strachota, Wenzell '
Streeter, George A ..,
Strothenke, William .'.' 663
Strzempkoski, Vincent M 237.
Stubenbeck, Joseph 864
Stuetzel, Eugene P 463
Suelflow, Frank W 590
Sullivan, Edward M 253
Suminski, John 1 453
Sure, Julius Hilton .....444
Surman, Stephen Henry 277
Sweemer, William , 419
Swigart, Carl A ] 823
Swigart, Edmund K 943
Sykes, Sylvester 657
Szarzynski, Max 224
Szatkowski, Lucas 210
Szukalski, Marion, A 233
Szukalski, Teofil 236
Tamms, Otto H 844
Tanner, Emil E 202
Taylor, Harry L 588
Taylor, William George 331
Taylor, William Thomas 272
Tegge, Charles E 500
Tellier, Jacob 184
Tennessen, Louis F 856
Ternes, Meinrad 613
Terry, Frank Henry 336
Thatcher, Edmund Sheldon 140
Thayer, Winslow W 346
Theisen, John H 706
Thielges, Charles 816
Thienhaus, Charles Otto 487
Thierbach, Herman 648
Thiers, David B 592
Thill. Dominic P 447
Thomas, George L 25
Thomas, William H 895
Thompson, Mathew H 327
Thompson, Thomas Barnev 314
Thompson, William W 508
Tighe, Edward A 289
Titsworth, Judson 455
Tomkiewicz, Anton 575
Tomkowiak, Thomas 885
Towne, Carroll Milton Edmund 92
Traudt, Bernard George
Traudt, John Jr ,
Trost, Hugo J
Trowbridge, Henry
Trowbridge, William E.
Truesdell. Charlie L
Turner, William Joseph...
Tylicki, Nicholas
Ullrich, Ignatius John
Umbreit, Augustus C.
366
562
370
502
502
467
790
9S3
363
440
I'mbreit, Milton H 529
Fnertl, John T 467
Vallier. Mead P 843
Van Alstvne. Jerome 963
Van Beck. Theodore 846
Vance. David 985
Van Ells, James H 67
Van Rhienen, William 809
Stearns, Gustav 367Van Valkenburgh, Franklin Butler
773
14
INDEX
Van Valkenburgk, Frank P 870 1
Van Wormer, Joseph 254
Vedder, Albert H
Vilter, Theodore O
Voeks, August
Vogel, Frederick, Sr
Von Baumbach, William
Von Stockhausen, Hans Gustav
596
924
864
699
387
380
Wabiszewski, Michael 225
Wabiszewski, Sylvester J 714
Wagner, Ernst 634
Wagner, K 453
Walch, Theodore A 1002
Walczak, Stephen 516
Wallis, Joseph H 451
Wallscklaeger, August Frederick 839
Walsh, Francis A 21
Walwig, Samuel 969
Warren, Joseph A 971
Warren, Luther A 390
Wasielewski, Frank S 452
Wasserberger, Henry J 813
Watkins, William 358
Watkins,
Watrous,
William Wirt.
Jerome A.
William Walter. . .
Adam G
Burchard Andrew.
Ernest J
Fred R
John A
55
861
705
165
466
442
639
674
Frederick W 236
Webb,
Weber,
Weber,
Weber,
Weber,
Wedda,
Wedig,
Wegge, William F 560
Wegner. John W 530
Wehe, Waldemar C 368
Weidenbacher, Henry August 330
Weiher, John 231
Weinhagen, George 163
Weise, Paul 293
Weise, Rudolph 967
Weisel, Paul 803
Weishan, Joseph 229
Welcker, Johannes Herman 197
Wellauer, Jacob 301
Wendel, John Adolph 73
Wendel, W. C 801
Wentworth, Charles Chester 326
Weuzel, John G 993
Paul F 170
Henry C 416
Charles E 891
Julius 338
485
Whitcomb, Henry Franklin.
White, Adam George
White, Moses James
Whitehead, Richard Doremus.
696
489
401
665
^ ulule, Christian 267
Wilks, George William.
Williams, O. W
Williams, Robert W
Williams, Watkin D
Wilson, Arthur R
Wilson, Harry N
Wilson, William Albertus.
Winckler, Charles F.
662
406
361
602
688
174
337
. 603
Wingerter, Martin 183
654
17
183
582
233
C.
Wenzel,
Werner,
Weston,
Wetzler,
Wheeler, Allen E.
Winkel, Fred
Winkler, Frederick
Winter, Fred N
Winter, Mrs. May
Wisniewski, Bolislaus
Witte, Richard Sinclair 738
Witte, William Carl Ferdinand 739
Wolf, Herman F 627
Wolf, Robert 272
Wolfgram, Frank D 313
Wood, Thomas H 404
Wrangell, Ludvig 145
Wright, Clement Blake Bergin 46
Wright, Edward Pur don 740
Wright, Percy Bennet 94
Wurster, Emanuel E. A 839
Wurster, Erwin Grover 461
Wurster, Jacob 29S
Wussow, Hugo F 578
Yockey, Chauncey William 113
Young, Albert J 133
Young. George W 949
Zaleski, Wladislaus S 242
Zartner, Joseph 551
Zartzin, Abner 767
Zartzin, John C 413
Zaun, George Frederick 189
Zaun, John B 234
Zautcke, Fred J 842
Zeigler, Frank 759
Ziehl, John 90
Ziemann, Henrv 243
Zila, Charles 364
Zimmers, Michael 490
Zinn, Albert 720
Zopff, Berthold A 593
Zweifel, Nicholas 503
Zvchlinski, Casimir 323
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Facing Page. IKeenan, Matthew 47
Irving M 910 Kneeland. Norman L 387
John A 92Knell, William R 783
Cyrus D 493 Manegold, Charles L 956
William J 142 Metz, John 557
214
731
647
789
959
467
969
17
Bean,
Becher
Booth,
Denny,
Lonsing, William 621 Owen, Richard G
Ebert, Robert B 305 Palmer, Henry L
Edwin Hyde 26 Peters, Carl Vogt ...
Ewens, Anthony C, Jr 291 Rainer, Joseph
Ginzburger, David 64 Schweickhart, George
Hinklev, George M 520 T T nertl, John T
Holland, Carlton 888 Walwig, Samuel
Jenkins, James G 38 Winkler, Frederick C.
',1 NT. FREDERICK C. WINKLER
MEMOIRS OF
MILWAUKEE COUNTY
BIOGRAPHICAL
Frederick C. Winkler, son of Carl and Elizabeth (Overbeck)
Winkler, was born in Bremen, Germany, March 15, 1838, his par-
ents then residing" in that city. The father came to the United
States in 1842, locating in Milwaukee, where he opened a drug
store. Two years later he was joined by his wife and children, and
Frederick C. was reared in that city, obtaining his education in
the public schools, which, although greatly inferior to those of the
present day, offered advantages superior to those to be obtained
elsewhere in Wisconsin in the territorial and early statehood days.
He began his legal studies at the age of eighteen in the office of H.
L. Palmer, and at the age of twenty he removed to Madison and
continued his studies in the office of Abbott, Gregory & Pinney, be-
ing admitted to the bar at Madison on April 19, 1859. Returning
to Milwaukee 'he began the practice of his profession in his home
city and had entered upon a most promising career when the break-
ing out of the Civil war changed his plans for a time. The Twen-
ty-sixth Wisconsin infantry, a German regiment, was organized
in Milwaukee and vicinity, and F. C. Winkler became captain of
Company B. It was mustered in on Sept. 17, 1862, left the state
Oct. 6, following, and joined the movement toward the Rappahan-
nock, spending the winter in drill, guard and picket duty. It partici-
pated in the battle of Chancellorsville, May 2, 1863, the men fight-
ing like veterans, and was at Gettysburg, July 1 to 3, Captain
Winkler being attached to the staff of General Schurz. In a re-
port of this battle one authority says that the Twenty-sixth "fought
like demons," and in this engagement both the lieutenant-colonel
and major of the regiment were wounded. Captain Winkler then
became acting field officer. After the battle of Chickamauga, Sept.
20 and 21, the regiment was sent with General Hooker's forces
from the Army of the Potomac to the relief of General Rosecrans
at Chattanooga. In November following the colonel left the organ-
l8 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
ization, and from that time until the close of the war, Captain Wink-
ler was in command, and was advanced to the rank of colonel. The
regiment under his command took part in the battle of Mission
Ridge in November, 1863, and the campaign into East Tennessee for
the relief of Knoxville which followed it. In the spring of 1864,
when Gen. Sherman organized his army for the invasion of Georgia,
it became part of the Third brigade, Third division of the Twen-
tieth corps, of which the command was given to General Hooker.
It thenceforth took part in all of General Sherman's campaigns,
fought many skirmishes and took part in nearly every battle. Per-
haps its severest struggle was at Peachtree Creek, July 20, 1864.
Of that action the official report of Colonel Wood, then commander
of the brigade, contains the following: "Where all behaved well it
may be regarded as invidious to call attention to individuals, yet
it seems to me that I cannot discharge my whole duty in this re-
port without pointing out for especial commendation, the conduct
of the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin volunteer infantry, and its brave
and able commander. The position of this regiment in the line was
such that the brunt of the attack on this brigade fell upon it. The
brave, skillful and determined manner in which it met the attack,
rolled back the onset and pressed forward in a counter-charge and
drove back the enemy could not be excelled by the troops in this
or any other army, and is worthy of the highest commendation and
praise. It is to be hoped that such conduct will be held up as an
example for others, and will meet its appropriate reward." — (Annual
report of Wis. Adjt. Gen. for 1864, p. 80.) The regiment marched
with Sherman to the sea, and from Savannah through the Caro-
linas to Richmond, participating in hot fighting at Averasboro and
Bentonville. It took part in the Grand Review in Washington,
then proceeded to Milwaukee, where it was mustered out on June
28, 1865, Colonel W r inkler being brevetted brigadier-general of vol-
unteers "for meritorious service." Gen. William Cogswell, of
Massachusetts, then in command of the brigade, in his final report
to the War Department, mentioned the Twenty-sixth AYisconsin
as "one of the finest military organizations in the service." Before
the command of the regiment fell to his hands, Captain Winkler
gave a large measure of his time to duties as judge advocate of
many courts-martial, charged at times with the trial of the most
weighty offenses. In five or six cases it became his duty to certify
to headquarters sentences of death ; all but two of these were com-
muted. In the court of inquiry to investigate certain reflections on
Maj.-Gen. Carl Schurz and a part of his command, contained in
General Hooker's official report of the night battle at Wauhatchie
in Lookout Valley, Colonel Winkler was, at the request of General
Schurz, appointed his counsel, and as a result of the inquiry Gen-
eral Schurz and his subordinate. Col. F. Hecker, were "fully ex-
onerated from the strictures contained in General Hooker's report."
After leaving the military service General Winkler resumed the
practice «»t" his profession, and has been for the past forty years one
the leading attorneys of the city, Messrs. A. R. R. Butler, Tames
Jenkins, T. B. Elliott. A. A. L. Smith, John T. Fish, Edward P.
BIOGRAPHICAL I')
Vilas, James G, Flanders, E. H. Bottum and C. F. Fawsett having
been at different times associated with him as partners. 1 Hiring- the
lasl ten years or more he has given a largo portion of his time to
the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, being a trustee
and member of the Finance and Executive committees of that
bod)'. In politics he has always supported the Republican parly.
Mis marriage to Miss Frances M. Wightman occurred in 1864, ami
six daughters and three sons have been born to the union. In char-
acter General Winkler is a man who commands the widest respect
and admiration. His devotion to duty as a soldier exhibits the
same qualities of courage, firmness, energy and faithfulness to the
trusts reposed in him that have marked his life as a citizen and a
professional man. He is an aide jurist and has won in his profes-
sion the large success commensurate with his ability. In social
life he is a refined and cultured gentleman.
Charles Quarles, deceased, was one of the conspicuous mem-
bers of the legal fraternity in Milwaukee throughout a period of
twenty years, and being recognized as profound and able, he easily
took rank with the leading lawyers of the state. He was a younger
brother of Judge J. V. Quarles, of whom extended personal men-
tion is made elsewhere in this volume, and in the same connection
mention has been made of the fact that their father was one of
the pioneer settlers of Kenosha. Charles Quarles was born in
Kenosha on Feb. 13, 1846, grew to manhood in that place and be-
gan his professional career in the same city. After passing through
the full course of study in the public schools and being graduated
in the high school, he entered the University of Michigan at Ann
Arbor and pursued the classical course until the latter part of the
senior year. While at Ann Arbor he was a member of the Greek
letter society of the Alpha Delta Phi. He left the I "niversity a
few months before the time for graduation, but some thirty years
later, in 1898, that institution conferred upon him the degree of A.
B. and ranked him with his class of 1868. His first encounter with
the world was in Chicago, where he entered the offices of the Home
Fire Insurance Company of New York, remaining thus engaged for
about three years, after which he spent two years in the West,
principally in southwest Kansas and Indian Territory. While at
work in Chicago he had resolved to become a member of the bar,
and at the end of his western sojourn, in 1874, he returned to Wis-
consin and began the study of law in the office of Head & Quarles
at Kenosha. He was a diligent student, pursued a thorough and
systematic course of reading, and was admitted to practice in 1875.
He immediately began the practice of his profession in Kenosha,
which city was the base of his operations for the ensuing thirteen
years, at the end of which period his services were in such demand
that lie determined to enter a wider sphere of activity. In the
spring of 1888 he united with his brother, Joseph V. Quarles, and
Thomas W. Spence, then practicing at Racine, to form the firm
first known as Quarles, Spence & Dyer, and later as Quarles,
Spence & Quarles, which soon commanded a large business and
rapidly entered the front rank. The firm had offices both in Mil-
20 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
waukee and Racine and consequently Mr. Quarles moved to Mil-
waukee. As a member of this firm Mr. Quarles contributed his full
share toward the attainment of its high repute, and he became per-
sonally conspicuous among the able and accomplished lawyers of
the city and state. In the division of professional labor between
members of the firm, it fell to him, in a large proportion of cases, to
give attention to the points of law involved in cases at bar, and as
a natural consequence he acquired special distinction in this con-
nection. As a lawyer he laid no claim to oratory and his addresses
to court and jury were usually made in conversational style. But
such was the purity of his diction and the clearness of his thought,
that they made an argument on the dryest subject a delight. His
addresses to juries were masterful efforts, characterized by a com-
prehensive grasp of the evidence and a profound knowledge of hu-
man nature. His arguments to the court were always to the point,
and he had a way of keeping his opponents to the point which often
proved disastrous to them. Among the most recent of the import-
ant litigation in which he took part, the Schandein will case will
be the most quickly recalled to mind, on account of the magnitude
of the interests involved as well as of the great interest which the
controversy aroused throughought this country and Europe. On
Mr. Quarles fell the responsibility of resisting the effort made by
the son and daughter of Wisconsin's wealthiest woman to break
the will which left the greater portion of her estate to their sister.
The battle, which was fought out for nearly two months, was a
memorable one and the victory scored by Mr. Quarles was decisive.
After the conclusion of this contest, the subject of this memoir
figured prominently in the inheritance tax case against the estate
of Capt. Frederick Pabst. He also won a complete victory in the
Pfister case, and was prominently connected with the litigations
growing out of the Bigelow bank failure. At the time of his death
Mr. Quarles was engaged as one of the counsel for the defendants
in the suit brought by the attorney-general of the state against the
street railway company and others for the annulment of the fran-
chise of that corporation, and in the argument of the preliminary
motions he took an important part. He gave special attention to
corporate law, as it relates to the steadily growing interests in-
volved in industrial and social questions, being regarded as an
authority on these complicated problems, and he was engaged in
some of the most important cases arising out of the conflict of in-
terests between labor and capital. Leading members of the Mil-
waukee bar, upon his sudden and unexpected death, joined in pay-
ing tributes to the worth of Mr. Quarles as a man and a lawyer,
among which was the following by Judge John C. Lndwig: "I can
only say at this moment that Mr. Quarles was one of the most
prominent attorneys in the state. He was a man not only of the
highest standing in his profession, but was highly educated outside
of that, and was generally well informed. He was a thorough
gentleman, a man of most amiable disposition, a man of the most
acute mind, and highly respected by all who knew him." While he
was a firm believer in the platform expressions of the Republican
BIOGRAPHICAL 21
party, he was never active in practical politics. He held but two
public offices during his life, taking them at the earnest solicitations
of many citizens — president of the school board of Milwaukee and
also at Kenosha while living there. The position of school director
he was appointed to in 1897, and his associates on the board recog-
nized the public spirit which prompted a busy man like him to give
a portion of his time to the schools by unanimously electing him
president of the board. He also served one term as a member of
the state board of examiners for the admission of applicants to the
bar. He managed to hud some time for the social side of life, and
was a member of the Milwaukee, the Deutscher, the Country, the
University and the Yacht clubs and the Archaeological Society,
and his love for animals was attested by his membership in the
Wisconsin Humane Society. He was also a member of the Masonic
order. He was fond of outdoor sports and made it a rule to en-
joy at least one fishing trip a year, going to either Florida or
California. He had returned from an annual outing in the latter
state a few days before his death, that deplorable event occurring on
April 8, 1908. Mr. Ouarles was married in November, 1881, to
Miss Emma Thiers, of Kenosha, who survives him. Their union
was blessed by the birth of four children : Louis Ouarles and
Charles Bullen Ouarles, who were associated with him in the law
firm of Ouarles, Spence & Quarles ; Henry Capron Ouarles, who is
a senior at the University of Wisconsin, and Miss Ethel Ouarles.
who is a student at Vassar College.
Francis A. Walsh, of Milwaukee, Wis., has been a member of
Wolcott Post, G. A. R., in that city, since 1886, in which local or-
ganization he filled the chair ofi commander in 1903. In the same
year he was appointed by Gen. Thomas J. Stuart, commander-in-
chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, to the position of in-
spector-general of the national department, and in 1906 he was chief
of start of the department commander of Wisconsin. Mr. Walsh
was born at East Greenwich, R. I., July 9, 1847, tne son °f James
T. and Mary F. (O'Neil) Walsh. While the subject of this review
was an infant the family removed from Rhode Island to Trumans-
burg, Tompkins county, New York, where the father was con-
nected with the McClennel Nursery Company. From that point he
came west in 1853 ar, d established a nursery at Lena, 111., intend-
ing that his family should join him later, but before they came
he met death in a railroad accident. Notwithstanding this great
calamity the mother decided to follow the plans previously ar-
ranged, and in 1854 she removed to Lena with her children. She
w r as an educated woman, and after locating at Lena followed the
profession of teaching to support her family of five boys and two
girls. Her son, Francis A., attended school at Lena and worked
at farming, and was engaged in the latter occupation when the
news was received of the battle of Pea Ridge. A brother who had
enlisted in the Ninth Iowa infantry was reported killed in this
engagement, and the sad news, although happily incorrect, fired
the youth to the point of entering the service himself. He had
wanted to enlist earlier, but the objections of his mother pre-
22 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
vailed. In April, 1862, although less than fifteen years old, he
enlisted in Company H of the Sixty-seventh Illinois infantry, a regi-
ment organized at Camp Douglas and mustered into the United
States service for three months. It relieved the veteran forces
at Camp Douglas for a time and the latter were sent to the front.
Soon after his enlistment our subject was one of the volunteers se-
lected to make the exchange of prisoners at Vicksburg, Miss., and
did not return until the fall of 1862, being mustered out of the serv-
ice in October. He then enlisted in Company G, Forty-sixth Illinois
infantry, but his trip to Vicksburg had impaired his health, result-
ing in pneumonia, and fie was not mustered in. After regaining his
health he became an apprentice at the machinist trade, engaging
with the Illinois Locomotive Shops at Amboy, 111., and rapidly ac-
quired a technical knowledge of that occupation. He then went to
Logansport, Ind., and entered the employ of the Chicago & Great
Eastern railway, remaining some time and holding a place of au-
thority in the round house. He then went to Chicago and was
with the Gates Iron Works as a machinist, and later he was with
several other firms until he engaged with the Cornell "Watch Com-
pany at Grand Crossing, where he had charge of the machine shops
and mechanical works until the establishment was sold and re-
moved to California. Mr. Walsh then entered the employ of Nor-
ton Bros., tinware manufacturers, with whom he remained a num-
ber of years, and during which time he invented a number of ap-
pliances which were patented. He then opened a place of his own
in Chicago and began manufacturing a machine, invented by him-
self, for the making of cans used by the large meat packers. He
then became a competitor of Norton Bros., who were using several
of his inventions, and after building up a large business he removed
to Milwaukee in 1883 an< ^ established himself in business there,
making a splendid success. He was just completing his present
large "Walsh" building on the corner of South Water and Reed
streets in 1901, when he consolidated his business with the Ameri-
can Can Company, in which he is still largely interested. Alto-
gether Mr. Walsh has invented some seventy-five or eighty de-
vices for the manufacture of machinery for making cans, and today
they are in use all over this and other countries. He was a pioneer
in that line of work, both as an inventor and promoter, but at pres-
ent he is chieflv interested in the transfer and storage warehouse
business in the city of Milwaukee. Mr. Walsh was married to Miss
Mary Ella Jones, of Elgin, 111., and to this union were born four
children. The eldest child, Francis Herbert, was a member of the
Wisconsin National Guard (troop A of Milwaukee) for twelve
years and then removed to Colorado, where he enlisted in Troop
C of the Colorado National Guard. He was serving with this com-
mand during the Cripple Creek labor disturbances, and as the re-
sult of exposure in the service he contracted pneumonia, and being
taken to Colorado Springs died there on Feb. 25. 1902. at the age of
31 years. He never married. Grace A., the second born, married
George M. Whitcomb, of Desplaines. 111., and the other two are
Cora F. and Nell IT., both residents of Milwaukee. The family has
BIOGRAPHICAL 2$
membership in the St. James Episcopal church, and Mr. Walsh is
a Republican in his political affiliations. Charles J. Walsh, a.
brother of the subject of this review, and he who was reported
killed at the battle of Pea Ridge, was seriously wounded in that
engagement by being shot through both ankles by a minie-ball. He
then returned to his home in Lena, 111., and after recovering from
his wounds he enlisted in the Seventeenth Illinois cavalry and
served until the close of the w r ar. He never recovered entirely
from his injuries, and after the close of the war he became a travel-
ing salesman, dying while upon one of his trips at Norwalk, Ohio,
in 1880. Another brother, James T. Walsh, was a musician in the
military band of Gen. Grant's command. Prior to the war he
learned the trade of shoemaking, engaged in business in Galena,
111., and frequently made purchases of leather from Gen. Grant's
father, who was in business at that place. After the war James T.
Walsh located in Chicago, where he was in the shoe business for a
time and then engaged in the paper jobbing business. He died in
Chicago on Jan. 23, 1904. A brother-in-law, Andrew McCausland,
was also a soldier in the Ninety-second Illinois infantry.
Oscar Wilhelm Carlson, M. D., a native of Stockholm, Sweden,
is the only member of his immediate family to come to America.
He was born Aug. 1, 1843, an d is a son of Charles J. and Caroline
Sophia (Leuthstrom) Carlson, the former for many years con-
nected with the Swedish army, and the latter a descendant of a
French family who followed the fortunes of Bernadotte into
Sweden, and was among his loyal supporters after he became king.
Two of Dr. Carlson's maternal uncles having settled in America,
the lad, at the age of ten years, set out alone to join them, taking
passage in a sailing vessel from Goteborg. The third day out the
vessel was wrecked by a storm, and drifted helplessly about for
three months before it was sighted and towed into the harbor of
Londonderry, Ireland. Lmdaunted by this terrible experience, he
again took passage for New York, arriving in that port Jan. 13,
1854, and immediately continued his journey to Columbus, Ohio,
to the home of his uncle. Dr. Leuthstrom. The following year he
accompanied his uncle to Waukesha, Wis., where he attended the
public schools for some three years, and then went to St. Croix
county, where he was employed in a lumber camp. Returning to
Waukesha in August, 1862, he enlisted in the Twenty-eighth Wis-
consin infantry, and served the full term of three years. He was
with his regiment in its operations in Arkansas and on the Missis-
sippi, and in the brilliant engagement at Helena wdien the Union
forces of 4,000 were attacked by the enemy numbering 18,000. He
was also in the siege of Mobile and before Spanish Fort, when
the Twenty-eighth Wisconsin was in the trenches from March 2J
until April 8. In addition to the ordinary duties of a soldier he
was repeatedly detailed to special and important assignments by
General Steele. He was honorably discharged from military duty
Sept. 22, 1865, and returning to Wisconsin began the study of medi-
cine under the preceptorship of his uncle. Dr. Charles Leuthstrom,
who had in the meantime removed to Milwaukee, where he had
24 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
acquired a large and lucrative practice. Later he matriculated at
Hahnemann Medical College, and was graduated from the same
in 1872. For the five years succeeding he followed the practice of
his profession in Milwaukee, in partnership with his uncle, Dr.
Leuthstrom, when failing health compelled him to abandon it for
a time. Purchasing a ranch in Clark county, Kas., Dr. Carlson
spent the next two years in out-door life, regaining his health. Be-
fore returning to the practice of medicine he took a trip abroad,
visiting his native land, and supplementing his professional knowl-
edge by visiting the leading hospitals of England and the continent,
and taking careful observations. On returning to Milwaukee he
entered into a partnership with Dr. Danforth, who had purchased
the business when Dr. Carlson was obliged to give it up, and this
partnership continued for three years, when it was dissolved, and
the latter opened an office by himself. In the intervening years,
the Doctor's practice has steadily increased, and his professional
ability has been recognized in many ways. He has been president
of the Wisconsin Homeopathic Society, president of the Milwaukee
Academy of Medicine, supreme medical director for the United
States for the Royal Adelphia, and medical examiner for the Royal
Arcanum of the state of Wisconsin. He belongs to the orders
mentioned, and also to the Grand Army of the Republic, and has
been commander of the E. B. Wolcott Post, No. 1, and held posi-
tions on the staffs of Generals Fairchild, Veasy and Warner, when
they were commanders-in-chief of the Grand Army. Dr. Carlson,
like all members of his profession, has been frequently called upon
to give his professional aid to charitable objects, and has nobly re-
sponded, an instance being his gratuitous services to the Milwaukee
Protestant Orphan asylum for eighteen years. On Feb. 8, 1871,
Dr. Carlson was married to Miss Bertha Strong, daughter of Rob-
ert H. Strong, one of the pioneers of Milwaukee, and niece of Rear
Admiral Strong, of the United States navy. To this union, one
daughter, Edith, was born.
Alfred Levi Cary, an attorney of Milwaukee, who has been con-
nected with some of the most important litigation of the state, is
a native of Sterling, Cayuga county, |N. Y., and belongs to New
England families, his parents, Nathaniel C. and Sophia (Eaton)
Cary, having been born in Shoreham, Vt., and Mansfield, Conn.,
respectively. Both are now deceased. They came to Wisconsin
in 1879, and the father was by vocation a wagon-maker and con-
nected with the foundry, although he was practically retired from
active work after coming west. Alfred L. was born July 23, 1835,
and received his early education at Sterling, N. Y., later attending
the academy at Auburn and the seminary at Fulton in the same
state. After coming west he attended the high school at Racine at
the time when John G. McMynn, a distinguished educator of the
state, and at one time state superintendent of schools, was principal.
Entering: the office of his uncle, John W. Cary, of Racine, in May,
[858, Alfred L. began the study of law and was admitted to the
bar by examination in i860. He came to Milwaukee early in Jan-
BIOGRAPHICAL 25
uary, 1859, with his uncle, and was in the office of Gary & Pratt as
clerk until 1864, when the partnership was dissolved and a new one
of J. \V. & A. L. Cary formed, to which subsequently J. 1'. C. Cot-
trill was admitted, the firm continuing until 1874, when the senior
member withdrew to become general solicitor of the Chicago, Mil
waukee & St. Paul Railway Company. The firm of Cottrill & Car)
was maintained until 1879, an d meanwhile Mr. Cary became the
general solicitor for the Milwaukee, Lakeshore & Western Railway
Company, remaining in that position until the sale of the road to
the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad ■ Company in 1893. In
August of the same year Mr. Cary was appointed by Judge Jenkins,
of the United States circuit court for the eastern district, "special
master," for the litigation then pending in that court for the fore-
closure of the mortgages given by the Northern Pacific Railroad
Company. The suit thus brought was the primary case and there
followed auxiliary suits throughout the length of the Northern
Pacific railroad line. One of the mortgages had been given by the
Northern Pacific Company to the Farmers' Loan and Trust Co.,
of Xew York, and others, to similar trust companies. There were
three mortgages involved in these proceedings, and Thomas F.
Oakes, Henry C. Payne and Henry A. Rouse were appointed re-
ceivers. Mr. Cary's duties related to the passing of the receivers'
accounts and the hearing of various claims and litigation which
were referred to him by the court. The mortgages aggregated
many millions and the judgment for deficiencies allowed by Mr.
Cary amounted to $100,000,000 above the original claims. He sold
the Northern Pacific Railroad and Land Grant under the decree
entered by the court, and the Northern Pacific Railway Company
today holds its title by the deed given by Mr. Gary as "Special
Master." In 1894 he formed a partnership with Mr. Fish, and in
1897 Messrs. Upham and Black were added, the firm continuing
until the death of Mr. Fish in August, 1900, since which time the
firm has been Cary, Cpham & Black. In politics Mr. Cary was
originally a Democrat, supporting that party until the first Bryan
campaign, since which time he has given his allegiance to the Re-
publican organization. He served as a member of the common
council of Milwaukee in 1872, and the following year was elected
a member of the legislature. He belongs to the Masonic order, to
the Milwaukee Club — having been one of the original members and
president of the organization for six years — and also to the Country
and Fox Point Clubs. On Sept. 6, 1864, occurred his marriage to
Miss Harriet M. Van Slyck, daughter of Jesse M. and Nancy Mc-
llinch (Boyd) Van Slyck, of Milwaukee, and to the union the fol-
lowing children were born : Robert J., Walter, Harriet S. and
Irving 1!.
George L. Thomas, funeral director and embalmer, is a native
of Ohio, having been born in Cincinnati, Jan. 7, 1843. T lis parents
were William R. and Christiana S. (Knight) Thomas, the former
born in Hagerstown, Md., and the latter in Xew Orleans, La.
George L. participated in the Civil war, having enlisted as a pri-
26 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
vate in Company D, Second Kentucky infantry, in June, 1861, and
the regiment was in the siege of Corinth, the battles of Shiloh,
Stone River, Chickamauga, and was mustered out in March, 1863.
Mr. Thomas came first to Wisconsin as a traveling accountant for
the Grover & Baker Sewing Machine Company, in 1868. In 1875
he engaged in the liven- business in Milwaukee, and two years
later entered the line which he is now following. He carried on
both the livery and undertaking business until 1899, when he dis-
continued the former. In the process of embalming Mr. Thomas
was the pioneer in Wisconsin, attending the first school opened
for instruction in that line, in Cincinnati, Ohio, March, 1882. He
has served as president of the Wisconsin Funeral Directors' and
Embalmers' Association, and as secretary for eight years, and on
all of the important committees ; was also vice-president of the
National Funeral Directors of the United States, refusing the presi-
dency in 1899. He is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to
the lodge, chapter and commandery of the Masonic order ; to the
Grand Army of the Republic, serving for six consecutive years as
trustee of the Wisconsin Veterans' Home, all of that time being
president of the board 0$ trustees; is a member of the Knights of
Pythias, Milwaukee division, uniform rank; of the Order of East-
ern Star ; the Milwaukee Athletic Club ; and Merchants' and Manu-
facturers' Association. In politics he is a supporter of the prin-
ciples and policies of the Republican party, and in religious matters
belongs to the Congregational church. On Nov. 16, 1871, he was
united in marriage to Miss Julia N. Sivyer, daughter of Joseph and
Dorothea (Davis) Sivyer, of Milwaukee; the daughter born to
this union, Lillian, is now the wife of Edward F. Pierce, of Mil-
waukee, who is engaged in the electric light and fixture business.
Edwin Hyde, retired, one of the oldest and most respected cit-
izens of Mihvaukee, where for more than half a century he has been
an influence 'for good, was born in England on June 8, 1828. He is
the only surviving child of the five born to Peter and Harriet (Har-
ris) Hyde. His mother died when he was but three years old, and
the father passed away in 1871. The father was a carpenter and
builder by trade and his death occurred shortly after his son had
crossed the Atlantic to make him a visit. Edwin Hyde received
the limited educational advantages afforded by the common schools
of England, and in 1857 came to the United States, being the only
member of the family to leave the native land. After a year spent
in Chicago he removed to Milwaukee and formed a partnership for
the purpose of dealing in cut stone, under the firm name of Cook
& Hyde. For more than forty years this firm did business, and al-
though it started in a small way it soon grew to immense propor-
tions and it became necessary to establish a branch office at Minne-
apolis. Minn. In 1898 Mr. Hyde retired from active participation
in commercial life and has since been enjoying a well-earned respite
after a life of industry. In 1871 he was elected a trustee of the
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, and is today, with
the exception of Henry L. Palmer, the oldest member of the board
EDWIX HYDE
BIOGRAPHICAL 2J
of trustees of that institution. Always a Republican in his politic-
al views, he has done much to bring about the success of that party
and has several times been the successful candidate for office. He
has served a number of years in the city council, first in i860, and in
[866 was elected to represent his district in the lower house of the
state legislature. lie refused re-election the following year, but
served again in the sessions of 1877 and 1878, and in 1879 an ^ 1880
was a member of the state senate. Mr. 1 lyde has been for a great
many years a devout member of the Grand Avenue Methodist Epis-
copal church, and has served many times in the capacity of lay
preacher. He has the unique record of having officiated at more
weddings and more funerals than any other local preacher of the
denomination. In 1863 at the Waukesha conference he was elected
as one of the deacons, and in 1870 at the Janesville conference of
the church he was elected to position of elder. At the present time
he is vice-president of the board of trustees of the Grand Avenue
church, and devotes a large portion of his time to the duties of that
office. He was chairman of the building committee which erected
the fine new edifice which the congregation now occupies. He
has always been intensely interested in Sunday school work and
is the incumbent of the office of superintendent of the Sabbath
school, having served in that position for nearly thirty-four years.
In the early sixties he preached in the Oak Creek Congregational
church some months to help out, and he preached in almost all lo-
calities in early years; consequently he has a large following of
friends among the pioneers. He was a close friend of Rev. Mr. Un-
derwood, the pioneer preacher. He was an active worker in the or-
ganization known as the Milwaukee County Bible Society. Dur-
ing the busy years of his life Mr. Hyde has found time to devote
to missionary work and charitable institutions' and by his activity
in this direction he has exerted a remarkable influence in causing
others to substantially contribute to these movements. His efforts
have been seconded by many men who are not members of the
church.
Charles Ray has for many years been a prominent figure in Mil-
waukee commercial life. He was born on Jan. 27, 1835, in Sauger-
ties, N. Y., a son of Adam E. and Eliza (Breasted) Ray. In Sep-
tember, 1838, the family removed to Wisconsin, locating on a farm
in the western part of the county of Milwaukee. There the father
followed agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1867. He was one
of the earliest pioneers of the region and served in the territorial
council of 1839. He was one of the directors of the old Milwaukee
& Mississippi Railway Company, now part of the system of the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway. In 1845 ne removed his
family to what is now Walworth county, but later removed again
to Waukesha county. Charles Ray, the subject of this review,
received his education in a log schoolhouse and followed an Indian
trail to get to and from the daily sessions. His teacher was Miss
Eield. a daughter of Judge Field, of Mukwonago. and later she be-
came the wife of Andrew E. Elmore, of Green Bay, who became
quite renowned in earl}' Wisconsin history. He completed his ed-
28 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
ucation by a two years' course at Milton College at Milton, Wis.
His first employment was in a clerical position in the Farmers' and
Millers' Bank, the predecessor of the present First National Bank
of Milwaukee. He served in this capacity but a little over a year,
however, resigning in 1857 to accept a position with the old Mil-
waukee & Mississippi Railway Company with which his father was
connected. His duties sent him to Prairie du Chien, and he was
cashier of the local office of the company there for a year. On sev-
ering this connection he accepted the cashiership of the Bank of
Prairie du Chien. In 1866 he returned to Milwaukee and engaged
in the grain commission business, becoming a member of the Cham-
ber of Commerce. Until 1882 he was continuously engaged in this
business, both in Milwaukee and Chicago, but ill health necessi-
tated his retirement from active participation in it. He then be-
came principal owner of the Milwaukee Sentinel and for seventeen
years was president of the company. In 1890 he was made vice-
president of the National Exchange bank, and two years later suc-
ceeded to the presidency of the institution, a position he held until
1900. In 1892, he was also made treasurer of the Northwestern Mu-
tual Life Insurance Company, and is still a trustee of that corpo-
ration. Since 1900 he has not actively! participated in business af-
fairs, spending his summers in Milwaukee and the winters in Cal-
ifornia. Besides his other business interests he is a vice-president
and director of the Milwaukee Coke & Gas Company. In 1863 Mr.
Ray was united in marriage, in Rome, N. Y., to Miss Jennie L.
Merrill. To this union were born four daughters : Lucile is the
wife of Angus S. Hiver, vice-president and general manager of the
Chicago Telephone Company; Susie Dickinson is the wife of Mal-
colm McCallum ; Jennie is Mrs. Wyman K. Flint; and Clara is Mrs.
Theodore D. Peck, of New York. Mr. Ray is one of the oldest
members of the Chamber of Commerce, and served as vice-presi-
dent in 1876 and as president in 1877 and 1878.
Robert Hill, deceased, late of 768 Cass street, Milwaukee, Wis.,
long known as one of the distinguished citizens of the Cream City,
and a prominent merchant and financier, was descended from a
sturdy line of Scotch ancestors. He was born in Edinborough,
Scotland, on Jan. 18, 1841, the son of John and Agnes (Reed) Hill.
His father was manager for a number of years of the Scottish Prop-
erty Investment Co. at Edinborough, but in October, 1856, re-
signed his position as such, and came to the United States with his
family. Robert was only a lad of fifteen when he accompanied his
parents to the United States in 1856. Prior to leaving the old country
he had received an excellent training in a private school in Edin-
borough, but he did not again have an opportunity to attend school.
When he reached Milwaukee, in 1856, he was first employed by Mr.
Sholes of the old "Milwaukee Free Democrat," prominent in the
ante-bellum period for its anti-slavery principles, its bitter oppo-
sition to the Fugitive Slave law. and its connection with the ''Glov-
er incident." Mr. Hill later went to Horicon, Dodge county. Wis.,
where he was employed as station agent for the C. M. & St. P. R. R.
BIOGRAPHICAL 29
He remained here for some time and then entered the service of
William Smith & Co., wholesale grocers of Chicago, as traveling
salesman, lie was engaged in this occupation at the outbreak oi
the Civil war. Like thousands of other young men of that period,
he was imbued with patriotic zeal and an intense love of liberty.
He promptly organized a company of volunteers at Burlington,
Wis., which subsequently became Company "C", of the First \\ is-
consin volunteer infantry, and of which he was commissioned cap-
tain. He afterwards served on the staff of Gen. Henry M. Negley,
serving in the armies of the Cumberland and Tennessee, and was
honorably discharged from the service in August, 1862. Captain Hill
was subsequently instrumental in the organization of the Light
Horse Squadron, of Milwaukee, whose armory is situated on Broad-
way. In 1862, after severing his connection with the army, he went
to Virginia City, Montana, where he was recordei of claims until
the fall of 1865. Returning to Milwaukee in November of that
vear, he became confidential clerk for the wholesale drygoods
house of Sexton Bros., and upon the death of Lester Sexton, he be-
came a member of the firm, then known as Storm, Hill & Co. In
1881 the company moved its headquarters to Chicago and carried
on an extensive and profitable business at that point until the year
1892. Meanwhile. Mr. Hill resided with his family at Evanston,
111. In 1892 the firm sold out its business to Carson, Pirie, Scott
& Co., and Mr. Hill returned once more to Milwaukee in 1894. Mr.
Hill was a man of extraordinary business sagacity and indefatiga-
ble industry, qualities which brought him success and rendered him
a power in the business and financial world. He assisted in the or-
ganization of the Wisconsin National Bank of Milwaukee, of which
he was a director and vice-president. After some eight months of
active connection with this important financial institution, he decid-
ed to retire from all active business pursuits, and thereafter devoted
his leisure to rest and recreation. He traveled extensively at home
and abroad up to the time of his death, which took place on July 3,
1906. He was a man of large affairs, and among his other import-
ant interests, was the Milwaukee Cold Storage Co., of which he was
principal owner, and of which his son, John A., has long been the
active manager. As a young man Mr. Hill belonged to the Republi-
can party in politics, but joined the Democratic party at the time
of Cleveland's first nomination for the presidency. He was a man
of too independent a character ever to be a subservient party wor-
shipper, and in his political views was always guided by principles
rather than by parties or men, thereby exhibiting true patriotism.
His charities were of a wide and generous nature, though he
dispensed them without ostentation, and his many philanthropies
were seldom heralded abroad. Mr. Hill was married on June 6,
[866, to Miss Jennie A., daughter of Abram and Jane A. (Barnard)
Rorick, of Wauwatosa, Wis. They were blessed with five children.
of whom four have grown to maturity, and with their mother, are
still living. The children were: Robert P.. who now resides in
Fort Worth, Texas; John A., manager of the Milwaukee Cold Stor-
30 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
age Co. ; Lucy, wife of James Ellis Briggs, of New York city ; Edna,
who died at the tender age of five years ; and George B., who is a
graduate of the Agricultural Department of the University of Wis-
consin, at Madison. Mr. Hill was very prominent in the Masonic
Order, and was the recipient of many of its highest honors. He was
also a member of the Loyal Legion and of E. B. Wolcott Post No. i,
G. A. R., of Milwaukee. He was a man of broad and catholic tastes,
absolutely just and honorable in all his business dealings, affable
and courteous in his intercourse with others, and of clean and un-
blemished private life. His reputation as a man and citizen was of
the very highest, while his fine business abilities commanded the
respect of all his associates.
Walter Kempster, M. D., of Milwaukee, Wis., is one of the
most eminent physicians in the United States, but his record of pa-
triotism during the dark days of the Civil war is no less worthy of
commemoration in the annals of endeavor and achievement. He
was born in London, England, May 25, 1841, son of Christopher
and Charlotte (Treble) Kempster, and at an early age was brought
to America by his parents, who settled in Syracuse, N. Y., about
1849. The father was a botanist and horticulurist of note, and
he also gave a great deal of attention to questions relating to hu-
man progress, being active in the anti-slavery movement before the
war, in prison reform work, and one of the earliest promoters of the
Young Men's Christian Association. The son received his prelim-
inary education in the common and high schools of the city of
Syracuse and then entered the Long Island College Hospital. The
war clouds had gathered and the storm of fratricidal strife was
upon the country before he had finished his professional course, but
though he enlisted at the outbreak of hostilities he continued his
studies while in the service by having chapters cut from medical
books and sent to him in the field. He enlisted in April, 1861, in the
Twelfth New York infantry, known as the "Onondaga Regiment,"
which was mustered into the L T nited States servic for a three-
months term at Elmira, N. Y., May 13, 1861. On May 29, it left
for Washington and upon its arrival encamped upon Capitol hill
and in the White House grounds until July 10 when it was assigned
to the Fourth brigade, First division of the Army of Northeastern
Virginia, and marched to Chain Bridge. While camped in the
White House grounds Dr. Kempster frequently saw and conversed
with President Lincoln, the first interview making a lasting impres-
sion. Dr. Kempster was not robust at that time, and one day while
standing on the steps of the White House, talking with the Pres-
ident's sons, Robert and "Tad", the great President came down
the steps, put his hand on the doctor's head, turning his face up-
ward, and after a few moments he said: "My boy, where did you
come from"'' You ought not to be here; run in the house and play
with the children." The sad expression that came into President
'Lincoln's face made an impression that has never been forgotten.
The regiment was first under fire at Blackburn's Ford, July 18, 1861,
losing thirty-two men. Dr. Kempster participated with his command
BIOGRAPHICAL 3I
in this engagement and the first battle of Bull Run, July 21,
where his regiment was on the left and not engaged until the re-
pulse of the right wing, when the Fourth brigade held the Con-
federates in check and prevented them Mom occupying Center-
ville, holding that position until the panic-stricken arm}- passed
through, leaving Centerville about midnight. After the fight at
Blackburn's Ford, Dr. Kempster was detailed from the 'ranks for
service in the field hospital, the first of its kind in what afterward
became the Army of the Potomac. Being mustered out of service
in October, 1861, Dr. Kempster again enlisted in November, 1861,
in the Tenth New York cavalry; the regiment bivouacked at
Gettysburg during the winter of 1861-2, and became familiar
with all roads about that place, which was of much use to the
cavalry division at the time of the great battle here. He was
appointed hospital steward and detailed to hospital duty in Balti-
more, where he assisted in the organization of the Patterson Park
general hospital in April, 1862. He arrived at the barracks, just
vacated by a regiment of infantry, at noon. The buildings were
bare and there was no furniture, not even a stove. Without pre-
vious notice, about 3 p. m., an ambulance train arrived with 300
wounded men from field hospitals. There was no food, not even
straw for the men to lie on, and no blankets; but before 8 p. m. that
night a warm meal had been prepared, every man had straw to lie
on and a blanket to cover him, and the most seriously wounded had
been made fairly comfortable. Young Kempster was enabled to se-
cure this remarkable result through the assistance of Surgeon
Josiah Simpson, U. S. Army, medical director of the Department
of the East, who recognized the effort being made by Dr. Kempster
and set aside the usual "red tape," adjusting the requisitions after-
wards. In a few days the hospital was in good condition and
shortly ranked with the best in the army. At his own request, Dr.
Kempster was relieved from this duty in January, 1863, an d rejoined
his regiment in the field, participating with it in the Stoneman raid
of the Chancellorsville campaign. The regiment is enumerated by
Col. Fox as one of the 300 fighting regiments of the war, and it
served with the First brigade, Third division of the cavalry corps
of the Arm}' of the Potomac from February to June, 1863, when
it was assigned to the Third brigade of the Second division, in
which division it served until the close of the war. The regiment
was in thirty-one pitched battles and many other engagements, be-
side almost continual skirmishing, from 1863 to the close of the war.
Its hardest fighting was at Hawcs' Shop and Brandy Station, but
it bore a conspicuous part at Aldie, Middleburg, Upperville, Gettys-
burg (in the terrific cavalry fight on the right flank, where Stuart's
cavalry was driven from the field during Pickett's celebrated
charge), at Sulphur Springs, Auburn, Bristoe Station, Catlett's Sta-
tion, Aline Run, the Wilderness, Yellow Tavern (where the Con-
federate Gen. J. E. P>. Stuart was mortally wounded), Hawes' Shop,
Trevilian Station. St. Mary's Church, Reams' Station, Boydton
Plank Road, and so on to the close of the war at Appomatox. On
2,2 .MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
June 9, 1863, he was promoted to first lieutenant for gallantry on
the field at Brandy Station. As the regiment lacked its full com-
plement of surgeons he performed the duty of surgeon as well as
lieutenant, but in December, 1863, owing to injuries received in ser-
vice, he resigned his commission. During convalescence he com-
pleted his medical studies in the Long Island Medical College, and
was graduated in that institution in June, 1864. He then re-entered
the service as acting assistant surgeon, U. S. A., and so continued
until the close of the war. After the close of hostilities Dr. Kemp-
ster made a special study of nervous and mental diseases, and in
1866 was appointed assistant superintendent of the New York state
asylum for idiots at Syracuse, in which position he remained until
the autumn of 1867. He was then appointed assistant physician in
the New York Hospital for Insane at Utica, which position he held
until 1873, when he was appointed superintendent of the Northern
Hospital for the Insane at Oshkosh, Wis., which necessitated his
removal to the Badger State. He remained at Oshkosh until 1884,
when he resigned his position and removed to the city of Milwau-
kee, where he has since resided, giving his attention to professional
matters and serving in several important positions, among which
have been Special Medical Commissioner for the United States gov-
ernment to Russia ; also to visit Europe and take measures to pre-
vent the introduction of cholera to the United States during the
World's Fair in 1893, Commissioner of Health of the city of Mil-
waukee, 1894-8; and Professor of Mental Diseases in the Wisconsin
College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Kempster's professional
specialty is diseases of the nervous system and insanity, he having
been the first physician in the United States to make systematic
microscopic examinations of brains of the insane, and he was also
the first to photograph through a microscope the actual disease of
the brain, accomplishing the latter in 1867. He was one of the three
physicians appointed by the United States government to examine
Charles Guiteau, who shot President Garfield, and found him sane
and responsible. In the literary field he has also won considerable
recognition, being the author of "The Causes of Emigration from
Europe," a valuable work in two volumes, published in 1892 ; "The
International Dissemination of Cholera and Other Infectious Dis-
eases, with Plan for Effectual Quarantine" (1893); and he is also
a contributor to standard publications on the subjects of Insanity,
Mental Hygiene, and Jurisprudence. Notwithstanding the energy
and concentration of thought necessary to secure high standing in
the medical profession, Dr. Kempster has found time to devote
to fellowship with his old comrades of war times. He is an
honored member of the G. A. R. ; was Commander of the Military
Order of the Loyal Legion of Wisconsin, 1001, and a member of the
Society of the Army of the Potomac. In addition to other literary
work he has written a number of articles on military affairs, be-
sides delivering lectures and public addresses. He delivered funer-
al orations on the day President Garfield was buried, also on the oc-
;ion of President McKinley's burial. He is the author of a "His-
BIOGRAPHICAL ^3
tory of the Cavalry of the Army of the Potomac," which is considered
a valuable contribution to Civil war literature.
Henry Fink, collector of internal revenue for the First district
of Wisconsin, and a veteran of Company 15, Twenty-sixth
Wisconsin infantry, now a resident of Milwaukee, Wis.,
was born on Sept. 7, 1840, in Bavaria, Germany. He
is a son of John Engelhart and Catherine (Dielmann)
Fink, who, when the subject of this sketch was twelve
years old, removed with their family and personal property to the
United States, locating on a farm in the town of Oak Creek, Mil-
waukee county, Wisconsin. The father lived on the farm until his
death, which occurred Jan. 8, 1880; the mother died while her son
was serving as a soldier, on Feb. 9, 1864. The subject of this sketch
was the second of seven children in the family, the others in the
order of birth being Mary, Engelhart, Jacob, Simon, Helena and
Louise. Engelhart and Helena are deceased, the former having
lost his life in the battle of the Wilderness, in which he was a
participant as a member of the Fifth Wisconsin infantry. Henry
Fink, after his arrival in this country, was occupied on a farm
until he had reached the age of twenty. He then obtained a posi-
tion as a clerk in a store in Milwaukee, continuing in that work
until Aug. 17, 1862, when, at the very height of the war excite-
ment in the Cream City, he enlisted as a private in Company B
of the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin infantry. On Oct. 5 following, the
regiment left the state for the scene of action, going direct to Fair-
fax Court House, where it became a part of the Second brigade,
Third division, Eleventh army corps, and with it participated in
the expedition to Thoroughfare Gap, New Baltimore and Warren-
ton. The winter was spent in camp at Stafford Court House, and
in the spring the regiment was one of those "stuck in the mud"
with Burnside. On April 27, the Eleventh corps, under Maj.-Gen.
O. O. Howard, left Stafford Court House in the start of the Chan-
cellorsville campaign. The crossing of the Rappahannock was
made at Kelly's Ford, and on May 1 the corps took position on
the right of the Federal line. In the terrible onslaught of "Stone-
wall" Jackson's corps on Howard's command, before which the
Union line wavered and then fell back, Mr. Fink was wounded, a
musket ball piercing his right arm and rendering it useless. He
was taken to the field hospital at Falmouth, where the injured mem-
ber was attended to, and later was sent to the Judiciary square
hospital in Washington. On June 26 he was transferred to Fort
Schuyler, N. Y., and in November to David's Island, where he
remained until removed to the Harvey hospital in Madison, Wis.,
on Jan. 7, 1864. In the following March he was mustered into the
Invalid corps, and remained there until his discharge on May 10,
1864. Upon his release from military service Mr. Fink returned
to Milwaukee and for three years was a traveling salesman. In
1867 he embarked in business on his own account, becoming a
dealer in wool, hides and furs. This occupied bis time until 1878,
when he sold his interests and engaged in the land business. He is
also financially interested in the Wilkin Manufacturing company,
3
34 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
makers of machinery. Politically he is an enthusiastic and zealous
Republican, and as such served four years on the county board of
supervisors, from 1870 to 1874, and in 1876-77 served in the state
legislature. In the latter year he was appointed United States
marshal, and continued in that office through the administrations
of Hayes, Garfield and Arthur, his service expiring on May 10, 1885.
On June 13, 1889, he was made collector of internal revenue for
the First district of Wisconsin, and is still the incumbent of that
office. Mr. Fink is actively identified with the E. B. Wolcott Post
No. 1, Grand Army of the Republic. He has been twice married.
On May 13. 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine
Streiff, of Milwaukee, and to this union were born three children :
Albert, Edward and Emma. Mrs. Fink died on Jan. 6, 1883, and on
Sept. 12, 1883, Mr. Fink married Miss Rosa Blankenhorn, a native
of Cedarburg, Wis.
Robert Closson Spencer — a member of a family more widely
known, probably, than any other family in the United States con-
nected with educational work — is the president of the Spencerian
Business College of Milwaukee. He is the son of Piatt R. Spencer,
who devised the Spencerian style of penmanship, and whose name
has been a familiar one in every school in the land for two genera-
tions. The first American ancestor of the family, John Spencer,
came to Rhode Island in 1661, and was one of the founders of
East Greenwich, in that state, and Caleb Spencer, the grandfather
of Robert C, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Rob-
ert was born in East Ashtabula, Ohio, June 22, 1829, and received
a common school and academic education, and began his work as
a teacher in Gundy's Mercantile College, in Cincinnati, Ohio. In
185 1, in partnership with V. M. Rice, he opened a commercial
school in Buffalo, N. Y. Shortly after, in company with Messrs.
Bryant and Stratton, he was employed in establishing commercial
colleges in the larger cities of the United States, and was so en-
gaged in St. Louis, Mo., in the spring of 1861, when the Civil war
broke out, and he abandoned his educational work for a time and
enlisted in the Third Missouri infantry. This regiment, mustered
at the St. Louis arsenal on April 22, 1861, in the three months'
service, participated in the capture of Camp Jackson, and was in
the battles of Carthage and Wilson's Creek. At the close of his
term of enlistment Mr. Spencer left the military service with im-
paired health and returned to his educational work, coming' north
in the hope of recuperation. He came to Milwaukee in May, 1863,
and in September following, under the name of Bryant, Stratton
& Spencer, opened a commercial college, which, since 1865, has
been known as the Spencerian Business College. It was incor-
porated in 1873. and reincorporated in 1887, and has a strong
faculty, the teachers being experts and specialists in the depart-
ments of bookkeeping, penmanship, business practice, office
routine, commercial law, banking, civics, phonography, type-
writing, and all allied branches of stud}' which fit a young man
for practical business life. Thousands of young men, many of
BIOGRAPHICAL 35
them occupying the most responsible positions in the present com-
mercial life of this and neighboring states, have been fitted in
this college for their successful life work. Among those who re-
ceived their first tuition in business methods from Prof. R. C.
Spencer may be mentioned Hon. Lyman J. Gage, former secretary
of the treasury of the United States, who took -his first lessons in
accounts of the former in Chicago in 1858, when Prof. Spencer was
in that city in the interests of the Bryant & Stratton chain of
commercial colleges. Personally Prof. Spencer is a man of strong
mentality and actively interested in all lines of educational work ;
he is liberal in his religious views, and politically a supporter of
the Republican party, and while active in all that pertains to his
duties as a citizen has never been a seeker after political honors.
In 1890 the Republicans of his district nominated him for Con-
gress, but that year was a disastrous one for the Republican party,
on account of the opposition aroused by the "Bennet law," and
his political opponent, Hon. John L. Mitchell, was elected. Prof.
Spencer was one of the organizers of the People's Institute of Mil-
waukee, for a number of years a flourishing institution, a pro-
moter of the Wisconsin Phonological Institute for teaching the
deaf to speak, one of the founders of the Wisconsin Humane So-
ciety, and a member of the Grand Arm}' of the Republic, and Avas
for some time the vice president of the Political Science Associa-
tion of the University of Wisconsin. As a member of the Grand
Army he has been instrumental in the inauguration of a movement
for the preservation of the military, civil and family histories of
the members of that order, the historical value of which wall be-
come greater and more apparent to the student with every added
year. The survivors of that great civil conflict are fast passing
away, and it will soon be impossible to collect data which has the
freshness and peculiar value of personal recollections. Mr. Spencer
is the originator of a movement which has gained momentum
through the encouragement of many eminent citizens, the object
of which is to nationalize a system of education on a liberal basis,
requiring the active co-operation of national, state and municipal
governments in the establishment of a system of universal educa-
tion suited to the conditions and requirements of communities, and
adapted to the needs of the people. His plan comprehends me-
morializing the United States Congress to call a constitutional con-
vention for the purpose of amending the Federal Constitution as
to empowering congress to establish and maintain conjointly with
the states a national system of education adapted to the needs of
the people. The idea seems a feasible one, and it is to be hoped
that it will be carried to a successful consummation.
James Greeley Flanders, a member of the prominent law firm
of Winkler, Flanders, Bottum & Fawsett, of Milwaukee, is a native
of New London, N. H., born Dec. 13, 184 [. His parents were Wal-
ter P. and Susan Everett (Greeley) Flanders, the former a native,
also, of New Hampshire, and the latter of Newburyport, Mass. Mr.
Flanders comes from a family distinguished for its legal attain-
36 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
ments, and also for its participation in the Colonial and early na-
tional history, his grandfather, James Flanders, born in 1740, hav-
ing served in the war of the Revolution and was also distinguished
as a lawyer and legislator in New Hampshire. His father, Walter
P. Flanders, was also prominent as an attorney and in political
life in his native state, and on coming west, in 1848, became largely
interested in real estate and the enterprises looking toward the
development of the city and state. The time of his coming west was
identical with the beginnings of the movement of railroad build-
ing, and he was one of the chief promoters, a director and the first
treasurer of the Milwaukee & Mississippi railroad, now a part of
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul system. He was a man of
strong personality and distinguished appearance. Coming to Wis-
consin at the age of four years Air. James G. Flanders may be con-
sidered a product of Wisconsin institutions, so far as environment
modifies inherited characteristics. He was graduated from the city
schools at the age of fifteen, and then entered Phillips-Exeter Acad-
emy in New Hampshire, in which he was graduated in 1861, passing
at that time his examination for admission to Yale College. After
spending two years in teaching he entered Yale and was graduated
with the class of 1867, and spent the succeeding year in the office
of Emmons & Van Dyke, of Milwaukee, reading law, and then en-
tered the law department of Columbia College, New York, receiving
his degree in 1869 and being admitted at that time to practice be-
fore the supreme court of New York. Returning to Milwaukee he
began the practice of his profession and has been identified with
the bar of the city ever since. Following are his legal associations :
Davis & Flanders, the partnership continuing for five years ; Flan-
ders & Bottum, this partnership continuing for eleven years.. In
1888 James G. Jenkins, of the firm of Jenkins, Winkler & Smith,
having been appointed United States district judge, the firm of
Winkler, Flanders, Smith, Bottum & Vilas was organized as the
successor to the firms of Jenkins, Winkler & Smith and Flanders
& Bottum. This was considered one of the strongest legal asso-
ciations in the state or in the Northwest. Mr. Vilas subsequently
retired from the firm, Mr. Smith died in 1906, and Mr. Fawsett has
since been admitted to partnership, the firm name being now as
given at the head of this article. Mr. Flanders entered his profes-
sional career not only well equipped professionally, but with that
broad foundation of general knowledge and culture, essential to the
best achievement, and while he has from the beginning of his career
devotcd his best efforts to his profession, yet he has found time to
interest himself in many questions of public inportance, although
he has never been a politician in the common acceptation of the
term. The problems of political, social and industrial life have re-
ceived from him a broad and statesmanlike consideration, and al-
though lie supports the Democratic party, he does so from a per-
i.il conviction in regard to the principles and policies enunciated
by it rather than From a slavish adherence to party ties. His par-
ticipation in practical politics has been small, including only a posi-
BIOGRAPHICAL 37
tion on the school board as the representative of the First ward of
the city, and as the representative of the same ward in the state
legislature of 1877. While in the legislature he served upon the
judiciary committee where his legal training, sound judgment and
thorough knowledge of the law was highly appreciated. In 1896
he was chosen as one of the delegates at large to the Democratic
National convention, but being unable, from principle, to accept
the platform adopted at the Chicago convention, he joined with
those who held the convention at Indianapolis which nominated
Palmer and Buckner. In this campaign Mr. Flanders made many
sound money speeches, his masterly exposition of the subject re-
ceiving wide and favorable comment. Combined with his pro-
found knowledge of the law, Mr. Flanders is endowed with a
logical and keenly analytical mind, and rare gifts of oratorical
power. Naturally he has taken a leading position in legal circles
and his services have come into demand when highly important
constitutional questions are under consideration, and as the ex-
ponent of constitutional interpretation he has frequently appeared
before the supreme court of the United States. Some of the most
epoch-marking decisions of recent years were based on briefs which
he has prepared. On June 18, 1873, Mr. Flanders was united in
marriage to Mary C, daughter of Robert Haney, one of the pioneers
of Milwaukee. Their children are Charlotte Bartlett, now Mrs.
Joseph W. Simpson, of Milwaukee ; Kent, who died in 1907, and
Roger Y., who was graduated at Yale with the class of 1906, and
is now pursuing his legal studies at the Harvard Law School. Mr.
Flanders, although not devoting a great deal of time to club life,
is connected with the leading clubs of the city, including the Mil-
waukee, Country, Town, University and Old Settlers' clubs of
Milwaukee ; the University Club at Madison ; the Yale Club of
Chicago ; the Yale Club of New York City, and the Graduates' Club
of New Haven, Conn. He was president of the University Club
of Milwaukee for two terms about the time of its organization.
Francis X. Boden, a member of the firm of Boden & Beuscher,
attorneys, w r as, born in the town of Lake, Milwaukee county, Jan.
30, 1876. He was instructed by his mother until he was sent to
Marquette College (now Marquette University), at which he was
graduated in 1895 with the degree of A. B. He took a post-graduate
course at the Georgetown (Washington, D. C.) University, in the
school of art and sciences and the college of law, receiving the de-
grees of A. M.,LL.B. and LL.M.jn 1898, 1899 and 1900, respectively,
and in 1900 also received the degree of Ph. D. from the same uni-
versity. He was president of his class during his senior year. Mr.
Boden began the practice of law in Milwaukee in 1900, and in 1901
entered into a partnership with Jacob P. Beuscher, with whom he
has since been associated. They have a general law practice. In
politics Mr. Boden is a Republican, and received the nomination of
his party for the position of district attorney in 1906, and he has
been a delegate to every city, county and state Republican con-
vention since 1902; was a member of the state central committee
38 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
of the Stalwart branch in 1904. He takes an active interest in all
political movements. He is unmarried.
James Graham Jenkins, retired judge of the United States
Circuit court for the Seventh Judicial circuit, was born on July 18,
1834, at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., and is the son of Edgar and Mary
Elizabeth (Walworth) Jenkins, the former of whom was a well-
known business man of New York City, and the latter the daugh-
ter of Reuben Hyde Walworth,, the last chancellor of the state of
Xew York, which office was abolished by the constitution of 1848,
the "code" doing away with the separate court of equity. Previous
to the abolition of the office Chancellor Walworth had held the
position for sixteen years, and before his assumption of that office
was a judge of the supreme court of the state. Rev. Clarence A.
Walworth, brother of Mrs. Jenkins, was converted from the Pres-
byterian to the Episcopal faith, and later became a communicant
of the Catholic church, and rose to the priesthood in the last named
religious organization. He belonged to the order of Paulist Fathers,
and acquired great reputation as an eloquent preacher. He was
also prominent in public affairs, and a noted man of his day. Judge
Jenkins' paternal ancestors came from Martha's Vine} T ard, Mass.,
to Hudson, N. Y., and were among the original founders of the
system of local settlement, under the "Proprietors," where a few
persons bought up large tracts of the country on the Hudson, and
established something resembling the feudal system. Judge Jen-
kins obtained his earlv education in New York and be^an studv-
ing law in that city with Ellis, Burrill & Davison. He was ad-
mitted to the bar by examination in 1855, and began practice in
Xew York City. Two years later he came west, locating in Mil-
waukee. Although at that early day Milwaukee contained many
eminent members of the bar Judge Jenkins had no difficulty in tak-
ing a prominent position among them. Pie was a member at differ-
ent times of the law firms of Downer, LaDue & Jenkins ; Ryan, Car-
penter & Jenkins; Jenkins & Hickcox ; Jenkins, Elliott & Winkler;
Jenkins, Winkler, Fish & Smith ; Jenkins, Winkler, Smith & Vilas.
In 1863 he was elected city attorney and held the office for four suc-
cessive terms. Among other important matters which came up
for consideration during his term of service was the constitution-
ality of the law authorizing taxation to pay soldier's bounty
(Brodhead vs. Milwaukee, 19 Wis. 624), Judge Jenkins success-
fully defending the law. He was a member of the Democratic
party, and received the votes of his political confreres for the posi-
tion of governor in 1879 an< ^ f° r Enited States senator in 1880, but
was defeated in both cases. He was not, however, an aspirant for
political honors, and stood as the representative of his part}" in
each case at the demand of his constituents. In 1885 President
Cleveland tendered him the position of associate justice of the
supreme court of the District of Columbia, but he declined it. In
[888 he was appointed judge of the United States district court for
the Eastern district of Wisconsin, which position he filled with
dignity and ability until 1893, when, upon the resignation of Judge
JAMES G. JENKINS
BIOGRAPHICAL 39
Gresham to enter the cabinet of President Cleveland, he was ap-
pointed judge of the United States Circuit court for the Seventh
Judicial circuit, becoming a member of, and, upon the death of
Judge Woods, the presiding judge of the circuit court of appeals
for the Seventh circuit, comprising the States of Indiana, Illinois
and Wisconsin. After attaining the age of seventy years he re-
tired on April n, 1905. Judge Jenkins was admirabl} qualified
both by nature and training for his long and honorable career on
the bench. During his incumbency of the last office he heard many
cases of importance both as to the large financial interests involved
and the principles which were under consideration. Perhaps the
one that gave to him the widest reputation as a jurist was the de-
cision in the case of the Farmers' Loan & Trust Company vs. the
Northern Pacific Railway Company, et al., to foreclose a trust mort-
gage of $140,000,000. An opinion rendered by Judge Jenkins in
this case is considered as a monument to the legal knowledge, ju-
dicial acumen, and courage on his part. (Farmers' Loan & Trust
Company vs. Northern Pacific R. R. Co., 60 Fed. R. 803). The
University of Wisconsin in 1893 and the Wabash College of In-
diana, in 1897, conferred upon Judge Jenkins the de-
gree of LL. D., in recognition of his attainments as
a lawyer and a judge. His marriage to Miss Alice
Mary Miller, daughter of Judge Andrew G. Miller, the
first judge of the United States district court of Wisconsin, was
celebrated on Feb. 6, 1870, and their home has always been a center
of refined and cultured social life, the judge being in addition to
a legal student a gentleman of broad literary culture. They have
no children. Chancellor Walworth, mentioned above, traced his
ancestry on the maternal side to Lord Chancellor Hyde of England,
and on the paternal side to Sir William Walworth, mayor of Lon-
don, who for insolence to King Richard II, during the Tyler insur-
rection, killed the leader of the revolt, Wat Tyler, in 1381. Numer-
ous members of the family have acquired distinction, among them
being William Jenkins Worth, a cousin of Judge Jenkins, who was
a major-general in the United States army and a prominent figure
in the war with Mexico. A monument to him is erected in Madi-
son Square, at the junction of Fifth avenue and Broadway, New
York city. Chancellor Walworth, previously mentioned, was adju-
tant on the staff of General Moore in the battle of Plattsburg, War
of 181 2, when the Americans met the British army that invaded
the country by way of Canada. Elisha Bacon, a great uncle of
Judge Jenkins, was for many years the United States consul at
Nassau, West India Islands, the family records demonstrating that
ability above the ordinary was of frequent occurrence in the ances-
tors of the eminent judge whose life is briefly considered in this
sketch.
George Peckham Miller, of the firm of Miller, Mack & Fair-
child, Milwaukee, may well be said to belong to a legal family. His
grandfather. Judge Andrew Galbraith Miller, descended from
Scotch-Irish ancestors, who immigrated to America in the Colonial
40 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
days, served as territorial judge from November, 1838, succeeding"
Judge Frazer, until the admission of Wisconsin as a state, when he
was made judge of the Federal district comprising the whole state,
and discharged all the functions of the Federal judiciary of the
state for fourteen years. Andrew G. Miller was born in Carlisle,
Cumberland county. Pa., Sept. 18, 1801, and was the eldest of a fam-
ily of ten children. In 1827 he married Miss Caroline E. Kurtz, of
Harrisburg, Pa., whose father, Benjamin Kurtz, helped to estab-
lish the Lutheran church in America. Judge Miller remained upon
the Federal bench until Nov. 11, 1873, when he resigned, his resig-
nation taking effect the following January. He died suddenly on
Sept. 30, 1874. His son, Benjamin K. Miller, was born in Gettys-
burg, Pa., May 6, 1830, and came west with his parents in 1838. Al-
though the opportunities for education in Milwaukee were at that
time meager, Judge Miller, himself a graduate of AVashington Col-
lege, Pa., in the class of 1819, provided private instruction for his
son and he was fitted for college under the tuition of Rev. Alfred L.
Chapin, D. D., afterward president of Beloit College, and entered
the freshman class of Washington College, pursuing the classical
course until near the close of the junior year. Returning home, he
began the study of the law under the preceptorship of his father,
Judge Miller, and was admitted to the bar upon the day on which
he attained his majority. He was married on Sept. 3, 1856, to Miss
Isabella Peckham, daughter of Geo. W. Peckham, a banker and law-
yer of Milwaukee, and in January, 1857, he became a partner in the
firm of Finch, Lynde & Miller, the firm designation remaining un-
changed until 1890. Mr. Miller was counsel for interests, especially
as to trusts, in the estates of most of the wealthy citizens of Mil-
waukee. The firm was also attorneys for the railroads consolidated
under the name of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, and also for
the receivers of the Northern Pacific Company pending the adjust-
ment of claims, Mr. Miller being pre-eminently the office lawyer.
He died on Sept. 12, 1898. George Peckham Miller, the second son
of Benjamin K. and Isabella (Peckham) Miller, was born Oct. 12,
1858, in Milwaukee. Beside the distinguished legal names already
mentioned in connection with the family, there was Rufus W. Peck-
ham, uncle of Mrs. B. K. Miller, for many years one of the judges
of the court of appeals of the state of New York ; Rufus W. Peck-
ham of a later generation, born in 1838, and one of the justices of
the supreme court of the United States since 1896, and his brilliant
brother, Wheeler II. Peckham, nominated as a justice of the same
court by President Cleveland. George P. Miller received an excep-
tionally thorough education, beginning with his elementary studies.
Subsequently he entered the Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg,
in which he was graduated in 1877, intending to enter the banking
business in the employ of the late Alexander Mitchell. The bank
building being at that time in course of construction, he took a trip
to Europe in the meantime, and entered a German university; and
later he divided to continue his studies there, studying law and the
philosophy of law at the German universities of Gottingen and Bres-
BIOGRAPHICAL 4 1
lau from 1877 to 1880, taking the degree of J. U. D. (juris utriusque
(It icier) at Gottingen. He was admitted to the 1>ar in 1X81, and the
following year began practice in Milwaukee in partnership with his
father and Henry M. Finch, Asahel Finch and William P. Lynde.
Within the years 1883 and 1885 the last three named died, leaving
only I'.. EC. Miller of the original members of the firm. The latter
being devoted to the office work, George P. and Benjamin K. Mil-
ler, Jr., were intrusted, almost at the beginning of their legal career,
with some of the most important litigation of the state, and with the
aid of their father, who was a man of great ability and undoubted
integrity, they succeeded not only in holding the large business of
the firm but in increasing it. George P. Miller has been engaged as
counsel by man}' large corporations and has been in much impor-
tant litigation. Among the important estates of which he is trustee
may be mentioned those of John Plankinton, E. H. Brodhead,
Henry C. Payne, T. A. Chapman and B. K. Miller. He is also a
member of the board of trustees of the Mutual Life Insurance Com-
pany of New York, of the First National Bank and of the Layton
Art Gallery, and is attorney for the T. M. E. R. & L. Company, the
Milwaukee Gas Light Company and the Wisconsin Telephone Com-
pany. While supporting the Democratic party, he has never been
in political life. Although a busy man of affairs, Mr. Miller enjoys
social life and belongs to the Milwaukee Country and Town Clubs
of the city. On Sept. 28, 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss
Laura A. Chapman, daughter of T. A. and Laura (Bowker) Chap-
man, of Milwaukee, and two children, Laura Isabelle and Alice
Chapman, have been born to them.
Right Rev. Peter M. Abbelen, spiritual director of the convent
of Notre Dame, of Milwaukee, is a native of Duelken, Rhenish Prov-
ince, and was born on Aug. 8, 1843. His parents, Henry and Mary
Katherine (Hinssen ) Abbelen, the former a native of the same place
and the latter of Boishein, also of the Rhenish Province, spent their
lives in their native land, the son coming to America on Nov. 6,
1866, locating at St. Francis Seminary near Milwaukee. He ac-
quired his early education at the parochial schools of his birth-
place, attending Gaesdonk College near Goch, in the Rhenish Prov-
ince, and the University of Muenster, Westphalia, Germany. He
was ordained to the priesthood at St. Francis' Seminary, Jan. 29,
1868, having spent the two intervening years in theological studies.
He said his first mass at the seminary on Feb. 2, 1868, and served
for a time as a professor, later taking the appointment as pastor to
the Catholic church at Cheppewa Falls. On account of failing-
health he was transferred to a church at La Crosse, but his health
again failing, he traveled abroad for nearly a year. After his re-
turn he worked as pastor of St. Gabriel's church in Prairie du Chien
until 1875. Sickness again compelled him to travel abroad for eight
or nine months, and then after a short stay in Prairie du Chien he
went, in 1876, to the Convent of Notre Dame, where he has since
been acting as spiritual director. He is a prominent figure in church
circles and has written some books for the convent, one of them
42 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
being "'The Life of Mother Caroline, Founder of Notre Dame Con-
vent." Father Abbelen was a member of the Council of Baltimore
in 1884. and one of the theologians that prepared the work of the
council, acting as theologian for the archbishop of Milwaukee, and
as one of the notaries of the council. In 1906 he was appointed do-
mestic prelate to his Holiness Pope Pius X, which gave him the title
of "Monsignor." He was also acting vicar-general to the Arch-
bishop of Milwaukee during the absence, of Monsignor Rainer in
Europe, on whose return he resigned the position. Father Abbelen
has won by his exemplary life and winning personal qualities a
large place in the work of his church and in the affections of those
who are under his spiritual direction.
Marshall C. Moss, of 230 Twenty-sixth street, Milwaukee,
president and superintendent of the Rockwell Manufacturing Co.,
was born at Milwaukee on April 15, 1872, the son of Charles H. and
Cordelia A. Moss, the former a native of Reading, England, where
he was born on Dec. 13, 1828, and the latter a native of De Kalb
county, 111. Charles H. came to the United States in 1848, before
he had attained his majority. He first settled in Milwaukee in i860,
and there became foreman for the firm of Judd & Hiles, at West
Water and Sycamore streets. In 1871 the factory of Judd & Hiles
burned, and C. A. Hiles assumed the ownership and moved the es-
tablishment to the corner of Sixth avenue and Park street. In 1872
the partnership of Sanger, Rockwell & Co. was formed, composed
of Mr. Moss, Casper M. Sanger, and H. H. Rockwell. In 1893 the
copartnership was reorganized as a corporation and its name
changed to The Rockwell Manufacturing Co., with Mr. Rockwell as
president and Mr. Moss as vice-president. In 1901 Mr. Rockwell
died and Mr. Moss became president of the company, in which ca-
pacity he served up to the time of his death in California, April 16,
1903. He was one of the brainiest and shrewdest business men in
the city, and was closely identified in mairy ways with the material
upbuilding of the city. His marriage to Miss Cordelia Churchill
took place in 1870. His remains were brought back from California
to Milwaukee for burial, and now rest in Forest Home cemetery.
After the death of Mr. Moss, until March, 1904, the office of presi-
dent of the company remained vacant, and at that time his son,
Marshall C. Moss, the subject of this sketch, was elected to fill the
office, and also continued to act in the capacity of superintendent
of the plant. Marshall C. graduated from the ward and high schools
of the city, and later attended the University of Wisconsin, where
he graduated in the Law Department with the class of 1894. Mr.
Moss was exceedingly popular as a student, and was regarded as
'me of the brightest men in his class. Pie is a member of the well
known Greek letter college fraternity of Psi Upsilon, and also of
the law fraternity of Delta Phi. He took a lively interest as a stu-
dent in the work of the L T niversity Battalion, of which he attained
to the rank of Adjutant. His interest in military matters has since
continued, and he was a member of the Bugle Corps of the Milwau-
kee Light Horse Squadron, Milwaukee's crack cavalry organization.
BIOGRAPHICAL 43
I Fpon the completion of his college course Mr. Moss returned to Mil-
waukee, but never entered upon the active practice of the law. In
January, 1895, he entered the employ of the Rockwell Manufactur-
ing Co.; became secretary of the company on Nov. 28, 1896; was
made superintendent on May 14, 1901, and has been president and
superintendent since March 31, 1904. The Rockwell Manufactur-
ing Co. has developed into one of the important industries of its
kind in the United States, employing about 500 men, and it turns
out annually an enormous product, consuming a million feet of lum-
ber per month ; it manufactures doors, sash, blinds, hardwood fin-
ishings, wood mantels, lumber, lath, shingles, etc. Under the able
and skillful management of Mr. Moss, the company is today in a
highly prosperous condition, and ranks as one of the most success-
ful industries in the city. Mr. Moss has been a life-long Republican
in politics, but has never sought public preferment on his own be-
half. He was most happily married in November, 1897, to Miss
Kathryri E. Mathewson, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin,
and the daughter of Edward W. Mathewson, of Menasha, Wis.
Mr. and Mrs. Moss are the parents of one charming daughter, Jane
Winifred, born on Dec. 4, 1898. Mr. Moss is a man of courteous
and affable personality, is exceedingly popular in both the business
and social life of the city, and possesses a host of warm friends. He
is a credit to the city with which he has been identified from the
time of his birth, and is a splendid type of the modern, clean, able
and progressive young business men. In addition to the college
fraternities previously mentioned, he is a member of the Ivanhoe
Commandery, Knights Templar, and also of the Milwaukee Athletic
Club.
John J. D. Meinke was born in Lubben in the dukedom of
Mecklenburg-Schwerin on July 13, 1834. He received a common
country school education and graduated at the age of fifteen years.
After he left school on March 1, 1849, he entered into an appren-
ticeship, studying the art of carriage manufacturing in Guestrow
with Fred Delpho, a carriage maker, for a term of three years. He
then left home for the purpose of better educating himself and trav-
eled through the European countries. He succeeded in obtaining
an engagement in Bremen where he remained until June 15, 1857,
when he left his situation to go home and arrange his affairs pre-
paratory to a journey to America. Boarding a sailing vessel at
Bremen July 3, 1857, in company with his bride-to-be he landed in
New York on Aug. 28, 1857. He arrived in Milwaukee on Sept. 5.
1857, with but little means left. Hard times were setting in and
there was no work of any kind to be obtained at any price and Mr.
Meinke was unable to secure employment for seven months. He
engaged to work on April 10, 1858. with Isaac Ellsworth, then a
carriage manufacturer. On April 30 he was married to Barbara
Preem, who had accompanied him to America. He worked for Mr.
Ellsworth two years and seven months, until Oct. 1, i860, the busi-
ness being located at 299-300 Broadway in the city of Milwaukee.
His father, Frederick Meinke. was born in Strigo, Germany, in 1800,
44 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
and his mother, Elizabeth (Eggert) Meinke, was born in Vielgert,
Germany. The father was a carriage maker by trade in the old
country and left for America in i860, arriving- in Milwaukee on July
3 of that year, coming direct to his son, the subject of this review,
who was then working for the firm of Isaac Ellsworth. Giving up
his position on Oct. 1, i860, John Meinke and Chris Krop engaged
in business on a small scale, doing their manufacturing in a small
blacksmith shop at 303-306 Broadway, which was formerly a horse-
shoeing shop, 60x80 feet. The owner, Dave Clary, was lost on the
Lady Elgin. Carriages, buggies and wagons were manufactured
and all kinds of repairing pertaining to that line was done. The
father, Frederick Meinke, worked for the new firm. On April 1,
1 861, the firm name changed to John Meinke, he buying out Chris
Krop's interest, and from that time on the business was progressive.
In 1862 John Meinke bought out the firm of Isaac Ellsworth, thus
gaining control of his old employer's business, and he carried on
both places until the lease expired at 303-306 Broadway. In the fall
of 1863 he entered into partnership with Charles Weber, a black-
smith, who was then working for him ; the Civil war being then in
progress, made it hard to get good mechanics. The business was
then carried on under the name of John Meinke & Co. until Novem-
ber, 1865, when the entire plant was destroyed by fire on Sunday
night, effecting almost a total loss. Then the co-partnership of
John Meinke and Charles Weber was dissolved by mutual consent,
Charles Weber withdrawing. A temporary building was construct-
ed and by Friday of the same week three forges were going in full
blast on the old site. A store 20x80 at 300 Broadway was rented
for wood working and storage purposes, and on July 1, 1866, Mr.
Meinke purchased the northeast corner, 294-96-98 Broadway and
Detroit streets — the old McCormick hotel site — held by the United
States government as a retreat for disabled soldiers until the close
of the war in 1865. In July, 1866, the old hotel was remodeled and
converted into a permanent carriage factory. In 1869 Broadway
and Detroit streets were raised four feet and nine inches, throwing
the old manufacturing place practically out of service and making
it necessary to build a new plant. On Aug. 1, 1871, the old build-
ing was removed to a lot on the northwest corner of Detroit and
Milwaukee streets and converted into a hotel again, and a new plant
was erected on the old site on Broadway. It was a three-story and
basement brick building, 40x120. Mr. Meinke then employed twen-
ty-five hands. In the fall of 1872 his father, Frederick Meinke, with-
drew to private life on account of old age and lived until Sept. 11,
1881. There were nine children born to John J. D. Meinke and wife
and of these six died in infancy from one to six years old and three
grew to maturity — Ernest, Lilly and Paul. Ernest and Paul, after
graduating from school, started with their father in his business and
remained with him until death overtook them. Ernest Meinke died
Sept. 11. [894, leaving a wife and two daughters. Paul died Dec.
2j. 1807. leaving a wife and one son, John Meinke, Jr. The father
then carried on his business alone until the spring of 1899, when he
BIOGRAPHICAL 45
retired to private life, disposing of his stock on hand as best he
could and renting the property, a part of which is still a carriage
manufacturing place at 108-110 Detroit street. Mr. Meinke is the
owner of the following- real estate: 294-296-298 Broadway; lots 6
and 7, the south 20 feet of lot 5 in block 15, and the north 30 feet by
120 deep of lot 3, block 38, all in Third ward; lots 2 and 3 in block
181, Second ward, all in the city of Milwaukee. Mr. Meinke is a
member of the St. John's Lutheran church, also a member of the
Milwaukee County Old Settlers' Club and the Milwaukee County
West Side Old Settlers' Club, a member of the German Immigrants'
Aid Society and a member of the Board of Directors. He resides
at 274 Tenth street. ,
Thomas T. Churchill, of Milwaukee, is a member of the law
firm of Churchill, Bennett & Churchill, and is a native of Hamilton,
Ontario, Canada, born April 29, 1872. A brief sketch of his parents
and ancestry will be found in connection with the biography of his
brother, William H. Churchill, elsewhere in this volume. His early
education was obtained in the schools of Paris, Ontario. After hav-
ing been graduated from the high school of Paris he was employed
for a time as secretary of the Milwaukee Cold Storage Company.
Deciding to study law, he entered the Milwaukee Law School and
w r as admitted to practice by the State Board of Bar Examiners in
December, 1901. In January following he became associated with
the firm of Churchill & Donovan, remaining so connected until Jan-
uary, 1905, when he became a member of the present firm of
Churchill, Bennett & Churchill. They follow a general legal prac-
tice and are also agents for the American Bonding Company of Bal-
timore, Md. In politics Mr. Churchill is a Republican, but has not
actively interested himself in political movements. He is a member
of the County and State Bar associations, the order of Free Masons
and the Milwaukee Athletic Club.
James Lewis Beals, deceased, was born at North Weymouth,
Mass., Sept. 10, 1848. He was the son of Elias S. and Betsey T.
Burrell Beals, both born at North Weymouth, Mass. He was edu-
cated in the public schools of North Weymouth, Mass., and at a
business college at Boston, Mass. He came to Milwaukee in 1867
and engaged as a clerk for Mann & Beals, jobbers and wdiolesale
shoe manufacturers, his brother Frank being the senior member of
the firm. Three years later the firm was reorganized, James L. buy-
ing the interest of Mr. Mann, and the firm was then known as Heals,
Torry & Co., our subject occupying the position of secretary-treas-
urer until his death in 1891. Both brothers gained their knowledge
of the shoe business from their father, who for many years had been
a shoe manufacturer in Massachusetts. The father had also been
tax commissioner of North Weymouth for several years. The fam-
ily comprised five children, of whom James L. was the fourth. By
the application of strict business principles and well-directed energy
the company soon became one of the largest concerns of its kind in
the West, a position which it still retains. While James L. was
painstaking and devoted to the company's records and interest, he
46 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
was nevertheless a great lover of outdoor sports. He was particu-
larly fond of fishing", at which sport he spent several weeks each
summer on the beautiful lakes of northern Wisconsin. In politics
he was a Republican, though never holding an important office, hav-
ing no such aspirations. He was a member of Grand Avenue Con-
gregational church, a 32nd degree Afason and a Shriner. On Sept.
9, 1876, he married Miss Etta E., daughter of John and Caroline
Moore Fowle, of South Milwaukee. Their only child is Frederick
Elias Beals, the present president of the Beals Shoe Company. Mrs.
Beals' parents were born in England and came to America in 1834,
settling in what is now South Milwaukee. Her father was a farmer
and was born about 1794. He farmed and bought and sold govern-
ment lands. He died in 1885, at the ripe old age of 91 years.
Clement Blake Bergin Wright, a prominent Episcopal clergy-
man of Milwaukee, and canon and chancellor of All Saints' cathe-
dral, was born at Montreal, Canada, on Jan. 9, 1871, the son of Wil-
liam and Margaret Mason (Harbeson) Wright. His parents were
both natives of Quebec, Canada, and his father formerly held the
chair of medicine in McGill University of Montreal, Canada; his
mother died at Montreal in 1900. Both his paternal and maternal
grandparents were natives of England and came to Canada with the
British army. His paternal grandfather held an important posi-
tion in the office of the Secretary of War for Canada. In September,
1892, Mr. Wright came to the United States, coming direct to Mil-
waukee, where he has resided ever since. Canon Wright received
a most thorough education, first in the high school of Montreal,
where he graduated in 1887, and then attended Bishop's University
of Lennoxville, Canada, and was graduated there in 1890 with the
degree of B. A. He was also a student at Trinity University, which
conferred upon him the degree of B. A. in 1890, and M. A. in 1892;
in 1904 the University of Toronto conferred upon him the degree of
M. A. He was a student at the Nashotah Theological Seminary,
Wis., in 1892-93 and received the degree of B. D. from this institu-
tion in 1895, and in 1901 secured the degree of Ph. D. from the Uni-
versity of Kansas City, on examination and thesis submitted. He
was ordained to the diaconate in 1893 ar *d to the priesthood on
March 10, 1895, t>Y Bishop Nicholson. He was an assistant at All
Saints' cathedral from 1893 to 1905, and since then has been canon
and chancellor, performing the duties of canon. Ever since the year
1894 he has served as secretary of the diocese, and was secretary to
Bishop Nicholson at the time of his recent death. He is also editor
of the Church Times, the monthly organ of the Episcopal Diocese,
published in Milwaukee, and has acted in that capacity ever since
[895. Canon Wright was married on July 31, 1900, to Miss Alice
Elizabeth Button, daughter of Henry H. and Elizabeth Button, of
Milwaukee, and they have one son, William Harrison Bergin. The
well-known scholarly attainments of Canon Wright have brought
him into association with numerous learned societies, and he takes •
an active interest in all that pertains to the work of these bodies.
He is a life member of the Wisconsin State Historical Society and
THE n
PUBLIC I
ASTQF
!TIL»Ejt* •
MATTHEW KEEN" AX
BIOGRAPHICAL 4/
a member of the Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts and Letters,
and the Wisconsin Archaeological Society. Mr. Wrighl is still a
young man in the prime of life, possessed of brilliant parts, and with
liis capacity for work and his pleasing personality, should have a
bright future before him.
Peter H. Jobse, M. D., 196 Tenth street, Milwaukee, is of Dutch
ancestry, his parents, John and Lavina (Leysenaar) Jobse, having
both been born in Holland, the former in 1824 and the latter in
1833. They came to Milwaukee in 1853 and the father was active
in the life of the city, entering heartily into the political affairs
which culminated in the organization of the Republican party, to
which he gave his allegiance from its beginning until his death in
1887. I [e was for twenty years employed as auditor of the Milwau-
kee postoffice. His wife died in 1900. Of their family of eight chil-
dren five are living — Peter H., born Aug. 10, 1869, attended the pub-
lic schools of Milwaukee, obtaining there the foundation for his
later education. Later he entered the medical college of the North-
western University in Chicago, in which he graduated in 1894, since
which time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession,
and has for the past two years made a specialty of the department
of surgery. Since 1902 he has occupied the chair of operative sur-
gery in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and for the past
four years has filled the chair of clinical surgery in the medical de-
partment of Marquette University. He is also on the surgical staff
of the Emergency Hospital, of the Trinity Hospital, and of the Mil-
waukee County Hospital. He belongs to the national, state, county
and city medical associations,, and is a member of the Phi Rho Sig-
ma medical fraternity. In politics he is aligned with the Repub-
lican party, and in religious matters is a member of the Presby-
terian church.
Matthew Keenan. — Among the many brave and enterprising
immigrants who sought the friendly shores of the Lmited States in
the latter part of the Eighteenth and the early part of the Nine-
teenth centuries, seeking here that freedom of worship and oppor-
tunity denied them in Ireland, the land of their forefathers, men
whose families first settled in New York and afterwards came to
Wisconsin, were the Keenans, who reached Milwaukee in 1837.
The family consisted of the father, James Keenan, his wife and
three children: Catherine, Margaret and Matthew. The last, our
subject, was born on Jan. 26, 1825, at Manlius, Onondaga county,
N. Y. The parents were natives of New York, where the father
was a farmer for many years, after which he resolved to push far-
ther west and chose Milwaukee as his destination ; but both he and
his wife died soon after reaching the straggling aggregation of huts
and crude houses that then constituted the village which was des-
tined within the lifetime of our subject to be one of the great cities
of the United States, the present city of Milwaukee. Our subject
was an only son, and by the death of his parents became a bread
winner for his two sisters. At this time in Milwaukee opportuni-
ties for receiving an education were very limited, but if they had
48 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
been good this poor orphan boy could not well have availed himself
of them. He was twelve years of age when he reached the village,
and his meager schooling was gained by a few months' attendance
in a room of what was commonly called Juneau court-house; but,
as he was afterwards wont to say with pardonable pride, he was
self-educated, and in this as in everything else to which he turned
his hands during a long and eventful life, he did his work well, for
he was generally considered a man of refinement and scholarly at-
tainments. His first employment was in 1839, when he became a
clerk in a dry-goods store kept by a William Brown, Jr., which
store he and a friend purchased later, prosecuting the business un-
der the firm name of Hayden & Keenan until 1852, when he was
elected clerk of the Circuit Court, in which his services were so
superbly satisfactory that he was elected for four terms of two
years each. Previous to this he had studied law and was admitted
to practice. In 1863 he was elected city tax commissioner and then
he inaugurated a system in that office which was badly needed,
which system is in vogue there till this day. He held this office six
years. In 1869 he represented the Seventh ward in the city council,
and so eminently satisfactory were his services there that notwith-
standing the fact of the district being strongly Republican and he a
Democrat, he was elected, in 1871, a member of the legislature by
that constituency. During that session he became the father of
the present water-works laws, and when the water-works commis-
sion was chosen he was made secretary and superintendent, serving
two years and until the plant was in successful operation, and then
he resigned. During his incumbency the present water tower was
planned and built by him. Here again he did his duty well, and,
though his hands are now at rest, his labors honor him still. In
1871 he was elected trustee of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insur-
ance Company. Here also his versatile genius and ability as an or-
ganizer became apparent, and, in 1874, he was chosen to fill the
highly important position of superintendent of agencies of that
great institution. In 1876 he was elected vice-president of that
company, and was at the same time given control of the investment
of its funds, which then amounted to many millions of dollars. He
continued to administer that critical department until 1894, and to
bis sagacity is attributable the present splendid system for loaning
funds that is used by that corporation, which is said to be the safest
and best of any company in the country. By careful investments
he accumulated quite a fortune, but he quietly distributed a goodly
sum fur charity. While engaged in large matters his services were
so coveted by his fellow citizens, who delighted to honor him, that
he was compelled to carry concurrently many minor places. He
was vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce during 1869 and
'70 and represented this city at the meeting of the National Board
of Trade, which was held in Richmond, Ya., in 1870. From 1876 to
[879 lie was chosen a regent of the University of Wisconsin; he
served as trustee of the Young Men's Library Association and laid
the foundations of the movement that later resulted in the building
BIOGRAPHICAL 49
of the Milwaukee Public Library; and he was trustee also of that
institution for several years. He was a lover of books and an om-
nivorous reader. The establishment of the Soldiers' Home at Mil-
waukee is credited to him by those conversant with the facts. It
seeni^- that the committee having' charge 'of the selection of a site
for the home had been beset with troubles, prices asked for land
seemed abnormally high, and it was about to depart and choose
another location. At this juncture some one suggested that Mr.
Keenan could solve the problem and cut the Gordian knot. At 2
o'clock one morning he was aroused from his slumbers and an ap-
peal was made to him to come to the city's rescue. He took hold
of the matter with such skill and intelligence that before the next
day's sun was set he had brushed aside all difficulties and secured
the location of the Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee. On June 28, 1840,
he married .Miss Antoinette A., daughter of Martin and Aurelia
Griswold 1 layden, of Otsego county. \. Y., whose father and moth-
er were hern in Windsor. Conn., coming afterward to Cooperstown,
N. Y., and later, in 1847, to Milwaukee, where the father died a few
months later, leaving his widow and daughter surviving him. Mr.
Keenan and wife had no children. On Aug. 28, 1898, in the seven-
ty-fourth year of his age, this upright man and valuable citizen
quietly and unfalteringly entered "the valley of the shadow" to sur-
render to his Maker the garnered sheaves of a well-spent life,- con-
fidently expectant of the benediction divine. He-was a man who,
unlike what is said of the prophet, was most honored and respected
v here he was best known. In religion he was a devout Roman
Catholic, in politics a Democrat, but in every relation of life, from
trying poverty to fair affluence, he was broad-minded, public-spir-
ited, courteous and kind, a wise counsellor, a true friend, a loving
husband and a model citizen.
Hon. Charles H. Doerflinger was born at Ettenheim, Baden,
German)'. Feb. 17, 1843, tne son °f Karl Doerflinger and Theresia
(Maier) Gisselbrecht, the former a native of Freiburg and the
latter of Ettenheim. On the father's side he traces back to the
sturdy yeomanry of the Black Forest. His father received a uni-
versity training, and w r as imprisoned in 1848 for participation in
the revolutionary movement of that year. Fie w r as liberated by his
brave wife, who got past the guards, bringing him means of escape
hidden in loaves of bread which she had baked. He had been a
noted athlete when at the university and he succeeded in scaling
the prison walls, and, under cover of night, crossed the Rhine,
though the bullets from mounted gensdarmes struck the w r ater near
his boat. This heroic adventure is full of romance and deserves to
be embalmed in a deathless story. From the father, Charles H.
Doerflinger inherited his stature, five feet ten, and his energy. On
the mother's side, he traces his lineage to the De La Chapelles of
\lsnce-Lorraine, and the Guilleberts of Normandie, France. To
this fusion of German and French blood is traceable his lofty ideal-
ism, his devotion to freedom and progress. In 185 t he was fortun-
ate in coming under the influence of that great character and edu-
4
50 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
cator, the pioneer of rational educational methods in Wisconsin,
Prof. Peter Engelmann, an alumnus of the University of Berlin
and founder of the German-English Academy of Milwaukee; it
was from this man that Doertiinger imbibed his scholastic bias, his
deep interest in nature, in scientific reading and in the promotion
of popular scientific endeavors. When "Father Abraham'' had
issued his call for 300,000 men in the spring of 1862, our subject
enlisted with many schoolmates in the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin
infantry. He was made orderly sergeant, then second lieutenant
and first lieutenant. His father enlisted as private in the Second
\\ 'isconsin cavalry and returned as first lieutenant. The son took
part in the famous battle of Chancellorsville, May 2, 1863, in Gen.
Carl Schurz's division. He was in command of the center of the
company of 100 sharpshooters deployed as a skirmish line to cover
the brigade. The captain was there shot and instantly killed. The
skirmish line had been ordered to fall back upon the regiment, when
Doerflinger found that the captain of his own company had also
been shot and carried off the field. He immediately took command
of the company, and with word and sword inspired his men again
and again in a rain of bullets, till his left ankle was shattered by a
minie-ball. His leg was poorly amputated above the knee. His colo-
nel, William H. Jacobs, an eye witness, in>a dispatch to the Mil-
waukee Herold, describing the battle scene, said:. "The palm of
the day belongs to the young hero, Doerflinger." Our subject pro-
tests that the whole regiment deserved this high encomium. While
crippled for life, Lieutenant Doerflinger has been anything but an
idler, though he suffered more or less severe pain for forty-five
years. After the first amputation, which was a failure, in 1863, he
had to submit to five unsuccessful supplementary operations on
five consecutive days ; and quite recently, on April 8, 1908, the at-
tacks of pain having become unbearable, two inches more of the
thigh were amputated, great relief resulting from the operation.
He was a teacher in the German-English Academy for several
years after his return from the war, and a substitute teacher and
private teacher during many years before and after that period.
Returning from 'a trip to Europe he engaged in the book selling
and publishing business. From 1874 to 1881 he was one of the
publishers of the "Erziehungs Blaetter," and of the "New Educa-
tion," with which was subsequently merged "The Kindergarten
Messenger" of Miss Elizabeth Peabody, who said the "New Edu-
cation" among all publications came nearest to representing her
own ideals. He also published a juvenile monthly called "Onkel
Karl": and. in connection with the said educational papers, a num-
ber of books, pamphlets and tracts devoted to progressive educa-
tional ideals. In [872, as secretary of the Wisconsin Natural His-
tory Society, he began to urge the establishment of a public mu-
seum. This agitation resulted in the present splendid building
containing the Public Mnsenm and the Public Library. Doer-
flinger was called in from his farm in Racine county to take charge
of the mnsenm as its first custodian in 1883. His diealth failing
BIOGRAPHICAL 51
again in 1886, lie resigned. Given a long vacation, he finally had
to insist upon being relieved (1887). Again he tried fanning for
health until 1889. when he went abroad and gradually recovered
his health while pursuing amateur studies and explorations in the
regions of Switzerland and France that had been inhabited from
4,000 to 90,000 years before by the pile-dwellers and cave-dwellers.
He collected more than one thousand prehistoric relics, now in the
Public Museum. In 1894 he traveled extensively in Mexico for the
purpose of studying the cultivation of coffee, cocoa, rubber and
other products, and gave much attention to educational institutions.
For a man of Lieutenant Doerrlinger's age and affliction to travel
on muleback across the Sierras, 10,000 feet above the sea level," was
a gigantic undertaking, and no one but a man of indomitable per-
sistence could have accomplished the task, lie made an excursion.
lO the ancient royal residence at Mitla and collected some interest-
ing specimens, now preserved in the Public Museum. Since [895
he has been connected with the Doerrlinger Artificial Limb Co.
In 1896 he was asked to accept the office of chief examiner and sec-
retary of the city Civil Service Commission, which he held for
four years and resigned in 1900, on account of a recurrence of his
nervous troubles, caused mainly by the imperfect amputation
(1863) and constantly painful condition of his maimed leg, and
overwork. Lieut. Doerflinger's favorite sphere of activity, and the
one by which he prefers that posterity shall judge him, since to it
he himself attaches the greatest importance, is in the realm of
education. He has always maintained that the educator, by mould-
ing the soul as well as mind and body of the child, holds the des-
tiny of the nation in his hands. As an experienced teacher, under
whose tutelage a great number of children have passed, he pos-
sesses a practical knowddge of the defects of the public school sys-
tem which he proposes should be remedied by a model school, sup-
ported by private endowment to keep it free from political influ-
ences, and which shall demonstrate, in a twelve years' course, by
the consistent application of the said rational principles and
methods, that children can be given, approximately, as much knowl-
edge at the age of sixteen as the present high school gives them at
the age of sixteen to eighteen, and a higher degree of powers fitting
them for good citizenship and real self-government. In 1868 Doer-
rlinger discovered the Wisconsin meteorite, classified by Prof. Shep-
ard among the rare and beautiful species "tainiastic" or "ribband"
siderite. and forming the only variety of that species characterized
by what Prof. Lawrence Smith named "Laphamite Markings."
After the Peshtigo-Oconto calamity, in 1871, he advocated forest
protection, the reforesting of denuded and barren lands, and sys-
tematic forest culture. For this advocacy he was still ridiculed as
late as 1880 by some of the great timber and lumber kings. Fortun-
ately for our country, the enlightened policy of our federal gov-
ernment has been, for many years past, successfully following lines
laid down by him and other members of the Natural ' History So-
ciety nearly forty years ago. While in Europe he also entered the
52 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
realm of economic, political and social problems, by a practical
personal investigation of the great successful profit-sharing indus-
tries in northern, central and southern France, especially at Guise,
Paris and Argouleme. Returned home, he embodied his observa-
tions in lectures and articles, and, while advanced thinkers praised
his efforts, their conservative policy considered them premature,
simply because he was too far in advance of the plodding human
procession. In 1870 he was one of the twelve founders of the First
Kindergarten Society of Milwaukee, which established and caused
the establishment of the first four private model kindergartens as
the foundation for primary and elementary school work. From
1874 on 'he was one of the most energetic agitators for the official
introduction of the kindergarten into the public school system,
which was resolved upon by the school board in 1880, making Mil-
waukee the first city in the United States to incorporate the system
in the primary departments of all its district schools. In 1877, as
a Regent of State Normal Schools, he first offered resolutions in
favor of the introduction of kindergartening and the training of
kindergarteners in all the normal schools, and succeeded, after
strenuous efforts, continued for three years, against the intrigues
of one of the wiliest educational machines. In 1874 he edited the
course of physical exercises which was introduced in the city's
schools. In 1870, while in Europe, being an honorary member of
the Turnverein in Milwaukee, Doerflinger was invited to take an
active part in the athletic festival held at Baden-Baden by the
Gymnastic Union of the Upper Rhine. Doffing his artificial limb,
he took part in all the contests (running only excepted), even
jumping, and he carried off the eleventh prize, an oak wreath. In
1897-99 ne was one °f fhe- most active members of the "Milwaukee
Manual Training Association," and prepared nearly all the written
and printed papers. The work of this society culminated some
years later in the introduction of manual training into the grades
of all the Milwaukee district schools. Our subject has belonged to,
or does belong to, thirty-five local, state and national welfare insti-
tutions and associations, and has been or is active in them. On Oct.
