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COMMEMORATIVE
I)
BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
OF THE COUNTIES OF
Brown, Kewaunee and Door,
WISCONSIN,
CONTAINING
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT AND REPRESENTATIVE
CITIZENS, AND OF MANY OF THE EARLY SETTLED FAMILIES.
-ILLUSTRATED.
C|iICAGO:
J. H. DEERS & CO.
1895,
rmoH THI FMMR OT WtUON, HUMFtUUri « CO..
rOVBTH n-., LOOAKSrOKT, tKD,
Prekacb.
THE importance of placing in book form biographical history of representative
citizens — both for its immediate worth and for its value to coming generations
— is admitted by all thinking people; and within the past decade there has
been a growing interest in this commendable means of perpetuating biography
and family genealogy.
That the public is entitled to the privileges afforded by a work of this nature
needs no assertion at our hands; for one of our greatest Americans has said that the
history of any country resolves itself into the biographies of its stout, earnest and
representative citizens. This medium, then, serves more than a single purpose:
while it perpetuates biography and family genealogy, it records history, much of
which would be preserved in no other way.
In presenting the Commemorative Biographical Record to its patrons, the
publishers have to acknowledge, with gratitude, the encouragement and support their
enterprise has received, and the willing assistance rendered in enabling them to sur-
mount the many unforeseen obstacles to be met with in the production of a work of
this character. In nearly every instance the material composing the sketches was
gathered from those immediately interested, and then submitted in type-written form
for correction and revision. The volume, which is one of generous amplitude, is
placed in the hands of the public with the belief that it will be found a valuable addi-
tion to the library, as well as an invaluable contribution to the historical literature of
Northeastern Wisconsin.
THE PUBLISHERS.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
ARTIN, HON. MOR-
GAN LEWIS, *was
"one of the most
conspicuous and dis-
tinguished among the
aand of pioneer settlers
who early gave a nation-
al reputation to Wiscon-
sin. " He was mainly
instrumental — chiefly by
his influence in both Sen-
ate and Congress — in se-
curing the Fox River Val-
ley improvement, and his name
^^ is indissolubly linked with the
early history of a great portion of north-
ern Wisconsin.
Judge Martin, for by that title he is
more generall)- referred to, came of good
lineage, the family being of eminence and
antiquity in Hertfordshire, England, and
Tours, France. The name of his imme-
diate ancestor, Thomas Martin, is borne
on the list of colonists who emigrated to
America in 1693, and he became one of
the proprietors of the Ockoocangansett
plantation in Marlborough, Mass., land
* For much of the personal sketch of Judge Martin we
are indebted to "Reminiscences of Morg.in L. Martin. 1827-
1887." edited and annotated, with biographical sketch, by
Reuben G Thwaites. Secretary State Historical Society of
Wisconsin. — Ed.
having been granted him there. Aaron
Martin, his grandson (son of Adam, who
died April 25, 17 16), born January 21,
171 2, was in Salem, Mass., where the
colonists first settled, the Martins a few
years later moving to Sturbridge, in that
State, where the original homestead was
built, and which is still in a fair state of
preservation. This Aaron Martin, who
was the great-grandfather of Morgan
Lewis Martin, was one of the first manu-
facturers in New England, holding large
domains of land on the various river
courses; and, while yet in middle life, was
drowned in one of his own mill streams,
the Quenebang river, when crossing over
to the mill on a cold March morning.
Adam Martin, his son, who was born
August 5, 1 7 16, owned, in 1763, a valua-
ble estate, with water power and sawmills.
He was an officer in the Provincial army
during the French and Indian wars, sub-
sequently captain in a Massachusetts regi-
ment during the Revolution, his commis-
sions dating April 24, 1770, and August
17. '797. respectively. Like his father,
from whom he inherited extensive landed
property, he was largely interested in
lumber, woolen and grain mills in Lewis
county, N. Y. , whither he had emigrated
at an early day, while the country was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.
yet a wilderness. He purchased a town-
ship in Lewis county (which was named
after Governor Morgan Lewis, of New
York), naming the chief town "Martins-
burg," after himself.
His only son, Walter, father of Hon.
Morgan L. Martin, while yet a young
man, came into the inheritance, and was
considered the patron of northern New
York. While yet a lad he served under
his father in 17S8, and at the close of the
war of 181 2 Col. Martin was commis-
sioned by Gov. George Clinton, of New
York, quartermaster No. i of militia
in which his father had been commis-
sioned lieutenant-colonel. These com-
missions are still intact, the heading of
Col. Walter Martin's reading as fol-
lows: "The People of the State of New
York, by the grace of God free and inde-
pendent, to Walter Martin, gentleman,
greeting."
Morgan Lewis Martin, son of Gen.
Walter Slartin, was born in Martinsburgh,
Lewis Co., N. Y., March 31, 1805. In
1824 he graduated from Hamilton Col-
lege, at Clinton, N. Y., and for two years
he studied law with Collins & Parish in
Lowville, N. Y. In 1826 he went to
Detroit (then the chief city of the North-
west), where he entered the law office of
Henry S. Cole, and was soon afterward
admitted to the bar. But he did not
long remain in Detroit, for in May, 1827,
acting under the advice of his cousin,
James Duane Doty — who was then seek-
ing to have the Territory of Huron erected
by Congress, with Green Bay as the seat
of government — he took up his home in
Green Bay, and here resided until his
death which occurred December 10, 1887
— a most interesting period of si.\ty
years.
Judge Martin landed in Green Bay
May 20, 1827, the voyage from Detroit
having been made on the "La Grange,"
a chance sailer, loaded with provisions
for the garrison at Fort Howard, and
having on board several army officers,
among whom were Brig-Gen. Hugh
Brady and Paymaster Maj. Benjamin F.
Larned. Of the civilians, who were also
passengers un the "La Grange," was
Father Fauvel, the first of his Church, it
is said, to land in Green Bay after the
close of the early missions. At Shanty
Town, in those da\s the commercial em-
porium of the Bay Settlement, our sub-
ject established his law office, which con-
sisted of a room in a story-and-a-half
frame building occupied by a branch of
the Ducharme family. At that time there
were not more than one hundred ci\ ilians
at the Bay Settlement, in the main con-
sisting of French and mixed-blood • ' voy-
ageurs," and Indians of various tribes —
Pottawattamies, Ottawas, &c. — were
numerous. There were a few clearings
and cultivated fields surrounding the set-
tlement, Lawe, Porlier and Grignon be-
ing the leading agriculturists, the latter
having, probably, the most pretentious
farm, which same was located at the
Kaukauna rapids, on the north side, be-
low the present city of Kaukauna.
In 182S Judge Martin took a canoe
voyage from Green Bay to Prairie du
Chien, up the Fox river and down the
Wisconsin, and enjoyed a very interesting
experience. The year before had occur-
red the Winnebago outbreak at Prairie
du Chien, and the murderer Red Bird
and his friends were now to be tried at a
special term of court. Judge Doty had
appointed our suliject United States dis-
trict attorney, /;•<' hm, hence the latter's
presence with the judicial party. On his
arrival at Prairie du Chien he met Lucius
Lyon (whom he had previously known in
Detroit), at that time a United States sur-
veyor, who had just completed his survey
of the private French land claims there,
and our subject finding that, after all,
his services in the Red Bird case would
not be needed, he and L\on planned to
make a tour through the lead mines.
"There were no maps of this country
then," writes Judge Martin, "but Lyon
had a small pocket compass with him,
and took the courses and distances of the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
Fox-Wisconsin route, and made the iirst
approximately correct map of that water
highway; later, on my return from Galena
to Prairie du Chien, I did the same for
the Mississippi; we then put our notes to-
gether and gave the result to a prominent
eastern map-maker who adopted it as part
of the geography of the country. It was
published in 1829 or 1830, and was the
first real map of the country between
Green Bay and Galeua. I was much
gratified, afterward, to see that later
official surveys of the Mississippi corres-
ponded exactly with mine. Lyon and I
started down the Mississippi from Prairie
du Chien on a very primitive sort of
steamer; there were two vessels like
Mackinaw boats, with a platform between
and a shed built on that — it was, in fact,
a steam catamaran. During the entire
time court was in session at the Prairie,
we staid at Galena, and then Judge Doty
and Rowland came down and joined us
there. After a few days, Lyon and I went
on what was then a decidedly novel trip,
an expedition through the mining region
north of Galena," which they found over-
flowing with prospectors, miners, and a
certain nondescript class that might be
catalogued as "camp followers," in all
fully two thousand men. After their in-
spection of the mining country, the party
returned home from Galena the way they
had gone, meeting with no special ad-
venture.
In the spring of 1829, in company
with Wistweaw, a Menomonee Indian,
and Alexander Grignon, a young half-
blood Menomonee, as assistants. Judge
Martin and Judge Doty, starting from
Green Bay on horseback, traversed the,
up to that time little known, region south
of the Fox and Wisconsix rivers, and are
believed to have been the first party to
make the trip by land between the ex-
treme outposts of this section — Green
Bay and Prairie du Chien. At the latter
place Judge Doty held a term of court,
and Judge Martin officiated as United
States district attorney, pro teni. Their
return trip was also by overland, but with
some change of trail, and on both jour-
neys they were greatly struck with the
beauty of the lake country and its adapta-
bility for becoming the abode of civilized
life. They passed along the north bank
of Fourth lake, where eight years after-
ward, in 1836, Judge Martin laid out the
" City of the Four Lakes," and the coun-
try they traversed on this novel journey
was (in the words of Judge Martin him-
self), "after reaching a distance of thirty
miles from Green Bay, more charming
than any we had ever beheld, with its ex-
tensive oak openings and almost unlimited
prairies. There was not, however, a
trace of occupancy or any indication that
it had ever before been traversed by white
men."
In October, 1829, the first public
meeting in the history of Green Bay was
held there, Louis Grignon being chair-
man, and Judge Martin, secretary. Con-
gress was petitioned to build a road from
Green Bay to Chicago, and also to im-
prove the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. In
1833 the Judge paid his first visit to Mil-
waukee, while on a horse-back tour of
exploration, on which occasion he was
accompanied by Daniel Le Roy and P.
B. Grignon, and as far as Fond du Lac
their course lay on the same trail our sub-
ject and Judge Doty had made in 1829.
After that they struck southeast to the
shore of Lake Michigan, following it
closely until the Milwaukee river was
reached. At their destination they met
Solomon Juneau, the trader, whose home
was the " old trading house," and he and
Judge Martin became fast friends, their
business relations continuing many years
— in fact they were joint owners of the
original plat of Milwaukee; and such con-
fidence had they in each other, that no
written memorandum of the terms of
their partnership was ever made between
them; yet at the end of three years ac-
counts between them were adjusted, and
" property valued at hundreds of thous-
ands divided with as little difficulty as
lO
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL liECOHD.
you would settle a trifling store bill," the
Judge's own words. Such in brief is an
outline of the life of Judge Martin as a
pioneer of northern Wisconsin; and the
earl}- history of the city of Green Bay, as
well as of the entire Fox Kiver Valley, is
so intervolved with the active period of
his life, that a record of the one is essen-
tially a record of the other.
From the "Reminiscences" we ex-
cerpt the following, illustrative of the
earlv efforts toward the improvement of
the Fox-Wisconsin river highway, an im-
portant feature in the development of
this portion of the State. The statement
is substantially in the Judge's own words:
•'The first movement by the general gov-
ernment toward the improvement of the
Fox-Wisconsin river highway — with a
view to making a continuous line of navi-
gation from Lake ^fichigan to the Missis-
sippi river — was made in 1839, while I
was in the Territorial council. Capt.
Thomas J. Cram, of the topographical
engineers, made, under the direction of
the War Department, a preliminary sur-
vey of the rivers and an estimate of the
cost of their improvement. In 1846,
while a delegate in Congress, I secured,
by dint of very hard work, the passage of
an Act (approved August 8) making a
grant of land to the State, upon its ad-
mission into the Union, for the improve-
ment of the Fox river alone, and the build-
ing of a canal across the portage between
the two rivers. The grant covered every
odd- numbered section within three miles
of the canal, the river and the lake, en
route from the portage to the mouth.
When the second Constitutional Conven-
tion was held, this proposition on the
part of Congress was endorsed, and, at
the first session of the State Legislature,
the latter body passed an Act, approved
August 8, 1848, appointing a board of
public works consisting of five persons
and providing for the improvement of the
river. * * * On January i, 1851, the
board reported to the Legislature that
the work would have to stop unless some
device for a more rapid sale of land could
be originated, ^^'hile the affair was in
this condition, I made a proposition to
the Legislature, through Gov. Dewey, to
do the work from Green Bay to Lake
Winnebago, except what the board of
public works had finished or was already
under contract for. The board had dug
the canal at Portage, before there was
any steam navigation possible on the
Lower Fox. * * * The Legislature of
1 85 1 accepted my proposition, and I
went to work with about five hundred
men, commencing at Kaukauna. Oper-
ations were carried on throughout that
season, along the entire distance from
Green Bay to Lake Winnebago." The
Improvement Company went on with the
work until 1856, in which year the first
boat, the "Aquilla," passed through the
works — from Pittsburg to Green Bay.
From 1 83 1 to 1835 Judge Martin was
a member of the legislative council of
Michigan Territory, and from 1838 to
1 844 he was one of the Territorial council
of Wisconsin. In 1845-47 he represented
his Territory in Congress with marked
abilit}'; was president of the State Con-
stitutional Convention of 1847-48, and
both in the chair and on the floor was
one of the guiding spirits of the body
which framed the charter under which
the Commonwealth of Wisconsin still
operates. In 1855 he was elected a
member of the State Assembly, and three
years later was sent up to the Senate.
Throughout the entire period of the Civil
war he served as an army pa\'master. In
1866 he was appointed Indian agent,
holding the position until 1869, when the
War Department took charge of Indian
affairs. In 1866 he was the candidate
(under the Johnson movement) for Con-
gress, from the Fifth District, in which
campaign he was defeated by Philetus
Sawyer. In 1870 he resumed the prac-
tice of law which he had temporarily laid
aside, and in 1873 he was again elected
to the Assembly. From 1875 ""''• his
decease he served as county judge of
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
II
Brown county, and from its organization
was one of the most active of the vice-
presidents of the State Historical Society
of Wisconsin.
On July 25, 1837, Judge Alartin was
united in marriage, at Green Bay, with
Miss Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Col.
Melancthon Smith, U. S. A. , and grand-
daughter of Judge Melancthon Smith,
who was a delegate from New York, in
Congress, in 1782-84, prior to the period
of the Constitution. To this marriage
were born six children, namely: Leonard
Martin; Annie, who died in 1861; Me-
lancthon, deceased in infancy; Sarah,
Morgan L. , Jr., and Debbie. Judge
Martin was a man of generous impulses,
kindly manner, keen wit, fine literary
tastes, and greatly enjoyed the comforts
of his beautiful home in Green Bay,
" Hazelwood," where he was surrounded
by a loving and accomplished family. He
died December 10, 1887.
JOHN L. JORGENSEN, proprietor
of the largest dry-goods and carpet
establishment in northern Wiscon-
sin, the same being located in the
thriving and wide-awake city of Green
Bay, Brown county, is a native of Den-
mark, born of German ancestry May 27,
1849, in the city of Nakskov, Laaland.