5, 1873, ne married Miss Augusta, ' daughter of August and Marie
Huecker Barkhausen, of Thiensville, Wis., and the issue of their
union was as follows: Thea, now Mrs. Edward H. Carter; Duty,
a governess ; and Arno, secretary and manager of the Doerflinger
Artificial Limb Co. In religion Mr. Doerflinger is liberal and in
politics he is a Republican. Mrs. Augusta Doerflinger, wife of our
subject, who has been his helpmate, a model housewufe and mother,
has been an active member of the Ladies' Society of the German-
English Academy for thirty years, and of the Kinderg'arten Society
until its members merged with the Ladies' Society.
William John Kershaw, who is engaged in the general practice
of law in the city of Milwaukee, was born at Big Spring, Adams
county, AVis.. on Jan. 12. 1865, son of William John and Martha
Mary (Corn) Kershaw, the former of whom was born in County
Antrim, near Belfast, Ireland, and the latter was a native of AYis-
BIOGRAPHICAL 53
cousin. ( )n the maternal side the subject of this review comes
from an old American family, the blood being strongly mixed with
that of the native American Indian. The mother, Mary ('urn, and
the members of her family had much influence for good among the
red men, her aunt, Mary Wallsworth, being a remarkable woman
in that respect. The husband of the latter conducted a pioneer
hotel in Adams county and many Indians camped in that vicinity,
so that it was a favorable point for the agents of the government to
meet the nation's wards and deal with them, Mrs. 'Wallsworth fre-
quently acting as the interpreter. William John Kershaw, Sr., mi-
grated from the Emerald Isle as a young man and first took up his
residence in Albany, N. Y., but soon thereafter he continued
his journey to Big Spring, Adams county. Wis., where he had some
dealings with the Indians as an agent of the United States, and in
this way he met the lady who afterward became his wife. He was
a lawyer, and after locating at Big Spring continued to practice his
profession there for a number of years, and filled several important
official positions, among which was district attorney of Adams
county. In October, 1861, he enlisted in the Eighteenth Wiscon-
sin infantry for service in the Civil war, and after serving for a time
as sergeant-major was made captain of Company K on March 14,
1862. The regiment was mustered in and left the state on March
30, being sent to Pittsburg Landing, and reached there on April 5.
The next morning, with absolutely no instruction in the manual of
arms and but little drill, it was ordered to check the enemy's ad-
vance at Shiloh, and fought bravely. "Many regiments may well
covet the impressions which the Eighteenth Wisconsin left of per-
sonal bravery, heroic daring and determined endurance," said Gov-
ernor Harvey. It took part in the siege of Corinth, which followed
closely, and then encamped at Corinth and Bolivar. Captain Kershaw
participated in all the service of the regiment up to this time, but he
resigned his commission on Sept. 3, 1862, and returned home. In
the spring of 1864 he again entered the service as major of the
Thirty-seventh Wisconsin infantry, to which position he was as-
signed on March 10. The first six companies of this regiment were
mustered into service the latter part of March, and with Major
Kershaw in command, left the state on April 28 for Virginia to join
the Army of the Potomac. The regiment distinguished itself at
Petersburg on June 16, 17 and 18, and on the 17th Major Kershaw
was seriously wounded by a musket ball through both his legs. This
wound practically ended his military career, and although promoted
to lieutenant-colonel on Sept. 27, he never mustered as such, and
on Oct. 18, 1864, he resigned his commission as major. He then
returned to his home at Big Spring, Wis., and renewed the practice
of law. In 1866 and again in 1867 he was elected to represent
Adams county in the Wisconsin assembly, serving two terms in
that capacity, immediately succeeding which, in 1868, he was elect-
ed to the state senate and served during the sessions of 1869-70.
While serving in this position he removed to the city of Milwaukee
and in company with C. J. Kershaw became interested in the salt,
54 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
cement, plaster and lumber business. His partner, although of the
same name, was not related to him. Colonel Kershaw was again
elected to the state assembly from Milwaukee county,- serving in
the session of 1875, after which he gave his attention to private
affairs until his death in 1883, his wife having passed away in 1865.
William J. Kershaw, whose name introduces this review, received
his primary education in the public schools of Adams county and
later attended St. Lawrence College, east of Fond du Lac, and St.
Francis Seminary, near Milwaukee. He then made a trip AVest, in
which region he remained two years, and upon his return worked in
the northern woods one year. He then served an apprenticeship
at the machinist trade, but after mastering its intricacies he decided
that it was not to his liking and began, the study of law in the of-
fice of W. C Williams and Aug. G. Weissert. In due time he was
admitted to the bar and began the practice of his profession, first in
the employ of Mr. Weissert, his former instructor, with whom he
remained until 1892, when he became the junior member of the firm
of Eschweiler, Van Valkenburgh & Kershaw. This partnership ex-
isted for some time, but in 1897 Mr. Kershaw began practice alone
and has since conducted individually an excellent practice. He was
married on March 31, 1893, to Miss Henrietta, daughter of Joseph
and Emma (Meyer) Schiller, of Milwaukee. In politics Mr. Ker-
shaw adheres to the time-honored principles of the Democratic
party, his religious affiliations are with the Roman Catholic church,
and fraternally he is a member of the military order of the Loy-
al Legion, that distinction being his as an inheritance from his fa-
ther. Hef also has membership in the Milwaukee Bar Association
and the Archaeological Society. ,
Charles Lincoln Goss, a patent attorney of Milwaukee, is a na-
tive of Vermont, born at Brandon, Rutland county, Sept. 18, 1856.
His parents were Alba AVarren Goss, who was born at the same
place on Oct. 22, 1825, and Jerusha Eva (Lincoln) Goss, born at
Pittsford, Vt., Aug. 8, 1827. Charles Goss. the subject of this re-
view, is descended from New England ancestors. His great-great-
grandfather, Capt. John Carver, served with the Colonial troops in
the French and Indian wars from 1755 *° 1762, and was one of the
first if not the pioneer English explorer of the Northwest. Captain
Carver made a canoe trip, starting from Michillimackinac. at that
time the most western English trading post in the country, and
from there passed on to Green Bay or La Baye, as it was then
called, up the Fox and down the Wisconsin rivers to the Missis-
sippi and up that river to the present site of St. Paul and Minneapo-
lis. He spenl the winter of 1766-67 with a tribe of Sioux Indians
about two hundred miles from the mouth of the Minnesota river,
returning by the way of the Chippewa river and the north and east
shores of Lake Superior to Michillimackinac and thence to Boston,
which he reached in the fall of 1768. After his return the captain
wrote an account of his trip, which was published in London in
1778. and which ran through several editions and was translated
into other languages. Charles Goss' maternal grandfather, John
I'.KKiKAI'M K'AI. 55
Harvey Lincoln, was a soldier in the war of 1812 and volunteered
For the expedition to Plattsburg, X. Y. Charles received his pre-
liminary education in the public schools of his native town and then
entered the University of Vermont at Burlington, in which he was
graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1878. After leaving college
he studied law at Brandon, Vt.. with ex-Governor E. J. Ormsbee,
taking one year, 1879-80, of the course at Dane Law School, Har-
vard University. lie was admitted to the bar of the Rutland Comi-
ty Court, Vermont, at the March term, 1881, and in the fall of that
year moved from Brandon to Milwaukee. In 1 883 Mr. Goss was
admitted to practice in the Circuit Court of Milwaukee, and in 1898
to the Supreme Court of the state of Wisconsin. Ever since settling"
in Milwaukee he has practiced as a patent attorney and solicitor of
patents with the firms of Flanders & Bottum ; Winkler, Flanders,
Smith, Bottum & Vilas, and their successors. Mr. Goss is a Repub-
lican in politics and is a member of Sigma Phi college fraternity,
Phi Beta Kappa (University of Vermont Chapter), honorary col-
lege fraternity; the Milwaukee Bar Association, a charter member
of the University Club, a member of the Chicago Patent Law Asso-
ciation, and is president of the Milwaukee Congregational Club. On
Sept. 27, 1882, Mr. Goss married Lizzie Maria, the daughter of
Ebenezer Holland and Elizabeth (Dyer) Weeks, of Brandon, Vt.,
and the mother of his two children, Genevieve Iola, born in Mil-
waukee on Dec. 10, 1883, and John Warren, born in Milwaukee on
Aug. 16, 1887. On Feb. 5, 1890, Mrs. Goss died. Mr. Goss married,
Feb. 15, 1894, Alice Warbasse, the daughter of George Warren and
Hannah (Norris) Emery, of Manitowoc, Wis.
William Wirt Watkins, deceased, was born in Chester county.
Pa., on Oct. 16, 1832, being the son of William Watkins. The
father was a manufacturer of brick at Chester, Pa., and came to
Milwaukee in 1845 to engage in the same business. The city was
then giving strong evidences of its future greatness and a man of
Mr. Watkins' penetrating judgment was not slow in recognizing
that here was a most desirable location for his plant. He success-
fully continued in this business until his death, which occurred in
1874. He was survived by six children as follows: May Ellen,
William W., Martha S., George H., Margaret and John. William
Wirt Watkins enjoyed the special benefits of attending and grad-
uating from the Philadelphia public schools, which gave him the
advantage of a superior education. Being of a mechanical turn of
mind he began and worked for a time at the machinist's trade at
Wilmington, Del. Lie joined his father in Milwaukee in July,
1845, an( l with his unusual tact and business ability was largely
instrumental in furthering the success of the business which his
father had founded. On the death of Anthony Green in 1870 he
purchased from his estate an interest in the coal business which
had been conducted by Mr. Green, and formed a partnership with
Charles H. Swan under the firm name of Swan, Watkins & Co.; but
a few years later sold this business and in 1885 also disposed of
the brick business, which he had conducted since the death of his
56 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
father, and retired from active business pursuits, having amassed a
large fortune, the fruits of his unerring business ability and per-
sistent energy. On March 16, 1870, he married Miss Harriet, daugh-
ter of Horace and Mary (Adams) Fiske, of New York. They had
no children. Mrs. Watkin's father and mother were both born in
Ellington, Conn. He was for many years engaged in the express
business at Waterford, N. Y., which he followed until his death.
After the father's death the mother brought the family to Milwau-
kee in 1865, and here she died. The family was composed of the
following children : John, Mary, Martha, Sarah, Harriet, Horace
and Caroline. They were all members of the Presbyterian church,
the father being an elder therein for over twenty years. Our sub-
jet was not only a builder of his country's industries, but he was
also in those days that tried the souls of loyal men, a brave de-
fender of the flag at the cannon's mouth. While his wealth and po-
sition in society could have saved him the trials and dangers of a
life on the field of battle, he brushed them aside and entered the
lists where true men prove by their conduct that it is sweet if need
be to die for one's native land. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the
reorganized Company A of the First Wisconsin infantry, and was
chosen second lieutenant of his company, his commission being
dated from Sept. 13. 1861. He served until the expiration of his
term of enlistment, having been promoted to the adjutancy of his
regiment for conspicuous bravery. He was mustered out on Oct.
16, 1864, with the rank of captain. He was continuously with his
regiment, and with it took part in the engagements at Perryville,
Stone's River, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. In politics he
was a Republican, and as a representative of that party he served
for nine years as alderman from the Fourth ward of Milwaukee,
before its division, and he was a member of the City Library Board.
He enjoyed the conspicuous honor of being chosen chairman of
the commission which was appointed to erect monuments to mark
the spots on Chickamauga's fearful battlefield where Wisconsin's
brave sons baptized the Southern soil with their blood and willing-
ly yielded up their lives in order that the Union might be preserved
and that every man living beneath "Old Glory's" stainless folds
might be and remain absolutely free. He was an attendant of the
Calvary Presbyterian church, a member of the Knights Templar,
the Blue Lodge of Masons and of the Loyal Legion, of E. B. Wol-
cott Post, G. A. R., and for man}' years of the Soldiers' Relief Com-
mittee of Milwaukee county. Thus passed away on Dec. 8, 1896,
a man, who in peace and in war, had played a conspicuous and suc-
cessful role among his fellows, and always received and enjoyed
their respectful consideration.
Very Rev. Hiram Francis Fairbanks, pastor of St. Patrick's
parish, Milwaukee, was born at Leon, Cattaraugus county, N. Y.,
and is the son of Rev. Caleb James and Lydia (Franklin) Fair-
banks. The Former was a native of Onondaga county, N. Y., born
Jan. 12. 1821. and died in May. 180Q, and the latter was born in
Cooperstoun in the same state, April 21, 1822, and died on Aug. 8,
BIOGRAPHICAL 57
1878. The parents came to Wisconsin in [853, locating a1 Waupun,
Fond du Lac county. The father was a clergyman of the Methodist
Episcopal church and was stationed at various places in th<
The family is an old Colonial one and some of Father Fairbanks'
ancestors participated in the American Revolution; his direel an-
cestor. 1 1 Fairbanks, served with the rank of lieutenant under
Capt. Caleb Whiting on the Lexington a \pril [9, 1775. and
also was commissioned as lieutenant of the Eighth company of the
Third Worcester county regimenl on July 9, 1776. Father Fair-
ies is a kinsman of Charles W. Fairbanks, vice-president of the
United States, and is also related to John and John Quincy Adams,
both United States Presidents, and through the Coolidge famil;
B( ston is related to the descendants of Thomas Jefferson. Many of
hi< relatives also participated in the Civil war, including prominent
officers in the Union arm}, and one a1 least with the rank of major
ed in the Confederate army. Father Fairbanks was born on
May 25, [845, and received his collegiate training at Lawrence Uni-
versity, A.ppleton, Wis., being a student at that institution for four
years, at the end of which period he became a convert to the Catho-
lic faith. Later he attended the St. Louis University, at St. Louis,
Mo., and subsequently went to St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee,
to prepare For the priesthood. He was ordained at St. Francis on
Jan. 20. 1868 and said his first mass at Waupun, Feb. 2. 1868. Ik-
was for a short time assigned to duty as assistant at St. Patrick's
church Tanesville, Wis., and was then a year and nine months at
I 1 Troy, and later at Whitewater, where he spent eleven years,
coming from that charge to his present position. This is one of the
largest and most important parishes in the Milwaukee archdiocese
and its pastor is very prominent in the church circles. He is also a
Consultor of the Archdiocese, an office which ranks next to vicar-
general. He is a gifted writer and his "Visit to Europe and the
Holy Land." a volume of 463 pages, is the most popular book of
travels ever written in the English language by a Catholic, and is
now in its fifth edition. He has also written much in prose and
verse for both the papers and magazines, pamphlets and articles for
historical and genealogical works, and has also made a translation
of mam- Catholic hymns from the Latin. He is especially inter-
ested in the line of genealogical studies, and his work on the geneal-
og} of the Adams family is the best that has been compiled and is
authority in this line.
Hueh Ryan, attorney, of Milwaukee, is the son of the distin-
guished jurisi . Hon. Edward George Ryan, chief justice of the state
of Wisconsin from June 17, 1874, until his death, Oct. 19, 1880, and
his first wife, Mary, daughter of Captain I high Graham, whom he
married in [842. Chief Justice Ryan was born in Newcastle LTouse.
County Meath. Ireland, Nov. 13. i8to, and was the son of Edward
and Abby (Keogh) Ryan. He was educated in Clongoe's Wood
College, which he entered in 1820, completing the full course ^\
study in 1827. and three years later came to the United States. He
had begun studying law in his native country, and continued after
58 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
reaching New York, supporting- himself by teaching. He was ad-
mitted to practice in 1836 and came the same year to Chicago. Im-
mediately after his marriage, in 1842, he removed to Wisconsin, and
his career was henceforth connected with this state. He first came
into prominence in connection with the first constitutional conven-
tion, in which he took a prominent and active part, and later in con-
nection with the impeachment of Judge Levi Hubbell, where he ap-
peared for the assembly. Subsequently, in the still more famous
case of Bashford vs. Barstow, he appeared for Bashford and showed,
although an uncompromising Democrat, that he could rise above all
questions of political influence when it became necessary to vindi-
cate the constitution and the rights of the people. Upon the break-
ing out of the Civil war he was appointed as the chairman of a com-
mittee of four at the Democratic state convention to draft an appeal
to the people of the state. This was known as the "Ryan Address,"
and denounced the secession and sustained the war for its suppres-
sion. From 1870 to 1873 Mr. Ryan held the important office of city
attorney for the city of Milwaukee, but he never sought or held any
office outside of his profession except his membership in the first
constitutional convention. On June 17, 1874, the office of chief jus-
tice of the supreme court of Wisconsin -became vacant by the resig-
nation of Luther S. Dixon, and Mr. Ryan was appointed to fill the
vacancy, and the following April was elected for the unexpired and
full term of six years, but his death occurred over a year before' the
completion of the latter. He was one of the most remarkable men
that the state ever produced and played an important part in many
of the most notable affairs of the commonwealth. Both as an advo-
cate and a judge he challenged the admiration of even his political
opponents by his brilliant intellect, fertility of resource and wonder-
ful command of language. In spite of the fact that he was naturally
of a quick temper, as a judge he was patient, painstaking and emi-
nently just. A few years after the death of his first wife, in 1847, he-
married Miss Caroline W. Pierce, of Newburyport, Mass. His son,
Hugh, of this sketch, was born in Racine, Wis., June 14, 1847, an d
was left motherless in his infancy. The following year the father
removed to Milwaukee, and the son was reared in the city with
which his later life has been associated. He was educated largely
in private schools, in Racine College and the Milwaukee Classical
Gymnasium. The last named was under the administration of Prof.
Kursteiner, who, on removing to New Jersey, in 1865, was accom-
panied by his pupil, who remained for two years longer under his
instruction. Returning to the West, Mr. Ryan entered the office of
Attorney-General Edsall, of Illinois, where he pursued the study of
the law. being admitted to the bar by examination, in Kansas, in
1S72. After practicing there fur something less than a year and
during that time serving as prosecuting attorney for Rooks county,
lie returned to Illinois and was admitted to practice in the supreme
court of that state, and followed his profession there for about two
years, being also employed in the recorder's office. In 1876 he went
to Milwaukee and entered the office of Hon. Luther S. Dixon, for-
BIOGRAPHICAL 59
merly chief justice of the supreme court of Wisconsin, and at that
time a member of the firm of Dixon, I [ooker, \\ egg & Noyes. The
firm dissolving the following year, Mr. Ryan became associate
editor of the "Commercial Times" for a time. In 1878 he resumed
the practice of law, and was the same year appointed court commis-
sioner, a position which he has held continuously ever since. Most
of his practice has been without partners, but in 1898 he formed an
association which still continues, the firm name being Ryan, Ogden
& Bottum. In politics he is a Democrat, hut has not entered largely
into the political arena, although he served in 1885 as a member of
the state legislature. While Mr. Ryan has doubtless been handi-
capped to some extent by being known as the son of his father, yet
his own abilities, which are of a very high order, have enabled him
to achieve a standing in his profession not surpassed by man}' mem-
bers of the Wisconsin bar. He has a wide and thorough knowl-
edge of law, a clear, logical and analytical mind, and a commanding
and impressive manner of presentation. His practice is varied and
extensive and has embraced many cases of more than the usual im-
portance, and demanding more than the usual knowledge and abil-
ity to handle. He was one of the counsel in the case involving the
franchise of the Milwaukee street railway, in which Ouarles, Spence
& Ouarles, J. G. Fanders and other prominent attorneys of the
city also appeared ; was one of the attorneys for the widow r of Gov-
ernor Lttdington in the contest over his estate, and assisted in win-
ning the case for his client; and was also attorney for Ferdinand
Schlesinger in his litigation with Henry Herman as assignee of the
Plankinton Bank, and in many other important cases. Aside from
his legal qualifications, which have made him one of the leaders of
the Milwaukee bar, Mr. Ryan possesses literary taste of a high
order in other lines, and had he chosen to continue in the journalis-
tic field, would doubtless have acquired equal reputation in that
line.
Henry Harrison Button was one of the pioneer druggists of the
city of Milwaukee, and the business established by him in 1848
still continues under the name of the Milwaukee Drug Company,
being one of the leading wholesale drug concerns of the Cream
City. Mr. Button was born at Wallingford, a post-village in W r al-
lingford township, Rutland county, Vt., on Aug. 28, 1818, and
was the youngest son of Lyman and Rachel (Boardman) Button.
His father w r as a farmer by occupation, who gave his children such
educational advantages as his means and the locality afforded.
The childhood days of the subject of this review were spent in ac-
quiring a primary education in the common schools of his native
town, and in assisting his father on the farm as much as his age
would permit. Immediately upon leaving school he began fitting
himself for college, and later entered Brown University at Provi-
dence, R. I., at which institution he was graduated with<the class
of 1842. After his graduation he studied medicine under Dr.
Spears, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and a part of the time while pursuing
his medical studies he filled a position as private tutor to a gen-
60 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
tleman's family in Virginia, after which he ['returned to New York
and received his degree from the eminent Dr. Mott, president of
the medical faculty of the University of New York. He imme-
diately began the practice of his profession in Brooklyn, continuing
there for about four years, but the comparatively limited oppor-
tunities for advancement in the East prompted him to change his
location, and he came West, arriving in Milwaukee in the fall of
1848. -Here he entered into a partnership with Thomas A. Greene,
under the firm name of Greene & Button, in the wholesale drug
business. ', This enterprise was exceptionally successful, and the
partnership continued under the same name until the time of Dr.
Button's death, Feb. 14, 1890, making it one of the oldest firms in
existence in Milwaukee at that time. After his death the business
was converted into a stock company under the name of the Mil-
waukee Drug Company, in which the family of Dr. Button are the
principali stockholders. The doctor was a very popular man in both
social and business circles, was at one time president of the Mil-
waukee Chamber of Commerce, and for many years president of
the Milwaukee Merchants' and Manufacturers' Association. He
was also one of the earliest directors of the Milwaukee Gas Compa-
ny, was president of that corporation at the time of his death, and
for a time he was a director of the Northwestern Mutual Life In-
surance Company. In politics the doctor was a staunch Republi-
can, but he had no aspirations for political honors of any kind. As
a member of the Unitarian church he was for more than twenty .
consecutive years a trustee of that society, and he was also a mem-
ber of the Milwaukee ' Club. Professionally he was a member of
the Psi U Greek letter fraternity, and he served a term as presi-
dent of the American Drug Club. Dr. Button was married on Dec.
31, 1847, to' Miss Elizabeth Arnold Pearson, the daughter of Luther
and Louise Mary (Arnold) Pearson, of Providence, R. I., and to
this union there were born four children : Henry Harrison, Lyman
Pearson, Charles Pearson, and Louise Mary, all whom are de-
ceased, excepting the eldest son, Henry Harrison. Charles Pearson
Button, the youngest son, was the first student from Milwaukee
to graduate at Harvard College. He became prominently identi-
fied with the business interests of Milwaukee, and his death a few
years since was widely deplored. Mrs. Button, who at an ad-
vanced age still survives, is a fine type of the best American woman-
hood, and during her long residence in the city of Milwaukee has
been a most useful member of the community. Luther Pearson,
the father of Mrs. Button, was born at Reading, Mass., and her
mother was a native of Providence, R. I. The father was a prom-
inent cotton broker at Providence, in which city he received his ed-
ucation, and he retired from business several years before his
death, which occurred at the age of seventy-six years. He and
wife were members of the Unitarian church.
Frederick E. Beals, the genial president of the Beals & Torrey
Shoe Company, was born in Milwaukee on Jan. 6, 1882. He is a
son of James L. and Etta E. (Fowle) Beals. the former of whom
BIOGRAPHICAL 6l
was born in North Weymouth, Mass., in 1848, and the latter in
South Milwaukee in 1850. His uncle, Elias F. Beals, served all
through the Civil War as a soldier in a Massachusetts regiment
and died in Milwaukee two years ago. He was president of the
Beals & Torrey Shoe Company at the time of his death. Frederick
E. Beals received his early education in the public schools of Mil-
waukee and rounded out his scholastic training by a course in the
University of Wisconsin at Madison. Shortly afterward he became
associated with the Beals & Torrey Shoe Company. This company
is a manufacturer and wholesale dealer in boots with a large busi-
ness 111 Wisconsin and other states. The firm was first started
after the war, in 1866, as Mann, Beals & Company; shortly after-
ward Mr. Torrey became a partner in the concern, whose name
was changed to Reals. Torrey & Company. This title was carried
until 1897. when, upon incorporation, it became known as the
Beals & Torrey Shoe Company. Mr. Beals 7 paternal grandfather
and his uncle, Elias F. Beals, were the original members of the
firm, and his father later joined the company. The subject of this
memoir has been associated with the company for about five years,
and succeeded to his father's interest upon the latter's death. He is
unmarried. In political matters he is allied with the Republican
party, but has never held public office. In church matters he is as-
sociated with the Congregational society. He is also a member of
the Milwaukee Athletic Club, the Blue Mound Country Club and
the Deutscher Club.
George P. Mayer, president of the F. Mayer Boot & Shoe Com-
pany, is one of the representative business men of Milwaukee.
Born in Milwaukee on Dec. 14, i860, he received his education in
the city schools, both public and parochial, and completed his
scholastic training by a course in Northwestern University at
Watertown, Wis. He comes of good German stock. His father,
Frederick Mayer, was born in Nierstein, Germany, on Sept. 4, 1823,
ami the mother, Phillipine (Laubenheimer) Mayer, in the same
country on Jul)- 18, 1829. The father received the education af-
forded by the common schools of his native country and served
his apprenticeship in the shoemaker's trade in the shope of a rela-
tive in Nierstein. He was at different times located in various
parts of Germany, traveling through the country as a journeyman
shoemaker. From 1847 to I *35i he served his country as a soldier
in the army, and upon receiving an honorable discharge from the
service he emigrated to the United States. Fie located in Milwau-
kee on May 8, 1851, and,from the time of his arrival until his death.
which occurred March 16. 1893, he was one of the most public
spirited and influential men in the city. The first year after his ar-
rival he was employed by R. Suhm in his store on Third street
as a shoemaker. In 1852 he embarked in the retail shoe business
under his own name, and for twenty-eight consecutive years con-
ducted a store at 318 West Water street. His advent in the busi-
ness of manufacturing shoes was in 1880. when he established a
factory on Walnut street between First street and Island aTenue,
62 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
in a frame building- of three stories, forty by seventy feet in size.
It was while conducting this factory that Frederick Mayer adopted
the policy which has been followed to the present day and which is
the keynote of the success which the firm has attained, namely:
to fix a high standard 6f production and manufacture shoes of the
best quality. In 1884 the growing demand for the output of the
factory necessitated the building of an addition of two stories,
thirty-three by fifty-five feet. The quality of Mayer shoes was by
this time becoming known throughout the country and the con-
stant demands of the trade made it expedient to enlarge the old
factory and to lease and build new warehouses and factory depart-
ments. Eleven different times since 1884 has it become necessary
for the Milwaukee end of the business to acquire more space. In
1903, in order to accommodate the western trade, the company pur-
chased the controlling interest of the Washington Shoe Manufac-
turing Company at Seattle, Wash., and within two years it became
necessary to enlarge the capacity of this factory. Probably no bet-
ter example of the growth of the business can be found than in the
facts that in 1880 the compan}^ had a capacity of 150 pairs of shoes
a day, while today the capacity is 9,000 pairs per day ; in 1880 the
company had one traveling representative, and today it has fifty-
five. George P. Mayers connection with the firm began in 1880,
when Frederick Mayer purchased the Goldman interests. Prior
to that time he had served in a clerical capacity for a sewing ma-
chine concern and had also been office assistant to a physician.
W Ten, in 1884, the firm was incorporated as the F. Mayer Boot &
Shoe Company, with a capital stock of $50,000, he became secre-
tary and treasurer, the other officers being Frederick Mayer, presi-
dent, and V. Schoenecker, vice-president. Ever since his associa-
tion with the concern he has devoted his best efforts to its develop-
ment and welfare, and his measure of success can be judged by the
rapid progress of the company, the paid-up capital of the company
now being $1,250,000. Mr. Mayer's religious affiliations are with
the Grace Lutheran church, of which he is a member. His close
attention to business leaves him little time for participation in
other affairs. On Jan. 26, 1896, Mr. Mayer was united in marriage
to Miss Amalie Brumder, a daughter of Hon. George Brumder, an
old resident of Milwaukee. Four children have blessed this union:
George, Erma, Rudolph and Dorothy. Since 1906 Mr. Mayer has
been president of the F. Mayer Boot & Shoe Company. Two of
his brothers, Frederick J. and Adam J., are vice-president and
treasurer, respectively.
Rev. Max J. F. Albrecht, president of Concordia College, Mil-
waukee, is one of the most prominent Lutheran educators of the
Middle West. Born in Prussia, Germany. March to, i860, he came
to this country at an early age and found here the opportunity to
make a name for himself and bring honor to the family name. The
father of our subject, Fred Albrecht, was born in Prussia, Aug. 2,
[827. I lis mother, who was Frederica Rekett, was born in Prussia
on Feb. 2 of the same rear. The elder Albrecht was a cabinet-
BIOGRAPHICAL ''3
maker by trade and c;une to Chicago From the old country in [868.
in that city he worked at his trade, and in [896 he came to Mil-
waukee to reside with his son, with whom he is still living. In
his native land he served as a soldier for the Kaiser in the war of
1S00, which was waged against Austria. Five children were born
to Air. and Mrs. Albrecht, all sons, o\ whom three are living. Rev.
Max I. F. Albrecht, the subject of this sketch, was educated in
the public schools of Chicago, at Concordia College, Fort Wayne.
Ind.. and at the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. After finishing his
seminary course he became an ordained minister of the Lutheran
Church, and filled his first charge at Lebanon, Dodge count}-, Wis-
consin, lie was then transferred to Janesville, and finally to Fort
Wayne, Ind. 11 is high abilities in the denominational work, with
a natural trend for things educational, led to his choice, in 1893, for
the presidency of the Concordia College at Milwaukee, and he has
held this position ever since, to the eminent satisfaction of the
entire denomination and the hundreds of students who have left
the institution during his administration of its affairs. President
Albrecht is affiliated by choice with the Republican party. On Nov.
18, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Paul, who
was born in Germany, the daughter of Henry Paid, a piano-maker.
Their children are xAgnes, Walter, Eugenia, Ruth, Lydia and
Dorothy. President Adbrecht's address is 2/j Thirty-first street.
William Watson Perry, a regularly ordained minister of the
Presbyterian Church and a lineal descendant of the great admiral
who fought the battle on Lake Erie and reported to the President
of the United States, "We have met the enemy and they are ours."'
was born in Milwaukee, July 28, 1853. He is the son of James and
Ellen (Smith) Perry, the former of whom was born on Nov. 30,
1804, in Manchester, England, and died in Milwaukee on Nov. 30,
1864; and the latter was born in Burnley, England, April 22, 1813,
and died on Jan. 19, 1885, in North Prairie. Wis. James Perry, the
father, came to Wisconsin in 1848, engaging with the lumber firm
of Benjamin Bagnall & Co. Our subject was educated in the dis-
trict schools of Wisconsin and at the Agricnltnral College at Co-
lumbus, Ohio. After his graduation he was regularly ordained and
entered actively the ministry of the Presbyterian Church. At
present he is pastor of Westminster Mission, located at 1095 North
Pierce street. Milwaukee. On Aug. 19, 1879, he married Miss
Emma G.. daughter of Darins W. and Ann Stark LaBarre, of Muk-
wonago, Wis., and their marital union has been blessed with five
children as follows: Jessie Ellen, Ralph Emerson, Faye M.. Helen
M. and Ruth J. Rev. Mr. Perry has attained the highest honors
and is a leader in the councils of Masonry. ! [e was made a MasOn
in Lake Lodge, No. 189, of Milwaukee, and received the degree of
Master Mason on July 24, 1876. He received the Capitular degrees
in Waukesha Chapter No. ^,~, and the Cryptic degrees in Waukesha
Council of Royal and Select Masters. The orders of Knighthood
were conferred upon him in St. John's Commandery, No. 21, at
Reedsburg, Wis. He demitted from the various Masonic bodies
64 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
in which he received his degrees and affiliated with Madison Lodge,
No. 5, Madison Chapter, No-4, and Robert Macoy Commandery, No.
3, at Madison, Wis. He received the degrees of the Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite in 1889, and is a member of Wisconsin Con-
sistory, Milwaukee. He received the Thirty-third degree in Boston,
Mass., in 1904. He is also a member of Tripoli Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He served as Senior
Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin when N. M. Littlejohn
was Grand Master, and was afterward Senior Warden. He was
made deputy grand master in 1894 and at the next meeting of the
Grand Lodge was chosen Most Worshipful Grand Master. He was
made Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of
Royal and Select Masters of the state of Wisconsin. In September,
1900, he was appointed Grand Secretary of the Masonic Grand
bodies in Wisconsin to succeed John W. Laflin, deceased, and he
now belongs to Damascus Lodge, No. 290, Free and Accepted
Masons. In politics he is a Republican. Rev. Mr. Perry is a
gentleman of scholarly attainments, deeply read in the rich lore of
the ages, and one who receives, because he is entitled to it, the
gracious consideration and high regard of all who know him.
David Ginzburger, a prominent dealer in bags, boxes and hides,
in Milwaukee, was born in Munich, Bavaria, on Feb. 14, 1833. He
was the only child of Leopold and Julia Ginzburger, both natives
of Bavaria, the former having been born in 1793 and the latter in
1814. The mother died when David was but three days old, and
the father married again, having several children by his. second
union. The father was an agriculturist of prominence, making
a specialty of the culture of hops and the breeding of silkworms.
Fie was the recipient of several medals as a recognition of the fine
quality of his hops. The father left his native 'land in 1854, having
been sent for by his son, who had come to this country the year
previous. From the time of his arrival to 'that of his death in i860,
he earned a livelihood by the teaching of Hebrew in Philadelphia,
two daughters keeping house for the father and son. David Ginz-
burger took advantage of the educational facilities offered by the
Bavarian schools, and from that time until his coming to America
in 1853 he worked in a commercial bank in Munich, Bavaria. He
located in Philadelphia and for seven years served as a bookkeeper
in a banking concern. Then for short periods he worked in whole-
sale dry goods and wholesale millinery houses. Finally he went
to Tennessee and located in a small town about twenty miles east
of Memphis, where he established a retail dry goods store. He was
the first merchant who had ever traded goods for produce and was
successful in a business way. But the prevalence of malaria made
it necessary that he leave the locality and he moved to Washing-
ton. D. C. where he established an office for the supply of sub-
stitutes for men drafted for the Union arm}". This work occupied
him until 1863. when he first came to Wisconsin, locating in La
Crosse. \.s a means of livelihood there he sold dry goods from a
wagon which he drove around the country. In 1873 he came to
^/yi^4>Jt^^r-tAjy
THE NEW YORK
BUC -LIBRARY
AS;
BIOGRAPHICAL 65
Milwaukee. For two years he wholesaled confectionery in the
country immediately surrounding the city, using the same method
that he had in selling dry goods at La Crosse. When he retired
from that line of work he went into the business of buying and
selling hides and of wholesaling and retailing boxes and bags. This
has been his line of work ever since and today he supplies some of
the largest wholesale houses with boxes. Although well advanced
in years he still retains his active participation in the business
which he has developed to such success. Mr. Ginzburger has been
twice married. His first wife was Sophia Ensell, a native of Hohen-
zollern, Hechingen, Germany, now deceased, by whom he had
seven children. They are Julia, now Mrs. Conn; Robert; Augusta;
Leo ; Hattie, now Mrs. Manstach ; Gustav ; and Blanche. His sec-
ond wife was formerly Miss Matilda Strauss, who was born in the
state of New York and came to Milwaukee in the early forties when
but three years of age. She is a daughter of Mier and Regina
Strauss, the former of whom is one of the pioneers of the city and
a well-known wholesale tobacco dealer.
Robert C. Gehrke, a member of the well known German-Ameri-
can family of that name, and a prominent and successful carpenter-
contractor, living at 725 Island avenue, Milwaukee, was born at 152
Lloyd street, Milwaukee, July 5, 1870, the son of Frederick and
Maria (Rapp) Gehrke, the former a native of the province of Posen,
Germany, and the latter a native of Baden, Germany. His paternal
grandparents were Carl and Henrietta (Tischler) Gehrke, of the
province of Posen, Germany. His grandfather was a cabinetmaker
by trade in the Fatherland, and in the year 1857, accompanied by his
wife and their three children, started for America on one of the
slow sailing vessels, and were fifty-six days en route. Upon finally
landing at Xew York harbor, they came directly west to Milwau-
kee, where Mr. Gehrke resumed his trade of cabinet maker, and
was also later associated with his son, Frederick, in his carpen-
ter contracting work. He died in the city of Milwaukee in 1879,
and was survived by his wife until Jan. 15, 1900. Of their three
children, Frederick, the second child, born Feb. 28, 1843, alone sur-
vives ; Mollie, who married Wm. Groskreutz, and Johanna, wife of
Fred Kanitz, are both deceased, as is Mr. Groskreutz. Frederick,
our subject's father, was given only a limited opportunity to obtain
an education before starting out in the world to make his own liveli-
hood. He early learned the trade of a cabinet maker under his
father's instruction, and in 1864, when he was 21 years of age, he
went to Nashville, Tenn., where he was employed as a carpenter
in the service of the United States government. After working
there for a few months he was seized with a severe fever and was
compelled to abandon his employment. He returned North to his
home in Milwaukee, and resumed his occupation as a cabinet maker
until 1867. In the latter year he made an extended trip to Europe,
visited his old home, and journeyed through many parts of the old
world. After his marriage in May, 1868, he was employed for a
year bv the old Mississippi railroad at Milwaukee, and in the year
5 '
66 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
1871 he embarked in business on his own account. He started a
store and saloon at No. 152 Lloyd street, Milwaukee, which he con-
ducted with profit up to the time of his death, Jan. 5, 1907.
In addition to his other business interests Mr. Gehrke handled a
considerable amount of real estate, and made quite a number of
lucrative investments in that line. In politics he was an adherent
of the Democratic party, to whose success he contributed in many
ways, though he never sought office for himself. He was a faithful
member of the Lutheran church all of his life. He reared a large
family of nine children, of whom Robert C, the subject of this
sketch, was the eldest. The other children are Emma, wife of
Ewald Schmitz, residing in Eschweiler, Rheinland ; Augusta, wife
of August Rother, of the Standard Bottling Co., Milwaukee ; Min-
nie, wife of William Schocknecht, of Milwaukee ; Emily, wife of
Theo. Biedermann, of Milwaukee ; Willie, living at home ; Paul, mar-
ried to Caroline Metzler and living in Milwaukee ; Otto, a fireman
for the C, M. & St. Paul railway, residing at Milwaukee, and Al-
fred, living at home. Our subject was educated in the public
schools of Milwaukee, and later attended a business college for a
year. L'pon leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade, and has
since followed that occupation, also doing a general contracting
business, and dealing in real estate to some extent. His business
prospered and grew in volume from year to year, and in 1904 he
went abroad, visited the home of his forefathers, and most of the
countries of Europe. Politically he is a member of the Democratic
party, but has never held public office. He is an unmarried man,
and resides with his widowed mother at the home, 725 Island
avenue.
William Krahnstover, one of the popular and progressive
young business men of Milwaukee, and manager of the Badger
Dye Works at 111-115 North avenue, was born in the town of Ro-
stock, Germany, Feb. 10, 1879, the son of Ernst and Louisa (Der-
nehl) Krahnstover, native of the same place. His parents grew to
maturity and married in their native land, where Mr. E. Krahn-
stover learned the art of dyeing and coloring fabrics, and where he
operated dye-works from 1870 until 1888. In the year 1885 he made
a preliminary trip to the United States in search of a good business
location, and in the year 1888 he sold out his business in Germany,
and. accompanied by his wife and family, came to Milwaukee, Wis.,
where he founded the Badger Dye Works on North avenue. Our
subject is the oldest of their six children, the other members of the
family 1 icing Frederick E., who is associated with our subject in the
dye works; Augusta; Julius, student at the Textile School of Kre-
feld, Germany; Albert; and Harry, also connected with the dye
works. William was educated in the public schools of Milwaukee,
and when he was fifteen years of age entered his father's works in
order to master the details of the dyeing business, as Avell as the
pr< »cess 1 if chemical cleaning. He has made this his life work and has
become thoroughly conversant with every branch of the intricate
and difficult art. Since the year 1903 he has served in the capacity
BIOGRAPHICAL ( >7
of manager of the works., and under his efficient supervision the
business has expanded and grown to very large proportions. Besides
the office and large works at 887-891 Third street, the Iiadger Dye
Works maintain stores at 109 North avenue, 711 Grand avenue, 352
Grove street, 1107 Vliet street, 547 East Water, 320 West Water
and 557 East Water street, Milwaukee. They make a specialty of
dyeing and dry cleaning ladies' and gentlemen's tine wearing ap-
parel, velvet, plush and damask portieres, carpets, rugs, upholstered
furniture, lace curtains, etc. The dye works are up-to-date in every
particular, the labor employed is highly skilled, and as a result
their product is of a highly satisfactory nature. Mr. Krahnstover
is an affable and courteous gentleman, well liked by his husiness
associates, and is a fine type of the go-ahead young business man.
He has never been married and resides with his father at the home,
Xo. 00 North avenue. He is a member of Columbia Lodge No. it,
Knights of Pythias, as is his brother Frederick also; he is likewise
secretary and treasurer of the National Association of Dyers and
Cleaners.
James H. Van Ells, of 1262 Kinnickinnie avenue, one of the hon-
ored pioneer residents and business men of Milwaukee, was born in
the town of Bergen, Holland, on April 7, 1837, the son of Jacob and
Ellen Van Ells, both of whom were natives of the same place. His
parents grew to maturity at Bergen and were there married. Jacob
was a dealer in horses, cattle and grain while living in Holland, and
in the year 1844 embarked for America with his family on one of the
old sailing vessels of that period. After a tedious voyage 1 of some
nine weeks' duration, he finally landed at New York, whence he pro-
ceeded to Albany. He remained in that city for some years, and
was subsequently a resident of Buffalo, N. Y., for a number of
years. In 1840 he came to Milwaukee with his family, making the
trip by way of the Great Lakes and canal. On his arrival he em-
barked in the meat packing business, and after a number of years
retired from active business. His death took place in 1893, aged 96
years and 6 months; his wife had previously died in 1F88, at an ad-
vanced age. Both were faithful members of the Catholic church,
and the}' reared a large family of seven children. Of these the three
eldest : Gertrude, John and Pauline, are deceased ; the other four are
James H., the subject of this sketch; George, formerly a mill man,
who now resides at 415 Potter avenue; Martin, a miller
at Camp Douglas, Wis. ; and Harry, who makes his
home in the South. Our subject was educated in the
public schools, and upon leaving school was employed
for a number of years in teaming and hauling supplies
between Milwaukee and Stevens Point. AYis., making his home at
the latter place. In 1866, when he was 29 years of age, he came to
Milwaukee and entered the employ of the Bay View Rolling Mills,
where he was technically known as a hooker. He was severely in-
jured at the mills in 1893, and abandoned his work there. He next
ran a confectioner}' store for a time, and in [895 embarked in the
hardware business, which is now being operated at No. 1262 Kin-
68 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
nickinnic avenue by his son, Frank J., and his son-in-law, Wm. F.
Krock, under the firm name of Krock & Van Ells. Like his parents
before him, Air. Van Ells was reared in the Catholic faith, of which
he has always been a zealous supporter. Politically he is allied
with the Republican party, though he has never sought public of-
fice on his own behalf. He was united in marriage, June 22, 1865,
to Miss Carrie Burkhart, a daughter of F. and Barbara (Kreich-
baum) Burkhart, residents of Milwaukee. His wife's father was a
native of Switzerland, and her mother was born in the state of
Pennsylvania. They came west to Milwaukee in 1846, where Mr.
Burkhart was a painter and a marble worker by trade. Both he
and his wife are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Van Ells reared a
family of four children, all of whom are now living. The oldest,
Margaret, is unmarried and lives at home ; Frank J. is in the hard-
ware business on Kinnickinnic avenue, as above stated, is married
to Margaret Diedrich, and has one son, Howard ; Mar}', the third
child, is the wife of Ferd. Leistikow, resides at 1182 Kinnickinnic
avenue, and has one son, Markwell ; the youngest child, Catherine,
is the wife of William Krock, senior partner in the firm of Krock &
Van Ells, and their one son is named William F., Jr.
John Becker, M. D., a physician of high standing in the city of
Milwaukee, was born in New York city on Aug. 11, 1853, son of
Dr. John and Anna Maria Becker, both of whom were natives of
Bavaria, Germany, the father being born on Feb. 22, 1822, and the
mother on March 10, 1824. The ancestors on both sides have been
military men, and some of them have been engaged in various noted
engagements on European battle-fields. The parents of the sub-
ject of this review came to America in the latter part of 1848 and
located in the city of New York, where the father completed his
medical studies, graduating at the New York Medical College in
1855. He practiced his profession for over twenty-five years and
died at Pittsburg, Pa., in 1887. The mother died in 1882, at Brook-
lyn, N. Y. Dr. John Becker, whose name introduces this review,
received his literary education at Minrath's Institution in Xew
York city, and then entered upon a very thorough preparation for
the medical profession. He first entered Bellevue Hospital Medical
College in the city of New York, and after taking a course in that
institution spent some time in the Long Island Hospital Medical
College at Brooklyn, N. Y. He then matriculated at the Fort
Wayne College of Medicine, where he graduated with the class of
1890. Following his graduation he practiced his profession for sev-
eral years in Pennsylvania and Ohio, successively, and in 1896 lo-
cated in the city of Milwaukee, where he has since been engaged in
genera] practice and has met with unequivocal success. He was
married on May 30. ]^2, to Miss Katharina Muller, a native of
Germany, and a daughter of Heinrich and Elisabetha (Bauer) Mul-
ler. who reside in Bavaria, Germany. To this union there have been
born three children: Johanna, Anna and Angelica Josephina. aged
twenty-six, twenty-four and twenty years, respectively. Dr. Becker
is a Democrat in his political views, a Roman Catholic in his church
BIOGRAPHICAL 69
affiliations, and he is an honorary member of the St. Michael's So-
ciety.
Milton M. Spitz, M. D., has been engaged in the practice of
medicine in the city of Milwaukee for about six years, and in addi-
tion to caring for a large and representative practice he is an in-
structor in therapeutics in the Wisconsin College of Physicians and
Surgeons (his alma mater), attendant in internal medicine at the
free dispensary of the same institution, and also the attending physi-
cian at Mt. Sinai hospital. He was born in Chicago, 111., on Feb. 12,
1877, son of Morris and Ida (Moohr) Spitz, the former of whom
was born in Austria-Hungary, and the latter in Chicago, 111. The
father migrated to America while a young man and located in Chi-
cago. The maternal grandfather and his wife, whose maiden name
was Babette Oppenheimer, also settled in Chicago at an early day
and there the husband died, after which the widow removed to Mil-
waukee and resided in that city until her death, twenty-five years
later. The parents of the subject of this review took up their resi-
dence in Milwaukee in 1883, and for 'a number of years the father
was engaged in the mercantile business, but he is now living in re-
tirement after an active and successful career. Of the seven chil-
dren born to himself and wife, six — three sons and three daughters
— are living. Dr. Spitz received his literary education in the public
schools of Milwaukee, including a high-school course, and then
turned his attention to the study of medicine. After due prepara-
tion he matriculated at the Wisconsin College of Physicians and
Surgeons, and after a thorough course graduated in that institution
with the class of 1901. For two years immediately following his
graduation he served as interne in the Michael-Reese Hospital, and
during the past six years has been engaged in the active practice of
his profession. He is independent in politics, and his professional
and other associations are as follows : The Milwaukee, the Mil-
waukee County, the Wisconsin State and the American Medical
associations; the Masonic Order; Modern Woodmen of America.;
Royal Arcanum ; B'nai B'rith, and the Phi Rho Sigma Medical
Fraternity.
Otto F. Krueger, M. D., a practicing physician in the city of
Milwaukee, was born at Beaver Dam, Dodge county. Wis., on Feb.
25, 1876, son of Fred and Elizabeth (Rupp) Krueger, the former
of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Fond du Lac, Wis.
The maternal grandfather was Peter Rupp, a native of Germany,
who migrated to America in the '40s and settled in Fond du Lac,
Wis., where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a Democrat
in politics, very active in public affairs, and served as sheriff of
Fond du Lac county at one time. Fred Krueger, the father of the
subject of this review, migrated to America and settled in Dodge
county. Wis., in 1868, following the occupation of a general mer-
chant there until 1885, when he removed to the city of Milwaukee,
where he and his faithful wife now reside. For some time after lo-
cating in this city he was connected with the Cream City Sash and
Door Company, and he now is acting as city agent. To himself
70 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
and wife there have been born five children, all of whom are living.
Dr. Krueger received his preparatory education in the public
schools of Milwaukee, including a course at the East Division high
school, after which he took up the study of medicine. After some
preliminary reading he matriculated at the Wisconsin College of
Physicians and Surgeons at Milwaukee and graduated from that
institution with the class of 1896. Since the year of his graduation
he has been engaged in the active practice of his profession, his base
of operations being in the city of Milwaukee with the exception of
one year, when he was located at Hale's Corners. Dr. Krueger is
a zealous adherent of the Republican party, giving an unswerving
allegiance to the men and measures of that organization, but he
has never held official position. Fraternally he has membership in
the order of Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America,
and the Columbian Knights, and he is also a member of the Ger-
mania Society.
William H. Linke, M. D., has been engaged in the practice of
medicine in the city of Milwaukee since 1897, during nine years of
which period in addition to his other duties he officiated as demon-
strator of anatomy at the Wisconsin College of Physicians and Sur-
geons, and for two years lectured on Histology. He was born at
Janesville, Wis., on Jan. 28, 1856, son of Henry and Hannah (Har-
rison) Linke, the former of whom was a native of Germany and the
latter of AVakefield, England. The father migrated from his native
land to America about 1853 and located in Philadelphia, but after a
year's residence in the Quaker City he continued his journey west-
ward and settled in Janesville, Wis., where he followed the occupa-
tion of shoemaking for a number of years. In 1863 he enlisted as a
private in Company A, Thirteenth regiment, Wisconsin infantry,
and served with that command until the close of the war. With
this regiment he participated in the battle of Nashville, and after
the fall of Richmond accompanied it to Indianola, Tex., and after-
ward to San Antonio, a terrible march of 145 miles, with the ther-
mometer at 100 degrees. Through all of the seemingly aimless
wanderings and hard marches of the regiment, with few heavy en-
gagements to compensate, the conduct of the men was admirable,
and Adjutant-General Gaylord says: "The tireless vigilance which
relaxes not, day by day and week after week, although lacking the
excitement which accompanies the movement of armies, cannot fail
to command our admiration and respect for the Thirteenth Wiscon-
sin volunteer infantry." The regiment was mustered out on Nov.
24, [865, after which Mr. Linke returned to his home at Janesville,
where he worked at his trade until 1869. He then removed to Hills-
boro, Vernon count)-. Wis., where he spent the remainder of his
allotted years, dying on March 12, 1881. The mother of the sub-
ject of this review came to Milwaukee about 1853 with her parents,
Benjamin and Hannah (Hall) Harrison, who spent their last days
on a farm about fourteen miles from the city. The father was a
■■ >per by trade. Dr. Linke received his early education in the pub-
lic scln nils of Janesville, including a high school course, and for a
BIOGRAPHICAL /I
number of years followed different avocations before entering upon
the stud_\" of medicine. Finally deciding upon the latter as his life's
profession, he matriculated at the Wisconsin College of Physicians
and Surgeons and graduated in thai institution on April 6, 1K07,
since which time he has been engaged in the active practice as
stated above. lie was married on Jan. 30, 1883, to Miss Sarah J.
Neville, of Chicago, daughter of Philip and Alice (Carey) Neville,
both of whom are deceased, and to this union there have been born
four children : Henry Philip, who died at the age of nineteen years ;
William, born in 1887, now a bookkeeper for the Schlitz Brewing
Company; Francis, born in 1889, and Ruth, born in kjoo. Dr. Linke
adheres to the time-honored principles of the Democratic party, al-
though he has never essayed the role of an office-seeker, and his
religious affiliations are with the Roman Catholic church.
Joseph F. Quin, M. D., a practicing physician in Milwaukee,
was born in that city on March 20, 1867, son of Jeremiah and Mary
A. (Carey) Quin, natives of Ireland, who are mentioned more at
length in this work in a personal review of the father. Dr. Quin
received his early education in the public schools of Milwaukee, in-
cluding a course in the high school, and finally decided upon the
medical profession as his life's vocation. After due preparation he
matriculated at the Milwaukee Medical College and graduated at
that institution with the class of 1905. Following his graduation he
opened an office in the city of Milwaukee and has since been en-
gaged in the active practice of his profession, meeting with unquali-
fied success from the beginning. He was married on Aug. 21, 1906,
to Miss Emma Dubratz, daughter of the late Albert and Louisa
Dubratz, of Kolberg, Wis., and to this union there has been born
one son, Joseph E. Dr. Quin gives an unswerving allegiance to the
men and measures of the Republican party, although he is not a
politician in the self-seeking sense, and his religious affiliations are
with the Roman Catholic church. Fraternally he has membership
in the Modern Woodmen of America, and he is the medical exam-
iner of the Milwaukee Camp of that order.
David Herman Lando, M. D., has been engaged in the practice
of medicine in his native city but a comparatively short period, but
prior to his locating in the practice there he had had considerable
experience in another field, and being well prepared by training and
adaptability, he has already achieved success of a high order. He
was born in the city of Milwaukee on Oct. 10, 1879, son of Maxi-
milian N. and Ida (Caspary) Lando, who are given more extensive
mention on another page in this volume. Dr. Lando received his
preliminary education in the public schools of Milwaukee, including
a course in the East Side high school, and then began preparation
for his life's vocation. In due time he matriculated at the Mil-
waukee Medical College and after taking a thorough course gradu-
ated in that institution with the class of 1901. He then removed to
Ironwood, Mich., where he practiced his profession for six years,
and in 1907 returned to his native city. The patronage he has al-
ready received and the success he has attained bespeak for him a
*J2. MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
future of much promise. He was married on Aug". 26, 1906, to Miss
Reg'ina Krauskopf, daughter of Morris Krauskopf. of Milwaukee,
and to this union there has been born one son, David Herman, Jr.
Dr. Lando is a Republican in his political affiliations, giving an un-
swerving allegiance to the men and measures of that organization,
but he has not entered public life as an office-holder or self-seeker.
Fraternally he has membership in the Masonic Order, the Brother-
hood of American Yeomen, the Mutual Benefit Association, and the
AYoodmen of the World. He is also a member of the Alpha Kappa
Kappa medical college fraternity, being a charter member of Kappa
Chapter.
Bernard Alfred Hoermann, M. D., a practicing physician in the
city of Milwaukee, was born in St. Louis, Mo., on Oct. 1, 1875, son
of Dr. F. B. and Caroline (Prime) Hoermann, both of whom are
natives of Germany. The father migrated to America and located
in St. Louis in the '60s, graduated from the Missouri Medical Col-
lege at St. Louis, and practiced his profession in that city and at St.
Paul, Minn., until 1879, when he removed to Watertown, Wis.,
where he has since been engaged in successful practice. Of the
eleven children born to himself and wife ten — five sons and five
daughters — are living. Three of the sons — Arthur E., Rudolph B.,
and the subject of this review — are physicians, and the other two —
Alfred H. and Ernst J. — are dentists. Dr. Arthur E. Hoermann is
a graduate of tHe University of Berlin, in Germany, where he re-
ceived the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Doctor of Medicine and
Doctor of Philosophy, and he was the third man from the United
States to receive the last named degree from that great institution
of learning. He is a fine language scholar, and has translated a
Spanish history into the German. At the present time he is a mem-
ber of the faculty of the Northwestern University at W^atertown,
Wis. Dr. Bernard A. Hoermann, whose name introduces this re-
view, received his preliminary education in the public schools of
Watertown, Wis., including a course in the high school, and then
entering the Northwestern University at Watertown, graduated at
that institution with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Then deciding
upon the study of medicine, he spent three years in the medical de-
partment of the University of Michigan, and after spending one
year as assistant with Dr. Carroll in the study of diseases of the eye,
ear and throat, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons
in Chicago and graduated there with the class of 1901. He then
served in the Augustana Hospital at Chicago until the spring of
[902, when he went to Hartford, Washington county. Wis., and
there practiced his profession until 1906. On March 1 of that year
he located in Milwaukee, where he has since been engaged in gen-
eral practice, and his success has been of the unequivocal order. He
was married on Dec. 24. 1904, to Miss Freada, daughter of Jacob
and Francis (Kraemer) Portz, of Hartford, Wis. Dr. Hoermann is
a Republican in his political views, although he has never sought or
held public office, and his religious opinions are in accord with the
teachings of the Lutheran church. Fraternally he has membership
BIOGRAPHICAL J$
in the Milwaukee County, the Wisconsin State and the American
Medical associations, and he is also a member of the Alpha Kappa
Kappa medical fraternity.
Dr. Ralph P. Peairs is a prominent physician of Milwaukee,
who has made his home in that city since 1903 and now lives at 410
Prospect avenue. He was born at Hayworth, McLean county, 111.,
May 5. 1875, son of Henry R. and Sarah (Hope) Peair>, the former
a native of Ohio and the latter of Pittsburg, Pa. In 1865 Mr. and
Mrs. Henry Peairs left Ohio for Illinois and made their home for
some years in McLean county. Mr. Peairs died in 1895 at Normal.
111., and his wife in np-i. They were devoted members of the Pres-
byterian church, of which also their son Ralph is a member. Four
children survived them. Ralph P., the subject of this sketch, re-
ceived his early education in the public schools of McLean county
and then attended the Illinois State Normal School at Normal,
where he was graduated in 1896. He entered Rush Medical College
upon finishing his course at the normal school and was graduated
from that institution in 1903. He entered upon the practice of his
profession in 1903 at Milwaukee and was at that time interne at
St. Mary's Hospital. He held this position for one year and the
following year was made interne at the Emergency Hospital. He
is now attending surgeon at Johnson Emergency Hospital. Dr.
Peairs has met with marked success in the practice of his profession
and is recognized as one of its leading members in Milwaukee. He
belongs to the Milwaukee Medical Society, to the Milwaukee Coun-
ty Medical Society, to the Wisconsin State Medical Association and
to the American Medical Association. Dr. Peair's coolness, decision
and skill find ample opportunity for use in the relief of suffering at
the Emergency Hospital, with which he is now connected and he
is rapidly acquiring the experience which will place him among the
foremost physicians and surgeons of the state. Dr. Peairs is inde-
pendent in political beliefs and is inspired in choosing his position
on political questions by the changing necessities of the community.
Dr. John Adolph Wendel, 01 672 26th street, Milwaukee, has
been a successful practicing physician of that city since 1899. He is
of German origin, his parents, Jacob and Paulina (Franke) Wendel,
having passed their entire lives in that country. John A. was born
April 5, 1843, ar| d attended a German gymnasium. In 1882 he de-
cided to try his fortunes in America and located in Milwaukee,
where he attended the Homeopathic College, and was graduated
from that institution in June, 1883. From 1886 to 1899 he was
engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in Iowa and then
returned to Milwaukee, where he has since won a respected position
among the members of his profession. In t868 Dr. Wendel was
married to Miss AVilhelmina Lillie, a native of Germany and daugh-
ter of Henry and Elizabeth Lillie. Four children blessed the mar-
riage, Alexander (deceased), Dora, Pauline and Lizzie. Dr. Wen-
del is associated with the Social Democratic party, but the active
duties of his profession leave him little time to participate in polit-
ical matters.
74 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Edward J. Purtell, M. D., a member of the eminent family of
physicians and surgeons of Milwaukee, was born in Pewaukee,
Waukesha county, "Wis., Jan. 28, 1864, being the son of John and
Catherine (Sullivan) Purtell, mentioned elsewhere in this book in
connection with the life of Joseph A. Purtell M. D. Our subject
was educated in the common branches in the public schools and
obtained his higher mental development in the State Normal
School. After graduating from the State Normal School with hon-
ors he taught school with success for five } r ears. His ambitions be-
ing of a higher order, he abandoned the trials and tribulations of
the underpaid pursuit of the pedagogue and entered Rush Medical
College, Chicago, from which famous seat of learning he graduated
in 1891. and began at once his distinguished career as a physician
and surgeon in Milwaukee, where success has crowned his efforts.
He was county physician of Milwaukee county for two years and
he now holds the chair of clinical surgery in the medical department
of the Marquette University, a fitting tribute to his superior tal-
ents in this truly worthy and scientific study. On July 7, 1897, he
was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Ellen, daughter
of John and Mary (Bernard) Rice, of Milwaukee, both now deceased,
and their union has been blessed with five children, Edward, Lu-
cile, Paul, Marion and Joseph, all of whom are living to gladden the
hearthstone of their parents. Dr. Purtell is a member of the Mil-
Avaukee County Medical Society ; of the Wisconsin State Medical
Society ; of the American Medical Association, and also of the
Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In
religion himself and family are members of the Roman Catholic
church and in politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. The
success and recognition which he has thus far attained presage the
greater heights which he is destined to attain in his profession.
John Edwin Purtell, D. D. S., a prominent dentist of the city of
Milwaukee, was born in Monches, Waukesha county, Wis., Feb. 13,
1875, the son of John and Catherine (Sullivan) Purtell, for sketches
of whose lives see the sketch of Dr. Joseph A. Purtell, elsewhere
in this volume. Our subject was educated in the public schools of
Monches, where he received his primary training, and at the White-
water Normal he received the advantages of training in the higher
branches of learning. After closing his scholastic career he re-
solved to mature himself, or, as it were, to season the funds of
knowledge of which he had possessed himself by becoming a teach-
er for three years. The pursuit of pedagogics was not to his liking,
so he abandoned that course and entered the Dental Department
of the Milwaukee Medical College, now Marquette University, tak-
ing there a thorough and complete course, from which he graduated
with honor in iS<)<j, and at once began the practice of his profession
in Milwaukee. One of his talents could not be allowed to remain
long in the obscurity of an office, for his abilities were soon recog-
nized by his alma mater, and he was appointed an instructor and
lecturer in its dental department. As an evidence of his ability he
is now one of the members of the staff of clinicians at the dental
BIOGRAPHICAL 75
department of the university. He is a member of the Wisconsin
Stale Dental Society: the Alumni Association of the Milwaukee
Medical College; the Knights of Columbus, and the Ancient Order
i>i Hibernians. In politics he is a Democrat and in religion lie i- a
strict member of the Roman Catholic church. It does not require
prophetic foresight to predict Dr. Purtell's unbounded success in
odontology. Unfortunately he is not a benedict, but he is young
yet.
Thomas A. Purtell, a leading dentist of Milwaukee, was born
in Monches, Waukesha county, Wis., July 4, 1879, being the son of
John and Catherine (Sullivan) Purtell, an account of whose lives ap-
pears elsewhere in this book, in connection with the sketch of I >r.
Joseph A. Purtell. Our subject was educated in the public schools
of Monches and then graduated from the Dental Department of the
Milwaukee Medical College in 1900 with the highest honors, and he
was chosen, on account of his superior oratorical talents, to be the
valedictorian of his class, which is a distinguishing honor always,
and is usually coveted by all the members of the graduating class,
and he who is capable of bearing off the victorious palm is the envy
if not the idol of his associates. It is said that Dr. Purtell acquitted
himself on that occasion with great credit, winning encomiums on
all sides. He began active practive in Milwaukee at once, and from
the start has met with unusual success in his line. On Nov. 25,
1905, he married Miss Winifred, daughter of Richard and Theresa
(Kelly) Shinnick, of Watertown, Wis.,, and their connubial bliss has
been blessed and increased by the presence of two charming chil-
dren, Thomas Joseph and Alary Josephine. Our subject and wife
are ardent members of the Roman Catholic church, while in politics
he is a member of the Democratic party. He is a member of the
Wisconsin State Dental Association, the Marquette University
Alumni, the Knights of Columbus, and the Ancient Order of Hiber-
nians. Dr. Purtell is a gentleman wdiose refined social qualities
mark him for a successful career.
Henry Harder, M. D., a practicing physician in the city of Mil-
waukee, was born in the town of New Holstein, Calumet county.
Wis., on Aug. 13, 1870, son of Frenz and Dorothea (Sievers)
Harder, both of whom are natives of Rendsburg, a town of Prussia.
The paternal grandparents migrated to America about 1848 and set
tied in Calumet county. Wis., where they lived out the remainder
of their days. The maternal grandfather was Peter Sievers, and
upon his migration to America he also settled in Calumet county,
and there spent the rest of his life. Frenz Harder, the father of the
subject of this review, was a farmer by occupation during his active
career, but in 1904 he removed to the city of Milwaukee, where he
and his good wife are now living retired. They have become the
parents of eight children, three of whom died in infancy, and four
sons and one daughter are living. Dr. 1 larder received his early
education in the public schools of New Holstein, Wis., and later
attended the high school at Kiel, in Manitowoc county. He then
took a course in the State Normal School at Oshkosh, after which
y6 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
he followed the profession of teaching two years, first at Hilbert
and then at Granville, Wis. Taking up the study of gymnastics at
this time, he took a course in the same at a normal school of gym-
nastics, following which he taught athletics in the public schools of
the city of Milwaukee for a period of two years. While thus en-
gaged he began the study of medicine, and after due preparation he
entered the medical department of the Northwestern University at
Chicago, 111., and graduated with the class of 1899, since which time
he has been in the active practice of his profession at Milwaukee.
Dr. Harder is independent in his political views, and fraternally is
a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and of the Columbian
Knights, being the medical examiner and physician for the latter.
He is a member of the LaSalle Society, and has the position of ex-
amining physician for the same organization. He is also a member
of the Calumet Club ; physician for M. B. A. U. V. and German Vet-
eran Society (D. L. M. V.).
Albert J. Herschman is engaged in the general practice of medi-
cine in the city of Milwaukee, where he has been located since 1899,
the year of his migration to America. He was born in Vienna, Aus-
tria, on Aug. 5, 1859, son of Emil and Louisa Herschman, the for-
mer of whom was born in Vienna and the latter in Hungary. These
parents lived out their allotted time in Vienna, the father dying in
that city in 1898 and the mother in 1907, and of the three children
born to them all are, living. Dr. Herschman received his early edu-
cation in the public schools of his native city, taking an eight years'
course in the high school, and his professional training was re-
ceived in Vienna , University. After his graduation he took post-
graduate courses in Vienna, Berlin and Paris. As a young man he
served the so-called volunteer year in the army. In 1899 he mi-
grated to America and located in Milwaukee, where he has built up
a large and lucrative practice, and in addition to his duties in that
direction he officiates as the physician for the Austrian consulate at
Chicago. He was married in August, 1900, to Mrs. Anna Young,
nee Rudloff, daughter of August and Elizabeth (Knauber) Rudloff,
of Milwaukee. Dr. Herschman has been a deep student of eco-
nomic and sociological questions and his views are in accord with
the principles of the Social Democratic party, of which he is a firm
supporter, though he has never been a self-seeker as regards official
position. Professionally he is a member of the Vienna Medical
Club, a large organization in his native city, and he also has mem-
bership in the Milwaukee Medical Association.
Charles C. Differt, M. D., is a highly successful practicing phy-
sician in the city of Milwaukee, and in addition to giving close at-
tention to a large and increasing practice he also officiates as in-
structor in anatomy in the Milwaukee Medical College. He was
born in the city which is now the scene of his professional activi-
ties, on Oct. 30, 1879, son of Charles and Wilhelmina (KnueppeH
Differt, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father mi- .
grated to America in 1850 and settled in Milwaukee, which city was
bis place of residence during the remainder of his exceedingly use-
BIOGRAPHICAL JJ
ful and active career. In June, 1863, he enlisted as a private in
Company E of the Sixteenth Wisconsin infantry for service in the
Civil war and joined the regiment at Vicksburg, Miss., where it was
then in camp. In September the regiment was stationed at Red-
bone, Miss., guarding' fords on the Big Black river and engaging in
skirmishes with bands of Confederate cavalry until Feb. 5, 1864,
when it again became a part of the garrison at Vicksburg. Its next
important service was in the Atlanta campaign, and it was before
Kenesaw Mountain, occupying trenches and skirmishing during the
most of June. It was engaged before Atlanta on July 20, and on
the 22nd defended the works against the effort of the enemy to re-
take the position. The regiment was occupied in duty at this point
until Aug. 26, when it moved forward in pursuit of the enemy, en-
gaging in skirmishes at Jonesboro and Lovejoy Station, and going
into camp at Atlanta on Sept. 8. It was engaged at Savannah and
Beaufort later in the season, and on Feb. 2, 1865, participated in the
action at Whippy Swamp. At Orangeburg it crossed the North
Edisto, wading through swamps and driving the enemy from his
position, and it also participated in the battle of Bentonville, which
was its last engagement. Mr. Differt did his full share in the serv-
ice of the regiment during the last two years of the war, and upon
being mustered out returned to his home in Milwaukee. In his
civil career he worked at house-roofing, and also followed railroad-
ing for some years. He was twice married ; first to a Miss Bell, to
which union two children were born. The second marriage was to
Miss Wilhelmina Knueppel, a native of Germany, as above stated,
who migrated to America in 1870, and one son, whose name intro-
duces this review, was the only child born to this union. Dr. Dif-
fert received his early education in the public schools of Milwaukee,
including a high school course, after which he took a course in the
Wilmot Business College. He then began the study of medicine,
and after due preparation entered the Milwaukee Medical College,
from which institution he graduated with the class of 1903, and at
once began the practice of his profession. From the beginning he
has met with unqualified success, and all things portend a brilliant
future for him. He was married on June 8, 1904, to Miss Inez Mer-
ten, of Waupun, Wis., and to this union there has been born one
child, Aubrey. Dr. Differt is independent in his political views, and
in religious matters he is liberal, though reared in the Lutheran
faith. He is a member of the Order of Mutual Protection, and of
the Milwaukee Sick Benefit Association.
Jacob O. Ehbets was born in Hamburg, Germany, Sept. 26,
1836, the son of John J. F. and Charlotte E. (Loeding) Ehbets, both
natives of Germany, where they died, the mother in 1856 and the
father in i860. The father was an architect and builder in the em-
ploy of the Senate of Hamburg, and the family was composed of a
wife and nine children, four boys and five girls, only two of whom
came to the United States, our subject and his brother, C. J., who is
an engineer at Hartford, Conn. Our subject was educated in an
academy and then began studying civil and mechanical engineer-
78 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
ing. He worked first in machine shops and then took private les-
sons to enable him to enter the technical school at Carlsruhe, Baden.
Germany, where he finished his course. In 1857 he came to the
United States, landing in New York, whence he went to Richmond,
Va., to work for the Tredegar Iron Works, one of the few works in
the United States manufacturing cannon. Our subject during the
Civil war was engaged in the iron works that supplied coverings for
the ironclads, particularly the Merrimac. He belonged to the home
guards at the same time, but never participated in any battles. In
1870 he came to Chicag'o to work for the American Bridge Com-
pany, since when he has followed the calling of bridge engineer. In
1874 he came to Milwaukee to take charge of the Milwaukee Bridge
Company's shops and he remained in the service of that company
for four years, when he left to engage with the E. P. Allis Company
building water works engines. In 1884 he became a bridge engi-
neer for M., L. S. & W. Ry., remaining with that company until
1893, when he entered the employ of the Wisconsin Central railway,
where he is at present engaged. On Aug. 20, i860, he married Miss
Lee, daughter of Jacob F. and Sarah Barnes, of Richmond, Va., and
she died Feb. 19, 1908, leaving one child, Virginia Pauline, born June
8, 1880, now a successful teacher in the Milwaukee public schools.
In religion he was baptized a Lutheran, but might properly be
called a liberal or free thinker, and in politics he is a Democrat.
Eugene A. Balsley was born Nov. 25, 1876, in LaFayette town-
ship, Walworth county, Wis., being the son of Edwin and Francis
(Maltby) Balsley, who were of Dutch and English descent, born in
New York, and came to Walworth county. Wis., in 1875, settling
on a farm. Our subject was educated in the common schools of
Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in the
civil engineering class of 1902. In 1902, immediately following his
graduation, he went to Chicago to act as time keeper for the Ameri-
can Bridge Company, where he made unusual progress in his line,
being engaged most of the time in difficult construction work on
bridges, and in 1907 he was sent to Milwaukee to take charge as
manager of the American Bridge Company of this city. In poli-
tics he is a Republican and he is also a member of the Milwaukee
Athletic Association.
Garrit C. De Heus was born in Milwaukee, March 18, 1883,
being the son of Anthony and Antoinette (Augustyn) De Heus,
both natives of Holland, where the father was born in 1856, at Leer-
dam, and the mother in i860 at Steenbergen. Anthony De Heus
and his family came to the L T nited States at an early day, landing
in New York, going thence to settle on a farm near Grand Rapids,
Mich. After the Civil war he joined the regular army in Virginia
and saw the exciting scenes of the reconstruction period in the
South, when negro supremacy and carpet-baggers' domination was
put down. He was in the regular army six years, when he was hon-
orably retired as a non-commissioned officer. Soon thereafter he
came to Milwaukee and entered the employ of Richer, Crombie &
Co., wholesale grocers. He has been in the brokerage business
BIOGRAPHICAL J< )
since 1898 in this city, where he and his wife still reside. The ol
children of the family besides our subject are James A. ami S_\lvia
\Y., now the wife of G. J. DeGelleke, of this city. Garrit C. De I [eus
was educated in the public schools of Milwaukee, graduating From
the West Division High School. After leaving school he worked
for eight years for H. H. West & Co. and Nov. 1, kjo6, he became
manager of the Dennison Manufacturing Company, of this city.
His military record consists of his being sergeant of Company F,
First infantry Wisconsin National Guards. In religion he is a
member of the First Reformed church, while in politics he is a Dem-
ocrat. I le is also a member and director of the Arion Musical Club,
chairman of the educational committee of the Y. M. C. A., member
of the Heptasophs, the United Commercial Travelers and the Equit-
able Fraternal Union. While he may be now in a receptive mood,
Cupid's chains have not yet bound him.
William V. Georg, whose artistic natural abilities as a land-
scape painter are securing for him more than local recognition in
Milwaukee, was born in that city Nov. 8, 1853, the son of Henry
and Susanna (Rheinhard) Georg, both natives of Germany. The
father was engaged in newspaper work in 1848 in Germany and
owing to the Revolution was obliged to leave and joined the For-
eign Legion in Africa. He learned the confectioner's trade, came to
the United States, settling in Milwaukee, where he married and
reared a family of ten children, nine boys and one girl. He pursued
his avocation for several years in this city, being located for some
time at Market and East W'ater streets. Our subject was educated
in the public schools of the city, and soon after leaving school he
went to Chicago to study painting under a then well known artist
named Rastall. This being the cultivation of his natural talents, he
made rapid progress. But the necessary means were wanting to
afford him the advantages which his talents deserved, hence he was
compelled to turn his attention to the more practical phases of his
art to secure a livelihood. At sixteen years of age he started in as
a house decorator and sign painter, devoting his leisure moments
to landscape painting, which he made from nature. He has had
many of his paintings on exhibition and they always receive high
commendation. He has done a great deal of scenery work for thea-
ters and public buildings and is at present engaged in painting
scenery at Alhambra Theater. Flis recent landscape works have at-
tracted the attention of local connoisseurs of art and the favorable
and generous reception accorded them is affording him the gratifi-
cation of the poor artist's dream, which is that he may enjoy the
great pleasures of his soul's desire and feel that his art will sustain
him and his. Of this there is now not the slightest fear. June 17.
1876, he married Miss Theresa, daughter of Joseph and Theresa
(Stockers) Meyer, natives of Switzerland, and they are the parents of
eight children, as follows: Ella, now Mrs. Herman F. Thiel : Ar-
thur, an artist; Ida, now Mrs. Oscar A. Grosshuesch ; Walter ( '..
engaged in the foreign exchange: William, Alice. Clarence and
Raymond. In religion he and his family are members o\ the Ger-
SO MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
man Reformed church, and he is a member of the Republican party
and of the Post Artists' Association. Like most men of refined na-
tures and artistic tastes, our subject was for many years forced to
wage a war against unkind fate and unfavorable circumstances, but
by persistent efforts he has conquered and the clouds have rolled
by ; and for many years to come may he and his artistic family live
to gratify and cultivate the superior tastes with which they are en-
dowed.
Jacob Moerschel is a highly esteemed resident of the city of
Milwaukee, where he is noted as a pianist of exceedingly rare ac-
complishments, and his success as a teacher of the fine art is evinced
by the number of his pupils and the unequivocal success achieved
by them under his instruction. Mr. Moerschel was born in the city
of St. Louis, Mo., April 15, 1872, and is the son of Jacob and Mary
(Hibbard) Moerschel, the former of whom was born in Cincinnati,
Ohio, and the latter was a native of Missouri. The paternal grand-
father was a native of Bavaria, and the name of Jacob is found in
the Moerschel family in at least four generations immediately pre-
ceding the present one. Jacob Moerschel, the father of him whose
name introduces this review, served as a soldier in the Civil war,
enlisting at St. Louis and being with the army of General Grant at
the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh and other sanguinary en-
gagements. With other patriotic German citizens he was instru-
mental in preserving the city of St. Louis and the state of Missouri
to the Union during the early days of the great conflict, and after
the close of hostilities he entered the United States postal service ;
but rheumatism and other ailments contracted while in the military
service caused his death in 1875, and his faithful wife passed away
the same year, their deaths being but three months apart. The
father was an amateur artist of splendid abilities, well educated, and
a musician of more than local renown. The mother was of immedi-
ate Yankee ancestry, but of more remote English descent. The
Moerschel family was formerly one of the foremost in the city of
St. Louis, the paternal grandfather being the only large snuff manu-
facturer in Missouri during his time, and different members of the
family have been very prominent in pedagogical circles during the
past fifty years. Jacob Moerschel was but three years old when he
experienced the irreparable loss of his parents, and his rearing and
education were thus consigned to others, under whose guidance he
was carefully trained and fitted for the career in which he has since
won well-merited distinction. He received his preliminary educa-
tion in the St. Louis high school and then took several private
courses in belles-lettres, after which he went abroad and studied in
Vienna for a period of nearly ten years. There he took theory un-
der Eugene Thomas, chief professor of composition in the Vienna
Conservatory, and came into intimate contact with the Leschetsky
School of Thought, also establishing close relationship with such
pedagogues as Julius Epstein, Fischoff and Dachs. After his long
sojourn in Europe Mr. Moerschel returned to his St. Louis home
and a year later, in 1902, he selected Milwaukee as the field for his
BIOGRAPHICAL 8l
future endeavor and soon rose to prominence in musical circles. He
brings to his work the untiring energy which always accompanies
genius, and he is a great enthusiast in regard to chamber music, in
which particular line he has achieved unqualified success. Mr.
Moerschel was married in the city of Vienna, Austria, Nov. 24,
1897, to Miss Maryca Pentkowski von Ostoja, daughter of Zenon
Pentkowski, and to this union there have been born two sons, Jacob
and Henry. Airs. Moerschel is of a very prominent Polish family.
From childhood she has been a fine pianist, and very early was en-
couraged by one of the world's most renowned tenors to take up
voice culture. After completing a course in the Vienna Conserva-
tory of Music she studied five years with the world-famous Pauline
Lucca. She has been engaged as soprano soloist in several philhar-
monic concerts in Europe, and acquitted herself so creditably as to
receive an abundance of favorable criticism from recognized author-
ities.
August C. Miller, the efficient and capable superintendent of
the Monarch Manufacturing Company of Milwaukee, w r as born in
Xew Orleans, La., on Jan. 10, 1861. He is the second in Order of
birth of the family of Charles P. and Katherine (Schneidmiller)
Miller, both natives of Germany, the birthday of the father having
been March 23, 1831, in the province of Saxony. The mother was
born in Hesse Darmstadt on March 1, 1827. Ten children came to
bless the union of Charles P. and Katherine Miller, and there has
been no break in the family by death. The five sons and the five
daughters, all of whom have made a success of life, reflect great
credit upon the parents for the training in habits of industry and
integrity. Although well advanced in years, both parents retain to
a remarkable degree their mental faculties. While a citizen of New r
Orleans in 1861 Charles P. Miller was drafted to serve in the Con-
federate army and for two years he rendered brave service to the
Southern cause, and in 1863 received an honorable discharge. Four
years after the cessation of hostilities he removed with his family to
Chicago, where for more than twenty years he was employed as
foreman of the upholstery department of Marshall Field & Com-
pany. He then retired from active participation in business life and
is spending the remaining years of his life amid most congenial sur-
roundings, honored and respected by all who have been fortunate
enough to become acquainted with him. August C. Miller, the sub-
ject of this sketch, received his educational training in the public
schools of New Orleans and Chicago. While still a youth he en-
tered the employ of Samuel Liberman, of Chicago, a manufacturer
of overalls, coat's and the like. His first income, if such it may be
called, was the small sum of $1.50 per week, but his industry and
capability won him well-merited recognition, and step by step he
mastered the trade until he was finally made superintendent. In
1896 he removed to Racine. Wis., to accept a more lucrative posi-
tion as superintendent of a manufacturing company in that city and
three years later came to Milwaukee to accept a similar position
with the Cohen Brothers Companv. A portion of this company
6
82 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
shortly afterward became the Monarch Manufacturing Company,
with which he has been associated ever since. When twenty years
of age Mr. Miller was first made a foreman and although he has
had large numbers of men under his direction, he has never experi-
enced any difficulty in the handling of them, his rare good sense and
tact averting many a labor trouble. In politics he is affiliated with
the Democratic party and for twelve years, while that party was
in power in Chicago, he held the office of supervisor of elections.
In a religious way he is associated with the Episcopal church. His
fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Foresters and
the Royal League. a On Sept. i, 1884, Mr. Miller was united in
marriage to Miss Nellie Carson, a native of Sweden, and a daugh-
ter of Charles Carson, a prominent horse dealer of Sweden. To this
union have been born three children. The eldest, Katherine Mabel,
is the wife of Clyde Biggs, an estimator of buildings for an archi-
tectural firm in Chicago. The other two, Gertrude Florence and
Harold Raymond, are at home. Mr. Miller is now building a new
home for himself and family and will reside therein at 710 Thirty-
fourth.
Quincy A. Matthews, prominent in commercial circles of Mil-
waukee as a real estate and fire insurance agent, was born in
Geauga county, a part of the historical Western Reserve of Ohio,
on Nov. 30, 1847, tne youngest of the four sons and three daughters
of Anson, and Elizabeth (Durand) Matthews. The father was a
country merchant in Newbury township, Geaug - a county, during
the greater part of his active life. The esteem in which he was held
by his fellow citizens may be judged by the fact that at one time he
served as the representative of his district in the state legislature of
Ohio, having been elected on the Republican ticket. Late in his life
he removed to Illinois and finally to Milwaukee, where most of his
family had located. Quincy A. Matthews attended the common
schools in the vicinity of his home, and received his later education
at Hiram Institute and Oberlin College. As a boy he was an inti-
mate friend and personal acquaintance of the lamented James A.
Garfield, who was a minister of the religious sect, the Disciples, to
which Mr. Matthews' parents belonged. Garfield often called at the
home of the Matthews and the subject of this memoir vividly re-
calls the dav when the man who was to one dav attain to the hisfh-
est office within the power of the people to give, left his home for
the seat of war. When Mr. Matthews was still a youth his parents
removed to Illinois to eng'age in agricultural pursuits, the condi-
tion of the father's health necessitating such a move. During his
residence in that state he worked on the farm during: the summer
months and filled his time during the winter as baggage man at the
station at the intersection of the Illinois Central and Baltimore &
Ohio railroads. About 1868 he came to Milwaukee to enter the em-
ploy of his brothers, then engaged in the furniture business. He
started at the bottom and by perseverance and thrift worked his
way to the top until he became a partner. When the firm was in-
corporated as the Matthews Brothers' Manufacturing Company he
BIOGRAPHICAL 83
was made its treasurer. In 1893 the business was disposed of by
sale and Quincy A. Matthews entered the real estate and fire insur-
ance business. By the same industry which won him a partnership
in the .Matthews Brothers' Company he has established and main-
tained a most successful business. Beside many residence and
other properties he is now the manager for the Matthews building,
one of the largest office buildings in Milwaukee. On May 6, [875,
Mr. Matthews was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Baudry, who
died in 1900.
Edwin W. Olds, superintendent of rolling stock of the Milwau-
kee Electric Railway and Light Company, a native of Vermont, was
born at Franklin, Franklin county, on July 22, 1847. He is the third
in order of birth in a family 'of three sons and a daughter of Lo-
renzo and Edeline (Felton) Olds, both of whom were also bom in
Vermont, the former in 1802 and the latter in 1812. The father
spent all of his active career as a manufacturer, owning and operat-
ing a general foundry and machine shop. Edwin YV Olds, the sub-
ject of this sketch, received his education in the common and high
schools of Franklin and St. Albans, and when he had completed the
courses given in those institutions he mastered the machinist's trade
in his father's shops. His health failing, he removed to Iowa in
1870, and when his condition was such as to allow it he started the
•establishment of a general foundry and machine shop. After seven
years of the successful conduct of this he disposed of the business
and returned to St. Albans, Vt., to become general foreman of the
St, Albans foundry. He served in that capacity for four years, leav-
ing the work to go to Montreal, Canada, to become associated with
his brother Barnard in the manufacture of harvester and threshing
machinery. Three years later, his health becoming impaired, he
again went to Iowa, and soon afterward to Nebr?ska, remaining in
these states for a period of three years. The following seven years
Mr. Olds spent in Denver, Col., five years of which
as master mechanic of the Denver City Tramway Com-
pany. His residence in Milwaukee dates from 180''.
coming to assume the position of division superintend-
ent of the street railway company. He held this position but
seven months, being promoted at the end of that time to the super-
intendence' of rolling stock, the position he now holds. As an
evidence of the growth of the responsibility upon his shoulders may
be compared the number of cars in operation when he assumed
the position and the number at the present time. In 1896 there
were 196 cars : at the present time about 600. Mr. Olds is one of
the best known men in his line of work, taking an active part in the
American Street and Interurban Railway Engineering Association,
and honored by the position of president of the organization in
1903. Fraternally he is prominent in Masonic circles, being a mem-
ber of the Scottish Rite Consistory and a noble of the Mystic Shrine.
On Nov. 30. 1872, Mr. Olds was united in matrimony to Miss Jen-
nie Potter, a native of Xew York, and a daughter of A. Madison
Potter, who for many years was one of the best known hotel keep-
84 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
ers in the Hawkeye State. To Mr. and Mrs. Olds have been born
three sons. Fred Lee, the eldest, is a salesman for the Chicago Var-
nish Company, with headquarters in Chicago. Albert Roy is a civil
engineer for a Havana street railway company in Cuba, and How-
ard Arthur, the youngest, is a student at the state university at
Madison — Electrical Engineering course.
John Groom, retired, for many years one of the central figures
in the commercial life of Milwaukee, was born in Boston, Mass., on
April 10, 1848, the youngest of the six children of Thomas and
Emily (Parker) Groom, and the fourth son. The mother was born
in Boston in 1808 and the father in Birmingham, England, in 1812.
The latter, when twenty-one years of age, came to America and by
industry and thrift worked his way from a menial position to the
head of a large wholesale and retail stationery firm, which position
he occupied at the time of his death. John Groom, the subject of
this memoir, received his educational advantages in the Chauncey
Hall School in Boston. Upon the completion of his training he fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits for a period of four or five years and in
1867 came to Wisconsin. The possibilities of lumbering in the
northern woods appealed to him and from that year until 1881 he
labored in the lumber camps, gaining in that time sufficient compen-
sation to enable him to retire from active business life and move to
Milwaukee. For twenty-seven years now he has lived in this city,
honored and respected by all who know him. On July 22, 1873, Mr.
Groom was united in marriage to Miss Anna Pirie, a native of New-
burgh, N. Y., and a daughter of Robert Pirie, an engineer, who came
to this country from Scotland. Five children have been the issue of
this marriage : Emily Parker, Thomas, John, Jr. ; Mary Pirie and
Samuel B.
Winfield H. Cameron, the president of the Milwaukee Vacuum
Machinery Company, was born at Jamestown, N. Y., Aug. 27, 1871.
His father, Winfield Scott Cameron, was a native of Jamestown, N.
Y., born in 1828, and his mother, Imogen (Payne) Cameron, was
born at Shelbourne Falls, Mass., in 1846. WJhen the Civil war broke
out in 1861 the elder Cameron responded to the call for volunteers
and enlisted as a private in the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth New
York Infantry and served for four years. He was wounded at the
battle of Chancellorsville and captured by the Confederates, but was
soon exchanged and invalided home. After he had sufficiently re-
covered he returned to the army and was under General Sherman
for the entire time of his service. He served on Sherman's staff
during the famous march to the sea and for gallantry in action and
strict observance of duty was gradually promoted during the war
from one rank to another until he held a commission as lieutenant-
colonel when mustered out of the service. After the close of the
war Winfield S. Cameron, who was a lawyer by profession, located
in Jamestown, N. Y., and began to practice his profession. He very
soon became of note locally in his profession and took part in local
politics, and served a term in the state legislature. Winfield H.
Cameron was his only child. He received a s:ood elementary edu-
BIOGRAPHICAL 85
cation and attended Harvard College, where he graduated from the
collegiate course in 1895. The next year he entered the law depart-
ment of the same institution and received the degree of LL. B. in
1898. Immediately after leaving college he located in .Milwaukee
and began the practice of law with the firm of Miller, Noyes, Mil-
ler & Wahl and remained with them about a year and a half, but
abandoned his law practice to go into the bond business. He was
associated with O. C. Fuller & Co. in the bond business until 1907.
in 1908 he became president of the Milwaukee Vacuum Machinery
Co. Oct. 15, 1901, he married Miss Julia Greer, of Louisville, Ky..
the daughter of William T. Greer. They have one son, YYinfield H.,
Jr. Mr. Cameron is interested in athletics and is one of the bright,
well-developed young business men of Milwaukee. He is popular
with his friends and is a great social favorite and belongs to the
Milwaukee Country Club and the Town Club.
Alexander G. Riebs, president and manager of the I nion
Credit Company, was born in Milwaukee on Aug. 6, 1870. He
comes of good German stock, his mother, Anna E. (Donges)
Riebs, having been born in 1844 in Lancaster, Pa., a daughter of
one of the famous Pennsylvania Dutch families. The father, John
Michael Riebs, was born in Strasburg, Germany, in 1834 and came
to America when but fourteen or fifteen years of age. In 1855 he
came to Milwaukee and secured employment as chef of the Kirby
House and later filled the same position at the Newhall House.
When that hostelry was destroyed by fire he became second chef
at the Plankinton House, a position he held for a number of years.
When he resigned it was to enter the flour and feed business with
his sons under the firm name of J. M. Riebs & Sons, an occupation
which kept him bus}- until a few years before his death, which oc-
curred in 1905. During the Civil war he served as a private in Com-
pany F of the Thirty-fifth Indiana volunteer infantry, and for two
years was orderly private on the staff of General Thomas in the
Chattanooga and Nashville campaigns. At his death he left four
sons and two daughters. Alexander G. Riebs, the subject of this
memoir, received his scholastic training in the First District School
and the Spencerian Business College of Milwaukee. When he had
completed his work in the latter institution he entered the employ
of the Seaman Abstract Company and remained with that concern
for a period of five years, from 1886 to 1891. He severed his con-
nection with the Seaman Company to become associated with the
Union Credit Company in a clerical position. By his enterprise and
industry he was promoted step by step until in 1900 he was chosen
president and manager of the company. Fraternally Mr. Riebs is
prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of the Scottish Rite
Consistory and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. On June 24, 1903,
occurred Mr. Riebs' marriage to Miss Katherine M. Winkler.
D. Milton Jones is a well-known resident of the city of Mil-
waukee, where his superior qualifications as a business man have
been evinced in a very successful career. Fie was born in New
York city on March 17, 1861. the son of David H. and Elizabeth
86 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
(Evans) Jones, the former of whom was also born in the city of
Xew York in 1827 and the latter in Wales in 1820. The father was
a prominent wholesale and retail dealer in groceries, in which line
he made a specialty of teas and coffees, and he owned and con-
ducted large establishments, both in Chicago and New York. To
him and his good wife there were born two sons, of which the
subject of this review is the eldest, and the second son, Samuel
Jones, is the superintendent of transportation for the National Bis-
cuit Company at Chicago. The parents took up their residence in
Chicago while D. Milton Jones was a child, and in the public
schools of that city he received his preliminary education. After
leaving school he began his independent career as a dealer in lum-
ber, and in that line of endeavor he gradually expanded his busi-
ness until he became one of the prominent lumber men of the
country and met with very nattering .financial success. His prac-
tice was to buy the forests of standing timber, then clear the land
and ship the logs to the mills, where they were manufactured into
lumber. He owned large tracts of timber land in Tennessee, Michi-
gan and North Carolina, and in the course of his extensive business
he shipped the first carload of walnut lumber ever taken out of
Tennessee. He owned portable saw-mills in Tennessee and North
Carolina and a number of permanent stationery ones in the state
of Michigan. He continued in the lumber business until 1889, in
which year he disposed of his extensive interests in that line and
becanie the secretary and treasurer of the Anglo-American Pro-
vision Company, which concern operated pork-packing plants at
Chicago, Sioux City, Omaha, and St. Paul, and had distributing
stations in all the large cities of the principal foreign countries.
Mr. Jones remained with this company for a period of six years,
after which he became the general freight agent for one of the
leading railroads and located in Chicago. In 1898 he removed to
Milwaukee as the representative of the passenger department of the
Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, and one year later
he retired from that line of business and assisted in the reorganiza-
tion of the Gardner Campbell Company in the iron and brass
foundry business. The fine-toned bell which hangs in the city hall
at Milwaukee was cast at this foundry. Mr. Jones served in the
capacity of secretary, treasurer and general manager of this con-
cern and remained with it until its business was finally wound up
in the autumn of 1904. On Jan. 1, 1905, he became secretary of the
Herman Zohrlaut Leather Company, in which position he still of-
ficiates, and the exacting duties of the place are performed success-
full}- and in keeping with up-to-date business methods. Mr. Jones
has a natural taste for military affairs, and while residing in Chi-
cago he served as the captain of Companv I. Illinois National
Guard. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order, having
a local membership in Wisconsin Chapter. Ivanhoe Commandery,
and the Tripoli Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and he is the com-
mandant of the Ivanhoe Drill Corps. He is also a member of the
Milwaukee Athletic Club. Mr. Jones was married on Oct. 2, 1899,
BIOGRAPHICAL 87
to Miss Florence Myers, a native of Milwaukee, and a daughter oi
Lehman Myers.
August A. Jonas, the popular president and treasurer of the
Jonas Autombile Company of this city, was born in Milwaukee on
Aug. 19, 1883, and is a son of Carl and Johanna (Zenke) Jonas.
Both parents were horn in Germany, the father in 1849 an( l the
mother in 1844. The father was reared on a farm, and after his
marriage came, in 1881, to the United States, locating first in Brook-
lyn, lie remained there but a year, however, and then came to
Milwaukee to become associated with the Falk Brewing Company.
Later he was with Jung & Borchert, and when this linn and the
Falk company were absorbed by the Pabst interests he continued
with the company as then formed. He remained with the Pabst
company until his death, which occurred in 1906. Four sons were
born to Carl Jonas : Theodore, deceased ; William G. ; Gustave, and
August A. The subject of this memoir received his education in
the public schools of his native city, including the high school, and
then took a stenographic course in the Spencerian Business College.
For a time he earned his livelihood by the practice of typewriting
and stenography. In 1905, when the Jonas Automobile Company
was incorporated, he was made its president and treasurer, William
G. Jonas became secretary and manager, and Gustave Jonas vice-
president. The company is the oldest in the state, having had its
inception when automobiles first began to come into general use
and developing into its present size by the energy and enterprise
of its incorporators. It has the Milwaukee agency for Peerless
and Cadillac machines, and beside its sales department conducts a
garage and repair shop. Mr. Jonas is unmarried. Fraternally he
is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and
the Deutscher Club. Throughout the city he is known as an
active, progressive young man.
Gustave Jonas, vice-president of the Jonas Automobile Com-
pany of Milwaukee, is a native of Germany, having been born in
that country on July I, 1879. A brief review of the lives of his
parents, Carl and Johanna (Zenke) Jonas, may be found in the
sketch of August A. Jonas elsewhere in this volume. He received
his educational advantages in the public schools of the city. When
he completed his scholastic work he engaged in the bicycle busi-
ness, conducting with a Mr. Miller a salesroom and general repair
shop. They continued this business for eleven years, but as auto-
mobiles began to come into vogue Mr. Jonas turned his attention
to them, and later, with his two brothers, organized the Jonas
Automobile Company, the first company of its kind to be organized
in the state of Wisconsin. The firm was incorporated in 1905 with
August A. Jonas as president and treasurer; Gustave as vice-presi-
dent, and William G. Jonas as secretary and manager. The firm's
place of business is at 726 National avenue, and includes a garage,
repair shop and salesroom. The subject of this memoir is a capable
master mechanic and oversees the mechanical part of the firm's
business. On June 30, 1003. Mr. Jonas was united in marriage to
Miss Lily Ters, a native of Milwaukee and a daughter of James
88 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Ters, a railroad man. A son, Walter by name, has come to bless
this union. Mr. Jonas is prominent in fraternal circles as an active
member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Truman H. Curtis, an efficient sanitary inspector of the health
department of the city government, was born in Port Hope, in the
province of Ontario, Canada, on Oct. n, 1841. He is a son of
Leonard S. Curtis, who was born in East Dorset, Vt., on Jan. 27,
1815, and his wife, Clymena (Stinson) Curtis, born in Dunbarton, N,
H., in 1813. The Stinson family were the first settlers in Dunbar-
ton, coming from the north of Ireland in 1680. They were of sturdy
Scotch stock, and the great grandfather saw service as a member
of the Continental Army in the War of the Revolution. The grand-
father was a major of militia in the War of 1812. Leonard S.
Curtis was a prominent citizen of Wauwatosa, having held several
of the town offices. He was of English descent, his ancestors hav-
ing migrated to this country from England in 1745. Mr. Curtis
received his primary education in the common schools of his birth-
place and in Wauwatosa, and at the latter was prepared for college.
In January, i860, he matriculated at Beloit College, but owing to
various circumstances he did not graduate until 1867. At the out-
break of the War of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company B of the
First infantry, Wisconsin volunteers, for the three months' serv-
ice. With the regiment he participated in the advance on Martins-
burg, which the First Wisconsin led, and in the battle of Falling
Waters ; and Aug. 22, 1861, was honorably discharged from the serv-
ice. He then re-entered college, but again was compelled to leave
before completing his course by his election to the lower house of
the state legislature. He served in the session of 1866, and repre-
sented the towns of Wauwatosa and Greenfield. In June, 1867, he
was one of the thirteen members of the class who graduated at
Beloit College. Ten of the thirteen are still living, and keep in
touch with each other by means of a class letter, which each year
circles the globe. There are sixty-two volumes so far compiled,
the latter of which is at the present time in transit. It required
ten months for the first volume to complete the circuit, but it is
now done in much less time. After his graduation from college he
entered the meat and grocery business, in which he was engaged
for a period of thirteen years. He entered the employ of the city
as assessor of the city water rates under Mayor Stoll, and served
in that capacity for a period of two years. In May, 1883, he be-
came an inspector in the health department and holds that position
at the present time. That he has filled the position in a most satis-
factory manner to all concerned is evidenced in the fact of his long
service through the various administrations. In politics he has al-
ways been a stanch adherent of the principles of the Democratic
party, and his election and appointment to public office have always
been under that regime. He is a liberal in his religious views, be-
lieving that the standard of citizenship and manhood is not in-
fluenced by creed or sect, and his only social relations are with the
Beloit College Alumni Association and the Grand Army of the
Republic. On Feb. 22, 1869, Mr. Curtis was united in marriage to
BIOGRAPHICAL 89
Miss B. J. Carpenter, a daughter of Thomas and Ann Carpenter,
of Milwaukee. The following' children were the issue of this union :
R. K., born July 17, 1870, an engineer of the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul Railway; Leonard S., born March 21, [872, a member of
the Milwaukee Fire Department; Chester J., bom May 8, 1X74. a
government inspector; William, born July 3, [876, died at the
age of seven months; Helen M., born Dec. 25, 1870; Willard A.,
born in 1883; John Wesley, born in 1881 ; Leo F., born in 1883;
Truman 1 1., Jr., born July 21, 1887; Jessie Rose, born Aug. 28, 1890;
and Cosy Clymene, born in 1893. Mr. Curtis arrived in Milwaukee
on Oct. 6, 1845, and has been one of the most progressive and pub-
lic spirited citizens in the upbuilding of the city since that time.
Alfred Hilton, the genial and efficient secretary and treasurer
of the Slocum Straw Works, one of the large manufactories of Mil-
waukee, was born in the Cream City on May 19, i860, and is a son
of Alfred and Ann Hilton. The father was born in Oldham, Eng-
land, on May 18, 1824, and the mother in Lancashire on April 9,
1825. Mr. Hilton received his educational advantages in the pub-
lic and high schools of the city, and when he had graduated at the
latter institution he entered the Northwestern Straw Works as a
hatmaker. He has since had no other employment, and has worked
through the various departments of the institution, thoroughly mas-
tering each stage of the work. His promotion to the position of
secretary and treasurer has been the result of hard work, enter-
prise and attention to details until he has become one of the most
valued officials of the business. In his political relations he is
allied with the Republican party, but has never found the leisure to
become a candidate for public office, being too engrossed in busi-
ness affairs. In religious matters he is a loyal member of the Con-
gregational church and one of its most zealous workers. On Nov.
29, 1883, Mr. Hilton was united in marriage to Miss Mary Welsh.
a daughter of William B. and Leticua Welsh, of Milwaukee. Three
children have been born to bless this union, Alice May, now twen-
ty-two years of age; Amy Adeline, twenty-one years old, and
Fannie, nineteen years of age. Mr. Hilton's brother, John, was a
member of a Wisconsin infantry regiment during the Civil war
and served all through that struggle.