Grandfather Jorgensen (who spelled
his name "Juergens"), a highly educated
man, resided in Schleswig, where he was
a minister of the Lutheran Church. He
was possessed of great force of character,
interesting himself deeply in the politics
of his country, and, being both pro-
gressive and aggressive, he took an active
part in the revolutionary risings of 1848,
shortly after which he was removed to
Denmark, the language of which country
he spoke fluently.
J. A. Jorgensen, father of our subject,
who was one of a family of si.x children,
received his education at the public
schools of Denmark, which was supple-
mented with a course of study at a
college, his intention at first being to
enter some profession. Preferring, how-
ever, a mercantile career, he prepared
himself for such in some business house
of Nakskov, Denmark, where he re-
mained, and he has been prominently
and successfully engaged in mercantile
pursuits for the past fifty years or more,
being now one of the oldest and
wealthiest merchants in that city, where
he is highly esteemed for his integrity,
and recognized as a man of influence and
ability, and as a leading churchman. He
married Miss Sophia Mortensen, a native
of Denmark, who died in middle life, the
mother of one son, John L. , the subject
of this sketch.
John L. Jorgensen received his educa-
tion in his native town, and was reared
to mercantile pursuits. At the age of
sixteen years (in 1865), having decided to
try his fortune in the New World, he set
sail from his native land, and after an
uneventful transatlantic voyage landed at
Boston, whence he at once proceeded
westward, arriving at Chicago, a stranger
in a strange land. After a short sojourn
in the metropolis of the West, he set
out for Wisconsin, Neenah, Winnebago
county, being his objective point, and
here attended school for a short time in
order to become conversant with the
English language. Securing now a
position in Mr. Pettibone's dry-goods
store in Neenah, he remained there a year
and a half, after which he was sent by
Mr. Pettibone to Green Bay, where he
clerked for him a long time in his store
in that city; also was in the employ of
D. Butler & Son for a brief period.
Having by this time saved some money,
he commenced the dry-goods business
May 27, 1876, at Fort Howard, in part-
nership with A. Gray, of that place, in
which they continued two and one-half
years, when they divided the stock, and
Mr. Jorgensen opened out a similar busi-
ness for his own account in Fort Howard,
commencing on a small scale, with but
two clerks; but he soon found he had to
12
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGBAPUICAL RECORD.
enlarge his store by adding to it from
time to time. The business at last had
grown to such proportions in 1887 that
he was compelled to open a branch store
in Green Bay, and form a joint-stock
company composed of himself and his
two brothers-in-law, G. A. and F. T.
Blesch, under the firm name of Jorgen-
sen, Blesch & Co. Soon the branch
store became the chief one, and Mr.
Jorgensen found himself under the neces-
sity of building a new store on the same
street, opposite the old one, which he
fitted with all modern improvements, and
to-day it is without exception the largest
dry-goods and carpet store in northern
Wisconsin.
In 1877 John L. Jorgensen was mar-
ried at Fort Howard, Wis., to Miss
Sophia Blesch, daughter of Francis and
Antoinette (Schneider) Blesch, natives,
the father of Bingen-on-the-Rhine, Ger-
many, the mother of Brussels, Belgium.
Mrs. Jorgensen was born and educated at
Fort Howard, is a lady of refined tastes,
a great reader, a lover of home, flowers
and home influences, and, withal, special-
ly excelling as a musician. Our subject
in his political preferences is a Republi-
can, and in social affiliations is a member
of the I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W. and
Royal Arcanum; in the I. O. O. F. he is
grand master for the State of W'isconsin,
and he was instrumental in having the I.
O. O. F. Home established in Green Bay,
where at present some thirty members
find a home and shelter, and he has been
general manager and superintendent of
this institution since its establishment.
WILLIAM LUEKE, the able and
efficient county treasurer of
Brown county, stands promi-
nent among the German-Ameri-
can citizens of northern Wisconsin, by
reason of his popularity, his administra-
tive abilities and his long-established
reputation for honesty and loyalty.
He was born December 24, 1850, in
Fahlenverder, Province of Brandenburg,
Prussia, (iermany, of which province, in
the city of Nauen, Potsdam, his ancestors,
who were for the most part millers by oc-
cupation, as far back as can be traced,
had "a local habitation and a name."
Here his father, Charles F. Lueke, was
born December 4, 1822, and here he was
reared and taught the trade of miller in
the ancestral mills. After serving his ap-
prenticeship he became a journeyman in
the business, traveling from place to place
(as is the custom in the Fatherland),
finally settling in Fahlenverder, where he
married Miss Amelia Hordlemann, young-
est dauehter of one of the prosperous
farmers of that locality. Here to Mr.
and Mrs. Lueke were born two children,
William (our subject) and Louisa, the lat-
ter of whom died in Milwaukee, Wis.,
shortly after the family's arrival in the
Western World, in the fall of 1854, the
then village of Green Bay being their ob-
jective point. Here the father first found
employment with G. T. Kyber, in the
construction of the old military plank
road running from Green Bay to Fond du
Lac, next spring moving to De Pere,
where he found employment as a miller,
his legitimate vocation, and so continued
until i860, in which year he bought a
mill on Cedar creek, near Green Bay. In
the following year, however, he abandoned
this and, returning to De Pere, made his
home there till the spring of 1867, at
which time he moved to Wrightstown,
where he built a gristmill, on the East
river, more frequently called ' ' Devil
river," which mill he successfully operated
till July 4, 1880, when it was destroyed
by fire; he also owned a fine farm of 160
acres of land. Selling out this property
in the fall of 1880, he removed to Mani-
towoc, and here remained till the spring
of 1 883, the year of his taking up his resi-
dence in Greenleaf, Brown county, where,
in association with his son William, he es-
tablished a grain and general mercantile
business, which they successfully con-
ducted till April 7, 1890, when they dis-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGEAPUWAL RECORD.
13
solved partnership, the father taking the
store, the son retaining sole control of the
grain branch of the concern. Charles F.
Lueke continued the store up to his death,
which occurred March 23, 1891, when he
was sixty-seven years old, the county los-
ing one of its best-known and most highly-
respected citizens, esteemed by all for his
sterling honesty and manly qualities of
head and heart. He was an active and
consistent member of the Lutheran
Church, and in his political affiliations
was a lifelong Democrat, although no
partisan. In Wisconsin were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Lueke children as follows:
Mary, now Mrs. Gehrke; Albert; Emma,
now Mrs. Alten; Charles, Minnie and
Fred — eight children in all. The mother
is still living in Greenleaf, Brown county.
William Lueke, the subject proper of
this memoir, secured a liberal education,
in part at the schools of De Pere, in part
at the North Western University of
Watertown, Wis. Learning the trade of
miller under his father's instruction, he
followed same till the summer of 1874,
when he embarked in the hotel business
in Greenleaf, erecting the "Greenleaf
Hotel," now operated by Albert Lueke,
who purchased it in 1887. Our subject
then devoted his entire attention to the
mercantile and grain businesses in the same
village, retiring from the former in 1890,
as already recorded, and from the latter
at the time of his moving to Green Bay,
May 14, 1 89 1, renting his warehouses to
other parties.
In the fall of 1890 he received the
Democratic nomination for county treas-
urer, and was elected by a majority of
1,200, his unquestioned popularity being
proven by his re-election in the fall of
1892, and he is yet filling the incumbency
with characteristic ability and fidelity.
On July 12, 1 87 1, Mr. Lueke was
married to Miss Augusta Wuerger, a na-
tive of Germany, and their union has been
blessed with a family of seven children,
named respectively: Charles, Flora, Clara,
William, Anna, Nora and Lillie. Mr. and
Mrs. Lueke are members of the Lutheran
Church, and are in the enjoyment of the
well-merited esteem and regard of the
community at large.
JOHN BETH, senior member of the
widely-known wholesale and retail
grocery firm of John Beth & Sons,
is one of those successful merchants
who in early life acquired a knowledge of
the value of time and money, and who had
been early trained to possess patience,
qualified with perseverance; to remember
that time is money, and that there are
just sixty minutes in one hour; and to
never forget that whatever is worth doing
at all is worth doing well.
Mr. Beth is a native of Bruttig, Ger-
many, born on the river Moselle, Rhein
Province, January 25, 1840, a son of
Theodore and Catherine (Goebel) Beth;
also of German nativity, who in 1852,
with their little family of children, emi-
grated to the United States, making their
first New-World home in Milwaukee.
Here the father, who was a shoemaker,
followed his trade until 1855, when he
came to Green Bay, where he continued
his trade up to about the time of his death,
which occurred May 3, 1857; his wife had
died October 24, 1S52. They were the
parents of six children, viz. : Jacob,
Joseph, John and Frank, who all reside
in Green Bay; Maggie, who is the wife
of Thomas Hubert, of Menominee, Mich. ;
and Katie, who died November i, 1S52,
at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
As will be seen, the subject of this
sketch was twelve j'ears old when the
family came to the United States, so his
education had already been secured in
Germany, he having attended school
there between the ages of seven and
twelve. At thirteen he commenced work-
ing from home, in Wisconsin, engaging
in various occupations for the next few
years, or until 1861, when, the Civil war
having burst over the land, his ardor to
fight for his adopted country prompted
14
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
him to enlist for service in the Union
army. Accordingly, on June 14, that
year, he set out on foot for Appleton,
Wis., and the followinj^ day entered the
Appleton Light Infantry, being the third
recruit in it from Green Bay. The quota
of this company, however, was not filled
at that time, and our subject, not to be
thwarted in his intentions, proceeded by
rail to Alton, 111., where he enlisted in
Company K, Twenty-fourth Illinois In-
fantry, three-years' service. This regi-
ment was attached to the Army of the
Cumberland June 30, 1861, and partici-
pated in the battles of Perryville (Ky.j,
Stone River and Chickamauga, at which
latter engagement he received a gunshot
wound in the left elbow, which confined
him to hospital for some time. On July
30, 1864, Mr. Beth received an honorable
discharge, and returned home to Green
Bay. He then commenced clerking in a
grocery store, and so continued until
March i, 1870, when he embarked in the
wholesale and retail crockery and glass-
ware trade, which for eight years he con-
ducted with encouraging success. In
April, 1878, he combined general gro-
ceries, also wholesale and retail, and
carried on these departments until 1891,
when he closed out the crockery and
glassware, substituting flour and feed. In
1886 he put up his present substantial
brick building, two stories and basement,
53 X 100 feet, on Washington street.
On January 10, 1865, Mr. Beth was
married in Green Bay to Miss Elizabeth
Knapp, a native of St. Louis, Mo. Her
parents resided in Monroe, Wis., for sev-
eral years, but are both now deceased, the
father having died in St. Louis, Mo. To
Mr. and Mrs. Beth were born eleven
children, nine of whom are yet living, a
brief record of them being as follows:
Leonard was married September 24, 1890,
to Miss Mary Mahn, who was born in
Green Ba}', daughter of Theodore Mahn,
an early pioneer of the city, and they have
two children, Laura E. and Aaron (he is
a member of the Modern Woodmen);
John \'alentine was married October 10,
1 893, to Mary Dennis, who was born in
Belgium, daughter of David Dennis, of
Green Bay; Maggie was married in 1889
to Benjamin Smith, of Green Bay, and
they have two children, Clarence and
Chester; Elizabeth is married to Joseph
Dennis, and has two children, Louie and
Raymond; and Anna, Fred, Emma
Charley, and Louie.
Mr. Beth is a representative self-made
man, having by his own industry and
sound judgment, commencing on a bor-
rowed capital of thirty dollars, risen to
his present commercial standing, doing a
business to the amount of one hundred
and twenty thousand dollars per annum.
Outside of members of his own family, he
gives employment to eight hands, and
three of his sons are now associated with
him in business. Politically he is a Re-
publican, and has served as supervisor.
Socially, he is a member of T. O. Howe
Post No. 124, G. A. R. , of which he was
commander two years; president of the
Peninsular Veteran Association, and a
member of the Catholic Knights of
Wisconsin.
M
RS. ROSAMOND (BROWN)
FOLLETT, deceased. This
lady, who for so many years
was editor and proprietor of
the Gazittc, Green Bay, was a native of
New York State, born at Dansville, Jan-
uary I, 1847. Her early life was happy
and abounded in good influences, while
the privileges of excellent schools were
enjoyed by her, which by degrees brought
her into a beautiful womanhood, thor-
oughly equipped in purpose and prepara-
tion for a useful career. Her education
for the most part was received at the
public schools and seminary of the place
of her birth, also at Auburn, N. Y. , and
at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
On May 29, 1873, she was united in
marriage, at Bath, N. Y., with Dwight I.
Follett, one of the founders and proprie-
69
yio (/i-<^^/^y^-(y!'^oCy
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
•17
tors of the Green Bay (Wis.) Gazette,
which had been estabHshed by him and
Col. George C. Ginty early in 1866. In
September of the same year, however,
Mr. Follett sold his interest to Col. Ginty,
but reconnected himself in May, 1868,
with the paper by purchase of the
Colonel's interest (who in the meantime
had associated himself with William B.
Tapley, of Racine), the firm name be-
coming Tapley & Follett. This arrange-
ment continued about eighteen months,
or until January i, 1870, when Mr. Tap-
ley sold out to George E. Hoskinson, and
the new firm of Hoskinson & Follett then
changed the name of the paper to The
State Gazette, commencing a daily issue
in November, 1871, and in 1882 Mr. Fol-
lett assumed sole ownership and control.
The Gazette has always stood in the front
rank of the Republican political journals
of the State of Wisconsin.
The home which Mr. and Mrs. Fol-
lett created by their marriage was ideal
in its happiness, till the young wife saw,
with unspeakable sorrow, that an incura-
ble malady would soon take her husband
from her. After much painful suffering
he was called from earth June 24, 1888,
deeply mourned by a wide circle of
friends. He was a man of perfect recti-
tude, just and honorable, and possessed
of a good mind and a true heart — a lover
of things beautiful in nature, literature
and art. After his death the responsi-
bility of the extensive business, which he
had wisely planned, but which, owing to
ill-health, he had never been able to
bring to its best possibilities, were laid
upon his sorrowing widow. She rose to
her new duties, however, with a strength
and capacity which astonished even those
who knew her best. The necessities of
the situation, and, doubtless, the des-
peration of her grief, stimulated her every
energy into activity. Discouragements
that seemed almost paralyzing yielded to
her unconquerable determination, and she
persevered till success was complete.
But the shadow of death was upon her.
and the bright, useful and beautiful life
was doomed to total eclipse. Early in
the spring of 1894 Mrs. Follett began to
realize that her health, which she had
thought to be almost faultless, was rap-
idly failing, and in searching for a cause
it was found that she was suffering from
an internal cancer, from which it was
early seen there was no possible cure.
How this knowledge moved her brave,
resolute soul can never be known, for she
made no sign of either fear or regret,
though her sufferings were intense. She
bore all with uncomplaining fortitude,
responding to the faithful and tender
ministrations of friends with loving grati-
tude, while her thoughts were of others
rather than of herself, even to the last
hour of consciousness.
The end came at last, death releasing
her from her sufferings August 27, 1894,
and three days later all that was mortal
of the departed was laid beside the re-
mains of her husband amid the peace and
silence of Woodlawn cemetery, Green
Bay. A great concourse of the people of
the city where for twenty years she had
lived and wrought — old and young, rich
and poor — citizens from other places,
officials, representatives of the Press
Association, and many friends from even
greater distance, followed the remains to
their last resting-place. The funeral took
place from the Presbyterian Church, of
which she was a member. Rev. J. L.
Hewitt officiating, assisted by Revs. F. R.
Haff and H. W. Thompson. Among
those assembled to pay their last respects
to their loving friend were members of
the Press Association, as just mentioned,
with which organization early in her
newspaper life she had identified herself,
becoming after the death of her husband
a constant attendant at its sessions.
Eulogies in the Press were numerous, and
from the Green Bay Gazette we glean
the following: * * * " Simple and touch-
ing were the ceremonies at the funeral;
grief and sorrow were the emotions of al.
who had come to bid her a last farewelll
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUWAL RECORD.
There were those who had known her
long and intimately, and who will miss
her greatly, and there were those who
thought they had stood farther from her,
yet had often felt the touch of her
friendly hand, had frequently heard from
her words of sympathy and of cheer, and
who had come to see in her a sister,
friend and mother." The Green Bay
AtivooUc also paid a beautiful tribute to
the memor)' of her whose life had left the
world the better for her having lived, and
we quote the following : "It is with
deep sadness that we realize that the
vital spark has fled from the suffering
body of our long kind friend, highly
respected citizen and co-laborer in
the newspaper field, Mrs. Rosamond
Follett. We grieve at the severance
of those early ties of friendship and
almost kindred feeling that long years
of harmonious work in a common cause,
without a jar or discord, had cemented.
We grieve that we shall nevermore see
the kindl)' face, animated by its cheerful,
benevolent spirit. At the same time we
feel thankful that the inevitable parting
is over, and the free spirit has risen from
the tortured clay, unhampered with cares
and griefs of earthly life, to unending
peace and blessed rest in the mansions
that the Master went before to prepare.
* * * Her work was well done from the
cradle to the grave. In the years that we
have known her, from the time that she
came here as a bride until she finally laid
down the pen and entered the chamber of
suffering, we have found nothing in her to
criticise, and everything to commend.
We recall her sturdy step, as with strong
frame she supported the failing energies
and wasting frame of her late husband,
Dwight I. Follett, shouldering the weight
of the cares of his business as he entered
the dark valley, and assuming the busi-
ness altogether when he passed away.
* * * A perfectly healthy and whole-
some childhood and youth laid the foun-
dation of those powers of endurance so
valuable to her. She was a ready writer.
with a faculty
courteous, and
whom she had
There was no false
of pleasing; was always
made friends of all with
dealings or acquaintance.
pride about her, and
she was careful never to assume a dig-
nity that would drive away the humble.
She was sympathetic for the woes of oth-
ers, and always ready to relieve the dis-
tressed." Mrs. Follett left one son, John
C. Follett, to mourn the loss of a loving
mother. — [In compiling the above sketch,
the writer is indebted for many sugges-
tions to a beautiful article from the pen
of Edwin D. Coe, which appears in the
"National Printer-Journalist," of Octo-
ber, 1894. — Ed.
AUSTIN F. OLMSTED, M. D.,
for over twenty years a highly
respected citizen of Green Bay,
enjoying an unchallenged reputa-
tion as a successful physician and surgeon,
is a native of Middlebury, Vt., born July
20, 1843.
Erastus Olmsted, grandfather of our
subject, was of Welsh descent, and was
born in Middlebury, Vt., of which locality
his ancestry, in this country, were pioneers.
By trade Erastus was a chair-maker,
which he carried on at his home in the
country, near Middlebury, becoming pros-
perous. He had a numerous family of
children, of whom Juba Olmsted, father
of our subject, was born August 15, 1807,
in Middlebury, Vt. He learned his
father's trade, and followed it for a time,
but eventually took up farming, which he
made his life work for the rest of his days,
in 1850 moving with his family from Ver-
mont to Wisconsin, and settling on a
farm in Fond du Lac county, four miles
south of the city of that name. Here, by
industry and judicious thrift, he accumu-
lated a comfortable competence, and by his
e.xemplary life, sincerity of heart, genuine
charit}- and elevation of character, won
the highest esteem and respect in the com-
munity in which he lived. He died in
1854, at the early age of forty-seven
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years, deeply regretted by all who knew
him. In religious faith he was a member
of the M. E. Church, in politics a stanch
Whig. In 1829, he was married to Miss
Sarah K. Huston, daughter of Robert
Huston, an honored pioneer of Middle-
bury, Vt., and three children, all sons,
were born to this union, viz. : Wallace
Juba, a minister in the M. E. Church, at
present stationed at West Bend, Wis. ;
Charles Cook, a practicing physician at
Kansas City (he studied medicine under
Dr. Patchen, of Fond du Lac, and gradu-
ated at Cleveland, Ohio); and Austin P.,
the subject of this sketch. The mother
of these was married, the second time, to
Hiram Edgerton, and is now living at
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Austin F. Olmsted received his liter-
ary education at the Fond du Lac high
school and Lawrence University, Apple-
ton, which latter institution he left at the
end of two years, for a time thereafter
clerking in a store. Deciding on making
the noble profession of medicine his life-
work, he during these years, as circum-
stances permitted, studied the science, and
in 1 87 1 entered Cleveland (Ohio) Home-
opathic Hospital College, where he grad-
uated in the spring of 1874, immediately
thereafter settling in Green Bay, where
he has since remained in the active prac-
tice of his profession. He now ranks
second to none in the county among the
followers of ^sculapius and Galen, his
specialty, perhaps, being obstetrics, in
which he has had a wide and uniformly
successful experience, which can be also
truly said of his general practice; and this,
coupled with his well-known professional
zeal, as well as attentiveness to his
patients, has established for him an en-
viable reputation throughout the length
and breadth of the Fox River Valley. He
is associated with the American Institute
of Homeopathy, and is an active member
of the State Homeopathic Medical Society
of Wisconsin.
On October 21, 1863, Dr. Olmsted
was married to Miss Harriet Sylvester,
daughter of Seth and Rachel (Young) Syl-
vester, and three children have been born
to them, named respectively: Minnie
Edna, Clara K. and Austin O. Dr. and
Mrs. Olmsted are active workers in the
Presbyterian Church at Green Bay (form-
erly connected with the Congregational
Society), of which she is a member. So-
cially, he is affiliated with the Knights of
Pythias, Independent Order of Foresters
and Royal Arcanum, and in his political
preferences casts his vote in the interests
of the Republican party. Public-spirited,
and in all things progressive, he has iden-
tified himself with every civic movement
tending to the advancement and prosperity
of the city and county of his adoption,
where, as a useful, loyal and intelligent
citizen, he is held in the highest regard.
PH. MARTIN. This gentleman,
who has been prosecuting attor-
ney for Brown county since 1888,
is a native of the county, born in
Rockland township April 21, 1862. Ed-
ward and Bridget (Farrell) Martin,
natives of Ireland, parents of subject,
came to the United States when young,
settling in Rockland township, where
they engaged in farming, and are still
living.
P. H. Martin, whose name opens this
brief sketch, received his education at the
schools of Rockland and in the city of
De Pere. He was reared on the farm,
but at the age of eighteen he commenced
teaching school in Brown county, a voca-
tion he followed some five years. In
1885 he came to the city of Green Bay,
and for some time was in the United
States railway mail service as postal
clerk on the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul railroad, running between
Green Bay and Milwaukee. In 1883
he commenced reading law in the
office of Hudd & Wigman, attorneys-
at-law, Green Bay, and in 1887 he
was admitted to the bar. In 1889 he
entered into partnership with Mr. Wig-
20
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
man, under the firm name of W'ignian &
Martin, and has since been engaged in
regular practice. In the fall of 1888 he
was elected to his present incumbency,
that of prosecuting attorney for Brown
county, which he fills with eminent
ability, and to the complete satisfaction
of the people.
In 1 886 P. H. Martin and Miss Mary
Wigman were united in marriage. She
is a daughter of J. H. M. Wigman, senior
member of the firm, and an early pioneer
of Brown county. To this marriage four
children have been born, viz. : Marie,
Agnes, John Edward and Patrick Jerome.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of St.
John's Catholic Church. In politics he
is a Democrat.
ADAM SPUHLER, of the firm of A.
Spuhler & Co. (limited), whole-
sale and retail dealers in dry
goods, clothing, carpets, hats,
caps, notions, etc., in Green Bay, has
been a prominent resident of that city
since 1879, <i"'' ^n enterprising merchant
of several \ears standing.
Mr. Spuhler is a native of Wisconsin,
born in Washington county, in 1846, of
German parents. Henry Spuhler, his
father, was born in Bavaria, where he
married Miss Sarah Zepp, of the same
country, the young couple soon afterward
emigrating to the United States, making
their first home in Washington county.
Wis., where they took up a farm. In
I S67 they moved to Dodge county, same
State, settling at Beaver Dam, where they
passed the rest of their busy lives, the
father dying in 1870, the mother in 1880.
Their family numbered seven children,
five of whom are yet living, namely: Mol-
lie, wife of Benjamin Fifield, a farmer of
Lake county, Ind. ; Mary, wife of Charles
Schuette, of Beaver Dam, Wis. ; Lizzie,
wife of Andrew Schluckebier, also of
Beaver Dam; Adam, of whom we write;
and John, a cigar manufacturer, in Wi-
nona, Minnesota.
The subject of this notice was reared
on his father's farm in Washington county.
Wis., receiving his education at the win-
ter schools of the neighborhood of his
home. In 1861, then fifteen years old,
he entered the dry-goods store of Newton
& Willard, in Beaver Dam, remaining
with them till they sold out in 1865 to
Hebgen & Lehrkund. With the latter
firm he clerked till 1867, in which year he
commenced business in the same town,
in partnership with a Mr. Schluckebier,
carrying on a prosperous dry-goods trade
till 1873, when the firm dissolved and our
subject moved to Wrightstown, in Brown
county. Here he was associated with a
Mr. Mueller in the same line of trade from
1873 to 1879, the style of the firm being
Mueller & Spuhler, and in that year they
transferred their business to the more
thriving town of Green Bay, here remain-
ing in partnership till 1 886, the year of
Mr. Mueller's death. After that event
Mr. Spuhler continued the retail business
alone till 1 889, when, having established
a wide connection and an enviable repu-
tation for fair and square dealing he e.\-
panded his business by combining the
wholesale trade with the retail, changing
the style of the house to the A. Spuhler &
Co. (limited).
In 1867, in Dodge county, Wis., Mr.
Spuhler was married to Miss Jennie Far-
dell, a native of England, but reared to
womanhood in Dodge county. Wis., and
daughter of Matthew and Sarah (Bishop)
Fardell, highly respectable English
people who immigrated to the United
States several years ago, settling in
Dodge county. Wis., where Mr. Fardell
died in 1887, and his widow is yet living.
To our subject and wife have been born
seven children, to wit: Sarah, Nellie
(wife of D. Lucas, a boiler manufacturer
in Ft. Howard, Wis.); Fred (assisting in
his father's store), Alice, Mabel, Jennie
and Louise. In his political predilections
Mr. Spuhler is a Democrat; in 1881-82
he served his city as alderman of the
First ward, and is now a member of the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
21
town council and of the county board,
and was chairman of the Finance commit-
tee of that board some years. Socially
he is affiliated with the F. & A. M., at
Green Bay, Washington Lodge No. 2 1 ,
Warren Chapter No. 8, Council No. 13,
and Palestine Commandery No. 20, K.
T. ; is a member of the I. O. O. F. ,
A. O. U. W., and of Pochequette Lodge,
K. of P., Uniformed Rank. In religious
faith he and his wife are members of the
M. E. Church. Mr. Spuhler is one of
those men of business to whom success is
bound to come, a success that is the re-
sult of his own individual e.xertions, and
not of that "luck" which the world
(little understanding what the word im-
ports) so often ascribes to those who rise
unaided to distinction. No man knows
better how to time his efforts, and while
he has never wasted his force on worth-
less and unattainable objects, he well
knows how to take advantage of opportu-
nities promising advantages to his busi-
ness.
HON. JAMES HENRY ELMORE,
the efficient, progressive and pop-
ular mayor of the city of Green
Bay, is a native of Wisconsin,
born in Mukwonago, Waukesha count}',
January 6, 1843. The first of the Elmore
family in the United States, of whom our
subject is a worthy representative, were
three brothers who came from England,
one settling in New York State, one in
Connecticut, and the third in South Caro-
lina, the first of the three being the im-
mediate progenitor of Mayor Elmore.
Our subject received his elementary
education at the common schools of his
native town, whi;h was supplemented
with a course of stud}' at the East Troy
school taught by Mr. Markham, who after-
ward became principal of the " Markham
Academy," Milwaukee. At the age of
fifteen he entered Racine College, which
he attended two years, and we then find
him connected with his father's mercan-
tile business in Mukwonago, later in the
capacity of reporter for various news-
papers, being stationed, during the winter
of 1862-63. at Madison, Wis. In the
spring of 1863 he came to Green Bay,
and engaged in the grain elevator and for-
warding business, in which he remained
until 1877, removing then to Milwaukee,
where, for a year, he was interested in
the commission trade, after which he
spent several years in traveling and
employing his time at various occupa-
tions. Two summers he spent in New
York; was in the Black Hills and in
Arizona; at Crystal Falls, Mich., where,
for one year (1882), he was superintend-
ent of the Crystal Falls Iron Company.
Returning to Green Bay, he received the
appointment. May, 1884, of receiver for
Strong's bank, the mixed-up affairs of'
which institution he succeeded in unravel-
ing and clearing up in such a highly credit-
able and satisfactory manner as to receive
from all concerned, including the judge of
the court, the highest encomiums, the
upshot being his appointment at different
times as assignee to various estates. Mr.
Elmore's next occupation was in the
manufacture of and dealing in cedar poles,
ties, piling posts, shingles, etc., in which
line he has since done a remarkably large
business, and at the present time he is in
partnership with James Delaney, of Fort
Howard.
Mr. Elmore has at various times had
abundant proof of his popularity by elec-
tion to various positions of honor and
trust, including, more than once, the
highest civic office in the gift of the
people. In 1873 he was elected, without
opposition, the first mayor of Fort How-
ard; also served as alderman of the same
borough, and after coming to Green Bay,
in 1883, he was elected mayor of that city
in 1890, which incumbency he has since
filled continuously, having been elected
twice without opposition, and once (1892)
over an opponent who succeeded in cap-
turing only about one-fourth of the votes.
Mr. Elmore was again elected in 1895.
22
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Although known to be a stanch Demo-
crat, still he has always had the support
of all parties, regardless of political l)ias,
the general feeling being that the chief
magistrate of a city should be a man />ro
bono publico, and not a politician.