William N. Hilton, well known in commercial and manufac-
turing circles of Milwaukee, as the vice-president of the Slocum
Straw Works, was born in Milwaukee on March 3, 1858, a son of
Alfred and Ann (Needham) Hilton. His father was born in Old-
ham, England, on May 18, 1824, and his mother in Lancashire on
April 9, 1825. Mr. Hilton attended the public schools i^\ his native
city and graduated at one of the high schools. Immediateb after
graduation he entered the employ of the Northwestern Straw
Works, and his business career since that time has been continu-
ously with the same firm. His enterprise, thrift and integrity won
recognition for him from his employers, who appreciated that he
was one of many in business dealings. Consequently his promo-
90 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
tion through the various departments of the works was rapid, and
in each department he made a study of the details of the work,
so that today in his official capacity as vice-president, he is
thoroughly conversant with each step in the process of manufac-
ture. The concern's output consists chiefly of ladies' straw and
felt hats, and the Slocum quality is everywhere known as the best.
In politics Mr. Hilton is a stanch adherent of the principles of the
Republican party and in religious matters is affiliated with the
Methodist Episcopal church. On July 28, 1886, he was united in
marriage to Miss Jennie McCreedy, a daughter of James and Jane
McCreedy, of the town of Lake. Five children have been born to
bless this union, Needham I., Eugene B., Marjorie, Harriet and
Cora Viola.
John Ziehl, the genial proprietor of the Hotel Bismarck, is a
son of Ferdinand and Opleona Ziehl, and was born at Hoerdt, Ger-
many, on March 28, 1863. Both parents were born in the same
town, the father in 1820 and the mother in 1828. He comes of that
sturdy German stock which has been such a powerful influence in
the development of the German empire, and is a direct descendant
of many German patriots. His paternal grandfather lost his life
while serving his country as a soldier in the Franco-Russian war.
John ZiehFs education was limited to eight years of study in the
common schools of Hoerdt. He was a young man of ambition, with
a desire for travel, and when but eighteen years of age we find him
crossing the ocean to meet the hardships and trials of life in a new
country. He arrived penniless and friendless, but with superb
courage he undertook the struggle for an existence. He located
first at Erie, Pa., and his first means of livelihood was as a laborer
in a brickyard. Nothing better offered for a year, and he stuck to
the work, meantime making himself familiar with the English
language and the customs of the country. For two years he was
engaged as a moulder and then for some time as a clerk. In 1886
he came to Milwaukee and embarked in the hotel. The measure of
his success can best be judged by the popularity of his house, which
has always been a great favorite with the traveling public. He
conducts a modern hostelry with every convenience, and is espe-
cially anxious that his patrons receive the most courteous treatment
at the hands of his employes. In politics Mr. Ziehl is a Democrat,
but has never found the leisure to devote to a candidacy for public
office, despite the urgent solicitation of his many friends. His re-
Hgiotis relations are with the Catholic church and fraternally he
is identified with Columbia Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. On
Dec. 28, 1886, Mr. Ziehl was united in marriage to Mrs. Ottelie
Spindler, a native of Germany and a daughter of Peter Winter.
They have no children.
Alfred L. Kastner, M. D., a practicing physician in the city
of Milwaukee, was born in that city on Sept. 29, 1878, son of Ernst
and Emma (Vogel) Kastner, both of whom are also natives of the
Cream City. The paternal grandparents, John and Rosina Kastner,
were natives of Bavaria, Germany, migrated to America about 1849
BIOGRAPHICAL 9 1
and settled in Milwaukee, where they lived the remainder of their
lives. The maternal grandparents were Ludevig and Mora Vogel,
who also were pioneer citizens of Milwaukee and there lived and
died. Ernst Kastner, the father of the subject of this review, is
interested in the B. Hoffman Manufacturing Company at Milwau-
kee. Dr. Kastner received his early education in the public schools
of Milwaukee, including a course in the high school, after which he
began the study of medicine and graduated in the Wisconsin Col-
lege of Physicians and Surgeons with the class of 1902. After his
graduation he spent about seven months as interne at the Milwau-
kee County Hospital and also as assistant surgeon at the Soldiers'
Home, and he then opened an office in the city for the active prac-
tice of his profession, in which he has since been engaged with
highly gratifying success. He maintains an independent position
in political matters, not caring for official honors nor deeming it
prudent to worship at the shrine of any political organization, but
he takes a live interest in all affairs of a public nature. He keeps in
touch with his professional brethren by having membership in
the Milwaukee, the Milwaukee County, and the Wisconsin State
Medical associations, and he is a member of the Phi Rho Sigma
medical fraternity, and of the Masonic order. He is also a mem-
ber of the Beavers, of which organization he is the local medical
examiner, and he is also the examiner for the Brotherhood of Loco-
motive Engineers and the Brotherhood of Firemen. On June 10,
1908, he was married to Mathilda Hoffmann, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Balthasar Hoffmann, of Milwaukee.
Adolph Ehrler, one of the prominent confectioners of Milwau-
kee, was born in Switzerland Sept. 22, 1870, being the son of Adolph
and Elizabeth Ehrler, both of whom were born, lived and died in
Switzerland. The father of our subject was a business man in
Switzerland. His deep love for his native mountains was so great
that no inducement could change his determination to die amidst
their enchanting influences. He was a true, hardy child of nature,
as the Swiss usually are, and he judged and concluded correctly
when he resolved that no matter where his footsteps might roam
he could find no scenery more beautiful than his own, beneath the
shadow of the Matterhorn, of Pilatus, and of the Jungfrau, so here
should be his and his wife's grave in the lovely land of William Tell.
To himself and wife were born two children, our subject and a
daughter,' both of whom were educated in Switzerland. It appears
that the, son was not imbued with the same patriotic devotion to
the land of his birth as was the father. Neither the pursuit of the
chamois from cliff to crag, the ripplings of a thousand rills fed by
everlasting glaciers, nor that sweetest music, the jodel of the fair
daughters of his native land, could restrain his "wanderlust," hence
we find him at the age of twenty, in 1891, a citizen of Milwaukee.
In 1900 he engaged in the confectionery business at 276 Third
street, but in 1907, his business increasing, he began on an enlarged
scale at 301 Third street, where he is still located in a thriving busi-
ness. In 1902, in seeking a life partner, he concluded he could not
92 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
do better than choose a daughter of his native country, so he mar-
ried Miss Lena, daughter of John Ruegg, who was born in Switzer-
land. They have one child living, a daughter, Elizabeth ; and one
son, Thomas, deceased. In religion Mr. Ehrler is a member of the
Lutheran church and in politics he is an independent. He is a
member of the E. F. U. and M. W. A. His success is due to his
methods of fair dealing and to his great care of details.
Carroll Milton Edmund Towne, of Milwaukee, was born at Mil-
ton, Vermont, Oct. 2, 1855, being the son of Byron and Sarah
(Fargo) Towne, both born at Milton, Vt. His parents came to
Ripon, Wis., in i860, and engaged in the hotel business and then
moved to Fond du Lac in 1867, where they conducted the Ameri-
can and Patty hotels for several years. Finally in 1885 the family
moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where father and son continued as
landlords until the father's death Oct. 29, 1889. The mother died
Nov. 2, 1882. The father was an alderman of Fond du Lac, and
also served a term as city treasurer. He was a Master Mason and
a prominent member of the K. of P. The paternal grandfather,
John Towne, was a native of Vermont, and his wife was Anna
Jackson, granddaughter of Gen. Giles Jackson. The maternal
grandfather was John Fargo, a native of Vermont, who died there
in 1846. His wife was Sarah Merritt, who died in Fond du Lac,
Wis., in 1884, at the great age of 96 years. Carroll Milton Towne
received his education in the public schools of Ripon, at Mrs.
Pooler's private school at Fond du Lac, and at Bryant & Stratton's
Business College, Chicago. He Avas with his father in the hotel
business in Fond du Lac until 1879, when he became secretary of
the Wheel Seeder Co., which position he held for ten years and
he then again joined his father in the hotel business at Minneapo-
lis, Minn., until the latter's death in 1889, and he continued the
business by himself until 1892, when he came to Milwaukee. Soon
after his arrival in this city he became connected with the J. L.
Burnham & Sons, brick manufacturers, and for the past four years
he has been secretary of the Burnham Brick and Supply Co.,
dealers in brick and building supplies. On Aug. 8, 1882, Carroll
M. Towne married Miss Annie L., daughter of Jonathan L. and
Louisa (McCarty) Burnham, of Milwaukee. They are the parents
of one son, Jackson Edmund, born June 21, 1894, and now a student
of the Milwaukee Academy. Mr. Towne is a Mason, a member of
Kilbourn Lodge, No. 3; Kilbourn Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M. ; Ivan-
hoe Commandery, No. 24, K. T., and AVisconsin Consistory. He
is secretary of the Greater Milwaukee Association. In politics he
is a member of the Republican party.
John A. Becher was born in Weimar, Germany, March 13, 1833.
He was educated in Germany and came to the United States in
1853 and to Milwaukee in 1857, where he engaged in the grocery
business until 1859. when he opened a real estate office, in which
business he was interested until i8qt, when he retired. Being a
man '>!' great energy and business foresight he was eminently suc-
cessful in his business enterprises, and he is now enjoying his well
TOTTX A. BECHER
tHE HE 1
PTTBLTC 1
ARY
ASTOT LENOX
Itildem dations
BIOGRAPHICAL 93
earned quiet. During the war Mr. Becher offered his services to
his adopted country and was commissioned first lieutenant and
quartermaster of the Thirty-fourth Wisconsin regiment, in which
capacity he acted from its organization until he was mustered out
in September, 1863. In 1857 he married Miss Johanna ECrueger, of
Milwaukee, whose parents belonged to the earliest settlers of -Mil-
waukee county. She died in April. [892, at Philadelphia while she
was returning with her husband from a trip to Europe. One son,
Franklin A., was the result of their union. An adopted daughter.
Emily, is a member of the family. The son married Miss Adda M.
Wolf, oi Milwaukee, a daughter of Commodore W. If. Wolf, the
well-known ship builder, and they have a daughter, Marion, who
married Harry L. Bradley, a grandson of William Pitt Lyon, a
prominent attorney of Milwaukee. In politics Mr. Becher is a
stanch Republican, being thoroughly devoted to the principles of
that party, and he, in turn, has been honored by many evidences of
its approval and appreciation of his patriotic services. In 1869 he
was appointed a member of the State Board of Immigration, which
he held until 1871, when it was abolished by the legislature. In
1879 the board was re-established by an act of the legislature, and
he was reappointed a member and was elected its President, which
position he occupied until 1887, when it was again abolished. He
was a member of the city school board from 1873 to 1877 and a mem-
ber of the legislature from Milwaukee in 1873. He is a member
of the E. B. Wolcott Post, G. A. R., and a member of the Loyal
Legion. Mr. Becher has won a high place in the esteem of his fel-
low citizens by his splendid qualities of head and heart, his
thorough-going, rugged honesty and devotion to whatever he
thinks is just and right.
Harvey Greenwood Morton, D. D. S., a young man of great
promise in the profession of dentistry in Milwaukee, was born in
that city Oct 18, 1874, the son of Josiah Lyman Morton, of Hat-
field, Mass., and Mary (Greenwood) Morton, of Lincoln, England.
The father of Dr. Morton came to Milwaukee in 1862 and began
life as a clerk, but this he soon abandoned, engaging in merchan-
dising, which he followed for twelve years, when he changed to
work in the postoffice for about six years, which he quit to go into
the wholesale wagon business, which he continued until 1900, but
his health failing he retired from worldly cares and is now living
in Wauwatosa, Wis. To him and his wife were born two chil-
dren, Frederick Lyman and Harvey Greenwood. Our subject was
educated in the public schools of Milwaukee and graduated from
the high school at Wauwatosa. He graduated from the dental
department of the Milwaukee .Medical College in [893, since which
time he has been in the active and successful practice of dentistry
in his native city in the Mack Block. On Oct. 21 1900. he married
Miss Helen, daughter of E. R. and Susan (Rogers) Godfrey, of Wau-
watosa. Their marital relations have been blessed with two chil-
dren, Catherine Godfrey and Godfrey Lyman. Dr. Morton is a
member of the Congregational church and a member of the Re-
94 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
publican party, being also a member of the Odontological Society,
of the Wisconsin State Dental Society, and the Milwaukee Dental
Society ; and is also a member of Wauwatosa Lodge, No. 276, Free
and Accepted Masons; of Kilbourn Chapter, No. 1, Royal Arch
Masons ; of Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 24, Knights Templar, and
of Wisconsin Consistory.
Percy Bennet Wright, D. D. S., the dentist and the dean of
the dental department of the Wisconsin College of Physicians and
Surgeons, of Milwaukee, was born in Jackson, Mich., June 30, 1874,
the son of George M. and Anna M. (Townsend) Wright, the for-
mer born in Oswego, N. Y., July 23, 1834, and the latter in Amherst,
Ohio, July 21, 1838. The paternal grandfather was Joseph Wright
of Bernardstown, Mass., where he and his wife were born in 1812.
He came to Jackson, Mich., about i860 and died in Brooklyn, Mich.,
in 1899, aged 8y years, and his wife died in 1877. The
father of our subject was a sign painter and house deco-
rator, who died in Oct. 14, 1894, at Jackson, Mich.,
where his widow now lives. They had two children,
Mrs. A. R. Martin, of Jackson, Mich., and Percy B., our sub-
ject, who was educated in the ..public schools of Jackson, graduat-
ing from the high school in 1892, and in the fall of 1893 he began
the study of dentistry in the University of Michigan, from which
he graduated in June, 1896. He began practice in Chicago in 1896,
but in November of the same year he came to Milwaukee, where
he has been ever since engagd in a successful practice of his pro-
fession. He is dean of the dental department of the P. & S. of
Milwaukee. On April 10, 1902, he married Ettie E., daughter of A.
R. and Belle (Elliott) Matthews, both deceased, of Milwaukee,
and his beloved wife followed her parents to the final resting place
Feb. 8, 1905. In religion Dr. Wright is an Episcopalian and attends
St. James church, while in politics he is Republican. He is a
member of Milwaukee Odontological Society, of Wisconsin State
Dental Society ; a member of Lafayette Lodge, No. 265, F.
& A. M. ; of Calumet Chapter, No. 73, R. A. M. ; of the Lmiversity
Club, of Blue Mound Country Club, and of the Town Club of Mil-
waukee.
Ernest Demin, a very successful real estate and insurance man
of Milwaukee, was born April 23, 1849, i n Germany, being the son
of Christian and Caroline (Trapp) Demin, natives of Germany, who
came to Milwaukee in 1856 direct from the old country, where the
father had been the overseer and manager of a very large domain.
The family was composed of four daughters and four sons, of
whom our subject is the only survivor. The father died in 1866
and the mother in T876. Our subject received his education in the
public schools of Germany and Milwaukee. At first he clerked in
a grocery store and then went into the commission business for
twenty-five years. Of recent years he has been successfully en-
U'a^ed in the real estate and insurance business. From the start
he had to rely upon his own resources and' natural abilities for
whatever progress lie has made in the battles of life. Besides a
BIOGRAPHICAL 05
large amount of rental and unimproved property he has a beautiful
residence at 1224 Galena street, Milwaukee. On Jan. 4, 1873. lie
married Miss Marguerite, daughter of Nicholas and Barabra 1 Rum-
mage) Reinel, both natives of Germany, who came to Milwaukee
in 1843, an d spent their last days here, he dying in 1873 an ^ his
wile in 1805. They had eight children, all daughters and all now
married. To our subject and wife four children were born : Rosalie,
deceased; William, deceased; Isabel and Louis C, living. Mr.
Demin always entertained a liking for the exeitement of politics,
and has received recognition from the Republican party, with which
he affiliates. He w r as at one time supervisor of the Ninth ward,
then he was appointed member of the State Central Committee, and
for several years he was a member of the Committee of One
Hundred. Himself and family are members of St. John's Lutheran
church. He began life in poverty at the foot of the ladder, and
round by round he has fought his way upward through many diffi-
culties until he has reached a point of advantage and successful
accomplishments of which he may feel greatly pleased if not justly
proud.
Rudolph G. Richter, a prominent dentist of Milwaukee, was
born in that city Feb. 28, 1856, being the son of Albrecht and Eliza-
beth (Wingfield) Richter, the former born in Saxony.
Germany, and the latter in London, England, having
met and married in Mihvaukee about 1850, the fa-
ther having arrived in said city in 1848 and the
mother in 1842. The father was educated at the University
of Leipsic and w r as a graduate of that institution. He was one of
the pioneer dentists in Mihvaukee and retired from business sev-
eral years ago, dying July n, 1885. But his widow is still living.
There were eight children in the family, of whom five are living.
Our subject w r as educated in the Milwaukee Academy and at the
Polytechnic Institute of Frankenberg, Germany. He graduated
from the Ohio Dental College at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1879, and
has since been in active practice in Milwaukee. On Nov. 21, 1883,
he married Miss Emma, daughter of Frederick and Adell (Smith )
Rand, natives of Maine, who came to Milwaukee about 1878, both
now being dead. The union was blessed by the presence of three
sons: Edward R., a student and graduate of the University of Wis-
consin and now an engineer ; Charles F. and Henry W., twins. Dr.
Richter w^as a member of the Light Horse Squadron of the National
Guard, joining in 1882 and serving until 1893. Politically he votes
the Republican ticket. Lie is a member of the Wisconsin State
Dental Society; of the National Dental Association; the Milwaukee
Odontological Society; and the American Medical Association. He
served also as president of the State Board of Dental Examiners.
He belongs to the Milwaukee Club and to the Milwaukee Athletic
Club.
James I. Jones, a leading dentist of Milwaukee, was born in
Cassopolis, Mich., Dec. 25, 1845, being the son of Daniel S. and
Selma (Miller) Jones, the former a native of Butler county, Ohio,
96 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
and the latter born in Nunda, N. Y. The parents met and married
at Cassopolis, Mich., about 1830, where the father was a carpenter
and cabinet maker, which he followed till his death in 1893, and his
wife died in 1897. He was active in the Democratic party and held
different local offices. They had a family of ten children, of whom
eight are living. Our subject was educated in the public schools
of Cassopolis, and then learned the cabinet maker's trade, which he
followed from the time he was fourteen to twenty-eight years of
age. Then he began the study of dentistry, working in an office for
seven years, after which he took a two years' course in the dental
department of the University of Michigan. In 1882 he located at
Neenah, Wis., and began his practice, remaining there one and one-
half years. From there he went to Kaukauna, Wis., staying
there in the practice five and one-half years till in 1889 he came to
Milwaukee, where he has since resided in active and successful
practice of his profession. On May 29, 1889, he married Miss Lillie,
daughter of Edward and Louise (Blankenhorn) Kettler, of Mil-
waukee. Mr. Kettler was a cabinet maker by trade and is still liv-
ing, at the age of 71. Their union was blessed with ten children, all
of whom are living. Dr. Jones served his country while yet a mere
youth in the Civil war by enlisting as a private in Company L,
Ninth 'regiment Indiana volunteers, in March, 1862. He fought
in the battle of Shiloh, in many skirmishes and in the siege of Knox-
ville, Tenn., and after serving a year and nine months he was hon-
orably discharged. In politics Dr. Jones is a Democrat. He is a
member of the Wisconsin State Dental Association, the North Side
Dental Association ; Wisconsin Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M. ; Wiscon-
sin Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M. ; Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 24, K. T. ;
Milwaukee Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F. ; Wisconsin Encampment, No.
1, I. O. O. F., and the Millioki Club. Whatever he undertakes he
does well. He is a first-class dentist and an honorable, upright
citizen.
Joseph C. Baird, of the transfer firm of Davis & Baird, was born
in Walworth county, Wisconsin, being the son of Samuel and
Agnes (Murdoch) Baird, both natives of Edinburgh, Scotland.
The parents came to the United States and to Walworth county in
1845 ar, d settled on a farm, although the father was a mason by
trade in Edinborough. The father died in Walworth county, Wis-
consin, in 1854, but the wife and two children are still living. The
maternal grandfather and grandmother of our subject were natives
of Scotland, but came to the United States and to Walworth county
in an early day, where they both died and were buried. Our sub-
ject received his education in the public schools of Walworth
county and at Troy high school, and in February, 1872, came to
Milwaukee, entering the employ of the Davis Bus Line, but in
[883 lie became a member of the firm under the firm name of The
Davis-Baird Transfer Co. In May, 1880, he married Miss Mary,
daughter of John and Mary Dillon, of Milwaukee, early settlers, the
wife's parents both being now deceased. The issue of their mar-
riage is one son, Chester D., born in September, 1887, who grad-
BIOGRAPHICAL (jj
uated from the Milwaukee Academy and is now a student at the
Wisconsin University. Mr. .Baird is a clear-headed business man,
thoroughly reliable, and has the respect of all who know him.
Warren B. Davis, D. O., (Doctor of Osteopathy |, of Milwau-
kee, was born in Fort Atkinson, Rock county, Wis., Jan. 27, 1869,
the son of John H. and Esther M. (Hopkins) Davis, the former horn
in Bangor, Me., Dec. 5, 1834, and the latter in St. Johns, New
Brunswick, Aug". 21, 1842. The father came with his parents to
Wisconsin in 1849, from Bangor, settling on a farm in Rock county
near Fort Atkinson. The subject's grandfather opened a hotel at
Fort Atkinson called the Green Mountain House, and after his
death the son ran the hotel until 1882, when he went to Faribault,
Minn., and farmed near there for fourteen years, when he retired
and he and his wife now live with our subject in retiracy. Our sub-
ject was educated in the public schools of Faribault, Minn., and then
completed a commercial course. He next taught school for two
years in Rice county, Minnesota, after which he spent seven years
as assistant cashier of the Sutherland State Bank of Sutherland,
Iowa. He came to Milwaukee in 1898 after he graduated from the
Northern College of Osteopathy of Minneapolis, Minn., and in con-
junction with Dr. Cherry, founded the Milwaukee College of Oste-
opathy, Dr. Davis becoming dean and secretary-treasurer. This in-
stitution was later merged with the American School of Osteopathy
at Kirksville, Mo. Since that time Dr. Davis has been practicing
with success according to the principles of his chosen school in Mil-
waukee. On Aug. 16, 1893, he married Miss Nettie J., daughter of
Bartlett and Ann (Wilbur) Adams, of Faribault, Minn., who came
from Vermont of English stock, both now deceased. The issue of
this union was two sons, Earl Adams, born March 29, 1895, and
Paul Herbert, born June 2, 1897. A sister of Dr. Davis, Abbie S.
Davis, graduated from the Faribault High School, taking then a
special course at the University of Minnesota for one year, and then
she graduated from the Northern School of Osteopathy of Minne-
apolis, Minn., Feb. 1, 1899. She entered the practice of osteopathy
at Ashland, Wis., remaining there two and one-half years, since
which time she has been engaged with her brother in this city.
Through the Davis' and Bartlett's the genealogical tree makes di-
rect connection with the earlest New England settlers. In politics
Dr. Davis is a Republican. In religion himself and sisters are mem-
bers of the Baptist faith. He is a member of the Milwaukee Oste-
opathic Society, the Wisconsin State Osteopathic Association, the
American Osteopathic Association, a trustee of the A. T. Still Re-
search Institute; of Wisconsin Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M., and of
the M. W. A. and the Milwaukee Athletic Club. Like all other
graduates of Osteopathy, Dr. Davis and his sister. Dr. Abbie S.
Davis, are deeply devoted to their idea. and. without fear or affec-
tation, they bravely defend their position.
William T. Hardy, D. D. S., of Milwaukee, was born Dec. 14,
1877, m Otsego, N. Y.. being the son of J. Henry and Henrietta
(Ferguson) Flardv, the former born in Otsego county, X. Y.. June 7,
7
98 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
1853, an d the latter in the same county and state Dec. 3, 1850. The
parents came to Menominee, Wis., in 1880, remaining there until
1891, when they went to Camp Douglas, Wis., for three years, then
came to Milwaukee, living here until 1902, when they moved to
Duluth, Minn., where they are still living. The father is in the em-
ploy of the Standard Oil Co. By appointment of Governor Peck he
was custodian of the Military Reserve at Camp Douglas, Wis.,
from 1891 to 1893, inclusive. He was alderman at Menominee for
two years. In politics he is a Democrat, and his wife is a member
of the Plymouth Congregational church. William T. Hardy was
educated in the public schools of Menominee. In 1903 he graduated
from the Milwaukee Medical College and has been in active prac-
tice ever since. The paternal grandfather of subject was William
Hardy, a native of Otsego county, N. Y., who was a farmer, and is
now living retired. His wife was also a native of Otsego county.
The maternal grandfather was Thornton Ferguson and his wife
was Lavinia (Peck) Ferguson, both early settlers of Otsego county,
where they lived and died. The great grandparents on the mother's
side were participants in the American Revolution. Our subject
was president of the senior class when he graduated and was presi-
dent of the Alumni of his school in 1906. He is also a member of
Camp Douglas Lodge, No. 272, F. & A. M., of Wisconsin Chapter,
No. 7, R. A. M., of Wisconsin Council, No. 4, R. & S. M„ and in his
political predilections he is a member of the Democratic party.
Bessie Calvert Childs, D. O., a practicing physician of that
school of Milwaukee, was born at Jonesville, Flillsdale county,
Mich., March 5, 1880, being the daughter of Rev. Edwin W. and Hel-
en (Force) Childs, the former born in Morgan county, Ohio, June
18, 1832, and the latter in Utica, N. Y., in 1838. The parents came
from Cleveland, Ohio, to Jonesville, Mich., in 1862, where the father
had accepted a call to the pastorate of the First Presbyterian
church, which charge he held for nearly twenty-five years. Upon
his resignation the family removed to Ann Arbor, Mich., where
Mrs. Childs conducted a private school for the children of the uni-
versity professors. In 1887 Mr. Childs removed to Granville, Ohio,
where he was pastor of the Presbyterian church for ten years, and
finally came to Milwaukee in 1897, where he has since led a retired
life. The father of our subject was graduated from the Western
Reserve (now Adelbert) University of Cleveland, Ohio, in which
institution he taught for three years before entering the ministry.
The mother of our subject was a graduate of the Western Female
College at Oxford, Ohio, and for three years was teacher of music
there. Four children are living: Mary Louise, a graduate of the
Northwestern University, and also a student at Ann Arbor and
Harvard universities, then a teacher at the Western Female Col-
lege at Oxford, Ohio, and for eighteen years last past a teacher of
English I [istory and Civics at Cook County High School at Evans-
ton. 111.; Daisy, wife of Charles T. Atwell. of Zanesville. Ohio;
Edward P., a graduate of Denison University, Granville, Ohio, and
student of Michigan and Plarvard universities, who is at present the
BIOGRAPHICAL 99
president of the Normal College at Asheville, N. C, and the
youngest, Bessie C, the subject of our sketch. The history of the
family thus shown indicates conclusively that they were people of
high intellectuality and great force of character. ( >ur subject was
educated fur three years at Granville College and for three years at
the Western Female College at Oxford, Ohio. She began the study
of Osteopathy at the Milwaukee College of Osteopathy and grad-
uated from the American School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Mo.,
in 1902, and since then has been in successful practice of her profes-
sion in Milwaukee. She is a member of the American Osteopathic
Association, the Wisconsin Osteopathic Association, tin- Milwaukee
Osteopathic Society and of the Axis Club Sorority of Kirksville,
Mo. The father and brothers of our subject are members of the
Republican part}", while in religion the father is a Presbyterian.
Our subject is a member of St. James Episcopal church, Milwaukee.
Notwithstanding the fact that the school meets with intense and
direct opposition from the older schools, she stands fearlessly in
the forefront to champion the medical principles for which the
school at Kirksville" has become famous, and we do not hesitate to
say that her opponents find in Dr. Bessie Calvert Childs a fair foe-
man worthy of their best steel.
Lee S. Rumsey, D. D. S., one of the popular young dentists of
Milwaukee, who is engaged in the active practice of his profession at
325 Hanover street, was born at Olean, Cattaraugus county, X. Y.,
in the valley of the Alleghany river, Sept. 3, 1873. His father was
Obediah Rumsey, born at Washingtonville, X. V., and his mother
was Flora (Watson) Rumsey, a native of New York state, where
she was born in 1820. The elder Rumsey was a tailor by trade, but
gave up this vocation to engage in farming and at the time so many
people were leaving" the older states in the East he emigrated to
Illinois and took up land near McHenry, but subsequently returned
to New York and lived at Elmira for six years. About 1882 he
came to Wisconsin and bought a farm near Darien, in Walworth
county. Two sons were born to Mr. Rumsey at the home on the
old farm, Ray L., who is a farmer in W'alworth county still, and the
subject of this sketch. Mr. Rumsey was a Whig during his early
life and later was a supporter of the Republican party ; he and his
wife were members of the Congregational church of Clinton Junc-
tion, Wis., and he was an active member at the time of his death in
1893. Mrs. Rumsey has lived a quiet, retired life since her husband
died, making her home at Walworth, Wis. Lee attended the public
schools of Walworth county and graduated from the high school
at Clinton Junction, and as he determined to secure a professional
education, entered the dental department of the New York Medical
College, where he studied for two years. He made rapid progress
there and in 1898 passed the examination given by the State Dental
board of Wisconsin and was admitted to practice. Since that time he
has a growing and lucrative practice at 32^ Hanover street. Tn l£
on the 14th of February, Mr. Rumsey was united in marriage with
Ada, the daughter of Joel Stevens, of Plainfield, Wis. Her parents
&&"
->:->
$
IOO MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
came west from Williamsport, Pa., and located in Wisconsin at an
early da}". Three children have been made welcome in their home :
Chester R., Leroy C. and Beatrice, all of whom are at home. Mr.
Rumsey's church affiliations are with the Congregational church of
Clinton Junction, Wis., of which he is a member, and in politics he
is a Republican.
William S. Griffiths, D. D. S., one of the well known and repre-
sentative dentists of Milwaukee, where he has been established in
a successful practice for more than twelve years, is a native of the
Cream City, born there Sept. 2, 1870, and is of American and Eng-
lish descent. His father was William S. Griffiths, born in New
York city, April 19, 1842, and his mother was born in Liverpool,
England, Aug. 6, 1846. They came to Milwaukee in 1865 and Mr.
Griffiths has been associated with the Chicago & Northwestern Rail-
road in various capacities of trust since that time. Both he and his
wife are communicants of the Baptist church. The subject of this
sketch is one of the five children born to his parents and reared in
Milwaukee. He received his education in the public schools of the
city and later studied under a tutor, taking an advanced course. He
desired a professional training and matriculated at the Chicago Col-
lege of Dental Surgery, where he duly received his degree as Doc-
tor of Dental Surgery in 1896. Since that time he has engaged in
practice in his native city and has won marked prestige as an able
and popular dentist. On June 27, 1900, he married Jennie, the
daughter of Julius H. and Johanna (Salentine) Cordes, of Milwau-
kee. Dr. Griffiths is a member of the South Baptist church and is
an independent in politics, taking a lively interest in any movement
towards reform, but preferring to be bound by no party ties when
casting his vote. He is a member of the Southern Wisconsin
Dental Society, the Milwaukee Dental Society, and has fraternal re-
lations with the Masons and Knights of Pythias, being a member of
Excelsior Lodge, No. 175, Free and Accepted Masons, and of Walk-
er Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
Henry P. Hoehl, D. D. S., one of the representative members
of the dental profession in Milwaukee, was born in the Cream City
March 7, 1872. His parents were Philip and Martha (Thiel) Hoehl,
both of whom were natives of Germany, and immigrated to the
United States about the middle of the nineteenth century. They
met and Avere married in Milwaukee, where the elder Hoehl was a
hatter for some years. Later he became interested in the dry goods
business and was engaged in it for a number of years. Four chil-
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoehl, all of whom are still living.
The father passed away July 2, 1887. leaving a widow, who is still
living in Milwaukee. Mr. Hoehl had been a good and devoted fa-
ther, and his loss was keenly felt by his family and large circle of
acquaintances. When the Civil war broke out he responded to the
call of his adopted country and enlisted as a private in the volunteer
infantry of New York state, in 1861, and served with credit to him-
self and honor to his regiment at the battle of Antietam, and was
mustered out of the service at the end of two years. Henrv was
BIOGRAPHICAL 1 01
educated in the public schools of Milwaukee and attended the
Meyer Business College. A business career did not appeal to him
and he entered the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, but after
studying there for a year returned to Milwaukee and completed his
course in the dental department of Marquette College, where he
was graduated in 1896, and received the well earned degree of Doc-
tor of Dental Surgery. He immediately began the practice of his
profession in Milwaukee at 760 Third street, and is
recognized as one of the most aide members of his
profession and controls a large and representative prac-
tice. Mr. Hoehl is a member of the Marquette Alumni
Association, the Northern Dental Society, the Millioki Club
and the Gegenseitige Unterssuetzungs Gesellschaft Germania Cen-
tral Verein. Mr. Hoehl is not associated with any party in politics,
believing that it is better to exercise his privilege of franchise to
vote for the principle involved and to put the best man in for local
and national offices than to be bound by party lines. He was united
in marriage Nov. 19, 1898, to Rosina, the daughter of Henry Mol-
lerns, of Milwaukee. Their home has been brightened by the birth
of one daughter, Gertrude Martha.
Jeremiah Goble Harrison, D. D. S., who is established in the
successful practice of his profession at 416 East North avenue, Mil-
waukee, is one of the rising men of his profession in the Cream
City. He is a native of the Badger State, born at La Crosse, Wis..
Nov. 16, 1872, being a son of William L. and Mary A. (Goble) Har-
rison, who were born at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1834 and 1836, re-
spectively. During the early days of settlement in this state they
came west and settled in Jackson county and subsequently moved
to La Crosse. William Harrison learned the cabinet maker's trade
when he was a young man, but later became a mason and followed
this vocation in Wisconsin. Five sturdy sons and two daughters
were born to these pioneers, all of whom are still living. Mr. Har-
rison became one of the members of the Republican party when it
was founded and was one of its stanchest adherents. Both he and
his wife were communicants of the Baptist church, and it lost a
loyal supporter and loyal working member when Mrs. Harrison was
called from earthly cares and duties in 1894. Her husband, with
whom she had shared the vicissitudes and hardships of life in a
new country, survived her but one year. La Crosse lost a loyal and
public spirited citizen and one mourned by all his acquaintances
and friends. Jeremiah, the subject of this sketch, secured his early
educational discipline in the common schools of La Crosse and com-
pleted a course in the high school. After finishing his studies he
secured a position with a firm that conducted a business in paint-
ing, paper hanging and house decorating, and during the years he
was associated with them became an expert in that line. He was
ambitious and not content to work for others and decided to take a
professional course, and matriculated in the dental department of
Marquette College. Milwaukee, where he was graduated in 1901,
and duly received his degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery from this
102 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
excellent institution. He located at 416 East North avenue the same
year, where he is building" up an excellent business and meeting"
with gratifying success, being closely devoted to his profession and
finding; it worthv of his entire attention in the matter of continued
study and investigation as well as active practice. He is a loyal
supporter of the cause of the Republican party. His religious faith
is that of the Baptist church, and fraternally he is identified with
the Hartland Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Modern
Woodmen of America, and is also a member of the Alumni Asso-
ciation of Marquette College. On June 17, 1903, Mr. Harrison was
united in marriage with Gertrude, the daughter of William and
Hannah (Luck) Notbohm, of Delafield, Wis. Mr. Notbohm is de-
ceased, but Mrs. Notbohm still resides at the old home in Delafield.
Rev. George Regenfuss, assistant pastor of St. Mary's Catholic
church, of Milwaukee, was born in Germantown, Washington
county, Wis., Oct. 18, 1878. His grandfather came to this country
in 1845, residing for some time in Milwaukee, whence he proceeded
to Germantown, where he took up farming and established a brew-
ery. Jacob Regenfuss, the father of Rev. Regenfuss, was a native
of Bavaria, and came to America when eight years of age, following
the occupation of his father, that is, farming, but he retired from
active work since and now resides in Milwaukee. The maternal
grandfather emigrated from Nassau, Germany, about 1850, and aft-
er living for a few years in Milwaukee, moved his family to Ger-
mantown, Wis. Mrs. Regenfuss, who before her marriage was
Elisabeth Rossbach, was born in Nassau, Germany, and is still liv-
ing. Rev. George Regenfuss attended the public and parish schools
of Germantown, and in preparation for his work in the priesthood
entered St. Francis Seminary and was ordained on June 22, 1902,
by Bishop Frederick Eis, of Marquette, Mich. He said his first
mass at the Church of St. Boniface, Germantown, Wis., on June 25,
1902, and was immediately appointed assistant pastor of St. Mary's
church, Milwaukee, Wis., by Rev. A. F. Shinner, vicar-general of
Archbishop Katzer. During the lingering sickness of Rev. H. Will-
mes, the pastor of St. Mary's, Rev. Regenfuss assumed the duties
of pastor and was favorably mentioned as a possible successor.
During the six years of his pastorate of St. Mary's Father Regen-
fuss has taken a lively interest in all doings of the parish. He has
been at the head of all committees and the leader of all entertain-
ments which have terminated so successfully. His undertakings
were financially so successful that the debt of the parish has been
greatly decreased during his time. He takes a lively interest in edu-
cation and has charge of all catechetical instruction at the school.
His eminence as a pulpit orator is promising. He is very much
beloved by the people of St. Mary's, who bespeak for him a brilliant
and successful future.
August C. Backus, recently elected as the district attorney of
Milwaukee county, was born in Kewaskum. Washington county,
Wis., April 24. 1877, and is the son of August F. and Caroline von
Spigel Backus, the former born in Pomerania (Pommern), Ger-
BIOGRAPHICAL
103
man}-, Feb. 25, 1837, and the latter in Dubuque, Iowa, May 1 1. 1853,
both of whom are living. A parental great-grandfather named Re-
Dnc. of French Huguenot extraction, was an officer in the German
army and close to the crown in state matters. August 1'. Backus
came to the L'nited States in 1852, locating in Milwaukee, where he
remained for about two years, and then went to ECewaskum, Wash-
ington county, remaining there until he enlisted for service in the
Civil war in 1863. He served with his command in Missouri. Au-
gust C. was educated in the public schools of Kewaskum, and later
was a student in the Oshkosh Normal School and the University of
Wisconsin, taking special work at the last named institution, and
was graduated from the college of law in 1900 with the degree of
LL. B. fie was appointed state factory inspector by Governor La
Follette and did the legal work for the Bureau of Labor, making a
special study of the employment of child labor. During his four
years' connection with the labor bureau his principal work was the
taking of children out of the factories and putting them in the pub-
lic schools. During the last year of his work he prosecuted 173
foremen and proprietors of factories, securing conviction in every
case, and took out of the factories 4,460 children under fourteen
years of age and saw them enrolled in the public schools. Work of
this description speaks for itself and needs no comment. While
with the labor department he was made chairman of the Interna-
tional Child Labor Committee by the International Association of
State Factory Inspectors, which included representatives from all
of the states of the Union, Canada, England and Mexico. After
leaving the labor department he was appointed second assistant of
the district attorney for Milwaukee county and after serving one
year was promoted to the position of first assistant. The following
year he was promoted to special assistant district attorney and as
such took an active part in the prosecution of the graft and other
criminal cases. Lpon the resignation of State Treasurer Kempf, in
1903, Mr. Backus, at that time only twenty-six years of age. was
nominated by the Republican state central committee to succeed
him. but declined the honor. Mr. Backus is a man of unusual en-
ergy, as may be shown by the fact that he began working for him-
self at the early age of fourteen, starting as a messenger boy at a
salary of twelve dolfers per month. Fie has also the courage o\ his
convictions, and his work both as a factory inspector and as assist-
ant to the district attorney has brought him before the public in a
light most favorable for his advancement at the present time when
the people are demanding honest and fearless men in the adminis-
tration of civil affairs. Fie has. without doubt, a brilliant and suc-
cessful future before him. On Aug. 20. 1902. Mr. Backus was mar-
ried to Miss Elizabeth Hausman. daughter of Dr. W. and Charlotte
(Fleishman) Hausman, of Kewaskum, and they have three chil-
dren, namely : Charlotte, Lucile and August Charles. The family
belongs to the Lutheran church and Mr. Backus is a member also
of the Milwaukee County and the State liar associations, to the
University of AVisconsin Alumni Association and to the Milwaukee
104 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Athletic Club. Mr. B. was nominated for the office of district attor-
ney of Milwaukee county on the Republican ticket at the primary
election held Sept. I, 1908, and at the November election was suc-
cessful, receiving a plurality of more than 3,500.
Rev. William Haberstock, pastor of the Holy Trinity (Catho-
lic) church of Milwaukee, was born in that city on Feb. 4, 1856.
His parents were Balthasar and Catherine (Berg) Haberstock, both
natives of Nassau, Germany, the former of whom died in 1877 and
the latter is still living. The mother came to the United States with
her parents in 1844, locating in Milwaukee, and the father came in
1850. He was a shoemaker by trade, and spent all of his life, after
coming to America, in the city except about five years, during
which he lived in Elm Grove. The son was baptized in the church
of which he is now pastor, obtained his early education in the pa-
rochial school of the parish, and spent one year at St. Gall's Acad-
emy. Later he was a one-year student at St. John's University, Col-
legeville, Minn. He entered St. Francis Seminary in 1869, and re-
mained there for five years. He then entered St. John's University
and there spent one year in the study of philosophy, after which he
returned to St. Francis, and after completing his course of theol-
ogy, was ordained by Bishop Heiss, of La Crosse, in 1879, on Passion
Sunday. He said his first mass at Holy Trinity church on Easter
Sunday following. He served for a few weeks as substitute rector
at Cross Plains, Wis., and for a few more as assistant priest at New-
castle (now Campbellsport), Fond du Lac county, Wis., and was
then located for two years at St. Mary's church, Silver Creek, near
Random Lake, and the following six years was rector of St. Mary's
at Seymour, LaFayette county. Two years were spent at St. Mary's,
at Marytown, Fond du Lac county, and May 19, 1889, he went to
St. Mary's, at Elm Grove, remaining until July 26, 1906, when he
was appointed rector of Holy Trinity church. The parish numbers
about 400 families, and there are 350 pupils in the parochial school
under the charge of one male teacher and seven sisters. The church,
erected in 1849, the same year that the parish was organized, is of
brick and has a seating capacity of 660. The buildings belonging to
the parish include, beside the church, two school buildings, a par-
sonage, teachers' house and janitor's house. The church has a pipe
organ and clock and chime of three bells. Father Haberstock is a
member of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and of the Family
Aid Association.
Martin S. Cyborowski, the efficient and popular secretary of
the Kuryer Publishing Company, was born in Poland on Nov. 11,
1865, a son of Andrew and Catherine (Wetzel) Cyborowski. Both
parents were born in Poland, the father in 1833 and the mother in
1838. The father was a tailor by trade, who brought his family to
America in 1866, and located at Waukesha, Wis. The first year of
his life in the new country he was engaged in farming, and then
turned to follow his trade. When he gave up farming he came
to Milwaukee and opened a tailoring establishment of his own. He
did no1 remain long at this work, however, but entered the employ
BIOGRAPHICAL IO5
of the David Adler Clothing Company. He continued his connec-
tion with this firm for a period of twenty-five years, and then re-
tired to enjoy a well earned respite from active labor. Of the eight
children born to him but three, two sons and a daughter, are now
living. He has seen many phases of life, among them a period of
service as a soldier in the German army. Martin S. Cyborowski,
the eldest of his father's family, received his educational training in
the public and parochial schools of Milwaukee. Being of an ambi-
tious turn, he was not content with the knowledge gained in these
institutions and after he had been at work for some time he devoted
his evenings to attending night school. His first labors were as a
delivery boy and clerk for a grocery, but not seeing any opportunity
for advancement in that line, he left it and learned the printer's
trade. His apprenticeship started in 1881 on the Polish paper
Przyjaciel Ludu (People's Friend). He mastered the trade step by
step and was at different times connected with the composing de-
partments of the Herold, the Sentinel and the Evening Wisconsin.
For four years he was employed at his trade in Chicago. In 1892
he started a daily paper called the Telegraf, in Chicago, but on ac-
count of lack of financial support the publication was suspended, the
plant was sold and the paper continued as a weekly publication.
In 1893 he began his connection with the Kuryer Publishing Com-
pany, whose editor and president was Mr. Kruszka. Besides being
a stockholder and having charge of the mechanical part of the pa-
per, which today has the largest circulation of any paper of its kind
in the city, Mr. Cyborowski is secretary of the company. In poli-
tics Mr. Cyborowski is an active Republican and has done much to
bring about the success of his party in the past few years. In 1899
he held the position of custodian during the session of the legisla-
ture in Madison. His religious associations are with the (Polish
Cyril and Methodius church. Fraternally he is prominent as a
member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, acting as secretary of
his court 'and also as deputy chief ranger, and he is also actively
identified with the Polish National Alliance. On May 11, 1892, oc-
curred Mr. Cyborowski's marriage to Miss Wanda Wazbinski, a
native of Poland, who was reared in Chicago. To this union was
born, on April 10, 1893, a son, Edwin.
Adolph Frederick, an aspiring and promising young musician
of Milwaukee, was born in that city on Feb. 9, 1882, being the son
of Garfield and Alvina Frederick, both natives of Germany, the for-
mer born there in 1843 an d the latter in 1845. The father served
three years in the German army, participating in the Franco-Prus-
sian war, and being present and engaged in the siege of Paris. Him-
self and wife came to the United States and to Milwaukee about
1871, where they were blest with six children, four daughters and
two sons, all of whom are living except a son, who died in 1893.
Adolph Frederick received his early education in the public schools
of Milwaukee and spent some time attending the high school. Be-
ing gifted with musical talent of a very high order, he was sent to
Berlin and Paris to study his art under the guidance of the great
106 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
masters of the piano in the old world. He made two trips to
Europe and spent three years there, one of his instructors being the
world renowned Godowsky. He returned to Milwaukee in March,
1907, and is now engaged in teaching the piano, in which vocation
he is meeting with marked success. He has given two concerts,
which were well received and applauded by the public, hence it is
his intention to prepare himself for a musical director's work, as he
has had several flattering offers already in this line. He has at-
tained remarkable success thus far, for he is quite a young man yet,
and those who know him best and are competent to pass upon his
qualification, critics and newspapers, are enthusiastic in his praise
and expect great results from him in the not distant future. He
takes great pride in his linguistic accomplishments, as he speaks
fluently English. German, French and Italian.
John F. Helm, one of the prominent German pioneer settlers
of Milwaukee, and for many years an active and successful business
man of the city, was born in Charchow, near Camin, Germany, Feb.
25, 1839, the son of David and Caroline Helm. His parents were
born and reared in the same part of Germany, where David Helm
was an extensive farmer. In the year 1839 he started for America
with his family, consisting of his wife and two children : John F.
and his sister Minnie. During the slow and tedious voyage, which
lasted three months, Mr. Helm contracted a fatal illness and died at
sea. When his widow and orphaned children finally landed at New
York city they proceeded directly west to Milwaukee. The terri-
tory of Wisconsin was then little more than an unbroken wilder-
ness, and the whole region about Milwaukee was very sparsely set-
tled. The widow secured eighty acres of wild land in Ozaukee
county, erected a log cabin and some rude outbuildings on the
same, and started in to clear and improve her farm. She contracted
a second marriage in 1841 with Joachim Wilde, a native of the same
part of Germany from which she had come, and it was not many
years before Mr. and Mrs. Wilde had brought their wild land to a
high state of cultivation. They both continued to reside on the
farm up to the time of their death. Our subject's mother had two
children by her second marriage, Frank and Mary, both of whom
are now deceased. Amid the rude pioneer surroundings of those
early days John F. had only a limited opportunity to attend school,
but he managed to acquire some book learning through his own ef-
forts. He began to earn his own living when he was a lad of six-
teen years, and was employed in hotel service for some time. In
1854 he went to Chicago, 111., where he worked until 1856, and then
came to Milwaukee and embarked in the grocery business in the
Second ward. He was thus engaged until i860, and then disposed
of his grocery-store interests and entered the employ of John F.
Leu, a hardware merchant, for whom he worked some fourteen
years. Tn 1874 he embarked in the hardware business on his own
account at No. 650 Third street, and conducted a lucrative and pros-
fus business at this location until 1895, when he disposed of his
hardware store and retired from active business. During the vears
BIOGRAPHICAL lOJ
of his business activity he also dealt to some extent in real estate.
Mr. Helm has always been allied with the Republican party in poli-
tics, but has never sought or held public office, lie has a sincere
and abiding Christian faith and is a devoted and active member
of St. Mark's Lutheran church, of which he is one of the most
liberal supporters. As one of the very early settlers of Milwaukee
he takes a warm interest in the gatherings of the Old Settlers' Club,
of which he is an active member. He was united in marriage on
Oct. 18, 1874, to Miss Alvina Matilda, daughter of William Dum-
strey, of Gristoa, near Camin, Germany, who died on Aug. 12, 1897.
Mr. Helm has no children and makes his home at 760 Buffum
street with his legally adopted daughter, Mrs. R. G. YVendland.
Mr. Helm adopted four children: Robert, located in Chicago;
George Dumstrey, deceased ; Mamie Pfeil, now Mrs. Wendland,
and Ella Wilson, deceased.
Rudolph Anton Kielpinski, pastor of St. Mary's church, of
Czestochowa, and former assistant pastor of St. Hedwig's, is a na-
tive of Poland and was born on Sept. 25, 1875. His parents, Paul
and Anna (Guerke) Kielpinski, born June 27, 1847, an< ^ Sept. 30,
1852, respectively, are both still living, but are residents of Ger-
many. The former was born in Poland and the latter in the adjoin-
ing province of Silesia. The father has been a game warden for
forty years. One brother, Frank, served for ten years in the Ger-
man army and is now' engaged as secretary and bookkeeper. Ru-
dolph A. attended the parochial schools for eight years and was
then six years under private instruction. Two years were spent in
the Berlin Gymnasium and one in the Belgium Seminary of Philoso-
phy, and in 1899 ne came to America, remaining for a time at St.
Meinrad, Ind., and in 1900 coming to St. Francis, where he spent
three years; was ordained by Bishop Schwebach, of La Crosse, June
22, 1903, and celebrated his first mass at the church of St. Cyril
Methodius, Milwaukee, on June 28 following. He was assigned at
once to St. Lledwig's church as assistant, his work being entirely
parochial. In May, 1907, he organized the new parish of St. Mary's,
of Czestochow r a, among the Polish inhabitants on the north side of
the city, and it now includes 225 families. A building which will
serve the double purpose of church and school is now in process of
construction.
Rev. Anthony F. Michels, spiritual director of St. Joseph's
Convent, of Milwaukee, was born at Holsthum, German}', Sept. 25,
1840. His parents, now both deceased, were natives of the same
country. The father, Bartholomew, was born at Gerolstein and
the mother, Margaret (Weber) Michels. at Oberehe. The father
was for thirty years a teacher in the public school of Holsthum.
Teaching was a favorite profession in the family, two sisters, two
brothers and three nieces following that line. Lev. A. F. Michels
received his early education in his native land, immigrating to the
United States in 1857. when he was about seventeen years of age.
Here he entered the seminary of St. Francis, in which he was or-
dained on Aug. 12, 1868. He celebrated his first holy mass in St.
IOS MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Nicholas' church at Decada, Sheboygan county, Wis., Aug. 15,
1868. The parish of St. Mathias (Beloit road), Milwaukee county,
was the first field for his labors. Then the parish of St. Boniface at
Richfield, Washington county, from where he was transferred to
the Teachers' Normal School at St. Francis, Milwaukee county.
Subsequently he was appointed pastor of St. Lawrence's church and
chaplain of St. Colettas' Convent, near Jefferson, Jefferson county,
and then assigned to St. Mathews, at New Cassel, Fond du Lac
county, where he founded a home for the school sisters of St. Fran-
cis. Resigning as pastor of St. Mathews, he was appointed spiritual
director of these sisters, holding this position now over thirty-five
years. His home is at St. Joseph's Convent, Greenfield and Wash-
ington avenues, Milwaukee, the mother house of the school sisters
of St. Francis.
Hygin Florian Kupka, of Milwaukee, assistant pastor of the
Church of St. Vincent's (Catholic), was born in Silesia, a province
of Germany, on April 24, 1873. His parents, now both deceased,
were John and Paulina (Rokus) Kupka, both natives of the same
province. A number of the near relatives of Rev. H. F. Kupka were
military men and several were officers, one serving as an officer in
the war between Germany and France — 1870-71. Hygin F., of this
sketch, was educated in the public schools of Germany and studied
architecture at Bauerwitz, Germany, and then went to Rome, Italy,
where he entered the school of the Society of the Divine Savior,
studying theology in the St. Gregory's University of Rome, and he
was ordained at Trent, Austria, by Bishop Valussi, July 6, 1902, and
officiated at his first mass on July 13 at Matzkirch, Silesia. He re-
turned to Rome and pursued his theological studies for another
year and then came to the Lnited States, becoming pastor at St.
Nazianz, Manitowoc county, where he remained three years, and
then came to Milwaukee, where he was assistant at the Church of
St. Stanislaus for a short time, and on Jan. 1, 1907, was transferred
to his present position.
Francis Joseph Cytronowski, assistant pastor of the Church of
St. Stanislaus, Milwaukee, was born and reared in Polish Prussia
(Silesia), his parents, Emil and Josephine (Schiwietz) Cytronow-
ski, both being natives of the same province. Francis J., born Sept.
16, 1878, was educated in the public schools and gymnasium of his
native land and later became a student in the L T niversity of Fri-
bourg, Switzerland, and after graduation was ordained at Sion
(German, Sitten), canton of Valais, Switzerland, by the Rt. Rev.
Bishop Abbet, on Dec. 14, 1902, and officiated at his first mass two
days later in the chapel of St. Canisius, Fribourg, Switzerland.
Coming to the United States on May 17, 1903, he located in Mil-
waukee, where he was first appointed to the position of assistant in
the church of St. Josaphat, and later to a similar post of duty in the
Church of Si. Casimir, where he remained for three and one-half
years, in March, 1007. being transferred to St. Stanislaus. He is a
young man of ability and admirably adapted to his work among his
countrymen located in the metropolis of the state.
BIOGRAPHICAL IOQ
Felix Anthony Goral, assistant pastor of the Church of St. 1 1 va-
cinth, Milwaukee, is a native of the Badger State, having been born
at Grand Rapids, Wood county, Wis., Nov. 20, 1881. His parents,
Casimir Joseph and Mary (Piszczek) Goral, were both born in Pol-
ish Prussia, and the former is still living, but the latter died in 1894.
The parents came to this country about 1880, and were first occu-
pied with farming, but later removed to Milwaukee, where Mr.
Goral is now proprietor of a restaurant. Rev. Boleslaus E. Goral,
professor of Polish and other languages and of philosophy at St.
Francis Seminary, is a cousin of Rev. F. A. Goral of this sketch, and
Rev. Joseph Goral, another cousin, is rector of a college in the
province of Galicia, Austria, and is also engaged in missionary work
at that place. Felix A. spent his earlier years in the parochial
schools and later attended the Polish Seminary of Detroit, where
he completed the classical course. Returning to Wisconsin, he en-
tered the Seminary of St. Francis, and there studied philosophy and
theology, and on June 18, 1900, was ordained to the priesthood and
said his first mass on June 25, following, at the Church of St. Josa-
phat. He was first appointed assistant pastor at St. Casimir, and on
March 11, 1907, was transferred to a similar position in the Church
of St. Hyacinth, where he is at present. This is one of the large and
important churches and is elsewhere described in connection with
the sketch of Rt. Rev. Mnsgr. H. Gulski. While in the seminary
Rev. Father Goral was much interested in oratory and dramatics
and belonged to the St. Stanislaus Literary and Debating Society,
and was also prominent in the athletics of the institution.
Anthony Mathias Erz, assistant pastor of St. Anthony's church,
Milwaukee, was born in that city Oct. 27, 1879. His father, Fred-
erick Erz, is a native of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and came to
Milwaukee in 1872, where he carried on the business of a wholesale
dealer in wines and liquors. He married, in Milwaukee, Mary Sey-
fried, whose father was one of the pioneer settlers of the city, and
a contemporary of Solomon Juneau. He located on the South Side,
and was for a long period a member of the firm of Schroeder & Sey-
fried, lumber dealers. Mrs. Erz was born in Milwaukee and died
there in 1902. but her husband is still living and resides in the city.
Rev. A. M. Erz was educated first in the St. Francis parochial
schools and later in Marquette College and St. Francis Seminary,
and was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop J. J. Fox on June 10,
1906, and said his first mass on June 24, following, at St. Francis
church, Mihvaukee. After his ordination he came directly to St.
Anthony's church, where he has since been engaged in church and
parochial work. While in the seminary he was a member of the
German Debating Society and is now a member of St. Michael's
Society of St. Anthony's Church Family Protective Association of
Wisconsin.
Peter Kilian Flasch, assistant pastor of the Church of St. An-
thony, Milwaukee, was born at St. Kilian. Fond du Lac county,
A\ is., Jan. 12. 1881. His paternal grandparents came to this coun-
try from Germany about 1847. driving through from Milwaukee
IIO MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
with an ox-team, and they settled on a farm in Fond du Lac county,
where Kilian Flasch, the father of Rev. P. K. Flasch, of this sketch,
was born and reared, he becoming a well known and popular mer-
chant of St. Kilian and a very successful business man. His death
occurred in 1887. His wife, before her marriage Catherine Schu-
macher, was born in Eischen, Luxemburg, and is still living. Kilian
C, paternal granduncle of Father Flasch, also belonged to the
priesthood, and when Bishop Heiss was promoted to the archbish-
opric of Milwaukee succeeded him as Bishop of La Crosse, and oc-
cupied that position until his death on Aug. 3, 1891. An uncle by
marriage, Michael A. Jacobs, of Beaver Dam, was elected state sen-
ator in 1899 and served four years. The ancestry on both sides of
the family can be traced back for a long period, and the names are
not unknown to history. Peter K. was educated in the parochial
schools in his early youth and later, in 1896, entered St. Francis
Seminary, remaining there in preparation for his work until his
ordination by Bishop Fox in 1906. He entered the priesthood on
June 10, said his first mass on June 19, following, and was appointed
assistant pastor of St. Michael's church, Milwaukee, remaining for
one year, when he was transferred to his. present position. While
in the seminary he took a prominent part in oratorical contests and
dramatic productions, and was also active in athletic sports, base
ball being his favorite game. He is a member of St. Michael's So-
ciety, a parish organization, and is director of the same, which is a
dramatic association. Rev. Father Flasch is a young man admira-
bly fitted for his responsible and varied duties and has every pros-
pect of becoming an important factor in the councils of his church.
He is a member of the St. Boniface, St. Thomas and St. Albertus
societies at St. Francis Seminary, and is also a member of ''The
Saengerbund'' and St. Cecilia Society.
Anthony Pradzynski, rector of St. Casimir's Catholic church,
Milwaukee, is a native of the city where he now occupies so promi-
nent a position in religious circles. His parents, Stephen and Jo-
hanna (Senger) Pradzynski, were both born in Poland and immi-
grated to the United States in 1862, coming directly to Wisconsin
and locating in Milwaukee. The mother died in 1900 and the father
is now retired from the cares of active life. Anthony received his
early education partly in the public and partly in the parochial
schools in Berlin, Muscoda and Highland, Wis., and took his colle-
ge and theological training at the Seminary of St. Francis, near
Milwaukee. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Heiss,
June 24, 1889, anf l two days later said his first mass at the Church of
St. Stanislaus. Berlin, Wis. He was sent first to the Church of St.
Hyacinth, Milwaukee, where he remained for over twelve years,
and although offered other parishes, he declined to change until
compelled by the archbishop to accept the charge of St. Josaphat in
i' 00. This church he resigned, but Bishop Messmer did not accept
his resignation, and he remained in charge until 1907, when, on Jan.
6, he was offer* d the St. Casimir's church, which he accepted, and
was transferred to that charge. It is one of the largest parishes in
BIOCKAIMIICAL I I I
Milwaukee and includes 1,200 families. At Easter there are about
4,000 communicants. The pupils in the parochial schools number
<>;<>. and are under the instruction of fifteen sisters. The church
property includes the church, school-house, rectory and sisters'
house, and its value approximates $150,000. The buildings are all
of brick, and the church is a beautiful specimen of architectural
work, both without and within. The organ cost $5,500 and the
church has a beautiful altar, a tine church clock and two bells, one of
them quite large. The parish is in a very prosperous condition;
there remains some debt, but it is being rapidly paid off, and condi-
tions are excellent, considering that the parish is but thirteen years
old. The pastor, by virtue of his position, is the presiding officer of
the St. Casimir Trinity and St. Stanislaus societies, all large and
flourishing parish organizations.
Michael Joseph Domachowski, pastor of St. Adalbert's Catholic
church, Milwaukee, born in West Prussia, Sept. 29, 1875, came with
his parents, Jacob and Mary (Radomska) Domachowski, to Mil-
waukee in 1 881. His parents were also natives of West Prussia and
the father was a carpenter by trade, retired since 1902, and still re-
siding in Milwaukee. He served in the German army, as all young
men are required to do in that country. The parochial schools fur-
nished the educational training for Father Domachowski's earlier
years, and he then became a student at Marquette University, in
which he received the degree of A. B. in 1898, and by post-graduate
work the degree of A. M. in 1900. His theological training was ob-
tained at St. Francis Seminary, and he was ordained to the priest-
hood by Bishop Eis, June 22, 1902, and celebrated his first mass on
June 29, following, at St. Hyacinth's church, Milwaukee. He was
at that time appointed assistant pastor and has since filled that
position most acceptably. His especial work is among the young
men of the parish, although he gives assistance in all departments
as occasion requires. He was prominent in athletics during his col-
lege life ; was captain of the football team in 1898. played four years
on the senior team of Marquette and was also a baseball player. He
ranked third in orator}- and participated in a number of important
debates. He was the president of the literary society of St. Hya-
cinth's church and belongs also to the Polish organization of sharp-
shooters and to the Sakol Society, a Polish athletic association,
and also to the Knights of Columbus.
Francis Robert Czerwinski, assistant pastor of St. Josaphat's
Catholic church, Milwaukee, is a native of the city where he now
labors, and was born on March 31, 1882. Mis paternal grandfather
was the foreman on a large estate in Poland and had a great repu-
tation as a sharpshooter. His parents, John Joseph and Micaelina
( Bronkalla) Czerwinski, both natives of Poland, were born on Aug.
to. 1844, and Sept. 24, 1842, respectively. They came to the United
States in 1 868. and located in Milwaukee. The father was in his
native land the game warden on a large estate, but after coming to
America followed the occupation of wood-carver and carpenter. He
is a prominent factor in the local politics of the South Side, served
112 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
as county coroner of Milwaukee county from 1886 to 1888 and was
also supervisor from the Twelfth ward of the city from 1894 until
1902. His influence among his countrymen on the South Side is
very large, and he is consulted by many of the people of that vicin-
ity on matters of importance. He has now retired from active life,
and with his wife is passing his declining years in a comfortable
home, and respected and honored by a large circle of friends and
acquaintances. One son, Martin J., was sergeant in Company B
(now Company K) in the National Guard, serving" for three years.
Francis R. acquired his early education in the parochial schools of
the city and then entered Marquette College and subsequently St.
Francis Seminary, where he was ordained on June 23, 1907, by
Bishop Messmer and celebrated his first mass at the Church of St.
Stanislaus, Milwaukee, on July 2, following, and was appointed as
assistant pastor in the Church of St. Josaphat, elsewhere mentioned.
Rev. Father Czerwinski's college record shows the healthy and nor-
mal development of what is termed "an all-round man." He was
very prominent in the college athletics — football, baseball, bowling,
etc., and during his course held all the offices of the Athletic Asso-
ciation ; he was also director of the choir for three years and a rec-
ognized leader in this line also ; he took the prize for oratory in Mar-
quette College, and also ranked first in oratory at St. Francis Semi-
nary. In general class work he was one of the four who held the
highest records, these four having exactly the same standing, and
was the director of the boys at St. Francis in the production of
classic works for five years, taking the leading roles in these dramat-
ic performances. His: versatility, supplemented by his careful and
thorough preparation for his work, is already recognized by his ap-
pointment to a responsible position in a large and important church,
where his ability for usefulness will be given the widest opportuni-
ties.
Joseph Clement Knitter, pastor of St. Josaphat's Catholic
church, in Milwaukee, is a native of Kruszyn, Coeln, Western Prus-
sia, and was born on Nov. 24, 1879, coming to this country with his
parents in 1888. He was educated in St. Hedwig's parochial school,
Milwaukee, and later entered Marquette University, in which he
was graduated in 1900 with the degree of A. B., and from the same
institution received, in 1902, the degree of A. M. He was ordained
from St. Francis, June 19, 1904, by Bishop Messmer, and said his
first mass at St. Casimir, Milwaukee, June 26, 1904. His first ap-
pointment was that of administrator at St. Vincent's church, Mil-
waukee, and his duty was to take charge during the illness of the
pastor. After remaining there eight months he was appointed as-
sistant pastor of St. Josaphat's, the largest Polish church in the
Northwest, and so served from March I, 1905, until Jan. 1, 1907,
being made at the latter date, the pastor of the same church, and
i- now officiating as such. There arc in this parish between 1,700
and 1,800 families, and it is the largest parish in the Northwest with
the exception of one in Chicago. Six thousand persons take com-
munion at Faster time. There are 1,700 children in the parish
niUGRAl'HICAL
"3
school, which is the largest number that can be accommodated. St.
Josaphat's church, which is built of the stone from the old Chicago
postoffice, and, begun in 1894, was finished in 1901, has an ordinary
seating capacity of 2,200, but has held upon occasions as many as
5,000 at one time. The church property is worth about $100,000;
the organ cost $10,000, but could not be rebuilt at the present time
for less than $15,000.- Briellmaier & Sons were the architects of the
church. Rev. Father Knitter has as assistant pastors Rev. Casimir
Olszenski and Rev. Francis Cyerwinski. Father Knitter belongs to
the Catholic fraternity, the Knights of Columbus. His parents are
Roman Alexander and Mary (Bielawska) Knitter, both natives of
the same place, where their son was born, and are both living. The
former was born in 1853 and the latter in 185 1. The father came di-
rectly to Milwaukee upon his immigration to the United States, and
is a machinist by trade. The paternal grandfather was for many
years a teacher in Prussia.
Chauncey William Yockey, attorney, Milwaukee, is a descend-
ant of Wisconsin pioneers, his paternal grandparents, natives of
New York, coming to Wisconsin at a very early day. His father,
William H. Yockey, was born in Milwaukee, May 2, 1853, and has
been with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company for over
thirty years. He is a graduate of the engineering department of
Syracuse (N. Y.) University, and helped to build the railroad be-
tween Ishpeming and Escanaba, Mich. Ella McHugh (Mrs. Wil-
liam H.) Yockey was born in Fond du Lac, Wis., Oct. 12, 1859, and
is the daughter of Patrick McHugh, who enlisted on Aug. 30, 1862,
in Company E, Seventeenth Wisconsin infantry. He was wounded
on May 19, 1863, and was mustered out on June 2, 1865. Pie was
also one of the contractors who built the Air Line, now the North-
western Railway, between Fond du Lac and Milwaukee. Chaun-
eey W. Yockey was born at Waupun, Wis., and was educated in the
public and private schools and at St. Mary's College, Dayton, Ohio,
in which he was graduated in 1895 with the degree of A. B. He
further pursued his studies at the University of Notre Dame, Ind.,
where he received the degree of LL. B. in 1901. After graduation
he came to Milwaukee and began the practice of his profession,
which he has conducted alone, and has been particularly successful
in vigorously prosecuting "loan sharks" for various clients and has
been instrumental in obtaining money paid out at usurious rates of
interest. He also became prominent as the attorney for the mes-
senger boys in their strike of 1903. Mr. Yockey is a Republican
and was elected alderman from the Seventh ward of Milwaukee, a
ward that represents more wealth than any other in the state. He
was the youngest member of the council and probably the most
fearless, maintaining the rights of the people without regard to the
effect of his actions upon his own political future. Among the
points maintained in favor of popular rights was his opposition to
appointive offices, believing that the city officials should be selected
by the people whose affairs they manage and whose money they
expend ; he also opposed the executive session of the committees,
8
114 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
and guarded in every possible way against the surrender of the sov-
ereign rights of the people. He settled the question of the collec-
tion of ashes under a general tax of the city showing that it was
permissible under the ordinance, although the law had been de-
clared invalid under the city charter. He is chairman of the rail-
road committee and vice-chairman of the judiciary and legislative
committees and a member of the committees on public building,
grounds and harbor of the common council. Mr. Yockey takes a
prominent part in local politics, winning the primary nomination
for the legislature from the Sixth district, and is a popular and
promising young attorney. He is the Deputy Grand Knight of the
Knights of Columbus, a member of the Improved Order of Red
Men. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Milwaukee Athletic
Club and president of the Cathedral Athletic Club. He is unmar-
ried and is a member of the Roman Catholic church.
Allen Jacob Schlaefer, D. D. S., prominent as a young dentist
of the Cream City, was born in the town of Germantown, Washing-
ton county, Wis., on June 15, 1881. He is a son of Andrew L. and
Mary E. (Keeler) Schlaefer, the former a native of AVashington
count}' and the latter of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather,
Jacob Schlaefer, was born in Germany and came to Washington
county early in his life. Pie was engaged in farming all during his
life. The maternal grandfather, Joshua Keeler, brought his family
from Pennsylvania to Washington county, and is now an honored
resident of Granville. Andrew L. Schlaefer was a carpenter by vo-
cation, but in later life turned to agricultural pursuits, in which he
is now engaged. Both father and mother are members of the Evan-
gelical church. Of the six children born to them five are now liv-
ing. Dr. Schlaefer received his primary educational advantages in
the public schools of Washington county, and completed the high
school course. His professional training started with a course in
the dental department of the Milwaukee Medical College. He spent
one year as a student in the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, and
then returned to Milwaukee to complete his course. On May 20,
1905. the faculty of Marquette University granted him the degree
of Doctor of Dental Science, and soon afterward he opened an office
for the practice of his profession. His excellent equipment for the
work and his thorough knowledge of the details of the profession
soon won for him a fine class of patients, which has been increasing
in number every year. Dr. Schlaefer is a stanch member of the Pro-
hibition part\-, believing that the suppression of the liquor traffic is
the dominant issue in our national life. Plis church relations are
with the Evangelical society and he is one of the most loyal and
earnest workers in the church. In a fraternal and social way Dr.
Schlaefer is identified with the Marquette Alumni Association, the
Gcgenseitige L nterstuetzungs Gesellschaft and others. On July
25, [906, Dr. Schlaefer was united in marriage to Miss Laura C.
Meininger, a daughter of Lewis and Mary Meininger, of Waukesha,
Wis. Mr. Meininger is deceased, but his widow is now a respected
resident of Ludington, Mich.
BIOGRAPHICAL 115
J. Edward Hess, D. D. S., one of the younger dentists of the
city, was born in Hartford, Washington county, Wis., on April 19,
1879, and is a son of George N. and Anna Barbara (Huels) Hess.
The father is a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., and the mother of Dodge
county. The paternal grandparents, Fred and Barbara Hess, came
to Illinois from New York. The grandfather died in Illinois, but his
widow is living and is now a respected resident of Nebraska. The
maternal grandparents, John and Barbara (Orels) Huels, came to
Milwaukee early in its history from Germany, but later lived in
other sections of the state. Both died in Hartford. Huelsburg, in
Dodge county, this state, is named in honor of Mr. Huels. He was
a man of many attainments, being a homeopathic physician of ex-
ceptional skill beside doing a large mercantile business. He was
the founder of the Hartford brewery. George N. Hess, the father,
was a hardware merchant for many years, first in Peru, 111., and
later in Hartford. He retired from active participation in business
in 1900 and purchased a home at 705 Thirty-third street, where he
and his wife are now living. He has always been a Republican in
his political belief and is a communicant of the Lutheran church.
Of the three children born to the parents two survive. Amanda,
the daughter, is secretary and a stockholder in the Krahn Manu-
facturing Company. Dr. Hess obtained his primary educational
advantages in the public and parochial schools of Washington
county and the Spencerian Business College of Milwaukee. He
went to Chicago to obtain his professional training, taking the
dental course in Northwestern University, and on May 1, 1902, was
graduated with the degree of Doctor of Dental Science. He at once
located in Milwaukee, and has since been engaged in practice. His
excellent training and his inherent technical skill have won for him
a place in the first ranks of his profession, and his patronage has
increased from year to year until now he does a flourishing busi-
ness. In politics Dr. Hess is allied with the Republican party, but
has never aspired to public office. He was reared in the Lutheran
faith, and is now a devout communicant of that faith. While a stu-
dent he became a member of the Psi Omega dental fraternity and is
prominently identified at the present time with Harmony Lodge,
Free and Accepted Masons, Wisconsin Chapter, Royal Arch Ma-
sons, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica. On July 16, 1908, Dr. Hess was united in marriage to Miss
Cora Krause, a daughter of H. A. Krause, of Racine.
Elias H. Bottum, born in New Haven, Addison county, Ver-
mont, is a descendant of an old colonial family, the first representa-
tives in America having come to the Connecticut colony in 1670.
The name was originally Winterbottum, but some disagreement
having arisen between the two brothers who settled at Saybrook,
the name was changed by an act of the general court, one taking
the name of Winter and the other that of Bottum. For a century
the family remained in Connecticut and Massachusetts, but short-
ly before the Revolutionary war Simon Bottum removed from
Lanesborough, Mass., to Shaftsbury, Bennington county, Vermont,
Il6 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
where he owned a large tract of land. He took part in the Revo-
lution as captain of a volunteer company and fought in the battle
of Bennington. His son, Elias, moved to Addison county, Vermont,
where he was also a large landowner, a prosperous and influential
farmer and a county judge and member of the Vermont senate.
His son, Elias S. Bottum, who married Mary M. Hoyt, a highly
educated and cultured woman, was the father of Elias H. of this
sketch. The former was a prosperous and intelligent farmer, his
large estate in Addison county having been in possession of the
family since 1750. He died at the age of fifty-six years. Elias H.
Bottum, born Feb. 28, 1850, was brought up on a farm, but his deli-
cate health in early childhood prevented him from taking the usual
scholastic training of the country lad, and much of his education
was the result of reading at home, a practice for which he early
evinced a fondness and which was encouraged by his parents. That
his irregular method of education was not to his disadvantage is
shown by the fact that when improved health permitted him to
enter the Kimball Union Academy at Meriden about the age of fif-
teen, he passed rapidly through the course of stud}^ of that institu-
tion and was graduated from the Middlebury College at Middlebury,
Vt., when he was twenty-one years of age. After graduation he
went to New York city and began reading law in the office of the
distinguished firm of Evarts, Southmayd & Choate, and later con-
tinued his legal studies in Columbia (now George Washington)
University, at AVashington, D. C, and was graduated from the law
department in 1873. After careful consideration Mr. Bottum de-
cided that Milwaukee presented a promising field for the legal
practitioner, and in company with a former classmate, Walter E.
Howard, later professor of political economy in Middlebury Col-
lege, he opened an office in that city. The partnership was dis-
solved the following year by the return of Mr. Howard to the east.
In 1878 he formed a partnership with James G. Flanders, and ten
years later that firm was consolidated with that of Winkler, Smith
& Vilas. While Mr. Bottum in his earlier practice engaged in
general legal work, the formation of the larger firm enabled each
member to give particular attention to that branch of it for which
his natural ability and training particularly fitted him, and Mr. Bot-
tum has given much attention to patent cases and ranks among the
best patent attorneys in the Middle West. This line of practice has
led him into fields of study in mechanics, engineering, chemistry
and the allied branches, which lie outside of the domain of the gen-
eral practitioner, and he has become an authority in cases where
such expert knowledge is necessary. While he has always sup-
ported the Republican party, his professional life has left small
leisure for participation in practical politics, and he has never cared
to assume the cares of political office. In the Masonic circles he
ranks high, being a member of the lodge, chapter and commandery
of that order. He was married on Oct. 17, 1876. at Schuyler Falls.
X. Y., to Miss Caroline M. Bailey, daughter of the Rev. Augustus
F. Bailey, and to the union one daughter, now Mrs. Morris F. Ben-
ton, was born.
BIOGRAPHICAL II/
Filip A. Forsbeck, M. D., is one of the younger physicians of
the city of Milwaukee in years and experience, but he already has
taken a high place in the professional ranks and is recognized as
one of extraordinary promise. Dr. Forsbeck was born in Linkop-
ing, Sweden, Feb. 8, 1873, son of Frederick A. and Charlotte (Carl-
son ) Forsbeck, the former of whom was also a native of Linkoping,
born Aug. 5, 1814, and the mother was born in Westervik, Sweden,
Nov. 9, 1S48. The father was the owner of a large estate in Sweden
and also served as provincial forester, that is he had charge of
private property belonging to the king and the government. He
also served for many years as a member of Congress in Sweden.
He died in 1889, but his widow still survives. Filip A. Forsbeck,
to whom this review is particularly dedicated, was educated in the
academy in his native town of Linkoping. and he migrated to
America in 1891, selecting Milwaukee as his place of residence.
Soon after locating here he entered the Hahnemann Medical Col-
lege at Chicago and graduated from that institution with the class
of 1895. He then served as house surgeon in the Hahnemann Hos-
pital at Chicago one year, after which he returned to Milwaukee
and began the practice of his profession, specializing in surgery
from the beginning. He is on the medical staff of both St. Mary's
and Emergency hospitals, and is the incumbent of the position of
trustee of the latter institution. Among the fraternal societies and
professional associations with which he is affiliated are the Mil-
waukee Academy of Medicine, the Homeopathic Medical Society of
Wisconsin, the American Institute of Homeopathy, the Illinois
Homeopathic Medical Association ; and he is an honorary member
of the Wisconsin Eclectic Medical Society. He is an ex-member of
the Wisconsin Board of Medical Examiners, during the incumbency
of which position he served as secretary of the board, and he was
the founder and assistant editor of the Medical Magazine. He is
a Thirty-second Degree Mason. Dr. Forsbeck was married on
Sept. 19, 1898, the lady of his choice being Miss Edith Nyman, of
Linkoping, Sweden, daughter of O. A. and Selma (Cassel) Nyman,
natives of the same place. To this union there have been born three
children, of whom Brita Elizabeth, the eldest, is deceased, and the
others are Carl Filipson and Edith Selma. Dr. Forsbeck is a Re-
publican in his political affiliations.
Byron H. Abert, the efficient proprietor and manager of the
Milwaukee Dental Laboratory, is a son of John B. Abert, whose
sketch appears elsewhere in this work, and was born in Milwaukee
on Oct. 26, 1881. He attended the graded schools and later one
of the high schools in the city, and began the study of dentistry
under Dr. L. J. Stephan. In 1898 Dr. Stephan and C. C. Winkler
organized the Milwaukee Dental Laboratory and Mr. Abert was
made a member of the firm. In 1905 Dr. Stephen and Mr. Winkler
sold their interests to Mr. Abert. who has since had the sole con-
duct of the concern. His natural business ability and enterprise
have made of the institution a great success, and it is known now
throughout the state. Fraternally Mr. Abert is prominent, being
I iS MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
a member of Lafayette Lodge, No. 265, Free and Accepted Masons ;
Calumet Chapter, No. 73, Royal Arch Masons, and Wisconsin
Council, No. 4, Royal and Select Masters. Beside his Masonic
relations he is enrolled as a member of the Millioki Club, the Mil-
waukee Maennerchor and the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Asso-
ciation. Mr. Abert is not allied with any of the existing" political
parties, preferring to exercise his right of suffrage unhampered by
party affiliations. On Feb. 15, 1906, occurred his marriage to Miss
Lorraine K. Haas, of Milwaukee, a daughter of Frank and Elizabeth
(Rahte) Haas. Mr. and Mrs. Haas came to Milwaukee from Fond
du Lac, where they were pioneers. To Mr. and Mrs. Abert was
born on April 14, 1907, a son, Byron Donald.
Ottmar A. Becker, D. D. S., a promising young dentist of the
Cream City, was born in Manitowoc, Wis., on Aug. 23, 1878, a son
of Albert C. Becker, a native of Germany, and Alvina (Teitgen)
Becker, born in Manitowoc county. The paternal grandfather.
Major Frederick C. Becker, was a native of Germany, who came to
Manitowoc county before the War of the Rebellion. During that
struggle he served in one of the Wisconsin volunteer regiments,
and after the cessation of hostilities organized Company A of the
Second Infantry, Wisconsin National Guard. His death occurred
in Milwaukee in 1900. The maternal grandfather was also a native
of Germany and a pioneer of Manitowoc county. Albert C. Becker,
the father, was a hardware merchant at Manitowoc for a number of
years, but recently withdrew from active participation in business
and is now living retired. Fie is a prominent member of the Demo-
cratic party, and a well-known fraternity man, being a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias,
the Royal Arcanum and the Royal League. His family of three
sons and a daughter are all living. He was for a time captain in
Company A of the Second Wisconsin infantry, the company which
his father organized, and Ottmar A. Becker, the subject of this re-
view, also served four years in the same company, from 1901 to
1905, as a private, corporal and sergeant. Dr. Becker attended the
graded schools of Manitowoc and Oshkosh and completed a high
school course in the latter city. For his professional training he
went to Chicago, and there in 1900 was graduated at the North-
western Dental College with the degree of Doctor of Dental Sur-
gery. Fie first opened an office in Oshkosh and for four years had
an excellent practice in that city, but he desired a larger field, and
removed to Milwaukee. He has developed an enviable clientage
in this city, and his inherent skill and thorough knowledge of his
profession assures him of an even larger success. Dr. Becker is
n<>t allied with any political party, believing that to exercise his
righl of suffrage for the best advantage of the community a man
sin mid not be bound or hampered by party affiliation. Fraternally
lie is prominently identified with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and
is tor tin- second time the incumbent of the office of worthy presi-
denl of Milwaukee Lodge, No. 137. of that order. Dr. Becker has
made many friends in Milwaukee, who predict for him a brilliant
future in his chosen profession.
BIOGRAPHICAL 1 19
De Veauxelle D. Logan, D. D. S., who has been an active
dental practitioner in Milwaukee since 1902, was born in Parkers-
burg, \V. Va., Sept. 20, 1880, son of Albert and Maria Lyda Logan.
The father was born in Parkersburg, \\ . Va., and the mother in
Fairmont in the same state. Albert Logan, the father, was a book-
keeper and general office man in the office of his father, who dealt
in lumber and tobacco. The father died in 1893, and three years
later the widow came to Milwaukee and is now making her home
with Dr. Log'an, one of her three sons. A great uncle of Dr. Logan.
Henry Logan by name, was a prominent lumber and tobacco mer-
chant of Parkersburg and was known throughout the state as a
philanthropist. Dr. Logan attended the graded schools of Parkers-
burg, and the high schools of that city, Indianapolis and Jefferson
City, Mo. His professional training was received in the dental
department of the Milwaukee Medical School, and the faculty of
that institution granted him the degree of Doctor of Dental Science
in 1902. Before his graduation he was associated with Dr. Rupert,
but after he had obtained his degree he opened his own office and
has ever since been most successful in the conduct of it. He is abso-
lutely independent of party affiliations in political matters, pre-
ferring to use his own judgment in exercising his franchise rather
than be bound by party ties. While a student he became a member
of the Psi Omega dental fraternity, and this is his only fraternal
relationship. In a social way he is identified with the Calumet
Club. On Feb. 6, 1904, Dr. Logan was united in marriage to Miss
Frances Wolfgram, a daughter of F. W. and Clara Wolfgram, of
Milwaukee. Mrs. Wolfgram is deceased, but he is still a respected
resident of the city. To Dr. and Mrs. Logan has been born one
son, Robert McLennen.
Carl M. Marcan, D. D. S., one of the younger generation of
dentists of the city, and a member of the faculty of the dental de-
partment of Marcjuette University, is a native of' the Badger state.
He is a son of John D. and Anna (von Markreiter) Marcan. both
natives of Germany, the birth of the former having occurred in
1847 am l the latter in 1854. Dr. Marcan's birthday occurred on
March 29, 1883, at Chippewa Falls, Wis. The father first came to
New York in 1873, and later located in Wisconsin. He returned
to Germany to be married, but again came to this country and
settled in Milwaukee. For more than twenty years now he has
been associated with the Miller Brewing Company as a local agent
in Milwaukee. Two daughters and a son were the issue of his
marriage. Olga, the eldest, is now in Germany studying, and
Camilla is also pursuing musical studies at the Wisconsin Con-
servatory in Milwaukee. Both parents are members of the Catholic
church. Dr. Marcan's primary education was obtained in the
parochial schools of Dubuque, la., and after he had completed his
course there he studied for a year in Germany. For two years fol-
lowing he was a student at Lawrence University at Appleton. Wis.,
and then matriculated at Marquette University in the dental de-
partment. In June, 1908, the faculty of the latter institution granted
120 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
him the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, and immediately after
graduation he opened an office at 2630 Vliet street for the practice
of his profession. His many admirable qualities and his inherent
technical skill brought him many patients, and the number has been
increasing each month. As a recognition of his standing as a
student he has been made one of the demonstrators in the dental
department of his alma mater. Dr. Marcan exercises his right of
suffrage unhampered by party affiliation, believing that independ-
ence in political matters makes for the best government. He is a
devout communicant of the Roman Catholic church, and fraternally
is identified with the Psi Omega dental fraternity, of which he be-
came a member while a student.
William L. Neubert, D. D. S., a young dentist of the Cream
City, was born in Berlin, Germany, on Feb. 5, 1878, a son of Albert
August Heinrich and Pauline (Dorther) Neubert. The father was
born in Germany in 1841, and the mother in the same country in
1848. Albert Neubert, for many years a German naval officer, re-
tired from active duty after serving his country nearly fifty years.
His wife died on Dec. 3, 1902, leaving beside her husband five
children. Dr. Neubert received his educational advantages in the
Prince Henry gymnasium in Berlin, and was there graduated in
1897. Shortly afterward he came to Milwaukee and matriculated
in the dental department of Marquette University, and in 1902 the
faculty of that institution granted him the degree of Doctor of
Dental Surgery. Ever since he took out his naturalization papers
he has been allied with the Republican party, and has always voted
that ticket. Fraternally and professionally Dr. Neubert is allied
with the Southern Wisconsin Dental Association, the Psi Omega
dental fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Equit-
able Fraternal Union. Shortly after graduation Dr. Neubert went
to Kansas and became a registered dentist in that state. On Aug.
18, 1903, he was united in marriage to Miss Julia Marie Meinecke,
a daughter of Gerhardt and Carrie (Wellaur) Meinecke, of Mil-
waukee. Two sons were born to this union, Albert Daniel and Wil-
liam Gerhardt.
Robert A. Burg, D. D. S., a prominent young dentist of Mil-
waukee, is a native of this city, where he was born on Jan. 8, 1884.
He is a son of John and Mary (Purtell) Burg, both of whom were
born in Wisconsin. His paternal grandparents, Joseph and Sophia
(Loffy) Burg, came to Wisconsin in early days from Germany.
The grandfather died on Jan. 31, 1899, but the grandmother is still
living, a respected resident of Waukesha county. He was a miller
by vocation and founded the mill at Monches, Waukesha county,
and in his spare time added to his income by following agricultural
pursuits and dealing in horses. A brief review of the life of John
Purtell the maternal grandfather, may be found in the sketch of Dr.
Joseph A. Purtell. a son. elsewhere in this volume. Dr. Burg re-
ceived his primary education in the schools at Monches, Wis. His
professional training was received in the dental department of Mar-
quette University, where he graduated in 1905. Since that time he
BIOGRAPHICAL 121
has been most successfully engaged in the practice of his profession
in Milwaukee, his offices being located at 2905 Clybourn street.
Jn political matters the Doctor is not allied with any one of the
established parties, preferring to exercise his right of suffrage as
his conscience and his judgment dictate. Like his ancestors on
both sides he is a devout communicant of the Roman Catholic
church. Fraternally he is associated with the Catholic Order of
Foresters. Dr. Burg is still a young man and his many friends pre-
dict for him a brilliant future in his chosen profession.
Edgar Morton Jones, D. D. S., professor of metallurgy in the
dental department of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and
a practicing dentist of the city, was born in Waupun, Wis., on Sept.
9, 1880, a son of Edgar and Emma (Baldwin) Jones. The father
w r as born in Waukesha county, Wis., in 1853, and the mother in
Waupun in 1858. The paternal grandfather, William M. Jones, was
born in Peekskill, N. Y., in 1822, and his wife, Evangeline Herrick,
in Pennsylvania. He passed away in 1889 and she died two years
later. The maternal grandfather, B. B. Baldwin, was a pioneer of
Waupun and served several terms as justice of the peace in that
city. During the Civil war he was a member of one of the regi-
ments sent from Wisconsin to suppress the Rebellion. Edgar Jones
was a molder by vocation, and learned the trade from his father,
who was engaged in it all his active life. Dr. Jones attended the
public and high schools of W'aupun and then took a course in the
Wayland Academy of Beaver Dam, Wis. When he had graduated
there he came to Milwaukee and entered the dental department of
the College of Physicians and Surgeons, whence he was graduated in
1903. After a year and a half spent in the successful practice of
his profession in a small village in the state he returned to Mil-
waukee and opened an office for the practice of his profession. At
the same time he accepted the chair of metallurgy in his alma
mater, and is now serving his third year as the head of that depart-
ment. His ability and courteous manner have won him the respect
of the students and the confidence of his patients, the number of
which has increased each year since he engaged in his present oc-
cupation. In politics he is a stanch adherent of the principles pro-
mulgated by the Republican party, but has never sought public of-
fice. In religious matters he is identified with the English Luther-
an church and professionally is prominent in the North Side Dental
Society. On Dec. 22, 1904, Dr. Jones was united in marriage to
Miss Ida Frieschmidt. a Milwaukee lady, the daughter of Herman
and Marie (Krahn) Frieschmidt. They have no children.
Andrew Jacob Kuhnmuench, D. D. S., a member of the faculty
of the dental department of Marquette University and also engaged
in the practice of his profession, is a son of Charles and Margaret
(Zimmerman) Kuhnmuench. and was born in Milwaukee on Oct.
20. 1879. The father was a native of Germany who came to Mil-
waukee early in his life and was here married. He was en ex-
tensive furniture dealer until his death. The mother was born in
Milwaukee, and is a daughter of the late Andrew Zimmerman, the
122 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
first rope manufacturer in Milwaukee. He was a potent factor in
the councils of the local Democracy and was a stanch member of
the Catholic church. Dr. Kuhnmuench attended the public and
parochial schools to obtain his preparatory education, and later
took a course in the Spencerian Business College. For his technical
education he went to Philadelphia and matriculated in the dental
department of the University of Pennsylvania, not, however, until
he had two years of practical work in his profession. On June 13,
1901, he received his certificate of graduation and the degree of Doc-
tor of Dental Surgery and returned at once to Milwaukee to enter
upon his professional career. That his knowledge of the art is
recognized throughout the community is evident from the fact that
he has been chosen by the directors of Marquette University to fill
the chair of Pathology, Therapeutics and Materia Medica in that
institution. In politics he is a stanch adherent of the principles of
the Republican party, but has never had the leisure nor the inclina-
tion to seek public office. He was reared in the Catholic faith, and
ever since his confirmation has been a loyal communicant of that
church. While a student he became a member of the Xi Psi Phi fra-
ternity, a relation which has kept him in close touch with his class-
mates ever since graduation. On Jan. 22, 1907, the doctor was
united in marriage to Miss Barbara Bettinger, a daughter of John
and Mary Bettinger, of Milwaukee. They have one child, Mary.
Willard B. Robinson, D. D. S., who for ten years has practiced
dentistry in the city of Milwaukee, was born in Windsor, Dane
county, Wis., on Dec. 31, 1871, a son of Barber and Mary (Lord)
Robinson, the former of whom was born in New York in 1843 an( ^
the latter in Maine in 1850. Barber Robinson came to Arlington,
Columbia county, Wis., with his parents, Barber and Lois (Shet-
land) Robinson, and later to Dane county, where both died. John
Lord, the maternal grandfather, and Abigail (Mason) Lord, his
wife, were natives of Maine, who settled at Leeds. Mrs. Lord died
in 1876 and her husband passed away fourteen years later. Barber
Robinson, the father, was a farmer by vocation and a stanch mem-
ber of the Congregational church. He is one who believes in exer-
cising his religious views in his right of suffrage and always votes
the Prohibition ticket. His wife died in 1890 and he now lives re-
tired in Windsor. Dr. Robinson received his preparatory education
in the public graded schools of Windsor and the Wisconsin Acad-
emy at Madison, and at the latter institution received his certifi-
cate of graduation in 1890. For some years he was engaged in
various occupations to gain a livelihood and when he had accumu-
ed a sufficient competence he matriculated in the dental depart-
ment of Marquette University. In 1898 the faculty of the univer-
sity granted him the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery and he at
1 'iicc entered up' m the practic of his profession. He is not allied
with any (if the existing political parties, believing that the best
government i- to be obtained by the judicious exercise of his right
nf franchise rather than by the direction of party leaders. Profes-
sionally he is identified with the Wisconsin State and the Milwau-
BIOGB \l UK AL 123
kee County Dental societies and tlie Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica. Ever since his residence has been in Milwaukee he has been
closed}- associated with the Grand A.venue Congregational church.
On Oct. if), 1898, Dr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss
Aland Tasse, of Milwaukee, a daughter ><\ F. D. and Dellima (Ju-
neau) Tasse. On the maternal side Mrs. Robinson is a descendant
of a brother of Solomon Juneau, the founder of the city. To Dr.
and .Mrs. Robinson have been born two children, Clement Raymond
and Eva Lillian.
George P. Brenner, D. D. S., who for nearly ten years has been
one of the leading- figures in odontological circles in Milwaukee, was
born in the town of Polk, Washington county. Wis., on Feb. 17,
1870, a son of Philip and Barbara ( Mathes) Brenner, both of whom
were born in the town of Polk, the father on Jan. 21, 1848, and the
mother on Sept. 21, 1853. The paternal grandparents, Peter, and
Christina (Kissinger) Brenner, were both native Germans, the
former having been born in Hessen-Darmstadt and the latter in
Seltz, who came to Wisconsin before it had become a state and lo-
cated on a farm. The maternal grandparents, George and Barbara
(Reiss) Mathes, were also German immigrants, who lived the better
part of their lives on a farm in Washington county. The father,
Philip Brenner, was a farmer during his active business career, but
of late years has made his residence in Milwaukee, having retired
from active participation in business affairs. Both he and his wife
are communicants of the Evangelical church. Their only son, Dr.
George P. Brenner, was educated in the public schools of Washing-
ton county and graduated at the West Bend high school in 1894,
after having completed the prescribed four years' course in three
years. For two years after he was engaged in pedagogic work in
Polk township and then entered the dental department of Mar-
quette University. Later before he had completed his course he
went to Chicago and there, in 1899, he graduated at the College of
Dental Surgery with the degree of Doctor of Dental Science. Imme-
diately after the completion of his course he came to Milwaukee and
began the practice of his profession, which at the present time is
flourishing and lucrative. For two years Dr. Brenner has held the
chair of operative technic and dental anatomy at the Milwaukee
College of Physicians and Surgeons and for one year he was assist-
ant to Dr. W. C. AYenker in the same capacity at Marquette Uni-
versity. In, politics the doctor is a Republican, but the duties at-
tendant upon a busy career have prevented him from becoming a
candidate for public office. Professionally he is prominently identi-
fied with the Wisconsin State and the North Side Dental societies.
He was one of the moving spirits in the organization of the latter
and is the present incumbent of the office of president of the same,
and is also president of Milwaukee County Dental Society. In fra-
ternal matters he is associated with Wisconsin Lodge No. 13, Free
and Accepted Masons, and Damon Lodge, No. 102, Knights of Py-
thias, and his religious relations are with the Congregational church.
On June 3, 1902, Dr. Brenner was united in marriage to Miss Emma
124 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
L. Buschmann, of Manitowoc, Wis., a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Albert Buschmann. Mrs. Buschmann is deceased, and her husband
now resides at Forestville, Wis. To Dr. and Mrs. Brenner has been
born one daughter, Lois Helen.
John Mietus, D. D. S., one of the prominent young dentists of
Milwaukee, was born in Poland on March 17, 1874. He is a twin
brother of Dr. Joseph Mietus, whose sketch appears elsewhere in
this work. Something of the father's life can be found in the sketch
of the brother. Dr. John Mietus received- his "preparatory educa-
tional advantages in the public schools of his native land and a gym-
nasium. His arrival in this country was in 1893 and he located first
in Chicago. For several years he engaged in various occupations to
earn a livelihood until he should determine what profession or busi-
ness he desired to make a life work. When he finallv decided to
study dentistry he matriculated at the Chicago College of Dental
Surgery and jn 1905 graduated at the institution with the degree of
Doctor of Dental Surgery. He came to Milwaukee at once and
opened an office at 29 Wright street, where he has since been most
successfully engaged. His natural ability and his thorough knowl-
edge of his profession have won for him a high rank among the
practitioners of the city, and he is regarded as one of the most
promising in the profession. In politics he is not allied with any
one of the existing political parties, preferring to exercise his right
of suffrage as his conscience and judgment dictate rather than be
hampered by party affiliations. Socially and professionally the doc-
tor is identified with the North Side Dental Society, Young Men's
Polish Alliance and the Polish National Alliance of North Amer-
ica, and in religious matters adheres to the Catholic faith. On Feb.
19, 1908, Dr. Mietus was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Bachin-
ski, of Milwaukee, whose family relations appear elsewhere in this
volume in the sketch of her brother, Dr. L. J. Bachinski.
Frederick Rietbrock (deceased) was born in Kenosha county,
April 6. 1839. His parents, Adolph and Christina (Koch) Riet-
brock, were both natives of Germany, but died in this country, the
former in 1887 an d the latter in 1883. The father came to the United
States in 1832 and traveled widely throughout the country, after-
ward returning to Germany. When he brought his family in 1837
he came directly to Kenosha county, and was among the pioneers of
southeastern Wisconsin, the country being about that time opened
to settlers, although the original inhabitants continued to roam
through the country for many years afterward. Adolph Riet-
brock was a goldsmith by trade, but like most of the early comers,
essayed farming for a time. He retired from active life in 1870 and
spent most of the remainder of his life in Milwaukee, except a short
period which was taken up by a trip to California. Frederick Riet-
brock was reared in Kenosha, attending the public schools, was
graduated from the high school and then studied two years in the
University of Michigan, where he was graduated in 1865 with the
degree of LL. B. He immediately began the practice of law in Mil-
waukee and there continued until his death, on July 23, 1906. Mr.
BIOGRAPHICAL I25
Rietbrock's first partner was C. K. Martin, and later, in 1870, he
became associated with D. 11. Johnson, and in 1877 L. W. Halsey
was added to the firm, which continued as Johnson, Rietbrock &
Halsey until 1888. At that date Mr. Johnson was elected circuit
judge and the two remaining partners remained in business until
[900, when Mr. Halsey succeeded Judge Johnson on the bench, and
Mr. Rietbrock formed' a partnership with his son, Adolph C. Riet-
brock, which continued until the death of the former. Besides his
extensive law practice, Mr. Rietbrock was largely interested in real
estate in Marathon county, and did much to develop the resources
of that portion of the state. In politics he was a Democrat and in
the early seventies was actively engaged in campaign work, and was
chairman of the county committee for several years. He held the
office of district attorney for one term. On Feb. 4, 1866, he was
united in marriage with Miss' Helen M. Peters, daughter of Cor-
nelius and Marianna (Meuser) Peters, of Milwaukee. Mrs. Riet-
brock died on Feb. 5, 1901, after thirty-five years of happy wedded
life. The three children born to this union are Adolph C., Marianna
and Christina. Frederick Rietbrock was a member of the Milwau-
kee Sharpshooters' Society, the Calumet Club, the Germania So-
ciety (now the Deutscher Club), the American Guernsey Cattle
Club, the National Livestock Association, etc.
Rev. Bronislaus F. Celichowski, pastor of St. Hedwig's Catho-
lic church, is a native of Polish Prussia, and came to this country
with his parents in 1886. His father,. Vincent Celichowski, was a
mason contractor and died about a year after locating in Milwaukee
and is buried in the Polish cemetery of the city. His mother, Lou-
isa (Ryterska) Celichowski, is still living. Bronislaus F., born Oct.
22, 1872, is one of a family of three brothers and seven sisters; all
are living in the United States. The two brothers, Casimir and
Walter, are engaged in the clothing and men's furnishing business
and have two stores, one on the north side and one on the south
side of the city. The former married Ann Cyerwinska and has two
children, Roman and Arnult ; the latter married Josephine Baranow-
ska and also has two sons, Walter and Stanislaus. The five sisters
living in this country are all married; three are residents of Mil-
waukee, one of Oshkosh and one of Chicago. Rev. Father Celichow-
ski acquired his earlier education in his native land, being in his
fourteenth year when his parents came to the United States. After
locating in Milwaukee he attended Marquette College for six years,
and then took his theological training at St. Francis Seminary,
where he was ordained as a priest in 1898 by Bishop Katzer. lie
was the assistant pastor at St. Hedwig's for two years, and then as-
sumed charge of the congregation and has filled that position since
that time. The parish was organized thirty-five years ago and has
a large church, schools, rectory and sisters' house, and is in excel-
lent financial condition, there being but little debt remaining on the
property. The congregation includes 800 families, and 050 children
are instructed in the schools. Rev. Father Celichowski has one as-
sistant in his pastoral work. He is at present interested in the con-
126 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
struction of a gymnasium for the use of the young men and boys
of the congregation, and hopes to have the same in process of build-
ing in the near future.
Hyacinth Gulski, priest of St. Hyacinth, is a native of Polish
Prussia., and is the son of Anthony and Anna (Szweda) Gulski,
both natives of the same province, and both of whom died in their
native land. Father Gulski came to the United States in 1875, his
education and early work of the ministry having belonged to his
native country. He attended first the public school or "gym-
nasium" at Culm, and later the theological seminaries at Neustadt,
Lonk and Goruszki, all in Polish Prussia. He was ordained to the
priesthood in 1872 by Bishop Jeschke, at Lonk, and was stationed
at various points during the three years that intervened between his
ordination and his immigration. These were years of hardship and
difficulty, owing to the action of the German Reichstag, tending
toward a suppression of the convents, and directed particularly
against the Society of Jesuits, and it was made a misdemeanor for
a priest to make charges or accept fees for his services. This ac-
tion extended also to Polish Prussia. On coming to Wisconsin
Rev. Father Gulski was placed in charge of the church at Berlin for
eight months, and then came to St. Stanislaus church, Milwaukee,
as assistant pastor, and on Jan. 1, 1876, was given charge of the
church, and was pastor of the same for eight years. During his pas-
torate he was actively engaged in mission work among his people,
organized a new parish on the south side of Milwaukee, and built
the large and beautiful church of St. Hyacinth. The parish has
since been divided three times, and at present the parish of St. Hya-
cinth includes 1,100 families. It owns a very handsome property,
including an entire block, and which is almost free from debt. Over
1,300 children are instructed in its two schools. Father Gulski votes
the Democratic ticket, but takes no active part in politics. He is a
member of the Catholic Union of America and of the Stowarzysze-
nie Polakow.