Since assuming the reins of civic gov-
ernment in Green Bay, Mayor Elmore
has had the pleasure of seeing vast im-
provements in the fast rising city, among
which may be mentioned a couple of miles
of cedar block paving; several miles of
sewers; two old bridges rebuilt, and a new
one erected; the reorganization of the
Fire Department, which is now in all re-
spects a model one, equipped with the
Gamewell fire-alarm telegraph s\stem,
besides many other improvements, all
tending to place Green Bay among the
model cities of the State. The latest
project, in the way of public progressive-
ness, is the new high school, which, it is
intended, is to be built of Lake Superior
red sandstone, and which will be an orna-
ment to the city. To his efforts, also.
Green Bay is indebted for the best system
of street railroads in the United States,
everything pertaining to it being of the
most modern design.
On January 19, 1S76, Mayor Elmore
was married to Miss Anna Leola Chap-
man, daughter of Col. William Chapman,
U. S. A., and one child has been born to
them, named William Chapman. Mrs.
Elmore is a prominent member of the
Daughters of the Revolution, of which
she was appointed regent for the State of
Wisconsin. Mayor Elmore is a member
of the F. & A. M., and is a Knight Temp-
lar; he is also affiliated with the Order of
Elks.
GUSTAV KUSTERMANN. This
well-known, popular and promi-
nent citizen of Green Bay, of
which flourishing city he has
been postmaster since 1892, is a native
of Detmold, Germany, born May 24,
1850.
Carl Ludwig Kustermann, grandfather
of our subject, was a farmer and mechanic
(as was his father before him) in Schoet-
mar (Lippe-Detmold), and died there in
advanced life, the parent of a large
family of children, one of whom, Carl
(father of our subject), was born in 1820,
also in Schoetmar. He (Carl) was reared
to the trade of gunsmith, and was em-
ployed as such in the German army for
nearly thirty years, also serving in the
Schleswig-Holstein campaign and the
Prussian-Austrian war of 1866. In 1846
he married Julia Wolleben, daughter of
Gustav Wolleben, by which union four
children were born — all sons — to-wit:
Carl, Gustav, Robert and Otto, the last
named dying at the age of fourteen years;
Robert was in partnership with his
brother Gustav in the book and music
business at Green Bay until 1894; Carl
and Gustav will be more fully spoken of
farther on. The mother of this family
died in 1886, the father in 1894.
Gustav Kustermann, whose name in-
troduces this sketch, received his educa-
tion at the gymnasium or high school in
Detmold, graduating therefrom, and when
fourteen years old went to the city of
Hamburg, where he served a three-years'
apprenticeship to the wholesale dry-goods
business. At the age of eighteen, in
1868, he emigrated to America, from the
port of debarkation coming direct to
Wisconsin and Green Bay, whither, not
long before, two of his old schoolmates
had come and settled. Here he clerked
in the hardware store of St. Louis
Case & Co., but at the end of about six
months secured the position of book-
keeper in the office of the Green Bay
Advocate, at that time owned by Robin-
son & Bro. , and filled the incumbency
with the utmost satisfaction for three
years, or until 1872. On March 15 of
that year, in company with Louis Neese
and Erastus Root, he established in
Green Bay a stationery and job-printing
business, the style of the firm being
"Neese, Kustermann & Root " ; but De-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
23
cember 15, 1873, the firm experienced a
change, Mr. Root and a Mr. Kimball tak-
ing the job-printing branch, our subject
and Mr. Neese retaining the stationery de-
partment, adding thereto music and
musical instruments, the name of the
firm being Neese & Kustermann until
May I, 1876, when Mr. Kustermann
bought out Mr. Neese's share, and from
that time until 1S80 carried on the con-
cern alone. In that year his brother
Robert became associated with him in
the business, the partnership existing till
1894, when the latter retired from the
firm (as already stated), since when our
subject has continued the business alone.
He carries a well-assorted line of sta-
tionery and all its adjuncts, as well as
a complete assortment of musical instru-
ments, his trade in these particular lines
not being surpassed by any similar enter-
prise in northern Wisconsin. In all his
business obligations he is prompt and
reliable, and his innate courtesy and
obliging disposition have brought him
hosts of friends and customers.
Mr. Kustermann is a ready writer, as
well as a clear, forcible speaker, in either
English, German or French, and his
trenchant pen has contributed not a few
interesting articles to one or other of the
standard European journals, among which
may be mentioned £>u- Gartailaube, pub-
lished in Leipzig, besides political articles
during election campaigns, to home jour-
nals, especially the leading newspapers of
Milwaukee. Recently he compiled a high-
ly-interesting work on the ' ' World's Fair "
or " Columbian Exposition," being a col-
lection of articles written by him for a
newspaper published in his native town.
In oratory he has secured a wide reputa-
tion as a good, reliable all-round political
speaker, whether on the "stump" or on
the platform, and he has always been
affiliated with the Republican party,
wherein he has never failed to exert a
substantial influence. Nor have his
efforts for the cause remained altogether
unrewarded. Twice was he nominated
for Congress, although through no fault
of his own on each occasion he had the
minority; but, by his pure, yet forcible
language, clear and concise reasoning, he
left upon the minds of his auditors a last-
ing impression that there was a man
among them worthy not only of the metal
of any political foe, but also of the respect
and esteem of the community at large — a
citizen, in truth, of whom the State might
well feel proud. During the last political
campaign he was urged by some of the
leading spirits of his party to become a
candidate for the highest State office in
the gift of the people; but he resolutely
declined to "listen to the song of the
Siren." Indeed, it has been said, and in
no spirit of mere flattery, that, without
doubt, Mr. Kustermann, in point of edu-
cation and natural ability, is one of the
most representative German-American
citizens in the State of Wisconsin. In
February, 1892, he was appointed post-
master at Green Bay by President Harri-
son, and is still holding the office, his
term expiring in 1896. In civic affairs he
has served in the city council of Green
Bay, also as city treasurer, and has been
a member of the county board.
On June 12, 1875, our subject was
united in marriage with Miss Emma Schel-
lenbeck, of Green Bay, and four children,
all daughters, named respectively: Tillie,
Alma, Olga and Emma, have come to
bless their home.
Carl Kustermann, eldest son of Carl
and Julia (Wolleben) Kustermann has
been assistant postmaster at Green Bay
since 1 892. He was born in Detmold, Ger-
many, October 29, 1847, and in 1868
came to Green Bay, where he first found
employment as clerk in the dry-goods
store of D. Butler. At the end of a year
he entered the office of the register of
deeds, where he clerked some twelve
months, his next employment being as
bookkeeper for a lumber company at Lit-
tle Sturgeon Bay, an incumbency he filled
three years. In 1873 he paid a six-
months' visit to Europe, and on his return
24
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
to Green Bay engaged for his own ac-
count in a white-goods and shirt-factory
business; but finding the same unprofit-
able, he accepted a position as manager
of the shoe and clothing store of B. Fol-
lett, holding the same for two years, at
the end of which time he entered the
Green Bay Savings Bank as assistant
cashier. In 1878 the bank aiTairs were
wound up. and Mr. Kustermann removed
to Helenville, Jefferson Co., ^^'is., where
for si.x years he conducted a general store;
then returned to Green Bay to fill the
position of bookkeeper for Anson Eldred
& Son, lumber merchants, but, in 1892,
he left this to accept his present position
in the postoffice.
In 1873 Carl Kustermann was married
to Miss Margaret Grimm, who was born
in Jefferson, Wis., daughter of Adam
Grimm, the celebrated apiarist, who died
in 1876. To Mr. and Mrs. Kustermann
were born two children, Julia and Agnes,
who lost their mother in 1882, and in
18S4 their father was married to Miss
Anna Haubert, of White Water, Wis.,
daughter of Joseph and Marie (Rust)
Haubert, natives of Bavaria, Germany.
By this marriage there are three children:
Otto, Erna and Herbert. Mr. and Mrs.
Kustermann are members of St. Paul's
German Lutheran Church, and in his
political preferences he is a Republican
in national affairs, but independent in
local issues.
ALONZO KIMBALL. The family
in America, of which the subject
of this sketch is a worthy mem-
ber, dates back to one Richard
Kimball, who in 1634 came from Ipswich,
county of Suffolk, England, to America.
It is presumed that he settled in Ipswich,
Esse.x Co., Mass., for his son Henry is
known to have been a resident of that
town in 1640, while another son, Thomas,
was in Charlestown, Suffolk county,
in 1653.
Boyce Kimball, a lineal descendant of
the immigrant Richard, was born June
26, 1 73 1, in Ipswich, Mass., where he
married, and the children born to him
were as follows: Boyce, Rebecca, Jona-
than, Ebenezer, Mary, Susanna, Pris-
cilla, Timothy, Richard, Amasa and Ruel.
Of these, Ruel Kimball was married Jan-
uary I, 1799, to Hannah Mather, and
settled in Marlboro, Vt. , where he was a
Presbyterian minister. The children born
to this union were Ruel, Amanda, Cotton,
Hulda, Alonzo, David M., Lucy (who
married Rev. Henry Bannister, of Evans-
ton, 111.), Mary, Harriet and Martin L.,
Alonzo, our subject, being the only sur-
vivor; Amanda, the second in the family,
married Alanson Merwin, and they cele-
brated their golden wedding in 1875.
Ruel Kimball was for the most part self-
educated, and was a man of strong con-
victions, one who represented the true
type of orthodo.x Presbyterianism. He
was a very useful man, was beloved for
his many good qualities of head and
heart, and was possessed of sound com-
mon sense and judgment. He could
draw a deed or contract of any kind, and
was an adviser and friend to all. He died
at East Hampton, Mass., October i,
1847. Mrs. Hannah (Mather) Kimball,
mother of our subject, was a daughter of
Timothy Mather, who was a descendant
of Increase Mather, the father of Cotton
Mather. She was a woman of great
force of character, and may be said to
have inherited much of the spirit of her
noble ancestors. She died in Leyden,
N. Y. , at the age of seventy-eight years,
eight months and eight days.
Alonzo Kimball, the subject proper of
these lines, was born November 20, 1 808,
in the town of Le Ra\', Jefferson county,
N. Y., and received his primary educa-
tion at various schools, which was sup-
plemented with a course at Union
College, Schenectady, N. Y. , where he
graduated in 1836, while Dr. Nott was
president. After this he taught school
about ten years, and then engaged in
.^■m:
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
business, conducting a general store in
Green Bay several years, whither he
came May 22, 1849; in 1854 he com-
menced the hardware business. From
the time of his first entering the arena of
commercial trade success followed his
efforts, and his reputation for honesty
and veracity became as a household word
in the Fox River Valley. On October i,
1S40, Mr. Kimball married Miss Sarah
Weston, daughter of Rev. Isaiah Weston,
who, during the war of 1 8 1 2, was revenue
collector at New Bedford, Mass., and
later lived in Dalton, same State, where
he was engaged in business, and preached
the Gospel of love to the people. He
died there of paralysis February 17, 1821,
aged forty-eight years and sixteen days,
deeply lamented. Six children blessed
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kimball, viz. :
Mary C, A. Weston, Charles T. , Mather
D., Sarah and William Dwight; of whom
A. Weston is general agent of Illinois for
the Northwestern Life Insurance Com-
pany 'of Milwaukee, and has made an
enviable record; Mather D. is in the em-
ploy of the same company; Charles T.
conducts his father's business; Mary C.
is the wife of M. H. Walker, and Sarah
married L. B. Sale, who was drowned
in the Fox river with his two sons,
Richard and Robert; William Dwight
died at the age of two years. Mr. and
Mrs. Kimball lived a happy life together
of over haJf a century, having celebrated
their golden wedding October i, 1890.
She died in Green Ba}' June 27, 1891,
aged nearly ninet}' years, an active mem-
ber of the Presb3'terian Church. Charity
was her twin sister. Rich and poor
alike, she called them all her friends, and
her name and deeds of benevolence will
long be held in blessed remembrance by
Ihe people. Mr. Kimball is a member
of the Presbyterian Church at Green Bay,
and was appointed an elder in 1858. His
venerable appearance on the streets,
bearing on his snowy head the winter of
over eighty-six years, reminds the passers-
by of the patriarchs of old, and the
respect shown is evidence sufficient of
the high esteem in which he is held
by all.
WALTER THOMAS HAGEN, M.
D., who is fast making his way
to the front rank of his profes-
sion, not only as a physician in
general practice, but also as an oculist and
aurist, as a specialist, is yet a young man,
with the promise of a brilliant future before
him.
He is a native of Green Bay, Wis.,
born October 19, 1868, a son of Frank
and Nellie (Magher) Hagen, the former
of whom was born in Frankfort, Germany,
and when a seven-year-old lad came to
the United States with his parents. For
a time they made their home in Fond du
Lac, Wis., finally removing to Winona,
Minn. , where Frank grew to manhood,
after which he returned to Wisconsin and
was engaged in business in Oshkosh till
1865, the year of his coming to Green
Bay. Here he established a liverj'-stable
business, which he carried on successfully
some twenty-seven years, eventually
becoming actively interested in a stone
quarry and in a steamboat line; he also
takes government contracts for the build-
ing of piers, breakwaters, etc. His wife
is a native of Ireland, and, coming to this
country when young, was reared to woman-
hood in Cleveland, Ohio ; she is the
mother of four children, viz. : Frank,
Walter T. , William and Mary.
The subject proper of this sketch
received his elementary education at the
common and high schools of Green Bay,
and learned the trade of printer in Eras-
tus Root's office. When seventeen years
old he entered a drug store in Green Bay,
subsequently clerking in one at Stephen-
son, Mich., prior to which, July i, 1885,
he had commenced the study of medicine
under the preceptorship of Dr. J. R.
Brandt, formerly a well-known physician,
of Brown county, Wis., now of Chicago.
Being now fully prepared for college, our
28
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
subject entered the University of Michi-
gan, at Ann Arbor, October i, 1885; but
ill health prevented him from completinj;;
his course, and at the end of two years he
had to return home. In October, i88g,
he entered Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, where, after two years'
attendance, he graduated April 15, 1891,
during which time he made a special study
of the eye and ear. Along with some
friends he took the State (Pennsylvania)
examination, which he passed satisfactor-
ily, and he is also registered in the State
of Illinois. In July, 1891, he returned to
Green Bay, where he opened an office,
and after about one month's general
practice became assistant to Dr. E. W.
Bartlett, the eminent eye and ear special-
ist, of Milwaukee. At the end of si.\
months he returned to Philadelphia, and
took a private course in general medicine
and literature, at the same time holding
the position of assistant in the Eye and
Ear Department of Jefferson Medical
College Hospital.
On December 10, 1892, he again
returned to Green Bay, and at once com-
menced the practice of his chosen pro-
fession, in which he has met with emi-
nent success, particularly in his specialty —
eye, ear and throat treatment — in which,
as an ardent student, thoroughly read-up
in all the details, he has no superior and
but few peers in the State. Socially the
Doctor is a member of the I. O. O. F. ,
and in politics he is an active Republican.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH G. LAWTON.
But few men have come more
directly in contact with the mone-
tary institutions, and the business
men of the country, and none have com-
manded more completely their respect
and confidence than this gentleman. His
ancestors in this country were not only
early English colonists of the educated
and wealthy class, but were active in the
affairs of the colony of New York, Massa-
chusetts and Connecticut — men of high
standing in professional, commercial, poli-
tical and also military affairs of those
early days in New England.
The name Lawton was original spelled
and pronounced Layton, by some simple
metamorphosis becoming, during the life-
time of the eldest born in this country,
what it now is. Capt. Lawton traces his
ancestry to one John Layton, who was
born in 1630, and who, in 1652, at the
age of twenty-two years, in company with
others, mostly from Connecticut and other
portions of New England colonies, settled
in Newtown, Long Island, N. Y. Twenty-
eight members of this colony, John Lay-
ton being of their number, purchased
farms direct from the Indian owners,
although also purchasing titles from the
government of New Netherlands, of which
Peter Stuyvesant was then governor; and
it is worthy of record that this purchase
from the Indians was the only one of
that kind made, excepting a similiar
transaction effected by William Penn, in
Pennsylvania. During John Layton'* resi-
dence in New Netherlands, that colony
fell into the hands of the Duke of York,
and on account of the active and promin-
ent part he took against Governor Stuy-
vesant, Laj'ton made many enemies among
the Dutch colonists. Consequently he
moved with his family to Suffield, Conn.,
where he died September 17, 1690, and
was buried in the Presbyterian graveyard
by the side of his wife, Benedicta. Their
gravestones are still (1894) e.xtant, and
the name inscribed thereon is plainly
"Lawton," so that the change of the
spelling of the name presumably must
have taken place some time in the latter
part of the seventeenth century. John
Layton was married twice; the first time
September 2 1, 1659, to Johanna Williams,
by whom he had one daughter, Mary.
His second marriage occurred at Ports-
mouth, R. I., in 1665, the lady of his
choice being Benedicta, and to this union
were born three children (perhaps more)
as follows: Benedicta, born October 13,
1666, married in 1683; William, born
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
29
April 15, 1669, died May 8, 1677; and
James, born April 5, 1673, married
November 9, 1693, to Abigail Lamb, who
bore him two children, both dying young;
the mother passed away November 14,
1696. For his second wife James married
Faith Newell, who bore him five children,
their names and dates of birth being as
follows: Christopher Jacob, July 20, 1701;
Charity, November 8, 1703; Mercy,
November 23, 1705; John, April 26, 1708,
and died August 22, 17 14.
Christopher Jacob Lawton, the eldest
of this family, was the great-great-grand-
father of Capt. Joseph G. Lawton. He
was married in 1731 to Abigail Kellogg,
who was born in Leicester, Mass., in
1702, and died in 1734. He was a law-
yer of considerable note, spoken of in
Washburn's History as an honor and or-
nament to his profession. In 1735 he
moved to Leicester, Mass., where he
served as a member of the general court
of Massachusetts during the years 1736,
1739. 1740 and 1 74 1, and as moderator
of the court in 1739. He had one child,
Pliny, born in 1732, in Suffield, Conn.,
and married, in 1750, to Lucretia Sar-
gent, a great-granddaughter of William
Sargent who came from England in 1638.
By this marriage there was but one child
who did not die young — William, born
April 9, 1759. Pliny Lawton was a phy-
sician, becoming prominent in his pro-
fession at Leicester, Mass. ; he died from
small-pox, and was buried in one of his
own fields. William Lawton, his son,
who also became a physician and sur-
geon, served during the war of the Rev-
olution, in the Fifth Regiment Alassachu-
setts infantry, and in 1794 was appointed
by President George Washington as sur-
geon at West Point. In 1784 he was
married in the Presbyterian Church at
Flushing, L. I., by Rev. Matthias Bur-
net, to Abigail Farrington, who died
about the year 1800, and was buried at
Flushing. To this marriage were born
four children, viz. : Charles (father of the
subject proper of this sketch, and of
whom further mention will presently be
made); Mary, born October 23, 17S9,
married John Ogilvie Roorbach (had six
children: William, Benjamin, Charles L. ,
Mary, John Ogilvie, Jr., and Sarah);
Amelia, born in 1792; and William, born
at West Point, N. Y. , in 1795, married
January 17, 18 17, to Maria R. Guion
(had six children: Frederick, Franklin,
Julia, Cornelia, Maria and J. Warrenj.
Charles Lawton, eldest son of Dr.
William and Abigail (Farrington) Lawton
was born at Leicester, Mass., in 1787.
On January 17, 1809, he was married in
New York City to Miss Sophia Dobson
Willson. In the war of 1812-14 he was
commissioned a captain, and served as
such to the close of the struggle, after
which he returned to New York where he
became actively engaged in business for
some years. In 1826 he and his brother
William, and others, organized what is
known as the "Board of Brokers, " the
nucleus of the present New York Stock Ex-
change. At one time he served as treasurer
of the City of New York. In 1827 he
moved to Ogdensburg, N. Y. , and was
there engaged in the lumber business until
1830 when he decided to move to Potts-
ville, Penn., where there were extensive
mining operations, and the following brief
account of their trip may not be uninter-
esting to the reader:
The family and servants, all told, com-
prised nineteen persons, of whom the two
eldest sons had gone on before, the coach-
man and cook traveling the entire dis-
tance in the family carriage. That left
fifteen persons to go by steamboat from
Ogdensburg to Oswego. They left their
own home for a hotel, there to await the
departure of the steamer which was de-
layed in starting. At last, about 9 o'clock
P. M., all was ready to "get aboard," but
before starting the captain of the steamer
recommended Mr. Charles Lawton, as
his party was a pretty large one, to
"count noses," to make sure that all
were on the steamer. This being done,
to their surprise one was missing; a search
COMMEMVUATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was made, and on returning; to the hotel,
behold! a younpson was discovered sound
asleep across the foot of the bed, so well
covered up with the bed clothes that he
had been overlooked. This young son
was Joseph G. Lawton. eight years old,
the subject of this biographical sketch.
From Oswego the family proceeded by
canal to Albany, N. Y. , thence by steam-
boat to New York, from which city a
chartered stage-coach conveyed them to
Philadelphia, while from that point another
chartered stage-coach carried them to their
destination, Pottsviile. Penn., one hun-
dred miles distant, the family arriving
October 4. i S30. Until a residence which
Mr. Lawton had engaged was prepared
for their reception, they took up their
quarters at a new hotel at Port Carbon;
but as soon as possible moved into the
house. In this they made their home one
year, and then removed into a more com-
modious residence which Mr. Lawton
bought, and this comparatively elegant
home the family occupied many years.
Charles Lawton ere long took a very
prominent and acti\c part in business mat-
ters and other affairs of Pntts\ille, becom-
ing one of the most extensive miners and
shippers of coal at that place. He died
there July 21, 1858; his wife passed from
earth .\pril 19, 1 844. while on a visit to
New York City, and they rest side by side
in the cemeterj' at Pottsviile. Fourteen
children were born to them as follows:
John W'illson, born ,\pril 22, 1810 (never
married): Alfred Tom, born August 16,
181 1, married October 16. 1834, to Mary
Kern Nichols, daughter of Francis B.
Nichols, who was on board the U. S.
frigate "Chesapeake" in her memorable
fight with the British frigate "Shannon,"
on which occasion he was wounded by a
ball which entered his left side below the
heart, passed thence down into the groin,
causing lameness for many years; Mary
Willson. born March 28, 181 3, married
May 10, 1832, to William H. Mann, of
Pottsviile, and died November 12, 1879;
Sophia Matilda, born September 15, 181 5,
married Charles Warder Bacon May 10,
1832, and died December 22, 1839;
Charles, born April 27, 1817, married at
Pottsviile, Penn., April 7, 1842, to Eliza-
beth Evans Ridgeway, and died April 17,
1 891; Catherine Dobson, born Decem-
ber 31, 1 81 8, married April 11, 1843, at
Pottsviile, Penn., to John Charles Neville,
now of Green Bay, Wis., and died April
16, 1876; William, born April 15, 1820,
died August 5, 1820; Joseph Grellet, sub-
ject proper of sketch, whose personal
biography is given further on; Sarah Havi-
land, born May i, 1823, twice married,
first time October 5, 1847, to Alfred Sab-
baton (who died), second time June 28,
1 8 58, to William Henry Bruce Gilbert,
and now lives at De Pere, Wis. ; Walter
Van Wagener, born October 8, 1824,
married to Julia Willis, who died June 5,
1 88 1, and for his second wife wedded
Elizabeth E. Eustis, and died September
30, 1888, at Boston, Mass.; Amelia, born
December 6, 1825, married May 13,
1S48, to John Ogilvie Roorbach, and now
lives at Mystic, Conn. ; William Thorn-
ton, born December 6, 1828, died Octo-
ber 14, 1833; George Augustus, born De-
cember 6, 1829, married April 18, 1853,
at Green Bay, Wis., to Sophie Pauline
Mitchell, and now lives at Afton, Rock
Co., Wis.; and Anna Maria, born August
9, 1834, married at Erie, Penn., March
4, 1858, to George Selden, and died
March 2, 1871, at Erie.
Capt. Joseph G. Lawton, whose name
introduces this sketch, was born February
14, 1822, in New York City, where, on
Broome street, his father had erected
four fine dwelling houses, in one of which
it was destined our subject should first see
the light. He safely passed through the
years of his childhood and earlier boy-
hood, and was in his ninth year when the
family made their memorable trip from
Ogdensburg, N. Y. , to Pottsviile, Penn.
At the latter city he was placed in a pri-
vate school kept by one Silas Hough,
where he received his elementary instruc-
tion, and then at the end of one year
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3t
entered the hi^h school of the place. In
this educational institution he remained
until he was was about fourteen years old,
after which he became a student at the
Pennsylvania University at Philadelphia,
leaving at the close of one year to enter
upon his first business training. This was
in a fruit and wine importing house, in
Philadelphia, in which he remained until
1 840, when he returned to Pottsville, and
soon afterward, in compau}- with his
brother John, and assisted by his father,
purchased the Mammoth Vein Coal Mine,
on Mill creek, at the foot of Broad moun-
tain, which they operated until 1S49, also
conducting in connection a general store.
In that same year our subject began the
study of law.
Having heard and read much of the
brilliant opportunities awaiting men of
energy in the West, he on March i, 1851,
set out on a prospecting tour, to Green
Bay., arriving there on the 17th of the
same month. So favorably was he im-
pressed with the country and its surround-
ings, that he at once returned to Potts-
ville, and made preparations to move his
family to the new Wisconsin Eldorado.
Accordingly, a party — consisting of his
wife and four children; his brother-in-law,
W. H. Mann, wife and two children; his
brother, G. A. Lawton, and sister, Anna
]\Iaria Lawton — set out with their effects,
arriving at Green Bay August 4, 1851.
In 1852 J. G. Lawton formed a partner-
ship with Otto Tank, for the purpose of
operating a foundry and machine shop at
Fort Howard, and same year purchased
Private Claim 12 and 13, 450 acres on
the west side of Fox river. Hereon he
built a commodious house, into which the
family moved December 14, 1852. In
the spring of the following year he organ-
ized in Green Bay, under State charter,
the Fo.x River Bank, of which he was
elected president and his brother, G. A.,
cashier. In June, same year, the partner-
ship between him and Mr. Tank was dis-
solved. During all these years Mr. Law-
ton, busy as he was, still found time to
prosecute his law studies, and could have
been admitted to the bar, had he not, at
the request of Morgan L. Martin, pro-
ceeded to New York for the purpose of
selling the bonds which he received for
carrying on the improvements on Fox
river, under contract with the State. Mr.
Lawton succeeded in his mission, and in
December, 1853, proceeded to Madison,
Wis. , to attend the Legislative Assembly,
in the interest of Morgan L. Martin, to
endeavor to secure the issue of bonds by
the governor, as per contract with the
State. After no little delay and consid-
erable effort, this important mission sub-
stantially was successful. Mr. Lawton's
success depended in a great measure on the
interpretation of the laws already passed,
which laws the opponents of the improve-
ment refused to execute. Then the friends
of the improvement suggested to Mr.
Lawton that he should form a company
to complete the improvement, and prom-
ised that they would give himself and
friends a liberal charter. Having secured
the consent of Morgan L. Martin, Mr.
Lawton himself drew up a charter which
was presented to that session of the Leg-
islature. At that time, however, there
was great excitement over the impeach-
ment of Judge Hubbell, and the Legisla-
ture decided to try the impeachment at
an adjourned meeting to be held in June
following, when, after the acquittal of
Judge Hubbell, the Legislature took up
the subject of the Fox and Wisconsin im-
provement, and granted a charter to
Morgan L. Martin, Dr. Darling, Otto
Tank, Joseph G. Lawton, Edward Conk-
lin and Dr. U. H. Peak (who were incor-
porated as the Fox and Wisconsin Im-
provement Company) conditional that they
each enter into a bond of $10,000 for the
faithful performance of their part of the
contract. Prior to the meeting of the
adjourned session of the Legislature in
June, 1854, Mr. Lawton had purchased
from the executor of the estate of Joshua
F. Cox, the undivided half interest in the
town plat of De Pere as well as of the
32
commemorath'e biographical record.
water power of the De Pare dam on both
sides of the Fox river at De Pere. Imme-
diatel)' after receipt of tiie cliarter of the
Fox and Wisconsin Improvement Coin-
pan)' they organized, executed the requisite
bonds to the State, and appointed a com-
mittee consisting; of Morgan L. Martin,
Dr. Darlinj.; and Joseph G. Lawton, to
proceed to New York in order to nep;otiate
requisite funds for the companj-. This
the committee succeeded in doinj;, and
while in New York Mr. Lawton arranged
with John & A. H. Lowery, owners of
the other undivided half of the Joshua F.
Cox estate, to deed the whole estate to a
company called the " De Pere Company,"
and to issue bonds for the improvement of
same.
Early in 1855 Mr. Lawton purchased
the stock of the Erie City Bank, at Erie,
Penn., and in June of the same year
moved with his family to that city in or-
der to fill the position of cashier of that
institution, an incumbency he tilled until
1857. In 1858 he sold the Erie City
Bank to C. B. Wright, then of Philadof-
phia, Penn., and on June 7, that year,
returned to Wisconsin with his family,
locating at De Pere. In 1856 he had
founded the Brown County Bank of I)e-
Pere with a ca]Mtal of $25,000, appoint-
ing G. A. Lawton, president, and J. O.
Roorbach, cashier. On August 4, 1858,
he commenced the erection of a stone
dwelling in De Pere, on the north end of
Broadway, on Private Claim 28, into
which he moved with his family on the
last day of that year. New Year's Eve be-
ing celebrated within the new and elegant
structure. After leaving the army in 1863
(an account of his militar}' experience ap-
pears farther on), and recovering some-
what from an illness brought on by ex-
posure in the service, he set out east on
December 3 1 , that year, to arrange for the
erection of a stave factory at West De-
Pere, also for the erecting of a smelting
furnace and flax factory. Succeeding in
his mission, these enterprises were at
once commenced. In May, 1863, he
laid out and platted all that part of West
De Pere lying on Private Claim 28. In
the same year he built a wing dam on the
west side of the river, and dug a canal
200 feet long, which in 1867 was extend-
ed 600 feet farther. In 1864 he built a
new bridge i , 500 feet long between East
and West De Pere; also built a sash and
door factory — 80 x 40 feet — in West De-
Pere; and it may be here noted that his
work here during the two years, 1863-64,
increased the population of West De-
Pere from 150 to 2,500. From 1858 to
1 88 1 the family lived in the stone house
he had built at the north end of Broad-
way, East De Pere, and cleared and
farmed a 200-acre tract of land, and in
1889 he moved into his present residence.