William E. Burke, attorney, of Milwaukee, was born in Dodge
county. May 25, 1874. and is one of the eight children of John and
Mary (Nolan) Burke, both natives of Ireland. The brothers and
sisters are Catherine, now Mrs. Malachi McBride, of Janesville,
Minn.; Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Carroll, of Richwood, Wis.;
Mary, Mrs. John Laffey, of Des Moines, Iowa; John, married to
Mary Enright, of Lida, Iowa; Joseph, a divinity student at Brook-
land. Wash. ; Frank P.. an attorney and partner of his brother, Wil-
liam E., of this sketch. William E. Burke obtained his earlier edu-
cation in the public schools of Dodge county, and then entered the
Xorthcrn Illinois College of Law at Dixon, 111., at which he was
graduated in 1898 with the degree of LL. B. Fie began his legal
practice in Milwaukee and was in business alone until 1899, when
he became a member of the firm of Blatchley & Burke. In 1902 the
partnership was dissolved and he was again alone in his practice
until March, [907, when he became associated with his brother and
Mr. Alexander under the name of Burke, Alexander & Burke. In
BIOGRAPHICAL \2"J
politics he is a Republican, and has twice represented his party in
the county convention, lie' belongs to the Milwaukee County and
Wisconsin State Bar associations, and is also a member of the fra-
ternal order, Knights of Columbus, and of the social organizations,
the Blue Mound Club and the Calumet Club, being president of the
latter. On Feh. 15, [906, he was united in marriage to Miss Gene-
vieve Mickey, of Milwaukee, and to the union one daughter, Mary,
has keen b< >rn.
Samuel Frederick Peacock, of the firm of S. I". Peacock & Son,
Milwaukee, is a native of England, having keen born in Leeds,
Yorkshire. April 27, 1847. J' e ls trie son OI Francis and Annie
Stead Peacock, the former of whom came to the United States in
1843 aiK l then went hack and returned with his family in 1848, being
engaged in the mercantile lumber business. In August, 1861, he en-
listed as a private in Company B, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin in-
fantry, and was wounded in the left shoulder in the first hattle of
that regiment, and was sent home on sick furlough, dying four
months later, Dec. II, 1863, in Milwaukee. He is buried in Calvary
Cemetery. The mother died on July 9, 1889. Samuel F. was reared
and educated in Milwaukee and opened his present business on Jan.
1, 1877. ana< nas been for many years one of the leading- undertakers
in the city, having at the present time charge of more burials than
any other firm in Milwaukee. Politically he is allied witli the Dem-
ocratic party and in religion he is a member of the Catholic church.
He belongs to a number of fraternal organizations, among which
are the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is
Past Exalted Ruler: Junior Council of National Union, Catholic
Foresters, Catholic Knights, Sons of Veterans, of which he is Past
Commander; and he was the organizer of the Wisconsin State
Funeral Directors, concerning his association with which the West-
ern Undertaker of November, 1907, says: "No more appropriate
sentence could be uttered than these Latin words: 'Palman Qui
Meruit Feraf — Let him who has won bear the palm. Few under-
takers can boast of having served their associations for a quarter of
a century. The fact that Wisconsin has had one of their members
continuously in office for twenty-five years is a test of ability as
well as geniality. When a member is accorded such a privilege it is
because of his popularity among the members of the association.
Samuel F. Peacock, of Milwaukee, has had this pleasure and his
services have been 'communi consensu' his fellow members having
kept him in office all this time. To serve man means the serving of
the Lord, hence Mr. Peacock has done good, having been an ener-
getic and tireless member to the close of the twenty-sixth annual
meeting. In his last report he spoke as follows: T thank you for
the honors you have conferred upon me in the last twenty-six years.
1 have been most of the time an officer of your association. I ap-
preciate your kindness, and I must say this will be the last report
you will receive from Samuel F. Peacock, for I step aside now. I
want to thank you before I do it, because I wanl to help make room
for the younger and growing members you are getting in this asso-
128 -MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
ciation. 1 hope in the next twenty-six years you will do doubly as
well as in the past. I don't want it understood, gentlemen, that I
intend losing interest in the association. If Providence spares me
you will find me with you, furthering the interests of every mem-
ber of this association for many years to come. The reason I speak
about this is, I do not wish to run again for office. I positively want
to thank you once again for all.' Surely Mr. Peacock will not for-
sake nor lose interest in the association. Why should he? He was
one of the founders of it, in fact, the father of it. Few of those
present who listened to his remarks knew what an effort it cost him
to make them, for his heart reveled within him, like a boy leaving
his parents' home, whose loving associations dated back from early
memory. There are other active members who show great interest
in association work, deserving of much praise for the good work
they have done ; but none ever held office for a quarter of a century.
Yet Mr. Peacock looks and acts as though he would be capable for
another twenty-five years. He will be welcomed to lend his shoul-
der to the wheel of progress 'diiranta vita.'' In the last named
organization he served as president, four terms ; vice-president,
three terms ; chairman of the executive committee, one term ; and
also as chairman of both legislative and finance committees ; and
has just made his sixteenth annual report as treasurer. He is reck-
oned among the successful business men of Milwaukee, and is pop-
ular in social and fraternal as well as in commercial circles. On
Dec. 10, 1869, he was married to Miss Hattie Downer, daughter of
Frederick and Margaret Downer, of Milwaukee, and to this union
two children were born : Frank J., who married Miss Mary A.
Birkle, has three children : Urban F., Frank A. and Samuel. Frank
has been in partnership with his father since 1889 and is also a mem-
ber of the Catholic Knights, Catholic Foresters and Knights of Co-
lumbus. The daughter, Hattie, married John Roddy, who is em-
ployed by the T. A. Chapman Co. in the credit department.
Joseph Mietus, D. D. S., a rising young dentist of Polish birth,
is a son of Michael and Mary Mietus and was born in Poland on
March 17, 1874. The father was born in 1840 and the mother in
1847 ar, d never left their native land. The mother died in 1878, but
the father, who has always earned his living by farming, still sur-
vives. During the last memorable struggle, in 1863, in which Po-
land attempted to gain her freedom, the father was enlisted in the
patriots' cause. The parents had two children, twin sons, and a
etch of the other, John, appears elsewhere in this volume. Dr.
Mietus attended the public and parochial schools of his native land
and attended one of the gymnasia maintained by the Austrian gov-
ernment. In 1891 he migrated to the United States and located in
Buffalo for a time, but afterward traveled through different parts
of the country. When he had become thoroughly conversant with
American customs and manners he determined to make dentistry
his life profession and accordingly matriculated at the Chicago
Dental College. The faculty of that institution granted him the de-
gree of Doctor of Dental "Science in 1903, and immediately after
BIOGRAPHICAL I2<J
graduation he removed to Milwaukee and opened an office. For five
years now he has been most successfully engaged, and has built up
a large and lucrative practice that is well worthy of emulation. In
political matters Dr. Mietus is a stanch adherent of the tenets and
principles of the Democratic party, but has never sought public
office. In a professional and social way he is prominently identified
with the Milwaukee County Dental Society, the Tribe of Ben-Ilur.
the Polish National Alliance, the Sharpshooters' Club and the Pol-
ish Turners. His religious relations are with the Roman Catholic
church. On May 30, 1906, Dr. Mietus was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Goral, of Milwaukee, Wis., a daughter of Casimir Goral,
now of Milwaukee. To this union has been born one child, Roland
Felix.
Leonard Joseph Bachinski, M. D., a young physician of Mil-
waukee, whose friends predict for him a brilliant future in his
chosen profession, was born in the Cream City on Aug. 23, 1885, a
son of Michael and Elizabeth (Szturmowski) Bachinski. Both par-
ents are natives of German Poland, and belong to that class of Mil-
waukee's foreign population which has made the city one of the
most successful industrial centers of the West. The father, who
came to Milwaukee in 1875, is a brewer by vocation and now re-
sides at 1020 Cambridge avenue. The paternal grandfather, Mich-
ael Bachinski, w r as a participant in the last Polish insurrection and
succumbed to wounds received in that memorable struggle. The
maternal grandfather, Joseph Szturmowski, was a soldier in the
Franco-Prussian war, and after the cessation of hostilities came to
Milwaukee in 1873. His demise occurred on May 22, 1908. Dr.
Bachinski received his preparatory education in the public and pa-
rochial schools of his native city and for five years attended Mar-
quette College. He then matriculated in the medical department
of Marquette University and after he had finished with honor to
himself the prescribed course the faculty of the institution granted
him the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1908. He at once began the
practice of his profession with his offices at 29 Wright street, and
although he has been engaged but a comparatively short time he
has enjoyed a lucrative practice and has won the respect of his fel-
low practitioners. His religious belief is Roman Catholic, but in
his political relations is not allied with any political party, prefer-
ring to exercise his right of franchise as his conscience and judg-
ment dictate rather than be hampered by party ties.
Hugo F. Nicholus, D. D. S., one of the younger generation of
dentists in the city, was born in West Bend, Washington county,
Wis., on Nov. 11, 1876, a son of John H. and Augusta (Krause)
Nicholus. The father was born in Germany in 1838 and the mother
in Jackson, Washington county, in 1848. The paternal grandpar-
ents, Louis and Louisa (Hart) Nicholus, came from Germany and
spent their last days in Washington county. The maternal grand-
parents, Frederick and Louisa Krause, were also native Germans,
who came to Washington county and spent the balance .of their
lives there. The father, Tohn H., was a farmer for a number of
9
I30 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
years and then for a time was in the hotel business in West Bend.
In this last occupation and in the realty business he was so success-
ful that he was enabled to retire in 1893 and remove to Milwaukee,
where he has since lived. All of the seven children born to the
parents are living. Dr. Nicholus attended the public and high
schools of West Bend and then studied telegraphy. At the age of
seventeen years he was a telegraph operator and train dispatcher.
He served in this capacity for a period of five years and then matric-
ulated in the dental department of Marquette University. The fac-
ulty of that institution granted him the degree of Doctor of Dental
Surgery in 1902, when he had completed the prescribed course, and
he immediately opened an office for the practice of his profession.
His success has in large measure been due to his careful attention
to details, his courteous treatment of patients and his thorough
mastery of his art. In politics the doctor does not ally himself with
any faction or party, but exercises his right of suffrage for what he
judges is the best interest of the community. He is prominently
identified as a member and worker with the Bethlehem Lutheran
church and fraternally and socially is associated with the North
Side Dental Society and the Modern Woodmen of America.
Dr. Roman J. Paradowski, a popular dentist among the younger
members of the odontological fraternity in Milwaukee, was born in
the Cream City on Aug. 9, 1882. He is a son of John and Eva
(Brzezinski) Paradowski, both of whom were born in German Po-
land, the father in 1845 an d the mother five years later. The par-
ents came to Milwaukee in 1878, and the father was engaged as a
fireman for stationary engines for a number of years. His death
occurred in 1894 and his wife died some four years later. Of the
eight children born to the parents four survive. Dr. Paradowski en-
tered the parochial schools of the city when he was but six years
of age, and remained in them until he was thirteen years old. After
four years of work he again took up his studies, matriculating at
St. Francis Seminary. He completed the classical course in five
years and followed with a year's course of study in philosophy.
The following year he worked at the Wisconsin Dental Laboratory,
and since then, about three years now, he has been an assistant to
Dr. A. G. Rozmarynowski. Although he is a stanch adherent of the
principles of the Republican party, he has never sought public of-
fice. His religious belief is Catholic, and he is a devout communi-
cant of the Polish Catholic church. His only fraternal relations are
with the Modern Woodmen of America. Dr. Paradowski is of a
kindly, genial manner, with a host of friends, who predict for him a
brilliant future.
Anton George Rozmarynowski, D. D. S., was born in Mil-
waukee on March 24, 1882, and is a son of Kazmier and Marcianna
( Pochowski) Rozmarynowski. Both parents were born in German
Poland, the father in T857 and the mother some years later. The
father came to Milwaukee when still a youngf man and was activelv
engaged in business For a number of years, but is now retired. Of
the family of six children three survive. Dr. Rozmarvnowski re-
BIOGRAPHICAL 1 3 1
ceived his primary education in the parochial and public schools of
the city. His professional training was obtained in the dental de-
partment of the Milwaukee Medical College, at which he was grad-
uated on June 22, [904. lie immediately began active practice and
has since been most successfully engaged in it. The doctor is not
allied with any political party, and is a devout communicant of the
Polish Catholic church. He is prominent fraternally, being a mem-
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Equitable Fraternal
Union, the Knights of Columbus and the Polish National Alliance.
Dr. Rozmarynowski is a young man with man}' friends, who predict
for him a brilliant future in his chosen profession.
Robert S. Johnston, S. J., one of the professors of classics, his-
tory and English at Marquette University, was born in Troy Cen-
ter. Milwaukee county, on Dec. 11, 1874. He is a son of Robert A.
Johnston, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Father John-
ston's primary education was received in the parochial and private
schools of Milwaukee, and in 1891 he was graduated at Marquette
College with the degree of bachelor of arts. The same year he en-
tered the novitiate of the Order of Jesuits at Florisant, Mo., and for
three years pursued a course of study there. This was followed by
a three years' course in philosophy and science at St. Louis Univer-
sity. Then for a period of four years he was professor of classics,
English and mathematics at Detroit College and served in a like
capacity at St. Xavier's College of Cincinnati for another year. At
the end of that time he went to St. Louis and spent four years in
post-graduate study preparatory to entering the priesthood. In
1905 he was ordained as a priest of the Roman Catholic church and
in August, 1907, became professor of the classics, English and his-
tory in Marquette University, the position which he has since filled.
He is not allied with any political party, but takes a keen interest
in public affairs and exercises his right of franchise to what he
judges is the best advantage of the community. Father Johnston is
a member of the Society of Jesus.
Reverend Victor Putten, S. J., deceased, former member of the
faculty of Marquette LJniversity, was born in Holland on Feb. 26,
1845. He received his primary education in the public and pa-
rochial schools of his native land, and was there ordained to the
priesthood in 1868. The same year he came to the United States
and entered the House of Study at Woodstock, Md. For a period
of a year he was a member of the faculty of St. Ignatius College,
Chicago, and for four years following served in the capacity of mis-
sionary. He had pastorates at Cincinnati, Ohio, and St. Charles,
Mo., for periods of six and three years, respectively, and in 1885
came to Mihvaukee to join the faculty of Marquette University.
Following that time he continued his association with the institu-
tion, and he held in the past twenty years various offices in it. At
the time of his death. Oct. 2, 1908, he was the incumbent of the
office of treasurer. Father Putten was a man of fine intellect and
scholarly attainments and he had the respect of all the students. He
"was not allied with any political organization, but exercised his
I32 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
right of suffrage as his judgment told him would be for the best
welfare of the community. He was a member of the Society of
Jesus.
Rudolph C. Gruettner, D. D. S., one of the leading practitioners
of dental surgery in Milwaukee, with offices at 420 Eleventh avenue,
was born in the Cream City on Jan. 3, 1876. He is one of seven
children of Gustave A. and Louisa (Hellberg) Gruettner, all of
whom are living. His paternal grandparents were natives of Ger-
many, who came to the United States early in life and spent the re-
mainder of their days in Milwaukee. The maternal gTandparents
were also born in the Fatherland and became early residents of Mil-
waukee, the grandfather having been a distiller, with a place of busi-
ness on the site of the present West Park. The father was an agri-
culturist and dairyman, and a devout communicant of the Lutheran
church. His death occurred-in 1899, but his widow is still living.
Dr. Gruettner received his scholastic training in the public schools
of Milwaukee and graduated at the South Division high school.
Then he entered Milwaukee Medical College in the department of
dental surgery, and in 1900 was graduated with the degree of Doctor
of Dental Surgerv. Since that time he has been in the active and
successful practice of his profession. In his political beliefs the doc-
tor is a Republican and does his best to bring about the success of
his party at the polls. His church relations are with Bethany Pres-
byterian church. In fraternal matters he is known as a prominent
member of the Knights of Pythias, and is connected with the Wis-
consin State Dental Society and the Marquette College Dental
Alumni Association, his alma mater since his graduation having be-
come a part of Marquette University. He is also a member of the
State History Society. On Nov. 24, 1903, Dr. Gruettner was united
in marriage to Miss Alice M. Eaton, of Cudahy, Wis., a daughter of
Hon. Barney and Catharine Eaton. To this union have been born
two children — Loraine Madelaine and Rudolph Edwin.
Edwin A. Showalter, Ph. G., a leading' pharmacist of Milwau-
kee, and at the present time president, treasurer and manager of the
Union Pharmacy, is a native of Milwaukee, where he was born on
Oct. 20, 1875. His parents, Charles B. and Christine (Hertzer)
Showalter, were also born in Milwaukee, the father on Jan. 6, 1848,
and the mother on Oct. 28, 1854. The paternal grandfather of the
subject of this sketch was Charles Showalter, a native German, who
came to Milwaukee when but eleven years of age and spent the re-
mainder of his life in this city, conducting one of the* leading boot
and shoe stores on West Water street when Milwaukee was but a
small village, and was an intimate friend of Solomon Juneau, the
first settler of Milwaukee. The maternal grandparents, Ernst and
Eva (Bauer) Hertzer, were both natives of Germany. Ernst Hert-
zer was a prominent figure in Milwaukee's educational and commer-
cial life for a number of years, having been a member of the school
commission and the owner of a large planing mill, which was later
destroyed by fire. Charles B. Showalter for more than thirty years
was in the wholesale drug business, part of the time with H. Bos-
BIOGRAPHICAL 1 33
worth & Son and later with the Charles Baumbach Company, and
is at present representing' one of the largest manufactories of its
kind in the I 'nited States as city and state agent ; he also retains his
interest in the welfare of the city. His three children are all living.
Edwin A. Showalter received his preliminary educational training
in the parochial and high schools of Milwaukee and then entered the
University of Wisconsin. He devoted his time principally to the
study of pharmacy, but specialized in bacteriology, botany and the
languages. In June, 1900, he was graduated with the degree of
graduate pharmacist. His career as a druggist began when he was
seventeen years of age with the C. H. Krause Company, and since
that time he has been variously connected with many of the leading
drug firms of the city, among them the Widule Company and John
A. Dadd & Son. In 1903 he became a stockholder in and vice-presi-
dent and manager of the Union Pharmacy, of which he is now the
president, treasurer and manager. His enterprise and thrift have
been a potent influence in the building up of the concern. In poli-
tics he is affiliated with none of the present day political parties, but
prefers to cast his vote as his conscience and judgment dictate.
When a student at the University of Wisconsin he became affiliated
with the Phi Chi fraternity. He is an influential member of the Mil-
waukee Pharmaceutical Association and the Wisconsin State Phar-
maceutical Association. Mr. Showalter was united in marriage
Nov. 17, 1908, to Miss Helen Kloka, daughter of Caroline Kloka, of
this city.
Albert J. Young, proprietor and founder of the A. J. Young
Medicine Company, was born in Manitowoc, Wis., on Sept. 1, 1857.
He is a son of Ferdinand and Theresa (Lemke) Young, the former
of whom was born in Germany on Nov. 23, 1830, and the latter in
the same country on Oct. 6, 1830. The parents came to Manitowoc
in 1855 and the father worked at his trade of baker until the begin-
ning of hostilities in the Civil war. Then he enlisted in Company B
of the Ninth Wisconsin infantry, and as a corporal served three
years and as many months before he received an honorable dis-
charge. In politics the father was a stanch Democrat, but never
held public office. Both he and his wife were members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. The father died in 1898, but the mother is
still living, now a respected resident of Phoenix, Ariz. Albert J.
Young, the subject of this memoir, took advantage of the educa-
tional opportunities offered in the common schools of Manitowoc
and rounded out his scholastic training by a course in the Spen-
cerian Business College. Upon the completion of his studies he en-
tered the employ of the Sabine Medicine Company in the capacity
of salesman and remained with them for a period of twenty-nine
years, from 1873 to 1902. In the latter year he engaged in the busi-
ness of manufacturing proprietary medicines under the firm name
of the A. J. Young Medicine Company and has since been most suc-
cessfully conducting that business. In politics he upholds the prin-
ciples of the Republican party, but has never aspired to public of-
fice. His religious affiliations are with the First German Methodist
134 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Episcopal church. On June 26, 1881, Mr. Young was united in mar-
riage to Miss Tillie Coerped, born in Milwaukee on Dec. 13, i86o r
and a daughter of Michael and Amelia (Genrich) Coerped. Both
Mrs. Young's parents were born in Germany, and the father came
to Milwaukee in 1852 and the mother three years later. The father
belonged to the volunteer fire department of the early days, and for
many years afterward to the regular fire department of the city.
He died in 1879, but his widow is still living. To Mr. and Mrs.
Young have been born four children. Erma, the eldest, is the wife
of Charles Bauch, and the mother of one child, Mildred ; Raymond,
whose wife was Mamie Oelhafen, is associated in business with his
father ; Edna died at the age of two years, and Eugenia died in in-
fancy. Mr. Young is one of the prominent Masons of Milwaukee
county, being a member of LaFayette Lodge, No. 265, Free and
Accepted Masons ; Calumet Chapter, No. 73, Royal Arch Masons,
and Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 24, Knights Templar. For the past
twenty-six years also he has been a member of Aurora Lodge, No.
145, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Aloysius G. Brennan, the popular secretary, treasurer and man-
ager of the Brennan Company, was born in Erie., Pa., on June 20,
1877. A sketch of his parents, James and Olivia (Meyer) Brennan,
may be found elsewhere in this volume in the memoir of John S.
Brennan. Aloysius G. Brennan was educated in the grammar
schools of Franklin, Venango county, Pa., and the high school at
Canton. Ohio. In 1893 he came to Milwaukee and entered the em-
ploy of Gimbel Brothers. He remained with the Milwaukee branch
of the company for some years and then went to Philadelphia with
Benjamin Gimbel when the firm started a branch in that place.
After two years he removed to New York to enter the service of
the James McCreery Silk Company and later returned to Milwau-
kee to become associated with the Bonesho-Schaidnagle Company,
silk merchants, of Milwaukee. In 1905 he entered a partnership
under the firm name of the Brown-Brennan Company, incorporated,
to deal in dress specialties, silks and laces. Since that time the firm
name has been changed to The Brennan Company, the president
being Mr. John S. Brennan and the secretary, treasurer and man-
ager Aloysius G. Brennan. Mr. Brennan is an independent in his
political relations, preferring to exercise his right of suffrage as his
conscience and judgment dictate rather than be bound by any party
ties. Fie is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church and a
prominent member of the Knights of Columbus. On Nov. 4, 1904,
Mr. Brennan was united in marriage to Miss Anna Frances McCabe,
of Milwaukee, a daughter of Patrick McCabe. To this union have
been born two children— James Patrick and Dorothy Frances.
Dr. Charles Morton Gould, M. D., founder and president of the
C. M. Gould Pharmacal Company, was born in Bridgeport, Conn.,
011 March 18, 1849. He is the onh^ son of Nathan and Mary A.
(Sawyer) Gould, the former of whom was born in Greenfield,
I "mi., in Jul}', 1819, and the latter in Cornwall, Conn. The mother
died in 185 1 and the father was married a second time, Miss Caro-
BIOGRAPHICAL 1 35
line Hurd, by whom lie had four children, becoming his wife. The
stepmother died in i</)2. Two of the doctor's maternal ancestors,
in a direct line, were soldiers in the Continental army in the War of
the Revolution and one succumbed to wounds received at liunker
Hill. His paternal grandfather fought under General Scott in the
War of 1812. Dr. Gould received his primary education at Benning-
ton, Vt., in the academy. His degree of Doctor of Medicine was re-
ceived from Northwestern University in 1882. To obtain the high-
est possible skill in his profession he took post-graduate work in
the New York Medical School and at San Francisco, at London, and
at Vienna, Austria. His first active work in his profession
was at River Falls, Wis., where for ten years he was most success-
fully engaged as a general practitioner. For the same length of
time, immediately after leaving River Falls, he practiced at Su-
perior. Wis., and left the northern Wisconsin city to locate in Mil-
waukee. After a year and a half of practice here he retired to enter
his present business of pharmaceutical chemist, in May, 1907. His
offices are located at 472 Twelfth street, and he supplies medicines
direct to physicians. Although he has been in the business but a
comparatively short time, he has been eminently successful, and his
standing in his profession and knowledge of the medicinal art will
undoubtedly bring him a larger reward. In his political relations
the doctor is an ardent Republican, and as the candidate of that
party he served for a time as health commissioner of Superior. His
religious affiliations are with Plymouth Congregational church.
Fraternally he is also prominent, being a member of Damascus
Lodge, No. 290, Free and Accepted Masons ; Superior Chapter, Roy-
al Arch Masons, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Professionally he is identified with the Wisconsin State Medical
Society, the Milwaukee County Medical Society and the Milwaukee
Medical Society. On Nov. 12, 1892, Dr. Gould was united in mar-
riage to Mrs. Ida Andrews, nee Powell, a native of Madrid, N. Y.
She is a daughter of Lyman and Lucinda (Taylor) Powell, the lat-
ter of whom is a sister of Hon. Horace Taylor. The parents came
to River Falls in the early fifties, where the father died some years
ago. His widow is still living, a respected resident of River Falls.
Mrs. Gould had one son — Dean W. Andrews — by her first husband,
who died in August, 1903.
Samuel A. Schwandt, one of the owners and proprietors of the
Puritan Pharmacv, was born in Morriston, Ontario, Canada, on
March 29, 1877. His father was Rev. William Schwandt, born in
Germany on Sept. 14, 1834, and his mother was Bernardine (Moss)
Schwandt, born in Canada on Feb. 1, 1844. The father was a min-
ister of the gospel of the Methodist church, who received his early
education in Berlin, Germany, and came to Canada while still a
young man. Among his charges were St. Catherine's, Seaforth,
Mildmay, Stratford and Williamsford, and he died at the latter
place on April 18, i<)o8. Of his twelve children three sons and four
daughters are still living. Both paternal grandparents died in Ger-
man}-. The maternal grandfather. Carl Moss, was also born in Ger-
I36 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
many and came to Ottawa, Canada, at an early age. In 1893 he
came to Milwaukee, where he died in 1897, at the age of eighty-four
years. His wife died ten years before in Canada in her eighty-
fourth vear. Samuel A. Schwandt received his educational advan-
tages in the public schools of Williamsford, Canada, and the high
school at Owen Sound. In 1896 he came to Milwaukee and studied
the course in pharmacy at the Milwaukee Medical College, now
Marquette College. For over twelve years he was in the employ of
Max J. Goetz, a prominent Milwaukee druggist. On July 3, 1908,
he formed a partnership with Robert W. Hindley in the drug busi-
ness, establishing the Puritan Pharmacy at 198 Biddle street. Al-
though the firm has been in existence but a short time, its success
so far augurs well for the future. In his political belief Mr.
Schwandt is a stanch Republican. In religious matters he is asso-
ciated with the Congregational church. Fraternally he is identified
with Damascus Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.
Charles William Hall, D. D. S., has been engaged in the prac-
tice of dentistry at Milwaukee during the past ten years, and in his
profession he has met with very gratifying success, besides attain-
ing a high standing as a representative citizen. He is a native of
the Badger State, having been born in Columbia county, Wis., Oct.
1, 1866, and he is the son of George and Sarah (Russell) Hall, both
of whom were born in Kent, England. The father migrated from
his native land to Canada in early manhood, and after residing in
the Dominion for a number of years came to the States and located
at Sussex, in Waukesha county, Wis. Later he removed to Colum-
bia county and there spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1907,
at the age of eighty-one years. His life was devoted to agricultural
pursuits and after his removal to Wisconsin he engaged extensively
in the culture of hops, but he retired from active participation in af-
fairs about fifteen years before his death. He was active in political
matters and gave an unswerving allegiance to the principles of the
Democratic party. He was twice married, his first wife being Eliza-
beth Russell, a cousin of the mother of the subject of this review,
and to this union there were born four children, of whom three are
now living. To the second marriage there were born five children,
four of whom are living, and the mother now resides at Rio, Colum-
bia county, Wis., where she is an active member of the Episcopal
church, the religious affiliation of her husband having been with the
same denomination. Dr. Charles W. Hall, to whom this review is
more particularly dedicated, was educated in the public schools of
Columbia county, Wis., completing a course in the graded schools
at Rio, and he graduated in the dental department of the University
of Michigan on June 30, 1892. Soon after his graduation he located
at La Salle. 111., for the practice of his profession, but later removed
to Rio. Columbia county, Wis. He remained in that place until
1898, when he changed his location to Milwaukee. Since coming to
the Cream City he has met with a high order of success, his patron-
age being gained from among the representative citizens of the
place, and his office, which is located at No. 326 Grand Avenue, is
BIOGRAPHICAL 1 37
one of the popular dental establishments of the city. He keeps in
touch with his professional confreres by membership in the Wiscon-
sin State Dental Society and the Milwaukee Odontological Society,
and fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Order. He takes an
intelligent interest in public affairs, but maintains an independent
attitude politically, giving his support to the men and measures that
meet his conscientious approval. Dr. Hall is married to Miss Emma
Louise Dunkley, daughter of C. W. Dunkley, of Chicago, and they
reside in a beautiful home at No. 156 Biddle Street, in Milwaukee.
Louis G. J. Mack, one of the prominent pharmacists of the
Cream City, was born at Proviso, Cook county. 111., on May 3, 1878.
He is a son of August F. and Sophia (Morman) Mack, the former
of whom was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 12, 1854, and the
latter in Beardstown, 111., on Jan. 6, 1856. The father is a graduate
of an Illinois university and is now engaged in pedagogic work in
this city. The mother died on Aug. 7, 1904. Both the grandfathers
were soldiers in the American army during the War of 1812. Both
parents were ardent members of the Lutheran church and they sent
their son Louis, who was one of the twelve children, six sons and
as many daughters, born to them, to the Lutheran parochial school
at St. Charles, Mo. With the parents Mr. Mack same to Milwau-
kee in 1893 and took a course of study in the Rheude Business Col-
lege here. When he had completed that course he entered the em-
ploy of Henry Roemheld, the druggist, and subsequently was with
Teich & Freischmidt. During this time he applied himself to the
study of his chosen profession and most successfully took the exam-
ination submitted by the state board of pharmacy for applicants for
the pharmacy degree. On July 6, 1898, he engaged in the drug busi-
ness 'at his present location at 960 Kinnickinnic avenue, where he
has since been very successful. That his standing among his fellow
pharmacists is high is best evidenced by the fact that he has served
a term as president of the Milwaukee Pharmaceutical Association,
and is now serving his second term as vice-president and is also a
member of the executive committee. His other professional asso-
ciations include memberships in the Wisconsin State Pharmaceuti-
cal Association, the National Association of Retail Druggists and
the American Druggists' Syndicate. In politics he is a stanch Re-
publican and in religious matters is allied with the English Luther-
an church. On June 11, 1901, Mr. Mack was united in marriage to
Miss Viola Grundmann. of Milwaukee, a daughter of Henry and
Elizabeth (Bulger) Grundmann. To this union was born one child,
Louis, now deceased.
Albert W. Schaper, Ph. G., who has won a high rank among
the members of the pharmaceutical profession in Milwaukee, was
born in the Cream City on July 27, 1883. FTe is a son of August C.
and Minnie (Roche) Schaper, both of whom were born in the Fa-
therland, the former on Nov. to, T830. and the latter on July -22,
184.=;. Both parents came direct to Milwaukee from Germany in
1866, and were married here a year later. Both are still living, and
the father earns his livelihood in the carpenter's trade. FTe and his
I38 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
wife are Lutherans in their religious belief and the father ever since
he became a citizen has voted the Republican ticket. Albert W.
Schaper, the subject of this review, received his primary educational
advantages . in the public schools of Milwaukee, and when he had
completed his training there he entered the employ of his brother,
Adolph A. Schaper, who was then conducting the store which Mr.
Schaper now occupies at 830 Walnut street. During his service
with his brother he took preparatory studies in the pharmacy de-
partment of the Milwaukee Medical School and then successfully
took the examination given by the state board of pharmacy to en-
able him to practice his profession. About four years ago he pur-
chased his brother's interest in the concern and on Jan. 1, 1905, as-
sumed full management of the store. Business has increased great-
ly under his careful guidance and direction, and his store is known
throughout the city as one where fair dealing can always be had.
In politics Mr. Schaper is a Republican, and although he has always
been a stanch adherent of the principles of the party, he has never
sought to become one of its candidates. In a professional way he
is identified with the American Druggists' Syndicate. Mr. Schaper
is not married.
Alvin E. Peters, a member of the firm of Peters & Beeck, one of
the largest drug companies in Milwaukee, was born in the Cream
City on April 28, 1886, a son of Ernest and Mary (Misegades)
Peters, the latter of whom was born in Watertown, Wis. The ma-
ternal grandfather, Frederick Misegades, was born in Germany in
1827, and came to Watertown in an early day, where he is still
living at the hale old age of eighty-one years. His wife, Christine
Misegades, died some years ago. The father, Ernest Peters, was an
engineer by vocation and died on April 27, 1886. Alvin E. Peters,
the subject of this review, started his primary educational training
in the Watertown public schools and completed it in the Milwaukee
public and high schools. He then matriculated in the department
of pharmacy of the Milwaukee Medical College, and the faculty of
that institution gave him the degree of graduate in pharmacy in
1903. For the first six months after his graduation he was en-
gaged in a professional way in Racine, AYis., and then for nine
months was in the employ of Dr. T. P. O. Romheld. Early in 1905
he formed a partnership with Ottmar Beeck, and on March 21 of
that year they opened the establishment which they are now so
successfully conducting under the firm name of Peters & Beeck.
Although the firm is of comparatively recent origin it is doing a
large and prosperous business, contributed to in large measure by
Mr. Peters' thorough knowledge of the profession, his inherent
business capacity and his sterling integrity. Politically Mr. Peters
is allied with the Republican party, but the pressure of business
affairs has never allowed him to become a candidate for public
office of any nature In his religious belief he is a devout member
of the Lutheran faith and at the present time is the incumbent of
the office of deacon of that church. Professionally he is affiliated
with the Milwaukee and Wisconsin State Pharmaceutical Associa-
BIOGRAPHICAL [39
tion and the National Association of Retail Druggists. Fraternally
and socially he is prominently identified with the [ndependence
Lodge, No. 80, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Milwaukee
Canoe Club. Mr. Peters is not married.
Joseph G. Otten, Ph. G., the genial manager of the State Street
Pharmacy, was born in Milwaukee on Oct. 4. 1878. He is a son of
John G. Otten, who was born in Germany in 1842, and Mary A.
( Frattinger) Otten, horn in Ohio, in [840. The father came to
Milwaukee in 1857 and followed his vocation as a baker during his
whole career in this city. He was a member of the old Stadt
Theater Company, now the Pabst Theater, and he and his wife
were communicants of St. Joseph's Catholic church. The father
died in i8<K>. The mother, who, with three of the four children born
to the parents, survives, came to the Cream City with her parents
when she was but five years of age. Her grandfather was a well-
known cooper in the early days of Ohio. Joseph G. Otten, the
subject of this review, received his primary education in the
parochial schools and later completed a course at the McDonald
Business College. His instruction in pharmacy was received under
the preceptorship of Henry F. W. Roemheld and Dr. Albert E.
Mieding at 1701 State street. Later he passed with high honor the
examination tendered by the state board of pharmacy, and for two
years was in charge of the hospital dispensary at the National Sol-
diers' Home under Dr. Alvin Clarke. In 1907 the State Street
Pharmacy was incorporated and Mr. Otten was selected as man-
ager, a position he has since filled with high credit to himself and
to the judgment of the directors in selecting him for the place.
Politically Mr. Otten is a stanch believer in the tenets of the Re-
publican party, but the pressure of business affairs has kept him
from seeking public office. In religious matters he is a devout com-
municant of the Roman Catholic church. He has a host of friends,
who predict for him a brilliant future.
Jacob Schowalter, a well-known druggist with a modern store
at the corner of Racine and Brady streets, was born in Jackson,
Washington county. Wis., on July 29, 1876. He is 1 a son of John
and Dorothy ( Schaumberg ) Schowalter, both of whom were
born in Germany, the former in 1827 and the latter in 1840. The
father came to Wisconsin early in the history of the state and en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits near Jackson, Wis. His death oc-
curred in 1881, and beside his widow he left six children. The pa-
ternal grandfather died in Jackson, after he had lost his wife in
the old country. The maternal grandfather, John Schaumberg, w-as
one of the pioneer residents of Waukesha county. Jacob Schowal-
ter, the subject of this review, received his scholastic advantages in
the public schools of Jackson and the high school of Hartford. Wis.
In 1893 he entered his business career with C. II. Krause, of Mil-
waukee, and for a period of thirty-one months served in the same
capacity. The following four and a half years he was associated
with H. L. Schultz, the druggist, and only left him at the end of
that time to accept a more lucrative position with the Edward
140 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Kettler Drug Company. In 1905, at the end of three years' serv-
ice with Mr. Kettler, and after he had successfully passed the state
pharmacy examination, he purchased a business at 851 Racine
street, corner of Brady street. His excellent training in pharmacy
and his inherent qualities of thrift and industry made the venture
a success from the start, and today he has a large and flourishing
patronage. In politics he is allied with the Republican party, but
he has always felt that the pressure of business affairs was too great
to allow him to seek public office. Professionally he is identified
with the Milwaukee and Wisconsin State Pharmaceutical associa-
tions, and the National Association of Retail Druggists. His fra-
ternal relations are with Lafayette Lodge, No. 265, Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, and with Lake Lodge, Knights of Pythias. On
June 25, 1907, Mr. Schowalter was united in the bonds of matri-
mony with Miss Minetta Rasche, of Milwaukee, a daughter of
Francis and Carolina (Knoepel) Rasche. Mr. Rasche is deceased,
but his widow is a respected resident of Milwaukee. Mr. and Mrs.
Schowalter have no children.
Edmund Sheldon Thatcher, Ph. G., who conducts a modern
drug-store at 334 Ogden avenue, was born in Oxford, England, on
Oct. 13, 1880. He is a son of James and Mary (Sheldon) Thatcher,
the former of whom was born in England in 1850 and the latter in
1848. The parents came to Milwaukee in 1885 and the father en-
gaged in library work. Both parents are communicants of the
Church of England. Of the five children born to them three
survive. Edmund S. Thatcher attended the Milwaukee public
schools and finished his scholastic training at the Milwaukee
Academy. He started his business career as a clerk for the Edward
Kettler Drug Company, and served with them for five years, from
1893 to 1898. The following five/ years he was employed in a like
capacity with H. H. Hackendahl, and during his term of service
there passed successfully the examination given by the state board
of pharmacy. In 1903 he embarked in the drug business at his pres-
ent location. His knowledge of the business, and his inherent traits
of integrity and thrift made the venture a paying success from the
start, and his patronage has increased from year to year until now
he does a flourishing business. Professionally Mr. Thatcher is
prominently identified with the Milwaukee and the Wisconsin State
Pharmaceutical associations and the National Association of Re-
tail Druggists. Fraternally he is associated with the Milwaukee
Rowing Club and the Tectel Club. In politics he allies himself with
the Republican party, but the pressure of business has been such
as to allow him no time to seek public office. Mr. Thatcher is
well known as a singer of ability, and is a member of the choirs of
the East Side Jewish Tabernacle and the Emanuel Presbyterian
church.
Daniel Edmund Murphy, deceased, was for nearly a third of
a century prominently identified with the life insurance movement
throughout the United States, and at the time of his death was gen-
eral agent of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company,
BIOGRAPHICAL 141
controlling the whole of Wisconsin and Northern Michigan. Mr.
Murphy was born at Mitchelstown, a town of Ireland twenty-five
miles northeast of Cork, on June 16, 1843, anc l ne was the son of
Daniel and Margaret (Hayes) Murphy, both of whom were also
natives of the same place in the Emerald Isle. The father was a
properous farmer and road contractor in his native land, and was
able to give his children, of whom there were eleven, the educational
advantages of the average South Ireland farmer. The first fourteen
years of the son's life were spent at home, his edu-
cation being secured at the public schools of Mitchels-
town. Finally the lure of America attracted him, and
in 1859 he left his home for this country. He landed
at New York a lad of sixten years, with less than twenty
dollars in his pocket. But conditions never daunted the young
Irishman. He went to Kensington, Conn., where he sought em-
ployment in a local factory at a wage of fourteen dollars a month.
The outbreak of the Civil war closed the concern, and he then made
his way to Hartford, Conn. Conditions were not prosperous, and
he realized the necessity of a trade or profession. Not having the
funds necessary to secure the latter, he apprenticed himself to A.
B. West, a well-known carpenter contractor of the city, and when
his term was completed he branched out for himself, working at
the trade until 1868. In that year he went to Bridgeport, Conn.,
where he opened a book and stationery store. The venture pros-
pered, and in a few months he added the real estate and life insur-
ance business, spending his leisure time as an auctioneer. He be-
came an agent for the Globe Life Insurance Company of New York,
and afterward entered the employment of the Phoenix of Hartford,
and in five years his books showed a total of $10,000. Meantime
he moved into larger quarters, and an immigration agency and ex-
change office were added to the ventures, both of which proved
successful beyond expectations. Two months before the momen-
tous panic of 1873 he purchased a large tract of land, platted it,
and planned to sell it at auction the following September ; but on
Sept. 12, the panic came and his meager fortune of $10,000 invested
in Bridgeport land, vanished in thin air. For several years after-
ward he maintained his book store, but times were hard and busi-
ness dull, and he determined to seek his fortune anew in the West.
In 1877 ne removed to Chicago, and from that place wrote to Mat-
thew Keenan, vice-president of the Northwestern Mutual Life In-
surance Company at Milwaukee, soliciting an agency. After con-
sultation with the officers of the organization, Mr. Keenan ordered
him to come to Milwaukee, where he commenced his labors as a
special agent at a small salary. Soon afterward he resigned his
position and went to Madison, only to return after a brief period
and re-enter the ranks of the company on a commission basis.
Gradually he advanced himself until he was accounted one of the
most successful life insurance men of the country. In due time he
was appointed general agent, and after assuming that position he
placed on the books of his company at least one-tenth of its entire
142 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
new business. During' the last few years of his life he transacted
two-thirds as much business on his agency books as the company
had in force in the United States when he entered its employ. At
the time of his death, which deplorable event occurred after an ill-
ness of several weeks on May 6, 1906, as general agent he had con-
trol of the whole of Wisconsin and Northern Michigan. Mr. Mur-
phy was a Republican in his political affiliations, having joined the
ranks of that party in 1861, and for many years he was an active
leader in Sixteenth ward politics, though he steadfastly refused to
accept public office or emolument for himself. On many occasions
he was a delegate to various conventions, but further than that he
refused to engage in public affairs. His religious faith was ex-
pressed by membership in St. Rose's Catholic church, while so-
cially he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Milwaukee
Club, the Recreation Club, and the Blue Mound Country Club ; and
he also was an esteemed member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Murphy was married on June 16, 1875, to Miss Rosalie G.
Maher, daughter of John and Mary (Nalley) Maher, of New Haven,
Conn., and he is survived by his widow and six children : Daniel
H., who resides at New Castle, Pa. ; AYilliam K., who has a position
with the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and re-
sides at home ; Rosalie G., at home ; Margaret Catherine is a student
at the Sacred Heart Academy, and Grace Elizabeth is a student
at Lake Forest. The parents of Mrs. Murphy were natives of Ire-
land, the father being born on Sept. 29, 1818, and the mother on
Aug. 1, 1822. The father came to the Lmited States in 1830, locat-
ing in New York city, where he learned the trade of a mason.
Later he removed to New Haven, Conn., where he entered the con-
tracting business, and he erected the depot for the New York & New
Haven Railroad Company at that place. He retired about ten years
before his death and removed to Chicago, 111., where he passed away
on Jan. 14, 1899, the death of the mother having occurred on April
29, 1880. He served for some time as a member of the common
council of New Haven, and also as selectman, being elected to these
positions on the Democratic ticket. He was a member at one time
of the Connecticut State militia, and he was an attendant at the
Catholic church.
William J. Denny, deceased, was a valiant soldier among the
AYisconsin troops in the Civil war, and for nearly half a century he
was a respected citizen of the city of Milwaukee. He was born in
Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1841, and removed to Milwaukee with his par-
ents when onlv eleven vears old and there he continued to reside
J J
until the day of his death. He attended the common schools of
the city for a limited time, and as a youth in his teens became a
member 1 >i" a vi dunteer fire company. He was a son of a strong Abo-
litionist, and when John Brown was hanged and the news reached
Milwaukee young Denny raised a flag over the engine house. The
feeling in the city was bitter, as at that time there was a strong di-
versity of opinion on the slavery question, and the incident stands
out as an evidence of his conrage of conviction at that early age.
WILLIAM I. DENNY
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY 1
ASTOR, LENOX
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
IIKKIUAI'IIKAI. 143
At the outbreak of the war in [86l he enlisted in Company A, First
Wisconsin infantry, which was organized for the three months'
service and left the state on June 9. It led the advance on Martins-
burg, participated in the battle of Falling Waters, and was mustered
out of the service on Aug. 22. Mr. Denny was the first to enlist
in Milwaukee for the three-months' service, and Mrs. Denny has
a badge which proves the statement, he having enlisted between
the hours of ten and eleven, on .April 15, 1861. After his return
home Mr. Denny enlisted in the Seventh Battery, Wisconsin light
artillery, known as the "Badger State Flying Artillery," which was
organized at Milwaukee during the summer and fall of the same
year. It was mustered in on Oct. 4 and left the state on March 15,
1862, reporting- at St. Louis, from whence it was sent to New Ma-
drid and placed in charge of batteries of heavy siege guns during
the siege of Island No. 10. It was engaged in garrison duty on
that island after the surrender, and in June left for Union City and
Trenton. Tenn., for railroad guard duty, moving in July to Hum-
boldt, where it remained until December. It took part in the en-
gagement at Parker's Crossroads, and was then stationed at Jack-
son until June 1, 1863, when it moved to Corinth and thence to
Memphis, where it was attached to the Fourth brigade, Fifth di-
vision, Sixteenth army corps, for permanent garrison duty. Mr.
Denny was reported for conspicuous gallantry, but in 1864 he was
taken ill and was discharged from service. He then enlisted in
the navy, being told that sea life would be beneficial to his health,
and served in the North Atlantic squadron until after the close of
the war. He then returned home and for several years was senior
member of the firm of Denny & Gallagher, proprietors of the Cream
City Carriage works. He was appointed mail carrier for the Sev-
enth ward of the city on Feb. 1, 1877, under the late Henry C.
Payne, and served in that capacity until June 1, 1898, when he was
appointed superintendent of city delivery by Postmaster E. R. Still-
man. During his term of service he took an active interest in the
welfare of the carriers and was one of the charter members of the
Milwaukee branch of the Mail Carriers' Association, which had its
inception in that city during an encampment of the Grand Army
of the Republic. He was president of the Milwaukee branch one
year. As superintendent of the city delivery he was a good or-
ganizer and an efficient master. While in the service of his country
he came home on furlough and was married on Dec. 24, 1862, to
Miss Marv A. Andrews, who survives him, as does also one daugh-
ter, Mrs. A. E. Knowlton. Captain Denny was a member of E. B.
Wolcott Post, G. A. R., and was its commander during the year
1906, his death occurring Feb. 25, 1907, a short time after retiring
from that office. It seems fitting to close this brief account of the
life of Captain Denny with the tribute of a friend.
Col. J- A. Watrous. who knew him intimately and es-
teemed him for his many virtues: "It is a brave thing
for a regiment or a brigade to charge a battery sup-
ported by equalh' brave men, but there are more powerful te^ts
144 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
of a man's bravery. It is a braver thing for a sick, weak man to
enter upon a charge of an open grave, a charge that means his
burial. Such instances are common. A striking instance has at-
tracted the attention of Milwaukee the last year. A year and a half
ago Capt. William J. Denny knew that a cancer was eating away
his life ; knew it as well as the surgeon who treated him ; but it
made no difference with his faultless administration of the import-
ant trust confided to him ; it made no difference in his kindly greet-
ings to family, friends and associates. Yet he steadily marched to-
ward that open grave, smiling upon friends, doing kindly acts, per-
forming arduous duties. The day came, when, in response to re-
peated urging on the part of family and friends, there was an opera-
tion. An eye was removed. A few weeks later he returned to his
official duties, doing them as well as ever; the same genial, pleas-
ant gentleman, interested in the welfare of all about him. But he
marched steadily toward the grave. He knew it was his grave ;
that he was rapidly approaching it. Another operation must be
performed. The weak body, growing weaker and lighter, stood the
shock of flesh removed and bones scraped, and before the ghastly
wounds had healed, when the wrappings were still about his neck
and face, he returned to his duties, performing them as intelligently,
industriously and conscientiously as ever. His step grew slower
and slower, not from lack of courage, but from loss of strength. He
afraid of that open grave, he had seen it for months. One after-
noon, three months ago, at the end of a day of hard work, he un-
steadily walked to his home and said, T must rest.' The next morn-
ing he said, 'I must remain in bed and rest,' and during the balance
of his life he remained at home, most of the time in bed, a great
sufferer, but ever mindful of the interests of his friends, some of
whom called daily and left words of cheer and expressions of love ;
but words of love and cheer, flowers, prayers and the watchful
care of dear ones could not turn his steps from the onward march
to the open grave. No man ever marched more certainly to death,
or more bravely than gallant, brave, genial, generous little Capt.
Bill Denny."
Edward S. Loge, M. D., is one of the younger members of the
medical fraternity in Milwaukee, but in the short time that has
elapsed since he opened his office he has built up a representative
practice and has been successful to a very high degree. He was
born in Tonawanda, Erie county, New York, on Dec. 13, 1882, son
of August F. and Caroline (Hasenbank) Loge. His father and
mother were both born in Germany, the former being of French
descent. They came to this country with their parents when chil-
dren. The father came in 1844, and the mother in 1847, and
settled in I'>ergholtz, a small village in Niagara county, New York,
where their parents lived the remainder of their lives. Upon grow-
ing 1" manhood the father adopted teaching as a profession, which
he has followed throughout his career of more than forty years, be-
in'.r now engaged in the schools of North Tonawanda, N. Y., where
he has taught for thirty-two years. His wife died in 1885, and of
BIOGRAPHICAL 1 45
the eight children horn to this couple all arc living. Although Dr.
Loge is of German-French parentage, he is a typical American. I [e
received his early education in the parochial, public and high
schools of his native place, after which he devoted his time to the
study of pharmacy, serving his apprenticeship in a drug store of his
home town, lie then entered the department of pharmacy of the
University of Buffalo, and after a thorough course graduated with
the class of 1902, receiving the degree of Bachelor in Pharmacy, and
was at that time the youngest student 'ever graduated from this in-
stitution. He is a registered pharmacist in the states of New York
and Wisconsin. After serving a number of years in this profes-
sion, he turned his attention to medicine and matriculated at the
Marquette University medical department, in Milwaukee. His
last year in the study of medicine was spent at the Wisconsin Col-
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, in which he graduated in 1907,
also serving as attendant at the Milwaukee Hospital clinics at
Wauwatosa, and has since been engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession. Dr. Loge is a Republican nominally, but he exercises con-
siderable independence in forming his political opinion, and his
religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church. He is a mem-
ber of the Alumni associations of the Wisconsin College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons and the Buffalo College of Pharmacy, also a
member of the Milwaukee County Medical Society, the Wisconsin
State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
Ludvig Wrangell, eminent violinist, was born in Kristiania,
Norway. His father first taught him on the violin, but the task of
satisfying the musical ambition of the child soon proved a rather
difficult one, and he was therefore early taken in charge by Concert-
Master Gudbrand Bohn, one of the most gifted and highly schooled
of the violinists of Scandinavia, and through whose noble and
learned guidance his musical talents were stimulated and masterly
led. Besides the violin, the study of piano, theory and ensemble
were taken up, and through the aid of the late King of Norway and
Sweden instructions were given him at the P. Lindemann Con-
servatory of Music. The teachers in theory were the famous Lud-
vig Lindemann and Iver Holter, the last named being also his
teacher in ensemble. Piano instructions were received from Mr.
Vaaler. a prominent pupil of Leschitizky. Lie went to Germany
and continued his studies in violin under Carl Bargheer. the be-
loved pupil of Spohr and Joachim. He appeared as soloist in the
principal cities of Germany and Norway. During his latest stay in
that country he won the admiration of pupils and professionals to
such an extent as to be termed the greatest violin teacher of Scan-
dinavia. Among the advanced pupils received were those having
studied under such masters as Prof. Exner Halir, Wirth, Sauret and
Joachim. His general playing is marked by great individuality,
broad, warm tone, expressive and melodious, with a prominent
northern color. His tone and touch are of exquisite beauty, and all
agree upon the dignity and nobility of his style. lie has written
an original method of violin playing and other works ready for
10
I46 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
publication. He is a valued member of the Artists' Loft in Mil-
waukee, his present location, and in 1908 heads the violin depart-
ment of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.
Fred W. Kemp, Ph. G., a leading druggist and one of the sub-
stantial men of the city, was born in Milwaukee on Nov. 3, 1874.
His parents, August and Bertha (Polzin) Kemp, were both born
in Germany. The father came to Milwaukee when a youth and
lived here the balance of his life, his demise occurring in 1875.
His widow is now a respected resident of Winona, Minn. Fred
W. Kemp received his educational advantages in the public schools
and the Northwestern University at Watertown, Wis. He began
his apprenticeship as a pharmacist with H. G. Ruenzel and for ten
years served in a clerical capacity with Mr. Ruenzel. Having
accumulated some funds, in 1898, he embarked in the business on
his own account at 425 Lisbon avenue and has since conducted a
most flourishing business at that place. His thorough knowledge
of the profession and his genial manner and sterling integrity at
once made him a host of friends, whose confidence in his ability
assured him of his ultimate success. Professionally he is identi-
fied with the Milwaukee and Wisconsin State Pharmaceutical as-
sociations and the National Association of Retail Druggists, and
fraternally he is prominent in the Fairchild Council, Royal Ar-
canum, and the Millioki Club. In politics he is allied with the Re-
publican party, but has never sought public office. The Lutheran
church has a devout and loyal member in Mr. Kemp. On June 8,
1907, occurred his marriage to Miss Mattie Sarnow, of Milwaukee,
a daughter of Christian and Ursala (Laur) Sarnow. Christian Sar-
now, who was a carpenter by vocation, came to Milwaukee in 1852.
During the war of the Rebellion he served as second lieutenant in
Company H, First Wisconsin infantry, and afterward in Company
A of the Twenty-sixth regiment, and in the two regiments served
throughout the entire war. On his return to Milwaukee he became
a gauger and acted in that capacity until his death, which occurred
on Jan. 24, 1906. He was very popular with his neighbors and was
an influential citizen in his ward. In 1877 an< ^ ^79 he served as
the representative of his district in the lower house of the legis-
lature. To Mr. and Mrs. Kemp has been born a daughter, Bessie.
Ernst M. Krembs, Ph. G., a registered pharmacist and a popu-
lar druggist of Milwaukee, was born in Fond du Lac, Wis., on
Aug. 18, 1872. He is one of the six surviving members of a family
of seven children born to Ernst and Bertha (Blankenhorn) Krembs,
the former of whom was born in German}- on Jan. 25, 1848, and
the latter in Cedarburg, Wis., on Dec. 24, 1849. The father came
to the United States in 1852 with his parents, Anton Ferdinand
Krembs, M. D., and Louisa (Grimm) Krembs, who was a direct
descendant of the author of Grimm's Fairy Tales. Dr. Krembs
passed away at Wausau, Wis., and his widow died in the same
place. The maternal grandparents of the subject of this review,
Charles Blankenhorn and wife, came to Cedarburg in the early
days of that settlement and there the wife died. Mr. Blankenhorn
BIOGRAPHICAL 147
passed away while a resident of Fond du Lac. The father, Ernst
Krembs and Dr. Xicholas Senn worked together in the pharmacy
of his brother, Moritz Krembs, for ten years, and in 1872 came to
Milwaukee and secured employment with the P. L. Dohmen Drug
Company at 508 First avenue. A few years later he had accumu-
lated sufficient funds to purchase the business of the firm, and he
continued in the active management of it until his death, which oc-
curred on Feb. 9, 1907. He was a much respected citizen of his
ward and an influential member of the Republican party. Both
he and his wife were communicants of the Roman Catholic church.
His widow is now a respected resident of the Cream City. Ernst
M. Krembs, the subject of this sketch received his scholastic train-
ing - in the Milwaukee public schools. His professional education
he acquired under the tutelage of his father, and successfully passed
the examination submitted by the state board of pharmacy, which
accorded him the degree of registered pharmacist, lie began his
business career in 1898 in the drug store at the corner of Eleventh
avenue and Washington street. His excellent training in the pro-
fession and his inherent traits of honesty and thrift made the busi-
ness a success from its inception. On June 15, 1908, he disposed
of his Eleventh avenue store. On Aug. 1 he purchased the
pharmacy at 508 First avenue, which his father had for many years
so successfully conducted. Professionally he is identified with the
Milwaukee Pharmaceutical Association, of which he served a
term as vice-president, the Wisconsin State Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation and the American Pharmacists' Association. In a fraternal
way he is connected with the Royal League, the Knights of Co-
lumbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. On June 9, 1904,
Mr. Krembs was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Keating, of
Milwaukee, a daughter of Frank and Bridget Keating, pioneers
of the Cream City. Mrs. Keating is deceased, but her husband is
still living, a resident of this city. To Mr. and Mrs. Krembs have
been born two children: Neal, who died in infancy, and Ernst,
born Feb. 22, 1907. Both Mr. Krembs and his wife are communi-
cants of the Roman Catholic church.
Edward A. Hempe, Ph. G., who for more than thirteen years
has been one of the prominent druggists in Milwaukee, was born
in the Cream City on Oct. 19, 1872. He is a son of William and
Elizabeth (Reidel) Hempe, both of whom were born in Germany
and came to the L nited States and Milwaukee with their parents.
The father was a cooper by vocation and earned a livelihood by
working at his trade for many years. Subsequently he had charge
of the packing house of William LI. Little. All five of the children
born to the parents are living. Edward A. Hempe received his
educational advantages in the parochial schools of the city and
then entered the department of pharmacy, but before he had com-
pleted his course he successfully passed the examination sub-
mitted by the state board to applicants for the privilege of prac-
ticing. This was in [892, and in that year he entered the employ
■of C. Annecke at the corner of Reed street and National avenue.
I48 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Subsequently he was associated with J. W. S. Tomkiewicz, and
later was in charge of the dispensary at the National Soldiers^
Home, under the direction of Dr. Leighton. In 1895 he determined
to enter the business under his own name, and accordingly opened
the store at 374 Mitchell street. His success was assured from the
start because of his personal popularity, his thorough knowledge
of the details of the profession and his absolute integrity. He is
absolutely independent of any affiliations with political parties, be-
lieving that the best government is obtained by the conscientious
and judicious exercise of the right of suffrage rather than by the
dictation of party leaders. Professionally he is a prominent mem-
ber of the Milwaukee and Wisconsin State Pharmaceutical asso-
ciations and the National Association of Retail Druggists, and in
a fraternal way is allied with Walker Lodge, No. 123, Knights of
Pythias. In 1896 Mr. Hempe was united in marriage to Miss Laura
Flintrop, a native of Milwaukee, and a daughter of John and Al-
vina (Barfknecht) Flintrop, pioneers of the Cream City. Two
children have been born to this union, Enid Alvina and Marcella
Amanda.
Homer H. Fowle, D. D. S., one of the able and representative
dentists of Milwaukee, who is engaged in the active practice of his
profession in the bank building at the corner of Kinnickinnic and
Lincoln avenues, is a native of, Milwaukee county, born at South
Milwaukee on April 23, 1883, being the son of Horace N. and Ellen
(Thompson) Fowle, who were born and reared in the same county.
The maternal, grandparents of our subject were John and Sarah
(Dibley) Fowle, natives of Wadherst, Sussex county, England,
who immigrated to the United States and landed in Milwaukee on
June 5, 1835. Before the year closed John Fowle and his, sons took
up, six hundred acres of government land in Oak Creek township,
the first land that was cleared in that localitv. ,A largfe and for
that period commodious log cabin was immediately constructed
close to the edge of the bluff along Oak Creek, where Mr. Fowle
kept a tavern and station, the only stop between Milwaukee and
Racine where travelers could find accommodation for themselves
and their horses. After a few years John Fowle built a saw and
grist mill, which is said to have been the first grist mill in the
county, and he gave up the tavern. Both the tavern and bluff have
now disappeared, owing to the constant wearing of the earth by
Lake Michigan. Horace N., the youngest of his father's children,,
and the only one born in America, first saw the light of day on
Feb. 26, T837. in the old log cabin on the lake shore. He was the
second white child born, in Oak Creek township and received his
early education in the public schools of the district. He helped his
father at the mills and also assisted about the farm, but finallv be-
came associated with Horace Wells in the manufacture of brick,.
and continued in this occupation until about sixteen years ago,
when lie retired from business to enjoy the sunset years of life.
During his business life Mr. Fowle was particularly well located
for the manufacture of building brick. Clay and fuel as well as
BIOGRAPHICAL 14';
means of transportation were all within cas\ reach and he carried
on a thriving business along the shore of Lake Michigan and in
Milwaukee and the adjacent settlements and towns. Mr. Fowle is
a self-made man and the prosperity and affluence which he now en-
joys are due entirely to his own initiative. For main years he has
lived a quiet retired life on his line farm in Lake township. On
Jan. 20. 1859, Mr. Fowle married Ellen F. Thompson, the daugh-
ter of Jared and Minerva Thompson. She was horn in the town
of Lake. Milwaukee county, Jan. 25, 1841, and bore nine children, of
whom Llomer H. is the youngest. Lie received his elementary
education in the graded schools of South Milwaukee and then
finished a course in the South Milwaukee high school with great
credit. Subsequently he entered the dental department of the Mil-
waukee Medical School, at which he was graduated with a well-
earned degree of D. D. S., in 1904. For two years he was estab-
lished in practice at Wautoma, Wis., but in '1906 came to Mil-
waukee and established himself at his present location, where he
has met wdtb. most gratifying success in his chosen profession.
Homer Fowde is a 'Republican in politics and is a member of the
Alumni Association of Marquette College, and a Mason, being a
member of Rusk Lodge, No. 259, Free and Accepted Masons. On
June 21, 1905, occurred the marriage of 'Mr. Fowle and Eugenia,
the daughter of E. W. and Delia (Brown) Dousman, of Milwaukee.
One child has come to bless this union, Eugenia, born Nov. 26, 1906.
Both 'Mr. and Mrs. Fowle are memhers of the Congregational
church.
Jean Christian Mueller, Ph. G., who for the past thirteen years
has been a prominent figure in pharmacal circles 'in Milwaukee,
was born at Blue Mounds, Dane county, Wis., on Feb. 7, 1876. He
is a son of Theodore and Louise (Goeging) Mueller, both natives
of Germany, the former having been born in Nuremberg on July
10, 1849, an d the latter in Prussia on May 12,' 1856. The maternal
grandfather, Christian Goeging, was born in Germany and migrated
to Mount Horeb, Dane county, Wisconsin, in 1864. Subsequently
he entered land under 'the homestead law near Royalton, Minn.,
where both he and his wife passed away. The paternal grandfather
was a railroad engineer in the Fatherland and met his death in a
wreck. The father studied in Germany at the Neuendettelsan Sem-
inary, and after coming to America became a student at the Wart-
burg Seminary at Waverley, la. He then entered the Lutheran
ministry and was engaged in preaching until 1880. In that year he
embarked in the lumber business with the Obrecht Lumber Co., of
Sauk City, Wis., and has been connected with that company ever
since, although he and his family now live at Prairie du Sac, Wis.
Four children were ' bnrn to the parents, of whom the subject oi
this review is the eldest. The others are Theodore, Jr., of West
Allis, Wis. ; Frederick, the principal of the Waunakee high school,
and Lawrence, who died on Jan. 2, 1907. Mr. Mueller attended the
public and high schools of Sauk City and when but fourteen years
of age left his home to go to Chicago, where he found employment
I50 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
with William Lenz, a druggist, with whom he remained for a
period of two years. During the following three wears he was
associated with C. H. Grund, also a Chicago druggist, and at the
end of that time he removed to Milwaukee. This was in 1 1895, and
during the same year he passed the examination submitted by the
state board of pharmacy for applicants for the pharmacy degree
and became a registered pharmacist. For four years he was in the
employ of Herman Lambeck and then engaged in the drug busi-
ness under his own name at the corner of Twenty-seventh and State
streets. This establishment prospered wonderfully during the nine
years that Mr. Mueller conducted it, but he desired a larger field,
and on Jan. 1, 1908, he disposed of his store and purchased the
stock of Anton Weiss at 507 Eleventh avenue. Mr. Weiss had been
in business there for a period of twenty years and had estab-
lished a fine patronage, which Mr. Mueller has increased during
the short time in which he has conducted the store. In his polit-
ical relations Mr. Mueller has always been allied with the Repub-
lican party, but has never sought to obtain political office. He was
reared in the Lutheran faith, and is today a devout communicant
of that church. Professionally he isjdentified with the Milwaukee
Pharmaceutical Association and the National Association of Retail
Druggists, and in a fraternal way is associated with the Modern
Woodmen of America, the National Union and the Equitable Fra-
ternal Union. He is also a policy holder in the Bankers' Life In-
surance Company, of Des Moines, la. On May 20, 1901, Mr. Muel-
ler was united in marriage to Miss Martha Halm, a daughter of
Gottlieb and Elizabeth Halm, of Brown Deer, Wis. Mrs. Halm
is deceased, but her husband still resides at Brown Deer. Two
children came to bless the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mueller: Har-
old Lawrence, born in June, 1902 ; and Franklin Joseph, born on
Dec. 21, 1905.
Thomas N. Schnetz, M. D., has been engaged in the practice of
medicine at Milwaukee during the past five years, but he came to
the city with years of experience and a name as a successful physi-
cian, so that his fine practice in Milwaukee dates almost from the
day that he enrolled himself as a citizen of the place. Dr. Schnetz
was born in Chicago, 111., in i860, son of Joseph and Elizabeth
(Nelson) Schnetz, the former of whom was a native of Germany and
the latter was born in Scotland. Joseph Schnetz emigrated from
the Fatherland to America in the '30s and located in Chicago,
where he resided for about thirty years, and then removed to
Racine, Wis. Later he took up his residence in Milwaukee county
and he and his good wife lived in well-earned retirement in West
Allis, the beautiful suburb of Milwaukee. There Joseph Schnetz
died on March 1, 1908. Four children were born to them, of whom
two survive — Luther N., who is a practicing physician at Racine,
Wis., and Thomas N., who is the immediate subject of this review.
The latter received his education in the public and high schools of
Racine and at the Racine academy, and after completing the usual
courses in such institutions, he began the study of medicine under
BIOGRAPHICAL 131
the tutorship of Drs. Philo and Albert II. Hoy. In due time he
entered the Rush .Medical College at Chicago, and after a full
course in that institution graduated in February, [884. He imme-
diately began the practice of his profession, first locating at Cale-
donia, Racine county, where he remained until [903, and then re-
moved to the city of Milwaukee. Dr. Schnetz was married in
1886 to Miss Minnie Smith, daughter of John and Maria Smith,
early settlers of Racine county, where the father died in 1870 and
the mother now resides. To the union of Dr. and Mrs. Schnetz there
have been born two children: LeRoy, aged [9; and Percy, aged 13.
The Doctor is independent in his political views, not deeming it
requisite to good citizenship to worship at the shrine of any par-
ticular political party organization. However, he takes an intel- »
ligent interest in public affairs and votes according to his enlight-
ened judgment upon all matters. Professionally he is a member of
the Racine County and the Wisconsin State Medical associations,
and he has membership in the Modern Woodmen of America and
the Knights of Pythias.
Adolph F. Hopp, Ph. G., the genial and capable manager of the
Meyer Drug Store, one of the most modern and best equipped of
its kind in the city, was born in Baraboo, Wis., on Nov. 6, 1863. He
is a son of Anton and Apolonia (Beck) Hopp, both of whom were
born in Germany, the former on Aug. 2, 1834, and the latter on
May 25, 1837. The father came from the Fatherland in 1852 and
settled at La Crosse, but later went to Baraboo. where he was con-
nected with the brewery. In 1864 he enlisted as a private in Com-
pany K of the Forty-sixth Wisconsin infantry, and succumbed to
disease while in service about a year later. His widow passed away
on July 23, 1908, leaving two sons, Peter and the subject of this
memoir. Adolph F. Hopp received his preparatory educational
advantages in the public schools of Sauk City, Wis., and in October,
1879, he began his pharmacal studies with Francis Pressentin at
Reedsburg, Wis. In 1881 he came to Milwaukee and a year later
successfully passed the examination submitted by the state board
of pharmacy, being one of the first to take the examination as
prescribed by law. He then matriculated at the National Insti-
tute of Pharmacy in Chicago, and in 1886 was graduated at that
institution with the degree of graduate in pharmacy. He returned
to Milwaukee and worked for various druggists until 1890, when
he entered the employ of Louis Meyer, who had been engaged in
business since 1851. A sketch of Mr. Meyer appears elsewhere in
this volume. After the death of Mr. Meyer, in 1900, Mr. Hopp was
made manager of the store and has continued in that capacity, con-
ducting the business along the same lines which made so much for
Mr. Meyer's success. The present owner of the store is Edward
Meyer, a grandson of Louis Meyer, and a son of the late Dr. Wil-
liam Meyer. Mr. Hopp is a Republican in his political belief, but
has never aspired to public office. Professionally and fraternally
he is prominently identified with the Wisconsin State Pharma-
ceutical Association ; Lafayette Lodge, No. 265, Free and Accepted
152 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Masons ; the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Arcanum.
On Dec. 22, 1886, Mr. Hopp was united in marriage to Miss Louise
Behling, of Philadelphia, a daughter of John and Henrietta Behling,
both of whom are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hopp have no
children.
Max Bartel, Ph. G., has been engaged in the practice of his
profession since 1886, has built up a large drug business, and is
recognized as one of the leaders of his profession in Milwaukee.
He is an American by birth and of German descent, born in the
Cream City, Sept. 1, 1864, the son of Ferdinand and Alwina (Poch-
now) Bartel, who were born in Germany in 1828 and 1829, respect-
ively, and married there in 1853. A year later they came to
America and settled in Milwaukee. The elder Bartel was a mason
by trade and a millwright and soon found a position at Sanderson's
mill, where he remained for twenty-five years, becoming one of
their oldest and most trusted employes. Mr. Bartel was thrifty
and far-sighted in business matters and had saved up a sufficient
competence during his years of service with the milling company
to engage in business for himself, and he carried on a general mer-
chandise store until he retired in 1885, and since then has led a
quiet life. He became associated with the Republican party and
is interested in all the reform movements for the betterment of
the city government and has most liberal religious views. His wife
died in 1907 after rearing seven children, three of whom survive
her. Max, the subject of this sketch, received his elementary edu-
cation in the public and high schools of Milwaukee and after finish-
ing the city schools served an apprenticeship as druggist with Louis
Lotz. After spending four years in learning the practical side of
the drug business he went to Philadelphia to attend the Phila-
delphia College of Pharmacy and graduated with the degree of Ph.
G., in 1885. The next year he engaged in the drug business at
the corner of Twelfth and Vliet streets, where he has carried on
one of the largest and most prosperous drug stores of the west side.
Mr. Bartel was united in marriage on May 5, 1896, with Ida, the
daughter of Louis and Rosa (Mampel) Meyer, old settlers of Mil-
waukee. Mr. Meyer lived in Milwaukee until his death in 1900 ;
after his death his widow returned to Germany, where she still lives.
After eleven years of happy wedded life, Mrs. Bartel passed away
in 1007. Politically Mr. Bartel is associated with the Republican
party and is one of its loyal supporters ; he is a member of the Wis-
consin State Pharmaceutical Association, the Milwaukee Pharma-
ceutical Association and the National Association of Retail
Druggists.
Otto C. Laabs, one of the leading druggists and popular busi-
ness men of Milwaukee, is a native of the Cream City, where he
was born on Aug. 18, 1871. Albert Laabs, his father, was born in
the Fatherland, of German parents, in 1 841, and emigrated to the
United States and settled in Milwaukee in 1867. His mother.
Bertha (Woller) Laabs, was also a German by birth, born in 1847.
She came to America and met and married Albert Laabs in 1867.
BIOGRAPHICAL 1 53
To this union twelve children were born, of whom eight sons and
one daughter are still living. The father was a carpenter by trade
and followed this vocation in Milwaukee, where his children were
born and reared. In 1904 he passed "over the great divide," leav-
ing a widow to mourn his loss. Otto was sent to the parochial
schools of Milwaukee, and when only fourteen vears of age he ob-
tained a position with W'idule & Conrath, of Milwaukee. He
studied pharmacy while in the store and became one of their trusted
and confidential men. In 1892 he attended the university at Madi-
son, Wis., to complete his course in pharmacy, and after a year of
study returned to Milwaukee, formed a partnership in the drug
business with Mr. Kortebein, and the firm became known as Korte-
bein & Laabs. A year later Mr. Laabs disposed of his business and
became associated with Fred Esau for a little over a year, but was
induced to give this position up to become city salesman for the
Drake Bros, drug house. Mr. Laabs became well known through-
out the city, and was one of the most popular and successful sales-
men in the business, but he was not satisfied to work for another
firm, and in 1898 established himself in the drug business at 1921
Yliet street. A year later he moved the store to 1929 Vliet street,
where he has carried on one of the most up-to-date and well-
equipped drug houses for the past nine years. Mr. Laabs is also
a member of the drug firm of Stafeil & Laabs at 3702 Vliet street.
He has been in the drug business for twenty-three years and is
one of the oldest and best known men in this line in the Cream
City. On Oct. 2, 1897, he was married to Ada Stafeil, the daugh-
ter of John Stafeil and Minnie (Wegner) Stafeil, of Watertown,
Wis. Mr. Laabs is a stanch adherent of the Republican party and
he and his wife are communicants of the Lutheran church. He
also belongs to the Milwaukee and State Pharmaceutical associa-
tions and the National Association of Retail Druggists.
William J. Stafeil, a registered druggist, who is engaged in the
practice of his profession at 3702 Vliet street, Milwaukee, is a na-
tive of Wisconsin of German descent. His father, John Stafeil,
was born in Nadelfitz, Pommern, Germany, in 1843, ar >d his mother,
Minnie (Wegner) Stafeil, was born in Schiefelbein, Pommern, Ger-
many, in 1853. His paternal grandfather was Carl Stafeil, who
emigrated to the United States with his wife and family about 1852
and located in Wisconsin, in the town of Ixonia, where he took up
land, cleared it, built a home and reared his family. William Sta-
feil's maternal grandfather, August Wegner, was also a German by
birth, born in Schiefelbein, Pommern. and was one of the pioneer
settlers of Wisconsin, at that time practically an unbroken wilder-
ness. His wife, whose maiden name was Wilhemenie Bartel, died
on the trip from the Fatherland, but undaunted by this great loss,
he came as far west as Wisconsin and followed his trade of miller
at the old Monterey saw mills, about two and one-half miles west
of the town of Monterey. The milling business was a verv profit-
able one during the days of early settlement and here the kind old
man lived to the end of his days, dying on Nov. 3, T892, at the age
154 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
of seventy-three years. John Stafeil was reared on the old home-
stead his father had taken when he came to America, and there he
had two sons and four daughters born to him, who have gladdened
his declining years. The light of prosperity has shone on this honest
husbandman of the soil, and he has now retired from active life to
enjoy the fruits of his labors during the sunset years of his life.
He now resides at Watertown, Wis., and takes a sympathetic in-
terest in the politics of the Republican party, and he and his wife
are members of the church of their fathers, the German Lutheran.
The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm and edu-
cated in the graded and high schools of Pipersville, and then at-
tended the Rheude Business College of Milwaukee, where he took
a very thorough course in the business branches. Subsequently he
took private instruction under Professor Russel in pharmacy, and
on Feb. n, 1904, passed the examination given by the State Board
of Pharmacy, and was admitted to practice in the state of Wis-
consin. He immediately accepted a position with Otto C. Laabs, as
pharmacist, and later accepted a still better offer to become labora-
tory and prescription man for the Drake Bros. Drug Co., and was
with them for four years. In July, 1908, he determined to go' into
the drug business for himself and formed a partnership with Mr.
Laabs, establishing the store at 3702 Vliet street. The business has
proved a success and the store has one of the largest trades in this
section of the city. Mr. Stafeil has been a member of the Milwau-
kee Pharmaceutical Association since 1903, and is a member of
the Wisconsin State Pharmaceutical Association. His political
affiliations are with the Republican party and he is a member of
the Lutheran church.
Mathew Joseph Rodermund, M. D., ranks among the leaders
of the medical profession as a specialist in the treatment of dis-
eases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, as well as nervous, female and
chronic diseases generally. His fame is not confined to the limits
of the state in which he lives nor to the knowledge of the confra-
ternity of physicians, but throughout the United States, and among
the reading laity he is recognized as a leader of thought and an
aggressive writer, whose theories are somewhat in advance of and
in conflict with those generally accepted and practiced. Dr. Roder-
mund was born at West Bend, Washington county, Wisconsin, on
July 5, 1854, son of Mathew and Susan (Dehn) Rodermund, both
of whom are natives of Germany. The paternal grandparents set-
tled in Washington county, Wisconsin, in 1844, and there lived
out their allotted years; and the maternal grandparents were also
early settlers of the same county. Mathew Rodermund, the father
of the subject of this review, devoted his time during his active
career to mercantile pursuits, but he is now living in retirement.
Dr. Rodermund received his preliminary education in the parochial
schools '»f bis native county, and after due preparation entered
the Bennett College of Eclectic Medicine and Surgery, at Chicago,
in which institution he graduated with the class of 1886. He then
spent two years in Europe, taking post-graduate courses at Vienna,
BIOGRAPHICAL I 55
Berlin, Paris and London, and upon his return to America opened
an office at Appleton, Wis., for the practice of his profession, mak-
ing a specialty of diseases of the eye, car, nose and throat. He re-
mained at Appleton ten years, during which time he gained an ex-
tended reputation, and after the expiration of that period he re-
moved to the city of Milwaukee, where he has since continued the
practice of his profession along the lines mentioned. In addition
to caring for a large practice he has written voluminously upon
subjects pertaining to the medical profession, and anion- his more
prominent contributions to such literature are the following pub-
lications: "Fads in the Practice of Medicine," "As It Is." "Exposure
of the Appendicitis Frauds," and "Medical Wonders and Med-
ical Blunders." lie vigorously opposes the use of the knife in the
so-called appendicitis cases, and is a recognized authority among
the opponents of that practice. He also opposes vaccination as a
preventive of small-pox, and in January, 1901, during an epidemic
of that much dreaded disease in Appleton, he took a decided stand
in opposition to the common practice of inoculating children and
others with the poisonous virus in order to prevent the spread of
the malady. He contended that small-pox is not contagious, and
sought to practically demonstrate the correctness of that view, hut
the general alarm aroused by the prevalence of the disease in Apple-
ton at that time caused him to be severely criticised by the unin-
formed. He entered the house of a Mrs. Stark, who had a well-
developed case of small-pox, and after rubbing the matter from the
pustules on his hands and clothing, he left the city and traveled
over three states, exposing millions of people. Thousands of health
officers and policemen tried in every possible way to trace a case
of small-pox that had resulted from such contact, but in the end
they had to admit that it could not be done. Whatever may be
the general opinion concerning his advanced ideas, it must be ad-
mitted by all that Dr. Rodermund is sincere in his convictions and
courageous in expressing them, possessing those noble qualities to
which mankind is so much indebted for all 'the progress that has
been made in the past. Tf his ideas are correct they well ultimate-
ly prevail, for no amount of envious criticism can stay 'the onward
march of truth. Dr. Rodermund was married on July 5, 1881, to
Miss Maggie Maroney, of Sun Prairie. Wis., and to this union there
have been born five children: Arthur M. J., who graduated at the
College of Physicians and Surgeons in Chicago with the class of
1907 and is now engaged in the practice of his profession at Athens,
Wis.; Margueret, Edith, Lorena and Dorothy. Dr. Rodermund
is independent in his political views.
Ottmar T. Beeck, Ph. G., the junior member of the firm of
Peters & Peeck, one of Milwaukee's leading drug houses, is a na-
tive of the Cream City, born there on Nov. 21, 1880. His parents
were Charles R. and Caroline (Havel) Beeck, born in Berlin, Ger-
many, Nov. 11, 1850, and at Manitowoc, Wis., Oct. [3, [853, re-
spectively. Charles Peeck emigrated to this country in 1869 and
soon after landing located in Manitowoc, Wis., where he met and
I56 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
married Caroline Havel ; they had six children, of whom three are
still living". Mr. Beeck moved to Milwaukee some years ago, where
he is a member of the Elastic Tire Fitting Company, of Milwaukee,
and is also a traveling salesman and a member of the United Com-
mercial Travelers. The maternal grandfather of the subject of
this review was Anton Havel, a native of Bohemia ; his wife was
Olga Winkler, who was born in Germany. They came to this
country and settled at Manitowoc in 1850, and there they continued
to reside all their lives. Mr. Havel passed to that shore from which
no traveler returns in 1876, leaving his wife to continue the journey
of life alone until 1887. Ottmar received his elementary education
in the public schools, and was associated with Max Bartel four
years. After finishing his course in college he again worked for
Mr. Bartel four years, until April, 1905, when he engaged in the
drug business at 2109 North avenue, in partnership with E. A.
Peters, under the firm name of Peters & Beeck, where they conduct
one of the most prosperous drug stores in the city. Mr. Beeck is
a stalwart advocate of the principles of the Republican party. On
Jan. 30, 1907., Mr. Beeck married Miss Alma Karsten, the daughter
of Louis and Lisetta (Mohs) Karsten, who are residents of Mil-
waukee. One child has come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Beeck, Bernice, born on Nov. 22, 1907. With his wife, Mr. Beeck
is a member of the Lutheran church, and he belongs to the Mil-
waukee Pharmaceutical Association, the State Pharmaceutical As-
sociation, the National Association of Retail Druggists, and is also
affiliated with the Masonic Order, being a member of Independence
Lodge, No. 80, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Wisconsin
Chapter, No. 7, Royal Arch Masons.
Lorenz Mauer, a baker who has won a high place in the ranks
of his profession in Milwaukee, was born in German)'- on June 11,
1859. He is a son of Karl Kaspan and Catherine (Horath) Mauer,
both natives of Germany, who spent all their lives in that country,
where the father was a prosperous farmer. Mr. Mauer took ad-
vantage of the limited educational opportunities afforded by the
common schools of his native country and in 1882 migrated to the
United States. He came direct to Milwaukee and secured em-
ployment under Philip Schmidt in the bakery business on Teutonia
avenue. He spent eight years in acquiring a thorough knowledge
of the vocation and becoming conversant with American institu-
tions and business methods, and then, in 1890, engaged in the busi-
ness under his own name at 486 Maple street. Since that time he
has been conducting a wholly modern, sanitary establishment at
the same place, and its success can be attributed in large measure
to his native traits of thrift, enterprise and integrity. In politics
Mr. Mauer is a stanch adherent of the principles of Democracy,
but the pressure of business affairs has restrained him from be-
coming a candidate for public office of any character. His religious
relations are with the Catholic church and his only social recrea-
tion he finds in the gathering of the social society of his church.
Tn June, 1890, Mr. Mauer was united in marriage to Miss Bertha
BIOGRAPHICAL 157
Brune, a daughter of August and Elizabeth Brune, of Milwaukee.
To this union were born four children, Rose, Anthony, Emily and
John, aged sixteen, fourteen, thirteen and ten, respectively. Mr.
Mauer is a citizen of public spirit, excellent habits and kindly,
genial nature, and has a host of friends, who predict for him a most
successful career.
William Beyer, a much respected citizen of Milwaukee, was
born in Brandenburg, Germany, on Oct. 31, 1836. His father lived
all his life in Brandenburg, and his mother, Elizabeth Beyer, was
born in Prussia. Mr. Beyer obtained the limited education afforded
by the common schools of his native city. When he had finished
his schooling he enlisted as a private in the Second Prussian cav-
alry in 1856 and served for a period of three years and as many
months. When that term of enlistment had expired he re-entered
the army and was in active service in the war with Austria in
1866. In the Franco-Prussian war, in 1870 and 1871, he partici-
pated with his regiment in much of the heaviest fighting, and in
December of the latter year received an honorable discharge.
Early in 1872 he migrated to the United States, coming direct to
Milwaukee, and has ever since made this city his home. For a
period of sixteen years he was employed in one of the large roll-
ing mills on the south side, and since he has been engaged as a
laborer in various contracts. By careful saving he has managed
to accumulate considerable property, and when he decides to re-
tire and enjoy a well-earned respite after years of a strenuous life,
he can easily do so. In his political relations he is a Republican,
but has never sought political favor of any kind. W A ith his wife he
is a communicant of the Lutheran church. In 1864 Mr. Beyer was
united in marriage to Miss Dorothy Kuhnke, a daughter of Michael
and Annie Kuhnke, of Brandenburg. Two children were born to
bless this union, Frank, deceased, at age of nine weeks, and Ernest-
tine, who is now thirty-eight years old. The daughter is the wife of
Frederick Zahn, to whom she was united in marriage on Aug. 23,
1890. Mr. Zahn is a tailor in the employ of David Adler & Son
Company, and he and his wife and four children, Emma, Dorothy,
Irene and Helmut, aged seventeen, fourteen, twelve and nine, re-
spectively, make their home with Mr. Beyer at 260 Lenox street, in
a house which Mr. Beyer owns.
Knud C. Clauson, a well-known painter of the Cream City, was
born in Arendal, Norway, on Dec. 18, 1845, a son "' Knud and
Annabel Clauson. He comes of a mixture of the best Dutch and
Norwegian stock, his grandfather, Clarence Clauson, having re-
moved from Holland to Norway when a young man and there mar-
ried a native Norwegian woman. His father, Knud Clauson, was
a captain in the Norwegian -navy and was twice captured by the
Swedish troops. He died while in the service of his country. An
uncle was a captain on the high seas for many years, and com-
manded the vessel that went on the rocks in New York Harbor a
few years ago, when both vessel and cargo were destroyed by the
elements and the passengers and crew saved. Knud C. Clauson, the
I58 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
subject of this memoir, came to Milwaukee direct from Norway in
1883. For two years he worked as a sailor on a large lake boat,
and then became engaged in the business which now occupies him.
Although well advanced in years he is still in rugged health and
attends his daily work as regularly as many another younger man.
From his ancestry he inherited a capacity for work and a frugality
that has made him one of the most valued citizens of the com-
munity. Although he has never aspired to office he has always
been a stanch adherent of the principles of the Republican party,
and in religious matters is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal
church. In February, 1873, Mr. Clauson was united in marriage
to Miss Athalia Sederstrom, a native of Norway and a daughter of
Peter and Christina Sederstrom. To this union have been born
four children, Henry A., Peter C, Clara and Edna A., aged thirty-
three, thirty-one, twenty-one, twenty-seven and fifteen years, re-
spectively. Clara is the wife of Ray Hanson, a prosperous grocer
on Eleventh street, and has one son, three years of age. Mr.
Clauson is one of the influential figures in the Scandinavian Benefit
Society.
Ferdinand Paringer, a prominent citizen and prosperous real
estate and insurance agent, with an office at 616 State street, is a
native of the Cream City, of German descent, born on Sept. 16,
i860, being the son of George Frederick and Anna Paringer, who
immigrated to the United States in 1843, while this great state was
still a territory, and located in the frontier town of Milwaukee. The
elder Paringer was a contractor and real estate dealer who was one
of the pioneers in that business in the city. The first home was on
Prairie street and today it is one of the oldest landmarks. Ferdi-
nand, the subject of this review, received his education in the
schools of his native city, and subsequently entered the law office
of J. V. V. Platto as a student, in 1877, but on account of ill health
never completed his course. In 1884 the city council passed an
ordinance providing for a secretary for the mayor and Mr. Paringer
was the first incumbent of that office, under Mayor Wallber. He
served until 1890, was reappointed in 1893 and served until 1898,
under Mayors Koch and Rauschenberger. Upon leaving' the serv-
ice of the city Mr. Paringer embarked in the real estate and in-
surance business, in which he has successfully continued to the
present date. He is a Republican of pronounced convictions and
is a Protestant in his religious views. During the past ten years
Mr. Paringer has taken a conspicuous part in the building up of
the city and is regarded as one of its most worthy citizens.
Rev. Clement F. LeFevre, D. D., born Nov. .12, 1797, at Birk-
hampstead, Flertfordshire, England, was the son of Rev. George
LeFevre, B. A., who for many years before his death, in 1848. was
chaplain to the British embassy in Paris. During the ^ r ar of 1812
Mr. LeFevre was a lieutenant in the British navy. When peace was
declared lie was retired on half pay. and after several years of
travel he sailed from England in October, 1817, with a number of
Others, to visit South America and join the patriot arm)- under Gen-
BIOGRAPHICAL 1 59
eral Bolivar in its efforts to throw off the Spanish yoke. The ship
stopped en route at the Island of Trinidad to get information be-
fore proceeding up the ( >rinoco river. Here he was detained by the
yellow fever, by which he and most of the others were attacked, the
disease being then prevalent in the island. Mr. LeFevre was one
of the few who survived. The vessel returned to England and the
expedition was thus broken up. After waiting some months for a
favorable opportunity to proceed, Mr. LeFevre engaged passage to
New York on a British vessel which happened to come into the
harbor. Thus the entire course of his life was changed. On arriv-
ing in Xew York he found a position as teacher of the French lan-
guage at Erasmus llall, an academy For boys at Hempstead, Long
[sland. While there he commenced his studies for the ministry,
which he completed at Kingston, Canada, and returning to Eng-
land in [821, he was ordained by the Bishop n\ London and sta-
tioned at Sherbrooke, Canada, by the Society for the Propagation
of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. He was married on March 22, in
the following year, to Mary Clowes, of Hempstead, Long Island,
sister of the Rev. Timothy Clowes, in whose academy he found his
first employment on coming to America. In 1829, after a gradual
change in his religious views, he resigned his pastorate at Sher-
brooke, openly embraced the L niversalist faith, and became an able
champion in extending its growth and influence in New York state
and in defending it against the attacks of the orthodox ministry,
which in those early days of Cniversalism were very bitter. He be-
came successively minister of the I niversalist churches in Troy,
N. Y. ; New York City (the Bleeker Street church), and Hudson,
X. Y. He was also associate editor of the Gospel Anchor at Troy
and of the Cniversalist Union in New York, both of which were
influential I niversalist journals. In 1844 ne removed to Milwau-
kee, where he accepted the pastorate of the L niversalist Society.
which then occupied a small building on Broadway (then called
Main street), where the Newhall House was afterward built, and
where now stands'the home office of the Northwestern Mutual Life
Insurance Company. He retired in 1850, and did not again take
up the active ministry, but for many years continued to serve the
cause by occasional preaching in Milwaukee' and elsewhere and by
contributions to the denominational magazines. On coming to
Milwaukee he bought a tract of land a short distance south of the
city, where he established his home, and to which he gave the name
of "Hazelwood." Here he continued to reside for the rest of his
life, greatly beloved by a large circle of friends, who in term^ of
endearment and affection spoke of him as Father LeFevre. He
died on Dec. 12, 1882. His wife, who had for many years been in
poor health, died on Oct. 5, [869. A few years after coming to Mil-
waukee Mr. LeFevre established his eldest son, William, on a farm
at Eagle, in the adjoining county of Waukesha. His second son,
George, became clerk in the pioneer hardware store of William H.
Byron & Co., on Fast Water street, and later went into the same
business for himself in partnership with the late George Greene,
l6o MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
under the firm name of LeFevre & Greene, occupying the store at
Xo. 289 'East Water street, at the southwest corner of Detroit
street. His daughter, Ellen, was married on July 28, 185 1, to John
Crapser Coleman, of Montreal, Canada, returning to Milwaukee,
however, in 1855, when Mr. Coleman decided to locate permanently
in 'this city.
John Crapser Coleman, deceased, was descended from one of
the early Colonial families. Coming first to Gloucester, Mass., in
1635, his ancestors subsequently settled in Southold, Long Island,
and Orange county, N. Y., in which latter place, near the village
of Florida, Mr. Coleman's father was proprietor of a carding mill,
which he subsequently converted into 'a flour mill and operated un-
til his death, in 1850. His mother was Ann Conklin, daughter of
Nathaniel and Margaret (Bradner) Conklin, of Goshen, Orange
count}", X. Y. Mr. Coleman was born on July 28, 1819, at Newton,
N. J., where his parents were temporarily residing. On account of
his poor health his parents sent him, while still a boy, into the
northern 'woods of St. Lawrence county, N. Y., to live with a fam-
ily friend engaged in lumbering along the St. Lawrence river. He
made himself useful, and the outdoor life and activities of the lum-
ber camps fully restored his health. Here he 'remained for a num-
ber of years until he established himself in the lumber business in
Montreal, Canada, as a member of the firm of Sims &' Coleman. On
July 28, 185 1, he was married to Ellen R., daughter of Rev. Clem-
ent F. LeFevre, of Milwaukee, Wis. Fie continued to reside in
Montreal until 1853, when he joined his brother in the brokerage
business in Xew York city. In 1855 he decided to follow the "star
of empire" to the great West, and coming to Milwaukee, estab-
lished his home at "Hazelwood," with Mrs. Coleman's parents. He
bought additional land from his neighbor. Dr. Enoch Chase, and
carried on 'a general farm for many years, until the encroachments
of the rapidly increasing population of the city made farming and
fruit raising impossible. Shortly after coming to Milwaukee he was
instrumental in organizing the Kenosha County Bank, and was for
a number of years its president. He was also at various times,
more or less directly interested in other business enterprises. In
1870 he remodeled and enlarged the original residence, built in
1844 by Mr. LeFevre, and continued to live there until his death.
In 1890 and 1900 the city purchased thirty-six acres of the wooded
portion of "Hazelwood" and converted it into 'one of the city's
prettiest parks, named Kosciusko Park. The rest of the farm, ex-
cept the frontage on the Kinnickinnic river, has been platted into
building lots under the names of Coleman's subdivision and Hazel-
wood subdivision, and is now mostlv covered with dwelling houses
and stores. The former homestead on First avenue, with a suffi-
cient plat of ground, is occupied as the settlement house of the Wis-
consin University Settlement Association, which is carrying on
benevolent and educational work in that section of the city. In
politics Mr. Coleman was a'stanch Republican, but never aspired to
public office, preferring a quieter and less conspicuous life. He was
BIOGRAPHICAL l6l
a man of sterling qualities and sympathetic temperament and was
highly esteemed by all who knew him. lie died on May 28, [896.
Mrs. Coleman, now in her eighty-sixth year, is still in good health
and continues to reside in .Milwaukee with her two (laughters, Mary
E. Coleman and Nellie L. Coleman. Mr. Coleman is also survived
by his three sons. The eldest, Clement LeFevre Coleman, born on
Sept. 30, 1852, received a high school education, and after a Few
years of employment in Milwaukee, lived successively for consid-
erable periods in Berlin, Wis.; Chicago, 111.; Minneapolis and St.
Paul, Minn., and Fairhope, Ala., in which latter place he has made
his home for the past fourteen years. He married on Sept. 30, 1902,
Sarah L., daughter of Rev. George W. Wood, of Petoskey, Mich.
Their children are Henry George Coleman, born on Oct. 5, 1903, and
Genevieve Coleman, born on Feb. 16, 1906. The second son, John
George Coleman, born July 13, 1857, was also graduated from the
Milwaukee high school, and in June, 1880, he identified himself with
the Wisconsin Malleable Iron Company and shortly thereafter be-
came the secretary and treasurer. He married on Sept. 23, 1885,
Louise Cecile, daughter of James C. Ricketson, of Milwaukee.
Their children are James Ricketson Coleman, born'on Sept. 3, 1887;
William LeFevre Coleman, born on May 15, 1889; Cecile Howland
Coleman, born on May 3, 1890; Clement John Coleman, born on
June 13, 1892; Ellen Belfield Coleman, born on Feb. 24, 1894; Fred-
erick George Coleman, born on April 9, 1897. The third son, Theo-
dore Lincoln Coleman, born on Nov. 5, 1861, also received a high
school education, and in February, 1880, found employment as
shipping clerk for the Wisconsin Malleable' Iron Company. After
several years of gradual advancement he was chosen vice-president
of the company, which position he retained until 1892, when he re-
signed to take up the study of law. He prepared himself in the
office of the late George E. Sutherland and at the University of
Wisconsin Law School, and in 1895 was admitted to the bar. He
has since devoted himself, mainly, to the business of managing
properties and 'estates for a limited number of clients. On June 10,
1896, he was married to Grace Pier Smith, of Milwaukee, daughter
of Lewis Smith, who at the time of his death, in 1871, was a resi-
dent of Fox Lake",' Wis. Their children are Ruth Stevens Coleman,
born on June 27, 1897; Philip LeFevre Coleman, born on Aug. 29,
1899; Margaret Pier Coleman, born on Sept. 27, 1907.
Louis Meyer, deceased, one of the pioneer pharmacists of Mil-
waukee, was born on Sept. 20, 1823, in Mindin, Prussia, the son of
William and Margaret Meyer, the father being a captain in the Ger-
man arm}- and was decorated by the king of Prussia with several
medals for gallant services. On Nov. 16, 1812, he received the sil-
ver service medal ;'in 1813 the Iron Cross ; in 1813 again the Russian
St. George order; and in 1814 the Military Memorial medal. His
education he received in the best schools, and after finishing his
studies he was apprenticed in a pharmacy in Wesel, in which he
served four years. A few years later he set his mind to try his
future in America, landed from the sailboat Meta in New York in
11
l62 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
the spring of 1850, and came direct to Milwaukee by boat. On his
arrival here he accepted a position in the drug store of Dr. Oswald,
whose place of business was at the corner of Martin and East Water
streets. A year later he purchased some lots from James Knee-
land at the intersection of Galena and Twelfth streets, where he put
up a small frame building and opened a drug store on his own ac-
count in 1 85 1. This building he replaced in 1888 with a large, com-
modious brick structure, where the drug store is still conducted
under the old firm name. Mr. Meyer was married in 1852 to Rosa
Mampel, who was the daughter of one of the oldest citizens in Mil-
waukee. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer had five children, three sons and two
daughters. Mr. Meyer conducted the drug business continuously
until shortly before his death, which occurred on Aug. 19, 1900. He
is survived by his wife and only one daughter, Mrs. Augusta Opper-
man. who lives in Charlottenburg, Germany, with her mother, she
calling for her in September, 1907. Mrs. Meyer is now eighty-one
years of age.
Albert Jule Mase, assistant foreman of the Chicago & North-
western Railway roundhouse, and a musician 'of more than ordinary
skill, was born in Winnebago county, Wis., on Nov. 1, 1877. He is
a son of Frederick William and Caroline Esther (Minn) Mase, the
former of 'whom was born on Sept. 16, 1841, and the latter on Jan.
4, 1846. His paternal grandparents, Frederick John and Mary
(Carroll) Mase, came to Wisconsin from Prussia in 1855. The
grandfather was a wagonmaker by vocation, and his son, the fa-
ther, was a miller and the inventor of the apple separator.. The
father served in Company D, of the Twenty-second Wisconsin in-
fantry for a period of twenty-two months during the Civil war, and
was engaged in sharp fights with his company at 'the siege of At-
lanta and earlier engagements.. Albert J. Mase, the subject of this
review, attended the public schools of Oshkosh, Wis., until he was
seventeen 'years of age. Flis first work was as a traveling repre-
sentative for the Neehan Advertising Company, with whom he re-
mained three years, and then with the Wells Comedy Company as
a musician. For several years now he has been in' the employ of
the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company, and the confidence
they feel in him is evidenced by the promotion to the important'po-
sition which he is now occupying. From 1899 to I 9° 2 ne was a
member of Company F, Second infantry, Wisconsin National
Guard, and received an, honorable discharge when his term of en-
listment expired. In political belief Mr. Mase is a stanch Repub-
lican, but has never'aspired to public office. His religious relations
are with the Congregational church, of which he is a zealous and
devout member. On Nov. 26, 1906, Mr. Mase was united in mar-
riage i" Miss Lorine Gibson, a daughter of John and Katherine
( [Cornell I Gibson, of Canada. The issue of this marriage has been
one son, Roger. Mr. Mase himself is one of six survivors of the
nine children born to his parents. His musical ability wins him
much praise wherever he is known, and in the natural expectancy
life a brilliant career lies before him.
BIOGRAPHICAL [63
John Xiezopolski, the able master mechanic of the .Milwaukee
Western Fue] Company of .Milwaukee, was born'al Dantzig, Ger-
many, Sept. 8, [864, being the son of John and [Catherine Xiezopol-
ski, both of whom were born and reared in their native laud, Ger-
many. John, the subject of this review, was educated in the pub-
lic schools of Germany, where he took a technical course. After
finishing his course in school, at the age ^\ sixteen years, he went
into a mill to learn the millwright's trade, and worked for three
years, lie then realized that a higher course <>\ study would he of
advantage to him and attended a technical school for two years.
where he finished a course with great credit to himself. From that
time until he was twenty-eight years of age Mr. Xiezopolski worked
as a millwright and in [893 immigrated to the United States and lo-
cated in Milwaukee, where he has since continued to reside. For
fifteen years he has been associated with the Milwaukee Western
Fuel Company and for a greater part of that'time has held his pres-
ent responsible position of master mechanic, and is regarded as one
ol the most capable mechanical engineers in the city. Mr. Xiezopol-
ski is independent in his politics, wearing no party's collar, and ex-
ercises his political prerogatives in accordance with the dictates of
his own conscience. He is a devout member of the Catholic church,
of which his ancestors were adherents. On Feb. 16, '1896, he was
united in marriage with Mrs. Steinkellner, the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Walter, both residents of Milwaukee. Eight children have
been born to this union: Peter, who runs a bakery ; Rosa, lien, who
is engaged with his brother; Eleanor, the wife of George Slintz-
stein; Bert, Lucy, Alfred and Gilbert, both in school.
George Weinhagen, the vice-president and treasurer of the A.
George Shulz Company, manufacturers of paper and folding boxes,
is one of the substantial citizens of Milwaukee. He was born at the
quaint old German town of Hildesheim, in the valley of the Aller.
province of Hanover, German), Jan. 6, 1850, being the son of
George and Emile Weinhagen. Both his parents were natives of
German} and his father and grandfather were active during the
German Revolution in 1848. George, the subject of this sketch, re-
ceived the benefits of an education in the public schools of Hanover,
( rermany. He left school and came to America in March, 1874. and
up to the age of eighteen worked as shipping clerk for the Milwau-
kee Redistilling and Rerefining Company and remained in the em
ploy of that firm until entering into the box-making business in
1878 as one of the partners of the present firm. The firm's renown
for excellent quality and fair treatment is in a large part due to Mr.
Weinhagen's thorough understanding of box making, his capacity
for work and inherent integrity. On Jan. 7, 1881. Mr. Weinhagen
was united in marriage with Julia, the daughter of Carl and Minna
Eggers, and has three children: Elizabeth, George, Jr., and lulia.
Mr. Weinhagen is an independent in politics, voting for the man he
believes best fitted for the position.
Edward G. Lutz, the treasurer of the E. F. Adams Tobacco
Company, of Milwaukee, is numbered among the progressive busi-
ness men of the Cream City. Me is a native of the Blue Grass
164 - MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
state, born at Louisville, Ky., Aug. 18, 1871, of fine old German
stock. His father was Edward Lutz, an American by birth, but de-
scended from German ancestors, born at Lancaster, Pa., and his
mother, Alary D. Lutz, was born and reared in German}-. Edward,
the subject of this sketch, received the benefit of the training af-
forded by the public schools of his native town until he was thir-
teen years of age, when he went to work in the tobacco house of
John Finzer & Brothers. % He began at the bottom and by strict at-
tention to duty, industry and perseverance worked his way up. He
was promoted by the company a number of times from one im-
portant position to another until they made him assistant cashier
of the firm. After occupying this important position for several
years he accepted a more promising offer made him by the F. F.