No. 610, Broadway. Since 188 1 the
Captain has lived a retired life.
On February 19, 1844, Capt. Joseph
G. Lawton was married to Miss Ellen V.
Baird, daughter of Capt. Thomas J.
Bairdof the U. S. army, and grand-daugh-
ter of Mathew Carey, the Philadelphia
publisher and philanthropist, who pub-
lished the first Bible printed from mova-
ble type in the United States, a copy of
which, dated 181 2, is now owned by Capt.
Lawton. Henry C. Carey, an uncle of
Mrs. Ellen V. Lawton, was a well-known
author of standard works on political econ-
omy. To the marriage of Capt. Lawton
and Ellen V. (Baird) Lawton were born
children as follows: Charles Augustus,
December 16, 1844, Fannie Augusta,
August 30, 1846, Henry Carey, May 23,
1848 (died February 3, 1858), and Caro-
line Virginia, May 13, 1850, all born in
St. Clair, Penn. ; Sophie Willson, August
2, 1852, in Green Bay, Wis.; Ellen Jose-
phine, August I, 1854, in Fort Howard,
Wis., died February 3, 1888. Of these,
Charles Augustus was married September
5, 1866, in De Pere, Wis., to Elcey Mor-
gan Arndt, who was born November 27,
1846; they have two children, Edward
Wallace, born October 20, 1867, and
Ellen Baird, born April 9, 1869. Fannie
Augusta was married at De Pere Septem-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
33
ber 26, 1867, to Jeremiah S. Dunham,
and they also have two children: Lewis
Augustus, born February 10, 1869; and
Edith Virginia, born May 17, 1872. Caro-
line Virginia was married in De Pere, Oc-
tober 4, 1876, to Archie Lynn Gowey,
and they have six children: Archie Lynn,
Eliza Carey, Paul Eugene, Pauline
Eugenie, Ellen Virginia and Clarence
Parish. Ellen Josephine married, June
25. 1879, Erwin A. Thompson, and they
have two children: Nanine M., born Aug-
ust 2, 1881, and Bessie D., born March
28, 1885. On February 19, 1894, Capt.
and Mrs. Lawton celebrated their ' ' golden
wedding," amid many congratulations
and much rejoicing. Capt. Lawton was
by birth a member of the Society of
Friends; but having been married by a
' ' hireling Priest " he was ' ' disowned. " In
1 842 he united with the Episcopal Church,
afterward, in 1887, becoming a member
of the Presbyterian Church, with which
he is still associated. In 1843 he joined
the F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F.
Military Record of Capt. Joscpli G.
Law ton. — On August 20, 1861, Joseph
G. Lawton was authorized, by Governor
Harvey, of Wisconsin, to raise a com-
pany for service in the war of the Rebell-
ion. By September 22 he had enlisted
fort}- men, and soon thereafter received a
commission as first lieutenant, dated Sep-
tember 27, 1861; later was commissioned
captain, and by October 21 recruited his
company to one hundred men. On No-
vember 1 2 they were ordered into camp
at Camp Wood, Fond du Lac, arrived
there on the 15th, and were assigned to
the Fourteenth Regiment Wis. V. I.
The first night they passed at Camp
Wood, the thermometer registered twenty-
six degrees below zero. At six A. M.,
March 8, 1862, the Fourteenth regiment
left Fond du Lac and arrived two days
later at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo.,
and there were cheered with the view of
g;reen fields and dry land instead of a
countr}- covered with snow a foot deep,
as in Camp Wood. On March 23 they
left Benton Barracks on steamer ' ' Minne-
ha-ha" for seat of war; left Cairo, 111.,
March 25, and Paducah, Ky., 26th, arriv-
ing at Savannah, Ga., 27th, and disem-
barking from steamer 28th. Encamped at
Savannah until April 6, on which day
they embarked on steamer for Pittsburg
Landing; disembarked 1 1 p. M. same day,
and by daylight of following morning
had occupied the right of the left wing of
General Smith's division. The regiment,
including Captain Lawton and his com-
pany, participated in the battle of Pitts-
burg Landing April 7, 1862, and in a
charge captured a Rebel battery of three
guns, which, by Captain Lawton's orders
and in his presence, were spiked. Dur-
ing a slight lull in the firing, after the
spiking of the guns. Captain Lawton ob-
served a number of soldiers retreating,
and supposing they were of his company,
hastened to rally them, and gave them
orders to get under cover in the woods.
They obeyed, and then Captain Lawton
discovered that they were chiefly mem-
bers of an Illinois regiment who had
passed through the ranks of his regiment;
soon afterward an officer of that regiment
came up and requested Captain Lawton's
assistance in re-forming the men. This
was soon accomplished, and their Colonel
gave the order to march and ' ' fire at
will." At this the Lieutenant-Colonel
rode up and asked the Colonel why the
men should fire when there was no
enemy in sight; to which he replied:
"Only to make a noise and let them
know we are here." Captain Lawton
fearing that his own regiment would be
in the line of their fire, unless they had
retreated, went in search of them and
meeting a lieutenant of cavalry, the latter
suggested that the Captain should rally a
large number of soldiers who had become
separated from their regiments. This he
proceeded to do, and on looking arouna
perceived the color-bearer of his own
regiment and a corporal guard. Asking
them where the regiment was, he received
the reply that "the regiment was all cut
34
COMMEMORATIVE BJOORAPHICAL RECORD.
to pieces." [To do the color-bearer jus-
tice, it should be added that afterward,
when he was put on oath b)' pension ex-
aminers, he swore that it was not he who
gave that answer, but the corporal.]
Capt. Lawton ordered them to halt,
and then rallied the retreating soldiers
around the flag, about a dozen of them
responding. He was also endeavoring to
get other soldiers to jcjin the little squad,
which took him some 150 yards away,
and on his return he found that the color-
bearer and the rest of the rallied soldiers
had disappeared. The cavalry lieuten-
ant said they had "gone off into the
woods to the left;" and while the)' were
yet talking a lieutenant of infantry came
up, and reported to the cavalry lieuten-
ant that the enemy were in full retreat.
This being the case, Capt. Lawton re-
paired to the regimental surgeon's head-
quarters, which were in sight, and while
talking with Surgeon Walker, the latter,
looking over his shoulder, exclaimed to
Capt. I-awton: "There is \our regi-
ment marching by." Of course, the re-
port of the regiment being cut to pieces
was false or imaginary, as it had been
ordered to this part of the field to guard
a battery. The Captain then rejoined
his regiment, which was marched back to
place of bivouac, formed in line and or-
dered to "rest" for the night. During
the Sth, 9th, loth and nth of April,
after the fight, the regiment was without
tents, and every night it rained.
Capt. Lawton relates some interest-
ing incidents illustrative of the bravery
and coolness of the men, among which
may be here recorded the following: A
si.\teen-year-oId soldier, named Philip
Duirr, had in his excitement loaded his
rifle ball-end of cartridge down, instead
of powder-end, rendering the rifle tempo-
rarily useless as a firearm. The young
soldier, running to the Captain, reported
his mistake, and asked what he should
do. "Throw away your gun and pick
up another." "But it's numbered, and
the boys will say I lost it." "Then take
your rod and draw the load." So, in
spite of the enemy's bullets flying thick
around him, he deliberately extracted the
charge from the barrel and reloaded his
rifle, then ran to his captain and reported
his "gun all right," but he could not
"return ramrod." as the wormer had
been screwed too tight on the rod. So
the captain and he put their united
strength to the job, but even then could
not unscrew it. The rod was then
thrown away and another picked up, and
he regained the ranks. Another inci-
dent: After the battle, when the
wounded were being cared for, Capt.
Lawton, observing a wounded soldier
lying on the ground in the hospital tent,
stopped to talk to him. He found the
man had been wounded thirty-six hours
before, and to all appearance a bullet
had passed through his body, entering
his breast near the heart and coming out
at the back. The unfortunate soldier
had been gi\en up b\' one or two of the
surgeons; but Capt. Lawton, thinking
that as he had lived so long after being
wounded there might yet be some chance
of saving his life, called to his assistance
a surgeon who had just amputated both
legs of a soldier at the thighs. This
surgeon, after carefully examining the
wound, said to the apparently dying man:
" You are a good deal better than a dead
man yet; what you want most is some-
thing to cat; the ball has not passed
through your body, but has simply
entered here in your breast, broken a ril),
glanced off, and run clear around under
the skin, and come out at the back."
The soldier immediately arose, and,
although weak, walked off in search of
his company as if nothing had happened;
he had been lying on the ground nearly
two days under the impression that he
had received a fatal wound — such is the
force of imagination!
On April 10, Col. Wood, who had
been appointed provost-marshal of the
camp, appointed Capt. Lawton ofificer of
the day, giving him at the same time the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
35
use of his horse, and he had to remain in
the saddle ail day long, from early morn-
ing; until night. On the i 5th Gov. Harvey
and staff arrived, and one of the latter,
Commissary-Gen. E. Wadsworth, called
on Capt. Lawton to inform him that
before starting for the seat of war he had
been at De Pere and there learned that
his (Capt. Lawton's) wife was very sick,
and that the attending physician had said
that her husband's return home was the
only hope for her life being saved. Con-
sequently, on the 18th he sent in his
resignation, which Gen. Wadsworth pre-
vailed on Col. Wood to accept, and Gov.
Harvey to approve. On the 19th Capt.
Lawton accompanied Gov. Harvey to
Gen. Grant's headquarters, and the Gov-
ernor induced the General to accept the
resignation, and grant Capt. Lawton leave
of absence and transportation home pend-
ing its approval by Gen. Halleck. The
Captain accompanied Gov. Harvey to the
steamboat, on which they were to go to
Cairo on their way to Wisconsin, and
just as they arrived at the gangway to the
upper cabin, some one told the Governor
that "a man wished to see him." There-
upon Gov. Harvey requested Capt. Law-
ton to take up to the cabin a Rebel gun
and some other relics he was taking home,
saying he would "be back in a minute."
The Captain took the articles from him,
carried them into the cabin, and had just
laid them on the table when some one
came on board exclaiming, ' ' the Governor
is drowned; " he had made a mis-step and
had fallen off the gang-plank. Capt.
Lawton left on the evening of the 19th
and arrived home, a very sick man, on
the afternoon of April 23, i>S63.
HENRY WATER.MOLEN, clerk
of the circuit court of Brown
county, is a native of Belgium,
born October 28, 1836, a son of
Christopher and Mary (Demuylder) Water-
molen. The family immigrated to the"
United States in 1856, settling in Belle-
vue township. Brown Co., Wis., where
the father died three weeks afterward;
the mother passed from earth in Febru-
ary, i860. They were the parents of
three children, namely: Christopher,
who resides on the old homestead in
Bellevue township; Francis, retired, hav-
ing his residence in Green Bay, and
Henry, the subject of this sketch.
Henry \\'atermolen was reared and
educated in his native land, and, as will
be seen, was twenty years old when he
came to the New World. For a time, in
order to become conversant with the Ene-
lish language, he attended school at
Henry, 111., subsequently (1861) taking a
course at Munn's Business College, Chi-
cago. In that city he was employed in a
warehouse and commission business,
through the day, in the evenings attend-
ing school, until the age of twenty-six, at
which time he returned to Green Bay.
Here he engaged in the stave and shingle
business two years, after which he moved
to De Pere, same count}', and in Febru-
ary, 1865, embarked in general mercan-
tile trade, continuing in same till 1882.
In that year he returned to Green Bay,
having received the appointment of deputy
sheriff, an incumbency he filled four years,
at the end of which time he was elected
sheriff, serving as such until 1S88, when
he was elected to his present official posi-
tion.
On September 5, 1865, Mr. Water-
molen was united in marriage with Miss
Elizabeth Tuyls, also a native of Bel-
gium, daughter of John and Anna Marie
(Van Op. den Bosch) Tuyls, of the same
country, who came with their family to
America and to Brown county. Wis., in
1855; they died in Preble township. To
Mr. and Mrs. \\'atermolen were born
eight children, four of whom are yet liv-
ing, to-wit: Isabella, a school teacher in
Milwaukee, Wis.; Frances A., a student
in the law office of Ellis & Merrill, Green
Bay; Louise and Dora. The deceased
are Charles F. , who died in infancy-
Josephine, at the age of seven and a half
36
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPUICAL RECORD.
years, Louie F. , in infancy, and Octavie,
at the age of four years. The parents
are members of St. Willebrord's (Catho-
lic) Church. Mr. W'atertnolen in politics
is an ardent Democrat, and in addition to
the public offices above mentioned he
served as a member of the board of trus-
tees of De Pare; as clerk of Lawrence
township; assessor for De Pere eight
years, and for several years was county
poor commissioner.
JR. MINAHAN, M. D. Among the
eminent physicians and surgeons of
Brown county, the more prominent
of whom find place in this volume,
none enjoys to a greater extent the con-
fidence and esteem of the community at
large than the gentleman, although yet a
young man, whose name is here recorded.
Dr. J. R. Minahan is a native of Wis-
consin, born September 6, 1862, in Calu-
met county, a son of William B. and
Mary (Shaughnessy) Minahan, natives of
Ireland, who immigrated thence in single
life to this country, settling in New York
State. In New York they were married,
and in 1850 they came west to Wisconsin,
locating first in Manitowoc county and
later in Calumet count}', for the most part
making their home in the town of Chilton.
REV. PROSPER GOEPFERT, C.
S. Sp. Emerson, the great Amer-
ican writer, has said that ' ' society
is a troop of thinkers, and the best
heads among them take the best places,"
an epigram peculiarly applicable to the
reverend gentleman whose name is here
recorded.
The subject of this sketch was born
a little over fifty years ago, in a suburban
parish of Colmar, in the (then) French
Province of Alsace. At an early age he
began his classical studies in the flourish-
ing college of that town, where year after
year he distinguished himself in all his
classes, and won the esteem and affection
of his masters and fellow-students. At
the age of eighteen he felt himself called
to enter the arena of foreign missions,
and with that purpose in view entered the
Society of the Holy Ghost, whose mem-
bers, though laboring in every part of the
earth, are chiefly devoted to the conver-
sion of the heathen in Africa, where they
have established numerous Christian set-
tlements. After spending three years at
the College of Langonnet, in Brittany,
where he finished his literary studies, he
took a five-years' philosophical and theo-
logical course at the seminary of the So-
ciety in Paris. Here, always crowned
with marked success, he eagerly availed
himself of every opportunity' to "drink
deep of the Pierian spring."
In 1 866 he was raised to the priest-
hood by Prince Cardinal Chigi, then Papal
nuncio at the court of Napoleon III. In
the following \ear his superiors, instead
of complying with his desires to de\ote
his life to the conversion of the unen-
lightened natives of the dark continent,
sent him to Rockwell College, Cashel,
Ireland, where he remained for twenty-
two years as master of novices, and pro-
fessor of almost every branch of educa-
tion. During the last ten years of Father
Goepfert's stay in Erin he filled with dis-
tinction the position of president of Rock-
well College, which has always ranked
among the foremost educational institu-
tions of the country.
In 1890 our subject came to Michigan,
and at Dearborn, Wayne county, he was
for three years the beloved pastor of a
parish under the direction of the Congre-
gation of the Holy Ghost, and although
but a limited field for so eminent a scholar
and prominent a priest of the Congrega-
tion, he was the same hard worker in his
Master's vineyard, and when he was sent
to his present charge in Green Bay, Wis.,
he left a record of Christian charity, genial
characteristics, hospitality, and last, not
least, hard work in the comforting of the
unfortunate and the salvation of souls.
Early in the year 1893 he came to Green
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
37
Bay to take charge of the thriving parish
of St. John.
Besides his many other accompHsh-
ments, Father Goepfert has attained no
httle distinction as an author, having writ-
ten and published, during his sojourn in
Ireland, a work of much celebrity, en-
titled " Life of the Venerable Libermann,
Founder of the Congregation of the Holy
Ghost;" he also founded and edited till
his departure from Ireland the popular
monthly magazine, "The Messenger of
St. Joseph." In spite of his hard studies
and harder teaching, as well as the great
responsibility confided to him. Father
Goepfert is still active, hale and vigorous,
and his healthy appearance predicts for
him a long period yet of energetic useful-
ness and success as a minister in his new
field of labor.
Be. BRETT, M. D., is the oldest
active practitioner in the city of
Green Bay. He is a native of
the State of Maine, born in
Franklin county in 1835, ^ son of C. H.
and Mary (Hunter) Brett, also of Maine
nativity, the mother born in Franklin
county. About the year 1 862 the family
came west, locating in Minnesota, the
parents shortly afterward moving to and
settling in the town of Henry, S. Dak.
They were quiet, unassuming, farming
people, in their honorable pursuit, desir-
ing to live " far from the madding crowd's
ignoble strife." They were the parents
of nine children, as follows: B. C., of
whom this sketch chiefly relates; Mrs.
Lucy A. Baker (a widow), residing in St.
Paul, Minn. ; Mrs. E. P. Baker, in Henry,
S. Dak.; George E., in Mankato, Minn.;
Frank R. and Mrs. G. F. Piper, both
also in Henry, S. Dak., and Jennie M.,
Maud, and Mrs. Sarah Jordan, deceased.
B. C. Brett received his elementary
education in the schools of Franklin
county and Augusta, Maine, and in 1857
entered the medical department of Bow-
doin College, Brunswick, same State,
whence, in 1859, he went to the medical
department of Dartmouth College. Han-
over, N. H. , where he graduated in the
class of '60. He then commenced hospi-
tal and dispensary practice in New York
City, diligently devoting to it his entire
time and attention until 1862, in which
year he came to Highland, Iowa Co.,
Wis. Here, the Civil war being in pro-
gress, he was offered a commission as
assistant-surgeon to the Sixteenth Wis.
V. I., which he, however, declined; but
later (same year) was commissioned as-
sistant-surgeon to the Twenty-first Wis.
V. I., which position he accepted. He
joined the regiment at Mitchellville,
Tenn., and served with it throughout the
campaign in which it participated in the
battles of Stone River, Chickamauga and
minor engagements, as well as those
which occurred during " Sherman's march
to the sea." In January, 1865, the Doc-
tor was commissioned surgeon in the
Seventeenth Wis. \. I., but on account
of the illness of his wife was obliged to
decline. In 1865 he was honorably dis-
charged from the service at Savannah,
Ga. , and returned to Wisconsin. In
1 866 he commenced the general practice
of his profession in the town of Brodhead,
Green county, remaining there until Jul)',
1872, when he came to Green Bay. In
addition to his regular practice Dr. Brett
is A. A. Surgeon in the U. S. Marine
Hospital Service, has been Health Officer
of Green Bay fifteen years, and for nine
years was U. S. E.xamining Surgeon for
Pensions.
On April 19, i860, Dr. B. C. Brett
was united in marriage with Miss Lucy
Wilson Eastman, daughter of William H.
and Eliza Eastman, all of the State of
Maine, who after the war of the Rebellion
came to Green Bay; the parents are both
deceased, the father having died January
10, 1887, the mother July 17, 1884. To
Dr. and Mrs. Brett were born children as
follows: Frank, who died in Green Ba}'
August 2, 1879, at the age of nineteen;
Fred N. (married), attending Rush Medi-
38
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cal College, Chicago; Anna E., Jennie
M., and James R., all at home. The
parents are members of the Presbyterian
Church. Ur. Brett is president of the
Wisconsin State Medical Society, presi-
dent of the Brown County Medical So-
ciety, a member of the Fox River Valley
Medical Society, of the Brainerd Medical
Society, and of the Menomonee River
Medical Society. Socially he is a mem-
ber of Washington Lodge, No. 21, F. &
A. M., and of Warren Chapter; is Sur-
geon of T. O. Howe Post, G. A. R. ; and
is a member of the Wisconsin Command-
ery of the Loyal Legion of the United
States. Politically he is an active Re-
publican.
XA\IER MARTIN was born Janu-
ary 10, 1832, in the commune of
Grez-Doiceau, Province of Bra-
bant, Kingdom of Belgium, emi-
grating to the United States with his
father and mother, brothers and sisters,
and landing in New York, July 5, 1853,
from which city he proceeded at once to
Philadelphia. Here his father and mother
remained about a year, whence they
moved to Brown county, Wis., locating
in the Belgium settlement, where they
bought governnient land, and there they
lived, with their children, by farming and
making shingles. They were honest.
God-fearing people, and members of the
French Presbyterian Church. The family
trace their ancestry to the year 1665, and,
originally, to the city of Paris, France.
John Martin, father of Xavier, was
born in the Parish of Dion-le-val, Depart-
ment of the Dyle, on the 21st Brumaire,
in the year XIII of the French Republic,
which date corresponds with the 12th of
November, 1 804. He died on his farm
in 1 870.
Aseline Bosel, mother of Xavier, was
born in the city of Brussels, Belgium, in
October, 1805, and died in the city of
Green Bay, Wis., in 1874. John Martin,
by his wife Aseline, raised a family of
nine children, their names and births
being as follows: Constant, born May
1 I, 1830, lived in the city of Green Bay,
engaged in the real-estate and insurance
business until his death, which occurred
June 16, 1894; Xavier, born January 10,
1832, now living in the city of Green Bay,
engaged in the real-estate and insurance
business; Martin Leon, born June 28,
1834, died July 2, 1863, and until his
death was engaged in farming and lum-
bering; Pierre Joseph, born November 24,
1836, dietl February 3, 1840; Desire,
born August 23, 1839, died August 16,
1855; Mary Eleonore (now Mrs. Joseph
Dhyne), born XtJvember 23, 1841, is
residing in the city of Green Bay; Alex-
ander, born December 6, 1843, now
residing at Bayfield, Wis. ; Elie, born
August 12, 1848, is now residing in the
city of Green Bay, engaged in the real-
estate and insurance business, and is also
a popular justice of the peace; Celina
(now Mrs. Francois Hannon), born Janu-
ary 29, 1852, is living on their farm in the
town of Scott, Brown Co., Wisconsin.
Xavier Martin came from Belgium to
Philadelphia, Penn., in 1853, where he
remained four years, and there studied
the English language and literature under
Prof. Gardner, a professor of languages
and literature in that citj-. In 1857 he
left Philadelphia and came to Brown
county. Wis., visiting the Belgian settle-
ment, where his people lived. Here he
was induced to locate, there being no one
in the settlement who could speak, read
or write the English language, and for
five years Mr. Martin labored among the
people of the settlement in the capacity
of school teacher, justice of the peace,
town clerk, school superintendent and
postmaster, and, in a great measure,
through him, his energy and his influence
in his official capacity, new highways were
laid out, new school districts were formed,
new school-houses were built, and teachers
provided. In the fall of 1862, at the
general election, he was elected register
of deeds for Brown county, consequently
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
39
on the 1st of January, 1863, he had to
leave the Belgian settlement and move
with his family to the city of Green Bay,
there to assume the duties of register of
deeds, to which he was elected for four
consecutive terms (eight )-ears). In 1871
he established his present business, that
of real-estate and insurance agent, in
which he has been engaged up to the pres-
ent time, and he has been closely identi-
fied with the business interests of the
city of Green Bay for over thirty-
one years. He has served his city
in various official capacities. In 1875
and 1876 he was an active member of the
city council; was president of same dur-
ing the last year, and was chairman of the
Finance Committee both years. In 1882
he was elected city assessor by the city
council, an office he has continued to fill
with credit to himself and satisfaction of
his constituents, having been elected and
re-elected to that important office thirteen
times, and is still occupying that position.
Mr. Martin has been thrice married:
First time, in 1855, in Philadelphia,
Penn., to Miss Mary R. Gray, the second
time in 1873 to Miss Augusta Bliske, who
bore him eight children, six of whom are
living, as follows: Rudolph, Albert, Paul-
ine, Frederick, Evelynn and Richard.
The mother of these children died in
Green Bay in 1887, and in 1888 Mr.
Martin married Mrs. Amelia Dendoven
(«tr Amelia Gosin), daughter of Dieudon-
nez Gosin, who, in 1858. came from Bel-
gium to one of the Belgian settlements in
Kewaunee county. Wis. In his political
preferments Mr. Martin is an active Re-
publican. He is one of the founders of
the Wisconsin Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals, organized in 1874
and incorporated in 1882; was elected its
first president, and has filled that office
ever since. Socially he is a member of
the Knights of Honor, and of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He is
also a member of Washington Lodge No.
21, of Free and Accepted Masons, and in
Masonry has been elected and served as
senior deacon, and junior and senior
warden; in the chapter of Royal Arch
Masons he has been elected and served as
scribe one year, king two years, and is
now a royal and select master in the
Council of Royal and Select Masters.
CONSTANT MARTIN, late dealer
in real estate, and insurance and
general collection agent, was a
native of the Province of Brabant,
Belgium, born May 11, 1830, a son of
John and Aseline (Bosel) Martin.
Our subject was reared and educated
in his native land, and followed the rest
of the family to the United States. Im-
mediately on his arrival in Philadelphia
he commenced the study of the English
language. In Belgium he had been en-
gaged as clerk, but in this country he at
once commenced buying and selling land,
and became one af the most extensive
real-estate dealers in northern Wisconsin,
largely interested in town property. In
1853 Mr. Martin was united in marriage,
in Philadelphia, with Miss Fannie Gillon,
a native of Brussels, Belgium, by whom
there were two children, viz. : Clotilde
and Joseph, who both died in 1870 (as
did also their mother), the girl at the age
of fourteen years, the boy when two
months old. In 1870 Mr. Martin was
married, in Green Bay, to Mary Louisa
Rosenberg, a native of Johnstown, N. Y. ,
daughter of Peter and Louisa (Isham)
Rosenberg, who came from New York
State to Clinton, Wis. , and from there in
1867 to Green Bay, where both died. To
this second marriage of Mr. Martin were
born two children, viz. : James C. , engaged
in the insurance business with his father,
and George, deceased in infancy. In his
political preferences our subject was an
Independent. In 1866 he was a member
of the Assembly; in 1867 he was deputy
United States assessor; in 1870 he was
deputy marshal for the Northern District
of Wisconsin; also, same year, postmaster
at Red River, and was a member and
4o
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
chairman of the board. For five years
he was town clerk of Red River; served
as a justice of the peace five years; and
for two years was school superintendent
for Kewaunee county, ^^r. Slartin was a
resident (jf that county from 1859 to 1874,
and of Green Bay from 1874 until his
death, which occurred June 16, 1894.
From 1885 till 1892 he was an active
member of the board of education in the
city of Green Bay. This family trace
their ancestry to the year 1665, and orig-
inally to the City of Paris, France.
WEBSTER A. BINGH,\M. Pre-
senting as it does a worthy ex-
ample to the rising generation,
the life of this gentleman, which
from early boyhood has been one of as-
siduous industry, untiring energy and un-
questioned integrity, is well deserving of
being sketched, however briefly, in the
pages of this volume.
Mr. Bingham was born March 25,
1844, in Ogle county. 111., a son of Hol-
land Weeks and Sarah S. (Goodrich)
Bingham, both natives of Cornwall, Vt.,
the father born in 1804, the mother in
1 8 10. They were married in the East,
in 1836; moved, in 1838, to a farm in
Ogle county. 111., and from there, in 1849,
to Watertown, Wis., one daughter, aged
eight years, and one son (our subject),
aged five years, accompanying them. The
latter was educated at the Watertown
(Wis.) High School, and at the age of
fourteen conniienced the battle of life by
carrying brick at twenty-five cents per
day. He also during the summer vaca-
tions worked in a machine shop; a part of
the time, up to the age of seventeen, ran
a stationary engine, and when he was but
sixteen years old he taught a country
school near Watertown; by which it will
be seen that his early life experience was
of a decidedly versatile character. But
he was always equal to the occasion. He
was possessed of vigorons natural abilities,
and although his opportunities for acquir-
ing knowledge were but few, yet he ap-
plied his powers of observation upon the
things which were nearest to him, and the
boy became father to the man. In 1861,
at the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the
First Wis. V. C, in which regiment he
experienced three years of constant active
service in the Civil war, never being absent
from his post of duty during any engage-
ment in which the" First " participated.
He received slight promotions in the non-
commissioned line, and in 1864, at the
age of twenty, by reason of expiration of
term of service, was mustered out as regi-
mental quartermaster-sergeant. Return-
ing to Wisconsin, he entered upon a
course of study at the Spencerian Business
College, Milwaukee, and when his course
was nearl\- completed secured a position
in one of the departments of the college
as teacher, which he held for a short time
until a situation was open to him in a cer-
tain large wholesale hardware house in
Milwaukee, at that time one of the most
prominent firms in the West. In this
business he remained as salesman eight
years, advancing from a salary of five
hundred dollars to twenty-five hundred
dollars per annum, and becoming very
popular with the trade. In the fall of
1872 he engaged in a general merchandise
business in West De Pere, Brown Co.,
Wis., on a small capital, which was more
than doubled the first two years, the sales
having been pushed up to ninety thousand
dollars the first year, in an ordinary coun-
try store, and for several successive years
increased until a steady and permanent
trade was established, which has been al-
most phenomenally successful from its
commencement to the present time. The
business has been conducted on the best
and most secure business priciples, and
no firm in Brown county stands higher
either with customers or creditors.
In 1887 Mr. Bingham made a trip to
California, in reality for recreation; but
an opening for manufacturing presenting
itself strongly, he became one of the
members of a large corporation organized
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
41
for the purpose of manufacturing fire-clay
products, principally vitrified pipe for ir-
rigation purposes, city sewers, etc. The
full management of this company was
soon placed in his hands, and for several
years he has been the president and man-
ager of the "Pacific Clay Manufacturing
Company," of Los Angeles, Cal. The
concern is in a most prosperous condi-
tion, and has paid regular dividends to the
stockholders each year, under his manage-
ment. He retains his business interests
in De Pere (which is really his home), and
gives them as much personal attention as
is needed.