Adams Tobacco Company, of Milwaukee, to become assistant sec-
retary and treasurer of that concern in 1902. Mr. Lutz's services
proved so efficient that in 1906 he was promoted and assumed the
duties of treasurer, which position he still holds. He knows the to-
bacco business most thoroughly and is regarded by his associates in
business as one of the prominent men in the tobacco industry. On
April 25, 1906, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Lutz and Eliza-
beth Ross Davey, the daughter of Congressman R. C. Davey, of
New Orleans. One child has been born to them, a boy not yet two
years of age. Mr. Lutz is a communicant of the Baptist church and
is a well known member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, and is the popular president of the Calumet Club. Mr. and
Mrs. Lutz belong to the younger social set of the Cream City and
dispense a gracious hospitality at their home.
Charles E. Lammert, one of the old residents and honored citi-
zens of Milwaukee, was born at Tilleda, Germany, Aug. 24, 1835, the
son of Adam and Catherine Lammert, who were natives of Ger-
many. Charles, our subject, was given the benefit of an education
in the public schools of his native land. After leaving school he
learned the cabinet maker's trade and worked at that occupation for
several years. He came to America with the great tide of German
immigration that poured into the country about the middle of the
nineteenth century and reached Milwaukee in 1854. He immedi-
ately found work at his trade with A. B. Seaman, as skilled work-
men were scarce during the pioneer days of the city, and continued
to work for him eight years until he moved to Bloomington, 111., to
accept a position with the Chicago & Alton railroad in the car shops
of that road, where he built cars. Subsequently he went to St. Paul,
Minn., where he worked at his trade. When the Civil war broke out
he went to the front as a government employe and served for three
years. After the close of the war he returned to Milwaukee and
found employment with the Board of Public Works. His services
proved so efficient that he was also employed by the School Board
of the city and served in this double capacity for thirty-five years.
Some years ago he -retired from active life and is now enjoying a
well-earned respite from hard work. Mr. Lammert is a Republican
and has always taken an active interest in the policies and problems
BIOGRAPHICAL 165
of his part}-, and cast a vote for Fremont in 1856, and is always in-
terested in the public welfare, lie has been a member of the Board
of Public Works and a member of the School Board. In religion he
is a German Lutheran, the church of his fathers. On Oct. 6, 1859,
he married Miss Annie Bruce, of Milwaukee. Three children have
been horn to them: Ferdinand, who is a machinist in his own large
shop in Chicago, South Jefferson street ; Amanda, the wife of
Wm. Graetz. proprietor of a barber shop in the Pabst building, and
lima, the youngest daughter.
Adam G. Weber, an expert boxmaker, who lives at 1457 Twen-
ty-third street, was born in Nuremberg, German)-, on Aug. 3. 1872,
a son of Conrad and Babette Weber, both of whom were born in
Germany. Mr. Weber attended the public and high schools of his
native city and when he had completed the prescribed courses there
he studied for a time at a trades college. In 1889 he came to Mil-
waukee after he had served a three years' apprenticeship in the ma-
sonry trade, and for the first three months after his arrival he
worked as a journeyman in his vocation. Then for a year he was
employed in a lumber yard, carrying and piling lumber. During the
three months immediately following he acted as a watchman and
then learned the trade in which he has now been engaged since
1891. Into everything which he has undertaken he has brought to
bear those traits of enterprise and sturdy integrity which have made
so much for his success in every effort. In politics he is a Demo-
crat, but has never found the leisure to devote to becoming a can-
didate for office. Fraternally he is identified with but one order,
the Knights of the Maccabees. On March 9, 1892, Mr. W r eber was
united in marriage to Miss Frances Lehrbaum, a native of Germany,
and a daughter of Andrew and Freasa Lehrbaum. Four children
have been born to bless this union : Frances, aged six ; Louisa, aged
four; Eugena, aged two, and Milan A. G. (baby). Mr. Weber is
much respected and esteemed by his neighbors, who recognize in
him one of the most upright and public spirited citizens of the com-
munity.
Charles C. Moedinger, a prominent meat dealer and sausage
manufacturer, was born in W r urtemburg, Germany, on July 24, i860.
His parents lived their entire lives in the Fatherland. Mr. Moed-
inger received a somewhat limited education in the public schools
of his native land, being compelled by force of circumstances to
leave school early in life and go to work. He became apprenticed
to a butcher and after he had mastered the vocation he worked in
it for three years as. a journeyman in his native land. For the fol-
lowing two years he helped his father in the management of the
home property, and by the end of that time had secured a sufficient
competence to enable him to migrate to the United States, a desire
which had become with him the highest of his life. He arrived in
Milwaukee direct from Germany in 1882 and found employment for
the first two years in one of the packing houses. His present busi-
ness he started in 1884. Reared in hardship and privation, he be-
came imbued with those traits of enterprise, frugality and integrity
l66 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
which make so much for success, and he brought these qualities to
bear in the establishment of his business. He makes a specialty of
sausage making, and his brand has become quite famous throughout
the city. In politics Mr. Moedinger is a Republican and in his
church relations he is affiliated with the German Lutheran church.
Fraternally he is identified with the Sons of Hermann. On Sept.
io, 1882, Mr. Moedinger was united in marriage to Miss Liza Her-
ring, a daughter of George Herring, of Milwaukee. Two children
have been born to bless this union, Harry, aged twenty, now asso-
ciated in business with his father, and Claire, aged nineteen.
Ernst John Jahn, a prominent plasterer contractor of the
Cream City, was born in Germany on June 30, 1862, a son of Albert
Jahn, of that country. Two of his brothers saw active service in the
Kaiser's army. Mr. Jahn received a limited education in the public
schools of his native land, being obliged when but fourteen years of
age to leave school to earn a livelihood. His first labor was as a
teamster, an occupation which not only furnished him with a live-
lihood for six years, but also allowed him to secure a sufficient com-
petence to allow him to fulfill what had been with him a lifelong
ambition — to migrate to the United States. His coming was in
1884 and two weeks after landing he arrived in Milwaukee. He did
not locate here at once, however, but went to Concord, Jefferson
county, and learned the mason's trade, which furnished him em-
ployment for three years. Upon his return to Milwaukee at the end
of that period he entered the employ of Julius Sponholz, under
whom he mastered his present trade. His connection with Mr.
Sponholz continued for four years and then for the three years im-
mediately following he worked as a journe)'man for different con-
tractors. In 1894 he engaged in the plastering contracting business
for himself, and has met with exceptional success in every contract
he has undertaken, contributed to in large measure by his skillful
and thorough workmanship, his careful attention to details and his
scrupulous honesty in dealing with his employes and his patrons.
Among the contracts which stand as monuments to his ability are
the West Division high school, the Public Service building, the Au-
ditorium, the Normal school, the Tenth Ward school, the new north
wing of the main hall of the University of Wisconsin at Madison,
and the court-house at Baraboo. In his political relations Mr. Jahn
is a Republican, but has never found leisure to become a candidate
for public office despite the urgent solicitation of his many friends.
His religious faith is German Lutheran, and he is one of the most
loyal and devout members of and workers in the church of that so-
ciety. On Sept. 26, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie
Srhraeder, a native of Germany and a daughter of Henry Schraeder.
Eight children have been the issue of this union, and their names
and ages follow: Reinhardt, a plasterer, twenty-four; George, also
a plasterer, twenty-two; Rosa, eighteen; Walter, seventeen, a plas-
terer; Olga. fourteen, in school; Annie, nine; Minnie, three; Ernest,
one year and a half.
BIOGRAPHICAL I < >~
Theodore Hausmann, a popular carpenter contractor and build-
er, was born on a farm in Farmington, Washington county, Wis.,
on Oct. 10, 1867. His parents, Jacob and Charlotte Hausmann,
were both natives of Germany, who came to the United States and
located on a farm in Washington county. The son Theodore was
given the best education that the public and parochial schools af-
forded, and in 1884, when he had completed his scholastic training,
he returned to the parental home and assisted his father in the con-
duct of the farm for two years. Being- naturally ambitious, he came
to Milwaukee at the end of that time and became apprenticed to a
carpenter. A little experience showed him that he was an adept at
the work and it was not long before he was working as a journey-
man at a journeyman's wages. In 1888, two years after he started
his apprenticeship, he had so far mastered the vocation that he es-
tablished a business of his own. The venture proved successful
financially from the start, and from year to year has constantly in-
creased until now it is one of the best known and best patronized in
the city. In political matters he has always been a loyal adherent
of the principles of the Democratic party and from 1892 to [896 he
served as one of the city appraisers. His religions relations are
with the Roman Catholic church, and fraternally he is prominently
identified with the Catholic Knights and St. Joseph's Society. ( hi
Aug. 6, 1890, Mr. Hausmann was united in marriage to Miss Annie
Kastenholz, a daughter of John and Christina Kastenholz. Three
children have been the issue of this union — Florence, Eugenia and
Annie.
John Mueller, a well-known and popular coppersmith of the
Cream City, was born in Germany on March 24, 1874. and is a son
of Michael Mueller. The larger part of his scholastic training was
received in the public schools of the Fatherland, although after o lin-
ing to Milwaukee in 1894 he spent one year in the public schools of
this city in order to gain a more thorough knowledge of the English
language. Having accomplished this end, he found employment as
a coppersmith, which vocation he had served an apprenticeship at
in his native land with Otto Pietsch. After four years of faithful
service with Mr. Pietsch he severed his connection with him to ac-
cept a more lucrative position with the Gueder & Paeschke C
pany, with whom he remained for two years. For the following
four years he was connected with the Allis-Chalmers Company, hut
becoming convinced that he could gain a better livelihood by under-
taking the establishment of a concern under his own name, he left
the Allis works. His long experience as a coppersmith, his thor-
ough knowledge of the vocation and his skillful workmanship im-
mediately brought him many opportunities and since its inception
the concern has done a constantly increasing business. Mr. Mueller
is not allied with any of the existing political parties, believing that
to exercise his right of franchise for the advancement and better-
ment of the city, state and nation, a man must not lie bound by
party affiliations. In religions matters he is an adherent of the
Lutheran faith, and a devout and zealous member of the church.
l68 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
His only fraternal relations are with the Knights of the Maccabees.
On June 25, 1898, occurred Mr. Mueller's marriage to Miss Lizzie
N. Verner, a daughter of John and Mary Verner, of Milwaukee.
Three children have been born to bless this union, Constantine,
Fred and Josephine, aged ten, seven and three, respectively.
William A. Bechstein, the well-known proprietor of the swim-
ming school at 1 043-1057 Cambridge avenue, is a native of Weimar,
Germany, where he was born on Nov. 28, 1866. His father and
mother, Carl and Paulina (Reps) Bechstein, were both born in Ger-
many and the former served as a soldier in the German Revolution
of 1848 and later in the government employ. William A. Bech-
stein received the educational advantages afforded by the public and
high schools of his native country, and in 1882 came to Milwaukee.
His start in his present business was made in 1883, and his natural
ability as a swimmer and his skill as an instructor at once attracted
many pupils to his school, which has increased in size every year
since. In the summer of 1908 Mr. Bechstein celebrated the twenty-
fifth anniversary of his career as a swimming instructor and re-
ceived congratulations from former pupils and friends all over the
United States. During that period he has personally rescued from
drowning more than a hundred people, certainly an enviable record.
In politics Mr. Bechstein is not allied with any of the existing polit-
ical parties, preferring to exercise his right of franchise as his judg-
ment tells him is for the advancement of the community rather
than be hampered by party ties. The German Lutheran church has
a no more devout communicant nor a more loyal worker than is he.
Fraternally he is identified with the Milwaukee Turnverein, the
Milwaukee Club and the Knights of Pythias. On Feb. 14, 1893, oc-
curred Mr. Bechstein's marriage to Miss Annie Wolf, a daughter of
Charles W. and Kumgunda (Kern) Wolf, of Milwaukee. This
union has been blessed with four children — Carl, Herbert, William
and Gertrude, thirteen, twelve, seven and three years of age, re-
spectively.
Evan D. Jones, the assistant secretary of the Northwestern Mu-
tual Life Insurance Company, was born in Milwaukee on July 25,
1869. He is a son of John S. and Anne (Powell) Jones, both of
whom were born in Wales, who came to Milwaukee early in their
lives. The father was a prominent contractor in his day and lived
a modest, retiring life, giving his whole attention to his business
until the time of his death, which occurred in 1888. Flis widow still
survives him. Evan D. Jones, the subject of this review, received
his educational advantages in the public schools of the city of his
birth. His first employment after leaving school was as an ac-
countant in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail-
way Company, a position which he occupied for a period of six
3 ears. I [e severed that connection to enter the employ of the North-
western Mutual Life Insurance Company in a clerical capacity.
.After holding various important clerkships for different periods un-
til 1906 he was chosen by the board of trustees of the corporation as
assistant secretary. In his political relations Mr. Jones is a stanch
BIOGRAPHICAL 169
adherent of the principles of the Republican party. On April 6,
1907, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Man L. Loflin, of Milwaukee.
They have one son. Robert Loflin Jones.
Wilford M. Patton is well known in Milwaukee and through-
out the United States as the president of the Northwestern National
Insurance Company of Milwaukee. lie was born in Deansville,
Oneida county, N. Y., on June 16, 1847, an( l is a s,m "' Henry F.
and Eliza Jane Patton, of New York. The parents came to Apple-
ton, Wis., in 1855, where the father died in 1884. I lis widow sur-
vives and is a much respected resident of Appleton. Wilford M.
Patton received the somewhat limited education afforded by the
public schools of Appleton and at the age of fourteen years began
his business career as a clerk for the American Express Company
at Appleton. For a time after he severed that connection he was a
messenger for the express company, and then for four years served
as agent at Portage, Wis. The latter position he left to accept the
assistant cashiership of the Columbia County Bank at Portage and
in 1875 came to the Cream City. He at once became associated
with the Northwestern National Insurance Company and has re-
tained his connection in various capacities with that company ever
since. His promotions have been rapid because of his ability and
knowledge of the business. In 1881 he was elected assistant secre-
tary ; in 1895 secretary; in 1899 became second vice-president, and
upon the resignation of Vice-President Mitchell in 1901 was elected
vice-president; and on Dec. 5, 1904, after the death of Mr. James,
was the choice of the directors for president. Something of the his-
tory of the company, which Mr. Patton has so materially aided in
bringing up to its present high standard, will not be out of place
here. It was organized and incorporated by special act of the legis-
lature on June 30, 1869, and the first directors were Alexander
Mitchell, P. D. Armour, Angus Smith, L. H. Kellogg, G. D. Norris,
H. H. Button, John Dahlman, M. P. Medberry, George W. Allen.
Guido Pfister, William Young, E. H. Brodhead, W. G. Fitch, Sam-
uel Marshall and R. P. Ober. The first officers were Alexander
Mitchell, president; P. D. Armour, vice-president; David Ferguson,
treasurer, and James B. Kellogg, secretary. Some $50,000 worth of
stock was sold and the business increased rapidly from the start.
When the great Chicago fire occurred the company paid risks
promptly amounting to $250,000 without injuring its credit. Many
fire insurance companies failed following the fire, but the fact that
the Northwestern withstood the drain on its resources increased
largely its patronage, so that it did even a more flourishing business
after than before the catastrophe. The company is justly proud of
its splendid record, which now ranks it among the first in the state.
The net surplus of the company has been increased until in 1908 it
was $125,000 and over. Although the company started in to do a
marine as well a fire insurance business, it is almost exclusively
devoted to the latter at the present time. Beside his connection
with this corporation Mr. Patton is one of the directors of the Ma-
rine National Bank. Tn politics he is allied with the Republican
I/O MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
party, but although he takes a deep interest in the welfare of the
party, the stress, of business affairs has kept him from filling public
office. In 1867 Mr. Patton was united in marriage to Miss Chris-
tina S. Delamater, a native of Portage. Wis. They have one daugh-
ter. Caroline E., now the wife of John E. Eldred, Jr.
Paul F. Wenzel is a fine type of the enthusiastic, energetic busi-'
ness man of the younger generation in Milwaukee. Born in this
city on Dec. 9, 1882, a son of Ferdinand and Carolina (Luetke)
Wenzel, he received the educational training afforded by the public
schools of the city. He is one of the seven survivors of the family
of twelve children born to his parents, who came to this country
from Germany in 1870. The father was a house mover by voca-
tion, and was engaged in that profession when called to the other
shore in 1908. The mother is still living. After completing his
scholastic work Air. Wenzel entered the employ of Mr. YV. H.
Graebner, a prominent dealer in insurance, loans and real estate, and
soon became an influential member of the concern. In 1903 Mr.
Wenzel was elected assistant secretary of the Badger Mutual Fire
Insurance Company, which position he now occupies in a manner
which redounds not only to his credit, but also to that of the com-
pany. At the time of his election he had the unique distinction of
being the youngest assistant secretary of any corporation doing
business in Milwaukee. Politically Mr. Wenzel is not allied to any
of the existing parties, preferring to exercise his right of suffrage
for the men and measures which make for the betterment of the
city, state and nation. He is a member of St. Stephen's Evangelical
Lutheran church. Fraternally he is identified with the Equitable
Fraternal Union and the Hanover Society. On Dec. 15, 1906, Mr.
Wenzel was united in marriage to Miss Clara Walzer, a native of
Milwaukee and a daughter of Otto and Matilda Walzer, pioneer
residents of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Wenzel have no children.
Albert J. Read, the capable traffic manager of the Filer & Stow-
ell Company of Milwaukee, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May
23, 1859. He came to Milwaukee with his parents while still a youth
and after he had completed the course of study afforded in the pub-
lic schools of this city became an apprentice in the machinist's
trade for the Filer & Stowell Company. When he had served for
some years as a master machinist he returned to Cleveland to ac-
cept a position as superintendent of the Bourne-Knowles Mfg. Com-
pany of that city. He was there but a year, however, returning to
Milwaukee in August. 1896, to re-enter the employ of the Filer &
Stowell Company in the capacity of traffic manager and purchaser
of supplies. This position he now fills with the highest degree of
satisfaction to the firm by which he is employed and to the patrons
of the concern. In politics he is allied with the Republican party,
and finds time to devote to the public weal by service for his party;
the present time he is ward chairman of the Seventeenth ward.
Ili- only fraternal and social relations are with the Royal Arcanum
and the South Side Civic Association. On March 28, 1883. Mr.
Read was united in marriage to Miss Rose A. Jones, whose parents,
BIOGRAPHICAL \J\
now deceased, were pioneers of the < >hio city. The} have no chil-
dren.
Fred Steinmueller, a prominent flour, feed and grain merchant
of the Cream City, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on June 17,
1851, a Min of Louis and Mary Steinmueller. Both parents were
natives of Germany, who came to America in [86] and located in
the Eighth ward of Milwaukee. The mother died in 187(1 and the
father passed away thirteen years later. < >f the nine children horn
to them six are living. Fred Steinmueller, the subject of this mem-
oir, received his educational advantages in the Lutheran parochial
schools and the public schools of this city. After he had started his
business career he took a two years' course in an evening school in
an endeavor to become as proficient as possible in any work which
he chose. I lis first labors were in the brickyards of Burnham
Brothers, and he remained with that firm for a period of two years.
In 1807 he began his work in the business which now furnishes him
a comfortable income, being employed by Stephen Sullentihe at
the corner of Grove street and National avenue. Within five years
he had thoroughly learned all the details of the business and had
secured a sufficient competence to enable him to buy .Mr. Sullen-
tine's establishment. Since 1872 he has been sole proprietor of the
concern, which in that time has grown from small proportions to a
firm with a large business all over the city and the state. In his po-
litical beliefs Mr. Steinmueller is a stanch adherent of the tenets of
the Republican party, and as the successful candidate of that party
served in the common council as the representative from the Eighth
ward in 1800 and 1897. making a record that redounds quite as much
to his own credit as to the wisdom of Ids neighbors in electing him.
Both he and his wife are devout communicants of the German
Lutheran church. On Oct. 29, 1872, Mr. Steinmueller was united in
marriage to Miss Julia Linhopp, a native of Franklin, Wis., whose
parents were early Wisconsin pioneers. To this union have been
born six children. Anna, the eldest, is the wife of II. G. Winther;
Fred T., who married Louise Schroeder, is associated in business
with his father; Walter L. ; Margaret is a student at Red Wing.
Minn.; Charles H. is a graduate of the South Division high school,
who entered the Cniversity of Wisconsin at Madison; and Emerald
is a high school student. Mr. Steinmueller is recognized as one of
the most substantial business men of the city, and his courteous
manner and keen sense of integrity make him friends everywhere.
Morris Miller, president of the Great Western Knitting Co.,
was horn in Hungary, Austria, Jan. 25, 1847, the son of Herman and
Rachael Miller, both natives of I Iungary, where the\ lived and died.
The father was a farmer and a wool buyer. They were the parents
of six children, five of whom are living, and of these four reside in
America. Morris received his education up to his twelfth year in
the schools of the village where he resided, and from twelve to six-
teen in Budapest. At the age of eighteen he came to America, lo-
cating in Meadville, Pa. He established a fancv sfoods business
here and remained for seven years, after which he removed to Kala-
172 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
mazoo, Mich., where he lived for eight years. In 1881 he removed
to Milwaukee and entered the knit goods business under the name
of the Great Western Knitting Co. The business has grown rapidly
and he now has a very extensive trade. In 1880 Mr. Miller married
Miss Annie Rich, daughter of Emanuel Rich, of Michigan. To this
union have been born four children — Ray, Bertram, Edward and
Harold. In politics Mr. Miller belongs to the Republican party. In
religion he belongs to the Temple of Emanuel, of which he has been
president and trustee for a great many years. He is also connected
with the Hebrew Charities of Milwaukee, of which he has been
president for some time. He is a director of the Mt. Sinai Hospital
and a trustee of the Sir Moses Montifiore Home for the Aged in
Cleveland, Ohio. He is a member of the Milwaukee Lodge, A. F.
and A. M. ; of the Athletic Club and several other fraternal organi-
zations.
Walter Burleigh Potter, senior member of the firm of Potter &
Crosby, and general manager of the Wisconsin Hollow Concrete
Wall Co., was born at Lawrence, Mass., Nov. 24, 1866, the son of
James Leroy and Jemininah (Morse) Potter, both natives of New
Hampshire. The father was a photographer by trade and died in
Massachusetts in 1867. The mother came to Milwaukee in 1883 and
spent her remaining days in this city. The paternal great-grand-
father, Anthony Potter, born in Ipswich, Mass., Feb. 1, 1756, was a
private in Capt. Peter Kimball's company, Col. Thomas Stickney's
regiment, General Stark's brigade, New Hampshire militia, which
company joined the northern continental army at Bennington and
Stillwater. He was discharged Sept. 25, 1777, after a short term of
service of two months and six days. He died in Concord, N. H.,
March 13, 1856. The father was active in the home work and or-
ganization of companies for the war of 1861, but did not go into the
field himself. Walter Burleigh Potter received his education in the
public schools of Lawrence, Mass., and at Mitchell's Military Acad-
emy of Billerica, Mass. He came with his mother to Milwaukee in
1883 and entered the employ of W. W. Colvin in the brokerage
business. In 1887 he entered the business independently and has
continued in it successfully ever since. He is now general manager
of the Wisconsin Hollow Concrete Wall Co. and of the Brick and
Stone Co. On Aug. 17, 1895, Mr. Potter was married'to Miss Laura,
daughter of William and Katherine Hendy, of Dodgeville, Wis.
Her parents were old settlers in Wisconsin, coming from Cornwall,
En gland, years ago. To' their union have been born four children —
Katherine, aged twelve ; James Leroy, aged ten ; John Hendy, aged
four ; and Margaret Hendy, aged eighteen months. In politics Mr.
Potter votes the Republican ticket and in religion he is a member
of the Congregational church. Socially and fraternally he is promi-
nenl in Masonic circles, being a member of the Wisconsin Consist-
ory ; a member of the Sons of the American Revolution ; a member
of the Wisconsin Sons of the Revolution, and he was at one time a
member of the national guard, serving under Captain Oliver, First
liarht battery.
BIOGRAPHICAL 173
Edward La Budde, a prominent grain dealer, connected with
the Franke Grain Co., was born in Greenbush, Sheboygan county,
Wis., the son of Louis and Bertha Schissler Le Budde, the former
born in Germany and the latter in Plymouth, Sheboygan county.
Wis. Louis La Budde came to America in 1858 with his father and
located in Greenbush. His father, F. La Budde, was the oldest set-
tler in that town and he died there in 1907, at the age of ninety-one
years. Louis was a farmer until about thirty-five years of age and
since that time has followed the vocation of a carpenter. Lie and
his wife are now living at Elkhart Lake, Sheboygan county, Wis.
They are both members of the Evangelical Reformed church. They
were the parents of eight children, all of whom are living. Edward
La Budde was educated in the schools of Plymouth, graduating
from the high school there. Lie then spent one year at the Mil-
waukee Medical College. In 1902 he entered the grain business in
connection with a firm at Elkhart Lake and remained with them for
three years. In 1905 he sold out his interest in this firm and came
to Milwaukee to take charge of the feed department of the Franke
Grain Co., which position he still holds. On April 11, 1906, he mar-
ried Miss Minnie, daughter of George and Margaret Diefenthaeler,
of Sheboygan county, old settlers there, and both of whom are now
deceased. To this union have been born two children — George,
Jan. 30, 1907, and Margaret, May 15, 1908. In politics Mr. La Budde
is independent. In religion he and his wife both attend the People's
Pulpit, but he still retains his membership in the home church at
Elkhart Lake.
Ernst Mohr, general superintendent of the National Enameling
and Stamp Works of Milwaukee, was born at Milwaukee, Wis.,
May 16, 1865, the son of Oswald and Elizabeth (Hetzel) Mohr,
both natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1848 and
located near Cedarburg, where his parents had preceded him. Soon
after he came to Milwaukee and began work as a cooper, at times
owning his own shop. Later he entered the employ of the Philip
Best Brewing Co., now the Pabst Brewing Co., and with them he
spent the last twenty-five years of his life. He was married to
Elizabeth Hetzel in Milwaukee and they were the parents of eight
children, five boys and three girls. He died in October. 1906, but
the mother is still living. Ernst Mohr received his education in the
common schools of Milwaukee and at the age of fourteen he en-
tered the tin shop of the Kieckhefer Bros., who later became part of
the National Enameling Co., and has remained with that firm since
that time. He served in the capacity of foreman for a long time,
then was assistant general superintendent for eight years, and in
1890 was promoted .to general superintendent, which position he
still holds. He is one of the oldest employes of the company, it hav-
ing been but a tin shop when he began working for them. Mr.
Mohr knows no other business, having made this the work of a life-
time. On Dec. 26, 1886, he was married to Miss Henrietta Wollen-
ziehn. daughter of Henry and Wilhelmina ( flicker) Wollenziehn,
of Milwaukee, both of whom are still living. The father was an old
174 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
settler in Milwaukee and served as a soldier in the Civil war in
Company I, Thirteenth Indiana volunteers. Mr. and Mrs. Mohr
are the parents of six children, as follows : Oswald W., a graduate
of the U. W. Agricultural Course in 1906, now a farmer in North
Dakota ; Henry C, an apprentice with Klaii & Van Pieterson, ad-
vertisers and designers; Ronald F. and Ernst J., in school; and
"Walter J. and Milton X., deceased.
Monroe A. Kleinsteuber, superintendent of the police alarm
system of Milwaukee, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., April 2, 1867,
the son of Charles F. and Carolina Kleinsteuber, the former born in
Coburg, Gotha, Germany, Nov. 12, 1821, and the latter in Stetin,
Pommern, Germany, June 26, 1839. The father came to America
and direct to Milwaukee in 1852. Soon after his arrival here he
established a foundry and engaged in the manufacture of machin-
ery, stencils, brass castings, etc., and it soon became the largest in
the city. During the war he was permitted by the government to
coin pennies for the business men of Milwaukee. He was the first
agent for sewing machines in Milwaukee. He also assisted Mr.
Densmore in the invention and perfection of his first typewriter.
He was a man well known for his honest and fair dealing in busi-
ness as well as for his generosity and charitableness. He once
bought a tract of land and gave it to his employes for them to build
their houses on. He was the father of nine children, three of whom
are living. Monroe A. received his education in the German-Eng-
lish Academy. He then went to Chicago and was in the employ of
the Chicago Telephone Co. from 1882 to 1885. He returned to Mil-
waukee and became connected with the Police Alarm Telegraph
Department, which his brother, Oscar K., had helped to install as
an experiment in 1882, only eight boxes being put in at that time.
At the present time the city owns over six hundred miles of under-
ground wires. In 1903 Oscar was transferred to the fire department
and Monroe A. was made superintendent of the police alarm sys-
tem, in which capacity he is serving at the present time. He is not
affiliated with any political party, but has received his promotions
in the civil service because of his merit and efficiency. He has three
brothers, all of whom are of a mechanical turn of mind, and have
all followed the electrical business. On May 10, 1893, Mr. Klein-
steuber was married to Miss Tillie Porth, daughter of William
Porth, and this union has been blessed with one son, Erwin Klein-
steuber,
Harry N. Wilson, manager of the Western Feed Market Bu-
reau, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., Jan. 12, 1870, the son of Henry
X. and Emma Julia (Batchelor) Wilson. The father was born in
Brooklyn, X. V.. and the mother in London, Eng. They were mar-
ried in Hohocas, X. J., and resided in Brooklyn, where he was en-
ged in the stone business with his father, Joseph Wilson, who
was a very prominent man in Brooklyn for many years. He served
president of the Board of Aldermen for thirteen years and also
served as acting mayor for some time. He with his son, Henry X.,
d on a verv extensive stone and marble business, beingf im-
BIOGRAPHICAL 175
porters of Italian marble. The) put up many monuments in the
South before the war, but on account of the inability of the South-
erners to pay after the war broke out, they failed. They also had a
large general store at Georgetown, S. ('.. which was confiscated,
and from which place Henry barely escaped with his life, he being
suspected as a spy. After returning from the South he engaged in
the commission business, and in 1875 came to Milwaukee, where he
established a commission business and carried it on successfully
until [901, when he retired. lie and wife are the parents of the
children, all living. A brother is a captain in the l'. S. \a\ 3 and
another is a major in the I'. S. Army, stationed at Oakland, Cal.
Harry X. Wilson received his education in the public schools of
.Milwaukee and in the preparatory department i^i the Beloit Col-
lege. After leaving school he entered the employ of the Milwaukee.
Lake Shore & Western Ivy. (since absorbed by the C. & Nf. W. Ry.)
in the capacity of paymaster's clerk. Later he entered the employ
of Chapin & Co., grain dealers, and remained with them four or five
years, \fter severing his connection with that firm he entered into
a partnership with his father which lasted for two years. Then he
became associated with Charles R. Lull, shipper. In June, [904, he
entered the publishing- business, issuing a daily known as the "Daily
Feed Report." He is also associated with the Daily Commercial
Letter, of which F. W. Friese is publisher. He is also the Mil-
waukee correspondent of the "Northwestern Miller" of Minneapo-
lis. In politics he is independent, voting for the man who, in his
judgment, is best qualified to hold the office. In religion he affili-
ates with the Episcopal church. He is a member of the Milwaukee
Press Club. In October, 1887, Mr. Wilson was presented by the
citizens of Milwaukee with a beautiful gold watch nicely engraved
with his initials as a token of their appreciation of his heroic act in
leaping from the Oneida street bridge to save a drowning boy. The
Light Horse Scptadron also presented him with a medal for this
brave act. Mr. Wilson is unmarried.
William H. Simpson, the able superintendent of the Northwest-
ern Fuel Company of Milwaukee, is a native of the Keystone state,
born at Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 9, 1846, being the son of William H.
and Matilde ( Hood) Simpson, who were natives of Ireland. They
immigrated to America from the Emerald Isle about 1836. and lo-
cated in Philadelphia. The elder Simpson was a merchant tailor
and followed that trade after locating in this country. In 1852 the
family moved to Johnstown. Fa., but remained only two years,
when they came west, settling in Chicago, where the father and
mother lived the remainder of their days. Mr. Simpson died Feb.
20. 1863, leaving his wife and eleven children to mourn his loss. The
brave mother assumed the responsibilities of the family and reared
her children alone. The burdens of life were lifted from her in
[880, and on Nov. r of that year she passed to her long rest. When
the country w r as torn by the strife of civil war in the early sixties
our subject responded to the call for volunteers and enlisted as a
private in Company < ', One Hundred and Fortieth Illinois infantry.
I76 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
This regiment was organized at Camp Butler June 18, 1864, and
mustered into the United States service on that day for one hundred
days' service. It was sent to Memphis and acted as guard along
the railroad between that place and Holly Springs. Subsequently
it was ordered to Memphis and did guard duty until ordered to
Camp Frey, Chicago, and mustered out, Oct. 29, 1864. Mr. Simp-
son received his education in the public schools of Chicago and at
the age of ten entered the employ of a bookbinding concern as office
boy. On June 3, 1861, he entered the service of the Western Union
Telegraph Co. as messenger boy. While working in this capacity
he learned telegraphy and obtained a position as operator with tiie
Illinois Central Railroad Company and remained with the company
until he enlisted in the army in 1864. After returning from the w T ar
he was again employed by the company and given charge of the
Illinois Central station at Dunleith, now East Dubuque. He re-
mained there until 1867, when he became a clerk on a Mississippi
river steamboat between St. Louis and St. Paul. Mr. Simpson liked
the life and as his work was congenial, remained in the service of
the boat company for ten years. In 1877 he came to Milwaukee and
started in business with the Northwestern Fuel Company and his
services proved so efficient that within three years he was made su-
perintendent of the concern, which position he has since continued
to hold to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Simpson is
independent in his politics, with a strong belief in the policies of
the Democratic party, but in local affairs exercises his privilege of
franchise as his conscience dictates. He is a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic, having served as Junior Vice-Commander of
E. B. Wolcott Post, Milwaukee, for one year. On Dec. 23, 1869, Mr.
Simpson was united in marriage with Sarah M., the daughter of
John and Hannah Cheetham, natives of England, who came to
America and settled in Rome, N. Y. Subsequently they came west
and located at Dubuque, about 1857, and lived there until the close
of their days. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson became the parents of three
children : Joseph W., president of the J. W. Simpson Coal Com-
pany ; George C, the manager of The Royal Insurance Company in
Cleveland, Ohio, and William Burt, who is secretary and treasurer
of the J. W. Simpson Coal Co.
Abram Nicholas Lucas, the efficient and popular general fore-
man of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad shops, is a na-
tive of Wisconsin, born at Green Bay, May 22, 1862. His father
was Abraham Lucas, born in Madison county, Ohio, Nov. 26, 1836,
and his mother was Mary Van Delor, born in Holland, Feb. 29,
1844. The father moved from Ohio to Wisconsin about 1854 an d
located in Fort Howard. Mary Van Delor came to America the
same year and also located in Fort Howard, where she met and
married Abraham "Lucas, who was engaged in the saw mill busi-
ness. In 1871 or 1872 Abraham Lucas was City Marshal of that
city and after his term of office expired he followed the tinsmith's
trade until 1803, when he retired. For the last five years he has
been street commissioner of Green Bav. Mr. Lucas alwavs takes
BIOGRAPHICAL 1 77
an active part in politics and has had the honor of representing his
party as alderman for four years. Three sons and three daughters
were born to Air. and Airs. Lucas, of whom five are still living - . Mr.
Lucas enlisted at Lincoln's last call for volunteers during the war of
the Rebellion and served until mustered out of the service. Abram,
the subject of this review, received a practical education in the pub-
lic schools of Green Bay and after leaving school worked with his
father one year before entering the employ of D. M. Burns, who ran
a machine shop and foundry. Six months later he entered the boiler
shops of D. Al. Burns, where he remained two years learning the
boilermaker's trade. Subsequently he finished learning the trade
with Larry Brothers, of Green Bay. In 1881 Mr. Lucas went to
Escanaba, Mich., and worked for the C. & N. W. R. R. until Decem-
ber, 1882. A month later, in January, 1883, he entered the employ
of the Milwaukee Northern Railroad, as journeyman boilermaker
and shortly after was made foreman of the shops, where he re-
mained until 1901. At that time he was transferred to Dubuque
and placed in charge of the boiler works. Mr. Lucas' services
proved so efficient at Dubuque that in April, 1904, he came to Mil-
waukee to take charge of the boiler shops for the Milwaukee rail-
road. In three years he was promoted to general foreman, which
responsible position he still holds. Mr. Lucas has earned his pro-
motions by his strict attention to duty, thorough knowledge of his
subject and his personal attention to all parts of the business. Air.
Lucas is a Republican, and although he has never aspired to office,
always takes an active interest in politics, and has at various times
had the honor of introducing noted speakers at railroad men's meet-
ings. In 1896 he was active in organizing a Railroad Men's Sound
Money Club at Green Bay, Wis. Mr. Lucas is affiliated with the
Knights of Pythias, the Royal Arcanum and the Maccabees, and in
the last two societies has held all the offices of honor. He is also a
member of the International Boilermakers' Association, of which he
is third vice-president. On Dec. 25, 1883, ^ r - Lucas was united in
marriage with Ella Colista, the daughter of Captain C. A. and Fran-
ces Freeman. Mrs. Lucas was born in Oconto, Wis., where her
parents were old settlers. For many years Air. Freeman was cap-
tain and owner of a lake steamer. His wife died in 1905 and since
her death he has lived very quietly. Six children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Lucas : Fred A., engaged in the signal department of
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad ; Ninabel, a graduate
of the Dubuque high school ; Irene, a student in the Milwaukee high
school ; William D., and two children who died in infancy. The
family are members of the Presbyterian church of Green Bay, Wis.
Walter G. Souders, manager of the bond department of the Mil-
waukee Trust Company, is a native of New Jersey, born at Salem,
Salem county, Dec. 29, 1871, being the son of George and Sarah C.
Souders, who were born at Glassboro, N. J., in 1835 an d 1842, re-
spectively. When this nation was rent asunder by the strife of
civil war George Souders responded to the call for volunteers and
served his country during the four years of strife. Walter, the sub-
12
178 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
ject of this review, received his elementary education in his native
state and subsequently entered Dickinson College, Pennsylvania,
where he graduated in 1898. During his college course he had
studied theology and after graduation served as pastor of the Con-
gregational churches at Elmwood, 111., and Blue Island, 111., but
gave up the ministry to engage in commercial pursuits and came to
Milwaukee. For four years he was the Milwaukee representative
of the Trowbridge & Nivek Bond Company, but a little over a year
ago he severed his connection with this firm to accept a better one
with the Milwaukee Trust Company, and assumed the management
of the bond department. In America this twentieth century is es-
sentially an age of the young man in business, and there is no limit
set to the heights which may be accessible to the self-reliant and
ambitious young man. Mr. Souders has demonstrated this and
stands among the prominent representatives of the younger element
of business men in the city. He is a member of the Republican
party, but his busy life leaves him no time to seek political honors.
On March 24, 1899, Mr. Souders was united in marriage with Mar-
tha J., the daughter of John and Maria Zeitler, who were residents
of Peenasutawney, Pa. Two children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Souders : Beulah Grace, born June 5, 1900, and John Paul,
born March 15, 1902. Mr. Souders is a member of the Phi Delta
Theta fraternity and is a member of the Milwaukee Club, Univer-
sity Club, Town Club, Milwaukee Country Club, the Chicago Uni-
versity Club and the Press Club of Chicago. He is also a member
of the Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce.
Henry W. Schwab, the owner and manager of one of the promi-
nent grocery houses of the West Side, Milwaukee, located at 2207
Wells street, is a native of the Cream City, born there Nov. 8, 1863,
being the son of John M. and Ottilia (Heeg) Schwab, both of whom
were born in Germany, 1830 being the birth year of each. John M.
Schwab, the father of our subject, was a wood worker in the old
country. He heard of the great opportunities open to a young man
in America and immigrated to this country in 1854, and soon after
landing located in Milwaukee. When the call to arms came at the
outbreak of the Civil war he responded and served under the flag
of his adopted country. Henry received his educational training in
the public school of Milwaukee, and when his studies were finished
began to work in a grocery store as a clerk. Like so many of the
second generation he was ambitious and bound to make his way in
the world. When only twenty-two years of age he established him-
self in the grocery business on State street near Fifteenth street.
There he built up a good trade by honesty, fair dealing and a deter-
mined effort to please his customers. Thirteen years ago the trade
outgrew its quarters and Mr. Schwab moved to his present location,
where his trade is still larger. At the new store more branches
were added, and it is one of the largest and most prosperous retail
houses in the city. Mr. Schwab belongs to no party, believing it
better to vote as his conscience dictates rather than be bound by
party rule. He is a member of the Congregational church, a di-
BIOGRAPHICAL 179
rector in the Merchants" and Manufacturers' Bank, president of The
Loose Shotola Commission Co., treasurer of the National Associa-
tion of Retail Grocers and is president of the Milwaukee Retail
Grocers' Association. On Sept. 24, 1885, Mr. Schwab was united in
marriage with Emma, the daughter of Yocham and Alary ( Stucker )
Speich, residents of Milwaukee. Two children were born to this
union : Walter H., who is associated with the Merchants' and Man-
ufacturers' Rank, and Emma.
Henry Hoerl, for many years a prominent figure in the brewing
circles of Milwaukee, has achieved his prominence through untiring
energetic effort. He is of German descent and was born at Altdorf,
Bavaria, Germany, April 26, 1854, the son of George and Anna
(Funck) Hoerl, natives of the famous old city of Nuremberg.
Henry, the subject of this review, received his education in the ele-
mentary schools of his native city and then took a course in the high
school. After finishing his studies he was employed in breweries in
Germany for several years. He served with distinction in the Ger-
man army as sergeant of artillery of a Munich regiment. Ambi-
tious to rise in the world and recognizing the greater possibilities
and advantages offered in this country to young men of energy and
determination, he left his home in 1878, when twenty-four years of
age, and set out for the new world, entering upon a career in the
■course of which he encountered many disappointments, to ultimate-
ly reap the reward of honest efforts in abundant prosperity. Soon
after landing in New York he found employment in the breweries
there and took the brewmaster's course in the New York Brewing
Academy, winning the first prize in 1886. This brought him into
prominence among the brewing men of the city and he secured an
excellent position. In 1892 he moved to Milwaukee to become su-
perintendent of the Valentine Blatz Brewing Company and has
made their beer famous. On June 4, 1878, Mr. Hoerl married Kath-
erine, the daughter of Michael and Katherine (Neuner) Strobel, of
Albany, N. Y. Four children have come to bless this union: Emil,
who is the proprietor of the Germania brewery of Altoona, Pa. ;
Jenny, John M., who resides in Milwaukee, and Annie, the wife of
George Schott, who runs a cooperage works in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoerl are communicants of the Lutheran church, to
which their ancestors have belonged for many generations. Mr.
Hoerl is affiliated with the Masonic Order, having taken the Bine
Lodge, the Chapter, Knights Templar and Consistory degrees, and
he is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. Fie is a popular member
of the Deutscher Club, the Millioki Club, the Milwaukee Music Ve-
rcin and the "West Side Turn Verein.
Alexander E. Raffauf, the efficient treasurer of the American
Automobile Company, at 187 Wisconsin street, was born at Mil-
waukee on June 9, 1875. He is a son of Jacob Raffauf. a sketch of
whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Raffauf attended the
public schools of Milwaukee to receive his primary educational ad-
vantages and laid the foundation of a business career at the Spen-
serian Business College. For a period of twelve years he was asso-
l8o MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
ciated in a clerical capacity with the Second Ward Bank, and when
he severed that connection it was to enter the automobile business
with his father. For more than four years now he has been most
successfully engaged, and his thorough knowledge of the trade, if
such it might be called, and his inherent ability as a mechanic have
won for him an excellent reputation among automobilists in the
state and city. He now holds the responsible position of treasurer
of the American Automobile Company, which is doing a large and
flourishing business. In his political relations Mr. Raffauf is a Re-
publican, but has never sought to become a public office holder. He
is liberal in his religious views, believing that the highest standard
of right living is obtained by individual effort, not by the blind fol-
lowing of creed or sect. Mr. Raffauf is unmarried. He has a host
of friends, who predict for him a brilliant future in the commercial
field.
Oscar A. Kaiser, the genial proprietor of Kaiser's Hair Bazaar,
at the corner of Mason and Milwaukee streets, is a. son of Adam and
Amelia (Schultz) Kaiser, and was born in this city on March 8,
1876. The father was born in Germany in 1839 an< ^ the mother in
Milwaukee in 1846, and the former is one of the oldest cigarmakers
in the city, now conducting factory No. 134 in this city in the same
place that he has had for thirty-one years. Oscar A. Kaiser re-
ceived his primary education in the public schools of Milwaukee
and laid the foundation for a business career by a course in the
Spencerian Business College. At the age of fifteen years he en-
tered the Merchants' Exchange Bank as a messenger and clerk and
was afterward employed in a similar capacity in the First National
Bank. In 1900 he purchased the business which now occupies him,
which was established in 1888. His enterprise, thrift and sterling
integrity have built up for him a large and lucrative business, which
is increasing in size from year to year. In politics Mr. Kaiser is in-
dependent of any political affiliation, preferring to exercise his right
of suffrage as his conscience and judgment dictate rather than be
hampered by party allegiance. In a business and social way he is
identified with the Milwaukee Musical Society, the Merchants' and
Manufacturers' Association and the Milwaukee Concertina Club.
His religious relations arei with Trinity German Lutheran church,
of which he is a devout and loyal member. On Sept. 5, 1900, Mr.
Kaiser was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Emma
Hahn, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Maas) Hahn, of Mil-
waukee. For the past twenty-five years Mr. Hahn has conducted
one of the largest bakeries in the city at Seventeenth and Chestnut
streets. To Mr. and Mrs. Kaiser was born, in 1908, a son, Arthur
Oscar.
C. Columbus Owens, manager of the R. G. Owens estate, in
Milwaukee, was born in this city on June 22, 1851, a son of Richard
1 .. ' >wens, a brief review of whose life appears elsewhere in this
volume, in the sketch of another son, Richard G. Owens. Mr.
Owens attended the public schools of the city and the Milwaukee
Academy, and laid the foundation for a business career in the
BIOGRAPHICAL l8l
S]K'ncerian Business College of -Milwaukee. For several years he
was a member of the firm of Bechtner, Gersting & Company, manu-
facturers of vinegar, and afterward engaged in the same business at
East Saginaw, Mich. From there he went to Milbank, Dakota Ter-
ritory, and with a brother established the general mercantile busi-
ness of Owens Brothers. The firm did a flourishing business for
a number of years, but after the death of his lather Mr. Owens dis-
posed of his interests and returned to Milwaukee to share with
Ids brother, Richard G., the management of the large estate left
by his father. This work, and the sale of realty, has kept him oc-
cupied ever since. He is a Republican in his political belief, but
has never aspired to hold offices of public trust. In his religious
relations he is associated with the Grand Avenue Congregational
church and is one of the most loyal and devout workers in that
society. On Feb. 3, 1881, Mr. Owens was united in marriage to
Miss Josephine M. Purely, a daughter of Nathaniel and Susan J.
(Reamer) Purdy, of this city. Although Mr. Purdy has passed the
four-score milestone he is actively engaged as superintendent of
the Milwaukee Spoke & Bending Company. He is the patentee of
a process used in wood bending by the firm and has the reputation
of being the best judge of lumber in the state. He is also the in-
ventor of many different kinds of woodworking machinery used
all over the country. He was in the employ of the government at
Louisville, Ky., during the Civil war, building and repairing rail-
way coaches on the L. & N. Mr. and Mrs. Owens are the parents
of two sons, John Purdy and George James, aged fifteen and ten
years, respectively, both of whom are students in the city schools.
Through the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Owens the Congregational
church at Milbank was built, Mr. Owens being the first Sunday
school superintendent ; Mrs. Owens being the secretary of the
Sunday school, also the church organist.
James Leedom, a leading salesman of the Cudahy Packing
Company, is a native of the Emerald Isle, having been born in
Dublin, Ireland, on May 29, 1841, a son of Hampton and Erina
(O'Connor) Leedom, of Dublin. His educational advantages he
received in the public schools of Dublin and London, England, and
when but nineteen years of age came to the Lmited States. In
1861, a year after his arrival in this country, he came to Milwaukee.
His father was engaged in the making of lard oil, and until 1866
Mr. Leedom served in his employ. Then he removed to Chicago,
and later engaged in the making of tow from flax, first in Kankakee,
111., and afterward in Decatur. He returned to Milwaukee in 1876
and has since made this city his home. He became associated with
the late John Plankinton in the packing industry, and when the
Cudahy Company purchased Mr. Plankinton's interest he continued
his association with the firm. His natural ability and his inherent
traits of enterprise, thrift and integrity have made him valuable
to the firm and his excellent qualities are recognized by the whole
community. Mr. Leedom is allied with no party or faction, but
casts his vote for the men and principles which in his judgment
l82 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
make for the best welfare of the community as a whole. His church
relations are with the Unitarian society, and for many years he
has been one of the pillars of the faith. On June 30, 1869, Mr.
Leedom was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Blayney, a
daughter of Thomas W. Blayney, of Chicago. Five children have
been the issue of this union, James B., Hampton, Mary E., Eliza-
beth and Louisa, now Mrs. G. F. Bartlett, of Denver, Colo.
Albert C. Elser, the efficient bookkeeper and cashier of the
Elser Meat Company, on East Water street, was born in Milwaukee
on Aug. 31, 1871. He is a son of John Elser, whose sketch appears
elsewhere in this volume. His education was obtained in the pub-
lic schools of Milwaukee, and in a course of study at the German-
English Academy of the same city. When seventeen years of
age he began his business career as a clerk in the office of the North-
western Mutual Life Insurance Company. Three years of serv-
ice with that corporation made him thoroughly conversant with
modern methods of bookkeeping, and at the end of that time he
severed his connection with the insurance company to become as-
sociated with his father in the meat business. In his relations with
the company as cashier and bookkeeper he has established a mod-
ern system, which greatly expedites the large business of the con-
cern. He is allied with no political organization and exercises his
right of franchise for men and measures that he thinks will best
help the public weal. His leisure time he devotes to the Mil-
waukee Athletic and the Deutscher clubs. Mr. Elser has three
children, Gertrude, Elizabeth and Alfred, whose ages are seven,
five and three years, respectively. Although a comparatively young
man he has risen to a position of prominence in the commercial
circles, and is much esteemed by all who know him.
John Elser, a popular meat dealer at 463 East W T ater street,
was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, on Jan. 25, 1835. He is a son
of John M. Elser and his wife (nee Margaret Rabael). His educa-
tional training was limited to the courses afforded by the public
schools of his native land. Being of an ambitious nature he de-
termined to seek his fortune in the New World, and accordingly,
when but fifteen years of age, he immigrated to America. He came
direct to Milwaukee after his arrival and obtained employment
in the meat business. After a few years he had saved sufficient of
his earnings to embark in business for himself, and in 1868 he opened
the store which he has ever since so successfully managed. Reared
in a school of hardship and privation he brought to his business
those traits of honesty and frugality with which he had early be-
come imbued, with the result that success has crowned his every
effort. He is not affiliated with any one of the existing political
parties, preferring to exercise his right of franchise as his con-
science and judgment dictate rather than be hampered by part) r
ties. His religious relations are with the Lutheran church, and all
his children have been reared in that faith. Mr. Elser's wife was
formerly Miss Frances Auer, of Milwaukee. Seven children came
to bless their marriage, Albert C, William J., Hedwig, Clara, Irma,
BIOGRAPHICAL 183
Adela and Robert, deceased. For more than forty years Mr. Elser
has been an influential member of the Chamber of Commerce.
William C. Bensemann, the popular secretary and treasurer of
the Northern Construction Company, was born in Milwaukee on
July 8, 1858, and is a son of John 11. and Katherine Bensemann, of
Hanover, Germany. His scholastic training was received in the
public and Lutheran parochial schools, and later he took a course
in business training at the Spencerian Business College. When
he was but eighteen years of age he became apprenticed to John
Langenberger, and under his proficient preceptorship soon learned
the details of the carpenter's trade. After serving some years as
a journeyman in his vocation he became estimator for the William
H. Schmidt Sash and Door Company, but later served in that ca-
pacity with Ferge & Keipper. In 1900 Mr. Ferge with others organ-
ized the Northern Construction Company, and upon the election of
officers Mr. Bensemann was made the secretary, and soon after-
ward assumed the responsible duties of treasurer. In political mat-
ters he is allied with the progressive element of the Republican
party. His religious relations are with the German Lutheran
church. On Sept. 3, 1885, Mr. Bensemann was united in marriage
to Miss Bertha Wohlers, a daughter of Diedrich and Sophia Wohl-
ers, pioneers of Mihvaukee, who came from Hanover, Germany.
To this union has been born one daughter, Sophia.
Fred N. Winter, one of the instructors and owners of the
Winter Conservatory of Music, is a native of Milwaukee, where
he was born on March 15, 1882. He is of direct German descent, his
father, Fred Winter, having been born in Germany in 1853. His
mother, Eva (Freis) Winter, was born in Milwaukee in 1857.
Both the maternal and paternal grandparents were native Ger-
mans. Fred N. Winter received his scholastic training in the pub-
lic and parochial schools of the Cream City. His musical instruc-
tion was received from the best teachers which the city afforded,
and long before he opened his present studio at 222 Grand avenue,
he had won a reputation as a skilled soloist. He started his work
as a teacher in 1900 and later became associated with his sister, Mrs.
May Winter, and his brother, Robert, in the Winter Conservatory
of Music. In this institution instruction is given on the violin,
mandolin, guitar, piano and flute. In politics Mr. Winter is allied
with the Democratic party, but has never aspired to public office.
In religious matters he is a communicant of the Roman Catholic
church. Fraternally he is affiliated with St. Leo's Sodality Club,
the Catholic Choral Club, the Deutscher Mannerferein and other
societies. Mr. Winter is recognized throughout the city as an ex-
cellent musician and is often called upon to appear in public.
Martin Wingerter, a musician of well known ability, is a na-
tive of German}*, where he w r as born Nov. 1, i860, at Speier-on-the-
Rhine. He is a son of Frederick M. Wingerter and Mary M. (Wet-
tengel) Wingerter, both of whom lived their lives in the Father-
land, where they w r ere born in 1839. Martin's scholastic training
w r as received in the common schools of the land of his birth and
184 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
the Latin school. His musical education was received from some
of the best teachers which Germany afforded. For four years he
took private instruction on the violin from Michael Mohler, who
played first violin at the Court and National theater at Mannheim ;
for two years he was a student at the Royal Music School at Wurtz-
burg, and for two years more he was a student under Prof. Jean
Becker, one of the most celebrated teachers of violin in Germany.
His residence in the United States dates from 1885. At the time
of his arrival Mr. H. M. Mandel and Prof. Hans Catenhusen were
advertising for musicians to play in the large saengerfest which
was held in Milwaukee in 1886, and in answer to their advertise-
ment Mr. Wingerter came to the Cream City, which has ever since
been his residence. In politics he allies himself with the Republic-
an party. His church affiliations are with the Protestant Evan-
gelical society of Germany, and his only fraternal association is
with the Milwaukee Musicians' Association. On Sept. 19, 1885,
Mr. Wingerter was united in marriage to Miss Jeanne Ponsot,
daughter of Alype and Adele (Maillot) Ponsot, of the Depart-
ment of Doubs, France. Mrs. Wingerter is a grandniece of the late
Bishop Consot, for many years prominent in New York ecclesiast-
ical history. To Mr. and Mrs. Wingerter has been born one son,
Frederick M., who is now associated with H. Hengels, the
architect.
John Blommer, part owner and manager of an enterprising
wagon company in Milwaukee, was born in Milwaukee on April
18, 1861. His ancestors for many generations were residents of Ger-
many, where his father, Michael Blommer, was born in 1817, and
the mother, Anna (Neubauer) Blommer, in 1822. The father came
to Milwaukee some sixty-five years ago. John Blommer took ad-
vantage of what educational opportunities the parochial schools of
the city afforded, and when he had completed his course of study
there he learned the wagon maker's trade. For the past quarter of
a century now he has operated a wagon-making enterprise under
the name of Shielke & Blommer, which has come to stand for skilled
workmanship, integrity and square dealing. Politically Mr. Blom-
mer is a member of the Democratic party, and although engrossed
in his everyday work he finds time to devote to working for the
good of that party. Both he and his family are communicants of
the Catholic church. Mr. Blommer was united in marriage on
May 7, 1888, to Miss Katherine Kessenisch, a daughter of Herman
J. and Gertrude Kessenisch, of Milwaukee. Nine children have
blessed this union. They are Marie, Joseph J., a rate clerk in the
offices of the Rock Island railroad; Theresa, Conrad, in the em-
ploy of the Andrae Electrical Company ; Gertrude, Walter, Dorothy,
Sylvester and Ruth.
Jacob Tellier, prominent in the commercial life of Milwaukee
as the superintendent of construction of the Herman Andrae Elec-
trical Company, was born in Milwaukee on Dec. 16, 1871. He is of
good Dutch stock, the father, William Tellier, having been born
in Rotterdam, Holland, in 1843 ar, d the mother, Alice (DeVriese)
BIOGRAPHICAL 185
Tellier. in Zealand. Holland, in 1846. The grandparents on both
sides spent all their lives in the Netherlands. Jacob Tellier re-
ceived bis preliminar} educational training in the grammar and high
schools of Milwaukee, and for time attended the University of Wis-
consin at Madison. For a period of nineteen years now he has
been in the electrical business in Milwaukee, and his name has be-
come a byword for honesty, fair dealing and skillful workmanship.
In political matters he is not affiliated with any political party, pre-
ferring to exercise his right of suffrage where it will redound besl
t<> the interests of the city, state or country. His religious affilia-
tions are with the Presbyterian church. On Sept. 22, 1893, Mr.
Tellier was united in marriage to Miss Theresa Pfaller. a daughter
of Dr. John and Theresa ( Obermeyer ) Pfaller, of Jefferson, Wis.
To this union two sons have been born: Arthur A. and Edgar 11.
Peter A. Holtz, retired, who for many years was one of Mil-
waukee's most prominent business men. was born in Gusten. Julich
Aachen, Germany, on Feb. 10, 1840. He is a son of Theodore A.
Holtz and Maria S. (Gussen) Holtz, both native Germans. His
paternal grandfather was a prominent brewer of the Fatherland.
Peter A. Holtz. the subject of this review, received his education
in the public schools of his native land and started his business
career there. In 1868 he came to Milwaukee direct from Germany,
and for a period of five years was engaged in various occupations.
In 1873 he formed a partnership with a Mr. Miller under the firm
name of Miller & Holtz, and from that time until his retirement
in 1895 he conducted a model saloon and restaurant at the corner
of West Water street and Grand avenue, known as "Best's Corner."
Politically Mr. Holtz is allied with the Democratic party, but
never has aspired to public office. His religious affiliations are
with the Roman Catholic church, and his children have all been
reared in that faith. In fraternal matters he is associated with the
Knights of Pythias. Mr. Holtz's marriage to Miss Augusta, a
daughter of Peter and Mary (Sutermann) Lechner, occurred in
November, 1877. Four children came to bless this union. Peter
C, the eldest, is a clerk in the abstract office in the courthouse.
John is connected with the Philip Jung Brewing Company.
Gabella and Alexander are at home. The Holtz home at 253
Queen Anne Place is one of the most sightly and homelike resi-
dences in the city.
Rev. Herman L. Fritschel, a minister of the gospel of the Luth-
eran faith and director of the Milwaukee Passavant Hospital, was
born in St. Sebald, Clayton county, la., on May 15, 1869. He is a
son of Prof. Gottfried Fritschel, D. D., a native of Nuremberg, Ger-
many, and Eliza (Koeberle) Fritschel, born in P>avaria, Germany.
The paternal ancestry has been traced back to 1624. For two
centuries most of the male members of the family were armorers of
Nuremberg. Dr. Fritschel, the father, came from Germany in 1857
to assume charge of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at St.
Sebald, la., and soon took his place as one of the leaders of the
Lutheran church in the West. In 1874 he removed to Mendota,
1 86 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
111., and there served as a professor in the college and seminary
until his death, which occurred in 1889. He was a man prominent
in church circles because of his scholarly attainments, his valuable
services as pastor, missionary, professor and author. He was one
of the most prominent theologians of the Lutheran church in
America. Rev. Herman L. Fritschel, the subject of this review, at-
tended the public schools at Mendota, 111., and the college at the
same place, and received his theological education in the Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Mendota, 111., now at Dubuque, la., and
then took a post-graduate course in Leipsig and Erlangen, Germany,
His ordination to the ministry occurred in 1892 and his first charge
was the church at Superior, Wis. After five years of service in the
northern Wisconsin city he accepted a call to Brandon, Wis., and
filled the pulpit of the Lutheran church there most creditably for
another five years. In 1902 he came to Milwaukee to assume the
directorship of the Milwaukee Hospital and the Deaconess Insti-
tute, a position he has filled in a most satisfactory manner. On
Aug. 27, 1894, occurred his marriage to Miss Katherine Ide, a
daughter of Rev. C. and Barbara (Prottengeier) Ide, of Iowa. To
this union have been born five children : Herbert E., Margaret E.,
Roland P., Edgar E. and Ruth B.
Albert J. Muckerheide, M. D., has been engaged in the prac-
tice of medicine in Milwaukee during the past eight years, and he
has met with unqualified success from the very beginning of his
professional career. He was born at Kewaskum, Washington
county, Wisconsin, on Oct. 16, 1874, son of Jacob H. and Christina
(Tiss) Muckerheide, both of whom were born in Germany. The
paternal grandparents, Arnold and Wilhelmina (Wolf) Mucker-
heide, migrated from the Fatherland to America and in 1850 settled
in Washington county, Wisconsin, where they spent the remainder
of their lives engaged in farming. The maternal grandaprents,
Nicholas Tiss and wife, w r ere also natives of Germany, and in 1846
they left their native land for the United States, taking up their
abode in Washington county, Wisconsin, where they lived out the
remainder of their allotted years. Jacob H. Muckerheide, the
father of the subject of this review, was but a child when he ac-
companied his parents to America, and he was reared on a farm
in Washington county, Wisconsin. L'pon reaching manhood he
became a hardware merchant and followed that occupation at Ke-
waskum, AYis., for a number of years, after which he became a
traveling salesman. He was a Democrat in his political views, tak-
ing a very active interest in public affairs, and in 1878 was elected
as a representative from Washington county in the Wisconsin
assembly, serving one term in that position. His widow is still
living, and of the six sons and two daughters born to these parents
five sons and one daughter survive. Dr. Muckerheide received his
primary education in the public and parochial schools of Kewas-
kum. Wis., and later took a course in Marquette College in the city
of Milwaukee. Then applying himself to the study of medicine,
in due time he matriculated at the Milwaukee Medical College, in
BIOGRAPHICAL lSj
which institution he graduated with the class of 1900, and has
since been engaged in the active practice of his profession, with
the city of Milwaukee as his field of endeavor. He was married
on Aug. 29, 1905, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Bar-
bara ( Liesenfeld) Wanguard, natives of Germany, who migrated
to America in 1 S77 and settled in Milwaukee, where they now re-
side. To Dr. and Mrs. Muckerheide there has been born one son,
Albert T-. Jr. In politics Dr. Muckerheide gives an unswerving
allegiance to the time-honored principles of the Democratic party,
believing that they represent the true principles of government,
and his religious affiliations are with the Roman Catholic church.
Fraternally he has membership in the Catholic Order of Foresters
and also in the Modern Woodmen of America.
Walter J. Kelly, M. D., a practicing physician in the city of
Milwaukee, was born in the town of Richfield, Washington county,
Wisconsin, on Jan. 18, 1862, son of Mathew and Catherine (Dunn)
Kelly, both of whom were natives of Ireland. These parents mi-
grated from the Emerald Isle to America about 1837 and settled
in Washington county, Wis., where they spent the remainder of
their lives, the father following the occupation of a farmer. The
mother died in 1864 and the father survived until 1880, and of the
eleven children born to these parents nine are now living. Dr.
Kelly received his primary education in the public schools of his
native county, and later took a course in Carroll College at Wau-
kesha, Wis. Then turning his attention to the study of medicine,
after due preparation he matriculated in the medical department
of the Northwestern University at Chicago, from which institu-
tion he graduated with the class of 1884. Immediately after his
graduation he established himself at Kewaskum, Wis., for the prac-
tice of his profession and remained there for a period of six years,
meeting with very gratifying success. Desiring a larger field, in
1890 he removed to the city of Milwaukee, where he has since been
engaged in active practice, and he ranks among the most efficient
medical practitioners in the city. He was married in 1889 to Miss
Mary Muckerheide, of Kewaskum. daughter of Jacob Muckerheide,
deceased, and to this union there have been born five children, all
of whom are living: Mortimer, Walter, Francis, May and Clar-
ence. Dr. Kelly is independent in his political views, although he
keeps in close touch with afTairs of a public nature, and his religious
affiliations are with the Roman Catholic church. His professional
associations are with the Wisconsin State Medical Society.
Gustave C. Hoyer, M. D., a practicing physician of the city of
Milwaukee, was born in Hamburg, Germany, on Feb. 3, i860, son
of Rev. A. and Agnes (Moraht) Hoyer, who were also natives of
the Fatherland. These parents migrated to America in 1865 and
located at Green Lake, Wis., where the mother died in 1876 and
the father in 1902. Seven children were born to them, of whom
only four are now living. Dr. G. C. Hoyer was a lad of but five
years when he accompanied his parents to America, and he received
his early education in the schools of Green Lake, Wis. Later he
l88 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
entered the Northwestern University at Watertown, Wis., and after
taking" a course in that institution he began the study of medicine.
After due preparation he matriculated at Rush Medical College in
the city of Chicago and graduated there with the class of 1882.
He then opened an office for the practice of his profession at Prince-
ton, in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, and was located there for
the ensuing eight years, meeting with a high order of success. In
1890, however, desiring a larger field for the exercise of his talent,
he removed to Milwaukee, where he has since been engaged in
the active practice of his profession, and where he is recognized
as one of the Cream City's most highly respected citizens. He
was married in May, 1883, to Miss Emma Kiesel, of Baltimore, Md.,
and to this union there have been born three children : Emma,
Lucia and Hans. Dr. Hover is independent in his political views,
not claiming allegiance to any partisan organization, and his re-
ligious affiliations are with the Lutheran church. He keeps in touch
with the advanced ideas in his profession and has membership in
the Milwaukee County, the Wisconsin State, and the American
Medical associations.
Anthony A. Dorszynski, M. D., a practicing physician in the
city of Milwaukee, was born in that city on June 13, 1876, son of
Matthias and Dorothea (Polczynski) Dorszynski, both of whom
are natives of Polish Germany. These parents migrated to
America in 1874 and settled in the city of Milwaukee, where they
still reside. Eight children were born to them and of this number
five are now living. Dr. A. A. Dorszynski received his early educa-
tion in the parochial schools of Milwaukee and then completed a
course in Marquette College. After his graduation at that institu-
tion he began the study of medicine, finally matriculating at the
Wisconsin College of Physicians and Surgeons, and there he grad-
uated with the class of 1902. He then immediately engaged in
the practice of his profession, having been continuously so em-
ployed to the present time, and his success has been of a high
order, commensurate to his talent and energy. He was married
on June 10, 1903, to Miss Teophila Salaty, a native of Poland,
daughter of Michael and Magdalena (Janaszak) Salaty, who now
reside in the city of Milwaukee. Dr. Dorszynski is a member of
the Roman Catholic church, and his professional associations are
with the Milwaukee, the Milwaukee County, and the Wisconsin
State Medical societies. He also has membership in the alumni
association of Marquette College.
William E. McKivitt, M. D., engaged in the general practice
of his profession in the city of Milwaukee, was born at Stoneham,
Mass., on March 28, 1865, son of William H. and Mary (Purcel)
McKivitt, the former of whom was born at Jamestown, Va., and
the latter at Waterford, Ireland. The mother migrated to America
in [855 and settled in Boston, Mass., with her parents, John and
Mary I Whitty ) Purcel, both of whom died in that city. William
H. McKivitt, the father of the subject of this review, left his
old Virginia home in early manhood and located in Massachusetts,
BIOGRAPHICAL 189
where lie was residing at the outbreak of the Civil war. On July
16, 1861., he was mustered into the United States serviee at Fort
Independence as drum major in the Thirteenth Massachusetts in-
fantry, which left the Bay State for Ilagerstown, Md., on July 30,
and was thence ordered to Sharpsburg. Various posts along the
upper Potomac were held by this regiment during the autumn and
winter, and in the second battle of Bull Run it suffered its first
heavy losses. The next engagement was Antietam, and the for-
tunes of the Army of the Potomac were then followed on its march
south and at Fredericksburg, where the regiment's place was on
the skirmish line. It joined in the Chancellorsville campaign and
at Gettysburg made a gallant charge, with great loss. After the
Mine Pun campaign it established winter quarters at Mitchell's
Station, which it occupied till April 26, 1864, when it took part in
the Wilderness campaign. At the Wilderness the position of the
regiment was not especially exposed, but at Spottsylvania on May
8, it was in the front of the fight. From that time, including the
engagements at North Anna river, Bethesda Church, and Cold
Harbor, it was generally on the skirmish line, and it was occupied
in siege duties at Petersburg when its term of service expired. Mr.
McKivitt participated with his regiment in all its trying service
and was mustered out with it at Boston on Aug. 1, 1864. He re-
mained in Massachusetts three years longer, and then, in 1867, re-
moved to the city of Milwaukee, where he engaged in the shoe
business with Bjorkquist & Co. He died in Milwaukee in 1887 and
his widow is now living in that city. Dr. McKivitt was but two
years old when his parents removed from Massachusetts to Mil-
waukee, and he received his early education in private and parochial
schools, attending for a time Gall's school, which is now called
Gesu parish. He then took a course in the Milwaukee high school,
and later took up the study of medicine, graduating at the Barnes
Medical College in St. Louis, Mo., with the class of 1895. He im-
mediately located in Milwaukee for the active practice of his pro-
fession and has since been so engaged. He was married on May
15. [907, to Miss Maud Heath, of Milwaukee, who died on Oct. 30,
of the same year. Dr. McKivitt is a Republican in his political
views and his religious affiliations are with the Roman Catholic
church. He is a member of the American and the Milwaukee
County Medical associations, and fraternally he affiliates with the
Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias and the
Fraternal Order of Eagles.
George Frederick Zaun, M. D., is engaged in the practice of
medicine in the city of Milwaukee, making a specialty of diseases
of the eye, ear, nose and throat, and in addition to caring for a
large and increasing practice he has for some time officiated as in-
structor and clinical teacher on the eye and ear in the Wisconsin
( '< 'liege of Physicians and Surgeons. He was born in the town
of Mequon, Ozaukee count}". Wisconsin, on April 11, 1868, son of
Jacob and Margaret (Bauernfeind) Zaun, both of whom were
born in Germany. The maternal grandparents. George Bauern-
I90 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
feind and wife, came to America about 1848 and settled in the town
of Granville, Milwaukee county, where they lived out the remainder
of their lives. The father of the subject of this review migrated to
America in 1840 and settled in the town of Mequon with his
parents, who spent their last da} r s in Ozaukee county. He fol-
lowed farming' as an occupation during the earlier part of his
career, but afterward engaged in the elevator business at Cedar-
burg, Wis., and now lives retired in Milwaukee. While liv-
ing in Cedarburg he served as a member of the board of aldermen
for many years. Dr. Zaun received his preliminary education in
the common and high schools of Cedarburg and later took a course
in the state normal at Oshkosh, after which he followed the profes-
sion of teaching four years. While thus engaged he began the
study of medicine and after due preparation entered the Rush Med-
ical College at Chicago, where he graduated with the class of 1893.
He then spent eighteen months as interne in the Alexian Brothers'
Hospital at Chicago and practiced his profession in that city con-
tinuously for seven years, after which he spent two years in Eu-
rope, doing post-graduate work at Vienna and London. Upon his
return to America in 1903, in July of that year, he located in Mil-
waukee, where he has since been engaged in active practice, making
a specialty, as stated above, of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and
throat. During six years of the time which he spent in Chicago
he served as instructor at the Rush Medical College on Preventive
Medicine and Therapeutics. He was married on March 10, 1896,
to Miss Anna M. Stoker, of Chicago, daughter of Mathew and Jane
(Murray) Stoker, both of whom were natives of Newcastle-upon-
Tyne. England, and are now deceased. Dr. Zaun is independent
in his political views, taking a deep interest, however, in public
affairs, but he gives his support to the men and measures that meet
his conscientious approval, regardless of the party name under
which they are found. He was reared in the Lutheran religious
faith, and among the professional organizations with which he
affiliates may be mentioned the Milwaukee, the Milwaukee County,
the AVisconsin State, the American and the Brainard Medical asso-
ciations. He is also a member of the Phi Rho Sigma medical fra-
ternity, and in the Masonic order has membership in Lafayette
Lodge, No. 265.
Albert Edward Mieding, Ph. G., M. D., a practicing physician
at Milwaukee, was born in that city on Jan. 2, 1865, son of Rudolph
and Emilie (Jahns) Mieding, both of whom were born in Germany.
The maternal grandparents migrated from the Fatherland and
settled in Milwaukee in 1851, and there spent the remainder of
their lives. The father of the subject of this review was a phar-
macist and chemist by occupation, receiving his education in those
lines in the old country, and in i86t he came to America and settled
in Milwaukee, where he followed his profession until his death in
[887. His widow still resides in Milwaukee, and of the seven chil-
dren born to these parents six are now living. Dr. Mieding re-
ceived his early education in the public and parochial schools of
BIOGRAPHICAL I9I
the city of Milwaukee and then took a preparatory course at the
Markham academy. In due time he entered the University of Wis-
consin and graduated at that institution with the class of 1887, re-
ceiving the degree of Ph. G. When the Milwaukee .Medical Col-
lege was established he was offered and accepted the chair of Pro-
fessor of Chemistry and Pharmacy and officiated in that capacity
continuously until 1905. when he resigned to devote a greater part
of his time to the study of medicine. He graduated in 1906 at the
same college in which he had served so long as instructor, and he
has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession,
meeting with very Mattering success from the beginning. He was
married on June 16, 1891, to Miss Hermina Arzbacher, of West
Bend, Wis. Dr. Mieding is a Republican in his political views, but
is rather independent in exercising his right of franchise, and in re-
ligious matters he affiliates with the Lutheran church. Profession-
ally he has membership in the Milwaukee County, the Wisconsin
State, and the American Medical associations, and in other ways
he keeps in touch with the advanced thought of his profession.
Frank R. Farrell, M. D., a practicing physician in the city of
Milwaukee, was born on Nov. 30, 1870, in Dodge county, Wis., son
of John and Catharine (Carroll) Farrell, both of whom were born
in Ireland. These parents migrated to America in 1869 and settled
in Dodge county, wdiere they lived for some time and then took up
their residence in Milwaukee. The father was employed by the
Illinois Steel Co., in the capacity of superintendent. He was an
active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, believing that
the principles advocated by that organization were the best suited
to the general weal. He died in Milwaukee in 1900, his widow died
July 15, 1908, and of the eleven children born to this couple eight
are living. Dr. Farrell received his primary education in the pub-
lic schools of Dodge county, completing a course in the high school
at Mayville, and then prepared himself for the general business re-
lations of life by taking a course in the Spencerian Business Col-
lege at Milwaukee. Deciding upon the practice of medicine as his
life's vocation, after due preparation he entered the Milwaukee
Medical College of Marquette University, from which institution
he graduated with the class of 1905, and he has since been engaged
in the practice of his profession at Milwaukee, meeting with un-
qualified success from the beginning. Dr. Farrell is independent in
his political views, giving his support to men and measures that
meet his approval, regardless of the party name, and his religious
affiliations are with the Roman Catholic church. Fraternally he
has membership in the Knights of Columbus.
Lambert J. Hargarten, M. D., a practicing physician of Mil-
waukee, was born in Germany on Nov. 3, 1872, son of Hubert and
Anna Mary (Hoffmann) Hargarten, both of whom were also na-
tives of the Fatherland. The father taught several years in Ger-
many. The mother died in Germany in 1886, and two years later
the bereaved father came with his children to America, settling
in the-State of Iowa, and there he lived retired until his death in
)
192 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
1892. To himself and wife there were born four children, of whom
the following mention is given : Nicholas is engaged in the life in-
surance business in the city of Milwaukee ; Lambert J. is he to
whom this sketch is more particularly dedicated ; William Fred-
erick is a druggist by occupation and resides in Canada, and Mary
is the wife of Frank Ernzen, of Chicago. Dr. Hargarten received
his primary education in the excellent public schools of his native
country, and after coming to America took a course in the Wood-
bine Normal School, in Iowa, after which he followed the occupa-
tion of teaching for several years. While thus engaged he de-
cided upon the practice of medicine as his life's profession, and
after due preparation he entered the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons at Milwaukee and graduated in that popular institution with
the class of 1904. He then commenced the practice in Milwaukee,
where he has since resided and where he enjoys an enviable prac-
tice. He was married on Aug. 17, 1897, to Miss Antonia Flusche,
of Iowa, and his wife was the first white child born in Shelby
county, that state. Her parents were Dr. Carl J. and Clara (Feld-
mann) Flusche, and the last named was a daughter of a prominent
physician in Germany. To Dr. and Mrs. Hargarten there have
been born four children : Clara, Eleanor, Leo and Anton Francis.
The doctor is independent in his political views, his religious affilia-
tions are with the Roman Catholic church, and professionally he
has membership in the Milwaukee County,- the Wisconsin State,
and the American Medical associations. He is also a member of
the Catholic Order of Foresters.
Oscar E. Lademan, M. D., has been engaged in the active prac-
tice of medicine in the city of Milwaukee during the past four years,
and in addition to his attendance upon a large and representative
practice he contributes to the advancement of the profession by
serving as instructor in clinical medicine at the AVisconsin College
of Physicians and Surgeons in Milwaukee, and also as editor of the
Medical Fortnightly, a publication which is valued highly by the
general practitioner. Dr. Lademan was born in St. Louis, Mo.,
on Oct. 28, 1876, and in that city was reared and educated. His
early training was received in the common and high schools of the
city of St. Louis, and after due preparation he entered the medical
department of Washington University, in which institution he
graduated with the class of 1897, and then served two years as an
assistant in the Milwaukee County Hospital. He then took post-
graduate courses at Berlin, Germany, and Vienna, Austria, spend-
ing four years thus engaged in Europe. In 1904 he opened an of-
fice for the active practice of his profession, in which he has since
been engaged, and in addition to the collateral duties mentiond in
the opening sentence of this review, he is a member of the con-
sultation staff of the Milwaukee county hospital and also of that
of the Blue Mound sanitarium. In politics Dr. Lademan gives an
unswerving allegiance to the men and measures put forward by
the Republican part}', and his religious affiliations are with the
Roman Catholic church. Among the professional organizations of
BIOGRAPHICAL 193
which he is a member may be mentioned the St. Louis Medical
Association, the Milwaukee Medical Society, and the Wisconsin
State and the American Medical associations. He is also a mem-
ber of the American Association of Medical Editors.
Charles R. Kossat, M. D., is engaged in the active practice of
medicine in the city' of Milwaukee, and in addition to his duties in
that particular line he conducts one of the leading drug establish-
ments, being one of the oldest druggists, as regards years of serv-
ice, on the south side of the city. He was born at Brandenburg,
Germany, on Feb. 20, 1867, the only child of Frederick and Hen-
rietta (Rathey) Kossat, both of whom were also born in Germany,
the former in 1830 and the latter in 1843. The paternal grand-
parents were Martin and Johanna (Heuberger) Kossatt, natives of
Germany, where they spent their lives, the former being born in
1797 and living to the advanced age of eighty-nine years. The ma-
ternal grandparents were Michael and Caroline (Hohmuth) Rath-
ey, both natives of Germany, the former being born in 1805 and liv-
ing to the age of sixty-nine years, and the latter died at eighty-six.
The parents of the subject of this review migrated to America in
1872 and established their home in Milwaukee on April 1, of that
year. The father engaged in the merchant tailoring and
clothing business and successfully followed that occupa-
tion for a number of years. He died in 1901 and
his widow is still a resident of the city of Milwau-
kee. Dr. Kossat received his preliminary education in
the common and high schools of the city of Milwaukee, having been
but five years old when his parents left the Fatherland and located
in America. He also took a course in Latin under a private tutor,
thus rendering himself more efficient as a drug clerk, in which oc-
cupation he engaged when but fourteen years old. In i88t he en-
tered the employ of Rudolph Wiese, was afterward with Charles
Aneke, and in 1888 he engaged independently in the drug business,
which he has profitably followed during all the intervening years
up to the present time. His predilection being for medicine, and
although his business demanded a great deal of his attention, he
matriculated at the Milwaukee Medical College and graduated in
that institution with the class of 1900, since which time he has been
engaged in the active practice of his profession. He was married
in 1904 to Miss Olga, daughter of Herman and Matilda (Schoene-
mann) RolofT, who have been residents of Milwaukee since 1868.
To this union there has been born one daughter, Olivia. Dr.
Kossatt is independent in his political views, although he takes an
intelligent interest in public affairs, but his franchise is
not controlled by a blind allegience to any party
organization. Fraternally he is a member of the Mod-
ern Woodmen of America and the Germania Society, and he is also
the medical examiner for the German Military Society, the oldest
organization of its kind in the West.
Maurice L. Henderson, M. D., a practicing physician in the
city of Milwaukee, was born at Moscow, Muscatine county, Towa,
on Oct. 28, 1879, son °f Charles and Marv (Moriaritv) Henderson,
13
194 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
both of whom are also natives of the Hawkeye State. The Hen-
derson family have been identified with Iowa since pioneer days,
the paternal grandfather of the subject of this review locating there
as one of the early settlers, and there he lived out his allotted time
and died. The father followed farming as an occupation during
his active career, but is now living retired, enjoying a well-earned
respite from a life of toil. In his political views he is an unswerv-
ing Democrat, and his loyalty to that organization and his worth as
a citizen have been recognized by election at different times to
various local official positions. He and his faithful helpmate have
become the parents of six children, all of whom are now living.
Dr. Henderson received his preliminary education in the public
schools of his native state, completing a course at the Wilton high
school, after which he entered the Wilton College, where he grad-
uated with the class of 1898. Then deciding upon the practice of
medicine as his life's vocation, he entered the medical department
of the University of Illinois at Chicago, and graduated in that in-
stitution in 1902. He immediately located in the city of Milwaukee
for the practice of his profession and has since been so engaged,
meeting with unequivocal success from the very outset of his
career. He is decidedly independent in his political views, pre-
ferring to exercise his right of franchise in accordance with his
judgment after due investigation, rather than to follow the abitrary
dictations of party leaders. Professionally he has membership in
the Milwaukee County, the Wisconsin State, and the Milwaukee
Medical associations, and he is also a member of the Masonic
order, Knights of Pythias, Sons of St. George, the Mystic Circle
and the Benevolent and Protectice Order of Elks.
Ralph Elmergreen, M. D., is a prominent physician in the
city of Milwaukee, where he has been engaged in the practice of
his profession for a number of years, giving especial attention to
surgery, and in this branch of the profession he has won consider-
able renown. Pie was born in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, on
June 17, 1870, son of August and Frieda (Dargel) Elmergreen,
both of whom were natives of Emperor William's present domain.
The parents migrated from Germany to America about 1848 and
located near Manitowoc, Wis., where the father followed teaching
for a time, after which he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He later
turned his attention to agriculture and followed farming for a num-
ber of years, but is now living retired in the city of Manitowoc.
The mother died on Dec. 17, 1902, and the twelve children born
to these parents are all living. Dr. Elmergreen received his early
education in the public schools of Manitowoc, afterward attended
the state normal at Oshkosh, and later took a course in the Uni-
versity of Iowa. Deciding upon medicine as his life's profession
he matriculated at the Baltimore Medical College and graduated
from that institution with the class of 1892. He then went to
Europe and did post-graduate work at Vienna, Austria, and Heidel-
berg. Germany, after which he returned to his native America, fully
and fitly prepared for his professional practice. He first located at
BIOGRAPHICAL I95
Kewaskum, Wis., where he remained about four years, engaged
in active practice, and then removed to Milwaukee, where he has
since resided, enjoying from the beginning a very lucrative and de-
sirable practice. He was married on June 7, 1893, to Miss Clara
Rosenheimer, who was born at Schleisingerville, Wis., daughter
of Moritz and Lena (Weimer) Rosenheimer, who now reside in
Kewaskum, Wis. To Dr. and Mrs. Elmergreen there have been
born three children: Ethel, Hazel, and Margery. In politics the
doctor is a Republican, his religious affiliations are with the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, and professionally he is a member of the
Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin State, and the American
Medical associations, and he is also a member of the United States
Life and Pension Examiners' Association. Fraternally he is a
member of the Masonic order.
Philander H. Harris, M. D., a practicing physician of Milwau-
kee, was born at Rio, Columbia county, Wisconsin, on May 26,
[854, son of John and Mary (Cray) Harris, the former of whom
was a native of the state of Massachusetts and the latter of north-
ern Ireland. The father was born in the Old Bay State in 1812,
and there grew to manhood. Some time in the forties he migrated
to the then far west, stopping first in the village of Milwaukee,
but later went to Rio. Columbia county, Wisconsin, where he en-
tered a tract of government land, upon which he erected a log
house and began life in the true pioneer style. He continued
actively engaged in farming until 1881 and then took a respite, liv-
ing in well-earned retirement until his death, in December, 1904.
He was a Republican in his political views and a faithful member
of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife died in 1877, and of
the six children born to these parents all are now living. Dr. Har-
ris received his preliminary education in the public schools of Rio,
graduating in the high school at that place, and then learned the
business of telegraphing, at which he worked for a short time. He
then became an employe in the Milwaukee County Hospital, where
he remained four years, and during that time took a course in the
College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, in which institu-
tion he graduated on Feb. 21, 1887. He immediately located in
Milwaukee for the practice of his profession and has since been
■so engaged, meeting with very gratifying success from the very be-
ginning of his career as a physician. He is married to Miss Helen
Richter, a native of Utica, N. Y. Dr. Harris gives his political
support to the Republican party, and fraternally he is a member
of the Improved Order of Red Men and the Knights of Pythias.
Dr. Reinhardt W. Boerner, one of the able and popular younger
members of the medical fraternity in Milwaukee, living at 2320
Fond du Lac street, was born at Buffalo, N. Y., Feb. 10, 1874, the
son of George and Marie (Engelfried) Boerner. He is descended
from pure German stock, his mother being a native of Germany,
though his father was born in the city of Milwaukee. His paternal
grandfather, Reinhardt Boerner, is one of the respected and pioneer
residents of the Cream City. He was born in Germanv. but emi-
I96 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
grated from the Fatherland to the United States near the middle of
the last century, and first came to Milwaukee in 1848. From Mil-
waukee he went to Little Rock, Ark., and soon after moved to Buf-
falo, N. Y., where he made his home for a number of years. He
then moved again to Milwaukee, and has here been an efficient and
honored member of the city's police force for about a quarter of a
century. He reared a family of four children, all of whom are still
living. Dr. Boerner received an excellent education in the Milwau-
kee public schools, and after graduating from the high school, be-
gan the study of medicine, graduating from the Wisconsin College
of Physicians and Surgeons in 1896 with the degree of M. D. He
at once entered upon the active practice of his profession in Mil-
waukee, where he has since met with success. His technical skill
in his profession, combined with a rare aptitude for his calling and
plenty of push and energy, have won him rapid advancement. His
reputation as a physician of skill and learning is well established,
and he has been called upon to serve the public in an important
and responsible official capacity. He has filled the position of
county physician with marked success and ability for six years, and
has thereby grown materially in the estimation of the general pub-
lic. He is also now serving as the physician for the Milwaukee
House of Correction, a position to which he was appointed in No-
vember, 1905, for a term of three years. Politically Dr. Boerner
is allied with the Republican party, and he has always taken a keen
and intelligent interest in public affairs, though he is in no sense a
mere partisan. He was married on May 12, 1897, to Miss Emma,
daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Thuering) Graf. His wife
was born and reared in Milwaukee, and her parents are among the
oldest and most respected German-American citizens of the city.
Mr. Graf, who is now 83 years of age, while his venerable wife is
81 years old, settled in Milwaukee when it was a mere village, in
1845, an d for many 3 r ears followed the vocation of a surveyor. The
aged couple still occupy their old home on Twelfth street, where
they first settled on coming to Milwaukee. They have reared a
family of eight children, of whom seven still survive. Dr. and Mrs.
Boerner are the parents of one charming little daughter, Gladys
Marie, who was born on Dec. 30, 1899. The doctor is a man of
wide acquaintance and takes great pleasure in his many fraternal
and professional associations. He is genial and hearty in manner,
and of unfailing courtesy toward his fellow men. He belongs to
the Milwaukee Medical Society, in whose business and deliberations
he takes an active part. He is also a member of the Masonic Order,
the Knights of Pythias, Germania, Royal League, Foresters and the
Fritz Reuter Gilde, etc. He is still a young man in the very prime
of life, and everything thus far in his career justifies the prediction
that he will attain to high distinction in his chosen field of labor.
Anton D. Beier, M. D., is one of the younger members of the
medical fraternity of Milwaukee, having been engaged in actual
practice only about three years, but he has already acquired a rep-
resentative practice and has established a reputation as a success-
BIOGRAPHICAL I97
ful physician. He was born at Greenville, Outagamie county, Wis-
consin, on July 17, 1880, the son of Wen/.el and Appolonia ( Loch-
man) Beier, the former of whom was born in Germany and the
latter in Green Bay, Wis. Anton Bier, the paternal grandfather
of the subject of this review, and a native of Germany, migrated
to America with his family and settled in Greenville, Wis., in 1851.
Later he removed to Appleton, where he died at the age of fifty-
nine years, after a life devoted to the basie industry of agriculture,
and his wife, whose maiden name was Anna Schmeller, died in Ap-
pleton at an advanced age in 1906. The maternal grandfather was
August Lochman, a native of Holland, who migrated to America
and settled in Green Bay at an early date, he and his wife, Sophia
Lochman, both dying at that place. The parents of Dr. Beier now-
live in Appleton, Wis., the father being in practical retirement
after a busy career devoted to farming and carpentering. To these
parents were born two sons and two daughters, all living, and
both of the sons are physicians, A. L. Beier being engaged in the
practice of that profession at Chippewa Falls Llospital for the
Feeble Minded. Dr. Anton D. Beier received his preliminary edu-
cation in the parochial and high schools at Appleton, Wis., and
after taking a course at the Green Bay Business College he worked
as a stenographer for about eighteen months. In 1900 he came to
Milwaukee and soon thereafter matriculated as a student in the
College of Physicians and Surgeons,, in which institution he grad-
uated in 1905, and has since been engaged in general practice. He
was married on May 18, 1905, to Miss Mary, daughter of John and
Margaret Wendler, of Milwaukee, and to this union there has been
born two children, Raymond and Margaret. Dr. Beier is inde-
pendent in his political views, a Roman Catholic in his church af-
filiations, and fraternally he is a member of the Catholic Order of
Foresters.
Johannes Hermann Welcker, M. D., is a prominent member of
the medical fraternity of Milwaukee, and in addition to his gen-
eral practice he devotes a great deal of attention to the manufac-
ture of vaccine virus, the excellent quality of which is recognized
by the profession in general. Dr. Welcker was born in Germany
on June 17, 1849, son °f Hermann and Minna (Patzsohke) W r elcker,
both of whom were also natives of the Fatherland, the father hav-
ing been born on Oct. 15, 1822, and the mother on Dec. 25, of the
same year. The subject of this review is indebted for his primary
education to the excellent schools of his native land, and in early
manhood he demonstrated his loyalty to the country of his birth
by serving as a valiant soldier in the German army during the
Franco-Prussian war. After the close of that conflict, which re-
sulted in such a decided victory for the Teutonic warriors, Dr.
AYclcker continued his preparation for his future career, and en-
tering the university at Leipsic, he graduated in that institution
in 1877. He then began his independent career as a physician and
practiced that profession in his native country until 1894, when he
migrated to America. In the same vear he located at Milwaukee,
I98 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
where he has since resided, and he carries on a very successful
practice, although since 1895 his main business has been the manu-
facture of vaccine virus, as stated in the introduction of this re-
view. He also conducts a hay-fever resort at Fish Creek, in Door
county, Wisconsin, where hundreds of sufferers annually find re-
lief from their annoying ailment. Dr. Welcker was married on
April 4, 1880, to Henrietta, daughter of Albert and Matilda (Meyer)
Weinstein, both natives of Germany, the father having been a
practicing physician in Africa, where he died in 1865. To Dr. and
Mrs. Welcker there has been born one daughter, Matilda, who died
at the age of twenty years. Dr. Welcker is a Republican in his
political views.
George H. Fellman, M. D., is a prominent physician of the city
of Milwaukee, where, in addition to his regular practice he is the
attending obstetrican at the House of Mercy, a member of the
staff of the Maternity Hospital, attending physician at the dispens-
ary of Milwaukee Medical College, where he is also professor of
diseases of children, and he is also a member of the staff at the
Milwaukee County Hospital. Dr. Fellman was born in Wilming-
ton, Del., on March 3, 1872, son of Rev. Jacob and Mary (Snyder)
Fellman, the former of whom is a native of Germany and the latter
was born at Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The father emigrated
from his native country to Canada in 1855, and after five years'
residence in the last named place he went to Rochester, N. Y.,
where he completed a course in the German department of the
Rochester Theological Seminary. Since 1865 until the present date
he has been actively engaged in the ministry. On the maternal
side Dr. Fellman traces his ancestry to Switzerland, his great-great-
grandfather having migrated from that progressive little republic
to America and settled in Pennsylvania, where the great-grand-
father of the subject of this review was born. The last named an-
cestor moved from Pennsylvania to Waterloo county, Ontario,
where he took up a section of land and became a pioneer of that
locality. Menno Snyder, the maternal grandfather of our subject,
was born in Waterloo county and there lived out his allotted time.
Dr. Fellman received his preliminary education in the public and
high schools of Berlin, Ontario. In 1893 ne matriculated at the
Rush Medical College in Chicago, and graduated from that insti-
tution with the class of 1897. He then went to Jersey City, N. J.,
and after passing an examination conducted by the state board of
medical examiners of New Jersey, he opened an office and practiced
his profession there until December, 1898. On Jan. 7, 1899, he lo-
cated in the city of Milwaukee, where he has been continuous-
ly engaged in practice since, besides performing the exacting duties
enumerated in the outset of this biographical review. Dr. Fellman
was married on Nov. 28, 1901, to Miss Flora Hilton, daughter of
Tin unas A. and Delia (Stotts) Hilton, of Coldwater, Mich., and
to this union there have been born two daughters, Eunice Hilton
and Gertrude Elizabeth. On the paternal side Mrs. Fellman traces
her descent to England, where her father was born, and the earliest
BIOGRAPHICAL 1 99
known ancestor was Lord Hilton, who was prominent during the
early Norman period. Mrs. Hilton is a native of Ohio, where her
father was among the early settlers. In politics Dr. Fellman ad-
heres to the platform expressions of the Republican party, and his
church affiliations are with the Baptist church. Among his pro-
fessional associations may be mentioned the Milwaukee County
and the Brainard Medical societies, the Milwaukee Medical and
the Wisconsin State Medical associations, and the American Med-
ical Association. He is also an associate of American Teachers of
Diseases of Children, and he is the examining physician for the
local lodges of the United Order of Foresters and the Equitable
Fraternal I'nion. ,
Eugene F. Smith, M. D., is another of the rising young physi-
cians in the city of Milwaukee who is rapidly forging to the front
in his chosen profession. He is descended from good old American
stock, the family dating back to Colonial times, and his paternal
great-grandfather served as a soldier in the War for Independence.
Dr. Smith was born at Oneida, Wis., on Sept. 30, 1877, son of
Joseph M. and Eliza D. (Cornelius) Smith, both of whom are na-
tives of the Empire state. The parents removed to Wisconsin and
settled at Oneida in an early day, and there they still reside, the
father following farming as an occupation. He is a Republican in
politics, quite active in the councils of the party, and has held sev-
eral local offices. To himself and wife there have been born eleven
children, only six of whom are now living. Dr. Smith received his
early education in the public schools of Oneida, and graduated at
a technical military school at Hampton, Va. He then spent two
years in Lawrence University at Appleton, Wis., after which he
entered the Wisconsin College of Physicians and Surgeons at Mil-
waukee, and graduated in that institution with the class of 1905.
Immediately thereafter he located in Milwaukee for the practice
of his profession and has since been so engaged, meeting with flat-
tering success from the beginning. He was married on July 26,
1905, to Miss Marguerite Fahrendholz, who was born in Berlin,
Germany, daughter of August and Ida Fahrendholz, and to this
union there has been born a daughter, Henrietta Susan. Dr. Smith
is independent in his political views, adhering to the tenets of no
political party, but he takes a live interest in public affairs and
votes according to the dictates of his enlightened judgment. JHis
religions affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church.
William S. Darling, M. D., has been engaged in the practice of
medicine independently for only four years, but already he has
attained a degree of success that augurs well for the future. He
was born at Shirland, Winnebago county. 111., on June 7, 1877, son
of Frank E. and Ellen (Crosby) Darling, the former of whom was
born in Rockton, 111., and the latter in Green county. Wis. On the
paternal side Dr. Darling is descended from American stock that
dates far back into Colonial days. His great-great-grandfather,
William Stafford, was a soldier in both the French and Indian and
the Revolutionary wars, and a son of this early patriot fought
200 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
valiantly in the war of 1812. The paternal grandfather of the sub-
ject of this review, Sylvester A. Darling, located in the city of Mil-
waukee in 1838. living there for a few years, and then he removed
to Rockton, 111., and later to Madison, Wis., where he lived in re-
tirement until his death. During his active career he was a farmer
b)>" occupation. The maternal grandfather was Haskel Crosby, an
early settler of Green county, Wisconsin, and it is said of him that
he constructed and used the first plow for the breaking of soil in
that section of the state. Frank E. Darling, the father of the doc-
tor, followed the business of railroading for eighteen years, but he
is now a credit man in the employ of the Nutritia Milk Co., and
resides in the city of Milwaukee. Dr. Darling attended the public
schools of Dane county, Wisconsin, in his youth and later entered
the high school at Madison, where he fitted himself for the Uni-
versity of AVisconsin. In due time he entered that institution of
learning, and after pursuing the regular course graduated with the
class of 1899. He then entered the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons in Milwaukee, at which he graduated in 1903, after which he
spent two years in the Milwaukee County Hospital. Then another
year was spent in the Emergency Hospital in the same city, at
the close of which time he started upon his independent career as
a physician. He was married on Nov. 1, 1905, to Miss Vlasta,
daughter of Joseph and Christina Saicheck, of Milwaukee, and to
this union there has been born one daughter, Dorothy. Dr. Dar-
ling gives adherence to the platform expressions of the Re-
publican party, though he has never sought or held public office,
devoting his entire time to the profession chosen as his life's work.
His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church,
and professionally he has membership in the Milwaukee Medical
Society and the Greek letter fraternity, Phi Rho Sigma.
Adelbert Schneider, M. D., has for nearly a score of years been
engaged in the practice of medicine at Milwaukee, and the repre-
sentative practice which he now controls is a testimonial of his
efficiency as a physician and his worth as a man. He was born in
Bremen, Germany, on Sept. 2, 1861, son of Julius and Johanna
(Yon Chamisso) Schneider, both of whom were also natives of
the Fatherland, where they were reared and spent their lives. They
were the parents of four children, all of whom are living. Dr.
Schneider received his early education in the gymnasium at Bremen
and then entered an institution of learning at Strasburg, where
he studied medicine and graduated on Jan. 3, 1886. He also studied
for a time in Berlin. Realizing that America offered superior op-
portunities for young men of intellect and energy he migrated to
this country and settled in the city of Milwaukee in 1889. He found
a cordial welcome awaiting him and immediately entered upon the
practice of his profession, in which he has since been engaged, and
he has had the good fortune to meet with very gratifying success.
Dr. Schneider is independent in his political views, voting for the
men and measures that meet his conscientious approval, and he has
never essayed the role of an office seeker. His religious affiliations
BIOGRAPHICAL Jul
are with the Reformed church, and professionally he is a member
of the Milwaukee County, the Wisconsin State and the American
Medical associations.
Robert Warren Blumenthal, M. D., residing at 229 Twenty-first
street, is one of the younger members of the medical fraternity in
Milwaukee, but in the short time he has been engaged in the prac-
tice of his profession his success has been such as to augur well
for his future career. He was born at Columbus, Wis., on Aug.
28, 1881, son of Herman M. and Mary (Kluckhohn) Blumenthal,
the former of whom was born near Berlin, Germany, and the latter
in the state of Indiana. The paternal grandfather, August Blum-
enthal, migrated to America with his family during the childhood
of his son. Merman M., and located at Columbus, Wis., where his
wife died in 1906 and he still resides. The maternal grandfather
was Rev. Frederick Kluckhohn, a native of Germany who migrated
to America and settled in Chicago in an early da}', being engaged
as a minister of the gospel there for a number of years. Later he
removed to Indiana, then to Columbus, Wis., and finally to South
Dakota, in which state he died. During his residence in Illinois
he became an intimate friend of Gen. U. S. Grant. Herman M.
Blumenthal, the father of the subject of this review, is a dealer in
marble, granite and building material, and a contractor in that
line at Columbus, Wis., at which place he also occupies the posi-
tion of postmaster. He is a Republican in his political views, very
active in the local councils of his party, and has filled several of-
ficial positions. Dr. Blumenthal received his literary education
in the public schools of Columbus, Wis., graduating in the high
school there, and after taking some post-graduate work he entered
the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, in which insti-
tution he graduated with the class of 1904. He then practiced with
Dr. Meacher at Portage four months, after which he took a position
in the Waldheim Sanatorium at Oconomowoc, Wis. After spend-
ing two years in the latter institution he came to -Milwaukee and
has been engaged successfully in the practice of his profession
since. On March 18, 1908, he was married to Miss Lillian Whitney,
of Columbus, Wis., daughter of H. H. Whitney. In politics he
gives allegiance to the Republican party, and his professional af-
filiations are with the Milwaukee Medical Society, Milwaukee
County, Wisconsin State and the American Medical associations
and the American Electro-Therapeutical Association. He is also a
member of the Nit Sigma Nu.
Theodore Henry Rolfs, M. D., comes of a sturdy German
stock, and through his Teutonic ancestry inherits those qualities of
methodical application and indefatigable industry, to which his
success in his chosen profession of medicine is in a large measure
due. He was born in the city which is now the scene of his suc-
cessful endeavor on July 25, T877, son of Henry and Margaret
(Ziegler) Polfs, both of whom were also born in Milwaukee, the
former in 1852 and the latter in 1853. The paternal grandfather,
Henry Rolfs, was a native of Germany, came to America in early
202 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
life and located in Milwaukee, where he married and lived out his
allotted 3 r ears, dying at the advanced age of 88, and his wife died
at the age of 65. He served his adopted country well as a soldier
in the Union army during the Civil war. The maternal grand-
father, George Ziegler, born in 1829, came to Milwaukee in 1843,
his parents, George Ziegler, Sr., and w r ife, spending their last days
in the Cream City. The grandfather was a manufacturer of candy
and followed this occupation during the greater part of his active
career. The maternal grandmother was Barbara Boll, who was
born in Germany in 1829 and died in Milwaukee. The father of the
subject of this review is a cigar manufacturer, and followed that
occupation in Milwaukee until 1895, when he moved to West Bend,
Wis., and is there engaged in the same industry. The mother
died in 1882. Dr. Rolfs received his primary education in the
parochial schools of Milwaukee, and also completed a course at
Marquette College in that city. Then deciding upon medicine as
a profession he entered the medical department of the University
of Illinois at Chicago and graduated there with the class of 1901.
For one year after his graduation he served as house surgeon at St.
Mary's hospital in Milwaukee, after which he began the active
practice of his profession and has since been so engaged. He was
married on May 19, 1903, to Miss Martha Janet, daughter of David
W. and Adda F. (Johnson) Flowie, of Milwaukee, and to this
union there have been born four children : David William, John
Theodore, Rosalie Janet and Theodore William, the first named
having died at the age of eighteen months. Dr. Rolfs is independ-
ent in his political views, not obedient to the dictation of any party
organization, but he takes a live interest in public matters and votes
according to his enlightened judgment. His religious affiliations
are with the Roman Catholic church, and professionally he has
membership in the Milwaukee County and the Wisconsin State
Medical associations. He is also a member of the Nu Sigma Nu
fraternity.
Emil E. Tanner, M. D., has been prominently identified with
the medical fraternity of Milwaukee for the past decade, and his
success as a practitioner is evidenced by a firmly established patron-
age. He was born in Bohemia on Dec. 4, 1866, son of Joseph and
Mary (Steckler) Tanner, both of whom were born in Bohemia.
The mother died in her native country, and in 1882 the father
migrated to America, locating in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin,
the same year, remaining a few years and then removing to the
state of Pennsylvania, where he now resides. Dr. Tanner received
his earl}' education in the public schools of Bohemia, and in his
native land began to prepare himself for his life's vocation. He con-
tinued the study of medicine after coming to America, and in due
lime enrolled himself as a student in the Wisconsin College of
Physicians and Surgeons, in which institution he graduated with
the class of 1898. Tie immediately began the practice of his profes-
sion in Milwaukee, and has since been so engaged, steadily rising
to a high standard of professional excellency. He was married on
BIOGRAPHICAL 203
Dec. 30, 1895, to Miss Annie, daughter of S. and Esther (Doroff)
[saacs, both of whom and also the daughter were born in Hun-
gary. The parents came to America in 1882, and locating in Mil-
waukee were residents of that city for twenty-five years ; then re-
in* ived to Chicago, where they now reside. To Dr. and Mrs. Tan-
ner there has been born one child, Carmen Mary. The doctor is
a Democrat in his political views, having cast his lot with that or-
ganization after a painstaking and intelligent study of its principles,
and although he is not an office-seeker he takes an active part in
forwarding the interests of his part)'. His professional associa-
tions are with the Milwaukee County and Wisconsin State Medical
societies, and fraternally he is a member of the C. S. P. S., the
Bohemian Sokol, and the Knights and Ladies of Honor, being the
local medical examiner for these fraternal organizations.
Hugo Francis Mehl, M. D., has been engaged in the practice
of medicine in Milwaukee during the past six years, but in that
short time he has achieved distinction in the professional ranks of
his native city. He was born in Milwaukee on May 5, 1876, son of
John and Christina (Franz) Mehl, both of whom were born in
Germany, the former in 1839 and the latter in 1838. The parents
migrated to America in 1865 and took up their residence in the
Cream City, where they still reside. For years the father con-
ducted a creamery and cheese factory, but he is now living in a
well-earned retirement after a long period spent in useful endeavor.
This worthy couple became the parents of seven sons and one
daughter, all of whom are living with the exception of the oldest
son, who was drowned in the Milwaukee river when he was five
years old. Dr. Mehl received his early education in the public
schools of his native city, completing the course in the Milwaukee
High School, and he graduated at the University of Wisconsin in
the class of 1899 with the degree of M. S. He then entered the
medical department of the University of Pennsylvania at Phila-
delphia, in which he graduated in 1902, and he has since been en-
gaged in the active practice of his profession at Milwaukee. He
also for a time served as instructor in chemistry in the University
of AYisconsin. Dr. Mehl was married on April 6, 1904, to Miss
Emma Holtz, daughter of Fred and Mary (Schultz) Holtz, of Mil-
waukee, and to this union there has been born one daughter, Hester
Christine. The doctor is independent in his political views, voting
for the men and measures that meet his honest approval after an
intelligent investigation of the matter in issue, and hence he is not
a self-seeker nor a politician in the common acceptance of that term.
Among the professional and fraternal societies with which he is
affiliated may be mentioned the Milwaukee County and Wisconsin
State Medical associations, and the Masonic order, in which last-
named societv he has taken the Knight Templar degrees.
William Vincent Nelson, B. S., M. D., is one of the rising young
physicians of the city of Milwaukee, and was born at Cato, Wis.,
Sept. 7, 1880, and he is the son of William H. and Mary (Fitzger-
ald) Nelson, the former of whom was born in Steubenville, Ohio.
20-1 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
and the latter at Cato, Wis. The maternal grandfather of the sub-
ject of this review is James Nelson, a native of County Clare, Ire-
land, who migrated to America and became a pioneer citizen of the
state of Kentucky, where he was a government contractor and had
charge of one of the leading military roads in the state during the
early days of the Civil war. About 1862 he removed to Wisconsin,
first locating at Manitowoc, and in 1902 he became a citizen of Mil-
waukee, where he and his good wife now reside, in advanced years
and practical retirement. The maiden name of his wife was Mary
McCann, and she was born in County Ulster, Ireland. The mater-
nal grandfather of Dr. Nelson was Michael Fitzgerald, a native of
County Clare, Ireland, who migrated to America in early life, and
after a short residence in New York became a pioneer citizen of
Wisconsin. He became a prominent citizen of Manitowoc county
and as a Democrat was twice elected to the Wisconsin legislature,
serving during the sessions of 1870 and 1871. He died in 1906, and
his wife, who was Hanorah Haves, a native of County Limerick,
Ireland, died in 1902. William H. Nelson, the father of the doctor,
was six years old when his parents removed from Kentucky to
Manitowoc county, Wis., and after reaching manhood he followed
school teaching and merchandising for a number of years. To him-
self and wife there were born three children, all of whom are living.
At present he is the secretary of the medical department of Mar-
quette University in the city of Milwaukee. Dr. William V. Nel-
son, whose name introduces this review, received his early educa-
tion in the public schools of Cato, Wis., the Milwaukee West Di-
vision High School and the state normal at Milwaukee, from which
institution he graduated with the class of 1899. He then matricu-
lated at the University of Wisconsin, but after three years spent
in study there he entered the Milwaukee Medical College, where
he graduated in 1905. He then served as house physician at Trinity
hospital one year, after which he entered upon the regular prac-
tice of his profession in the city of Milwaukee, and has since been
so engaged. He is the instructor in surgery and also clinical assist-
ant in surgery in the Milwaukee Medical College. While in school
and preparing himslf for his life's vocation Dr. Nelson spent two
years as a teacher. Fraternally he is a member of the county,
state and American medical associations, and he is also a member
of the Knights of Columbus.
Fred William Riehl, M. D., physician and surgeon. No. 1255
National avenue, Milwaukee, Wis., one of the able younger mem-
bers of the medical profession in the city, is a native of Milwaukee,
where he was born on Feb. 12, 1870, the son of Philip, Jr., and
Catherine (Tdngenheimer) Riehl. Dr. Riehl is a worthy type of our
besl German-American citizenship, and is of pure German descent
on both the paternal and maternal sides. His paternal great-grand-
father. Philip Riehl, came to Milwaukee from Germany in 1847, and
died in Milwaukee at the advanced age of ninety-one years ; his wife
had previously died in Germany. The paternal grandfather of our
subject was also named Philip Riehl. and came to Milwaukee from
BIOGRAPHICAL 205
Germany with his father in the late forties. He was prominently
identified with the mercantile interests of Milwaukee for a period
of thirty-six years, and died there at the ripe old age of seventy-
eight; his wife. Elizabeth (Diehl) was also a native of Germany,
and died in Milwaukee at the age of sixty-four. The father of our
subject was a well known and highly respected commission mer-
chant and grain buyer of the Cream City, who had accompanied
his parents to Milwaukee in 1847. lie was prominent during life
in Republican political circles, and died in Milwaukee in 1882. I lis
wife survived him nearly a quarter of a century, and died at Mil-
waukee in October, 1906. Of their two sons, Philip, Jr., died and
Fred William is the only surviving child. The maternal
grandfather of Dr. Riehl was Paul Bingenheimer, a na-
tive of Darmstadt, Germany, and came to Milwaukee
in 1847. He was a butcher by trade and died in
Milwaukee in 1855; his wife, Anna Marie (Winkler),
was also a native of Germany, and died in Milwaukee in 1887. Dr.
Riehl was educated in the public schools of Milwaukee, and after
graduating from the high school was engaged in the drug business
from 1885 to 1903. While employed as a pharmacist during these
years he also attended the Milwaukee Medical College, and was
graduated from that institution in 1903 with the degree of M. D.,
and has since been actively engaged in general practice at Milwau-
kee. He was assistant surgeon in the Hanover Hospital for a pe-
riod of three and one-half years, and is an expert and skillful oper-
ator. In political matters he votes independently, aiming only to
secure the best men and measures. He is a member of the college
Greek letter fraternity of Alpha Kappa, and belongs to both the
county and state medical associations. Dr. Riehl married Miss
Barbara Jacob, a native of Milwaukee, on June 26, 1894, and the
daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Miller) Jacob. Her father
came to Milwaukee in the early fifties, and here followed the occu-
pation of a baker. He was married in Milwaukee and died on Sept.
8, 1894, being survived by his widow until July 31, 1903. Of their
eight children, four are still living.
Dr. H. F. Kortebein, residing at No. 200 Eighteenth street, Mil-
waukee, with offices at No. 908 National avenue, is numbered
among the able and more successful physicians of the Cream City.
He was born in Milwaukee on Oct. 20, 1868, the son of George F.
and Sophia (Klages) Kortebein. His parents were both natives of
Germany, and came to Milwaukee after their marriage in the old
country, in 1866. Here his father was connected with the police
department for about eighteen years, and died in 1898. His widow
is still living in Milwaukee. Dr. Kortebein is one of a family of
eight children, seven of whom are still living, lie was educated
in public and high schools of Milwaukee, and then pursued a course
in medicine in the medical department of the Northwestern Uni-
versity at Chicago, Til., graduating therefrom in 1892 with the de-
gree of M. D. Upon the completion i<\ his medical course he spent
two years in the Cook Count}- Hospital, Chicago, and the experience
2o6 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
gained then in that great institution has been of material benefit to
him in his subsequent practice. He has been engaged in active gen-
eral practice in Milwaukee since 1894, and has met with his full
share of success. He is a close student of medicine in all its
branches, and served for some time as an instructor in the Mil-
waukee Medical Colleg'e. He is affiliated with the Republican
party in politics, but has never taken an active part in political
campaigns, and has never sought or held public office. He is a
member of the county and state medical associations, and is the
examining physician for the Independent Order of Foresters. Dr.
Kortebein married into a well known Milwaukee family, his wife
being Miss Beronica Bues, a daughter of Friedrich and Sophia Bues.
Dr. and Mrs. Kortebein have one daughter, Viola by name.
Dr. Thomas J. Pendergast, of 862 National avenue, Milwaukee,
Wis., is a well-known medical practitioner of the Cream City, who
has achieved distinction in his profession by his enthusiasm for his
work, his skill in diagnosis, and his superior qualities both as a man
and a physician. He was born at Templeton, Waukesha county,
Wis., on Nov. 30, 1863, the son of Michael and Mary (Lannon)
Pendergast. His parents, who are now living in Milwaukee, are
natives of Ireland, and came to Waukesha county during the
forties, where Mr. Pendergast, Sr., settled on a farm. He is now
living the life 'of a retired farmer. Dr. Pendergast is
one of nine children, eight of whom are now liv-
ing. He received his early education in the public
schools of Waukesha, then attended Carroll College, Waukesha,
and prepared for his profession in the medical department
of Northwestern University, Chicago, where he graduated
with the degree of M. D. in 1893. He then came to Mil-
waukee, and has been engaged in successful practice here
ever since. He is affiliated with the Democratic party
in politics, but has never taken an active part in
political campaigns, and has never sought or held public
office. He was born and reared in the Roman Catholic faith, and
is a devoted member of that church. He is a member of the fol-
lowing fraternal organizations : The Catholic Order of Foresters,
and the Knights of Columbus. Dr. Pendergast was married on
Oct. 2, 1906, to a most estimable young lady of Milwaukee, Miss
Emma, daughter of Joseph and Anna Amann, the latter of whom is
deceased. The doctor is a well-informed man, a close student of
his profession, courteous and affable in his intercourse with his
fellow men, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know
him.
Stanislaus A. Rakowski, Ph. G., conspicuous among the young
druggists of Milwaukee, conducts a store at 841 Tenth avenue. He
is a native of the Cream City, born April 3. 1880, a son of Andrew
and Pauline CBiesek") Rakowski, who immigrated to the United
States in 1870 and settled in Milwaukee. The father was a car-
penter by trade and soon after coming to the city engaged in the
carpenter contracting business. He met with well-earned success
BIOGRAPHICAL 207
and carried on his business until his death, July 17. [898, at the
age of fifty-six years. During his life he reared a family of eight
sons and five daughters: Joseph, Valeria, the wife of Stanislaus
Kamienski ; John, who died Oct. 9, 1908, at the age of thirty-seven,
leaving a family of seven children; Frank, Robert, deceased; Mary,
the wife of Peter Kaminski ; Catherine, the wife of Joseph Malich;
Stanislaus A., Andrew, Michael, Frances, Bernard and
Cecelia. Stanislaus, the subject of this sketch, was
reared in his native city and received his prepara-
tory education in the parochial schools of the city. Subse-
quently he attended Marquette College and began the stud)- of
pharmacy in 1804. In 1898 he received his first diploma, admitting
him to practice as an assistant, and four years later, in 1902, re-
ceived a full diploma. The same year he established himself in
business at the corner of Tenth and Becher streets. Mr. Ra-
kowski's trade increased and he found it necessary to find a larger
building and has occupied his present fine store since 1905. On
Aug. 8. K)o6, Mr. Rakowski married Sophia, the daughter of An-
ton and Mary (Rosewski) Szubert, of Milwaukee. The family are
devout Catholics and members of St. Hyacinth's Polish Catholic
church. Mr. Rakowski is a member of the Polish National Alli-
ance, Stowarxyszenie Polskie, the St. Augustine Society, Polish
Sharpshooters and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Society. He is affili-
ated with the Knights of Columbus and belongs to the Wisconsin
Pharmaceutical Association. Mr. Rakowski belongs to no party,
but exercises his privilege of franchise as his conscience dictates.
He is always interested in questions pertaining to the welfare of
the municipality and votes for the man he thinks best fitted for local
and national office.
Theodore T. Marlewski, the manager of the S. T. Marlewski
drug store at the corner of Lincoln and Ninth avenues, is one of
the progressive young business men of Milwaukee. He is a native
of the Cream City, born Feb. 2, 1883, being the son of Stephen and
Fve (Gradalla) Marlewski. His father was a native of Bygdoscz,
Germany, of Polish descent. He came to the United States in 1873
and settled in Troy, N. Y., but remained only one year, when he
came to Milwaukee, where he still resides, and for nearly fifteen
years he has been employed in the rolling mills of the Illinois Steel
Company. The family consisted of nine children: Catherine, the
wife of Vincent Lewandowski; Antoinette, the wife of John Pap-
rocki ; Sylvester T., deceased ; Veronica, the wife of Joseph Kam-
inski ; Mary. Theodore T., August, Louis and Frank. Theodore
was reared in Milwaukee and received his education in the St.
Stanislaus parochial schools. After finishing his preliminary
studies he took a short course in the pharmacy department of Mar-
quette College, and finished his course in the store of his brother,
Svlvcster T., who established himself in the drug business in 1894.
Since this brother's death in 1007 he has conducted the store for
the estate. Mr. Marlewski is a member of the Milwaukee Pharma-
ceutical Association and the National Association of Retail Drug-
208 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
gists. For three years he was a member of Company K, First Wis-
consin National Guard, from which he was discharged April 12,
1907, by reason of the expiration of his term of service. He is one
of the singers in St. Hyacinth's church choir and is a member of
the Lutnia Singing Society. Formerly he was a member of St.
Stanislaus church choir, which gave the first opera in Polish in
America, "The Chimes of Normandy." The Lutnia Singing So-
ciety, which is composed of the members of the St. Stanislaus
choir, and is the largest society in the United States, will give the
opera "Halka," composed by Stanislaus Moniuszko, in 1909.
Timothy Driscoll, the vice-president of the Board of Trustees
for Milwaukee county, who lives at 190 Pleasant street, is a native
of the Cream City, born Nov. 22, 1862, a son of Michael and Mary
(Keohane) Driscoll, who were born and raised in County Cork,
Ireland. They immigrated to the United States and were among
the pioneer settlers of Milwaukee, where the father was engaged
in the fishing trade for many years. The family consisted of seven
children : John, Mary, Michael, Jr., Jeremiah, Timothy, Johanna
and George, who is the deputy sheriff of Milwaukee county. Timo-
thy, the subject of this review, was educated in the Third ward
public school and served his time at the printer's trade, which he
followed for fifteen years. For one year he engag'ed in the real
estate business, but became a liquor dealer and has continued in
that vocation for the past eleven years. Mr. Driscoll married June
12, 1900, Margaret, the daughter of John Waters, of Milwaukee,
and they have three children : Helen, Gerald and Clement. Mr.
Driscoll is a member of St. John's Cathedral Catholic church, also
a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, and is an ex-member
of the Sheridan Guards. Politically he is a Democrat and takes an
active interest in his party and the welfare of the municipality.
Fie has held several important offices and is now one of the trustees
of the Milwaukee county poor. He served six years as supervisor
of the Third ward of Milwaukee and was chairman of the county
board for two years. Mr. Driscoll is a warm-hearted, public-
spirited man and has won a high place in the esteem of his asso-
ciates and friends by his sound judgment and ready sympathy.
Henry Bulder, a prominent merchant tailor of Milwaukee, with
a well-established business at 86 Oneida street, was born in Emden,
Germany, March 30, 1867, a son of Henry and Anna (Stilwacht)
Bulder. lie was reared to manhood in his native country and
educated in the public schools. After finishing his studies he served
li is apprenticeship at the tailor's trade for three years, and for
eight years worked as a journeyman tailor at Hanover, Germany.
In [89] he immigrated to the United States and landed in New
York City Nov. 27. He came directly to Milwaukee, where he
worked as a journeyman tailor for eight years, then went to Chi-
cago for about a year, but returned to Milwaukee in 1900. Since
coming to this country. Mr. Bulder had made careful investments,
and no1 being a man content to remain a paid employe for another,
embarked in business for himself the same vear he returned from
BIOGRAPHICAL 209
Chicago, and has successfully continued in his chosen calling. Ik-
is a warm-hearted, generous man and lias always taken an active
interest in public affairs, particularly in the park system for the
outdoor life of the children of the city. He has been instrumental
in establishing public play grounds in the congested districts, and
in 10,05 started a movement to establish a zoological garden at
Washington Park. It was through his influence that the first
elephant was purchased, which was named in his honor, "Countess
Heine," and through this movement he has come in contact with
the leading citizens of Milwaukee, and in connection with the park
he has become famous as one of the leading philanthropists of the
city. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, Knights of Pythias and Fraternal Order of Eagles. In poli-
tics he is a Democrat and was elected alderman at large of the city
in the spring election of 1898.
John F. Polczynski, one of the leading real estate and insur-
ance agents of Milwaukee, with an office at 32 Locust street, is a
native of the Cream City, born March 15, 1874. Plis parents were
Joseph and Agnes (Nenz) Polczynski, natives of Poland who came
to the United States in 1873 and settled in Mihvaukee, where the
father has been engaged for thirty years as a successful grading
contractor. He has reared a family of fourteen children, of whom
nine survive : John F., Dominica, Mary, the wife of Constantine
Zawatzki ; Frances, the wife of Joseph Kuczkowski ; Victoria, Jo-
seph, Klemes, Casimir and Annie. John was raised in Milwaukee
and received his elementary training in St. Hedwig's parochial
school and then took a course in Marquette College before going
to Pio Mono College, at St. Francis, Wis., where he was graduated
in 1897, and for nine years taught in St. Kashmir's parochial school.
In 1906 he engaged in his present business and has met with grati-
fying success. Sept. 27, 1898, he married Susie, the daughter of
Albert and Mary (Wielgyosz) Niedzielski, pioneer settlers of Mil-
waukee. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pol-
czynski : Josephine and Raymond. With his family he is a mem-
ber of the St. Kasimir's Polish Catholic church, and also belongs
to the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, Stefan Czarnecki Society
of St. Kasimir, also St. Kasimir's Cadets, and is organist of St.
Kasimir's Catholic church.
Casimir Klos is one of the prominent Polish residents of the
south side. He was born in Lubasz, in the province of Posen, Ger-
many, Jan. 4, 1864, being the son of Albert and Albertina (Xecker)
Klos, both residents of this famous old town on the Xet/.e river.
Casimir was reared to manhood in his native country and received
his educational advantages under the tuition of his father, who was
a well-known teacher in the public schools of Lubasz. Upon reach-
ing his fourteenth year he was placed in charge of a private tutor
and instructed in the higher branches. He continued his studies
until he was seventeen and then was sent to a large agricultural
tract of seven thousand acres to learn farming. For five years he
devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits and became
T4
210 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
thoroughly acquainted with all the branches of farm industry. A
year after attaining" his majority he entered the German army,
where he served for two years. His excellent education enabled
him to act as secretary in the quartermaster's department of his
company and he occupied this office during his entire time of en-
listment. After leaving the army he accepted a position as over-
seer of a farm, but after two years determined to avail himself of
the great possibilities of a newer country and in 1890 immigrated to
the United States. Soon after landing he located in Milwaukee,
where he has since resided. ■ When Mr. Klos first came to the city
he engaged in carpenter work, but soon gave that up to go into a
grocery store and left this position to accept a more lucrative place
as shipping clerk in the yeast depot of the National Distilling Co.
He severed his connection with the distilling company a year later
to accept a more congenial occupation as clerk in the City Hall and
Court House. Mr. Klos' educational advantages, combined with his
natural ability as a business man, enabled him to make successful
investments, and by 1894 he had accumulated a sufficient capital to
establish himself in business, and since that time has run a cafe,
which has proved to be one of the most popular in the city. On
Jan. 9, 1894, he was united in marriage with Antonia, the daughter
of Joseph and Josepha (Wojiechowski) Palaszynski, natives of
Russian Poland. Five children have come to brighten their home :
Maryan ; Stephen ; Wanda ; Leo and Josephine. The family are
members of St. Stanislaus' Polish Catholic congregation and Mr.
Klos is affiliated with the Polish National Alliance, the Polish As-
sociation of America, the Polish Sharpshooters, Polish Turners and
Sokol society. Mr. Klos is a stanch supporter of the cause of the
Republican party, but has never sought political honors of any
kind. He is a member of the commission of Polish colonization of
the Polish National Alliance, and a stock holder and director in
the Polish Kuryer Publishing Company.
Lucas Szatkowski, one of the progressive citizens of the Cream
City and the junior member of the firm Prokop & Szatkowski,
prominent furniture dealers and house decorators with an estab-
lishment at 469 Mitchell street, is a native of Germany, born in the
province of Posen, German Poland, in October, 1870. He is the
son of Michael and Julia (Grezarwoski) Szatkowski, who immi-
grated to America in the spring of 1871, and within a short time
of landing in the L/nited States settled in Milwaukee. The elder
Szatkowski was a mason by trade and followed this vocation with
great success for nine years. He was careful and frugal and in
1880 had saved sufficient money to buy a farm in the township of
Posen, Mich., which was settled up by his countrymen and named
after the historic town of the Fatherland. He cleared the farm and
continued to run it successfully until his death, Dec. 5, 1907, at
the hale old age of seventy-two. Seven children were reared on
the hospitable old homestead in the pines: Thomas, deceased;
Stanislaus ; John ; Lucas ; Ignatius ; Agnes, the wife of Frank Misisk,
and Helen, the wife of Andrew Kroll. Lucas was nine vears old
IIIOGKAIM1 ICAI. 211
when his parents moved to Michigan and received his scholastic
discipline in the parochial schools near his home. In [89] he left
the farm to make his way in the world and returned to Milwaukee,
where he found employment in a furniture store. He was asso-
ciated with various firms for some time and learned the business
in a practical manner and in 1905 engaged in the business for him-
self. Tie became associated with Michael Prokop under the linn
name of Prokop & Szatkowski. They have built up a large and
prosperous business, as a result of fair dealing and a successful
effort in catering to the wants of their patrons. Today the firm is
one of the most substantial and carries the largest stock of any
furniture house on the south side. Mr. Szatkowski was married on
May 30, 1893, to Anna, the daughter of Thomas Vincent, a resident
of Milwaukee, and five children have come to bless and brighten
this union: Roman, Palieza, Julia, Stanislaus and Joseph. The
family are devout Catholics and members of St. Stanislaus Polish
Catholic church. Mr. Szatkowski is a stanch Democrat in his po-
litical adherency, but has never had any desire for political office.
Stephen J. Pozorski, who is engaged in the real estate and in-
surance business and has a steamship agency at 1009 Bremen street,
is one of the representative and progressive business men of the
Cream City. He is a native of Germany, born in the province of
West Prussia, Sept. 1, 1856, being the son of Michael and Frances
(Zalikowski) Pozorski. When Stephen was twenty-five years old
his father immigrated to the United States with his family and lo-
cated in Milwaukee in 1881, where he resided until his death, which
occurred at the home of Stephen in September, 1904, when he was
eighty-six years old. Mr. Pozorski had reared three children : Cath-
erine, the wife of Leo Zychski, who lives in Sauk count}-. Wis.;
AVladislaus T. ; and Stephen, who grew to manhood in Prussian Po-
land and received his elementary education in the public schools
of his native country. After finishing the common branches he at-
tended the polytechnic school and took a thorough course in engi-
neering. Soon after coming to Milwaukee he entered the emplo\ of
the A. P. Allis Co., now the Allis-Chalmers Co., as a pattern maker;
from this position he was rapidly advanced and traveled all over
the country setting up machinery for the company. He remained
with the Allis company about nine years, but was not content to re-
main a paid employe for any length of time and in 1890 entered the
grocen- business for himself. Three years later he was able to dis-
pose of the grocery to advantage and erected a planing mill, which
he conducted for some time. Mr. Pozorski sold his interest in the
planing mill and again engaged in the grocer}- business, which he
•carried on until 1896; he had a large store and built up a large and
prosperous business, based on fair dealing and successful effort in
catering to the wants of his patrons. Immediately after going out
of the grocer}- business he embarked in his present line and has
been remarkably successful. Since [896 he has been secretary of
the North Side Loan and Building Society, of which he was one of
the promoters, and which he has done much to put upon the sub-
212 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
stantial basis it now occupies. On May 14, 1883, he married Rosa-
lia, the daughter of Karl and Maria (Kupkowski) Kosecki, both na-
tives of Prussian Poland. The issue of this union was three chil-
dren, two of whom are deceased. On May 14, 1908, Mr. and Mrs.
Pozorski, with their daughter, celebrated the twenty-fifth, or silver
wedding" anniversary, and the close of a quarter century of happy
and congenial married life was made the occasion of a happy fam-
ily gathering. Mr. Pozorski's political support is given to the Dem-
ocratic party, of which he is a prominent member. He is a liberal
and progressive citizen and is ever ready to lend his co-operation in
the promotion of enterprises for the general good of the city and
municipal progress. The family are devout Catholics and members
and supporters of St. Kasimir's Polish Catholic church. Mr. Pozor-
ski is a popular member of the Polish American Alliance, the Ger-
mania Society and the National Union.
Stanislaus W. Kaminski, a well-known baker at 897 Racine
street, Milwaukee, was born in the province of Posen, German Po-
land, on April 23, 1863. He is one of the seven children of Joseph
and Antonia (Dlurenska) Kaminski, who came to the United States
in 1881, locating in Milwaukee. The mother died here in 1901, at
the age of seventy-five years, and the father passed away in 1908, at
the age of eighty-six. They reared to maturity a family of seven
children — Martin ; Mary, deceased, the wife of Joseph Kotechi ;
Frances, the wife of W. Bartozenicz ; Katie, wife of Stanley Cofta ;
Joseph ; Stanislaus W., and Antonia. Stanislaus W. Kaminski, the
subject of this review, was reared in the stern school of necessity in
his native land and his education was restricted to the training af-
forded by the institutions of learning there. In 1881, with his par-
ents, he came to Milwaukee and found employment in a tannery,
where he served until 1899. In that year he became a baker and
opened a bakery for the sale of home-made goods. By persistence
and skillful work he has built up a large patronage, which now fur-
nishes him a goodly income, and his products are becoming known
all over the city for their excellent quality. Fraternally he is identi-
fied with the Polish National Alliance, and in political matters is a
Democrat, but the stress of business affairs has restrained him from
becoming a candidate for public office. On April 29, 1890. Mr.
Kaminski was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Artmann, a
daughter of Albert and Antonia (Vadinski) Artmann, of Milwau-
kee. Four children have come to bless this union — John, Edward,
Estella and Julia. The family are all communicants of St. Hedwig's
Polish church.
Charles Stachowiak, a prominent hardware merchant of the
Cream City, was born in' the province of Posen, Germany, on July
20. 1872. He is a son of Valentine and Josephine (Kowalski) Stach-
owiak, who came to Milwaukee direct from the old country in 1882.
The father died in 1905, at the age of seventy-five years, leaving be-
side his widow nine children — Mary, wife of Martin Wroblewski ;
Patronnella, wife of John Jankowski ; Lawrence; Albert; Agnes,
wife of Frank Mareda; Joseph; Charles; Casimir, and Stanislaus.
BIOGRAPHICAL 213
From the time that he was ten years of age Charles Stachowiak was
reared in Milwaukee and received his educational advantages in the
public and evening schools. Brought up in a home where frugality
and enterprise were habits, he became thoroughly imbued with the
principles of industry and thrift. I lis fust labors were as an appren-
tice in the tinner's trade and alter he had mastered the vocation he
labored as a journeyman. In 1898 he had accumulated sufficient
capital to embark in the business under his own name. Success at-
tended his efforts from the first, due in large measure to his skilled
workmanship and adaptability. He has the unique distinction of
having been the first Polish tinner to engage in business for himself,
and today he is the only one in Milwaukee. In religious matters he
is identified with the Polish Catholic church, being a communicant
of the St. Cyril and Methody edifice. Politically he is a Democrat,
but has never sought public office. On July 3, 1894, Mr. Stachowiak
was united in marriage to Miss Anna Szukalski, a daughtei of Paul
and Constantia (Budzbanowski) Szukalski, of Manitowoc county.
Wis. Of the children born to this union five survive — Eugene,
Theresa, Clara, Clementina and Leonard.
Abraham Breslauer, the founder and president of the A. Bres-
lauer Company, and a leading figure in the commercial life of Mil-
waukee, was born in Germany on June 17, 1832, a son of Jacob and
Olga Breslauer. Jacob Breslauer was a tailor by vocation, and lived
all his life in his native country. Abraham Breslauer took advan-
tage of the educational opportunities afforded by the schools of his
native land and in 1854 came to the New World to seek his fortune.
He located first in Pennsylvania, but the business prospects there
were not to his liking so after four years he came to Milwaukee.
His first business here was as a clothing merchant at Third and
Chestnut streets and he continued in that line until 1883. In that
year he established the liquor business in which he is now engaged.
His inherent traits of frugality and industry and his absolute integ-
rity, coupled with his personal popularity, soon built up for him a
large and flourishing patronage, which has steadily increased from
year to year until now it has no equals in the city. By 1893 the
industry had developed to such an extent that it became necessary
to enlarge the quarters of the company, and the new and commo-
dious building which the company now occupies was erected. In
politics Mr. Breslauer has been a Republican ever since he took out
his naturalization papers, casting his first vote for Fremont. He is
one of the most loyal and devout members of the Jewish Temple in
Milwaukee, and his fraternal associations include membership in
the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, the Knights of Pythias and B'nai B'rith. Mr. Breslauer has
been twice married. He was united to Miss Johanna Wiener in
July, 1856, and by her had three children : Samuel, born on May 25,
1857; Joseph, born on Nov. 25, 1858; and Bertha, born on Feb. 7,
1862. His second wdfe was Emma Meissner, and by her he was the
father of three children — Arthur, Harry and Freida, whose ages are
twenty-eight, twenty-three and nineteen, respectively.
214 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Richard G. Owens, administrator of the Owens estate and a
prominent dealer in real estate in Milwaukee, was born in this city
on March 22, 1846. He is a son of Richard G. and Mary Ann
(Jones) Owens, the former of whom was born in Anglesea, Wales,
on Jan. 8, 181 1, and the latter in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1821.
The father, Richard G. Owens, was the pioneer brewer of Milwau-
kee and one of the most prominent figures in the history of the city.
At the age of twelve years he was left an orphan, and from that age
he made his way in life alone. Until he had attained his majority
he spent most of his life on a farm in his native country, and in
June, 1832, sailed for the United States. He arrived on Aug. 8 of
the same year, and for a period of twelve or thirteen months worked
on a farm on Long Island. From there he went to Cleveland, Ohio,
where he learned the art of manufacturing French buhr millstones.
After fifteen months he removed to Buffalo, N. Y,, and there en-
gaged as a contractor in the millstone business, making stones and
selling them to the dealers. Later he opened a store and made some
real estate investments, the latter of which proved worthless, as the
lake encroached and covered the property. His first arrival in Mil-
waukee was about Oct. 1, 1837, but it was then only as a stop-over
on a journey to Galena, Chicago, St. Louis and other points. This
trip consumed about a month, and upon his return to Milwaukee he
purchased a land claim in the town of Greenfield, and spent the win-
ter in clearing it. In the spring of 1838 he went to Buffalo, but re-
mained there only three months before returning to Milwaukee. He
next went to St. Louis and there was engaged at his trade of mill-
stone maker until June 1, 1840. From his return to Milwaukee at
that time until the time of his death he made this city his home.
The idea of a brewery was formulated soon after Mr. Owens' re-
turn, and on June 12, 1840, he went to Michigan City, Ind., and
brought from there the first 130 bushels of barley used in the pro-
cess of making ale, and he superintended the brewing of the product.
He continued in the brewing business until 1864, when he rented
his place to M. W. Powell & Company, under whose direction the
business was continued. During the remainder of his active life he
was engaged in the care of his realty, buying, selling and renting.
Flis demise occurred on Nov. 10, 1882. His wife was a daughter of
Evan Jones, who migrated to Chicago from Wales, arriving in the
Windy City on July 1, 1839. The ocean trip was made by a slow
sailing vessel ( to New York, thence to Albany by steamer, a canal
boat to Buffalo and the steamer Illinois to Chicago. Her father had
eleven hundred dollars in gold on his arrival in Chicago and seven
hundred of it he invested in a farm near Des Plaines. He suc-
cumbed to cholera in 1852 in his seventy-second year. The mar-
riage of Richard G. Owens, Sr., and Mary Ann Jones occurred on
June 7, 1841, and the same day they started for Milwaukee on the
steamer Illinois. The vessel was of such draught that it could not
make the harbor, and the bridal party was transferred to the Trow-
bridge, a smaller vessel, which brought them up the river to where
Wisconsin street now crosses. They stopped at the Milwaukee
■HSre
RICHARD G. OWENS
1 n i: c i: \ > i: n i
PUB U
man
A STO*. LJ^
BIOCK \l'll UAL 215
House, located on the site of the present Miller block. Richard ( '<■
( )wens, the subject of this memoir, received the limited educational
advantages afforded by the public schools of his daw While still a
youth he served for various periods in clerical capacities in the I.
M. Morton Drug Store, the Drake Brothers Drug Store and the law-
offices of former Governor Salomon and the late A.ttorney-General
Smith. When twenty years of age he engaged in the general mer-
chandise business at Waterville, Wis., but the environment was not
pleasing and he returned to Milwaukee in 1870 to become a book-
keeper for 1). W. Linfield & Company, a dry goods concern. He re-
mained with this company but a year, and from 1871 to [873 was a
bookkeeper in the threshing- machine works of Edward E. Owens &
Company. In the latter year his father became interested in mining
near Boulder, Colo., and Mr. Owens proceeded to that country to
learn the details of the operations. He began his labors as a team-
ster and rose to the position of superintendent. The venture did
not "pan out" profitably, but Mr. Owens remained in the country
until 1882. In that year the impaired health and the consequent
death of his father necessitated his return to Milwaukee. He looked
after the estate for about eighteen years, and now has charge of his
mother's affairs. In politics Mr. Owens has been allied with the
Republican party ever since he became old enough to cast a vote,
but he has never sought public office. His religious relations are
with the Plymouth Congregational church. On March 1, 1884, oc-
curred Mr. Owens' marriage to Miss Rachel L. Jones, a daughter of
Hugh T. and Jane Jones, of New York. To this union have been
born four children: Richard Gordon, deceased; Elmer S., aged
twenty; Raymond G., aged seventeen, and Laura M., aged fourteen.
Frederick Ketter, a prominent manufacturing cooper of the
Cream City, was born in Weilburg, Hesse-Nassau, Germany, on
Feb. 26, 1845. His parents, Frederick L. and Anna Maria (Goebel)
Ketter, were both born in Germany in 1803 and spent their entire
lives in that country. Frederick Ketter received the educational ad-
vantages afforded by the common schools of his native land and
while still a youth served an apprenticeship in the cooper's trade.
For several years he worked as a journeyman at his trade in differ-
ent cities of the Fatherland, and in 1867 determined to seek his for-
tune in the New World. Accordingly he migrated to America and
located in Milwaukee. He immediately found employment in his
vocation and at the end of three years had accumulated sufficient
funds to embark in the business on his own account. His inherent
frugality and enterprise and his absolute integrity made the venture
a success from the start, and from a small beginning it has now
grown to be a concern of large proportions, employing about sixty-
five men. It has been in its present location for the past fifteen
years. Mr. Ketter is a Republican in his political affiliations, but
the pressure of business affairs has restrained him from becoming
a candidate for any public office, despite the earnest solicitation of
his many friends. In religious matters he is a sincere believer in the
creed formulated bv Martin Luther and with his familv is a regular
2l6 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
communicant of the Lutheran church. Fraternally he is also prom-
inent, being" a member of Aurora Lodge, No. 30, Free and Accepted
Masons; Columbia Lodge, No. 11, Knights of Pythias; Teutonia
Lodge, No. 11, Sons of Hermann, and the Eichen Kranz Singing So-
ciety, of which he has been president eighteen years. On June
4, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Louise Goebel,
and the children of this union were Albina, Ottilia, Alma,
Frieda, Hedwig and Emma. The first wife died on June 2, 1883. On
April 2, 1884, Mr. Ketter was united in marriage to Miss Fredericka
Spankus, a daughter of Gottfried Spankus, of Milwaukee. Four
children have been the issue of this union, namely : Olivia, Fred,
Walter and Linda.
Joseph Etzius, the genial proprietor of the Aschermann Com-
pany cigar factory at 308-310 Broadway, is a native of Germany,
having been born in the province of Bingen-on-the-Rhine"on Aug.
12, 1859. He is a son of Philip and Katherine (Oppermann) Et-
zius, both of whom were born in 1834, the former at Bingen and the
latter in Vallendar. Joseph Etzius, the subject of this review, re-
ceived his scholastic training in the public and parochial schools of
his native land. When he had completed his studies he served an
apprenticeship in the cigarmaker's trade under the able direction of
his father, who was recognized as one of the most proficient in his
line. For several years he was a journeyman in his trade and in
1883 ne migrated to the United States, locating first in Chicago.
Later he entered the employ of the Aschermann Company at Mil-
waukee as a cigarmaker. From 1893 until 1907 he was in business
for himself, selling all his products to Arthur F. Aschermann. Early
in 1907 he purchased the cigar business of Arthur F. Aschermann
after his death, and has since been in active control of it, conducting
the business under the name of the Aschermann Company. He also
maintains direct supervision of the manufacture of the cigars made
for the factory, making a specialtv of "Fresh Every Day," "Carl
Marr." "Enola," "La Flor de Trentanove," "Skat Club," "Ameri-
can Beauty," "Comme il Faut" and "Our Eagle.'" Mr. Etzius' thor-
ough knowledge of the trade of cigarmaking, gained by long experi-
ence, assures his customers of the best quality of goods. His pat-
ronage has increased from the time of his assumption of the. man-
agement until today his products are some of the most popular
brands on the market. He is not allied with any of the existing po-
litical parties, believing that good government can be had by the
conscientious exercise of the right of suffrage rather than by the
dictation of party affiliations. He is prominently identified with the
Masonic Order, the Royal Arcanum, the Maccabees, the Cigar-
makers' Society, the Turners and numerous other German societies.
Tn t886 Mr. Etzius was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Ertl
Mann, daughter of Christian and Johanna (Limbes) Mann, of New
Orleans. One son has been born to bless this union, Arthur L., a
b< 11 ikkeeper in his father's store.
Louis F. Klemm, M. D., is engaged in the general practice of
medicine and surgery in the city of Milwaukee, and in addition to
his extensive duties in that direction he serves as the West Side
BIOGRAPHICAL 21 7
county physician, lie is also a member of the consulting staff ol
the Milwaukee County Hospital, and medical examiner for the G.
I". G. Germania Humboldt Society No. 6, of Milwaukee. He was
born in the city of Milwaukee oil A.ug. 27, (870, son of Louis and
Sophia (Voss) Klemm, both of whom were born at Hanover, Ger-
many, the former in 1834 and the latter in 1845. These parents mi
grated to America in 1805, and located in the Cream City, at 704
Kinnickinnic avenue, in a building which he erected that is still
standing, and there the father died in 1882, the mother still surviv-
ing. He and his good wife became the parents of four sons and one
daughter, all of whom are living with the exception of one son, Dr.
Paul E. Klemm. This son began his career as an apprentice in a
drug store at the age of twelve years, and after graduating in phar-
macy was appointed at the head of the drug department of the Na-
tional Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee, which position he held for
four years. He then pursued the study of medicine and after gradu-
ation was appointed assistant surgeon at the National Soldiers'
Home, which position he held until death. He died on June 28,
1900, at the age of twenty-eight years, in the midst of excellent pn >s-
pects for a successful career in the line of his chosen profession. Dr.
Louis F. Klemm, whose name introduces this review, received his
early education in the public schools of Milwaukee and at the age
of eleven years started in life for himself. Beginning at that tender
age, he has carved out his own career. After taking up the study of
pharmacy he graduated in that branch of learning in 1895. With
this preparation he entered the field of medicine and matriculating
at the medical department of the Marquette University, he gradu-
ated in that institution on April 3, 1900. Immediately upon his
graduation he opened an office for the practice of his profession and
has since been so engaged, meeting with success of a most unequiv-
ocal order. His professional associations are with the Brainard
Medical Society, the Milwaukee County, the Wisconsin State and
the American Medical associations. Fraternally he has membership
in the Knights of Pythias Order, Prospect Lodge, No. 135. He was
married on Nov. 27 , 1907, to Miss Katharine, daughter of Jacob M.
and Helen (Goertz) Frey, of Milwaukee, the former of whom is a
United States gauger in the First district of Wisconsin, a position
he has held for the past seventeen vears.
Alexander Kremers, M. D., is one of the younger members of
the medical fraternity in the city of Milwaukee, but in the compara-
tively short time he has been engaged in the practice of his profes-
sion his success has been such as to augur well forhis future career.
He was born in Milwaukee on Sept. 9, t88i, son of Adam and Ber-
tha (Schmidt) Kremers. the former of whom was born in Germany
on April 23, 1837, and the latter in Milwaukee in January, 1850. The
paternal grandfather was Peter Kremers, a native of Germany who
migrated to America and located in Manitowoc. Wis., in 1848. living
a number of years in that city, and then moved to Milwaukee, where
he died. The maternal grandparents were George. John and Jo-
hanna (Finkensieber) Schmidt, both natives of Germain- wdio set-
2t8 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
tied in Milwaukee in a very early day and there spent the remainder
of their lives. Adam Kremers, the father of the subject of this re-
view, was eleven years old when he accompanied his parents to
America, and after growing' to manhood engaged in the mercantile
business at Alanitowoc for a number of years, being also secretary
of the Milwaukee Gas Light Co. He is now living retired. Of the
six children born to himself and wife five are living. Dr. Kremers
received his primary education in the public schools of Milwaukee
and then took a course in the West Bend High School. After due
preliminary work he entered the medical department of the North-
western University at Chicago and graduated in that institution
with the class of 1905. He then served as interne at the Milwaukee
County Hospital and as house physician at the Emergency Hospital
for a time, after which he located at Athens, Wis., for the practice
of his profession. He remained at Athens about six months and
then, desiring a larger field, he removed to Milwaukee, and has since
been engaged in practice here, meeting with unqualified success.
Politically he maintains an independent position, and he is liberal
in his religious views.
Edward E. Kalmerton, M. D., a practicing physician of Mil-
waukee, was born in Sheboygan county, Wis., on Oct. 1, 1854, son
of Ernst and Sophia Kalmerton, both of whom were natives
of Westphalia, Prussia. The father migrated to America in the 40's,
at the age of twenty-six years, and his wife came the year follow-
ing. The marriage took place in Pennsylvania immediately upon
her arrival, and the next year the parents of the subject of this re-
view migrated to Wisconsin and settled in Sheboygan county,
where the father entered a tract of government land and became an
extensive farmer. The Indians were plentiful at that time in that
portion of Wisconsin, but Mr. and Mrs. Kalmerton lived to see the
almost wilderness in which they settled developed into a well-im-
proved and progressive section of the state. They became the par-
ents of six sons and two daughters, all of whom are living with the
exception of two sons. Dr. Kalmerton received his early education
in the public schools of his native place, attended the high school at
Sheboygan Falls, and later took a course in the state normal at
Oshkosh, working his way through school without financial sup-
port fmm any source. He followed the profession of teaching for a
period of ten years, in which occupation he met with merited suc-
cess, and he served as principal of the Weyauwega (Wis.) schools
for two years and the Ada (Minn.) schools one year. Following
this he received the nomination for the office of county superintend-
ent of schools on the Republican ticket. During his long service as
a pedagogue he made preparation for the study of medicine, and in
due time matriculated at the Rush Medical College at Chicago, in
which institution he graduated with the class of 1887. Following
his graduation lie located in Ashland, Wis., where he practiced his
profession and had charge of the hospital at that place for two
years. At the end of this period he removed to Milwaukee, where
he entered the general practice and had charge of the Isolation Hos-
BIOGRAPHICAL 219
pita! For some time; then left the city and attended to a country
practice for eight years. Returning then to Milwaukee, he lias since
been continuously engaged in practice, and the success that ha^ a1
tended his endeavors is \cr\ gratifying to himself and his large
circle of friends. He was married on Oct. 1. [891, to Miss llattie
V., daughter of Eli and Lucy (Armstrong) Stilson, of Oshkosh,
Wis., the former of whom died in 1883 and the latter is living at the
advanced age of eighty-two years. To the union of Dr. and Mrs.
Kalmerton there have been horn two children : Harold, who died in
infancy, and lulward Stilson. The Doctor is a Republican in his
political views and is very active in the councils of his party. Pro
fessionally he has membership in the Milwaukee County and the
Wisconsin State Medical associations, and he is the medical exam-
iner for the Modern Woodmen of America and the National Union.
Joseph Breslauer, one of the members of the A. Breslauer Com-
pany, and a prominent business man of Milwaukee, was born in
Milwaukee on Nov. 25, 1858, and is a son of Abraham Breslauer,
whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. His education was
received in the old West Side high school. He left the latter insti-
tution in 1872 to enter business with his father in the clothing store
on Third and Chestnut streets. In this capacity he worked until
1883, and then, when his father disposed of the business, he as-
sisted him in the organization of the A. Breslauer Company, lie
has been one of the active spirits in the same concern since that
time, and its success can in large measure be contributed to his en-
terprise and thrift. He is allied with the Republican party in his
political beliefs, but has never sought public office, the pressure of
business affairs making it impossible for him to listen to the urgent
solicitations of his friends to become a candidate. His fraternal
relations are with the Travelers' Protective Association and the
Milwaukee Musical Society. In religious matters he is actively
identified with the Jewish Temple, which has no more loyal a mem-
ber than Mr. Breslauer. On March 28, 1893, occurred his marriage
to Miss Jettel, a daughter of Reuben and Paulina Breslauer, both
born in Germany. The issue of this marriage has been four children:
Samuel, born in 1894; Johanna, born in 1895; Paula, born in 1899;
and Clarence, born in 1902. Mr. Breslauer is very popular among
the Jewish element in the Cream City, and is recognized as one of
the substantial business men of the city.
Henry Harnischfeger, of the firm of Pawling & Ilarnischfeger,
manufacturers of traveling cranes, and one of the largest manufac-
turing firms in the Cream City, was born in Germany. Me is a son
of Konstantin and Christina ( Adrian ) I larnischfeger. both of whom
were born in Germany, the former in 18 17 and the latter in 1818.
The father conducted a tannery in the Fatherland, where he died in
1889. Henry Ilarnischfeger received his preliminary educational
advantages in the public schools of Germany and in 1872 came to
the United States, arriving in New York on April 9. lie secured
employment with the Singer Sewing Machine Company of New
York and remained with that concern for more than nine years. At
220 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
the end of that time he came to Milwaukee with the Whitehill Sew-
ing Machine Co., being foreman of the milling department. In 1882
he became acquainted with Alonzo Pawling, who was in the employ
of the Whitehill Company as a pattern maker. Mr. Pawling, in
1883. with Mauritz Weiss, opened a machine and pattern shop.
They dissolved partnership in 1884, at which time Mr. Harnisch-
feger took over the interest of Mr. Weiss. Since then the firm has
continued in business, first doing jobbing work, but later the busi-
ness enlarged, and in 1889 the firm commenced the manufacture
of traveling cranes. The factory is today one of the
largest in the city.> Mr. Harneschfeger's business ability.
learned by close attention to business while in New York
and by attending evening school, stood him in good stead in the de-
velopment of his venture and has contributed in large measure to
its success. He is independent of party affiliation in political mat-
ters, and is a liberal in his religious views. In fraternal and social
matters he is prominently identified with the Deutscher Club, the
German-English Academy, the Milwaukee Musical Society and the
Milwaukee Turnverein. On Aug. 30, 1892, Mr. Harnischfeger was
united in marriage to Miss Marie Kauwertz, a daughter of Fred-
erick and Marie (Geyer) Kauwertz, of Milwaukee, and a grand-
daughter of the late Rev. Mr. Geyer. Four children were born to
this union, two of whom are deceased. The two survivors are
Frieda, born Nov. 25, 1894, and Walter, born Dec. 23, 1895.
Sol H. Ettenhein is a striking example of the class of self-made
men who have contributed so largely to Milwaukee's rise as a com-
mercial center of the Middle West. He is a son of E. H. and Hen-
rietta (Strauss) Ettenhein and was born in this city on Feb. 22,
1859. The father was born in 1818 and the mother in 1817, and the
former was a merchant who came to Milwaukee in 1853 and en-
gaged in the mercantile business on Juneau avenue. His death oc-
curred in 1865. Sol H. Ettenhein received the limited educational
advantages afforded by the public schools of the city, and while
still a youth was obliged to seek employment in order to contribute
to the support of the fatherless family. His first labors were in a
grocery and drygoods store and his duties occupied him from four
in the morning to six at night, for the paltry income of sixty-five
cents a week. Then for a period of years he was with H. S. Mack
& Company, following which he was engaged as a commercial trav-
eler for several seasons. His own business was started when he
opened a retail clothing store at 1017 Winnebago avenue, and his
success brought to the front those qualities which are so essential
to the growth of any business. Through misfortune all his worldly
goods were lost in 1902, but undaunted he embarked a year later in
the real estate business. Reared in the school of hardship and pri-
vation, he had become imbued with traits of thrift and enterprise
which stood him in good stead in the starting of a new business.
That he has been well repaid for those months when he was com-
pelled to forego many of the pleasures of life is evidenced in the
measure of success which now crowns his every effort. In politics
BIOGRAPH I* \l. 221
he is allied with the Republican party, but the pressure of other
duties has restrained him from becoming a candidate Eor public of-
fice. Fraternally he is prominently identified with the Knights of
Honor and the Columbian Knights, and is a devout and sincere
communicant of the Jewish Temple. On Dec. 4, 1881, Mr. Etten-
hein was united in marriage to Miss Lena Mannikin, a daughter of
J. M. and Henrietta (Sandels) Mannikin, of Milwaukee. Five chil-
dren have been the issue of this union, three of whom survive: J.
M.. born in [883; Florence, born in 1887; and .Milton B., born in
1894.
Philip Orth, president of the firm of Philip Orth & Company,
flour and feed dealers, doing a large business all over the state, was
born in Germany on March 17, 1845. He is one of nine children,
eight sons and a daughter, of Adam and Elizabeth I Kegner) Orth,
both of whom lived all their lives in Germany. He was reared in
the Fatherland and attended the public schools of that country until
he was nearly twenty years of age. In 1865 he migrated to the
I nited States and located in Milwaukee. For the first three years
he devoted his time to the study of American institutions and busi-
ness methods in Markham's Academy and the Spencerian Business
College, in 1868 entered the employ of the Mechanics' Insurance
Company in a clerical capacity, and subsequently was for a time
employed as a bookkeeper for another firm. In 1878 he embarked
in the flour, feed and grain business, and for thirty years has been
conducting it with almost unparalleled success. His inherent traits
of enterprise, frugality and sterling integrity have won for him a
large patronage and many friends. Mr. Orth has not allied himself
with any of the existing political parties, preferring to cast his vote
as his judgment dictates rather than be bound by the will of party
leaders. With his family he is a member of the German Lutheran
church and one of the most devout and earnest members of the con-
gregation. He is much engrossed in business, but finds leisure to
get recreation in the gatherings of the Milwaukee Musical Society,
of which he is a prominent member. He also belongs to many other
German societies and institutions. On Aug. 12, 1891. Mr. Orth was
united in marriage to Miss Martha Meinecke, a daughter of Edward
and Pauline (Von Zastrow) Meinecke, of Milwaukee. To this
union have been born four children : Philip, Edward, Frederick and
Margaret; born in 1893, 1895, 1898 and 1900, respectively.
Ernst Pommer, the proprietor of the E. Pommer Company,
dealers in wholesale California and Rhine wines, was born in Ger-
many on Nov. 8, 1858. He is a son of Henry and Lizette Pommer,
who resided in Halle a. d. s. Germany. The father was a tinner
by vocation and conducted a store in the Fatherland. His death
occurred in 1895. Ernst Pommer, the subject of this review, ac-
quired his educational advantages in the public schools of his native
land, but left them in 1872 in order to become a bookkeeper. In
1878 he migrated to the I nited States, and came direct to Milwau-
kee after landing. For several years he was employed in clerical
capacities in various stores and offices, and then with the savings
222 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
which he had accumulated during- these vears of work he estab-
lished the E. Pommer Company. The venture proved successful
from the start and it is today not only one of the oldest but also one
of the most flourishing in the city. Mr. Pommer's only social rela-
tions are with the Deutscher Club, and in politics he is a member
of the Republican party, but has never sought nor held public office
of any character. He is a communicant of the German Lutheran
church. On June 6, 1888, Mr. Pommer was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Schroeter, a daughter of Otto L. Schroeter, of Water-
town. The issue of this union has been one son, born in 1889, Wal-
ter, who is now a senior in the Milwaukee University School.
Louis Hallbach, one of the well-known furriers and rising busi-
ness men of the Cream City, with an establishment at 454 Milwau-
kee street, is an American by birth, born in New York city, N. Y.,
on Feb. 29, 1872. His parents, Peter C. and Eva (Gatting) Hall-
bach, were both natives of Germany, who immigrated to the Lmited
States. His father was a furrier in the old country and has con-
tinued that vocation since coming to America. Louis received his
education in the public schools of Kentucky until he was sixteen
years of age, and in 1888 began to learn the furrier's trade. Seven
years later he came to Milwaukee to enter the employ of the Han-
sen Empire Fur Factory as an expert furrier. Mr. Hallbach was
very ambitious and not content to remain in the employ of others
for any length of time and in 1900 established himself in business
in the Goldsmith building; but finding these quarters inadequate to
conduct the business satisfactorily, he removed to 454 Milwaukee
street, where he has continued to carry on his business ever since.
He is a self-made man and his prosperity is due entirely to his tire-
less industry and business ability. His establishment is one of the
finest ladies' tailoring and fur houses in the city and turns out only
the highest class goods. Mr. Hallbach has built up a substantial
house, due to his fair dealing and desire to please his customers. He
is affiliated with no political party, believing it better to exercise his
privilege of franchise to vote for the man who stands for national
and municipal reform and clean politics rather than be bound by
party ties. He is a member of the Royal League and is associated
with the Knights of Pythias. In 1895 ne married Miss Mate Peck,
of Albany, N. Y., and they have one child, Peter Francis, who is
eleven years old. The family are members of the Roman Catholic
church.
Peter F. Piasecki, an efficient clerk in the office of the city
comptroller, a dealer in phonographs at 441 Mitchell street, and
major of the Third battalion. First regiment, Wisconsin National
Guard, was born in Milwaukee on May 30, 1876. He is a son of
Theophile and Catherine (Tnda) Piasecki, both natives of Posen,
Germany, who came to Milwaukee in 1873. The father for twenty-
five years was in the employ of the Illinois Steel Company's Mil-
waukee branch. Tie died in October, 1904, at the age of fifty-two
\ ear> and his widow passed away on July 6 of the following year in
the fiftieth year of her age. Of the nine children in the family seven
BIOGRAPHICAL 223
grew to maturity — Peter !•'., Stanley E., Veronica. Agnes, Pelagia,
Helen and Conrad. Peter F. Piasecki, the subject of this review,
was reared in Milwaukee and obtained his education in the public
and parochial schools of this city. At the age of fifteen years he en-
tered the employ of the Kuryer Polski as a carrier and later as a
typesetter. In 1001 he had been made manager of the paper, hut
held the office only a year, resigning to accept a clerical position in
the office of the city comptroller. In [906, at the solicitation of his
many friends, he was a candidate feu- the nomination for city comp-
troller, but met defeat at the primaries. In January, [908, he em-
barked in his present business of selling phonographs, dealing in
both Victor and Edison machines, and although the venture is still
young it has been very successful in a financial way. For the past
"fifteen years Mr. Piasecki has been prominently identified with the
Wisconsin National Guard. In [894 he joined Company l'> of the
Fourth infantry as a private, and by the time the company was mus-
tered into the Cnited States service for the Spanish-American war,
in 1898, he had been promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. ( )n
its being mustered in the company letter was changed from B to K
and on the reorganization of the National Guard, in December, 1898,
it became known as Company K, First Wisconsin infantry. When
the reorganization was effected Mr. Piasecki became first lieutenant
and in 1901 was made captain of Company K. In the latter ca-
pacity he served for four years until in 1905 he was commissioned
major of the Third battalion of the regiment, in which capacity he
is still serving the state. Fraternally the major is identified with
the Polish National Alliance, the Allen K. Capron Post, Spanish
War Veterans and the Fraternal Equitable Union. He is also an
honorary member of the Harmonic Singing Society. On Oct. 25,
1901, Mr. Piasecki was united in marriage to Miss Emily Sonnen-
berg, daughter of Paul and Magdaline ( Dix ) Sonnenberg, of Mil-
waukee. Two children have been the issue of this union: Flattie
and Peter F. Major Piasecki and family are communicants of St.
Stanislaus Polish Catholic church.
Edward C. Houde, the general manager and secretary of the
Shelley-Houde Co., Majestic Building, Milwaukee, is a Canadian
by birth. He was born in the province of Quebec, on July 18,
1872. a son of Edward C. and Rosana (Durocheir) Houde, both
French Canadians. In 1876 his parents removed to St. Paul, Minn.,
and it was there that Edward C. Houde was reared to manhood and
obtained his educational advantages in the parochial and public
schools. At the age of eleven years he began his business career as
a messenger boy in a hat shop in St. Paul and later became con-
nected with the firm of Ransom .K- Horton, at the time the largesl
hatters and furriers in the Minnesota city. He remained with "this
concern some five years, a portion of the time as their traveling
representative. In 1803 he came to Milwaukee to assume a position
as manager of the hat department with the 1 tub Clothing Company,
a connection which he filled with satisfaction to the firm and its
patrons for eight and a half years. At the end of that period, in
224 -MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
1902, he entered the employ of Gimbel Brothers, as the buyer and
manager for their men's and children's hat department. This lat-
ter position he held for a period of six years, leaving" on May 16,
1908, to embark in the business on his own account under the firm
name of the Shelley-Houde Company. Although the firm has been
in business but a short time, it has met with a remarkable success,
which augurs well for its future. Mr. Houde's personal popularity,
due to his genial, courteous manner, has had much to do in helping
to build up the business. On May 18, 1896, Mr. Houde was united
in marriage to Miss Daisy Hasfeldt, of Milwaukee. Both of
the children born to them — Rose and Joseph — died in infancy. Mr.
Houde is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church and fra-
ternally is associated with the Knights of Pythias and St. John the
Baptist Society.
Max Szarzynski, a pharmacist of prominence at 786 First ave-
nue, was born in the village of Zaborowo, province of Posen, Prus-
sian Poland, on Oct. 11, 1859, a son of Charles and Frances (Fry-
zewski) Szarzynski. Until he had attained his majority he lived
in his native land, receiving his educational advantages in the gym-
nasium. For two 3^ears he taught school, and in 1884 he came to
the United States. He located in Milwaukee, becoming associated
in business with his brother Charles, from whom he acquired his
knowledge of the drug business. After three years he opened a
pharmacy of his own at 410 Mitchell street. He continued in busi-
ness at this place until 1890, leaving it to enter his present shop on
First avenue. His success is ample evidence of his industry and
honesty. Mr. Szarzynski was married on May 15, 1887, to Miss
Catherine Kleser, daughter of Mathias and Anna (Gagazka) Kleser.
To this union have been born two children, Mathias and Lucy.
The family are communicants of St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic
church and the father is a member of the Sokol Society, the Polish
Alliance, the Polish Business Association and the Polish Sharp-
shooters. In his political' relations he is affiliated with the Repub-
lican party.
Frank J. Kowalsky, a well-known pharmacist whose place of
business is at 744 Forest Plome avenue, is a native of Milwaukee,
where he was born on Feb. 2, 1883. He is the fourth in order of
birth of the family of eight of John and Mary (Speichert) Kow-
alsky, both natives of Germany and of Polish descent. The father
was a barber by trade who came to Milwaukee in 1865 direct from
Germany, and from the time of his arrival until his death on June
22, 1907, he conducted a shop at 619 AValnut street. The other
children of the family are Anna (Mrs. Theodore Schmitt) ; Adolph
F., John J., Celia, wife of Peter Skorch ; Alex T., Joseph B., and
Adelaide. Alex and John are in the granite business at Seattle,
Wash., John being the president and Alex the secretary and treas-
urer of the Washington-British Columbia Granite Company, Inc.
Adolph is connected with the Kowalsky-Ehlich Hardware Com-
pany, of Milwaukee, and Joseph is a bookkeeper for the same firm.
Frank J. Kowalsky, the subject of this memoir, was brought up in
BIOGRAPHICAL 225
Milwaukee and received such preliminary education as the public
and parochial schools afforded. During 1902-1903 he was a student
at the Milwaukee Mutual College, studying pharmacy. The fol-
lowing two years he served as an apprentice clerk and then, after
passing the examination given by the state pharmacy board, he en-
tered, in December, 1906, the pharmacy business under his own
name. The success which he has attained is ample evidence that
he is a wide-awake, energetic business man.
Michael Wabiszewski, founder and proprietor of the Lehigh
Portland Sidewalk Company, is a native of the province of Posen,
German Poland, where he was born Sept. 7, 1870. He is a son
of Frank and Antonia (Kalinowski) Wabiszewski, who came to
Milwaukee direct from the Fatherland in 1889. The father is a
shoemaker and is still engaged in his trade. There are three chil-
dren in the family: Sylvester, Michael and Lottie, now the wife
of Anton Mikolajewski. Michael, the subject of this sketch, was
reared in his native land and attended the common schools of that
country. In 1887 he emigrated to the United States and located in
the Cream City, working first at the machinist's trade, which he
had learned in Germany. In order to become acquainted with the
English language he attended evening school. After seven years
of work as a machinist he served an apprenticeship to the mason's
trade, and was employed in that line on concrete work until 1903.
It was in that year that he established his present firm, which has
had a most successful career since. His honesty and square deal-
ing, and the high grade of workmanship of the firm have given it
a reputation which is most enviable. Mr. Wabiszewski for three
years served the state as a member of Company K, First regiment
of infantry, Wisconsin National Guard. He is a communicant of
St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic church, and fraternally is affiliated
with the Knights of Pythias and the Polish National Alliance. In
his political belief he is a Democrat. In 1891 he was united in
the bonds of matrimony to Miss Pauline Dyksnski, a native of
Poland. Mr. Wabiszewski is much respected and admired by all
who know him.
John Kantak, the junior member of the firm of Kantak
Brothers, commission merchants and dealers in flour, feed, etc.. is
a native of Milwaukee, his birth having occurred on March 24, 1880.
Fie is a son of Mathias and Elizabeth (Roztankowski) Kantak, of
whom a sketch appears in the memoir of Max Kantak, the senior
member of the firm of Kantak Brothers. John Kantak was brought
up in Milwaukee, receiving his education in the Polish parochial
schools of this city. L'p to 1899 he worked at various occupations,
and in that year formed with his brother the partnership which has
been so successfully conducted since. The business was started
on a small scale at first, but has gradually developed until today
it is the largest of its kind on the south side of the city. The firm
has won a reputation for honesty and square dealing, which ac-
counts in large measure for its popularity. Mr. Kantak is a com-
municant of St. Josephat's Polish Catholic church. In politics he
15
226 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
is allied with the Republican party and he is the assistant secretary
of the Polish Mutual Loan & Building Society. Fraternally his
associations are with the Woodmen of the World, Modern Wood-
men of America and the St. Roman Society. Mr. Kantak's wife was
formerly Miss Stella Radka, daughter of F. and Mary (Cybel)
Radka, both natives of German Poland, and pioneer residents of
Milwaukee.
Jacob D. Smoke, a prominent fish merchant of the Cream City,
is a native of Wisconsin, having been born at Two Rivers, Mani-
towoc count)'', on March 22, 1855. He is a son of David and Annie
(Pfister) Smoke, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter
of Germany. The father was a pioneer of Two Rivers, having lo-
cated there in the early forties, and was associated with most of
the early enterprises of the region. He was at different times fish-
erman, lawyer and merchant, and was the first man to use a gill
net in Lake Michigan. Manitowoc harbor, which was built in the
early sixties, is a monument of his handiwork. As a representa-
tive of the Two Rivers district he rendered distinguished service
in the lower house of the legislatures of 1864, 1866 and 1868. His
death occurred in 1870 and he left a family of nine children — Alvina,
now Mrs. Louis Marshall ; Jacob D. ; Kittie, wife of Horle Nelson ;
Theresa, now deceased ; Julia ; Emily ; Rachel ; Iona and Clara,
both deceased. Jacob D. Smoke, the subject of this sketch, was
reared in Manitowoc county, receiving such educational advantages
as the schools of the vicinity offered. LJpon the completion of his
studies he followed the lakes for twelve years as a sailor, during the
latter two of which he was captain. He located permanently in
Milwaukee in 1884, and from that time until 1901 he was variously
engaged in well drilling, railroading and rolling mill work. In the
latter year he embarked upon the business which is now his life
work and in which he has had such a successful career. In politics
he allies himself with the Democratic party, and has had much in-
fluence in bringing about the success of that party in the recent
campaigns. Fraternally he is also prominent, being a member of
the Knights of the Maccabees and the Knights of Pythias. Mr.
Smoke's wife was formerly Miss Lena Weis, daughter of Jacob and
Margaret Weis. of Milwaukee.
Frank Stollenwerk, of the firm of F. & T. Stollenwerk, dealers
in flour, feed and baled hay at 680 Smith street, Milwaukee, is one
of the leading produce merchants of the city. He is the son of
Joseph A. and Mary (Schummel) Stollenwerk, both natives of
Rhenish Prussia, who emigrated to America and settled in Mil-
waukee county about the middle of the nineteenth century. The
elder Stollenwerk was a boy of sixteen when his parents settled
near new Coeln, and he lived at home until the death of both par-
ents by cholera in 1850. when he took charge of the farm and ran
it until he retired from active business life in 1890 and went into
the city of Milwaukee to live. Frank was one of the fourteen chil-
dren born to Joseph Stollenwerk on the old farm. He was reared
there and received his education at St. Stephen's parochial school.
BIOGRAPHICAL 227
At seventeen years of age he became apprenticed tu his brother
Elias, who was a contractor and builder, to learn the carpenter's
trade. For sonic years he worked as an apprentice and Eor five
years as a journeyman carpenter. His brother Elias then took
him into bis business as a partner in the contracting- business. Mr.
Stollenwerk gained a wide business experience while with his
brother and in 1800 embarked in the haw Iced and Hour business
with his brother Thomas for a partner. This new line has proved
a success and trade has increased so rapidly that they are the lead-
ing commission dealers in Hay View. On May 30, [900, Mr. Stol-
lenwerk married Mary Rehorst, the daughter of John and Annie
(Hartman) Rehorst, of Milwaukee. They have been made happy
by three daughters: Loretta, Marcella and Adley. The family are
devout Catholics and members of St. Augustin Roman Catholic
church. Mr. Stollenwerk belongs to several Catholic societies;
St. Peter's, Knights of St. George, the Catholic Order of Foresters,
and is a loyal member of the Democratic party.
Nicholas Stollenwerk, the senior member of the prosperous
firm of Stollenwerk Pros., hardware merchants, of 938 Kinnickinnic
avenue, Milwaukee, was born in Lake township, Milwaukee count)-,
March 23, i860. He is the son of Joseph A. and Mary (Schummel)
Stollenwerk, who were born in the beautiful Rhine country, of
Rhenish Prussia. Nicholas' grandfather, Hubert Stollenwerk, with
his family migrated to the United States in 1846 and settled on a
farm in Milwaukee county, where they were prosperous and happy.
During the dreadful cholera epidemic of 1850, Hubert Stollenwerk
and his wife were carried away by this most dreaded disease,
leaving their three children to carry on the work of the farm. The
oldest son, Joseph, Nicholas' father, born in 1830, who was sixteen
years of age when his parents came to America, shouldered the
responsibilities of the family when his father and mother died and
continued to farm the old homestead until 1890, when he gave up
active life and retired from business and has since resided in Mil-
waukee. Nicholas, the third of the fourteen children born to
Joseph Stollenwerk, was reared on the hospitable old farm in Rake
township and attended the parochial school of St. Stephanie's
Roman Catholic church. At the age of sixteen years he began to
work in the rolling mills at P>ay View and followed this occupa-
tion for three years, then served an apprenticeship of twelve years
at the carpenter's trade, at which he worked as a journeyman car-
penter for a number of years and met with such success that in
1892 he formed a partnership with his brother Joseph T. and em-
barked in the hardware business on Kinnickinnic avenue. The
business has been most prosperous and continues to be the largest
hardware store on the south side. On Now 13, 1883, Mr. Stollen-
werk was united in marriage with Margaret, the daughter of Peter
J. and Susan (Toomet) Hurlsback, who were among the early
settlers of Lake township, Milwaukee county. The issue of this
marriage has been four children: Arthur, Nora. Roman and
Clemens. Mr. Stollenwerk and his family are members of St.
228 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Augustin Roman Catholic church. He is also a member of the
Order of Catholic Foresters, St. Peter's Benevolent Society, and
represented the Democratic party as alderman of the Seventeenth
district of Milwaukee in 1905 and 1906.
John C. Arnold, florist, with greenhouses at 1494-1508, Fort
Washington avenue, and a store at 44 Juneau avenue, is one of the
representative business men of Milwaukee. He is a native ot
Baden, Germany, where he was born Aug. 1, 1859, a son of John
and Johanna (Breuninger) Arnold, who made their home there
during their lives. John, jr., received his educational discipline in
the schools of Baden, where he grew to manhood, and after his
education was finished he learned the florist business in his native
land. In 1888 he migrated to the United States and for about a
year and a half was employed in Brooklyn, N. Y., and Jersey City.
During the summer of 1889 he came to Milwaukee and three years
later established himself in the business he had learned before
leaving Germany. Mr. Arnold has excellent taste and business
ability, which has resulted in a prosperous business. In 1892 he
married Agnes (Glock) Wisner, who was the owner of a florist
establishment, and the two concerns were combined, and since
that time have been conducted by Mr. Arnold. Mrs. Arnold died
March 18, 1908, leaving a saddened, deserted home. His long
residence in the Cream City has caused Mr. Arnold to become one
of the best known and most popular florists, as his establishment
is the second oldest in the city. He is one of Milwaukee's most
public-spirited and progressive citizens, an Independent in politics
and a member of the Milwaukee Maennechor, the Milwaukee Lied-
erkranz, Milwaukee Liedertafel, Maennechor Eintracht, "Gesell-
chaft Eintracht and Maennechor Fidelia.
Anton Novak, the printer and publisher of the Domacnost and
the Organ Bratrstva, both well known and popular Bohemian pub-
lications of Milwaukee, Wis., is one of the representative members
of the Bohemian newspaper fraternity in the United States. He is
a native of Bohemia, born there April 9, 1845, the son of Joseph and
Catherine (Pazdernik) Novak, and was reared to manhood in his na-
tive country, where he received an excellent education in the public
and high schools. Like so many of the warm-hearted sons of Bo-
hemia, Mr. Novak loved a free country and a land of free speech.
Desiring these and to make his way in the world, he emigrated to
the United States, the land of opportunity, in 1866, and settled in
Milwaukee. Soon after reaching the Cream City he started to learn
the printer's trade in the printing office of the old Daily News. Aft-
er mastering his trade he worked as a journeyman printer for over
five years, lie was an excellent workman and during this period
won the confidence of his employers by his ability and faithful at-
tention in duty. In 1880 he determined to start in business for him-
self, nnd began the publication of the Demacnost, which was cor-
dially received by the Bohemians of the city and has become one of
the most popular paper's, with a circulation of over 8,000 copies.
Encouraged by the success and popularity of his first paper, Mr.
BIOGRAPHICAL 229
Novak determined to broaden his field of work and in 1904 started
the Organ Bratrstva, a fraternal monthly magazine, that has met
with even greater favor than his first paper, and while still in its
infancy has a circulation of 17,000 copies. Mr. Novak is one of the
oldest Bohemian residents of Milwaukee and is one of her most
worthy, enterprising and progressive citizens, and through his pa-
pers is one of the directors of progressive ideas. May 6, 1871, he
was united in marriage with Mary, the daughter of Wenzel and
Catherine Dimmer, both of whom were pioneer settlers of Milwau-
kee, who settled there in 1853. By this union there are five chil-
dren : Arthur, Richard, Julia, Rosie and Helen. Mr. Xovak is a
member and hearty supporter of the Republican party, a member of
the Bohemian Turner Society, of the Sokol Society and of the C. S.
P. S. His home is at 1803 Cold Spring avenue.
Joseph Weishan, one of the well-known and prosperous sani-
tary plumbers of Milwaukee, wdio has a plumbing establishment at
the corner of Mitchell street and First avenue, is a native
of the Cream' City, born Nov. 16, 1872, the son of Wil-
liam and Louisa (Fahrlander) Weishan. Both his parents
were Germans by birth ; his father was a shoemaker by
trade, who came to the United States in the early fif-
ties. He settled at Wheeling, Va., when he first came
to America, and remained there about ten years before he decided
to move west, and located in Milwaukee, where he carried on his
trade and reared a family of thirteen children, eight of whom are
still living: John: Louis; Mary, the wife of Frank Taster ; Joseph;
Lizzie, the wife of Henry Saroft* ; Lena, the wife of John Winkler ;
Annie, and Rosa. William Weishan died in 1889 an d was greatly
missed and mourned by his widow and surviving children ; the
mother still lives at the hale old age of seventy-two years. Joseph
was reared to manhood in Milwaukee, where he received his educa-
tional advantages in St. Mary's and St. Anthony's parochial schools.
When only fourteen years of age he became an apprentice at the
plumbing trade, and three years later began to work as a journey-
man plumber. Mr. Weishan w r as an excellent workman and ambi-
tious and after working at his trade for a number of years deter-
mined to go into business for himself, which he did at his present
location in 1905. Since that time he has been very successful and
has become well known in the business circles of the city. In 1894
Mr. Weishan married Gusta, the daughter of Adolph Brochardt, of
Milwaukee. They have four children : Sadie, Lorene, Esther and
Joseph, Jr. Mr. Weishan is a Democrat in politics and a member
of St. Anthony's Roman Catholic church and is also a well known
and popular member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Fra-
ternal Order of Eagles and a member of the Master Plumbers' As-
sociation.
Stanley E. Piasecki, a pharmacist of Milwaukee, who resides at
710 Wentworth avenue, is a native of the Cream City, born April 12,
1878. He is a son of Theophil and Catherine (Inda) Piasecki, na-
tives of Posen Poland. The father emigrated to the United States
23O MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
in 1872 and located at Syracuse, N. Y. This was the period when
so many Germans and Poles were settling in the new country to the
west and Theophil Piasecki joined the army of westward migra-
tion and settled in Milwaukee two years after reaching America.
After reaching Milwaukee he pursued his trade as a miller. There
he met and married his wife and reared a family of seven children :
Peter F., Stanley E., Veronica, Agnes, Pelagia, Helen and Conrad.
Mr. Piasecki died in Milwaukee in 1904, an upright and respected
citizen, greatly mourned by his wife and children. But two short
years elapsed before the faithful wife followed her husband and was
laid to rest by her sorrowing children in 1906. Stanley received his
education in the parochial and public schools of Milwaukee. He
was ambitious and desired a position which could be obtained only
by a professional education, and in order to secure it took a private
course in pharmacy under a graduate of pharmacy. He success-
fully passed the examination given by the Wisconsin State Board
of Pharmacy and was admitted to practice in the state in 1896. He
has held several excellent positions in Milwaukee and since 1902
has had charge of the rubber and cigar departments of the Drake
Bros.' wholesale and retail drugstore on East Water street. Mr. Pia-
secki was married Sept. 25, 1902, to Bertha, the daughter of Julius
and Mary (Bodeman) Malinowski, natives of Poland, who emi-
grated to the United States in 1872 and located in Milwaukee. The
issue of this union is one daughter, Evelyn M. Both Mr. Piasecki
and his wife are members of St. Stanislaus Polish Roman Catholic
church. Mr. Piasecki became a member of the AVisconsin National
Guard in 1897 as a private in Company B, Fourth regiment, and
when the Spanish-American war broke out was transferred to the
First Wisconsin regiment, Company K, which was stationed at
Jacksonville, Fla., for seven months. He was mustered out with the
other members of the regiment at Milwaukee in September, 1898.
In December of the same year he became a charter member of Com-
pany K, known as the Kosciusko Guards, First Wisconsin National
Guards, as sergeant. In a short time he was promoted to second
lieutenant, then to first lieutenant, and has proved so able and capa-
ble a commander that on July 6, 1906, he was given a commission as
captain of the guards. Mr. Piasecki is a member of the Polish
Young Men's Alliance and commander-in-chief of that organization
for the United States. He is also a member of Allyn Capron*Camp,
Spanish-American War Veterans, and of the Harmoni Polish Sing-
ing Society. He is affiliated with the Republican party in politics.
Frank H. Cichocki, the able foreman of the composing room of
the Nowiny Polskie, a Polish daily that was established in Milwaukee
in 1908, was born at Rogozno. West Prussia. Aug. 14, 1876. He is
the •-"ii of Batholomew and Elizabeth (Matyjewski) Cichocki. who
immigrated to the United States in 1882 and settled in Milwaukee.
The father found employment at the Allis-Chalmers Company, but
died two years later at the age of thirty-nine years, as a result of an
accident at the works, leaving a wife and five children: Andrew;
Julia, the wife of Michael Penkalski ; Frank II.; Annie, the wife of
BIOGRAPHICAL 23I
Albert Olbinski, and Nettie. Frank was five years old when the
family came to America, and from that time he has resided in Mil-
waukee, and was educated at the parochial (St. Hyacinth's) and
public schools of the city. After leaving- school he was employed in
the ECuryer Polski office, where he served an apprenticeship of three
years and after that was regularly employed by the paper until [898.
Me was a member of Company 1!, Fourth Wisconsin National
Guard, and at the call of his country enlisted in Company EC, Firsl
Wisconsin infantry, for the Spanish-American war. Me was in
camp at Jacksonville, Fla., and after being in the service of the
United States for six months returned to Milwaukee with his regi-
ment and was mustered out at the South Side armory. Soon after
his return home he resumed his position as foreman of the compos-
ing room of the Kuryer Polski, and only left the paper seven years
later to associate himself with the Nowiny Polskie, which was estab-
lished in March, 1908. He had become interested in the new paper
as a stockholder and accepted the position of foreman of the com-
posing room. While Mr. Cichocki's period of service with the Now-
iny Polskie has been short, it has been marked with great success.
He is a member and supporter of St. Hyacinth's Catholic church
and a prominent member of the Polish Gymnastic Society, the Lit-
erary Society of St. Hyacinth's Congregation and the Polish Sharp
Shooters' organization and president of the St. Augustin Society,
the Moniuszko Society, the Sokol Polski No. 1 and past commander
of Allyn Capron Camp No. 19 of the Spanish War Veterans. In
politics he is a stanch member and supporter of the Republican
party.
John Weiher, who is a prominent grading contractor of Mil-
waukee, with offices at No. 878 Franklin Place, was born in the
province of German Poland, Nov. 7, 1859. He is the son of Joseph
and Catherine (Ervant) Weiher, who came to America in 1864 and
located in Milwaukee. There were two children in the family —
John and Anna, the wife of John Slizewski. The mother is dead,
but the father, Joseph Weiher, is still living in Milwaukee at the
hale old age of seventy-eight years. John Weiher was only five
years of age when his parents came to the United States, and as
soon as the family were settled he was sent to St. Mary's parochial
school. After receiving a good education and attaining his major-
ity, he entered the employ of the city of Milwaukee as fireman and
served at stations Nos. 6 and 4 for four years and seven months.
While with the fire department Mr. Weiher's attention was called
to the importance of good streets and he studied the subject. In
1883 he severed his connection with the city to embark in business
for himself. He has progressive ideas in regard to street work and
since 1883 nas become one of the successful grading contractors of
Milwaukee. In 1898 he established a livery and undertaking busi-
ness at 331 Pulaski street, but went out of this business in [',107. In
1885 Mr. Weiher was united in marriage with Anestatia, the daugh-
ter of Joseph and Catherine Stormowski, of Milwaukee. They have
eight children: Lillian, Emily, Alfred, John, Arthur, Blanch,
232 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Eugenie and George. Mr. Weiher is a member of the Democratic
part)' and for fifteen years served as alderman of the Eighteenth
ward ; he is also a member of St. Hedwig's Polish Roman Catholic
church, the St. Albert's Society, Kraczewski Society, Sacred Heart
Society and a Knight of St. Casimir's.
John T. Nichol, who is a mason contractor of Milwaukee, is a
native of the Cream City, where he was born in May, 1857. His
father. John Nichol, was a native of County Armagh, Ireland, who
migrated to the United States in 1848 and settled in Milwaukee.
His mother was a Canadian by birth. For many years his father,
who was a mason by trade, was engaged in the contracting business
in Milwaukee, but at the outbreak of the Civil war he responded to
the first call for volunteers and enlisted in Company K, Seven-
teenth Wisconsin infantry, in 1861, serving until the close of the
war. He died in 1869, at the age of thirty-six, leaving a family of
five children : John T., Catherine, Mary J., the wife of Joseph J.
Brink; Ellen, the wife of James Robinson, and Arthur J., the pres-
ent deputy building inspector of Milwaukee. John T. Nichol was
reared in Milwaukee and received his education in the public schools
of the city. After the completion of his studies he served four years
as an apprentice at the mason's trade and worked as a journeyman
mason for twenty years, but for the past fifteen years has been a
mason contractor. In 1884 he married Mary, the daughter of Mich-
ael and Margaret Gerin, of Milwaukee. To this union three chil-
dren have been born: John, James and Charlotte. Mr. Nichol is a
loyal member of St. John's Roman Catholic church and a prominent
member of the Builders' Club. In politics he is allied with the Dem-
ocratic party and during Grover Cleveland's administration was
storekeeper in the revenue service for four years. And he also per-
formed efficient service as inspector of public sewers under Mayor
Sommers.
Bruno Majchrowicz, a popular watchmaker and jeweler of 474
Mitchell street, was born in Posen, Germany, June 5, 1871, a son of
John and Michalena Welniz Majchrowicz. He was reared in Posen,
received a high school education, served a three years' apprentice-
ship at the watchmaker's trade, and for seven years w r as engaged in
business for himself at Gostyn, German Poland. He came to the
United States in 1902 and located in Chicago, where he worked as
journeyman until March, 1905. when he came to Milwaukee, enter-
ing the employ of Herman Miller, jeweler, for four months. In
July nf the same year he embarked in business for himself, in which
he has since continued successfully. On Feb. 4, 1896, he married
Miss Francis, daughter of Nicolai Werbel, of Gostyn, Poland, and
they are the parents of four children, named as follows: Miecylaw.
Fanina, Tadenz and Wladystaw. Although Mr. Majchrowicz has
not been long in this country, he has much more to show for it than
many who have been here a much longer time. He is of a nervous,
active disposition, determined to succeed if attention to business
and hi mesty of purpose lead that way. Pie is spoken of in very com-
plimentary words by those who have watched his course. He is not
deeply interested in religion or politics.
KIOGRAPHICAL 233
Bolislaus Wisniewski, a leading carpenter, contractor and build-
er, is a representative of one of the oldest contracting firms in the
eit_\ of Milwaukee, his father having been engaged in the business
over twenty years before him. He was born in Russian Poland,
Dec. 12, 1877, a son of Theodore and Sophia Milewski Wisniewski,
who came to the United States in 1881. coming direct to Milwau-
kee, where the father worked at his trade, that of cabinet making,
for several years, and then he engaged in the contracting business
as a builder. He died June 3, 1902, at the age of sixty. He reared
a family of eight children to maturity: Mary, wife of Steffen
Berkowski; Leocadia, wife of Joseph Radtki; Bolislaus; Stanislaus;
Helen, wife of Joseph Kraczeck ; Ladislaus ; Frederick, and Edward.
Our subject was reared in Milwaukee, being only four years old
when the family reached here, and was educated in the parochial
schools and the English night schools. He learned the carpenter's
trade from his father and worked for him until the latter died, when
our subject took hold of the business in his own name and has con-
ducted it since, giving employment to a large number of men. On
Jan. 22, 1902, he married Miss Frances, daughter of John Tadajew-
ski, now of Milwaukee, by whom he has one son, Edward. Mr. Wis-
niewski is a member of St. Hyacinth's Polish Roman Catholic
church; of St. Valentine's Society; of the Polish Association of
America, and of the Sharpshooters' Club. In politics he votes the
Democratic ticket. He is a good citizen, who attends to his own
affairs and is worthy of confidence.
Marion A. Szukalski, a prominent hardware merchant of 1027
Windlake avenue, Milwaukee, was born in Manitowoc county, Wis.,
in 1875. the son of Paul and Constantia (Budzbanowski) Szukal-
ski. pioneers of Manitowoc county, where the family settled in
1865. Our subject is a brother of Teofil Szukalski, whose sketch
appears elsewhere in this book. He was reared in Manitowoc coun-
ty and educated in the public schools of that county and at Beaver
Dam High School. After leaving school he engaged in boring wells
and running a threshing machine with his brothers up to 1898, when
he came to Milwaukee and embarked in the hardware business for
himself at Windlake avenue, in which he has been eminently suc-
cessful. He married, in 1898, Mary Plachin, a native of Russian Po-
land, and has two children, Marian and Edwin. He is a member of
St. Cyril's Polish Roman Catholic church. In politics he is a Dem-
ocrat. Mr. Szukalski is a young man who is up-to-date in his meth-
ods and is blessed with other valuable traits of character that count
for success in any business pursuit.
Klemens Borucki, the well-known contractor and builder, of
1008 Ninth avenue, Milwaukee, was born at Mt. Carmel, Pa., Sept. 7,
1872, the son of John and Joanna Gruszczynski Borucki, who were
natives of German Poland. The father came to America in 1870.
locating in Mt. Carmel. Pa., where he was employed in the coal
mines for several years, till he was compelled to quit on account of
injuries received in the mines. In 1891 he came to Milwaukee,
where he is still engaged in working in the pork packing houses.
234 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
He reared a family of five children : Klemens, Thomas, Helen, Ag-
nes and Sallie. Thomas was killed in the coal colliery in 1888 at the
age of fourteen years. The oldest of these, our subject, was reared
in Mt. Carmel until eighteen years of age. He then spent three
years in Baltimore. Md., coming to Milwaukee in 1891 with the fam-
ily, and here he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he labored
as a journeyman until 1902, when he embarked in the general con-
tracting" business, in which he has met with extraordinary success
by the application of economy and strict business methods in his
dealings with everybody. On Sept. 28, 1897, he married Miss Annie,
daughter of August and Man' Prell, of Milwaukee, by whom he has
four children : Helen, Edmund, Alex and Klementine. For several
years he was a member of the National Guard of Wisconsin and at
the breaking out of the Spanish-American war enlisted in Company
K, First Wisconsin volunteers, in which he held the rank of quar-
termaster ; and after serving five months he was honorably dis-
charged with the rest of his company. He is a member of the St.
Augustine Young Men's Society, the largest of its kind in Milwau-
kee ; the Polish Sharpshooters, the Spanish-American War Vet-
erans, the Polish National Alliance of America, and a member and
secretary of St. Hyacinth's Polish Catholic church, one of the
largest Polish congregations in Milwaukee. In politics he casts his
vote with the Republican party, though he is not much of a poli-
tician, being better adapted and devoted to the careful study of his
business, in which he is gradually working out for himself an envi-
able position among his progressive associates.
John B. Zaun, or "General" Zaun, as his many friends admir-
ingly style him, manager of the South Side branch of the Schlitz
Brewing Company of Milwaukee, was born in Mequon, Ozaukee
county. Wis., July 26, 1852, a son of Jacob and Christina Strauss
Zaun, both natives of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, who came to
Wisconsin in 1840, settling in Mequon township, Ozaukee county.
The father first secured 160 acres of land, cleared and improved it,
adding to the acreage opportunely, and he lived there until his
death, which occurred in 1865, at the age of fifty-six. At his death
he left each of his children an eighty-acre tract of land. The}* are
the following: Catherine, wife of Henry Laun ; Andrew; Eva, wife
of Herman Heysen ; Christina, wife of William Meyer, and John B.,
the popular subject of this sketch, who was educated partly in the
public schools and finished his education at Northwestern Univer-
sity at Watertown, Wis. After attaining his majority he turned
his hands to teaming for four years in Ozaukee county. During the
winter months he was in the employ of the Hamilton Paper Corn-
pan)-. In 1884 he became manager of the South Side branch of the
Schlitz Brewing Company and has held that position for nearly a
quarter of a century to the entire satisfaction of his employers and
customers, for, while he is a welcome visitor and a splendid enter-
tainer, he is a careful business man. He is married, his w r ife being
Formerly Miss Bertah, daughter of Hon. Frederick AY. Horn, of
Cedarburg, Ozaukee county, Wis. Their union was blessed with
BIOGRAPHICAL 235
three daughters: Flora, Josephine and 1 1 attic, all residing at home,
674 Walker street. Frederick W. Horn was a man of great prom-
inence, as liis protracted and distinguished services in the Wiscon-
sin legislature strongly indicate, for he was ;i member of the Senate
during the years of [848-49-50 and [891-93; a member of the I [ouse
in i85i-54-57-5<j-oo-o7-(>S-/2-75-82-87 and '89. This is truly a great
career and very few men in any state in the Union have given so
much of their time to the affairs of the commonwealth, and very
few possess the popular qualities and the confidence of their con-
stituents to such a high degree as did the Hon. Frederick \Y. I lorn.
"General'" Zaun and his family are members of the Lutheran
church ; he is also a member of Schiller Lodge, No. 3, K. of P., of
which he is Past Chancellor, being also a member of Uniform Rank
No. <>, EC. of P., and he is at present General of the Wisconsin bri-
gade, U. R. K. of P. He is a member of Lake Lodge, 189, F. & A. M. ;
Wisconsin Chapter, Ivanhoe Commandery, Consistory and Shrine.
In politics he is a stanch Democrat, because he is a strong believer
in the grand old German idea of "personal liberty," the idea that
every man may eat, drink and wear what he pleases within the law.
Among his friends he is highly thought of, being a royal good fel-
low, who considers all mankind as brothers.
Herman Scherff, who is the able traffic manager of the Gettle-
man Brewing Co., of Milwaukee, was born in the province of Sax-
ony, Prussia, April 25, 1842. being the son of Traugott and Theresia
Fischer Scherff, who came to this land of liberty and personal free-
dom in 1859, locating at Oshkosh, Wis., for one year, and in i860
they moved to Milwaukee, where they resided until their respective
deaths. The father was a manufacturer of all kinds of leather
goods, hence manufactured and dealt in gloves, trusses, suspenders,
etc.. in Milwaukee for twenty years, until he retired after a useful
business life in 1880, and in 1902, having rounded out more than
four-score years and ten, he went to sleep in the Lord at the age of
ninety-one years. He reared a family of five children: Wilhelmina,
widow of William Mensior; Charles; Fredericka, wife of William
Kalenbach ; Herman, and Augusta, deceased wife of Julius Eck-
hart. Our subject was educated in the German public schools and
also in private schools, after which he served an apprenticeship of
three years at the cabinet maker's trade, and then came to the
United States with his parents in 1859, and has been a resident of
Milwaukee since i860 except two years spent in La Crosse. He
served the land of his adoption in the Civil war, enlisting Aug. 1,
1861, in Company C, Ninth Wisconsin infantry, as a private and
took part in the battles and skirmishes of his regiment, including
the battles of Jenkin's Ferry. Ark., and Newtonia, Mo., till he was
honorably discharged from the service in Milwaukee, Dec. 6, 1864.
After the war he entered the service of the Wheeler & Wilson Sew-
ing Machine Co., taking at the same time a course of instruction in
the Spencerian Business College. He was adjuster for the Wheeler
& Wilson Co. for ten years, and since 1878 has been in the employ of
the A. Gettleman Brewing Co., serving as agent and collector until
236 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
1902, and since the latter date he has been serving as traffic man-
ager. In 1875 he married Miss Delia, daughter of Alexander and
Louisa Schneider Doelger, of Milwaukee, and by this union has two
sons, Henry H., assistant purchasing agent for the Johnson Service
Co., of Milwaukee; Walter A., a traveling salesman of Sacramento,
Cal. In religion our subject and family are Lutherans; in politics
he is a Republican. He is a member and Post Commander of Rob-
ert Chivas Post, No. 2, G. A. R. He has been a member of Aurora
Lodge, Xo. 145, I. O. O. F., since 1868 and of the Milwaukee Gym-
nastic Association since 1866. In all the places which he has filled
he did his duty with great care and fidelity and he has the confi-
dence and hi°Ji regard of all who know him.
Teofil Szukalski, the successful general contractor of 632 Smith
street, Milwaukee, was born in German Poland, Oct. 18, 1864,
a son of Paul and Konstantine (Budzbanowski) Szukal-
ski, who emigrated to the Lmited States in 1865, settling
in Manitowoc, Wis., where the father died. There were
eight children in the family: John, a priest in the Pol-
ish Catholic church ; Teofil ; Thomas ; Katherine and Annie,
twins (Katherine, wife of Stephen Kaminski, and Annie, the wife
of Chares Stachowiak) ; Marian, and two dead. Our subject was
reared in Manitowoc and gained his education in the parochial
schools and the public schools of the county, after which he pur-
sued the vocation of engineer for portable engines. He came to
Milwaukee in the spring of 1892, when he held the position of fore-
man and manager for John J. Crilley for eleven years. He then em-
barked for himself in the general contracting business, in which he
has made substantial success, and lives in a handsome cement block
resident at 632 Smith street. On June 16, 1891, he married Miss Ger-
trude, daughter of Michael and Mary (La Buy) Neuman, of Beaver
Dam, Wis., and they have nine children : Mary, Katherine, Marian,
Eullia. Xorbert, Bernard, Alice, Ruth and Gertrude. Himself and
family are all Roman Catholics and devout members of St. Cyril's
Methodius Polish Catholic church. He is a Democrat in politics
and has been honored by his party with the position of superintend-
ent of the city sewers for two years. He is a very worthy, reliable
and industrious business man. in whom every one has confidence.
Frederick W. Wedig, the prominent undertaker of Milwaukee.
was born in that city March 30, 1867, a son of John and Katie (OtO
Wedig, both natives of Germany, who came to the United States in
1845, settling in Milwaukee, where they both lived and died. The
father was a millwright bv trade and followed that vocation all of his
life. The}' reared a family of five children: Alvina, wife of Fred
Schumacher; Frederick; Albert; Annie, wife of Charles Hagen, and
Fredericka, wife of Charles Gaulke. Our subject was reared in Mil-
waukee and educated in the Lutheran schools and in the evening
sessions of the public schools. He began his career in the under-
taking business by attending to the livery department for Henry
Vogt, then working his way onward and upward until he under-
stood all of the details of the business; however, he still spent some
BIOGRAPHICAL 237
Herman and Wilhelmine (Lang) Rediske, both natives of Germany,
for smne time he had full charge of the business. Being
now a man of varied and complete experience in the busi-
ness and being also a licensed embalmer, he resolved, in
1895, to reap the rewards of his knowledge for himself,
so he opened rooms for business at 1013 Third street,
where he has since conducted an establishment with signal success.
In 1894 he married Miss Katie, daughter of John and Marguerite
Breuer, of Milwaukee, and the)' have three children — John, Walter
and Linda. He and his family are consistent members of the Lu-
theran church and he votes the Republican ticket. He is also a
member of the German Society and of the North Side Old Settlers'
Club. By strict attention to all of the details of his peculiar and
trying business, by kindness and careful consideration for the feel-
ings of the bereaved ones, he has won the regard of those for whom
his services are given in the last sad rites at the portals of death.
Vincent M. Strzempkoski, the proprietor of the Strzempkoski
Clothing Company, 458 Mitchell street, was born in German Poland,
June 16, 1880. He is a son of Andrew and Estella Strzempkoski,
who came to America in 1883, locating in Bay City, Mich. The
father was a musician, an expert on the violin. They moved to Mil-
waukee in 1900, where they continue to reside, the father devoting
himself to his natural inclination, the occupation of a musician.
The father's family consists of four sons, named Thomas, Stanis-
laus. Vincent M. and George. Vincent M. remained in Bay City,
Mich., until he was eighteen years of age. He received his edu-
cation by attending the parochial schools of that city, and finished
his education in Milwaukee by attending night schools and taking
private instruction. He began life as a clerk in a clothing store at
five dollars per week, and followed that vocation for over seven
years, his salary gradually increasing until it reached twenty-five
dollars per week in 1906. Having now full knowledge of the cloth-
ing business and its kindred branches and being ambitious to estab-
lish a competency for himself, he embarked in 1906 in the clothing
and gents' furnishing business at 458 Mitchell street. His keen busi-
ness sense, his careful attention and polite demeanor toward his cus-
tomers have brought him a fine trade and he is eminently successful,
and is one of the most popular merchants on the South Side. He is
a member of St. Stanislaus Polish Roman Catholic church, of the
Young Men's Polish Society and of the Gaweizda Society, of which
he is treasurer. He affiliates with the Democratic party. Success
is smiling on him because he merits it.
Rediske Brothers. — Frederick and Frank Rediske, under the
firm name of Rediske Brothers, are carpenters and contractors, lo-
cated at 692 Forest Home avenue. The name of Rediske for nearly
one-third of a century has been prominently identified with the
building interests of Milwaukee. Charles Rediske, the founder of
the branch of the family in the United States, was born in Germany
and he came to this country with his parents and settled in Milwau-
kee before the Civil war. The parents of the Rediske Brothers were
238 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Herman and Wilhelmina Lang Rediske, both natives of Germany.
The father was reared to manhood in Milwaukee, where he learned
the carpenter trade, and for over thirty years was engaged in the
business of carpenter, contractor and builder. He was, also, for a
short time prior to his coming to Milwaukee, occupied as a mill-
wright in Michigan. At one time he was interested in a distillery
in Milwaukee with his brother Frederick. This proved a failure
owing to the erection of a very heavy tank on an upper floor which
the building was too weak to support; a collapse followed and he
then abandoned the business. The father, Herman Rediske, died
Jan. 17, 1905, at the age of fifty-one, leaving a family of four sons —
Frederick, Albert, Henry and Frank, all natives of Milwaukee. Fred
and Frank learned the carpenter trade under the instruction of their
father, and, at his death, they succeeded to the business, which they
have since carried on and successfully advanced under the firm
name of Rediske Bros. Frederick was educated in the Lutheran
parochial schools and at Imig College, while his brother Frank was
educated in the public schools of the Cream City. Frederick, the
senior member of the firm, was born March 5, 1876, and on March
17, 1898, married Miss Annie Jones, of Milwaukee. Both brothers
display the sturdy honesty and industry of the German character
and are enterprising and highly respected business men of this city.
Stanley F. Polski,6o8 Lincoln avenue, Milwaukee, is a prominent
manufacturer of cisterns, pumps and tanks. He is a native of Posen,
German Poland, whence he came to the United States in 1883, to be
followed in 1892 by his parents, Constantine and Josephine (Zen-
tara) Polski. Upon their arrival in America Mr. and Mrs. Con-
stantine Polski resided for a time in Milwaukee and later went to
Beaver Dam, Wis., where they now reside. Stanley F. Polski was
born Oct. 16, 1867, attended school in his native city until his six-
teenth year and then decided to seek his fortune in the United
States. In 1883 he settled in Plymouth, Pa., where he found em-
ployment in the anthracite coal mines. There he remained three
years and in 1886 traveled farther west and was employed in a tan-
nery in Milwaukee until 1892. He attended night school during
winter in order to study the English language and in 1892 left Mil-
waukee. For some time Mr. Polski had no settled home and at the
outbreak of the Spanish-American war he enlisted as sergeant in
Company K, First Wisconsin volunteer infantry, and served from
April until November, when he was honorably discharged from the
service. Returning to Milwaukee, Mr. Polski engaged in his pres-
ent business, which he has successfully conducted at his present lo-
cation since May, 1905. Special attention is given to well boring
and cleaning and Mr. Polski is well equipped to care for his large
and growing business. In 1902 he was married to Miss Victoria
Gultz, daughter of Michael and Frances (Nowah) Gultz, of Mil-
waukee. Mrs. Polski is also of Polish descent. One child, Helen,
was burn to this marriage. Mr. Polski is a member of the Polish
1 atholic church, lie also belongs to the Polish Lancers and to
( !apron Post of Spanish War Veterans. He is independent in polit-
ical views.
BIOGRAPHICAL 239
Gustav Raetz is a manufacturer of high-class carriages in Mil-
waukee, whose plant, established in 1885, is located at the corner of
Madison and First avenues. I le is a sun of John and Sophia ( Bohl)
Raetz, the former a native of Baden Baden and the latter of Meck-
lenburg, Germany. John Raetz emigrated to the United States
about 1852 and located in Milwaukee, where he met and married
Miss Sophia Bohl, whose father, John Hold, came to Milwaukee in
1853, and was there engaged in the dairy business. John Raetz was
employed in Milwaukee in several different capacities and finally
established himself in the grocery business, in which he remained
until his death, Jul}' 29, [886. Of his family of ten children eight
reached mature years — John, Fred (deceased), Gustav, Henry,
George, Emma, wife of Mr. Heath; William, and Ida, who is Mrs.
John Deinlein. Gustav, the subject of this sketch, was born in Mil-
waukee, May 28, 1865, attended the public schools in Milwaukee
and the German-English Academy, and was apprenticed three years
to a carriage-maker. Three years he worked as a journeyman and
in 1885 opened a carriage shop of his own at the corner of Madison
and First avenues, where he is at present located. Mr. Raetz has won
success in his business by careful attention to its details and a keen
eye for possible improvements in his manufactured product. His
carriages have a reputation for honest construction and he supplies
a widely distributed list of patrons. Sept. 4, 1886, Mr. Raetz was
married to Miss Augusta Mueller, daughter of August and Minnie
(Koehnke) Mueller, who were natives of Germany and prominent
pioneer settlers of Columbus, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Raetz have two
children living, Charles and Lorraine. Mr. Raetz is past chancellor of
the Knights of Pythias and a member of the South Side Turners.
He is a loyal supporter of the Republican party and takes an active
interest in political questions. Three terms he has served as alder-
man from the Eighth ward and commenced his fourth term in the
spring of 1908.
Frank Poznanski is the well-known mason contractor of 825
Eighth avenue, and succeeded to the business of his father, Anton
Poznanski, who was a prominent South Side contractor. Anton
Poznanski was born in Kcynia, Poland, son of Andrew and Mary
(Kopyblowski) Poznanski, with whom he came to the United States
in 1855. The family resided in Milwaukee and later in Wausau,
where Andrew died. His wife, who survived him, died at the age
of seventy-eight years in Milwaukee. Anton, their son, learned the
mason's trade and became a successful contracting mason in Mil-
waukee. He erected man}' important buildings and enjoyed a repu-
tation for skill and reliability. He married Miss Frances Socha, of
Milwaukee, a native of Milwaukee, and daughter of Polish pioneers
of that city. Mrs. Anton Poznanski is believed to be the first child
of Polish parents born in Milwaukee who is living at the present
time. Nine children were born to Anton Poznanski and his wife
Frances: Frank, .Annie, wife of George Elliott; Winnie, wife of
John Smijewski; John. Anton, Stanislaus, Kate, Leo and Constan-
tine. Mr. Poznanski died in Milwaukee, April 20, 1807. at the age
24O . MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
of forty-five years. Frank Poznanski, the subject of this sketch,
was born in Milwaukee, Oct. 9, 1877, attended both public and pa-
rochial schools and Marquette College and became a mason and
plasterer under the able instruction of his father. He worked with
his father until the death of the latter and at that time assumed the
responsibilities of the business. He has since showed himself
worthy of the confidence reposed in him by his father's patrons and
has executed numerous important contracts in a most efficient man-
ner. He is prompt in attending to matters intrusted to him, and
his careful work speaks for itself. In accuracy and painstaking at-
tention to the details of his work Mr. Poznanski excels, and his in-
tegrity is unquestioned. Nov. 29, 1902, Mr. Poznanski was married
to Miss Helen Czapiewski, of Milwaukee, daughter of Joseph
Czapiewski. Two charming little daughters complete the family
circle, Helen and Frances. Mr. Poznanski and his family are de-
vout members of St. Hyacinth Roman Catholic church, and the for-
mer belongs to the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and the Polish
American Alliance. He is a most loyal supporter of the Democrat-
ic party, although his business cares leave him but little time for
active participation in politics.
Joseph Jankiewicz, proprietor of the large general hardware
store at 391 Rogers street, is one of the most prominent merchants on
the South Side of Milwaukee. He was born March 7, 1864, in Won-
growitz, Germany, son of August and Valentina (Miloston) Jan-
kiewicz, who left their home in Germany for the United States in
1880 and settled in North Carolina. After one year spent in that
state they traveled westward and located in Milwaukee, which was
their home until their death. Their son, Joseph, the subject of this
sketch, was educated in Germany in the parochial schools, and ac-
companied his parents to North Carolina and Milwaukee. Upon his
arrival in Milwaukee he attended night school in order to obtain a
more thorough command of the English language. He was first
employed as a nailer and then worked six years as a stationary en-
gineer. From 1894 to 1904 he operated a grocery store and saloon
on the South Side, and in 1904 engaged in the hardware business, in
which he has met with marked success. He carries a large stock of
hardware, including tins, paints, oils, glass, blinds, etc., and pays
particular attention to all kinds of tin, copper and sheet-iron work.
Fie is supplied with every sort of modern appliance for satisfactory
work and his stock is up-to-date in every respect. He is a man of
absolute integrity and merits the success which has attended him by
strict attention to his business. Nov. 15, 1885, Mr. Jankiewicz was
married to Miss Catherine Drechta, of Milwaukee, daughter of An-
ton Dreclita. who came to Milwaukee from Poland. Ten children
were born to them, of whom but four are living — Annie, Mary, Au-
gust and Amelia. The family are devout members of St. Josaphat
Polish Roman Catholic church, and Mr. Jankiewicz belongs to the
Catholic Order of Foresters, the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and
the Polish Alliance, Polish Sharpshooters and the South Side Army
and Polish Business Men. He is a loyal adherent of the principles
BIOGRAPHICAL 24I
of the Democratic party and has served two years in the city coun-
cil as alderman for the Twelfth ward, being a candidate for re-elec-
tion in the spring of 1908. Mr. Jankiewicz takes an active interest
in the affairs of his neighborhood and always responds prompthj to
any call made upon him in the interest of the community . I le is an
enterprising and progressive citizen in every respect.
Frank J. Grutza, senior member of the firm of Grutza & Co.,
real estate, loans and insurance, 417 Mitchell street, is one of the fore-
most Polish citizens of Milwaukee. He was born in German Po-
land, son of Frank and Antoinette (Haase) Grutza, who came to
the United States in 1874 and lived five years in Lenox, Mass., re-
moving from that city in 1879 to Milwaukee. Five children were
born to Frank Grutza and his wife Antoinette : Anne, who became
a nun of the Felician Order; Frank J., John J., Stanislaus, and Ve-
ronica, who married Peter Mulzoff. Mrs. Grutza died in Milwau-
kee and some years later Mr. Grutza married Miss Mary Lewen-
dowski. also a native of Poland. Five children blessed this union:
Agnes, Rose, Frances, Amanda and Bernard. After taking up his
abode in Milwaukee Mr. Grutza passed the remainder of his life
there and was identified with the Polish community as one of its
most respected citizens. Frank J., the subject of this sketch, was
born Oct. 6, 1869, was brought to Massachusetts by his parents
when a little lad five years of age and attended the public schools of
Lenox and Milwaukee. He also attended a parochial school in Mil-
waukee and Pio Nono College. He was first employed in the cigar
manufacturing establishment of William Graf three and one-half
years and the succeeding three years in a grocery house as clerk.
Aug. 3, 1893, he was appointed deputy clerk of the municipal court
and since June 20, 1907, has held the office of chief deputy. About
1893 Mr. Grutza engaged in the real' estate business on the South
Side and in Xovember, 1905, became associated with M. J. Forecki
under the firm name of Frank J. Grutza & Co. The partners estab-
lished themselves in offices at 417 Mitchell street and have done a flour-
ishing business in real estate and loans at that location. At present
the firm handles a very large and important business, employing
several assistants, and has become an important factor in South
Side business circles. Mr. Grutza has found time to devote to many
other honorable enterprises beside his personal business, among
which was the erection of the Kosciusko monument. He was one
of the foremost promoters of the Kosciusko Monument Association
and its financial secretary. This association received the contribu-
tions for the $13,000 Thaddeus Kosciusko memorial monument,
which was presented to the city of Milwaukee by the Polish citi-
zens, and also superintended its erection. Mr. Grutza was master
of ceremonies upon the impressive occasion of the unveiling of the
monument. He is a devout member of St. Stanislaus Polish Roman
Catholic church. He is president of the Polish-American Associa-
tion and financial secretary of the Polish National Alliance, Branch
No. 253, and belongs to the Harmonia Singing Society, the Modern
Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World. In addition
16
242 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
to the positions of trust already referred to Mr. Grutza is president
of the Skarb Polske Mutual Loan and Building Society, one of the
most important associations of the kind in the state, and financial
secretary of the Kosciusko Hall Association, of which he is also a
stockholder. Affiliated with the Republican party, Mr. Grutza takes
an active interest in local and national issues. He has served as
chairman of the Republican committee of the Fourteenth ward for
ten years and is a member of the Republican county committee. Mr.
Grutza places his high abilities at the service of his Polish country-
men whenever desired and at the same time maintains a devoted
allegiance to the land of his adoption. He was married Oct. 3, 1894,
to Miss Nettie Niestatek, of Milwaukee, daughter of John and Jose-
phine Niestatek, and four charming children have blessed this
union — Irene, Adeline, Thaddeus and Regina.
Wladislaus S. Zaleski, a retired merchant tailor of Milwaukee,
was for a number of years the head of the important tailoring house
of Zaleski, which gave employment to about twenty tailors and sup-
plied an extensive retail trade. He was born in Posen, Prussian Po-
land, June 27, 1864, son of Victor and Martha (Schwartz) Zaleski.
He attended the public schools in his native town and was gradu-
ated from the high school at the age of sixteen years. Pie received
three years of paid instruction in tailoring and was employed two
years in Dresden, where he learned cutting and gained much skill
and experience in that branch of tailoring. He was employed in re-
sponsible positions in the large tailoring establishments of Dresden,
Warsaw, Berlin and Paris, but having a fondness for travel, decided
to try his fortunes in America. He located in Ithaca, N. Y., where
he was employed four years as cutter by George Griffin. In 1893
he traveled farther west and, upon reaching Milwaukee, found his
services immediately in demand. Mr. Zaleski was cutter for the
firm of Louis Lachmann two years, and at the end of that period
established himself in business on the South Side, where his busi-
ness has grown and prospered ever since. Mr. Zaleski has invested
considerably in real estate in Milwaukee and some of his holdings
have become very valuable. Having acquired a large property, Mr.
Zaleski decided, in 1907, to leave the confining work of the store and
therefore disposed of his interests in that business. He now gives
his entire attention to the management and improvement of his
holdings. Having been an active supporter of the Republican party
since his naturalization, Mr. Zaleski was prevailed upon by his
many friends to accept the nomination on that ticket for city treas-
urer in iqo8. He has the best interests of the city at heart and is
read}* at all times to render active support to projects which have
civic improvement for their aim. In 1896 Mr. Zaleski was married
to Miss Matilda Puinger, of Milwaukee. Mr. Zaleski is a devout
Roman Catholic and a member of St. Stanislaus Polish Roman
Catholic church. He also belongs to the Polish National Alliance,
the Polish-American Society, the Polish Turners' Society, the Pol-
ish Singing Society, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen
of America and others.
BIOGRAPHICAL 243
Judge Louis M. Kotecki is a rising young man of Milwaukee
and justice of the peace in the Tenth district. I le is of Polish origin,
son of Albert and Barbara Kotecki, who emigrated from Poland in
1873 and made their home in Chicago. Albert Kotecki was a suc-
cessful tailor and was engaged in this occupation for some years in
Chicago. In 1884 he removed with his family to Milwaukee, where
he was engaged in the same business until 1003, when he retired
from active business life to enjoy the fruits of his labors. Six chil-
dren, all of whom are living, make up his family: Frank, Louis M..
Adam. Victoria, Laura and Mary. Louis M. was born in Chicago,
July 8, 1880. lie attended public and parochial schools in Milwau-
kee and received private instruction at a Polish high school. 1 le be-
gan to carry papers for a Polish newspaper when he was a lad and at
the age of fifteen years became a reporter on the staff of the
same paper, the Kuryer. Soon the position of advertising agent
was offered to him and later that of collector. The last two posi-
tions he still retains. From 1894 to 1906 Mr. Kotecki attended the
evening sessions of the Milwaukee Law School and acquired, by
careful study, a knowledge of the law which has been of the great-
est value to him in his career. In 1904 he was elected constable of
the Tenth district, which contains three wards, the Eleventh,
Twelfth and Fourteenth, and having satisfactorily tilled this office,
was, in 1906, nominated for justice of the peace in the same district.
Mr. Kotecki is a staunch Democrat in political matters and is ac-
tive in the support of his party. In the election of 1906 he was de-
feated, but in August, 1907, was appointed to fill a vacancy in the
office of justice of the peace and has since been the incumbent of
that office for the Tenth district. Mr. Kotecki is a wise and impar-
tial judge and has won the confidence of his constituents to a flat-
tering degree. In 1908 he was again nominated, this time to suc-
ceed himself, and was elected to the office which he now holds. He
has merited by close application to his duties and sincere devotion
to his calling, the success which has attended him and he has every
prospect of becoming very prominent in his profession. Judge Ko-
tecki is a devout member of St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic church
and also belongs to the Polish Turners' Society, the Polish National
Alliance, the Roman Catholic Polish Association and the Modern
Woodmen of America.
Henry Ziemann, a prominent building contractor n\ Milwau-
kee, has been engaged in that business since i8c;7, and since 1907 at
his present location, 813 First avenue, where he has a shop employing
fifteen or more men. He is the son of August and Lizzie (Gloess 1
Ziemann. who were pioneer citizens of Milwaukee. August Zie-
mann was born in Pommern, Germany, and his wife in Hesse-
Darmstadt. They settled upon a farm in the outskirts of Milwau-
kee and Mr. Ziemann occupied himself with farming and milling,
and resided there the remainder of his life. Henry Ziemann. his
son. was born in Milwaukee, Aug. 22. 1862. attended public school
in Milwaukee and also a business college. He served his appren-
ticeship at the carpenter's trade and worked nine years as a jour-
244 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
neyman. He then established the business in which he is at pres-
ent engaged and in which he has met with flattering success. Many
handsome residences and other buildings in Milwaukee and sur-
roundings have been erected by Mr. Ziemann, who is a builder of
the highest attainments. Among these are the residence of Fred
Thetmeyer on 20th avenue, the residence of Albert Kunde on Mc-
Kinley Boulevard, the apartment building belonging to Capt. John
Cochran on the corner of Scott and Greenbush streets, etc. In
1889 Mr. Ziemann was married to Miss Sophia Kurtz, daughter of
George and Maggie Kurtz, of Milwaukee. Two children have glad-
dened their home, William and Henry. Mr. Ziemann is a member
of the Ebenezer Lutheran church. He is not allied with any po-
litical party, although he takes an active interest in everything
which tends to promote the welfare of the city.
Frank E. Buestrin, is a native of the Cream City, and was born
on Oct. 14, 1864, the son of Henry and Catharine (Bloss) Buestrin.
He is of pure German lineage, and his paternal grandfather came
to America from Prussia in the year 1839 and settled in Milwaukee.
(For other remarks concerning our subject's ancestry, see sketch
of his father, Henry Buestrin.) He was educated in the public
schools of Milwaukee and in the Spencerian Business College of the
same city. Upon leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade,
and in 1876 became associated with his father in the general con-
tracting and building business. After his father's death in 1893 tne
business passed into the hands of his sons, Frank E., Henry F., and
August H., who have since conducted it under the firm name of
Henry Buestrin & Sons. Mr. Buestrin has always been affiliated in
politics with the Republican party, and in the spring of 1894 a num-
ber of his political friends prevailed upon him to accept the nomi-
nation of alderman, to represent the Seventh ward. He was elected
and earned for himself the general commendation of his associates
in the council, and of his constituents, by reason of his business-
like conduct of affairs and his conscientious attention to his official
duties. He served as a member of the committees on schools and
railroads, and was chairman of the committee on City Hall and
Library. Both his public and private career have been clean, honor-
able and successful ; he is straightforward in all his dealings with
his fellow men, and richly deserves the public recognition of his
worth and standing which he has received. He has been president
of the Builders' and Traders' Exchange. He was married on Nov.
21, 1893, to Miss Paula, daughter of Ferdinand and Julia (Grossen-
bach) Reuter, of Milwaukee, and is the father of two children,
Frank and Margaret by name.
Henry Buestrin (deceased), long known as one of Milwaukee's
leading and enterprising business men, was one of the city's pio-
neer builders, and did much to promote the development of the
Cream City. He was born in the town of Kammin, near Stettin,
Prussia, on Aug. 9, 1829, and in 1839 came to America with his par-
ents, David and Anne Buestrin, settling in Milwaukee. The father
owned a farm for many vears on the west side of East Water street,
BIOGRAPHICAL 245
and later engaged in building and contracting, a vocation he had
followed in his native land. He reared a family of four daughters
and one son: Frederica, wife of Gottlieb Gust; Bertha, wife of
Anton Fernicke; Emily, wife of Frank Willie; Rosa, wife of Augusl
Poletz, and Henry, the subject of this sketch, who, at an early age,
learned the carpenter's trade, and as soon as he had acquired a
thorough knowledge of its details, branched out as a contractor on
his own behalf. By i860, through the exercise of great energy and
pluck, he had risen into prominence, and was then known as the
most capable contractor and builder in the city. Many of the beau-
tiful and substantial structures of Milwaukee attest the capability
of the man who erected them, and in this connection it may be
truly said that much of the beauty of the city is due to the skill of
Henry Buestrin in his building operations. Among the many nota-
ble edifices, with the erection of which he had more or less to do,
may be mentioned the following: The Immanuel Presbyterian
Church ; the Pfister Block ; the Philip Best Building ; the North-
western Insurance Building", and the Exposition Building. He su-
perintended the erection of the Waterworks buildings, and was
one of "the early champions of the great sanitary project known as
the flushing tunnel, which has done so much to improve the health
conditions of the city. Mr. Buestrin was especially noted for his
skill in moving and raising brick structures — some of them of vast
weight — such as the Milwaukee County Bank, Treat's Hall, the
Mabler & Wendt Building, and the enormous brick chimney at the
Phoenix Mills, which he moved in 1880. This chimney had a base
of 8 feet, was 95 feet high, and weighed 225 tons; it was raised 10
feet and moved 150 feet, which remarkable work was accomplished
without the least damage to the structure, and was the first job of
the kind ever attempted in America. For a few years Mr. Bues-
trin was associated in business with August Kieckhefer, and later
on took his sons into partnership. The sons inherited their father's
ability and are worthy successors of one who did so much for the
material well-being of Milwaukee. Mr. Buestrin was never active-
ly interested in politics, but adhered to the principles of the Repub-
lican party. He was reared a Lutheran and maintained his connec-
tion with that church until his death. He was married Nov. '20,
1855, to Miss Catharine Bloss, a native of Germany, and eight chil-
dren grew to maturity. Emily, wife of John E. Hutchings ; Anna,
wife of August Kieckhefer; Augusta, wife of Oswald Ulbricht;
Frank E. ; August H. ; Henry F. ; Katharine, wife of Otto H. Hab-
higger, and Lizzie. Mr. Buestrin was a member of both the Amer-
ican and German Old Settlers' clubs, and was for many years an
active member of the old volunteer fire department. He was a man
of strict integrity, of unblemished reputation, and was honored and
respected by all who knew him. He died on Feb. 21, 1893.
John S. Altstadt is a prominent funeral director and embalm-
er of the South Side, having succeeded to the business of his father,
with whom he was formerly associated. He is the son of John and
Catherine (Ronk) Altstadt, who were natives of Germany and em-
246 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
igrated in early life to the United States, making their home in Mil-
waukee. Mr. Altstadt senior was educated in Germany and learned
the carpenter's trade, becoming an expert cabinet-maker and
wood-worker. He came to Milwaukee in 1865 and after working
at his trade for a few years, established himself in the furniture and
undertaking business on the South Side. Of his family of four chil-
dren, John S., the subject of this sketch, is the only survivor. He
was born in Milwaukee, June 19, 1873, was educated in the Roman
Catholic parochial schools of his native city, and became a valued
assistant to his father in the undertaking establishment. Upon the
retirement of his father in 1902, the entire responsibility of the busi-
ness devolved upon John S. Altstadt and he has since successful-
ly conducted it alone. He has a complete and up-to-date equipment
and leaves nothing undone, which will give satisfaction to his pa-
trons. Night or day he is promptly at their service. Mr. Altstadt
was married Oct. 24, 1900, to Miss Hattie Lohagen, daughter of
Henry F. and Mary (Haderer) Lohagen, of Milwaukee. Four chil-
dren have blessed the marriage, Ralph, Marie, Aloisus and Norbert.
The family are devout members of St. Anthony's Roman Catholic
church and Mr. Altstadt belongs to the St. Anthony Society, and
the Family Protective Association. He is not associated with any
political party but gives considerable thought to the important
questions of the day and votes as he feels will be for the best in-
terests of the citv and state.
Fred J. Borgwardt, the senior member of the firm of Fred
Borgwardt & Son, funeral directors and embalmers, was born
in Germany on Nov. 11, 1858, the son of Fred and Sophia ( Holtz-
mann) Borgwardt. His parents came to the United States in 1867
when our subject was only nine years of age, and settled in Mil-
waukee, where they continued to reside up to the time of their
death. His father died on Nov. 11, 1906, at the ripe old age of jy.
Mr. Borgwardt is one of a family of five children, Elizabeth, the
wife of AYilliam Nimmer, Fred, Charles, Minnie, the widow of Fred
Kasten, and John F. He was reared from early youth in the city
of Milwaukee, and received his education in the Lutheran parochial
schools. In 1883 he embarked in the undertaking business, and has
since given it his exclusive attention. He has one of the best
equipped establishments in the city, including a chapel where fu-
nerals may be held, and a private morgue. Since 1902 Mr. Borg-
wardt has done business under the firm name and style of F.
Borgwardt & Son, having taken his son George F. into partnership
at that time. He is affiliated with the Republican party, but has
never taken an active interest in politics, and has never sought
public preferment on his own behalf. Both Mr. Borgwardt and
family are earnest and zealous members of the Lutheran church,
and he is an open-handed and liberal supporter of his church in
all its good works. He is a member of the Wisconsin State Funer-
al Directors' Association, and in every way aims to keep fully
abreast of the latest developments in his line of business. He was
married on May 2, 1880, to Miss Frederica, daughter of Christian
BIOGRAPHICAL 247
and Sophia (Lembke) Niemann, of Milwaukee, both of whom are
natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Borgwardt have an interesting
family of five children living: Clara, wife of Reinholdt Raedisch ;
George F. ; Fred C; Elsie, and Ervin.
Herman Huebner, a successful general contractor, has been
established in business in Milwaukee since 1892, and since 1897 has
been located at 187 Biddle street, where he takes contracts for the
erection of buildings of all kinds and also furnishes cabinet work,
office fixtures, etc. He is the son of John and Hannah ( Lemphol )
Huebner, of Mollan, Germany, who came to America in 1880 and
made their home in Racine. Two years later they removed to Mil-
waukee and there made their permanent home. Herman Huebner
was born in Mollan, Feb. 23, 1861, and came to Wisconsin with his
parents. He attended the public schools in his native town and al-
so served an apprenticeship there at the carpenter's trade. He
completed the same in Germany and upon his arrival in Wisconsin
was employed as a journeyman for several years. In 1892 he engaged
in his present business as contractor and builder, in which he has
since continued with marked success. He has built many hand-
some residences and substantial business blocks in Milwaukee and
has a well-earned reputation for honest and careful workmanship.
His shop supplies many of the largest business houses in Milwau-
kee with their decorative wood-work, fixtures, etc. On Aug. 11, 1898,
Mr. Huebner was married to Miss Rosetta Busack, of Milwaukee,
daughter of Carl Busack, a prominent contractor, who was identi-
fied with the building of the immense plants of the Schlitz and
Pabst Brewing companies. Mr. Huebner's home has been made
happy by the presence of two charming children, Carl and Alma.
The family are adherents of the German Lutheran church.
John Czerwinski has been successfully engaged in undertaking
and embalming in Milwaukee for some years. He is a native of
Tlukon, Poland, son of Stanislaus and Magdalen ( Przevozniak)
Czerwinski, who emigrated from Poland to the I nited States in
1868 and made Milwaukee their permanent home, passing the re-
mainder of their lives in that city. To Mr. and Mrs. Stanislaus
Czerwinski were born four sons, John, Anthony, Roman (deceas-
ed) and Joseph. John was born Aug. 10, 1853, attended school in
his native town in Poland and also in Milwaukee after the
removal of the family to America. After leaving school he
was first employed by a farmer as his assistant and from the farm
went into a furniture factory, where he was employed in various
capacities seventeen years. In 1885 he established himself in the
furniture business at 401 Mitchell street and also practiced under-
taking. In the latter business he was greatly interested and stud-
ied it constantly. After graduating from several schools of em-
balming and obtaining considerable experience in the same line.
Mr. Czerwinski sold his furniture business and has devoted himself
exclusively to undertaking and embalming since 1890. In this busi-
ness he has become prominent and in order to respond to the rap-
idly increasing number of calls upon his time, he has associated
248 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
with him his son John, also an embalmer of skill and experience.
Mr. Czerwinski was married in 1873 to Miss Michalina Brzonkala,
also a native of Poland, daughter of Andrew and Margaret
(SmolarelO Brzonkala. Five children have blessed their home;
Annie, wife of Casimir Celichowski ; Martin ; John Jr. ; Francis and
Amanda. Martin is the proprietor of the livery barn at 650 4th
avenue, where he carries on an extensive business. John, Jr., has also
devoted considerable attention to the study of modern scientific
methods of embalming and is a valuable assistant to his father in
that work. Francis is a priest of the Roman Catholic church. Mr.
Czerwinski is a member of the Polish National Alliance of America
and the Polish Association of America, also of the Knights of St.
Martin, U. R., the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, and other Roman
Catholic societies. In political sympathies he is a staunch Demo-
crat and as such has been elected supervisor from the Twelth ward,
which office he has held twelve years. He also served two years as
coroner for Milwaukee county, to which office he was elected by
the labor party.
Lester A. Carpenter, proprietor of the undertaking establish-
ment at 6jJ Greenfield avenue, Milwaukee, is an experienced and
well-known funeral director and embalmer. He has been estab-
lished in business on Greenfield avenue since October, 1901, and has
met with marked success in his chosen calling. He is the son of
Warren and Rebecca (Allen) Carpenter, both of whom were born
in Xew York State. W r arren Carpenter was a native of Westches-
ter county, N. Y., and came west when he was eighteen years of age.
He found employment as a carpenter in Milwaukee and remained
there seven years. During this time he met and married Miss
Allen and together they returned to New York where they resided
for a number of years. A family of eight children gathered around
their hospitable hearth, all of whom are living. They bear the fol-
lowing names : George,, Lester A., Gillbert H., Sherman W., Elisha
J., William A., Edith G., and Deal. In his later years Mr. Car-
penter joined his son in Milwaukee, where he died in 1891, aged
sixty-one years. Lester A. Carpenter, the subject of this sketch,
was born in Westchester county, N. Y., March 10, 1861, and resid-
ed there with his parents until 1881. He was educated in the pub-
lic schools and assisted his father in his work until he came to
.Milwaukee. He immediately found employment and became per-
manently located with the Rich Shoe Co., w r ith which firm he re-
mained for fifteen vears. Being energetic and ambitious, he was
not contented to spend his entire life working for others and there-
fore made a study of embalming in his spare moments and soon
became proficient. He attended the U. S. School of Embalming
in Chicago and was graduated in 1901. He preferred Milwaukee
as a residence and returned to that city immediately upon the com-
pletion of his course of study. His business has grown rapidly and
his services are in constant demand. March 31, 1896, Mr. Carpenter
was married to Miss Frederika AVendt, daughter of Charles and
Mary (Bartels) Wendt, of Milwaukee. Mr. and Mrs. Wendt came
BIOGRAPHICAL 24 )
to America from German}- and have made their home in Milwaukee
for man_\- years. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have one daughter, Alice.
who is attending school in Milwaukee. Mrs. Carpenter and daugh-
ter attend the Zion Evangelical church, but Mr. ( !arpenter is a mem-
ber of the South Baptist church. He is also a member of the Royal
League, E. I'. Allis Council, No. 140.
Edward Gruendler, a prominent carpenter-contractor of Mil-
waukee, doing business under the firm name of George Gruendler
Sons, at \ T o. 481 Broadway, one of the old, reliable business firms
of the city, is a native product of Milwaukee, born March 6, 1871.
He is the son of George and Barbara (Clans) Gruendler. His fa-
ther, who was one of the early pioneer settlers of Milwaukee, was a
native of Wurtemburg, German}', born Jan. 10, 1830. He was
reared to manhood in his native land, and there learned the car-
penter's trade, coming to the United States in the year 1851. On
reaching this country he stopped for a year in Newark, X. J., but
came west in 1852 and settled in Milwaukee, which was his place
of residence up to the time of his death. He was employed as a
joiner until 1864, and then established himself in independent busi-
ness as a carpenter-contractor. He did a large and successful busi-
ness up to the time of his retirement in 1902. During the period
from 1892 to 1 90 1 his oldest son, Charles F., was associated with
him as a partner, and when Charles died in the latter year, his fa-
ther carried on the business alone for another year. He lived a life
of ease and retirement during the last four years of his life, his
death taking place on March 9, 1906, at the age of 76. He was
married Oct. 30, 1852. to Barbara Claus, and of their large family
of twelve children seven grew to maturity: Charles F. (deceased),
Mary, the wife of Chas. F. Ringer, George (deceased), Annie, wife
of Felix Heiber, Herman (deceased), Edward, and Arthur (de-
ceased). Mr. and Mrs. George Gruendler were able to celebrate their
golden wedding in 1902, and the occasion was made one of great
rejoicing, with all the numerous family and friends assembled to-
gether. Our subject's mother also lived to an advanced age, her
death taking place shortly after that of her husband, Oct. 4, 1906.
Mr. Gruendler's business career was a long and honorable one; he
erected a considerable number of the large business blocks in Mil-
waukee, as well as many of the best private residences. Edward,
the subject of this sketch, received an excellent education in the
public and high schools of Milwaukee, and later supplemented the
same by a course at the "Wilmot Business College. Upon leaving
school he learned the carpenter's trade under his father's instruc-
tion, and ever since 1902 he has carried on the business of George
Gruendler Sons. Under his management the old firm has con-
tinued to prosper and is meeting with its full share of the public
patronage. His marriage took place an June 24, 1896, to Miss
Louisa, a daughter of *Peter and Anna Schaffner, of Milwaukee.
One daughter, Evelyn A., has been born to them. He is a promi-
nent member of the Milwaukee Turnverein, of which organization
he is treasurer.
25O MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
James T. Brett, the -well known funeral director and embalmer
at 313 Reed street, Milwaukee, where he has been engaged in success-
ful business for a period of over thirty years, is a native of Man-
chester, England, born Dec. 13, 1845. He became an orphan when
less than two years of age. His parents, James and Elizabeth
(Hodson) Brett, sailed from England en route to America in 1847,
and the father became ill and died at sea during the voyage. The
widow and her four small children came west and settled at Mil-
waukee, where our subject grew to manhood, and where he has
ever since made his home. He received a good elementary educa-
tion in the First Ward public school, graduating therefrom at the
age of fourteen. He was engaged in various business pursuits un-
til 1877, when he embarked in the undertaking business on Reed
street, and has done business ever since in the same block. He has
had a prosperous career, and commands the respect and confidence
of the general public in a high degree. His success is due to his
strict attention to the details of his business, and his uniformly
honorable and upright business methods. He was married in 1866
to Mary, daughter of William and Mary Shelton, of Milwaukee, and
of the six children born to them, four are now living. His mother
died recently in Milwaukee at the advanced age of ninety-three
years. Mrs. Brett has proved a most congenial and able helpmate
to him throughout his business career. When he first engaged in
the undertaking business, she acted as his lady assistant, and is the
first of her sex to engage in this line of work in Milwaukee. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Brett are devout members of the Roman Catholic
church. Mr. Brett is also identified with a number of fraternal
orders, such as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
Knights of Pythias, Knights of the Maccabees, and the Improved
Order of Red Men. His political affiliations are 1 with the Demo-
cratic party, and he represented the Fifth Ward in the Common
Council during the years 1885-7.
Dr. Charles Hillenbrand, M. D. C, veterinary surgeon and
dentist, Milwaukee. Wis., was born in the village of Sun Prairie,
Dane county, Wis., Sept. 30, 1883, of German parentage. He is a
son of Ernest and Frances Hillenbrand, who emigrated from Ger-
many to this country at an early day and are numbered among the
pioneer settlers of Dane county. Our subject grew to manhood
in his native town, and received his early education in the public
schools of that place. In the year 1904 he took up the study of
veterinary science and became a student in the Chicago Veterinary
College, graduating from this institution March 29, 1907. After
receiving his diploma he came to Milwaukee, where he immediately
entered upon the active practice of his profession. He has met
with excellent success and is. rapidly building up a large and lucra-
tive business. He occupies the offices of Dr. G. DiefTenderfer, for
many years located at 580 First avenue, Milwaukee.
Dr. Harry H. Freed, veterinary surgeon and dentist, is a well-
known and prominent member of the profession of wide experience,
lie was born in Bethlehem, Northampton county, Pa., Aug. 20,
BIOGRAPHICAL 251
1867, and is of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. Mis father. Josiah
Freed, married Catherine Wetzel and their home for many years
was Northampton county. Dr. 11. II. Freed spent his early years
in Bethlehem, there attended the public schools and in the early
autumn of [902 he entered the Chicago Veterinary College. From
this institution he was graduated in March, 1905, and during that
year determined to make .Milwaukee the scene of his professional
labors. From the commencement in [905 of his veterinary prac-
tice Dr. Freed has shown great skill and has met with marked suc-
cess in his treatment of the diseases of animals. He makes a spe-
cialty of the cure of canine diseases. Dr. Freed is a Republican in
party sympathy, but has little time for active participation in local
politics.
Dr. Edwin R. Flack, veterinary surgeon, has only recently es-
tablished himself in Milwaukee, but he has already succeeded in
building up an excellent professional reputation, and his practice
is growing at a rapid rate from day to day. He owns and operates
a complete veterinary hospital at 1087 Kinnickinnic avenue, which
is ecptipped with all the modern and up-to-date appliances of his
profession. The Doctor was born in Green Lake county, Wis., Dec.
16, 1869, the son of John \Y. and Esther (Bedell) Flack. His parents
were also natives of Wisconsin, but are descended from good old
New England stock. Our subject received his elementary school-
ing in the city of Appleton, where he was reared, attending the old
Ryan high school of that place, and in 1894 began the study of vet-
erinary surgery at the Chicago Veterinary College, graduating from
that well-known institution with the class of 1896. After engaging
in successful practice in Manitowoc for a period of eleven years, he
located at Milwaukee in July, 1907. Here he has met with a prompt
and most flattering success, which his skill and thorough training
and experience have richly deserved. Xo better equipped hospital
exists in the citv than the one maintaind by the Doctor; it has the
Professor Conking operating table, and every other convenience of
a well-equipped and modern veterinary hospital. He is a member
of the Presbyterian church, and is a liberal supporter of the same
in all its good works. He is also a member and vice-president of
the Society of Veterinary Graduates of Wisconsin, in whose pro-
ceedings he takes a lively interest, and in every way he keeps thor-
oughly abreast of the latest discoveries in his chosen calling. He
was united in marriage in 1897 to Miss Mayme, danghter of Ed-
ward IT. Rand, of Manitowoc, Wis., and two charming daughters
are the fruit of this union, the Misses Lillian and Helen. The Doc-
tor is a courteous and affable gentleman, of most pleasing address
and makes friends readily. He is a close student of his profession
and an indefatigable worker, and one can readily predict for him a
brilliant and successful future.
Herman A. Guetzkow, a well-known carpenter and contractor
of Third street, Milwaukee, is a native of North Greenfield. Mil-
wankee county, where he was born on May 12, 1871, the son of
Gottlieb S. and Matilda (Wetzel) Gnetzkow. His parents were
252 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
both born near the city of Berlin, Germany, and came to the United
States about the year 1867, and settled in North Greenfield, Wis.
The elder Mr. Guetzkow is a blacksmith by trade and followed that
avocation in various parts of Milwaukee county for some years, and
then spent about ten years in Monroe county. He returned again
to Milwaukee county in 1887, and makes his home at present in the
thriving town of Wauwatosa. He reared a large family of twelve
children, of whom nine are still living, to-wit: Herman A.; Bertha,
the wife of Max Menrath ; Albert; Henry; Arthur; William; Min-
nie, the wife of Charles Klinger; Edward, and Frank. Our subject
received a good public school education, and upon leaving school
served a three years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, and
then worked for a period of four years as a joiner. He became a
thorough master of his calling in all its fine details, a fact which will
readily account for his subsequent success. In 1898 he first em-
barked in business on his own account as a carpenter-contractor,
but at the end of a year was offered and accepted a position as fore-
man for a large firm of builders in Milwaukee, and served most ac-
ceptably in this capacity for about three years. In 1902 he again
established himself in independent business as a contractor and
builder, and has successfully continued in this line of work up to
the present time. His reputation as a builder is now well estab-
lished, and his skillful handiwork is to be found in many of the best
residences and flat buildings in the city of Milwaukee ; at present
he is engaged in completing a contract for the erection of the treas-
urer's residence at the Soldiers' Home. Mr. Guetzkow has been
married and has one son named Elmer. He has always been allied
with the Republican party in politics. He is an active and zealous
member of the First German Baptist church, and is also a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Wisconsin Benefit
Association. Mr. Guetzkow is still in the prime of early manhood,
is steady and thoroughly reliable in his habits and gives every
promise of reaping a prosperous future in his chosen vocation.
Adam L. Schroth, a well-known undertaker of Milwaukee, is a
native of that city, son of Adam and Katie Schroth. Adam Schroth
was born in Preisen, Germany, and emigrated to the United States
in 1854. Soon after landing he proceeded westward and decided to
make Milwaukee his home. Here he was married and for a number
of years followed his trade of baking in his own baker's and confec-
tioner's shop with much success. He continued in active business
until his death in 1891, at the age of 55 years. Adam L. Schroth,
subject of this sketch, was born Oct. 1, 1861, attended both public
and parochial schools and also the Spencerian Business College. He
learned the baker's trade with his father and in 1880 entered the
employ of Johnson Bros. Baking Co. as traveling salesman. In
1888 he became an undertaker, and has since continued in that busi-
ness with much success. In 1881 lie married Katie, daughter of
Peter and Catherine Pauley, of Milwaukee, and one daughter
blessed the marriage — Eleanor, wife of Otto B. Singenberger. Mr.
Schr<>th is a member of St. Francis Roman Catholic church and of
BIOGRAPHICAL 253
the Knights of Columbus. Me also belongs to the Milwaukee Club.
He belongs to no political party, but is always alive to the best in-
terests of his neighborhood.
Dr. Herman J. Schneider, M. D. C, who has been engaged for
ten years in the practice of veterinary surgery in the city of Mil-
waukee, was born in Pommern, Germany, March 7, 1872, the son
of Ferdinand and Ernestine (Born) Schneider, natives of the same
locality. His father emigrated to the United States with his fam-
ily in 1874 and settled in Milwaukee, where he afterwards died. Our
subject was reared in Milwaukee and received his early education
at the same place. After a thorough training in the public and Lu-
theran schools, he determined to prepare himself for the work of a
veterinary surgeon, and to that end became a student in the Chi-
cago Veterinary College in 1895, graduating two years later in 1897.
He then returned to Milwaukee, where he has ever since been en-
gaged in the active and successful practice of his profession. He
soon acquired an excellent reputation for skill and knowledge in
e\ cry branch of the profession, and his private practice has grown
to large and generous proportions. In his general work he is called
upon to treat almost every known form of disease in horses, dogs
and cattle. The Doctor is a hard worker and a close student of his
science, and deserves the success which has been accorded him.
Over ten years of active practice have given him a wealth of valu-
able experience, which, combined with his love for his calling and
great industry, together with a special skill in diagnosis, has
gained him the confidence of the general public. The Doctor was
married in 1906 to a most estimable young lady of Fillmore, Wis.,
and the union has proved a most happy and congenial one in every
way.
Dr. Edward M. Sullivan, M. D. C, who owns and operates the
large veterinary hospital at 87-89 Sixth street, Milwaukee, Wis., is
a native of the Cream City, where he has made his home all his life.
He was born on March 25, 1882, the son of Dennis and Ellen
( Welsh) Sullivan, both of whom are also natives of Wisconsin. His
father is one of the pioneers of Milwaukee, where he has been a
lifelong resident, and where for the last twenty-eight years he has
been engaged in detective work. Dr. Sullivan received his early
education in the Catholic parochial schools of Milwaukee and sup-
plemented the same by a course in the McDonald Business College
of the city. Tn 1903, when he was twenty-one years of age, he en-
tered upon the work of his chosen profession and became a student
of veterinary science at the Chicago Veterinary College of Chicago,
111., and was graduatd from this well-known institution with the
class of 1905. Immediately thereafter he entered upon the active
practice of his profession and was associated in practice for a period
of six months with Dr. H. F>. Clute in Milwaukee. He then dis-
posed of his interest in the partnership, and established himself in
independent practice. He met with a prompt and most flattering
success, and his practice has now grown to large proportions, yield-
ing him a lucrative income from the same. His hospital on Sixth
254 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
street is the largest in the city and is well equipped with all the
modern conveniences and appliances for the care and treatment of
horses and dogs. The doctor is still a young' man, but he has
gained the confidence of the public, and he has demonstrated on
many occasions his thorough mastery of his profession. His meth-
ods are thorough and up-to-date, and he is possessed of the expert
knowledge and skill which are bound to bring success. He was
born and bred in the Catholic faith and has always been a zealous
son of the church, and he is a member of the Pere Marquette Coun-
cil of the Knights of Columbus of Milwauke.. Fie is a pleasant and
courteous gentleman to meet, and has a wide circle of friends and
acquaintances, who wish him well in his chosen field of endeavor.
Joseph Van Wormer, deceased, was born in Ellisburg, Jeffer-
son county, N. Y., on Aug. 8, 1820. His parents were Abraham and
Carrie (Phillamore) Van Wormer, the former a native of the same
place as his son Joseph. His early education was obtained in the
country schools. On reaching his majority he learned the mason's
trade, which he followed all the rest of his life. To Mr. and Mrs.
Abraham Van Wormer were born seven children, of whom Joseph
was the oldest. He also acquired his education in the public schools
and after his school days were ended learned the carpenter's trade,
which he followed for a time. He was, however, fond of country
life, and its comparative freedom and independence appealed to him,
and quitting his trade, he took up the vocation of farming, which
he carried on for several years. In 1866 he decided 'to come West,
and located in New Lisbon, Juneau county, Wis., where he re-
sumed his trade as a carpenter, remaining there a number of years.
Subsequently he moved to Milwaukee, and was employed by the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, being connected with this
corporation until the time of his death in 1883. He was an indus-
trious and conscientious man and held in high esteem by his friends.
He is interred in the Forest Home Cemetery. In politics he was
a supporter of the Republican party, and during his residence in
Xcw York was sheriff of Jefferson county, and collector for the
town' in which he resided. After coming west he was not active in
politics. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church, of
which he was an earnest member. On July 17, 1853, he married
Miss Rosalie Van Wormer, daughter of Henry and 'Betsey (Kel-
sey) Van Wormer, of Ellisburg, N. Y., and three children were born
to them, namely: Ruth, Edith and Joseph H. Mrs. Van Wormer
is a woman of unusual force of character and business ability. At
the time of locating in Milwaukee she opened and conducted a large
hotel on the corner of Third and Sycamore streets. It was called
the Van Wormer House, and she carried it on and conducted all
the necessary business in connection with it for fifteen years, mak-
ing it a marked success financially and otherwise. She is now resid-
ing with her daughter. Mrs. Edith Wildish, at 2449 Cedar street,
where her later years are enlivened by the society of her three
grandchildren, all of whom arc still residing in the paternal home.
BIOGRAPHICAL 255
Henry J. Steinman, of 258 Eleventh street, Milwaukee, was born
in that city Jul}' 14, 1847, and is the son of Albert Henry and .Mar-
garet (Dunker) Steinman, natives of Westphalia, Germany, the
f< inner horn in 1S16 and the latter in 1824. The father served his
required time in the Prussian army and came to the United States
in [844 and settled in Milwaukee, there following his business of
contractor, and was also in the grocery business, being very suc-
cessful in both lines. He served as alderman from the'Ninth ward
for two terms and retired from business and active life at the age
of seventy years. Henry J. was educated in'the public and private
and parochial German Lutheran schools. I lis first employment was
in a worsted factory, and he went from that position to the firm of
Rice '& Friedman, wholesale notion dealers, where he served as
bookkeeper. Later he formed a partnership with Fred Schroeder,
and was engaged in the lumbering business from 1872 until [874,
when he started in business alone. In 1892 the business was' incor-
porated, and Mr. Steinman was elected president, a position which
he still holds. In politics he is a Democrat, and 'has been actively
interested in local affairs. He has served as alderman from the Sec-
ond ward for two terms, from 1885 to 1890, 'inclusive ; was city
treasurer two terms, 1890-1894, and commissioner of public debt
two terms, 1898-1904. In October, 1875, Mr. Steinman was united
in marriage to Miss'Johanna Manegold, daughter of William Mane-
gold, of Milwaukee. The children in the order of their ages are :
Alfred H., Amanda, Carl U., Edward R., Martha, Johanna and
Henry J. Three of the sons — Alfred, Carl and Henry — are asso-
ciated in business with their father, the firm being one of the large
and reliable business corporations of the city.
Patrick William Purtelle, deceased, was a native of Ireland,
born in 1847. He came to America at an early age, finding his first
home in Canada, subsequently removing to New 'York, where he
was engaged in business with bridge-building contractors. At the
age of thirty-six he decided to come w^est, and located in Milwau-
kee, where he followed the same occupation of bridge-building for
many years, latterly taking work as a contractor, and erecting
bridges for the Illinois Central Railroad Company. He was con-
nected with this corporation at the time of his death, which oc-
curred on Dec. 19, 1890, in the prime of his life, being at that time
still under fifty years of age. He is'buried in the Calvary Ceme-
tery, Milwaukee. Mr. Purtelle was a member of the Catholic
church, and in his political support was independent of party lines.
giving his vote to men and measures as they made an appeal to his-
conscience and judgment. He was a man of more than ordinary
ability, and the supervisor of difficult and important work, and in
both his business and social relations was held in high esteem. On
Feb. 16. T874, he w r as married to Miss Angeline Otterol, daughter
of Peter Francis and Mary (Le Clare) Otterol, of St. Louis, Mo.
To this union were born five children, three boys and two girls, the
youngest. Florence, being the only one of the five now at home.
She is a teacher in the Milwaukee city schools. Twenty-first dis-
trict.
256 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Gustav Scharff, deceased, was born in Germany, Feb. 22, 1832,
and was the son of Johann Justin and Gertrude (Halbach) Scharff,
the former a native of Frankfort, Germany, born March 31, 1786,
and the latter born in Mugston, Germany, on Nov. 17, 1794. On the
paternal side of the family the records can be traced back to the
fifteenth century, 'the family being a prominent one. Johann Scharff
was a leading" business man of the city of Frankfort, very public
spirited and taking great interest in all civic affairs. Gustav was
one of a large family and received 'an excellent education in his na-
tive country, being the master of several languages. He came to
the United States when a young man and located in New York city,
where 'he was employed as a bookkeeper for a large firm for a num-
ber of years. Finally determining to come west, he located in Mil-
waukee, where he followed his profession of bookkeeping for 'some
time, being engaged by some of the leading business firms in the
city. Subsequently he determined to go into business for himself,
embarking 'in the wholesale liquor trade, but he was compelled to
abandon this enterprise on account of ill health. For some time fol-
lowing this he was employed as a clerk in the water department of
the city, but was obliged to 'give up this work also on account of ill-
ness. Subsequently he removed to Burlington, Wis., where he died
Sept. 7, 1895. In politics he was a Democrat, but was not specially
active in political 'affairs. In his religious belief he was liberal. He
possessed the national characteristic of a love for music, and was a
member of the Musical Society of Milwaukee. On June 27, 1863, he
was united in marriage to Agnes, daughter of Laurence and Kath-
erine (Borgenheimer) Simon, of Germany, and the four children
born to them were Nicholas, Gustav, Justus and Clara, of whom the
two latter are living. The family 'home is now in Milwaukee.
John Alfred Dadd (deceased), one of the pioneer residents of
Milwaukee, and one of the best known and most successful drug-
gists in the city, was born in the borough of Chatham. England,
some thirty miles southeast of London, on May 24, 1829, and w r as
the youngest of a large family of nine children. Both of his par-
ents, Robert and Sophia (Oakes) Dadd, were natives of England,
and his father was a prosperous druggist in the city of London.
John A. was placed as a youth in the private academy of Dr. Cham-
bers, which he attended until he was sixteen years of age. He then
started with one of his brothers in the drug business, which he thor-
oughly mastered. When he was twenty-one years of age he came
tu the United States, locating in Milwaukee, where he was first
employed in the drug store of Mr. Hatch, and afterwards in that
1 if Mr. Fess. A number of years later he formed a partnership with
a Mr. Harrington and the firm did a prosperous drug business on
East Water street for a number of years. He finally established
himself on Grand avenue, where he built up a flourishing trade, and
where he continued in business up to the time of his death, March
3, 1895. 1 [is remains now rest in Forest Home cemetery. Mr. Dadd
was allied all his life with the Democratic party in politics, though
he was never an aspirant for public office. He was a faithful mem-
BIOGRAPHICAL 257
ber of the Episcopal church, and an attendant on St. James church,
Grand avenue. He was a prominent member of the Old Settlers'
Club, whose meetings he greatly enjoyed, and in whose work he al-
ways took an active interest. He was married a few years after his
arrival in Milwaukee, the ceremony taking place on Oct. 4, 1856.
His wife was Mary Ann Morrow, a daughter of John and Sarah
(Shaw) Morrow, of Milwaukee. Their only son, Robert Marion, is
now conducting his late father's business at 135-137 Grand avenue
under the firm name and style of John Dadd & Son, and the widow-
makes her home at No. 1212 State street. Mr. Dadd was a man of
remarkably strong personality, and an expert in his profession. He
attained to his prominence in the drug business by a thorough mas-
tery of its details, and the exercise of shrewd business judgment.
He was a man of the strictest integrity, courteous and affable in his
intercourse with others, and an indefatigable worker. He was de-
voted to his profession, whose interests he sought to advance in
every legitimate manner. Broad-minded and liberal in his views,
he sought not alone his personal advantage, but labored enthusias-
tically to place the profession on the highest possible plane. To
this end he did all in his power to give to those who would enter it
a thorough and scientific training. He was the prime mover in
bringing about the establishment of the School of Pharmacy at the
University of Wisconsin, and took an active interest in its develop-
ment up to his death. He frequently lectured before the students,
with whom he was a great favorite, and by wdiom his scholarly and
scientific views were much appreciated. Mr. Dadd also took a
warm interest in civic affairs, and could always be counted upon to
lend his support to every w r orthy cause which would advance the
interests of Milwaukee.
Greenleaf Dudley Norris (deceased), one of the early pioneers
of Milwaukee, where he was a prosperous ship chandler for many
years, was born at Boston, Mass., on March 19, 1822. He was the
second oldest in a family of five children, three boys and two girls.
His parents, Shepherd Haynes and Elizabeth "(Sewell) Norris,
were both natives of the state of Maine. The elder Mr. Norris was
a successful wholesale drygoods merchant in Boston for many
years, and in 1853 came west to Milwaukee, where he lived a retired
life up to the time of his death. Greenleaf D. attended the common
schools of Boston and afterwards received an excellent classical
training in the Latin schools. Upon leaving school he entered busi-
ness with his father for a number of years. In the year 1845 ne
came west to the young city of Chicago, where he received the ap-
pointment of superintendent of construction of a large vessel then
building for the firm of Payson & Robb. He did not remain in Chi-
cago very long, however, but was attracted by Milwaukee and de-
cided to make that young and flourishing city his future home.
Upon his arrival in Milwaukee he embarked in the ship-chandlery
business, a venture which proved highly successful. He built up a
large and flourishing trade by the exercise of steady industry, and
the employment of an unusual amount of business acumen. His
17
258 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
premature death, which occurred on Oct. 19, 1869, was the result of
an unfortunate accident at his own home. After his decease his
widow conducted his business with success for a number of years,
and then sold out her interests to the Joys Bros., ship chandlers.
Mr. Norris was a Republican in politics after the formation of that
part} - , though he was never an aspirant for public office. He was
liberal in his religious convictions and was affiliated with the Uni-
tarian denomination. Outside of his business his home and family
absorbed most of his time and attention. He was a most devoted
husband and father, and he took great delight in entertaining his
many friends under his own hospitable roof. With his strong do-
mestic tastes it is not strange that he never felt the need of the
artificial ties of society and club. In his wife, formerly Miss Alice
Brazee Brooks, of Princeton, Mass., to whom he was married on
May 16, 1848, he found a most congenial companion and helpmate.
Her parents, John and Sarah (Brazee) Brooks, were among the
most prominent residents of Princeton. To Mr. and Mrs. Norris
were born six children, of whom all but one are now living : Charles
W., born July 15, 1849; Alice B., born Sept. 12, 1852; Elizabeth,
born July 23, 1854, died March 20, 1884; Julia, born Feb. 20, 1857;
Henry, born in 1859, and died in infancy; and George Henry, born
Oct. 2. 1 861, who is now the president of the Wisconsin Iron and
Wire Works, and with whom the widow now makes her home ■ at
his residence, 566 Vanburen street, Milwaukee.
Philip Hartig (deceased), for many years one of the well-
known German-American business men of Milwaukee, was born in
the town of Miltenberg, Germany, on June 14, 1826. He was edu-
cated in the schools of his native town and at Wurtzburg, and
served in the German army six years as a private and three years as
an officer. After serving his full term in the army he entered into
business with his father as a boat-builder for a number of years.
When he was thirty years of age he came to the United States and
settled in Milwaukee, where he was first employed by the Schlitz
Brewing Co. Later he started in business on his own account,
which he carried on for a number of years, and then moved to Wi-
nona, Minn. Here he embarked in the grocery business and con-
ducted the same successfully for several years. He then returned
to Milwaukee and engaged in the lumber business on the South
Side with Joseph Ammen for a partner. After a time he sold out his
interest in the lumber business and formed a partnership with Peter
Endres in the saloon business. He retired at least ten years before
his death, which took place on March 24, 1893. Politically he was
always allied with the Democratic party, but was never an aspirant
f< »r public honors, being content to perform his full duty as a private
citizen. He was born and bred in the Catholic faith. He was most
happily married on Nov. 10, i860, to Miss Charlotte, daughter of
John and Susan Schwieder, residents of Woodland, Wis. Mr. and
Mrs. Hartig had only one child, a daughter, who died in infancy.
Tin- widow still survives her husband and makes her home in Mil-
waukee.
BIOGRAPHICAL 259
George Poppert (deceased), late of No. 2715 State street, Mil-
waukee, Wis., and for many years a prosperous and successful man-
ufacturer of sash, doors, blinds, etc., was born in Germany, March
13, 1840. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth Poppert, both natives
of Germany, came to the United States in 1850 with their family of
five boys. Coming directly to the city of Milwaukee, the elder Mr.
Poppert embarked in the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, etc.,
and built up a flourishing business, which he conducted until his
retirement from active business life in 1866. George attended
school in his native land before coming to America with his parents
and after his arrival in Milwaukee attended a grammar school on
the East Side for a number of years. Upon leaving school he was
taken into the business with his father, and upon the retirement of
the latter in 1866 he bought a controlling interest in the factory.
Under his able and skillful management the enterprise grew to
large proportions and became one of the most important and profit-
able industries of its kind in the city, being known as the George
Poppert Manufacturing Co. In addition to the manufacture of
sash, doors and blinds he turned out all kinds of hardwood finish.
He retained the controlling interest in the business up to the time
of his death, which occurred at Milwaukee, March 1, 1907. He was
highly respected as a business man and citizen and contributed in
large measure to the material upbuilding of the city in which the
whole of his mature life was spent. In politics he was allied with the
Democratic party and a man of considerable prominence in the coun-
cils of that organization. He represented his assembly district in the
Wisconsin State Legislature from 1885 to 1887, and was an able and
representative member of that body. He was a lifelong adherent
of the Lutheran faith, and one of the stanch supporters of the Ger-
man Lutheran church in Milwaukee. As an old resident of the
city he took great interest in the Old Settlers' Club of the East Side,
of which he was a member, and he was also prominently identified
with the Liedertafel musical organization. Mr. Poppert was twice
married and was the father of seven children by his first wife. His
second marriage took place on May 8, 1892, to Miss Anna Pickel,
daughter of Conrad and Margaret (Bassel) Pickel, prominent resi-
dents of Milwaukee. One daughter was the fruit of this union, who
makes her home with her widowed mother at the residence at 2715
State street. Mr. Poppert was a kind and indulgent husband and
father, who ever found his chief comfort and solace within the lim-
its of the home circle. His loss was not only a severe blow to his
immediate family, but he is sincerely mourned by a large number of
intimate friends and business associates. He represents a type of
the best American citizenship, successful in his business undertak-
ings, clean and pure in his private life and a high-minded and loyal
public citizen.
George M. Conway, expert consulting mechanical engineer,
Milwaukee, Wis., was born in the little New England town of
Shrewsbury, Rutland county, Yt., on Oct. 29, T834, the son of Mich-
ael and Julia (Toomv) Conwav, natives of the same state. His
260 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
father was for some time superintendent of a copperas mine, and
afterwards followed the vocation of a gardener. George M., who
is one of a family of three boys and two girls, had only a limited
opportunity to obtain an education in his youth, as he was early
sent out into the world to make his own livelihood. However, he
attended school for some time in the town of Lawrence, Mass., and
when a mere lad was employed as a clerk in the drygoods store of
A. W. Sterns. At the age of thirteen he went into the Essex ma-
chine shops, and from this time on until he became of age he was
employed in many of the largest machine shops in the East, includ-
ing those at Boston and Providence. In 1854 he came west to San-
dusky, Ohio, where he became an engineer for the Mad River rail-
road, and from this time on for nearly twenty years he was engaged
in railroad engineering work in Ohio, Vermont, at St. Louis, Mo.,
where he was with the Missouri Pacific ; at Memphis, Tenn., with
the Memphis & Charleston and Mississippi & Tennessee roads.
Mr. Conway finally came to Milwaukee, May 15, 1861, and there be-
came an engineer on the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien railroad;
he later assisted in the construction of the line between Milwaukee
and Brookfield, and between Columbus and Portage; in 1866 in the
capacity of master mechanic, he was superintendent of all the engi-
neers and engines on his divisions. He has displayed inventive ca-
pacity of a high order, and in 1873 invented various types of en-
gines ; in 1884 one of his most practical inventions was turned out,
the steam pump ; in 1888 he built a condenser after his own ideas
for one R. G. Peters, of Manistee, Mich., which was capable of turn-
ing out 2,000 barrels of salt daily; in 1889 he built a 500 H. P. en-
gine at Sturgeon Bay, and built a compressor and hoisting plant for
the Minnesota Iron Co. at their mines at Tower, Minn ; in 1890 he
was employed by the E. P. Allis Co. as an expert consulting engi-
neer ; and since that time he has served as consulting engineer for a
number of the largest manufacturing concerns in the United States.
He is an enthusiast in his profession, and he is known as one of the
ablest and most successful mechanical engineers in the country. He
has always been an ardent Republican in his political belief, and
supports the principles and policies of that party consistently and
regularly, and without thought of any personal advantage, as he has
never sought public preferment. His religious views are broad-
minded and liberal, and embrace a wide charity toward men of
every religious faith. He is a member of the Masonic Order, the
Old Settlers' Club of Milwaukee, and of the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers. Mr. Conway was united in marriage Feb.
3, 1863. to Miss Clara Smith, daughter of AVilliam B. and Eleanor
1 Kelly) Smith, of Sandusky, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Conway have no
children. They reside at No. 27 Belvedere.
Curtis Addison Comstock, of No. 254 Twenty-eighth street,
Milwaukee, manager of the Postal Telegraph Cable Co., was born
in the city of \drian. Mich., on Aug. 3, 1872, the son of Charles H.
nnd Myra L. (Curtis) Comstock, the former a native of Adrian,
Mich., and the latter a native of Pawlet, Rutland county, Vt. His
BIOGRAPHICAL 26l
father is now an expert accountant for the Paine Lumber Co., of
Oshkosh, Wis. Curtis A. is one of a family of three brothers and
received his education in the public schools of his native city, later
graduating at the high school there. He was first associated with
his father for a time in a chair factory at Oshkosh. and meantime
studied and mastered the art of telegraphy. lie was manager of
the telegraph office at Appleton, Wis., for a while, and then came
to Milwaukee and assumed charge of the district branch of the
Postal Telegraph Co. He has been identified with that corporation
ever since. I le was next appointed cashier in the Milwaukee office,
and subsquently served as chief operator ; was sent as manager to
El Paso, Tex., for a time, and returning once more to Milwaukee,
was made first assistant manager and in 1905 manager of the Mil-
waukee office. He is exceedingly popular both with the company
and with his fellow employes, and under his efficient supervision the
business of the company has assumed enormous proportions, and is
handled with accuracy and skill. Mr. Comstock has always been
affiliated with the Republican party in politics, and is a firm be-
liever in the principles of that organization, but has never sought
or held public office. He is a member of the Congregational church,
to which he renders a hearty and liberal support. He belongs to
the Masonic Order, and is also a member of the Michigan Associa-
tion of Milwaukee. He was married on Sept. 1, 1902, to Miss Har-
riet, daughter of Wilbur F. and Zelma (Martin) Perrine, of Osh-
kosh, Wis., and they are the parents of one son and one daughter:
Clinton S., born Jan. 1, 1905, and Josephine R., born July 25, 1906.
Mr. Comstock is a most devoted father and husband, and derives
his chief happiness within the precincts of his home. His abilities
in his special field of effort are sufficiently attested by the rap?d ad-
vancement he has made with his company.
Charles J. Conohan, proprietor of the successful Lakeside Liv-
ery, at No. 378 Brady street, Milwaukee, was born in the village of
Westport, Dane county, Wis., Jan. 16, 1868. He is of pure Irish
descent, his parents, John and Bridget (Boylan) Conohan, being
both natives of Ireland. His father followed his trade of brick-
layer before leaving the old country, and came to the United States
when Wisconsin was still a territory, settling on a farm in West-
port, W^is. Here he spent the remainder of his days and died in
the year 1879. He was a highly respected member of the com-
munity in which he lived so many years, and reared a large family
of nine children. Charles J. was given only a limited opportunity
to obtain an education, as he was early thrown upon his own re-
sources. He attended school at Westport until he was twelve
years of age, and later worked as a farm hand for Patrick O'Malley
near his own home. Some time afterward he went west to North
Dakota, and was there employed on a farm belonging to a Mr. Gid-
dings. He finally abandoned farm work altogether and moved to
Milwaukee, where he immediately became identified with the livery
business, which line of business has engaged his attention ever
since. In 1902 he embarked in business on his own account at 378
262 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Brady street, and the venture has proved a highly lucrative one.
He is a good business man, a hard worker, and his establishment
is an up-to-date one in every particular. Mr. Conohan has always
been a thorough-going Democrat in his political convictions, and
lends his earnest support in advancing the interests of his party,
asking no favors on his own account. He was born and bred in the
Roman Catholic faith, and is^ a generous and zealous supporter of
his church on all occasions. He is a popular member of the Catho-
lic Order of Foresters, and of the Knights of Columbus. He was
united in marriage Jan. 24, 1893, to Miss Margaret, daughter of
Thomas Griffen, of Delafield, Wis., and the union has proved a most
happy and congenial one. Mr. Conohan has all the likable quali-
ties of his race, is open-hearted and generous by nature, and pos-
sesses a host of warm friends, who wish him well.
William Davis, of No. 440 Bradford avenue, chief engineer in
the service of the United States government at the Federal building,
Milwaukee, was born in the town of Radley, Berkshire county,
England, on Dec. 24, 1859, the son of James Morris and Elizabeth
(Jones) Davis, both of whom were also natives of England. His
father was a farmer and died when his son was only nine years of
age, in 1869. Our subject was the only boy in a family of seven
children, and heavy responsibilities were thrust upon him early in
life. He attended a private boarding school until he was fifteen
years old, and was then placed on the farm where he learned en-
gineering and carpentry, in addition to general farm work. When
he was twenty-eight years of age, in 1887, he came over to the Unit-
ed States, and first located on a western farm in Lincoln county,
S. D. Two years later he came to Milwaukee and took up work
as an engineer. He was employed as an engineer for three years
on the Great Lakes by the Wolf & Davidson Steamship Co., and al-
so worked as a bridgebuilder 'for the Wisconsin Bridge Co. He
was next appointed third assistant engineer at the City Hall, Mil-
waukee, and subsequently served as first assistant engineer at the
City Library building. In 1903 he was appointed chief engineer in
the department of commerce and labor at Washington, D. C, and
three years later was transferred to the city of Milwaukee as chief
engineer in the Federal building. Mr. Davis has always been a faith-
ful supporter of the Republican party in politics, and is an earnest
member of the Episcopal church. He belongs to the Masonic
Order, and is a member of the National Association of Stationary
Engineers. He is thoroughly efficient and competent in his special
line of work, a man of sober and upright habits, and commands the
entire respect of all with whom he is associated. He was married
on June 20, 1900, to Florence May, daughter of Robert and Jane
Brovington, of England, and three children have been born to
them: William B., born in 1902; Morris R., born in 1904; and
Elizabeth May. born in 1905.
George M. Sichling was born in Milwaukee May 10, 1857. He
is the son of John Sichling, born in Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 23,
1823, and Margaretha Meier Sichling also born in Germany. The
BIOGRAPHICAL 263
father was a baker, having learned his trade in Germany. He
came to the United States in 1853, settling - in Milwaukee. ( )n July
5, 1865, he opened a bakery at 253 Fourth street, where he conducted
a successful business till his death, which occurred Jan. 21, 18S7. I [e
was buried at Forest Home. He had a family of four children.
George, the only son, was educated at the German school and at the
German-English .Academy. At the early age of sixteen he began
to learn the baker's trade with his father and later entered the busi-
ness with him. He has succeeded in building up a very large busi-
ness by confining his business exclusively to the making of pure
rye bread, which he ships to all parts of the United States. His
place of business at present is at No. 241 corner Fourth and Cedar
streets. On July 19, 1896, he married Miss Emma Suhr. To their
union have been born two children, John Henry, born Dec. 15,
1897, and Irma, born Feb. 11, 1899. Mr. Sichling is a member
of his church choir; of the Old Settlers' Club, and of a society for
the benefit of German immigrants. In religion he is a member of the
Lutheran church and in politics he is a Democrat. He is a good
conscientious citizen, of the kind that count for much in the build-
ing up of such communities as the Cream City.
Leonard Barnickel was born in New York city, Oct. 6, 1850.
His father was John Christian Barnickel and his mother was Eliz-
abeth Barnickel, both born in Bavaria, Germany. The father was
well connected, claiming his lineage from an aristocratic ancestry
who were in the wholesale clothing business in Bavaria. He came
to America when quite young, first learning the cigar making trade
and simultaneously studying music for which he had decided tal-
ents, so much so that he was proficient on and master of nine differ-
ent instruments. In 1867 he moved to Jeffersonville, Ind., where he
remained three years, and in 1870 he came to Milwaukee, taking a
position as superintendent with Strauss, Cohen & Co., cigar manu-
facturers. In 1875 he, gave up the cigar business and devoted his
time to teaching music until he died in 1903. His wife followed
him to her final resting place in 1905. Leonard, the subject of this
sketch, received his education in the public schools of New York
city but quit school at the age of fourteen to enter the tobacco busi-
ness with his father. He disliked the cigar business and devoted
much of his time to athletics. He first joined the West Side Turn-
verein and at the age of eighteen he entered the Turner Teacher's
Seminary. When he was twenty-five years old he was chosen phys-
ical director of the Mihvaukee Athletic Association. Fie held this
position for seventeen years. Fie then took a trip to Mexico and
was gone two years. On his return to Milwaukee he was chosen
physical director of the Sacred Heart Sanitarium which position he
held for four years. On Nov. 1, 1904, he opened a gymnasium at the
corner of Fifth street and Grand avenue, which he moved later to the
Armory on Broadway. He has charge of the physical examina-
tions of the police and fire departments of the city. He has trained
many men who hold national amateur records. In politics he is a
Republican, and is an honorary member of the West Side Turnve-
264 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
ing in a book store for six years, after which he spent a short time
with his brother Frank in the photograph business, which he aban-
doned to engage with the Grand Union Tea Company. In 1883, May
1. he came to Milwaukee as general manager for this firm at 87 Wis-
consin street, where he remained fifteen years. He resigned in 1905
to enter the mining business in 1906 with headquarters in Milwau-
kee. On Dec. 4, 1871, he married Miss* Sarah R., daughter of Ed-
ward Green, of Saginaw, Mich., and they have been blessed with
four children: Samuel E., born March 15, 1873; Frank E., born May
30, 1879; Grace W., born Sept. 3, 1884; Ralph W., born June 17,
1890. Frank E. is an engineer for the Wisconsin Telephone Co.,
Samuel E. is in the insurance business and the others are at home.
In religion Mr. Clayton is a Presbyterian ; he is also a Prohibitionist
in politics and a member of the Good Templars. He has been very
active in Prohibition politics and in 1896 he was elected State Chair-
man of that party for Wisconsin, in which capacity he served for
ten years. He has been a member of the State Committee for
15 years and of the National Committee for 8 years. The success
of this cause has been the dream of his life and the rapid gains the
cause is now making all over the country fills his heart with ex-
ceeding joy.
William F. Bringe, a prominent manufacturing jeweler of Mil-
waukee, was born in Chicago, Sept. 30, 1878, son of August and
Matilda (Fromm) Bringe, both natives of Germany, where the father
learned the watchmaker's trade and then came to the United States,
first remaining a while at Chicago and then coming to Milwaukee
in 1879, working for Bloedel & Co. for fourteen years. In 1893 he
started a jewelry store at 552 Twelfth street, in which he was
active till the time of his death, Nov. 3, 1898. His family consisted
of seven children. William, August. Edward, Otto, Emma, Marv
and Charles, the last named now deceased. August and Edward
are in the jewelry business, Otto is an electric engineer and Emma
is a music teacher. Our subject, William F., went to the public
schools until he was fifteen, when he began learning the jeweler's
trade of E. H. Warnke & Co., where he worked for four years, when
he went to Fond du Lac, Wis., and continued his trade with A. H.
Furstnow & Co., but returning to Milwaukee he entered the employ
of R. Seidel & Co. for a short time. At the death of his father he
entered the business with his brothers August and Edward when
they moved to 547 Twelfth street. They run a store and repair shop
and have a shop for manufacturing jewelry in the rear of their
store. On Aug. 16, 1899, he married Julia, daughter of Edward
and Fredericka Thomas, of Milwaukee, and this union has been
blessed with two children, Lorraine, born Feb. 1, 1901, and Dorothy,
born Aug. 22. 1905. In politics he casts his vote for the man or
men that lie thinks are best to suit his idea, being thus an independ-
ent practically. He is a painstaking, conscientious business man
who, by strict attention to his affairs is bound to attain more than
1 irdinary success.
BIOGRAPHICAL 265
his beautiful home at 4014 Grand avenue. He is independent in politics
but never held a public office. Adam \Y. Freis was educated in the
public schools and also partly at St. John's Miltary Academy at
Delafield, Wis., from which he graduated in 1000 with In mors. Al-
ter leaving school he entered the hardware business with the firm
of Philip Gross & Co.. remaining with this firm for Eour years. In
1906 he started a wholesale grocery at 413 and 415 Fifth street. His
trade is quite extensive with the retail trade of this city. He han-
dles all kinds of groceries and employs about ten men all of the time.
Mr. Freis is yet a single man ; is independent in politics and is a
member of the Grace Lutheran church. He is blessed with the
qualities that foreshadow a greatly successful career for him in the
business world.
Samuel Vose Adams, president and treasurer of the Domestic
Laundry Company of Milwaukee, was born Oct. 16, 1863 at that
city, being a son of James N. and Bessie S. Bothwick Adams, both
born in Albany, N. Y., the former June 30, 1826, and the latter June
10, 1825. The father came to Milwaukee in August, 1859, engaging
in the manufacture of stoves and casting specialties, under the firm
name of Dutcher, Vose & Adams, which was the most prominent
firm in its line in the west for many years, but the junior member
of the above firm retired in 1876 and died June 22, 1883, leaving a
widow and two children, Mary E. Adams and Samuel Vose Adams,
the mother dying March 16, 1908, aged 83 years. Our subject enter-
tered the employ of the Goodrich Trans. Co. and became assistant to
the general-manager, when in 1892 he was appointed general agent
of the Hurson Trans. Company of Chicago, which position he held
until 1896 when he returned to Milwaukee and founded the Do-
mestic Laundry, of which he is president and treasurer. On Sept.
29, 1897, he married Miss Elizabeth V. Faust, of Milwaukee, and
they have two children, M. Adalyne and James Nathaniel. In reli-
gion Mr. Adams is a £resbyterian and in politics a Republican. He is
a member of the Merchants & Manufacturers Association and of
the Deutscher Club. Mr. Adams is blessed with the faculty of
making things count for success when his energies are aroused, for
he is a hustler in the truest sense of the term, and he mixes brains
with his business ventures which accounts for his success.
John Edward Clayton was born in Newburg, N. Y., being the
son of Isaac and Harriet (Lucas) Clayton, both natives of England
The father came to the United States and located in Newburg, N.
Y., working for the celebrated nursery man, Charles Downing, for
six years, going thence to New York Mills, where he continued in
nursery work until he moved with his family to Saginaw. Mich.,
where he was a farmer for several years and here he died in 1868,
leaving a familv of seven children, all of whom are deceased now
except Sarah E., now living at Detroit, and our subject. The mother
died Mar 6, iqos\ Our subject was educated in the public schools
of New York Mills and also at Saginaw until 17 years of age when
he enlisted in the Civil war. On returning from the war he went
to school a while and then taught school near Saginaw, later work-
266 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
rein. He is a married man the father of two children, a son and a
daughter. Mr. Barnickel's wonderful powers as an all-round athlete
have made his name known not only in the United States but
also in Germany. England and France as he has met and van-
quished representatives of each of these countries in international
competitions. He is rather short in stature, but what he lacks in
height is counterbalanced in his splendid physique and muscular
development. In 1861 he received his first gold medal for the all-
around junior championship for the state of New York. Later on
he won two first prizes at Louisville, Ky., and diplomas or gold
medals at Milwaukee, Watertown, LaCrosse, Oshkosh, Cincinnati
and New York. In 1886 he received a massive gold medal from the
Sons of St. George for fencing in an open exhibition given in Schlitz
Park. He beat his first five competitors pointless. A celebrated
French swordsman entered the lists. He determined to humiliate
Mr. Barnickel but it required only five minutes to prove 'that the
Frenchman was outclassed by Barnickel in every feature of the
contest. Mr. Barnickel is held in high esteem by his many admir-
ing friends in Milwaukee, and particularly by the army of men who
have received the great benefits of his training. He seems to have
learned the secret of perpetual youth for while he is well past the
meridian of life in appearance he is many years younger.
Emil Benesch w r as born in Vienna, Austria, Dec. 2, 1882. His
father was Adolph and his mother was Theresa Benesch, both born
in Austria. The father was a merchant in his native country. In
1888 he came to the United States with his family and settled in
Milwaukee. . Himself and his son, Joseph, started in the junk busi-
ness on a small scale at 1718 Vliet street, in which they were suc-
cessful, and in which he continued until 1900, when he retired to the
quiet of his home and much deserved rest at 1716 Vliet street. His
family consists of five children, one girl and four boys, all living in
Milwaukee. Emil was educated at the Ninth AVard public school in
this city. At the early age of fourteen years he began working for
his father and when the latter retired he went into business with
bis brother Joseph. He does the buying and selling for the com-
pany and has helped to build up the largest business of its kind in
the city. On March 30, 1907, he married Miss Minne Kunst,
daughter of Cornelius and Anna Kunst of Grand Rapids, Mich. In
religion Mr. Benesch is an Israelite and in politics he votes the Re-
publican ticket. He is a very worthy progressive man and de-
serves to succeed.
Adam W. Freis was born in Milwaukee Oct. 17, 1880. He
is the -'Mi of Adam and Louise Rechlein Freis the former born in
I rermany and the latter in Milwaukee. Flis father came to Mil-
waukee with his parents direct from Germany in 1850. He was ed-
ucated in the city public schools. He started active life in the milk
and grain business which he conducted with marked success. Flis
Family was composed of five children, two boys and three girls, all
living in Milwaukee. He retired in 1890 to a merited comfort to
BIOGRAPE [< Al.
267
9
' I
1 IK
V
&t***fg *» %
:,-->-
■
"3
<&€<_.
■
y
Willard Parker Beckwith, deceased, was bom Feb. 7. [849, be-
ing the son of Justin and Mary Ann Beckwith, both natives oi
Lyme, Conn. The father after attending school For a time while
quite young worked at the shipbuilding business in New London,
- "-hich he followed for several years, when he bought a farm
—i-tsnit until his death, lie was the father of
Jaei '1), the last of
: n and feed busi-
The mother
: ng the com-
■llowed until
•cantile busi-
ister of East
\[ took up the
after remain-
d for himself
died Feb. 25,
ho is a lady of
, which he left
J93, he married
r Todd, of Mil-
■., born May 7,
j/La.y, born Sept.
ols. In religion
Eerences he was
entleman, an af-
Kcan citizen who
.i scrupulous care
)f solid men who
1 d, and who are in
re !c, and when such
iti. .. ._ >e them consigned
the tomb.
Hon. Christian Widule, a weli-Knuv... ai\d popular citizen of
Milwaukee, was born at Tarominitz, Province of Silesia. Germany,
July 19. 1845, being the son of Gottlieb and Johanna (Wiegenauke)
Widule, both natives of Germany. The father was a tailor by trade
and came to the United States and to Milwaukee with his family in
1849, where he first worked for the old Galena R. R. and in 1851
was appointed sexton of Gruenhagen Cemetery which he held un-
til 1855 after which he returned to the tailoring business in which
he continued until 1878, when he retired from business and lived
with his son Christian, dying at the age of seventy-two years and
his body was buried at the Union Cemetery. He was the father of
four children, two boys and two girls, both the latter having died,
while our subject and his brother Gottlieb are living. Our subjet
was educated in the public and parochial schools of this city until
he was fourteen years old, when he was apprenticed to C. H. Gar-
dener in a drug store, where his salary for the first year was fifty
cents a week and for the second year one dollar per week. He next
^!
>
K
266 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
rein. He is a married man the father of two children, a son and a
daughter. Mr. Barnickel's wonderful powers as an all-round athlete
have made his name known not only in the United States but
also in Germany, England and France as he has met and van-
quished representatives of each of these countries in international
competitions. He is rather short in stature, but what he 1^~ 1
height is counterbalanced in his splendid phv-i -
development. In 1861 he received-i^* c
around junior champion^ 1 "-"'
he won two £-*" '
medals at Ml
and New ]£
Sons of 9
Park. H
French s\
Mr. Barni
Frenchmai
contest. \
ing friends
have receive
learned the s
meridian of 1
Emil Bei
father w r as Ac
in Austria. 1
1888 he came
Milwaukee. . H
ness on a small
cessful, and in \\
quiet of his horn >
family consists o n
Milwaukee. Emi r
this city. At the _ & j
his father and wh jz±> ousiness with
his brother Joseph _„g and selling for the com-
pany and has helpea ,^ ..^ up the largest business of its kind in
the city. On March 30, 1907, he married Miss Minne Kunst,
daughter of Cornelius and Anna Kunst of Grand Rapids, Mich. In
religion Mr. Benesch is an Israelite and in politics he votes the Re-
publican ticket. He is a very worthy progressive man and de-
serves to succeed.
Adam W. Freis was born in Milwaukee Oct. 17, 1880. He
is ill-: son of Adam and Louise Rechlein Freis the former born in
Germany and the latter in Milwaukee. His father came to Mil-
waukee with his parents direct from Germany in 1850. He was ed-
ucated in the city public schools. He started active life in the milk
and grain business which he conducted with marked success. His
family was composed of five children, two boys and three girls, all
living in Milwaukee. He retired in 1890 to a merited comfort to
BIOGRAPHICAL 267
Willard Parker Beckwith, deceased, was bom Feb. 7. [849, be-
ing the son of Justin and Mary Ann Beckwith, both natives of
Lyme, Conn. The father after attending school for a time while
quite young worked at the shipbuilding business in New London,
Conn., which he followed for several years, when he bought a farm
and continued in this pursuit until his death, lie was the father of
four children, Elizabeth, Esther, Willard P. and Jacob, the last of
whom is living at \iantic. Conn., engaged in the grain and feed busi-
ness, while Elizabeth is married and Esther is dead. The mother
died at the age of eighty-three. Our subject after leaving the com-
mon schools learned the carpenter's trade which he followed until
he was twenty-three years old when he began the mercantile busi-
ness, being' at the same time for fifteen years postmaster of East
Lyme, Conn. About 1888 he came to Milwaukee and took up the
cement business with the Northwestern Tile Co. and after remain-
ing with that company about eight years he started for himself
building cement sidewalks in the fall of 1907. He died Feb. 25,
1908, and is buried at East Lyme, Conn. His wife, who is a lady of
unusual business talents, is conducting the business which he left
most successfully at 712 29th street. On June 18, 1893, he married
Gertrude M., daughter of Henry M. and Emily Mixer Todd, of Mil-
waukee, by whom he had three children, Frank L., born May 7,
1895; Henry T., born Nov. 23, 1896; and Virginia May, born Sept.
8, 1903, all now living and attending the public schools. In religion
our subject was a Baptist and in his political preferences he was
a Republican. Mr. Beckwith was a very worthy gentleman, an af-
fectionate husband and father and an upright American citizen who
accomplished the labors that came to his hands with scrupulous care
and honesty. He was one of the great number of solid men who
make but little or no noise or bustle in the world, and wdio are in
reality the backbone and mainstay"of the Republic, and when such
men depart this life the nation can ill afford to see them consigned
to the tomb.
Hon. Christian Widule, a well-known and popular citizen of
Milwaukee, was born at Tarominitz, Province of Silesia, German),
July 19, 1845, being the son of Gottlieb and Johanna (Wiegenauke)
Widule, both natives of Germany. The father was a tailor by trade
and came to the United States and to Milwaukee with his family in
1849, where he first worked for the old Galena R. R. and in 1851
was appointed sexton of Gruenhagen Cemetery which he held un-
til 1855 after which he returned to the tailoring business in which
he continued until 1878, when he retired from business and lived
with his son Christian, dying at the age of seventy-two years and
his body was buried at the Union Cemetery. lie was the father of
four children, two boys and two girls, both the latter having died,
while our subject and his brother Gottlieb are living. Our subjet
was educated in the public and parochial schools of this city until
he was fourteen years old, when he was apprenticed to C. ET. Gar-
dener in a drug store, where his salary for the first year was fifty
cents a week and for the second year one dollar per week. He next
268 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
served as office boy and clerk to a Justice of the Peace, working
in the day time and attending school at night, he paid for his tuition
by posting bills during the few spare hours he could spare from
his leisure. After two years more we find him engaging in the
drug business with Henry Fess, Jr., where he remained five years
then he went with J. H. Fesch in the same business for several
years when he went to St. Louis, Mo., remaining two years and then
he finally returned to Milwaukee, where he established a drug busi-
ness at the corner of Seventh and Chestnut streets, his present loca-
tion. On Jan. 19, 1868, he married Miss Emelia, daughter of Henry
and Christina Huck, of Milwaukee, by whom he is the father of ten
children, six living and four dead. Those living are Emma, now
Mrs. E. C. Meske ; Oscar C. ; William H. ; Rosa ; Anna, now the
wife of Theodore Schaefer; and Charles, now of Chicago. Mr.
Widule has been honored by his party many times as a delegate
to various conventions and he is proud of the fact that he was a
delegate to the convention that nominated William E. Smith for
governor. In 1898 President McKinley appointed him Assistant-
Postmaster of Milwaukee, which position he filled with such signal
ability and success that he was re-appointed to the same place un-
der the present postmaster in 1906. In politics he is a stalwart
Republican. In 1876 he was defeated for the General Assembly but
he was triumphantly elected to that position in 1878. serving one
term. In 1886 he was elected State Senator and at the session his
special qualifications fitted him for the Chairmanship of the Com-
mittee on Education, and that committee reported favorably the
now famous statute known as the Bennett Law. In religion he is
a Lutheran and a lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran church,
of which he has been an officer for years and a member of its choir.
He has been complimented for his great services, with an honorary
membership in the Concordia Young Men's Society of the church
of which he was one of the original founders. He is also a member
of the Milwaukee Mutual Aid Society, being president one term
and secretary-treasurer for seventeen years. He is also a member of
the Old Settlers' Club, the West Side Club, the Wisconsin Drug-
gists' Association, the Postmasters' Association, of which he is now
secretary-treasurer, and the Wisconsin Pharmaceutical Society, of
which he was president ten years ago. Mr. Widule is a man of
parts, who does nothing by halves, when he once knows that he is
right, and sees where duty points the way, he does not hesitate.
On account of his upright qualities he has the regard and respect of
all who know him.
Adam Kuntz was born in Ravaria, Germany, Oct. 20, 1838, be-
ing the son of John and Catherine Kuntz, both natives of Germany,
but who came to the United States in 1842, settling in Rochester,
X. Y., and five years later coming with their family to Milwaukee,
where the father engaged as a cooper for several years, part of
the time with his sons, Adam and Michael, on Third street, and this
business he followed until the time of his death, which occurred
in 1868. In the family there were four children, two boys and two
BIOGRAPHICAL 269
girls, all being born in Germany. Our subject after leaving school
learned the cooper's trade with his father, and soon thereafter went
before the mast on the Great Lakes for several years. Eventually
he purchased an interest in a vessel, and a few years later we find
him owning three lake vessels, which he sold and returning to Mil-
waukee he became a member of the city fire fighters, acting for
twenty-two years as lieutenant of Xo. 2 steamer. He left the
fire department in 1892 to enjoy the fruits of his many years' suc-
cessful labor, and to take charge of large property interests which
he secured by his shrewd foresight several years ago on the North
Side. On Feb. 20, 1858, he married Miss Clara A., daughter of
Henry and Sophia Hoechner, of Milwaukee, by whom he had four
children. Henry J., Lottie. William F., and Annie. Both sons are
barbers, Lottie is now .Mrs. August Grabe and Annie, Mrs. Charles
Lewis, all of Milwaukee. Mr. Kuntz, while an alien by birth, during
the creat Civil war offered his services and his life if necessary
for the Umion by enlisting as a private in Company I, Forty-fifth
regiment. Wisconsin infantry. Nov. 15, 1864, and was honorably
discharged July 17, 1865. In religion and politics he takes no par-
ticular side, being liberal and independent in both matters. He is
a member of the I. O. O. F., the G. A. R. and the Relief Fund As-
sociation for the Milwaukee Fire Department. In peace and in war
we find Mr. Kuntz to be like many thousands of his nationality who
came to the United States, a highly desirable and praiseworthy cit-
izen who does his duty because he knows it to be his duty, without
hope for praise or fear of blame.
Augustus Findorff Barker, a prominent accountant and math-
ematician of Milwaukee, Wis., was born at West Bend. Wis., Feb. 7,
[878. At the age of two years he was left an orphan by the death
of his father and mother and was placed in an orphans' home, where
he remained till he was eight years old when he was adopted by
Mr. and Mrs. Lauren Barker, of Brookfield. Wis., where he was ed-
ucated in the public schools. After completing the course in the
public schools he came to Milwaukee and took a course in the
Spencerian Business College, thereafter entering the employ of L.
Miellenz & Co.. grocers, as a bookkeeper, where he remained a
short time when he embarked under the direction of Mr. A. L. Gil-
bert, as an expert accountant, having a natural love and aptitude for
mathematical calculations. He has been engaged for expert work
by many of the leading firms of this city and elsewhere, his services
always being entirely satisfactory. He was then engaged by the
Consumers' Coal Company as a bookkeeper, where he stayed for
quite a while, when he entered the services of the Archie Tegt-
meyer Jewelry Co.. where he is at present engaged. On Dec. 10.
TQ02. he married Miss Ida. daughter of Herman and Mary (Hohen-
wald) Paeschke. of Milwaukee. In religion Mr. Barker subscribes
to no particular creed, being liberal in his spiritual views. In poli-
tics he is a Republican: he is a member of the M. W. A., and
Consul of the A. R. Talbot Camp. Milwaukee. Mr. Barker had
two brothers, Charles and John. Charles followed the life of a sail-
2/0 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
or and finally settled down as a sheep raiser in Australia, while
John went west and located as a farmer in the state of Washing-
ton.
Henry Cook was born at Albany, N. Y., April 5, 1838, the son
of George and Annie (Acker) Cook, both natives of Germany,, who
came to this country in 1833, settling at Albany, N. Y. The father
was educated for the ministry but preferred the shoemaker's trade
which he learned and which he followed at Albany for a great many
years till his wife's death, when he went on the road as an agent,
but in the sixties he retired from business and died in 1870. He
had a family of ten children, all of whom are dead except the two
youngest, our subject and his brother Charles. Our subject was ed-
ucated in the public schools of Albany and at the academy at King-
ston, N. Y. He left school at the age of fifteen to learn the carpen-
ter's trade, but this he abandoned, becoming a leather currier, which
he followed for several years. In 1872 he moved with his family to
Milwaukee, entering the service of the Wisconsin Leather Co., re-
maining there eleven years, when he went to work for the Zohrlaut
Leather Co. for six years, and he gave this up to engage with the
C. M. & St. P. R. R. till 1899 when on account of his failing health
he retired. He is now living at No. 842 Summit avenue, Mil-
waukee. On April 17, 1862, he married Marie Joy, daughter of
Andrew Joy and R. A. (Yekle) Joy, of Albany, N. Y., and their union
has been blessed with five children, Rose A., Marie J., Amelia H.,
Adan G., and Iva Lelaine. Rose is a teacher in the Eighteenth Ward
school, Marie and Amelia are at home; Adam is in the lumber busi-
ness at Tacoma, Wash., and Iva L. is deceased. In politics Mr.
Cook is what might be called an enthusiastic Democrat, though
he has never aspired to fill any political positions. In religion he is
a staunch believer and worker in the new school of theological re-
search known as Christian Science. Ripe in years with a record of
long and faithful services in honorable if not lofty pursuits, he en-
joys the evening of a life well spent, with no sad retrospections only
awaiting the summons which will come when life's shadows have
lengthened a little more.
Henry Jante, deceased, a building and grading contractor of
Milwaukee, was born in Germany Aug. 28, 1823, the son of Henry
Jante. The father was educated in Germany and spent his entire
life there on a farm with the exception of a few years he spent in
Milwaukee with his son Henry after the latter came to America, he
being the only one of the three sons to come to this country.
Henry received his education in the schools of his native village and
after leaving school served as a soldier in the German army. After
his term of service in the army was finished he traveled over Eu-
rope for some time and finally in 1854 came to the United States.
I [e Mcated for a short time in Buffalo, N. Y., after which he came
to Milwaukee. His first employment here was driving a stage to
nearby villages after which he engaged in teaming for a short time.
He then entered the business of grading contractor and excavating
and was active in this line of work up to 1885 when he retired. He
BIOGRAPHICAL 271
had the contracts for, excavating sonic of the largest cellars in the
city, among which were many of the large manufacturing concerns
and the Milwaukee Court House. Mr. J ante died Dec. 22, 1907, and
is buried in the Union Cemetery. On June 24, 1856, he married
Miss Eliza Wessel, daughter of John and Elizabeth \\ cssel, of Mil-
waukee, and this union was blessed with two children, Eliza, born
June 16, i860, and Henry, Jr., born Dec. 26, 1863. Eliza is now Mrs.
Edward Gieseler and resides at the old home. She has four chil-
dren, Clara, now Mrs. Alfred Goehz, Hattie, Emma and Arthur,
all attending- school. Henry, Jr. is married and lives on a farm near
North Greenfield. He is the father of six children : Henry, who is
now attending the Agricultural School of the University of Wis-
consin; George; Klelia ; Edward; Irving and Florence. Mr. Jante
was very active in politics, being an adherent of the Republican par-
ty. He represented that party in the city council as alderman from
1864 to 1870. In religion he affiliated with the German Lutheran
church. Socially he belonged to the North Side Old Settlers' Club
and to the Sons of Hermann.
Joseph Bearman, a well-known tailor, who conducts a prosper-
ous business at 1201 Kinnickinnic avenue was born in Baden, Ger-
many, Oct. 8, 1835, the son of Joseph and Regina (Dorst) Bearman.
The parents were both natives of Baden, Germany, where the father
was a peasant and which place he never left. He reared a family
of six children, two of whom, Phillip and Joseph, came to America,
the former in 1850. Joseph attended the schools of his native vil-
lage until he was fourteen years of age. After leaving school he
served as an apprentice in the tailor's trade for Mr. George Has.
After completing his apprenticeship he traveled through Europe
for nearly two years, working at his trade in the various places.
In March, 1853, he came to America and located at Dunkirk, N. Y.
Soon after he started west to locate his brother and soon after
reaching Chicago he learned that his brother was in Louisville,
Ky., whence he went to meet him. In June, 1855, he came to Mil-
waukee and entered the employ of McGee & Swain and since that
time Mr. Bearman has worked for all the leading manufacturers
of Milwaukee. In 1864 he opened a store on Fond du Lac avenue
and remained there until 1871. In that year he disposed of his
business in Milwaukee and went to Manistee, Mich., and started
in business but soon after getting established there he was burned
out. He returned to Milwaukee and located at 1201 Kinnickinnic
avenue, where he is now enjoying a very prosperous business.
During all these years neither he nor his brother Phillip have ever
heard a word from the family in Germany. On Sept. 13, 1857, Mr.
Bearman was married to Miss Elizabeth Baltes. daughter of George
Baltes, of Milwaukee, and this union has been blessed with six chil-
dren, as follows: George, Edward, Alfred, Mary, Sarah and Josie.
George is practicing law in Colorado; Edward is employed by the
city; Alfred is a doctor in Milwaukee, and the daughters are all
married. Politically Mr. Bearman votes the Republican ticket and
in religion he belongs to the German Methodist church. He has
2.J2 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
belonged to many societies and fraternal organizations but he has
dropped them all.
William Thomas Taylor, president and treasurer of the Taylor-
Button Coal Co., was born in Milwaukee, Wis., May 26, 1872, the
son of William George and Catherine Elizabeth Seaman, the former
of whom was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the latter in New York
city. A biographical sketch of the father, William George Taylor,
will be found elsewhere in this volume. William Taylor received
his education in the public schools and the East Side High
School of Milwaukee. After leaving school he took a position as
clerk in Stark Bros.' carpet store on Wisconsin street. He remained
here for a short time then went to work for the Standard Oil Co.
as shipping clerk. He remained with this company for three years,
then engaged for a short time as store keeper for the Mcintosh
Bros., railroad contractors, while they were building a railroad in
Michigan. After returning to Milwaukee he entered the employ of
the Coxe Bros, in the coal business and remained with them twelve
years. In March, 1905, in partnership with his brother-in-law,
Henry H. Button, he established himself in the wholesale and re-
tail, coal, wood and coke business, offices at 162 Wisconsin street
and with yards on the Port Washington Road. On Jan. 10,
1901, Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Phoebe Louise Button,
daughter of Henry Harrison and Elizabeth (Lyne) Button, of Mil-
waukee. To this union have been born two children, William
Henry Button, Dec. 16, 1902, and Elizabeth Button, born July 28,
1907. Mr. Taylor is a member of the Republican party but he is
not active in politics. In religion he affiliates with the St. Paul's
Episcopal church. He has been a member of various prominent
clubs but has given them all up in order that he might have all his
time to spend with his family.
Robert Wolf, proprietor of one of the finest green houses in
Milwaukee, located at 700 Thirty-first avenue, was born in Milwau-
kee, Wis., Aug. 26, 1865, the son of Theodore and Ann Wolf, both
of Germany. The father was educated in Germany and came to
America in the early fifties, locating in Milwaukee. He engaged in
the cooperage business for a few years, then bought a small piece
of land on the south side just outside of the city limits and car-
ried on a general gardening business. Here he raised his family
and in 1888, having accumulated a comfortable fortune, he retired
from active business. He removed to 918 Greenfield avenue, where
he and his beloved wife still reside. They are the parents of five
children, three boys and two girls. Edward and John are both en-
gaged in gardening on small farms near the old homestead and the
two daughters are married. Robert received a good education
in the public schools of Milwaukee. He left school at the age of
eighteen and engaged with his father in the gardening business.
When his father retired from the business he took the responsibili-
ties of it upon himself and has increased the business from year to
year until now he lias one of the finest green houses in Milwaukee,
equipped with all the latest heating devices. Here he raises all
BIOGRAPHICAL 273
kinds of plants and flowers. He also has a very beautiful home of
ten acres, where he carries on a general gardening for wholesale
marketing. On May 8, 1888, Mr. Wolf was marrieed to Miss Cora
Smith, daughter of Patrick and Mary (Shields) Smith, of Milwaukee.
To this union the following children have been born : Clarence,
born May 6, 1889; Florence, born July 23, 1893; Delbert, born Jan.
1, 1896, and Clifford, born Oct. 16, 1902. They all go to school and
help take care of the home. Mr. Wolf votes the Repuhlican ticket
but he is not active in politics. In his church affiliations he is lib-
eral.
Martin Hilgendorf, who resides at 1330 State street, and con-
ducts a general livery and boarding stable at 294 Thirteenth street,
was born at Freistadt, Ozaukee county, Wis., Nov. 20, 1845, tne son
of Charles and Minnie (Schosser) Hilgendorf,, both natives of Ger-
many. The father came to America in 1833 and located at Frei-
stadt, Wis. Here he bought a tract of land, upon which he car-
ried on a general farming business. Here, too, he raised a family
of thirteen children, ten boys and three girls. Five of the boys are
living in Milwaukee. The father died on the old homestead in 1901
and the mother in 1905 and both are buried in the Freistadt ceme-
tery. Martin Hilgendorf was educated in the village schools of
his native county until he was fourteen years of age. At the age
of fifteen he came to Milwaukee and secured employment in the
crockery store of Miller & Schickell, remaining with them for two
years. He then engaged with Houghton Bros, in the lumber busi-
ness as foreman, and he remained with this firm for nearly five
years. He then took charge of the teaming for the wholesale dry-
goods firm of Goll & Frank and served them in this capacity for
twenty-five years. In 1887 he established a general livery and
boarding stable, which business he has conducted successfully since
that time. He is also interested in the firm of Schmidt & Hilgen-
dorf, undertakers. He votes the Republican ticket, but he is not
active in politics. He is a member of the Lutheran church. So-
cially he belongs to the West Side Old Settlers' Club, to the Mil-
waukee Old Settlers' Club and to the society of his church. On
May 17, 1867. he was married to Miss Johanna, daughter of Fred-
erick and Caroline Block, of Freistadt, Wis. To this union have
been born nine children, two of whom died in infancy, and one son,
Emil, died at the age of twenty-six. The children living are:
Adolph, a teamster; Hugo, living in the South; Gustave, a book-
keeper for Johns Manville Co. ; Paul, an electrician, and Manda and
Lydia, living at home with their parents and helping their father
in the livery business.
David L. Schram, one of the proprietors of Schram's Milwau-
kee Livery, I ndertaking and Embalming Establishment, was born
at Milwaukee, Wis., Sept. 8, 1865, the son of Jacob and Laura
(Klaus) Schram, both natives of Prague, Bohemia. For a mention of
the parents see the sketch of Julius Schram elsewhere in this vol-
ume. David Schram was educated at the Second ward school in
Milwaukee. After finishing school he worked for Charles Lev-
18
2/4 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
erenz for a few years in his box factory. He then entered the em-
ploy of James Morgan in the dry goods business and remained with
him for eight years. After severing his connection there he estab-
lished a wholesale liquor store on Chestnut street and later sold
that out to take an interest in the livery business with his brothers.
On March 5, 1901, he was married to Miss Flora, daughter of Ig-
natz and Rosa (Richtman) Polatheck, of Milwaukee, and to this
union have been born two children — Gladys, born April 5, 1902, and
Lucile, born Jul}' 15, 1905. In politics Mr. Schram votes the Demo-
cratic ticket and in religion he is a member of the Jewish church.
He belongs to the Royal Arcanum.
Samuel Jacob Schram, one of the proprietors of Schram's Liv-
ely, Undertaking and Embalming Establishment, was born at Mil-
waukee, Wis., Dec. 8, 1861, the son of Jacob and Laura (Klaus)
Schram, both natives of Prague, Bohemia. For a mention of the
parents see the sketch of Julius Schram, elsewhere in this volume.
Samuel Jacob Schram received his education in the Second ward
school of Milwaukee. At the age of fourteen he entered the box
factory of Charles Leverenz and worked here for three years. He
then entered the employ of the Joseph Moffett Co. and learned the
marble cutter's trade. A few years later he went to Nebraska and
located at O'Neil, where he conducted a general merchandise busi-
ness. He returned to Milwaukee six years later and opened a gro-
cery store on the corner of Sixth and Walnut streets. One year
later he disposed of this business and entered the livery business
with his two brothers. He took up the study of embalming and in
1898 received a certificate from the Clark's School of Embalming
and he established himself as an undertaker in connection with his
brothers' livery business. He has met with great success along
this line and the firm of Schram's livery and undertaking establish-
ment is well known in Milwaukee. In politics Mr. Schram is an
adherent of the Democratic party; in church affiliations he is a
member of the Jewish church. On March 24, 1898, he was married
to Miss Jennie, daughter of William and Fannie (Hammerschlag)
Benjamin, of Milwaukee, and to this union has been born one child,
Lester, now attending school. Fraternally Mr. Schram is a mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows, the B'nai B'rith and the State LIndertakers'
Association.
Julius Schram, one of the proprietors of Schram's Milwaukee
Livery, Undertaking and Embalming Establishment, located at
347-49 Eleventh street, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., May 15, i860,
the son of Jacob and Laura (Klaus) Schram, both natives of
Prague, Bohemia. The father learned the shoemaker's trade in his
native country, but never followed it as an occupation. He was
also a fruit dealer. In the early fifties he came to Milwaukee with
his wife and three children — Charles, Lewis and Lucy. Here he
established a flour and feed store on Chestnut street and remained in
this business for a few Years. Fie sold this business and in connec-
tion with his brother, John D., he started a sheep skin tannery on
Commerce street and was interested in this business up to the time
BIOGRAPHICAL 275
of his death, which occurred April 19, 1869. The mother died
March 18, 1899. They were the parents of seven children — Charles,
Lewis, Lucy, Silvia, Julius, Samuel and David. Charles is in the
employ of the St. Paul railroad in Chicago; Lucy is now Mrs. Her-
man Gross, of Milwaukee; Silvia is Mrs. Samuel Schwartz, of Chi-
cago. David and Samuel are with Julius in his business, and
sketches of them will be found elsewhere in this volume. Julius
Schram was educated in the Milwaukee public schools and in En-
gleman's Academy. At the age of thirteen he started to learn the
harness maker's trade with Carl Schafer. He then learned to be a
carriage trimmer and was employed in this capacity by Wechel-
berg & Brown for seven years. In 1880 he engaged in the buying
and selling of horses, and six years later he established a livery busi-
ness on Vliet street. He was very successful in this line of busi-
ness and it having grown to such proportions as to require more
spacious quarters, in 1893 he removed to his present location at
347-49 Eleventh street. He is not active in politics, but votes the
Democratic ticket. His church affiliations are with the Jewish
church. In fraternal circles he is a member of the Odd Fellows,
Sons of Hermann, B'nai B'rith, Royal Arcanum, Maccabees and
B'rith Abrams. On Sept. 22, 1891, he was married to Miss Laura,
daughter of Elias and Fredericka Kindskopf, of Milwaukee. They
have one child, Loraine, who is attending school.
Oswald Rogers, who conducts a large wholesale cream and milk
establishment at 178 Twenty-third street, was born at Rock Prairie,
Rock county. Wis.. Nov. 5, 1846, the son^of Jacob M. and Betsey
Rogers, the former born in Troy, N. Y., June 3, 1795, and the latter
in Glen Falls, N. Y., June 8, 1805. Jacob M. Rogers, the father,
was one of the pioneer settlers of Milwaukee, he having come west
in 1836 and located here. He first engaged in the contracting busi-
ness building streets and roads and he also built several of the
light houses on Lake Michigan, both in Milwaukee and in other
cities along the lake shore. The light house at the foot of Wiscon-
sin street was built by him. In the early forties he removed to
Rock county and settled on a farm. Here he became quite pros-
perous, but a fire destroyed all his property and he returned to Mil-
waukee. He bought a large tract of land just outside of what was
then the city limits, but which now is much of the west side. Here
he established a milk business and furnished milk to all of the lead-
ing hotels. He died June 7, 1880. and the mother died Feb. 17.
1888. They were the parents of sixteen children, nearly all of
whom live in Milwaukee county. Oswald Rogers received his edu-
cation in the Milwaukee public schools. At the age of eighteen he
left school to work on the farm and assist his father in the milk
business. He had charge of the delivery of the milk for eighteen
years. After the death of his father he took entire charge of the
business. In 1903 he sold out the retail business to Grindley & Co.
and since that time has devoted his entire attention to the whole-
sale business. He handles nearly 3,000 quarts of milk and about
300 gallons of cream daily. He supplies all the leading hotels and
276 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
restaurants in the city and also many of the dining cars on the rail-
roads. He has his headquarters at his home and the milk is shipped
in from different places throughout the state. He employs six men
all of the time to help him carry on his business. On Oct. 5, 1885, he
married Miss Mary F. Clapp, daughter of Rev. Luther Clapp, of
Wauwautosa. He takes an active interest in politics and votes the
Republican ticket. In religion he belongs to the Grand Avenue
Congregational church.
Charles Dana Richards, a gardener at 1144 Second street, Mil-
waukee, was born at Bradford, Canada, Aug. 10, 1847, the son °f
Daniel H. and Sarah H. (Dana) Richards, both natives of the Em-
pire state. Daniel H. Richards, the father, was one of Milwaukee's
oldest settlers. Coming west from New York in 1835, he lived for
one year at Peoria. 111., then on July 14, 1836, came to Milwaukee
and established the first paper published in Milwaukee, "The Ad-
vertiser," which has since become "The Evening Wisconsin." He
was also interested in many enterprises tending to further the
interests of the city. He was one of the leaders in the movement
to secure the Rock River canal and was one of the founders of the
first railroad entering Milwaukee. Mr. Richards came of a family
of thirteen children, Chief Justice Richards, of Bradford, Canada,
being one of his brothers. He himself was a classmate of Stephen
A. Douglas. He died Feb. 12, 1873, an & his Avife died in 1891.
Charles Dana Richards received his education in the Second ward
school of Milwaukee. At the age of eighteen he left school to help
work in his father's o'arden and since that time has continued the
occupation of a gardener. He has a beautiful garden situated on an
elevation that overlooks the entire city. Mr. Richards married Miss
Eliza Lee, daughter of William Lee, of Milwaukee, and they are the
parents of four children — Frank B., Charles D., Jr. ; Henry B. and
William L. In politics Mr. Richards belongs to the Democratic
party and as a representative of that party served as alderman from
the Thirteenth ward from 1883 to 1888. In religion he is a member
of the Episcopal church. Mr. Richards belongs to no societies or
clubs.
Thomas Henry Moffitt, one of the leading retail milk dealers of
Milwaukee, was born in Cavan county, Ireland, Sept. 17, 1868, the
son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Gregg) Moffitt, both natives of Cavan
county, Ireland. The father was a farmer in his native country and
never came to America except for a visit of -a few months. He died
in 1898 and the mother in 1902. They were the parents of ten chil-
dren, all of whom are living but one. Four boys and two girls live
in America. Mary Ann, one of the girls, lives with her brother
Thomas in Milwaukee. Thomas Henry Moffitt received his edu-
cation in the district schools, of his native county. At the age of
fifteen be began working on a farm in the summer time, but still at-
tended school in the winter. At the age of seventeen he, with two
brothers, embarked for America and landed at Bristol, R. I. Six
months later they came west and located in Stebinsville, Wis., where
Thomas worked on a farm for nearly a year, then came to Milwau-
BIOGRAPHICAL 277
kee. Soon after he entered the employ of a Mr. Wheeler, who
owned a farm in the town of Wauwautosa, and lie remained with
him for four years. Returning- to Milwaukee, he continued the milk
business which he had established while living on the farm and con-
ducted that for six years. Removing to Oconomowoc, Wis., he es-
tablished a cream and milk business and remained there Eor six-
years, when he returned to Milwaukee and became an agent for a
b< " »k company for one year. 1 le then returned to the milk business
and now conducts a large retail establishment at 250 Twenty-eighth
street. On Nov. 16, 1898, Mr. Moffitt was married to Miss Jennie
M. Lyman, daughter of Albert and Frances ( Purner) Lyman, and
to this union two children have been born — Elizabeth May. July 14,
1900. and Alace Adell, April 21, 1908. In politics Mr. Moffitt is an
adherent of the Republican party, while in church affiliations he is
a Methodist. Mr. Moffitt is a home-loving man and belongs to no
societies or fraternal organizations.
Paul Charles Rohde, assistant taxidermist at the public mu-
seum, was born in Milwaukee, Oct. 23, 1880, the son of Charles
Alexander and Alvina (Ackerhausen) Rohde, both natives of Ger-
man}-. The father received his early education in his native coun-
try and while yet quite young came to America and direct to Mil-
waukee, first engaging with Delorme & Quentin, and afterward
was in the book business with George Brunder. Later he started
in the book business for himself. He remained in this business for
many years, then entered the firm of WeSsenborn & Co., wholesale
notions, and is still connected with that company. He is the father
of four children — Hugo, Clara, Paul and Walter, all living at home.
Paul Charles received his education in the public schools of Mil-
waukee. At the age of sixteen he left school and for a time helped
his father in the book business. In 1898 he entered the employ
of the Public Museum as an apprentice in the taxidermist's depart-
ment and has steadily worked his way up until he is now assistant
taxidermist and he is recognized as an expert along that line. On
Oct. 3, 1906, Mr. Rohde was married to Miss Lola Mueller, daugh-
ter of Henry P. Mueller, of Milwaukee, and they are the parents of
one child, Carla Lola, born May 28, 1908. He is a member of the
Milwaukee Turners and of the Wisconsin Natural History Society.
Stephen Henry Surman, a popular wholesale and retail cigar
dealer at 132 Wisconsin street, Milwaukee, is a native of the Empire
state, having been born in Norwich on March 10, 1875. His father
and mother were both born in England. While still a youth the
father, Thomas F. Surman, came to the United States and settled
on a farm near Norwich, N. Y. After attaining- his majority he
embarked in the grocery business in Norwich, a business which he
continued until 1888. In that year he removed to Syracuse. N. Y.,
where, for some years, he was engaged in the wholesale grocery
business. From Syracuse he went to Philadelphia with Mr. John
Scott, and under the firm name of John Scott & Co., conducted a
large grocery business until his retirement in T898. The mother
died in 1904, leaving three children : Elizabeth, a nurse
2/8 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
in the Georgetown hospital; Stephen, the subject of this memoir,
and Frank, who is in the employ of his brother. The father was a
member of the New York militia for eight years. Stephen H. Sur-
inam after receiving such educational advantages as the public
schools of Norwich afforded, left home at the age of fourteen to
enter an importing house at Syracuse. He remained there but a
short time, however, leaving to go into the retail cigar business
with John F. Whelan. After eight years he came to Milwaukee to
assume the management of the Hotel Pfister cigar stand, a posi-
tion he held for two years. The following year he was in the
employ of Edward Kalman, leaving him to open the cigar stand in
the Wells building for Leo Abraham. After six years of successful
conduct of this place he purchased the stock of Edward Kalman and
has since been most successfully engaged in the business. His
political affiliations are with the Republican party and in a religious
way is a communicant of the Episcopal church. Fraternally he is
associated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the
Royal League and the Milwaukee Athletic Club. On May 23, 1899,
he was united in marriage to Miss Ida Bierbach, daughter of Otto
and Louise (Schmitz) Bierbach, of Milwaukee.
Richard R. Parry, proprietor of a prosperous express business
with offices at 119 Michigan street, Milwaukee, was born at Cam-
bria, Wis., on June 15, 1874, a son of Richard L. and Ellen (Rob-
erts) Parry. Both parents were natives of Bangor, Wales, where
the father was a carpenter by vocation. In the late fifties he came
to the United States and located in New Orleans, La. His resi-
dence there continued until the beginning of hostilities of the War
of the Rebellion, when, being a sympathizer of the Union cause, he
left the country and returned to Wales. After the close of the war
he returned to the United States with his wife, and made his way
directly to Cambria in 1867. He resumed his work as a carpenter
contractor, and continued at it there until 1871. After the dis-
astrous Chicago fire of that year he removed his family to Milwau-
kee and himself went to Chicago, where he had an active part in the
rebuilding of the burned city. L T pon the completion of his work
there he returned to Milwaukee and remained there until his death
on Sept. 19, 1892. He left a family of eight children — Flenry, Hugo,
Richard, John, William, Jane (Mrs. Alex Dusty), Anna and Mar-
garet. Henry died on June 28, 1897; Margaret on March 1, 1897,
and Hugo on Jan. 21, 1907. Richard R. Parry, after completing the
courses afforded by the public schools of Milwaukee, left school at
the age of sixteen to become apprenticed to an electrician. For a
year he was with the Milwaukee Electric Light Co., and during the
five years following he served as night inspector of lights for the
same company. For a period of several years he was employed in
the general electric business in different cities in the state and for
a portion of the time was with Richard Mansfield, the actor, as
electrician for his theatrical company. Returning to Milwaukee he
started with small capital a general express business. The venture
met with success from the first, until todav he has six teams con-
BIOGRAPHICAL 279
stantly employed. By thrift and industry, honesty and square deal-
ing, he has built up a business which is second to none in the city.
Politically he is independent, exercising his right of franchise as he
thinks it will best help the upbuilding of the city and the state. Mr.
Parry is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Benjamin Gregory is a well known florist of Milwaukee, whose
greenhouses are at 1339 Humboldt avenue. He was born in Cam-
bridge. England, on May 20, 1858,, a son of James and Eliza Gregory.
The father received his education in the schools of his native
land and up to the time he reached his majority he worked as a land-
scape gardener. When he had just come of age he was made the
head landscape gardener and overseer of the Quintanis estate, one
of the large English estates, a position which he held until, he died.
There were eleven children in the family, seven sons and four
daughters, and all but one grew to maturity. The father died in
1878 and the mother passed away twenty years later. Benjamin
Gregory received a somewhat limited education in his native land
and when but seventeen years of age came to the United States
with his brother. In New York he learned the art of floristry and
after he had mastered his profession found employment on many of
the large estates in both New York and New Jersey. On March
20, 1885, he received the announcement of his selection as head
florist of the David Ferguson greenhouses in Milwaukee and came
at once to this city. His connection with "Mr. Ferguson continued
for a period of seven years. Then he established the business which
has since been a means of livelihood to him. Its success is in large
measure due to his habits of frugality, industry and strict attention
to business, and today it is recognized as one of the most prosperous
florists' establishments in the city. In politics he is a Republican,
but has never sought political office, and in religious matters he is
affiliated with the Baptist church. On Sept. 10, 1890, Mr. Gregory
was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Kirk, a native of Scotland,
and a daughter of James Kirk. They had no children. Mrs. Gregory
passed away on Aug. 20, 1900, leaving behind her an influence
for good which years cannot efface. Two nieces, Anna and Lylia,
and a nephew, Edward, who is learning the art, make their home
with Mr. Gregory.
Stephen Gesell, president of the Campbell Laundry Company,
is a native of Dusseldorf, Germany, where he was born on Feb. 6,
1872. He is a son of Anton and Elizabeth (Seitz) Gesell. both
native Germans. The father was a broker for some years in his
native land, and later managed a hotel. Of the sixteen children in
the family Jacob, Paul and Stephen came to the United States.
The father died in 1885 and the mother in 1902. Stephen Gesell
received his scholastic advantages in the Fatherland. When but
fourteen years of age he left school and under the direction of his
brother-in-law learned the trade of butcher. The desire for read-
ing was almost a mania with him and after absorbing the contents
of all the books he could get on the subject of America he became
instilled with the idea of coming to the United States. In 1891 he
280 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
was enabled to fulfill his life's desire, and he immigrated direct to
Milwaukee. Here he secured employment in the Thiele meat mar-
ket on Third street, and for a period of ten years was engrossed
in his trade. Seeing a chance for advancement he accepted a posi-
tion as driver for the Campbell Laundry Company, and gradually,
by enterprise and industry, was promoted to positions of responsi-
bility until at the time of Mr. Campbell's death he was given entire
charge of the concern. In 1907 he purchased a half interest, and
by 1908 the business had prospered to such an extent that he was
enabled to purchase of the stock, until now he is sole owner and
president. He is a man of progressive public spirit and does all in
his power for the betterment and advancement of the city along
commercial lines. Although a Republican he does not participate
actively in the campaigns, being too engrossed to devote his time
to anything but his business. He is a communicant of the German
Catholic church. His only social relations are with the Independ-
ent Order of Foresters and the Laundrymen's Club. On April 29,
1896, Mr. Gesell was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Steffen, a
daughter of William and Augusta (Brach) Steffen, of Waukesha.
They have no children.
Charles Menger is a well known and popular florist of Milwau-
kee. He was born in Bernburg, Germany, on Sept. 14, 1866, and is
a son of Fred and Ernestine (Stroemer) Menger, both natives of
Germany. The father in the Fatherland was a brewer by profes-
sion, and was employed in that trade up to the time he came to
America in 1881. Upon coming to the United States he secured
employment with the Pabst Brewing Company of Milwaukee, and
came direct to this city upon his arrival. For several years he re-
mained with the Pabst company, and severed his connection when
he had accumulated a sufficient competence to purchase a small
tract of land on what is now Twenty-seventh street. Here he did
market gardening for a number of years, but in 1893 retired from
that occupation and built a greenhouse on his property, which at
the time of his retirement in 1903 had grown to large proportions.
He and his wife now make their residence at 538 Twenty-seventh
street. The three sons born to them are all living. Charles Men-
ger, the subject of this review, received his scholastic training in
the schools of his native land. While still a youth in his native
land he mastered the florist's art, and after coming to the United
States with his parents worked with his father in market gardening
and later in the greenhouses. When the father retired in 1903 he
assumed the active control of the business, which has had an excep-
tional growth under his skillful management. In his politics Mr.
Menger is not allied with any of the existing political parties, pre-
ferring to exercise his right of franchise as his conscience and his
judgment dictate. His religious relations are with the Lutheran
church. His time is largely devoted to his business, but he finds
leisure to enjoy the meetings of the Florists' Club and the Lieder-
tafel Society, with both of which he is identified as a member. On
Nov. 2~. 1895, occurred Mr. Menger's marriage to Miss Anna Oes-
BIOGRAPHICAL 28 1
treicker, a daughter of Anton and Ernestine (Wendtlandt) Oes-
treicker, of Milwaukee. Two children have been the issue of this
marriage — Carl, born Nov. 17, [896, and Hilda, born July 17, [898.
Rudolph Preuss, one of the well-known florists and market gar-
deners of the city, was born in Klein Hauswalde, Germany, on
March 30, i860, a son of 1 lans and Carlina (Deering) Preuss. Both
parents spent their entire lives in the Fatherland, where the father
was engaged in agricultural pursuits. They left a family of eight
children, six sons and two daughters. Rudolph Preuss is the young-
est of his father's family. He took advantage of the scholastic
training afforded by the German common schools, and upon com-
pleting his school work became apprenticed to a florist. During his
stay in Germany he found employment in many of the largest floral
concerns in the country and became a thorough master of the art.
In the fall of 1884 he migrated to the United States and located in
Erie, Pa. After a year spent working there in his chosen profes-
sion he came in the spring of 1885 to Milwaukee. Here he secured
employment with A. M. Freidach on Forest Home avenue ; then for
various periods of time with Frank Delgen, Mr. Armstrong and T.
L. Hanson, remaining with the latter some two years. In 1888 he
purchased the property at the corner of Vine and West Twenty-
fourth streets and five years later erected the greenhouse which he
is now SQsuccessfully conducting. Beside fhe culture of flowers he
makes a specialty of raising fresh vegetables for the market. Both
features of his business have been eminently successful in a financial
way, due largely to his untiring labor, enterprise y and strictly fair
dealing with his patrons. In politics he is allied with, the Repub-
lican party, but owing to the pressure of his business does not find
time to devote to an active participation in the affairs of the party.
In religious affairs he is prominent as a member of the Lutheran
church, and is identified fraternally with the Knights of the Mac-
cabees. He is also a member of the Florists' Club. On April 6,
1892, Mr. Preuss was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Timm, a
daughter of William and Emilie (Wielbold) Timm, of Cascade, Wis.
Four children have been the issue of this marriage. Oswald, born
Aug. 16, 1894, is awav at school; andithe others, Arnold, born Oct.
17, 1896; Irma, born Aug. 4, 1899, and Irving, born Nov. 17, 1901,
attend the public schools and assist their father in their 'spare time.
Charles Augustus Ammon, one of the efficient foremen in the
employ of the Milwaukee Gas Company, was born at Princeton,
Scott county, 'la., on Sept. 25, 1862, and is a son of Charles A. and
Margaret Ammon. The father, who was a contractor by vocation,
died when the subject of this memoir was still an infant. His
widow passed away at Chippewa Falls, Wis., in 1897. Charles A.
Ammon 'received a somewhat limited education in the common
schools of Princeton, Ta. When but twelve years of age he began
his business career as an employe of the Chicago & Northwestern
railroad and remained with them for a period of three years. Then
he removed with his mother and his stepfather to Merrill, Wis., and
secured employment with a lumbering firm as an employe in a saw
282 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
mill. In 1891 he was given active charge. of the management of a
mill at Harshaw, Oneida county, Wis., and remained there until
1898. In that year he went to Alabama to supervise the construc-
tion of a mill, and when he had finished the work a year later
returned to Milwaukee. Here he again became associated with the Chi-
cago & Northwestern railroad as an inspector in the engineering
department. The construction of many branches of that road has
been. done under his personal direction. In January, 1908, he sev-
ered his connection with the railroad company and became associ-
ated with the Milwaukee Gas Company in the position which he
now holds. In politics he is a zealous adherent of the tenets of
the Republican party and as the successful candidate of that party
served for a time as a justice of the peace in Oneida county. He
was also the representative of his district in several state conven-
tions before the adoption of the primary election law abolished that
institution. In religious matters he is associated with the Presby-
terian church. On June 27, 1881, Mr. Ammon was united in mar-
riage to Miss Nellie L. Day of Waupaca, Wis., and a daughter of
Martin and Emily (Osborn) Day. To this union was born, on Jan.
19, 1883, a son, Frank R., now a practicing attorney of Milwaukee.
He devoted all his spare time for several years to the study of law
and passed the state bar examination with high honors. He is
intensely interested in politics and does much to insure th£ success
of the Republican party.
Frederick Ernst, whose life work and study in the art of floris-
try have made him one of the most successful floriculturists in Mil-
waukee, was born in Marburg, Germany, on March 24, 1882, and is
a son of Julius and Sophia (Moutoux) Ernst. Both parents were
born and lived their entire lives in Germany, where the father was a
minister of the gospel of the Lutheran church. He died in 1889 and
the widow passed away seven years later, leaving a family of three
sons and a daughter. Frederick Ernst received his education in
the common schools of the city of his birth and at the age of fifteen
became apprenticed to a florist. In three years he had mastered
his trade and began a tour of Germany, working in practically all
the large greenhouses in that country. In 1904 he came to America
and located in St. Louis, Mo., where for four months he worked at
his trade in the exposition grounds. When the fair closed he came
to Milwaukee and secured employment with Charles Johannsen, the
florist. This position he retained for a year and then for a short
time worked in Joliet, Til. In 1906 he returned to Milwaukee and
purchased his present establishment. His habits of frugality and
industry and his knowledge of the art have made his venture suc-
cessful from the start. Beside raising flowers and plants of all
descriptions he does a great deal of gardening at the homes of pri-
vate families in his immediate neighborhood. He is a communicant
of the Lutheran church, of which his father was a minister, but is
not allied to any political party. On Sept. 3, 1906, Mr. Ernst was
united in marriage to Miss Louise Thai, of Milwaukee, a daughter
of Carl and Louise (Kersten) Thai. Thev have no children.
BIOGRAPHICAL 283
Theodore Boettcher, a prosperous florist and respected citizen
of Milwaukee, was born at Frankfort-on-the-Oder, Germany, on
April 3, 1863. He is a son of August and Mar) (Sir-) Boettcher,
both of whom were born at Frankfort. The father was all during
his life engaged in floriculture. His death occurred in 1902 and
his widow makes her home with her only child. Theodore lioett-
cher took advantage of the limited educational opportunities af-
forded by the schools of his native country and at the age of fifteen
\ ears started his career by becoming apprenticed to his father in
the latter's greenhouse. Until 1896, when he immigrated to Amer-
ica, he remained in business with his parent. 1 lis first residence in
this country was in a small town in North Dakota, where he
earned a livelihood by work in a flour mill and gardening. After
three years there he came to Milwaukee and entered the employ of
Curry Brothers in their greenhouses, severing his connection with
them after a year to remove to Pine Lake, Wis., where he was
engaged in the same vocation. In 1903 he returned to Milwaukee
and purchased the floral establishment at 1414 Groeling avenue,
which he is now so successfully conducting. His success may be
attributed in large measure to his sterling integrity, his frugality
and his knowdedge of the business learned by years of hard work.
In politics he is a Republican, but his business occupies so much
of his time that he takes no active part. His church relations are
with the German Evangelical society. Socially he is identified with
the Milwaukee Liederkranz, the Garfield Benefit Association and
the Forwards Benefit Club. On May 11, 1889, occurred Mr. Boett-
cher's marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wundrich, a daughter of Carl
and Rosalia Wundrich, of Frankfort, Germany. Three children have
come to bless this union — Erick, Hattie and Elsie.
Gustav Holtz, a florist whose years of training make him one
of the most successful in Milwaukee, was born in Stadt-Ilm, Ger-
many, on Aug. 10, 1864, a son of Herman and Sophia (Shleurner)
Holtz. Both the parents were born in Germany, where the father
won renown in floriculture. In 1890 he came to the United States
and located in Hammond, Ind., where he was engaged in the same
vocation up td the time of his death, which occurred in February,
1905. The widow still resides in Hammond. The seven children
of the family are all living, although widely scattered throughout
the United States. Gustav Holtz, the subject of this memoir, re-
ceived the scholastic training afforded by the schools of his native
land. When but thirteen years of age he became associated with
his father and remained with him for a year, learning the rudiments
of the vocation which he desired to follow during his lifetime. The
following two years he spent as an apprentice at Dr. Doran's floral
institute in Germany and when he had mastered his trade he worked
at it in various of the leading establishments in the Fatherland. Tn
t888 he migrated to Milwaukee and for ten years worked as pri-
vate gardener and florist for H. B. Kellogg. The following five years
he occupied by serving in the capacity of florist at the summer
home of Hon. George Brumder, and for another five years in the
284 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
same capacity for Valentine Blatz. When he severed his connec-
tion with Mr. Blatz he established the business which he is so suc-
cessfully conducting to-day. His excellent training and his inher-
ent traits of industry and enterprise have given him a patronage
which is continually growing. In politics Mr. Holtz is independent
of any party ties. His religious relations are with the German
Lutheran church and fraternally he is identified with the Modern
Woodmen of America and the Florists' Club. On April 24, 1891,
Mr. Holtz was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Graf, daughter
of William and Marie Graf, of Germany. To this union have been
born the following children : Annie, Ella, Herbert, Helen and Flora.
Two others died in infancy.
Charles F. Kitzerow, who conducts a modern florist's establish-
ment on the Port Washington road, was born in Milwaukee on
Nov. 17, 1863. He is a son of William and Catherina (Hildebrand)
Kitzerow, both of whom are natives of Germany. The father made
a good living in the Fatherland as a painter. When Milwaukee
was but a village he migrated to this city and for several years
afterward was an instructor in the schools. When the war with
Mexico broke out he enlisted as a private and is to-day the only
surviving member of the company with which he served. Later he
saw service as a volunteer in the Civil War. Most of his active
career he was engaged as a floriculturist in the greenhouse which
his son now conducts. Lie retired from active business in 1906 and
is now residing in Chicago. His wife died in February, 1904, and
her remains are interred in Forest Home cemetery. Of the seven
children in the family all but one son, William, survive. Charles
F. Kitzerow. the subject of this review, took advantage of the edu-
cational opportunities afforded by the public schools of Milwaukee.
When seventeen years of age he left school and started in to learn
floristry under the direction of his father. Since the completion of
his apprenticeship he has never engaged in other business, being
associated with his father until the latter's retirement. It was at
that time that he assumed the active management of the enterprise.
His long training and thorough knowledge of the business assured
him success from the start, and his many friends have not been sur-
prised at the rapid strides which the concern has taken since his
assumption of its conduct. Although his father was much inter-
ested in politics and served as town chairman and town clerk, and
also as a school commissioner, Mr. Kitzerow is independent in his
political relations, finding little leisure to devote to campaign activi-
ties. Tn religious matters he is affiliated with the German Lutheran
church, but fraternally is not prominent, as it is his aim to devote
li is spare moments to his family. On Dec. 25. 1885, Mr. Kitzerow
was united in marriage to Miss Dora Anderson, a daughter of John
and Johanna (Lush) Anderson, of Milwaukee. Four children have
been the issue of this union — Walter, Charles, Milta and George.
Walter is studying to become a minister of the gospel and Charles
is a telecraph operator. The others live at home and are attending
the public schools.
BIOGRAPHICAL 285
George Thomas Platzer, deceased, who was one of the most
successful druggists in the city before his death, was born in Bava-
ria, Germany, on March 16, 1842, a son of Wolfgang and Margaret
Platzer. The father, who was a tailor by vocation, brought his
family to Milwaukee in 1844 and was engaged in his trade all his
active life. His death occurred a few months after his retirement
from active business in 1891, and his widow died some years later,
leaving a family of two children. George T. Platzer was the third
in order of birth of the five children born to his parents. I lis early
educational training was received in St. Mary's parochial school and
he completed his studies by a course in the seminary at St. Francis.
His profession he learned with a firm in Cincinnati, Ohio, with
which he was associated for several years. On his return to Mil-
waukee he purchased the stock of a store on Winnebago street, and
for ten years was successfully engaged in the conduct of the store.
Early in 1880 he removed to a new store on the corner of Potter
and Bishop avenues, where eight months later, on Aug. 13, 1880, he
passed away. He was a man of keen business acumen, thoroughly
conversant with all the details of his profession and a popular citi-
zen. In his political belief he was a stanch adherent of the prin-
ciples of the Republican party and in religious matters was identi-
fied with St. Joseph's Catholic church. On July 9. 1872. Mr. Platzer
was united in marriage to Miss Anna Baumgardner, a daughter of
Joseph and Christinia Baumgardner, of Milwaukee. Mrs. Platzer's
parents were both born in Tyrol, Austria. Her father was a tailor,
who came to Milwaukee in 1856, and for many years was employed
by David Adler & Sons. Some years before his death he was
engaged in the grocery business. His demise occurred on April
28, 1899, and his widow passed away on March 1, 1907. To Mr.
and Mr. Platzer were born five children — Frances, the wife of P. W.
Krill, of Fort Wayne, Ind. ; George and William, twins: Frank J., a
resident of Fort Wayne, Ind. ; and Thomas, a watchmaker of this
city.
Henry Salentine, deceased, was one of the prominent and pros-
perous business men of Milwaukee for over twenty-six years before
his death. His parents were Mathias and Marie (Moure) Salen-
tine, who emigrated to the United States about the middle of the
nineteenth century. The father settled in Milwaukee first and con-
ducted a farm for some time, but he heard of the "golden west"
and moved to California, where he became engaged in farming and
mining, and Henry was born at Nicholas, Cal.. Aug. 17. 1866. Not
long after this the father disposed of his interests in California with
profit and returned to the Cream City to make his home. The
mother died several years ago, but the father still lives at a hearty
old age with the widow of the subject of this sketch. Five children
were born to Mathias and Marie Salentine, of whom Henrv was the
youngest. He received his educational advantages in the public
schools of Milwaukee, and when only eighteen years of age his
father put him in charge of the hardware business which he had
established upon his return from California. The young man was
286 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
ambitious, paid strict attention to business, and this, combined with
his natural ability, earned for him the reward he deserved, and the
store at Third and National avenues became one of the most popu-
lar in that part of the city. For twenty-one years he carried on the
business of H. Salentine & Co., with credit to the concern, and in
1905 disposed of the hardware business to Peter Laveis and em-
barked in the sheet metal work, which he conducted with as much
success as he had the hardware business. Two years later he re-
tired to enjoy a well-earned respite from the activities of his busy
life. But a 3 r ear elapsed before he passed over the great divide,
after a life which was unselfish, upright and devoted to his family
and friends. His loss was felt by the whole community and was
mourned by his friends and his devoted family. In 1890, on Nov. 25,
Mr. Salentine was united in marriage with Miss Marie Esser, the
daughter of John and Theresa (Sturm) Esser, of Milwaukee. Their
home was gladdened by four children — Clarence, who is studying
drafting and pattern making in the Milwaukee School of Trades ;
Irving, Marcella and Mildred, who are all at home with their
mother. Mrs. Salentine's parents were natives of Germany ; her
father was a brewer, who came to the United States in i860 and
located at Albany, N. Y. Some years later he came west to Chi-
cago, but was there only a short time when he came to Milwaukee.
Subsequently he conducted a brewing business at Sauk City, Wis.,
for five years, but disposed of it and became a hotel keeper at New
Albin, la. After conducting the hotel for three years Mr. Esser
sold it and returned to Milwaukee and became associated with the
Pabst Brewing Co. Within a few years he earned a sufficient com-
petence to retire some years before his demise, which occurred in
1905. During his life Mr. Salentine was closely connected with the
Democratic party and was a member of the Catholic Order of For-
esters, and with his family was a member of Trinity Catholic
church.
Richard Bernhard Pritzlaff, deceased, for many years a promi-
nent and influential figure in the commercial life of Milwaukee, was
born in Pommern, Prussia, Germany, on March 3, 1859. He was a
son of August and Caroline (Moldenhauer) Pritzlaff, both native
Germans. The father was an instructor in the parochial schools of
the Fatherland and came to Milwaukee in 1867. Here he was
engaged in pedagogic work in St. Stephen's school on the south side
until his death. The mother died in 1898. Richard B. Pritzlaff was
the sixth in order of birth of the nine children in the family. He
received his educational advantages in the common schools of Ger-
many and after coming to this country attended the public schools
of Milwaukee for a time. When he had completed his scholastic
training he received some valuable experience in business under his
uncle, John Pritzlaff, in the John Pritzlaff Hardware Company as
bookkeeper. At the time of his death he was head buyer for this
firm and was a partner in the Pritzlaff Brothers Company at 171-
173 Reed street. After his death his widow disposed of all his stock
BIOGRAPHICAL 287
in both companies. In politics he was an ardent adherent of the
principles of the Republican party, and served as a member oi
the school board. St. Stephen's church never had a more willing
worker, nor a more earnest member, than Mr. Pritzlaff, and prob-
ably nowhere was his loss more keenly felt than in the church, lie
was also identified with the Iroquois Club, On June 16, 1881, Mr.
Pritzlaff was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Prasser, a daughter
of Andrew and Fredericka ( Wolff) Prasser, of Milwaukee.. Both
parents were born in Germany. The father on coming to this coun-
try located first in New York and shortly afterward moved to Mil-
waukee, where he was established for many years as a furniture
dealer on Lake street. 1 Ie retired from active participation in busi-
ness several years before his death, which occurred on Jul}- 9, 1895.
His widow is still living, making her home at 356 Madison street.
The father was a stanch Republican in his politics and served in the
common council as the alderman from his ward. He was also a
member of Armin lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. To Mr. and
Mrs. Pritzlaff were born seven daughters — Alma, Elsie, Amelia,
Emma, Helen, Clara and Ruth.
Joseph Oscar Ogden, retired, one of the most respected citi-
zens of Milwaukee, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 16, 1833.
His father was James Kilborn Ogden, who was born in Elizabeth-
town, N. J., on July 30, 1793, and his mother was Margaret (Hall)
Ogden, a native of Baltimore, Md. The father's educational advan-
tages were limited to the country schools. When twenty-one years
of age, in 1814, he removed to Cincinnati and established there the
first pottery west of the Alleghany mountains. His marriage oc-
curred in 1818 and his union was blessed with the following chil-
dren: Ezekiel Hall, Elizabeth Hall, Sarah Anna Wood, Joseph
Oscar and Albert Hall. He was a most successful business man
and was known in all walks of life as an upright, honest Christian
gentleman. He was a direct descendant of the Ogdens who set-
tled in Elizabethtown in its early history. Joseph O. Ogden, the
subject of this review, attended the public schools of Cincinnati and
rounded out his scholastic career by a course at Herron Seminary
in the same city. In 1849 he came to A^ilwaukee and for a year
served in a clerical position in the Magie & Swain Clothing Corn-
pan}'. Then for a number of years he was again a resident of Cin-
cinnati and later of Philadelphia, Pa., where he was engaged in the
malleable iron industry. When he returned to Milwaukee it was
to retire from active participation in business affairs. He has a
beautiful home at 2324 Sycamore street. In politics Mr. Ogden is a
Republican, but has never aspired to public office. He is»a devout
communicant of St. James' Episcopal church. On Feb. 14, i860,
Mr. Ogden was united in marriage to Miss Esther A. Swain, a
daughter of 'James Swain of Milwaukee. Her parents were both
natives of Elizabethtown, X. J., and the father was a merchant tailor
who came to Milwaukee in 1848 and was in the merchant tailoring
business at r68 East Water street for a good many years. For a
288 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
term he was adjutant-general of the Wisconsin National Guard.
When the War of the Rebellion opened he accepted a commission
as a colonel in the quartermaster's department and served through-
out the struggle. After the war he settled in Memphis, Tenn.,
where he died in 1880, eleven years after his wife's demise. Tq Mr.
and Mrs. Ogden were born the following children: Fannie B., de-
ceased; Sarah L., wife of George W. Goodman, of Milwaukee; Mar-
garet Hall, now Mrs. W. K. Kilgore, of Oak Park, 111. ; James K., a
varnish manufacturer located at St. Paul, Minn.; Alberta, wife of
Harry P. Trayser of this city; Franklin, deceased; and Bell Armour
Reis, of St. Paul, Minn., secretary of the Twin City Varnish Co.
Henry Melvine Shaw, deceased, for many 'years one of the old
and respected citizens of Milwaukee, was born in Bordentown, N. J.,
on Dec. 22, 1824. He was a son of John J. and Clara (Melvine)
Shaw, the former of wdiom was born in Bordentown, N. J., and the
latter in Philadelphia, Pa. The father was a merchant, who came
west in the early fifties and located in St. Paul, Minn. He built
the Merchants' Hotel, one of the best-known hostelries of that city,
and for a number of years was its proprietor. Before his death he
retired and returned to the east, his death occurring in New York
City. The mother died when the subject of this sketch was but
an infant. There were two sons in the family — Henry and William.
Henry M. Shaw received his educational advantages in the public
schools of Philadelphia. At the age of twenty-five he came west and
became associated with his father in the latter's business interests.
This association was kept up until his death on' July 27, 1862. In
his political beliefs Mr. Shaw was always allied with the Republican
party, but was never an aspirant for any public office. On June 25,
1854, occurred his marriage to Miss Anna Anderson, of St. Paul,
a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Nichols) Anderson. Mrs.
Shaw's father was born in Hungary and her mother in Philadelphia.
The father came to the United States as a boy and located in New
York, where he became associated in the fur trading business with
John Jacob Astor. After his marriage he came west and with Mr. Astor
established a fur trading post on the site of the present city of Sagi-
naw. Mich. Later he removed to St. Paul, where he was engaged
in the fur trade with the Indians. He retired some twenty years
before his death, which occurred in 1885, at tne advanced age of one
hundred and three years. The mother died in 1880, at the age of
sixty-three. Mrs. Shaw, the widow of the subject of this memoir,
was born in New York City. Two of her children are living — Ella,
wife of Dr. J. P. Carmichael, a dentist of Milwaukee, and Harry M.,
a resident of Chicago.
Carl Steinmueller, retired, a prominent and respected citizen of
the city of Milwaukee, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on Feb.
[6, 1839. He was the second child in order of birth of Mr. and
Mrs. Louis Steinmueller, the latter of whom died in Milwaukee in
■8 and the former in 1890, leaving a family of six children. The
father was a laborer, who emigrated to America in 1863. Carl
BIOGRAPHICAL 289
Steinmueller received his educational advantages in the common
.schools of Germany, and from the time he had completed his studies
until coming to America with his father's family in 1863 he worked
on a farm. Soon after his arrival in Milwaukee in that year he
secured employment with the Plankinton Packing Company. His
connection with that firm continued until its purchase by the Cud-
ahy Company 3 and he remained in the same capacity with the latter
company when it took over the business of the Plankinton con-
cern. Later he was made a foreman in the plant, and was serving
as such when he retired from active participation in business life
in 1901. In politics he allies himself with the Republican party, but
has never sought public office. On Oct. 12, 1862, Mr. Steinmueller
was united in marriage to Miss Frederica Gabert and to this union
have been born three children — Charles, Albert and Annie, now
Mrs. Alfred Hunkey.
Captain Edward A. Tighe, deceased, was for many years a well-
known lake captain and later one of the prominent lumber mer-
chants of Milwaukee. He was born at Dublin, Ireland, Aug. 8,
LS42, being the son of Edward and Catherine (Mulleren) Tighe,
both of whom were born and reared in this historic old town on the
Lift'ey, the capital city of Ireland. Edward Tighe, Sr., was a sur-
veyor, who was actively occupied in his profession until he died,
leaving a wife and four children, of whom the subject of this sketch
is the oldest. After her husband's death Catherine Tighe deter-
mined to come to America and give her children the advantages
offered by a new and growing country. They immigrated to the
United States and soon after landing located in Milwaukee, where
the opportunities on every hand attracted and held them. Mrs.
Tighe continued to live in Milwaukee until the cares and responsi-
bilities of life were lifted from her and she passed peacefully away
just as the new century dawned. Edward, Jr., attended the public
schools of Milwaukee and after completing a course in the high
school with great credit, his mother determined to send him back
to the mother countrv to finish his education. He soon sailed for
Dublin, his native town, the largest city in Ireland and one of the
most important educational centers in Europe, He matriculated at
Trinity college, which was chartered in 1591, and is one of the rich-
est corporations and most important educational institutions in Ire-
land. After completing his studies in this grand old college Mr.
Tighe returned to the United States and went on the lakes. He
began as a sailor in order to learn the lake trade thoroughly and
was rapidly advanced from one position of responsibility to an-
other, and within a short time was commanding a boat of his own.
He was a good manager, keen and far sighted in business deals,
and his investments proved so successful that in 1881, when he was
only thirty-nine years of age. he had accumulated money enough to
leave the lakes and engaged in the lumber business in Milwaukee.
A year later, in 1882, he was united in marriage with Mrs. John D.
Allcott, the daughter of Michael and Marguerite (Moran) Ryan.
19
29O MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
both old residents of Milwaukee. Airs. Tighe's father was a sturdy-
son of the Emerald Isle, who immigrated to the United States in
1852. He was a machinist by trade and followed it after reaching
this country ; first at the North Milwaukee round house and later
at the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad shops. He retired
some time before his demise, which occurred Feb. 2, 1899. His wife
still lives in Milwaukee, a bright old lady already counting more
than threescore years and ten, as she is eighty-five years of age.
Four children were welcomed to the Tighes' hospitable home —
Alvin A., who graduated from Georgetown University,, Washington,
D. C, in 1908; Thomas G., who is engaged in the lumber industry
at Manistee, Mich. ; Leonard, who is in business with his brother
in Manistee ; and Eva M., who is at home. Though not aggressive
in his political views, Mr. Tighe was a stanch supporter of the
principles and policies of the Republican party, in which he mani-
fested a loyal interest. With his family he was a member of the
Gesu Roman Catholic church and it lost a devout and loyal sup-
porter when he died Dec. 29, 1906. He was affiliated with the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. ,
Henry Charles Porth, deceased, died at the early age of thirty-
two years, but in his short career as a man of affairs he demon-
strated the possession of extraordinary qualifications as a business
man. and had his life been spared he doubtless would have achieved
enviable distinction in the industrial world. Mr. Porth was born
in the city of Milwaukee on Jan. 19, 1854, the son of Joseph and
Ottillia (Hetzel) Porth, the former a native of Prussia and the lat-
ter of Germany. The father immigrated to the United States in
early manhood, and locating in Milwaukee engaged in the cooperage
business, first by himself and afterward in partnership with his three
brothers — John, William and Anthony. Later he engaged in the
wholesale liquor business, in which line of activity he was employed
until he retired from business about two years before his death, that
event occurring in 1881. He became quite prominent in public
affairs in the city of Milwaukee, and as a Democrat was elected at
different times to the positions of assessor and member of the board
of aldermen. He and his wife were members of St. Joseph's church,
and they were the parents of three children — Henry Charles, George
W. and Tillie, the last-named being the wife of M. F. Schmidt.
I lenry Charles Porth received his education in the public and high
schools of the city of Milwaukee, and afterward took a course at
the Spencerian Business College. He began his independent career
as a messenger boy for Alexander Mitchell in the old Mitchell Bank,
and remained with that institution for a period of eight years, being
successfully promoted to positions of responsibility and trust. He
became teller in the German Exchange Bank, of which M. von
Baumbach was president and Rudolph Nunnemacher cashier, and
he remained with this institution four years. In 1876 he estab-
lished a wood and coal business, with office and yard at No. 52
Oneida street, corner of River street, and his partner in this enter-
ANTHONY C. EWENS, JR.
BIOGRAPHICAL 291
prise was II. J. I'auly. The firm had three schooners with which
they transported their wood and coal, and they continued the busi-
ness for a number of years, after which Mr. Porth engaged in the
commission business, in which he was employed at the time of his
death, that deplorable event occurring on Feb. 24, 1886. I [e was an
ardent Democrat in his political views, although he never entered
public life in the way of holding office, and socially he was a mem-
ber of the American Legion of Honor, the benevolent Society and
the North Side Turner Society, of which organization he officiated
as president for some time. Mr. Porth was married on Nov. 7,
1876, to Miss Anna M. Pleisch, of Milwaukee, a daughter of Chris-
tian and Rosa (Nunnemacher) Pleisch, and to this union there
were born two children — Erwin J., who is by occupation a book-
keeper, and Irma, who resides at home with her mother. The par-
ents of Mrs. Porth were natives of Switzerland, who migrated to
America in 1843 ar >d settled in Milwaukee, where the father engaged
in the commission business. They were members of St. Mary's
church and (of the Singing Society. Christian Pleisch, the father.
at the breaking out of the Civil War, enlisted as a private in Com-
pany K, Fourth Missouri cavalry. This regiment was formed by
the consolidation of two battalions, known as the Fremont Hussars
and Benton Hussars, each having six full companies, the union
being effected in November, 1862, though the two battalions had
been in existence for about one year. During the fall of 1862 and
the succeeding winter the regiment was under command of General
Davidson in southeast Missouri, forming a part of the expedition
to Batesville. In the spring of 1863 it was ordered to report to
General Rosecrans in Tennessee, but before reaching its destination
was stopped by General Asboth at Columbus, Ky., where it was
attached to the Sixth division. Sixteenth corps. Air. Pleisch con-
tracted yellow fever about this time and died of that dread disease
on Aug. 13, 1863. His wife survived him many years and died in
August, 1889.
Anthony Christian Ewens, Jr., deceased, who was a real estate
dealer and one of the substantial citizens of Milwaukee for a num-
ber of years, was born in Milwaukee on Dec. I, 1868. He was a
son of Anthony C. and Anna (Schuh) Ewens, the former of whom
was born in Germany and the latter in Milwaukee. The father
came to Milwaukee from the Fatherland in 1848 and secured em-
ployment as a mail carrier in the postoffice service. Later, when
the branch offices were stablished, he was made superintendent of
the Twelfth street branch. When he severed that association he
engaged in the real estate business with his now deceased son,
Anthony C, Jr. When the dark cloud of war hovered over the
horizon of national unity Anthony C, Sr., enlisted in the Twenty-
sixth Wisconsin infantry and took a gallant part in the suppres-
sion of the rebellion. Politically he is a Republican, but has never
aspired to public office, and in fraternal matters is identified with
the Wolcott Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Anthony
292 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUXTY
C. EwenSj Jr., the subject of this review, received his educational
advantages in St. Joseph's parochial school, Marquette College and
the Spencerian Business College. His first labor after leaving
school was as office boy with Wheeler's real estate and insurance
office ; then bookkeeper for Richter, Schuber & Dick. This connec-
tion continued until 1895, when, in partnership with his father, he
engaged in the realty business. His thorough methods, his keen
business acumen and his genial, kindly disposition won him many
friends and a large business, and it has never been said by any with
whom Mr. Ewens had business dealings that unfair advantage was
ever taken, nor that he ever was the least trifle dishonest. This
business was successfully conducted by Mr. Ewens until his death,
which occurred on June 16, 1907. In his political relations he was
allied with the Republican party, but despite the urgent solicitation
of his many friends, he never allowed them to use his name in con-
nection with the candidacy for any public office, the pressure of
business affairs being so great that he felt that he could not spare
the leisure necessary to devote to public office. He was a deeply
religious man, and was one of the founders of St. Ann's Catholic
church, of which, for nine years, he was lay secretary. His fra-
ternal relations were with the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic
Foresters and the Alumni Association of Marquette College, and
he was also a member of the Board of Underwriters. On Oct. 2.J,
1891, Mr. Ewens was united in marriage to Miss Rose Meindl, a
daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Lang) Meindl, of Milwaukee.
Mr. and Mrs. Meindl were both born in Germany and came to Mil-
waukee about 1855. The father was foreman of the Charles Swain
Wood & Coal Company's 3'ards for thirty-five years, but retired
some years before his death, which occurred on June 18, 1901. The
mother passed away on April 3, 1906. To Mr. and Mrs. Ewens
were born eight children — Rose, Irene, Edmund, Anthony, Row-
land, Coletta, Waldman and Clara.
Jacob Josten, deceased, was one of the useful citizens of Mil-
waukee, where he followed the business of sign painting and deco-
rating, and evidences of his skill and artistic taste are in evidence
in all parts of the Cream City. He was born in the city that was
the scene of his successful career March 23, 1857, the son of Jacob
and Elizabeth (Berger) Josten, both of whom were natives of
Darmstadt, Germany. The father migrated to the United States in
1850 and first located in the city of Philadelphia, where he con-
ducted a meat market for some time. Selling his business there
he later removed to Milwaukee and was employed as a butcher in
<me of the Layton packing establishments, in which line of work
he continued until the time of his death, that event occurring in
1870. The mother survived until July 3, 1895. They were the
parents of four children, of whom the subject of this review was
the second born, and the names of the others were Charlotte, Mar-
guerite and George. Jacob Josten received his education in the
public schools of Milwaukee, and when about to initiate his inde-
BIOGRAPHICAL 2Q3
pendent career learned the trade of sign painting, in which he was
destined to achieve unqualified success and win more than local
renown. He followed this occupation, together with artistic deco-
rating, all of his active life, and in 1871 opened his place of business
at No. 209 Second street. He built up an excellent business and
gave constant employment to twenty-five or thirty men. Ik- did
all of the decorative work on the St. Francis Seminary building, the
Polish church, the new Majestic Theater building, and many other
public buildings of the city. Mr. Josten departed this life on Aug.
1 (j, [899, and his widow still continues the business established by
her husband, the location now being on State street. The subject
of this review gave loyal support to the time-honored principles of
the Democratic party, but never essayed the role of an office-seeker,
and his religious affiliations were with the St. Joseph Catholic
church. Mr. Josten was married on May 17, [881, to Miss Theresa
Kastenholz, daughter of John and Christina (Schmitz) Kastenholz,
and to this union there were born five children — Charlotte, who is
deceased ; Alice, Theresa, James and Alfred. James is a book-
keeper by profession and Alfred is now a student in Rheude's Busi-
ness College and Drafting School. The parents of Mrs. Josten were
both born in Germany, and the father followed the trade of a car-
penter. In 1852 he came to Milwaukee and continued working at
his trade until about thirty years ago, when he retired. He is still
living at the advanced age of ninety years, and his good wife passed
away on May 11, 1906. The father is an uncompromising Demo-
crat in his political views.
Paul Weise, one of the well-known and popular furniture deal-
ers and house decorators of Milwaukee, was born in West Prussia,
Germany, July 3, 1863. He is the son of John Weise, who was born
and reared there. He was a merchant grocer and continued in this
business in the old country until 1897, when he retired from active
business and came to America to make his home with his children
in Milwaukee. He lived a very quiet retired life after coming to
Milwaukee and died in 1902. Paul was the second of the four chil-
dren born to his parents and received his scholastic training in the
schools of the Fatherland. After finishing his studies he served an
apprenticeship as an upholsterer and decorator, which vocation he
followed in the old country until he was nineteen years of age, but
desired to widen his field of activities and came to the United States
and almost immediately located in Milwaukee. For three years he
worked at his trade, but was not contented to work for others as a
paid employee, and in 1886 started a shop of his own on Albion
street. Under Mr. Weise's skillful management the business has
steadily grown and he now manufactures and handles furniture, car-
pets, shades, draperies and all kinds of house furnishings. In con-
nection with this he runs a vacuum cleaning establishment for
cleaning carpets, draperies, curtains and other perishable house-
hold decorations. The house has twenty-seven thousand square
feet of floor space and a corps of thirty-five employes, and it
2Q4 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
requires three delivery wagons to care for the business. Mr. Weise
was united in marriage with Ida Kaestner, the daughter of Bern-
hardt Kaestner, some years ago. Mrs. Weise's father was a wagon
maker by trade, who emigrated to the United States about 1850 and
located in Mihvaukee, where he carried on the wagon business for
twenty years before he retired to enjoy a respite from the busy life
he had led. His death occurred in 1907. His widow is still living
in Milwaukee, having passed the fourscore years and ten; she is a
heart}", happy old lady. Mr. Weise is a thirty-second degree Mason
and is also a member of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Asso-
ciation and Citizens' Business League.
James Sheriffs, deceased, was a pioneer settler and manufac-
turer of Milwaukee, in which city he spent the greater part of his
life and to which he came when he was 28 years old, becoming
prominent in the iron manufacturing industry in a very short time
thereafter. He Avas born in Banff, the chief town of Banffshire,
Scotland, Sept. 22, 1822, and was early apprenticed to the iron-
makers' trade, his schooling being limited by a desire to take up
mechanical pursuits, impelled by an ambitious and independent
spirit. After serving a four years' apprenticeship at the Banff foun-
dry, where he was taught the trade of molding in all its branches,
he followed the custom of the country and journeyed through Eng-
land, Ireland and France, working in some of the leading shops of
those countries as a journeyman molder. Becoming inspired by
the glowing accounts of the opportunities for success which awaited
young men of enterprise and energy in America, he resolved to
migrate to the United States, and in April, 1848, landed in New
York City. After his arrival in the "land of the free," he traveled
quite extensively over the United States, spending some time in
Detroit, Chicago and St. Louis, before finally deciding to locate in
Milwaukee. His first work in the Cream City was as superintend-
ent of Lee & AValton's establishment, known as the Menomonee
Foundry, which was located on Reed street, where, for many years
afterward, the old Union depot stood. While under his super-
vision this foundry turned out the castings for the first locomotive
in the West. This, locomotive was known as an inside connected
engine, and was built for and used by the Milwaukee & Mississippi
Railroad Company. In 1854, shortly after settling in Milwaukee,
he engaged in business for himself, opening a machine shop and
foundry known as the Vulcan Iron Works, now called the Sheriffs
Manufacturing Company, located at the corner of South Water and
liarclay streets. He operated this establishment as the sole pro-
prietor until the time of his death, that deplorable event occurring
on July 18, 1887, and thus his independent and remarkably success-
ful career covered a period of thirty-three years. On three differ-
ent occasions during that time he suffered the complete loss of his
shop and tools, but with characteristic enterprise he applied him-
self to the task of rehabilitation, and, Phcenix-like, arose from the
ashes of each disaster and soon had his works in operation again.
BIOGRAPHICAL
295
lie devoted his time and energy largely to the building of marine
machinery of all kinds, and in 1876 he became the inventor of what
is known as Sheriffs' propeller wheel for use on all kinds of steam
vessels. Vessels equipped with this wheel are conceded to be supe-
rior to all others for speed and other attainments, and it is used
extensively, not only on the great lakes, hut in all the navigable
waters of the globe. The wheel has a world-wide reputation, and
its invention was a valuable contribution to that branch of the great
industry of transportation which is performed on water. Marine
engines and boilers also formed a large portion of the output from
Air. Sheriffs' establishment. Although never an office-holder, Mr.
Sheriffs was an uncompromising Republican in politics, and was
often tendered official positions, which he always refused. He was.
however, prominently identified with the party work, and on several
occasions served as chairman of the Republican Central committee,
and was an able and forcible public speaker, fie was a prominent
Odd Fellow, being a member of Cream City Lodge, No. 139, and was
also an honorary member of the Marine Engineers' Association, No.
9. He was a leading member and one of the founders of the Han-
over Street Congregational church, of which he was a liberal sup-
porter, and he served as a member of the board of trustees and as
deacon of the same for a number of years. Mr. Sheriffs was mar-
ried on Dec. 6, 1850, at Jericho, Waukesha county. Wis., to Miss
Christina Duncan, who, with six children born to this union, still
survives to honor the memory of a kind husband and indulgent
father. Of these children, Thomas W., the eldest, is the manager,
secretary and treasurer of the Sheriffs Manufacturing Company ;
John H., in the employ of the Hoffman & Billings Manufacturing
Company at Milwaukee; Jennie E., the wife of Fred E. Carrolton ;
James A., of the Locomobile Company, and a resident of Chicago;
Mary A., the wife of John T. Llewellyn, who is the president of the
West Pullman Malleable Iron Company; George D., who is men-
tioned more at length in this review. George D. Sheriffs, the
youngest son of James Sheriffs, and the efficient vice-president of
the Sheriffs Manufacturing Company, was born in the city of Mil-
waukee on Feb. 13, 1869. He received his education in the public
schools of his native city and at the Milwaukee Academy, and
entered upon his independent career as a bookkeeper for John
Dosch & Sons, in which position he remained for a period of two
years. He then commenced an apprenticeship at the machinists'
trade, serving four years in Milwaukee and three years in Glasgow,
Scotland, and thus thoroughly equipped he returned to Milwaukee,
acting for seven years as the secretary and manager of the West-
ern Malleable and Gray Iron Company, at Port Washington. In
1893 ne a ^ so embarked in the sand and gravel business, in which he
still continues, and he is the secretary of the Central Concrete Com-
pany and a stockholder in the Pennsylvania Coal and Supply Com-
pany, a stockholder in the Milwaukee Cement Block Co.. and is also
interested in the real estate and insurance business. In politics
296 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
he gives allegiance to the men and measures of the Republican
party, and he served as a mmber of the board of supervisors in
1906-08, also serving as treasurer of the school board for thirteen
years. His religious affiliations are with the Hanover Street Con-
gregational church, and fraternally he is a member of Excelsior
Lodge, No. 175, Free and Accepted Masons. He is also associated
with the Builders' Club, the Builders' and Traders' Exchange, and
the South Side Civic Association. He was married on June 3, 1896,
to Miss Anna E. Dewey, daughter of Charles C. and Sarah E. (Bev-
ins) Dewey, prominent residents of Milwaukee, and with one son —
Emmet D., who is now a student in the Racine Military College —
the family resides at the corner of Thirty-fifth street and National
avenue, in a beautiful home which Mr. Sheriffs erected in 1905.
Charles C. Dewey, the father of Mrs. Sheriffs, was born in West-
field, Mass., and came to Milwaukee in June, 1836. He was by
trade a harness and saddle maker, and opened the first shop of that
kind in the city. He also built the first brick block on East Water
street. He was married in September, 1830, to Miss Olive Sackett,
who was born in Sandersfield, Mass. To this union there were
born seven children, six of whom are deceased, leaving but one
son, Charles J. Dewey, who is given appropriate mention on another
page of this work. The first wife of Mr. Dewey having died, he
was married a second time in February, 1870, to Miss Sarah A.
Bevins, a native of Pittsfield, Mass., who became the mother of
Mrs. Sheriffs. The father died on Sept. 21, 1887, and the mother
in 1892.
Frank Kempsmith, deceased, was, from 1888 until 1901, the
moving spirit in the Kempsmith Machine Tool Company, an institution
which he established and managed until failing health compelled
his retirement a few years prior to his death. He was born in the
city of Philadelphia, Pa., on May 9, 1848, and was the son of Her-
man and Catherine (Scharp) Kempsmith, both of whom were
natives of Germany. The father, who followed the trade of a
machinist, migrated to America in early life and located in Philadel-
phia, where he held the position of foreman in a loom manufactur-
ing establishment for thirty-eight years, throughout all of his active
career. He died in 1869, and his wife survived until 1887, when
she too passed away. They were the parents of four children —
Herman, Frank, Paul and Amelia. The family were communicants
of the Presbyterian church. Frank Kempsmith received his educa-
tion in the public schools of Philadelphia and began his apprentice-
ship at the machinist trade in the United States arsenal at that
place. At the age of seventeen years he began his independent
career, going first to Springfield, Mass., where he was for some
time employed in a rifle factory, and he worked in other Eastern
shops, including Carvin's, in New York, and Brown & Sharpe's,
being noted for his high skill, good judgment and conscientious
work. From the time he began his mechanical career, at the age
of thirteen years, as a workman at the bench he gained an enviable
lUOGRAPIIICAL 297
standing as a highly skilled machinist and toolmaker. Finally he
came West and was for a time a model maker in the agricultural
shops at Canton. Ohio, and in a branch establishment of the same
firm in Akron. Me then worked in Mansfield, Ohio, for a lime, and
then returned to Philadelphia. Later he again came to Ohio and
accepted the position of superintendent of the shops of Warner &
Swasey at Cleveland, the kick telescope being constructed there
during that time. From there he went to Springfield, ( )hio, and
with two partners started in business building machine tools; but
after a year's stay in that city, in 1888 he removed to Milwaukee,
where by himself he built up the business known as the Kempsmith
Manufacturing Company, originating the milling machines which
are known by his name. His shop was a good one ; he took great
pride in it, and every piece of work turned out had to be up to his
high standard of workmanship. His health failing, in 1901 he sold
his business and lived the remainder of his life in retirement at his
beautiful home which he had built for his family at 382 Eighteenth
avenue, and there he died on April 10, 1904. In the American
Machinist of April 21, 1904, the following tribute is paid to his
memory: "The death of Frank Kempsmith, of Milwaukee, which,
as noted last week, occurred April 10, comes to the editor of this
journal as a personal affliction. To have known him intimately and
f> >r many years and to have been a shopmate of his was a rare privi-
lege. Kempsmith was the kind of man of whom the world never
can have enough ; quiet, unassuming, clean-minded, honorable and
true, he played life's game to the end through all manner of vicissi-
tudes, bearing manfully the most trying bereavements and in the
end grimly facing a death which for years he knew to be inevitable.
The cause of death was sarcoma, on account of which one of his
eyes had to be removed some years ago. * * * A young son who
was especially dear to him and upon whom his hopes were largely
centered fell a victim to Milwaukee's grade crossings, and about
the same time the malady of which we have spoken manifested
itself. Broken in spirit, he sold out his business and retired. After-
ward and for a time he seemed better, gained hope and expressed
a desire to be back at work again, but for some time past his health
had been again declining. At the time of his death he was nearly
fifty-six years old." Mr. Kempsmith was a Democrat in his politi-
cal affiliations, although in local matters he always exercised the
privileges of citizenship by supporting the men he thought best
fitted for the positions sought without regard to party alignment.
He was a member of Lake lodge of the Masonic order, and of the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Mr. Kempsmith was
married on Oct. 6, 1880, to Miss Abbie Rhodes, daughter of William
and Alzoa (Winslow) Rhodes, of Mansfield, Ohio, and to this
union there were born five children : Alzoa, Frank. Winslow, Wal-
ter and Milton. Of these all are deceased but Frank, who resides
with his mother at Milwaukee. The father of Mrs. Kempsmith
was born in Summit county, Ohio, Dec. 8, 1820, and the mother in
298 .MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Saratoga, N. Y., Feb. 3, 1828, the former receiving" his education in
the public schools of his native county, and the latter in the schools
of the city of Cleveland, also attending the seminary at Painesville,
Ohio. At the beginning of his career the father engaged in the
grocery business at Mansfield, Ohio, where he remained nine years,
and then went to California, where he was engaged in the ranching
business for the same length of time. Returning to Mansfield, he
again engaged in the grocery business, continuing so employed
until he retired about two years before his death, that event occur-
ring on March 2, 1886, the mother having passed away on Feb. 16,
1869. The members of the Rhodes family were Baptists in their
religious faith, and the father was a member of the Masonic order
and the I. O. O. F. His political affiliations were with the Repub-
lican party.
Jacob Wurster, deceased, was one of the leading general pro-
duce and commission merchants of Milwaukee, and is remembered
as one of the most successful among Milwaukee's men of affairs
during the past four decades. He was a native of Milwaukee
county, having been born in the town of Greenfield on July 22, 1842,
the son of Adam and Dorothy (Christian) Wurster, both of whom
were natives of Switzerland. The father migrated to the United
States in early manhood and located in the town of Greenfield, Mil-
waukee county, where he became a very successful farmer and was
able to retire several years before his death and live the remainder
of his life in comparative ease and comfort. He was a member of
the Lutheran church, adhered to the Republican party in affairs
political, and the general esteem in which he was held was evi-
denced by the fact that he was called upon to fill at different times
various important official positions in the township. To him and
his good wife there were born five children : Jacob, Mary, David,
Christina and John. Jacob Wurster was educated in the public
schools of the town of Greenfield and at the German-English Acad-
emy in the city of Milwaukee. At the outset of his independent
career, he established a feed store on Reed street, in Milwaukee,
and after continuing in that line of business for several years he
engaged in the elevator business, conducting both establishments at
Nos. 252 and 254 Reed street for a period of more than thirty years.
He became one of the charter members of the Chamber of Com-
merce and continued his association with that institution until the
time of his death, April 4, 1906. In politics he gave a strict adher-
ence to the men and measures of the Republican party, although he
never aspired to official position, and his religious affiliations were
with the St. Stephens' Lutheran church. He was a member of the
Exposition Association and the State Fair Association. Mr. Wur-
ster was married on Nov. 15, 1868, to Miss Amelia Dishinger,
daughter of Alowis and Celia (Harr") Dishinger, prominent resi-
dents of the town of Greenfield, Milwaukee county, and to this
unimi there were born nine children, of whom the following specific
mention is appropriate in connection with this review: Henry L.
BIOGRAPHICAL 299
is a resident of Chicago, where he has a lucrative position as book-
keeper; Charles R. follows the same occupation and also resides in
the cit\ of Chicago; Albert J. resides in Chicago and fills a respon-
sible position in the postoffice ; Elsie resides at home; Arthur !\. is a
bookkeeper and is employed in the city of Milwaukee; Edward
resides in Milwaukee, where he has the position of buyer for the
firm of Shubert & Siller; Walter has a position in the office of the
Wadhams Oil Company; Olga resides in Milwaukee, as does also
Gilbert J., who is in school. The parents of Mrs. Wurster were
born in Wien, Germany, and the father was a farmer by occupation
and at one time held the office of tax commissioner. He came to
the United States in early manhood and first located at Erie, Pa.,
where he followed farming - . Five years later he removed to the
town of Greenfield, Milwaukee county, where he lived the remain-
der of his life, meeting with flattering success as a farmer and retir-
ing about ten years before his death. The mother died in Milwau-
kee. The family were members of the Catholic church, in which
the father held the office of recording secretary for a time. In poli-
tics he affiliated with the Democratic party, but did not aspire to
public office, although he served as member of the school board for
a time. As a young man he served in the insurgent army during
the Revolution in Germany, and it was at the close of that struggle,
in common with many of his compatriots, that he came to America.
The mother w r as a singer of local renown, and for many years sang
in the church choir.
Charles Allen Radcliffe, deceased, who w r as prominently con-
nected with the manufacturing interests of the city, was a native of
Milwaukee, but a Manxman by descent, born July 14, 185 1, the
son of Charles and Eliza (Caine) Radcliffe, both of whom were
born and reared in the Isle of Man. The father w-as a shoe mer-
chant, who immigrated to the United States about 1845 an d located
in Milwaukee, where he engaged in the shoe business for four or
five years. He then w r ent to Sheboygan, Wis., and continued in
the same occupation until his death Nov. 24, 1872. Eliza Caine was
married to Charles Radcliffe May 14, 1846, and bore seven chil-
dren : John T., Elizabeth E., Charles A., Mary Jane, Julia Eliza,
John H. and Thomas G., who w r ere twins. Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffe
were communicants of the Methodist church, of which Mr. Rad-
cliffe was deacon for a number of years in Sheboygan. While
residing in Milwaukee he bought a considerable amount of land on
East Wisconsin street, but sold it before he mewed away from the
city. The mother lived only a few years after the family located
in Sheboygan and passed away Jan. 15, 1859, leaving a saddened
home and motherless children. Charles, Jr., received his educa-
tional advantages in the public schools of Sheboygan and finished a
course in the high school. After graduating he taught school for a
short time in his home town and then came to Mihvaukee in 1869,
and immediately found employment with the Judd-Hiles Sash &
Door Co., and remained with this firm several years. He learned
300 . MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
the business thoroughly and filled various positions of trust. When
the company was reorganized and became the Rockwell Manufac-
turing Co., he was taken into partnership and became known as
one of the progressive and successful manufacturers of Milwaukee.
In 1895 Mr. Radcliffe sold out his interests in the Rockwell com-
pany and went to Chicago, where he started a factory for True &
True, a sash and door company. After this concern was satisfac-
torily established he returned to Milwaukee. The Chicago enter-
prise proved such a success that Mr. Radcliffe was called to Mer-
rill, Wis., within a short time to build and start a factory there.
When this undertaking was completed he returned to Milwaukee.
During his business career he had earned a sufficient competence
to build a beautiful home and he retired from active life to enjoy
during the sunset years, a well-deserved rest. He died March 24,
1899, leaving a widow and four children. On Jan. 9, 1877, he was
united in marriage with Miss Maria Belle, the daughter of Arthur
John and Margaret (Weldon) Dadd, both residents of Milwaukee.
Five children came to brighten their home : Alice Bell, who has a
position in the public library ; Laura Edna, deceased ; Margaret
Eliza, the wife of Joseph Stamm ; Arthur Charles, a pattern maker ;
and Gladys Pearl, deceased. Mrs. Radcliff's parents were both
natives of England, who came to Milwaukee about 1840; her father
was a painter and decorator, who followed this occupation from the
time he located in Milwaukee until his death, June 15, 1877, a t the
age of forty-eight. Mrs. Dadd still lives in Milwaukee, and on
Dec. 24, 1908, she will be seventy-six years old. Mr. Dadd and his
wife were members of the Episcopalian church and the banners
which are preserved at St. Paul's remain as monuments of the for-
mer's work in church decoration. Frederick Layton and Rev. Dr.
Keene erected a tablet to his memory in St. John's church, of which
he was a lo}^al supporter during life. Mr. Dadd was a Republican
in politics. ' As an early settler he belonged to the volunteer fire
department of Milwaukee, Company No. 1. Mr. Radcliffe's political
affiliations were with the Republican party. His fraternal relations
were with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. His death was keenly felt among his large circle of
acquaintances, friends, and by his fraternity brothers. His wife
still resides at 2>77 Nineteenth avenue.
Jacob Dudenhoefer, deceased, was for many years eugaged in
the wholesale wine and liquor business in the city of Milwaukee,
and in that line of endeavor he met with success of the most un-
equivocal order. He was born at Alsheim, a village of Hesse Darm-
stadt, Germany, on May 21, 1842, the son of Conrad and Clara
(Matern) Dudenhoefer, both of whom were also natives of Ger-
many. The father was a farmer and owned a large estate in the
Fatherland, upon which was an extensive vineyard, and there he
and his wife spent their lives, the latter dying at the age of forty-
Four years. They were the parents of five children: Thomas,
Franz, Jacob, Joseph and Anna. Jacob Dudenhoefer received his
BIOGRAPHICAL 301
education in a high school at Darmstadt, Germany, and after serv-
ing an apprenticeship of three years went to Berlin, where he
worked as a dry goods clerk in one of the Royal stores for a period
of three or four years, fie then entered the wholesale wine busi-
ness, in which he remained for a time, after which he came to
America and located at Milwaukee about the year 1869. His first
employment after coming to the Cream City was as a traveling
salesman for the L. Fuldner Company, wholesale wines and liquors,
and he remained in that capacity for a period of twelve years. In
1880 he established a wholesale wine and liquor business for him-
self and continued so engaged until his death, which event occurred
on March 2, 1901. The establishment is located at No. 339 Grove
street and 339 First avenue, and from the beginning it grew very
rapidly until at the present time it is one of the largest places of
business in the city. It is an incorporated concern and is known
as the Jacob Dudenhoefer Company. Mr. Dudenhoerfer gave an un-
swerving allegiance to the principles of the Democratic party, and
his religious faith was expressed by membership in the Trinity
Roman Catholic church. He was also a member of the Old Set-
tlers' Club, the Milwaukee Musical Club, the Ancient Order of
United Workmen, and of the Deutscher Club. The subject of this
review was married on Feb. 18, 1873, to Miss Catherine Lohagen, of
Milwaukee, daughter of Adam and Eva (Feldmann) Lohagen, and
to this union there were born five children, as follws : Lena and
Clara, both of whom reside at home with their mother ; Henry, who
is deceased ; Hedwig, the wife of Emil Langers, of Milwaukee ; and
Elsa, who resides at home. The parents of Mrs. Dudenhoefer were
both born in Westphalia, Germany, where the father was the pro-
prietor of a distillery and brewery. He migrated to America and
located in Milwaukee county in 1847. He owned and operated a
large farm in the town of Lake, where Mrs. Dudenhoefer was born,
and there he died in 1857. The mother afterward moved to the city
of Milwaukee, where she spent the remainder of her life. To these
parents there were born seven children, and Mrs. Dudenhoefer was
the sixth in the order of birth. The family were all faithful mem-
bers of the Catholic church.
Jacob Wellauer, of Wauwatosa, Milwaukee count}". Wis., for
many years one of the prosperous and substantial business men of
Milwaukee, was born in the Canton of Thurgau, Switzerland, on
Nov. 6, 1840. His parents, Henry and Anna (Vetterle) Wellauer,
were natives of the same place, the former having been born on
March 15, 1797, and the latter in 1799. They came to America with
their family July 3, 1849, and settled at Brookfield, Wis. Here Mr.
Wellauer, Sr., bought a farm of eighty acres and was engaged in
farming until 1862. Then, with a reasonable competence, he gave
up the active management of the farm, and spent the remaining
years of his long and useful life in ease and comfort. His death
took place on March 30, T883. His wife, who was the mother of
his seven children, and his devoted helpmate for so many years.
o
02 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
passed away in June, 1872. Of their seven children, Elizabeth,
deceased, was the wife of John Hoffman ; Catharine, deceased, was
Mrs. William Nass; the third child, Henry, is also deceased; Mary,
now residing" at Brookfield, Wis., is the wife of Henry Breu;
Salome, deceased, was Mrs. Kuhn ; Anna, the wife of John Ryf, now
resides in Oshkosh, Wis., and the biography of the seventh child,
the subject of this sketch, follows: Jacob Wallauer received his
education in the public schools of Milwaukee and Brookfield, and
remained on the farm assisting his father until he was twenty-one
years of age. He then went to Oshkosh, Wis., where he spent two
years learning the dairy business. In 1863 he came back to Mil-
waukee, where he engaged in the fancy grocery business. He fol-
lowed this occupation until 1872, and by persistence and industry,
combined with excellent business judgment, succeeded in building
up a lucrative trade, and accumulated considerable money. In the
latter year he gave up the retail branch of his business and devoted
himself exclusively to the wholesale branch of the trade. In addi-
tion to his other extensive business enterprises, he served for ten
years as secretary and vice-president of the Northwestern Woolen
Mills, which grew into a business of large proportions under his
energetic and skillful management ; he was also interested in sau-
sage manufacturing for a number of years. In 1897 he w r as enabled
to retire from active business pursuits, having acquired, by his own
exertions, a handsome competence. Some twenty-five years ago he
bought the fine farm of 160 acres in the town of Wauwatosa, on
which he now resides. He has lavished money on his farm and
has a beautiful home. Here, in the enjoyment of the fruits of a
well-spent life, in which he has built himself a comfortable fortune
through his own industry and ability, and surrounded by every-
thing that makes life pleasant, lie has determined to spend the even-
ing of his life, and can at the same time know that all he has and
is he has earned and become by his personal exertions. He has,
too, that reputation for integrity and unwavering principle which
are of more value than unlimited wealth. He is still hale and hearty
and his face gives no indication of the decay of bodily power, while
his mental faculties retain all the vigor and keenness of his more
active days. Mr. Wellauer is a Protestant in religious matters,
while his wife is a zealous adherent of the Roman Catholic church.
He was married on Nov. 6, 1867, to Miss Anna Hahn, and after the
death of his first wife, without issue, was married a second time,
nn May 11, 1892, to Miss Lena Offermann, daughter of Paul and
Catherine ( Kaldscheidt) Offerman, of Sauk City, Wis. By his lat-
ter marriage he has a daughter and two sons ; the daughter,
Anna, lives at home and is attending school at Holy Angels' Acad-
emy ; the sons. Jacob Henry and Henry Conrad, are also both at
home and going to school. Mr. Wellauer receives great pleasure
from his fraternal associations, and is a member of the Knights of
Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Sons of Her-
mann, and of the Swiss Club. In his private life he is an exemplary
BIOGRAPHICAL 303
husband and father, and in his intercourse with his Eellowmen he is
an affable and courteous gentleman, who enjoys the respect and
esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
Charles M. McLean (deceased), late of Ripon, Wis., where he
was a prominent insurance man and a highly respected citizen, was
horn at Ithaca, N. Y., on Feb. 25, 1818, the son of Harney and
Esther (Godfrey) McLean. His father was a substantial and pros-
perous farmer near Ithaca for many years, who retired from active
life several years before his death. Of his large family of five sons
and four daughters, four are still living - , a son and three of the
daughters. The children in the order of their ages were as follows :
Charles M., the subject of this sketch, who died at Ripon,, Wis.,
June 21, 1886; James, deceased; Madison, a retired farmer, now liv-
ing at Fond du Lac, Wis.; liaise}', deceased; John, deceased, a
veteran of the Civil war; Sarah, deceased, the first wife of Dr. Hath-
away, late of Chicago, 111.; Catharine, widow of Norman Mills,
is now a resident of Tacoma, Wash. ; Elizabeth, the widow of and
the second wife of Dr. Hathaway, above mentioned ; and Adeline,
deceased, who married Gilbert Sherwood, of New York. Charles
M. received an excellent education in the public schools of Ithaca
and at Eastman's Business College, Rochester, N. Y. He began
his business career early in life, being only twenty-one years of
age when he embarked in the foundry business at Morrisville, Mad-
ison county, N. Y. He was a man of vigorous personality and
remarkable industry, and continued in the foundry business for a
period of twenty-five years. During this long period he established
a splendid reputation for business sagacity and sterling probity, a
reputation which he preserved unsullied up to the time of his death.
Some four years after starting in business for himself, on April 24,
1843, ne was married to Miss; Fannie Foster, daughter of Edward
and Sarah (Foster) Husdon, of Syracuse, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs.
McLean were the parents of three children: Charles, who died in
infancy; Charles Albert, now a shoe manufacturer of Chicago, 111.;
and Ida, wife of Adelbert L. Dobbs, paymaster of the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, Milwaukee, with whom the widow
makes her home. Mrs. McLean is still in the enjoyment of good
health, despite her advanced years, and is one of two survivors of
a family of nine children, she being the youngest, to-wit : Philan-
der ; Charles, who died in infancy; Halsey ; Charles; Celina; Sarah,
wife of George Merr, of Norwich, Conn.; Ambrose; Adeline, wife
of Aaron Henderson, of Syracuse, N. Y. ; and Fannie F., the wife
of our subject. Her brother Amhrose is the only other surviving mem-
ber of her immediate family. In 1864 Mr. McLean sold out his
foundry business at Morrisville and came west to Ripon. Wis.
Here he took up the insurance business as the local representative
of the Northwestern Life Insurance Co., a calling in which he was
eminently successful, and which engaged his attention until lie
passed away, in 1886, in his sixty-ninth year. Mr. McLean was a
staunch adherent of the Republican party from the time of the
304 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
birth of that political organization, and represented his ward in
Ripon for two terms as a member of the common council. He was
a sincere and earnest Christian gentleman and a faithful member
of the Baptist church, which ever enlisted his warm support in all
its good works. His charities were large and numerous, though he
was essentially an unostentatious man and preferred to perform
his good deeds in a quiet and unassuming manner. His cordial and
warm-hearted nature and generous disposition gained him a host
of staunch friends, and the lives of many men and women living
to-day are made richer and happier through their former associa-
tion with, and their kindly memories of, the deceased.
Prof. Arthur Price Roberts, No. 404 Van Buren street, Milwau-
kee, Wis., is a widely known and unusually gifted clairvoyant,
whose wonderful psychic powers have been demonstrated time and
again in the most remarkable manner. Mr. Roberts is a native of
Denby, Wales, where he was born on April 20, 1867, the son of
Joseph and Hannah Roberts, both of whom were natives of the
same place. His father was a stonecutter and contractor by occu-
pation. He was a soldier in the army of Great Britian for many
years, and was stationed in Australia during a portion of his term
of service. Upon leaving the. service he returned to his native land
and resumed his former vocation. His wife, who was born at
Denby in 1832, died there some twenty-five years ago, in 1882.
They reared a family of three children, all of whom are living, the
subject of this sketch being the youngest of the family. The elder
of his two sisters, Sarah, is now living in England, and the younger,
Fannie, makes her home in Fargo, N. D. It is an interesting and
rather strange fact, in view of our subject's subsequent marvelous
achievements, that he never attended school a day in his life, and is
to-day neither able to read nor write. When only fourteen years
of age he came to the United States, locating first at Fox Lake,
Wis., where he remained for about eight months, and then went
to Blanchard, N. D., and worked on a farm in that region. While
employed in this capacity, he became aware of his unusual and
remarkable powers of "second sight," and immediately began to
make use of this clairvoyant gift, traveled extensively, and demon-
strated on many occasions his extraordinary ability. After four
years spent in Blanchard and other points in North Dakota, he
located in Minneapolis, Minn., and spent four years in that city.
In 1893 he came to Milwaukee, which has since been his place of
residence. Ever since his strange and wonderful psychic powers
were revealed to him, he has employed them constantly in the
service of his fellowmen ; he has been able to accurately forecast
many disastrous events ; has located for his clients many stolen
articles of great value, and has discovered the whereabouts of many
missing people in the interests of relatives and friends. One of the
most remarkable manifestations of his extraordinary powers was
his ability to accurately foretell the exact outcome of the famous
Harry Thaw trial in New York city, more than a year in advance
THE NEW YORK
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ROBERT B. EBERT
BIOGRAPHICAL 305
of the final judgment of the trial court. His marvelous achieve-
ments have been recounted at length in the press of the country,
and the writers frankly confess that they are unable to explain his
work and power, except to attribute them to the possession of an
abnormally constituted and strangely prescient mind. In Spiritual-
istic circles he is known as a highly gifted and successful medium
and his reputation in this line is becoming greater year by year.
Mr. Roberts was happily married on May 12, 1896, to Mrs. Mary
Horton Mitton, daughter of Joseph and Josephine Wasser, of
Dubuque, la. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have no children, but their
home is a most congenial one. With the exception of the "Wood-
men" fraternal order, Mr. Roberts is not affiliated with any of the
secret societies or fraternal associations.
Robert B. Ebert (deceased), late of Milwaukee, Wis., and
favorably known in banking circles by reason of his long and hon-
orable connection with the Marshall & Ilsley^ Bank, was born at
Hildburghausen, a town of Germany, in Saxe-Meningen, on the
Werra river, June 22, 1838. His parents, John Martin and Chris-
tiana (Schmidt) Ebert, were natives of the same place, the former
being born on June 15, 1807, and the latter on Jan. 15, 1810. John
Martin Ebert brought his family to America in 1855, settling first
at Racine, Wis., where he prosecuted his trade as a cabinet maker
for about a year, and then came to Milwaukee. There he followed
the same vocation up to a short time before his death, which took
place May 9, 1871. He was survived by his widow for many years,
her death taking place April 12, 1895, when she had reached the
advanced age of eighty-five years. Of their four children, only
one, Adelheid, wife of George Balzer, connected with the West
Milwaukee Shops, is now surviving ; the other members of the fam-
ily were Friederica, wife of Henry "Schroeder, of Milwaukee ; Rob-
ert R., the subject of 'this sketch; and Henry, a former resident of
Milwaukee. Robert B. received a good education in the schools of
his native land, and came to the Inited States with his parents
when he was only sixteen years old. He worked at the cabinet
maker's trade with his father for a number of years, and then went
to Madison, Wis., where he entered the employ of the State Bank,
of which the late Samuel Marshall was then president. Mr. Mar-
shall then came to Milwaukee and Mr. Ebert continued with him,
first in the capacity of correspondent, and later was advanced to the
position of paying teller; was afterwards made one of the directors
of the Marshall & Ilsley Bank, and finally, in 1888, became a part-
ner in that strong financial institution. His death, which took place
on Dec. 27, 1900, was not only a severe affliction to his devoted wife
and children, but was a great loss to the bank he had served so long
and so efficiently. His standing in the banking and business world
was of the very highest. His judgment on financial matters was
sound and conservative, and his natural vigorous mind, ripened bv
years of experience and close application to the details of his work,
constantly rendered his services more and more valuable. He was
20
306 .MEMOIRS 0*F MILWAUKEE COUNTY
extremely popular with his business associates, who respected and
admired him both for his financial and business abilities, and also
for his high worth as a man and citizen. He was of blameless pri-
vate life, a loving' husband and father and an earnest and sincere
Christian gentleman. His political affiliations were with the Re-
publican party, though he was a man of marked independence in his
views on public questions, and always held men and measures su-
perior to mere party fealty. He served for a number of years as a
member of the Board of School Commissioners, representing the
Sixth ward of the city. He was a lifelong and faithful member of
the German Lutheran church and a liberal supporter of the same in
all its good works. Mr. Ebert was married on Aug. 18, 1862, to
Miss Albertina Maurer, who was born in Schaffhausen, Switzerland,
dauo-hter of Albert Maurer, a resident of Madison, Wis. Her moth-
er's maiden name was Katherine Sorg. Both her parents are now
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ebert were the parents of ten children, of
whom all except two are still living, to-wit : M. Daniel, a book-
keeper in Milwaukee ; Gustave A., employed as a bookkeeper in
the Marshall & Ilsley Bank, Milwaukee ; Frieda, who lives at
home with her mother; Carl F., chief hospital steward in the na-
val service, U. S. S. S. "Dakota"; Emily D., wife of Louie Esser,
Milwaukee ; Marie, who died in infancy ; Robert, now deceased ; Ern-
est, who is now stationed at Monterey, Cal., where he is connected
with the dispensary department U. S. Army; Clara, wife of Ray-
mond Hutchings, employed as operator on the private leased wire
of the Milwaukee Free Press; and Walter R., who is still at home
with his mother. Mr. Ebert was essentially a home-loving man,
and ever found his chief comfort and surcease from the cares of
business in the family circle. With his domestic tastes it is not
surprising that he took only slight interest in the various fraternal
societies and business and social clubs of the city ; he was, however,
a zealous member of the Masonic Order, to which he had belonged
for many years.
Patrick Phillips (deceased), late of Milwaukee, and one of the
honored veterans of the Civil war, was born at Kilkenny, County
Kilkenny, Ireland, on May 6, 1839. He was the son of Robert and
Marguerite (Broderick) Phillips, natives of England, and was one
of a family of four brothers and one sister. His father, who was a
miller, never came to the United States, and died in Ireland when he
was but fifty-two years of age. Our subject, after attending school
for a number of years in Ireland, learned the trade of miller with
his father, and when he was twenty-one years old, decided to come
to America in search of larger opportunities. He arrived in this
country in i860, settling at Appleton, Wis. Shortly after the Civil
war broke out and the young man was fired with all the patriotic
ardor and military enthusiasm of the hour. He promptly enlisted,
on Oct. 14. i86t. in the Ninth battery, Wisconsin light artillery,
from Appleton, and was mustered into service as corporal on Jan.
27. [8^2. for four years' service. He served with his battery, known
BIOGRAPHICAL 307
as the "Randall Battery," throughout the war. I lis command per-
formed duty, mostly by sections, in the far West, performing garri-
son duty at f«>rts in New -Mexico, Colorado and Kansas. Our
subject was frequently employed in escorting supply trains and
U. S. mail coaches, and also participated in numerous expeditions
againsl the hostile Indians of t lie plains. During his long and ardu-
ous term of service with his battery he marched man}- thousands of
miles, and was called upon to endure the severest kind of hardships.
He was finally mustered out and honorably discharged from the
service at Fort Leavenworth, Kas., on Jan. 26. 1865. Upon severing
his connection with the army Mr. Phillips came to Milwaukee.
where he was identified with the milling industry for many years,
and held responsible positions in several of the largest mills in the
city. His health finally became seriously impaired, and he was
forced to desist from active work. His death took place on March
7. 1882, in the forty-third year of his life, and he was interred at Cal-
vary Cemetery. His premature death, while still in the prime of
life, was a severe shock to his loving wife and their four young chil-
dren. On June 27, 1867, he had been united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth, daughter of Patrick and Bridget (Kenney) O'Neil, resi-
dents of Burlington, Wis. Their four children have since grown
to maturity and all are still living. Robert W. holds a responsible
position with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Co. ;
Frank A. lives at home with his mother, and is an insurance under-
writer; and the two younger children, Mary and Patrick J., also live
at home. Mr. Phillips was a stanch Republican in politics during
life, though he did not aspire to public office, and was content to give
his support to the best measures and men in the interest of the pub-
lic welfare. He was a member of the Catholic church, and a faith-
ful attendant on St. John's cathedral, Milwaukee, and died in the
faith. He was a devoted husband and father, a courteous Christian
gentleman and possessed a large circle of warm friends, who sin-
cerelv mourned his early demise.
Emil J. Koepnick (deceased), late of 2708 Chestnut street,
Milwaukee, Wis., who was associated for nearly a quarter of a cen-
tury with the well-known firm of wholesale grocers, Wm. Stein-
meyer & Co., was a native of the city in which he spent his whole
life. He was born on May 3T, 1861, the son of John and Loise
(Klose) Koepnick, his father being a native of Berlin, Germany,
where he was born on July it, 1842, and his mother being a native of
Breslau, Germany. John Koepnick came to Milwaukee at a very
earl)- day, and was living there at the outbreak of the Civil war. I le
is one of the honored veterans of that momentous struggle, during
which he rendered gallant service as a member of the splendid fight-
ing regiment known as the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin infantry. This
was one of Wisconsin's fine German regiments, and was organized
at Camp Sigel, Milwaukee, in August, 1862, and mustered into the
United States service for three years, on Sept. 17. 1862. Mr. Koep-
nick went out as a private in Company A and served continuously at
308 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
the front until the close of the war. He shared in all the many hard
battles and campaigns of his veteran regiment, and was under fire
for the first time at the bloody battle of Chancellorsville, where the
regiment lost 177 killed, wounded and missing in two days of fight-
ing. He was again heavily engaged on the glorious field of Gettys-
burg, where the command again behaved most gallantly, being un-
der the temporary command of Gen. Carl Schurz. Later he fought
at Missionary Ridge, and marched with Sherman's veteran army on
the famous Atlanta campaign, engaging the enemy at Resaca, Dal-
las, Kenesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek and siege of Atlanta, be-
sides numerous other sharp engagements. He then took part in
Sherman's "march to the sea", in the operations around Savannah
and closed his period of active service with the campaign through
the Carolinas in 1865, engaging at the battle of Averasboro, and at
Bentonville. He was one of the war-worn veterans who marched to
Washington, D. C, in May, 1865, and there took part in the Grand
Review of the Union armies. Our subject, who first saw the light
of dav amid the early mutterings of the great strife, was of course
too young to have any vivid recollection of those bloody four years,
in which his father took so gallant a part. The career of his honored
sire, was, however, always a source of great pride to him, and he was
a prominent and enthusiastic member of the patriotic organization
known as the Sons of Veterans. Our subject received his education
in the Grace church parochial school, and in the public schools of
[Milwaukee. When a lad of only seventeen years of age, he started
out to earn his own living, entering the employ of Wm. Steinmeyer
& Co., whose trusted and efficient employe he remained up to the
time of his death, which occurred on Oct. 29, 1901. About the year
1890 his ability and efficient services to the company received fitting
recognition, and he was taken into the firm, and thereafter was
given charge of the order department. The company did an enor-
mous business, and Mr. Koepnick was a complete master of the
details of his own department, and materially aided in building up
and increasing the volume of the firm's trade. In politics he was a
lifelong Republican, in which party principles he firmly believed, but
he never sought public preferment on his own behalf, and was content
to perform his simple duty as a citizen. In religious belief he was
affiliated with the German Lutheran denomination, and was a faith-
ful attendant of Grace church. He was married on March 5, 1882, to
Miss Jennie, daughter of John and Jennie (Miller) Janzer, a promi-
nent German family of Cedar Lake, Wis. Mr. Janzer was a native of
Darmstadt, Germany, where he was born Feb. 29, 1824. He was a
carpenter by trade, and coming to America in very early life, he
followed his trade with success in this country. Mr. and Airs. lanzer
reared a large family of children, all but two of whom are now living.
The oldest child, Mary, is now the wife of Wenzel Hron, of West
Bend ; Martin is in business at Richfield, Wis. ; Josephine is the wife
of Christ Frank, of Lee Summit, Kas. ; Jennie, our subject's widow,
resides at the old home; George, a resident of West Bend; Theresa
BIOGRAPHICAL 309
is the wife of John Timmer, of Milwaukee. Katherine and Bernard
are deceased, the former having died in infancy. Besides the widow,
Mr. Koepnick left surviving' him three children, to-wit : Regina, who
is now the wife of Dr. William Teich, of Milwaukee; Cora, the wife
of Wm. C. Morgenroth, of Milwaukee, and Edna, who lives at home
with her mother.
George Irving Jones, deceased, for many years a prominent
and influential business man of Milwaukee, was born in New York-
city, on Feb. 10, [836, the son of Charles and Mary Eliza (Honay)
Jones. His parents were both natives of New York, his father being
born in i8o<;, died in 1847; his mother was born in 181 1, died in
1886. Charles Jones was a broker and a lawyer of prominence, with
offices in Wall street. New York city. Of his six children, the two
youngest, George I. and Joseph, are dead; Mary Elitta McCrath lives
in New York ; Johanna Louisa Cooper is a resident of Philadel-
phia, Penn. ; two other sons, William H. and Charles P. also still
survive. George L, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the
public schools of New York city, and was for a number of years
identified with the commission business in New York, being with the
firm of Lees & Waller. He came west to Milwaukee in 1861, and
did a large commission business on Erie street for about a dozen years.
He then, in the early seventies, embarked in the meat packing busi-
ness, which engaged his attention for several years. In 1882 he
went to Dakota to reside, and returning in 1888 he went to Wash-
ington, D. C. The later years of his life were spent in retirement at
Riverdale, Md., where he died on June 27, 1903, in the sixty-eighth
year of his life, and his remains now rest in Forest Home cemetery,
Milwaukee. He was an adherent of the Republican party in politics,
from the time that organization was formed, but never sought or held
public office. He was a zealous member of the Episcopal church
and an earnest church worker for many years. He attended in Mil-
waukee St. Paul's church, of which he was a vestryman, and super-
intendent of the Sunday school. He was a liberal supporter of his
church in its many charities, and was a man of sincere and exalted
faith. He was married on Oct. 20, 1863, to Miss Mary Weeks,
daughter of Dr. Lemuel and Mary (Sands) Weeks, prominent pio-
neer residents of Milwaukee, and their union was blessed with three
children : Mary S., wife of O. W. Greenslade, president of the
Greenslade Foundry Company, of Milwaukee ; the Rev. Horace Jones,
and Irving A. Jones, deceased. The two first named, together
with their mother, are still living. Mrs. Jones' father was a native
of Hardwick, Vt., and her mother was a native of the State of Maine.
Her father, the son of a farmer, secured an excellent education
through his own efforts and industry. After pursuing a full academic
course, he entered upon the study of medicine at Castleton, N. Y.. and
in due time he graduated with the degree of M. D. After being
admitted to the practice, he located for a time in Ticonderoga, N. Y.,
and in 1836 made the long journey west to Milwaukee with his
family, traveling by stage and horseback via Chicago. Abandoning
the practice of medicine, he embarked in the grain business, and built
310 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
a number of the largest grain warehouses in Milwaukee. He also
dealt extensively in real estate, of which he was a large holder. He
retired from active business with an ample competence a few years
before his death. In addition to his other business enterprises, Mr.
Weeks did an extensive dairy business, and took great pride in con-
ducting the same in the most improved and up-to-date manner. He
was the first man to make practical use of the ensilage system for the
preservation of green fodder.
Fred W. Mueller, proprietor of one of the most modern green-
houses in the state, was born at Falkenburg, in the province of
Pomerania, Germany, on Sept. 19, 1862. He is a son of Henry A.
and Johanna (Goehj) Mueller, both natives of Falkenburg. The
father was a woolen goods manufacturer in his native land, in which
capacity he labored until he came to the United States in 1885. From
that year until 1907, when he retired from active participation in
business affairs, he was in the employ of the city of Milwaukee. He
and wife now make their home on Garfield avenue. He is the
father of two sons and a daughter. Fred W. Mueller, the subject of
this memoir, received his educational training in the public schools
and under the preceptorship of a private tutor in Germany. At the
age of seventeen years he became an employe of his father in the
woolen goods factory, and after he had served his apprenticeship and
mastered the trade he worked at it in various factories in different
parts of the Fatherland. He has always been a great reader, and after
absorbing the contents of all the books on America which he could
obtain he became imbued with the desire to locate in this country.
In 1882, before he had reached his twentieth birthday, he was enabled
to fulfill that desire and came direct to Milwaukee. Being short of
funds he was willing to do almost anything that would furnish him a
livelihood. For a time he worked in a brick yard and then for two
years worked in the pineries in Michigan. While there he contracted
malarial fever and returned to Milwaukee. When he had sufficiently
recovered he found employment with J. H. Landwehr, with whom he
remained two years. Then he became associated with Robert Schilling
in the newspaper business as local editor, and at the time Mr. Schill-
ing disposed of his interests by sale, was the manager. He then
became advertising agent for the Milwaukee Herold and remained
with that publication until 1895. In that year, with Henry D.
Hummel, he embarked in the realty business, dealing in insurance
and mortgages also. Ten years later he severed this connection to
again enter the newspaper business at Watertown, Wis., but he re-
mained there only one year. On his return to Milwaukee he and
William R. Schroeder engaged in the floricultural business. His
knowledge of the art he acquired by extensive reading and practical
application whenever it was possible. The firm was incorporated in
'. with Mr. Schroeder as president. Miss Ottilia Mueller as vice-
president and Mr. Mueller as secretary and treasurer. The green-
houses, in which many thousands of flowers bloom weekly, are located
at West Twenty-fourth and Pease streets. Mr. Mueller is not allied
with any of the existing political parties, preferring to exercise his
BIOGRAPHICAL 3 I I
right of franchise as his judgment dictates rather than be bound by
party ties. His religious relations are with the Lutheran church. He
has been the victim of numerous accidents, all of which might
have resulted fatally. Several times he lias narrowly escaped drown-
ing, and recently, while he and his son were riding on a street car
they were in a wreck which injured both of them. Fraternally Mr.
Mueller is prominently identified with the Free and Accepted Masons
and the Knights of Pythias. In the former organization he is a mem-
ber of Wisconsin Lodge. No. 13; Kilbourn chapter. No. 1; Kilbourn
council, Wisconsin consistory ; and a noble of the Mystic Shrine.
( )n Oct. 27, 1887, occurred Mr. Mueller's marriage to a daughter
of Carl and Christina ( Blowel) Justus, of Milwaukee. Five children
have been the issue of this marriage: Gustav, Bertha, Ottilia,
Arthur, and Lydia, all living at home.
Gustav Frederick Baermann, a prominent landscape gardener
and florist of Milwaukee, was born in Gelzow, Germany, on Feb. 17,
1870, a son of Robert and Bertha (Bishop) Baermann. The parents
are both native Germans who came to the United States in 1887
and located near Montague, Mich., where the father is still managing
a farm. There were seven children in the family, of whom but three
survive. Gustav F. Baermann, the subject of this review, received
the scholastic training afforded by the German schools. At the age
of sixteen he became apprenticed to a landscape gardener and florist.
When he had mastered the art he migrated, in 1887, with his parents
to America, and became employed as gardener and florist for Frank
White at Montague, Mich. He remained in Montague till 1889;
from then until 1891 was employed in a cemetery in Menomonee,
Mich., and in the last named year came to Milwaukee.
Here he secured employment with Curry Brothers, and
later for two years was the florist at Washington Park.
In 1900, in partnership with John G. Heitman, he em-
barked in the floristry business under the firm name of Heitman
& Baermann, with greenhouses in the town of Wauwatosa. Owing
to his habits of industry and thrift and his sterling integrity the
enterprise has been a success from its inception and at the present
time does a large and flourishing business. In politics he is not allied
with any of the existing political parties, preferring to exercise his
own judgment in the use of his right of suffrage rather than be
bound by party ties. His religious relations are with the German
Lutheran church, and professionally and socially he is identified
with the Florists' Club and the Lutheran Mutual' Aid Society. On
Nov. 19, 1893, Mr. Baermann was united in marriage to Miss Bertha
Altenburg. of Milwaukee, a daughter of William and Albertina
( Broecker) Altenburg. The children horn to this union are namely:
Walter, Robert, Helmuth, Godhardt, Esther. Lydia, Erich, Eleanor
and Bruno, all living at home.
Gustav Adolph Pohl, a florist of well-known ability, was born in
San Francisco, Cal., on Feb. 24, 1869, a son of Oliver and Marie
(Dahlstrom) Pohl. Both parents were born in Hamburg, Germain-,
where the father was a machinist by trade, a vocal inn which kept
him occupied all his life. Shortly after his marriage he went to
312 MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY
China and found employment there, but after a short residence there
came to the United States, and located in San Francisco. Some
time later he left San Francisco for Germany, the wife and children
also returning to the Fatherland. The father secured employment on
the steamship Vorsetjen as ship's machinist, and when that vessel was
lost at sea the widow with her four chilldren, in 1888, returned to the
United States and she now makes her home with a daughter in
Milwaukee. Gustav A. Pohl, the subject of this review, received
his scholastic advantages in San Francisco and Hamburg, Germany.
While still a resident of the latter country he became apprenticed to
a florist and thoroughly mastered every branch of the industry. After
coming to Milwaukee with his mother, in 1888, he became an employe
of one of the largest greenhouses in the city and later for some two
years was head florist in a large Chicago establishment. On his return
to Milwaukee he embarked in the business under his own name.
Starting with no capital to speak of except habits of thrift and indus-
try and sterling honesty Mr. Pohl made the venture a success from
the start. The patronage has grown rapidly and the concern is to-day
one of the best paying businesses in the Cream City. In politics he
is allied with the Republican party, but has never been an aspirant
for public office. His religious relations are with the Lutheran
church. On March 18, 1905, occurred Mr. Pohl's marriage to Miss
Olga Dramm, of Milwaukee. They have no children. Mr. Pohl
devotes all his time to his business, but finds leisure to participate
in the meetings and discussions of the Florists' Club.
Walter S. Droppers, the secretary of the Galland-Henning
Pneumatic Malting Drum Company, was born in Milwaukee, Feb. 7,
1871. He is of good Dutch descent, the father, John D. Droppers, Sr.,
having been born in Winterswyk, Holland, and the mother, Gertrude
(Boijink) Droppers, in Aalten, Holland. The mother came to this
country in 1846, and the father, direct to Milwaukee, the following
year. The former passed away on Feb. 21, 1878, and the latter on
April i8. 1906. Walter S. Droppers, the subject of this memoir,
received his preliminary education in the Milwaukee public schools
and completed his scholastic labors by a course in the state normal
school. He had mapped out for himself a career as a lawyer, but
after five years of labor in the legal field he determined to seek
other employment, and became associated with the Galland-Henning
Pneumatic Malting Drum Company. He began his labors at the
lowest round of the ladder, but by close application to duty he was
promoted step by step until in May, 1904, at the annual meeting of the
company he was made the secretary, a position which