In 1869 Mr. Bingham was married in
Milwaukee to Miss Fannie H. Bird, of
Cambridge, Mass. , and three children
have blessed their union, named respect-
ively: Mary Homer, Arthur Walter and
Susan Abbott. In religious faith he has
been an active member of the Congrega-
tional Church from the age of sixteen; in
political predilections he is a Republican,
but not an active politician, and has
served on the board of education of West
De Pere, ten years, and as mayor of that
city, one year. Now at the age of fifty
years, and in the prime of life, Mr. Bing-
ham is in perfect health, with some of thg
best years before him, as he believes, and
he deserves to lake pride in a substantial,
though modest, business record which
stands without a blemish.
M
ARTIN VAN BEEK, owner of
one of the finest farms in
Preble township, Brown coun-
ty, is well-known as one of the
most industrious and progressive farmers
of his section.
He was born October 29, 1842, in
Holland, son of John Van Beek, who
was a carpenter by trade, at which he
worked in his native country, being also
employed as a plow maker. In 1850
John Van Beek emigrated from Holland,
on June 24, that year, landing in Green
Bay, Wis., with his family of five chil-
dren— three sons and two daughters. On
arriving here he had but ten guilders (four
dollars) left, and immediately went to
work for Judge Ellis (at a place near
where Hagemeister's brewery now is),
repairing a sawmill, and also at his trade.
So limited were their circumstances at
first that the family lived in a stable, and
later for four months in a blacksmith
shop, aftter which they removed to a house
owned by Joshua Whitney's father. Thus
Mr. Van Beek struggled along, and after
some years was able to purchase a house
and lot, and still later 120 acres of land
in Preble township. Brown county, part
of which is now incorporated in the farm
of our subject. John Van Beek passed
from earth in 1883, ^^ Bay Settlement;
his wife died May 23, 1880, at the same
place, and they now lie buried in Bay Set-
tlement cemetery. After coming here
Mr. Van Beek visited his native country
once, but was not content to remain
there. From being a poor man he had,
by hard work and honest industry, ac-
cumulated a comfortable competence,
and he was highly respected in his lo-
cality.
Martin Van Beek was deprived of
educational advantages in his youth by
the limited circumstances of his parents,
who needed his help; but he was anxious
to learn, and attended night school even
after his marriage. During his later years
he has been a great reader, and in this
manner, and by observation, he has se-
cured a practical education. When but
a boy he was initiated into the details of
the lumber business, becoming quite
skilled in the care of saws, and was also
expert at manufacturing shingles by hand.
When a little older he did some sailing on
the lakes and ocean. At New Franken,
Wis. , he found work as head sawyer in a
shingle mill. He was completely at home
in the lumber business, and during fifteen
springs he "rode logs," at which he had
few equals, for which hazardous labor he
has been paid as much as seven dollars per
day. But being of a roving disposition.
42
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUWAL RECORD.
he has not been content to remain at
home all the time, and, especially as a
sailor, has probably traveled more than
any other farmer in his neifjhborhood.
On January 2, 1867, Mr. Van Beek
was married to Miss Catharine Bomber,
who was born April iiS. 1843, in Bel-
gium, a daughter of Agelius Bomber, and
came to the United States when thirteen
years old; her parents resided in Green
Bay. To this marriage have been born
thirteen children, three of whom — Mar-
garet A., Joseph and William — are de-
ceased. The others are named as fol-
lows: Mary, Hcnr}-. John, Josephine,
Joseph, Gertrude. Elizabeth, Samuel,
AloN'sius and William. At the time of
his marriage Mr. \'an Beek located in
Green Bay, and shortly after went with a
surveying corps, who were laying out the
course of the Green Bay, Winona & St.
Paul railroad. Upon his return home he
again engaged in the lumber business,
remaining with one firm, Clouse &
Featherly, for five years, during which
time his work was such that he gained
some knowledge of the blacksmith and
machinist trades. For two summers he
was in the employ of Earl & Case, and
received good wages, scaling lumber and
"booming logs." He also commenced
to learn the printer's trade in the Gazette
office at Green Bay, but gave it up on
account of his health. During these
years he had saved some money, and
built a home in Green Bay, which he
subsequently traded for forty acres of
land where he now lives, and to which
he has added other forty acres. When
he took up his residence on this land it
was covered with stumps, was very
swampy, and, altogether, in such poor
condition that he found it necessary to
tile almost the whole farm. But his
labor has been well repaid, for to-day he
has one of the best farms in Preble town-
ship, the result of years of hard work and
systematic management. While not a
life-long farmer, he has, during his resi-
dence here, proven himself capable and
progressive in the agricultural depart-
ment, paying special attention to the
raising of garden truck.
During the Civil war Mr. Van Beek
enlisted in the United States service, at
Oconto, Wis., but was rejected on ac-
count of his youth. He afterward en-
listed at Berlin, Wis., and was again
rejected, this time on account of injuries
received in a fall. Politically he is a
stanch Republican, and a strong sup-
porter of the principles of that party, but
he gi\es no time to party affairs, his own
interests requiring all his attention. In
religious connection he and his wife are
members of the Catholic Church, in
which he has been councilor some \ears.
E
DWARD DECKER was born
Ma\' 2, 1827, in Casco, Cumber-
land Co., Maine, son of David
and Eliza (Dunhamj Decker.
The progenitor of the Decker family in
America was the great-great-grandfather
of our subject, coming from England, and
settling on the Kennebec river, in Maine,
where he became a prominent and pros-
perous citizen. His grandson, David
Decker, removed to Cumberland county,
Maine, in an early day, married Jemima
Decker, a cousin, and they became the
parents of the following children: Mary,
David, John, William, Eunice, Charles,
Nathan and Spencer. Of these, David
Decker, was a well-known character in
his community, was a Jacksonian Demo-
crat, and had considerable influence in
local and State politics. By occupation
he was a merchant and miller, his mill
property being situated on the Kennebec
river; and as he was a capable business
man he prospered, but he also met with
many reverses. About 1857 he was in-
duced by his son, Edward, to come west
to Wisconsin, where he purchased a half
section of land in Kewaunee county, near
Casco, so named by his son, Edward, in
honor of his birthplace. Here David
Decker died in 1865 at the age of sixty-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
45
four years. His wife, Eliza (Dunham),
was a daughter of Jesse Dunham, a na-
tive of Boston, Mass., who resided in
Otisfield, Maine. Domestic, kind-hearted,
■charitable, and possessed of many en-
dearing quaHties of head and heart, she
had hosts of friends. To her and her
husband were born eight children, name-
l}': Edward, Eliza Ann, Stillman, Levi,
Lucy, Adeline, Jesse and Lizzie. She
died in 1S89, at the age of eighty years.
Her family, the Dunhams, were generally
noted for stability in business and social
circles.
Edward Decker received in his boy-
hood but few advantages, even of the
public schools, and at the age of fourteen
he left home and proceeding to Portland,
Maine, there obtained a position, working
for eight dollars per month. When six-
teen years old he went to Boston, where
he clerked for his uncle in a general store
two years. During his stay in that city
Mr. Decker heard a good deal about
Iowa, enough to induce him to set out for
that State; but while in Milwaukee he was
persuaded to locate with a large party in
^^^isconsin, and thus the State gained a
valuable citizen. He landed in Milwau-
kee, May 2, 1845, and after one year's
residence in Watertown, Wis., moved to
Oshkosh, where he embarked in the lum-
ber business, being the first man to run
logs to that place, in which connection he
became well known. Under a treaty
with the Indians, Robert Grignon had
permission to build a sawmill on Indian
lands along the Little Wolf river, and
!Mr. Decker contracted to stock the mill
with logs, he receiving half of the lumber.
This lumber was rafted and run down the
river, where it was disposed of among the
•early settlers of Winnebago county, and
pieces of same are still to be found in the
old houses of that section. Mr. Decker
■continued in the lumber business three
years, and then built a hotel in Menasha,
which he conducted for a short time.
Selling this and other property he re-
anoved in 1855 to Kewaunee county. Wis.
(where he entered a large amount of land
with the intention of establishing a set-
tlement), opened a store and cleared
some land. In 1856 the county was or-
ganized and county officers elected, but
Mr. Decker declined to ha\e anything to
do with the organization. The county
officers being inexperienced, however, all
failed to qualify in the following January,
and he was requested by prominent busi-
ness men in the county to organize the
affairs and establish the different offices.
Having set the machinery going, and hav-
ing been deputized by the treasurer and
clerk, he set to work to put things in run-
ning order, and the business was soon in
proper condition. At the end of two
years he was elected clerk, and continued
to serve as such many years, being re-
elected often against his wish; he held the
office until January i, 1869. In the fall
of 1859 Mr. Decker was elected State
senator, in which capacity he served one
term. At the next convention his name
was again used, but he refused to be a
candidate, and when tendered the nomi-
nation declined to accept it. In the same
fall the Republicans and Democrats called
a mass convention, and again offered him
the nomination, which he, as before, re-
fused.
Regardless of party politics, he per-
formed some deeds of daring and acts of
charity that are entitled to honorable
mention in the history of the State. Dur-
ing the Civil war the draft was inevitable
in many counties in Wisconsin, and in
some armed resistance was feared. The
principal population of Kewaunee county
was foreign, and resisted the draft; armed
bodies of men discussed the situation, and
excitement ran high. Troops had been
ordered to the scene of trouble, blood-
shed seemed unavoidable, and the feeling
was bitter against the government. At
this critical stage the cooler heads of the
representative men of the State proposed
Edward Decker as the only man who in
all probability could act as United States
deputy provost marshal, and avert blood-
46
COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPHWAL RECORD.
shed and the dire consequences attending
it. He realized to the full the difficult
task before him, but finally was persuaded
to accept it. His record as county officer,
friend, business man and neifjhbor, all
combined to aid him, but it was weeks
after accepting the office before any im-
pression could be made on the wrathful
inhabitants, who regarded him as an
enemy to their rights and privileges.
Many of his acquaintances refused to
speak to him on meeting, and manifested
marked hostility. He had stipulated that
no armed force should be sent into the
Territory, and had secured other rights
and privileges which he could make use
of if occasion demanded; so by degrees
the hostility subsided, and his influence
with the people was felt. The cooler
heads saw the wisdom of his counsel,
and eventually the obno.xious draft was
avoided, money was subscribed liberally,
and bounties were paid. Mr. Decker's
full share in bringing this about will never
be fully learned, but many an old farmer
and father remembers the aid he received
in that trying time.
During all these years, besides attend-
ing to his public duties, he looked after
his settlement on Decker creek, which,
as before mentioned, was named ' ' Casco "
in honor of his birthplace. He eventually
established a lumber mill, which is still in
operation; owns 1,500 acres in a body at
Casco, and 1,500 acres in the vicinity.
His long service in the county office made
him familiar with every acre of land in
Kewaunee and Door counties, where he
owns, altogether, over ten thousand acres,
this land being accumulated by degrees,
excepting the old homestead at Casco,
where he bought three thousand acres at
one time. After withdrawing from the
county ofTices Mr. Decker intended to go
into the railroad business, starting a road
from Green Bay to St. Paul, and a com-
pany was organized which obtained a
charter. Associated with Mr. Decker
were Col. C. B. Robinson, editor of the
Green Bay Adi-ocatc, and Anton Klaus,
a merchant and lumberman. The pro-
ject was a bold one. and there is no doubt
that, had it been carried out. it would
have been a success, and the road would
probably have been the first through the
Northwest to the Pacific coast; but al-
though aid was voted, no material pro-
gress was made. In 1868 Mr. Decker
concluded to embark in the undertaking
in earnest; new directors were elected,
and he was made president, but Provi-
dence had ordered it otherwise. He was
injured in a runaway, his left arm being
so mangled as to necessitate amputation,
he was disabled for over a year, and he
consequently resigned the presidenc\-, and
the road was subsequently built b\- others
to Winona, Minn., instead of St. Paul.
Always active in business affairs, he has
been interested in many deals, and has
been a silent partner in various concerns.
While residing in Kewaunee he had
an interest in the large lumber mills there,
which he subsequently sold to good ad-
vantage. In 1872 he took up his resi-
dence in Green Bay, and purchased a
controlling interest in the Bank of Com-
merce, of which he became one of the
officers, and with which he retained his
connection several years. Removing
again to Casco, he built up quite an ex-
tensive business there, also conducting
from that place his interest in various
enterprises with which he was identified.
He became one of the main stockholders
of the Kewaunee Exchange Bank, which
has since been incorporated as one of the
State Banks of Wisconsin, and of which
he is now president. In 1881 he started
a private bank at Ahnapee, called the
Bank of Ahnapee. of which he is president
and owns the entire stock. In 18SS, in
company with James Keogh. he founded
the Bank of Sturgeon Bay, of which he is
also president. In February, 1891, Mr.
Decker and his son David organized the
Bank of Two Rivers, Wis., of which he
is president and David Decker cashier.
Though ever engaged with the many
duties of the various commercial enter-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
47
prises with which he was connected, Mr.
Decker still found time to devote to news-
paper work. In June, 1859, he brought
to Kewaunee a printing press, which he
had purchased at Menasha, where it had
been used to print a small weekly. None
of the Kewaunee citizens knew of this
enterprise till its arrival, and having a
cousin who acted as his clerk, and who
was a professional printer, Mr. Decker
got him to set it up and started the Ke-
waunee Enterprise, a paper politically
Democratic; in January, 1869, it was
sold to John M. Reed. In 1885 Mr.
Decker bought a half interest in the Green
Bay Advocate, which has since been in-
corporated as the Green Bay Advocate
Company, of which he fs president and
principal stockholder. This paper is pub-
lished both daily and weekly and is also
Democratic. Mr. Decker has just com-
pleted the building of a railroad from Casco
Junction to Sturgeon Bay, called the
Ahnapee & Western railway, of which he
is president. The road, which is practically
his own conception, is thirty-four miles in
length, and is operated as a general freight
and passenger line.
Mr. Decker is the father of six chil-
dren, viz. : George A. (of California),
Mrs. Anna Curtin, David B., Edward,
Nathan and Libbie, the latter of whom is
a student at Grafton Hall.
Although Mr. Decker's position in life
makes him a conspicuous figure in this
part of the State of Wisconsin, he is yet
the most companionable and approach-
able of men, and has an ever ready ear
and a helping hand for those in distress or
seeking advice in business matters. In
summing up his life sketch it is but just to
speak more fully of his relation to the
business world of the State, for the men
that compose it have universally a high
respect for his integritj' and moral worth.
His success in life has led to many in-
quiries regarding his methods in business,
which are sound and safe, and peculiarly
free from the vortex of speculation which
has made a few wealthy men, but which
has ruined so many of the really progres-
sive and enterprising. Aside from his
proverbial square-dealing with rich and
poor, it is his attention to details that has
been the foundation and rock of all his suc-
cesses. The services he has rendered in
developing the resources of the State, and
more especially those of Kewaunee and
Door counties, 'will best be appreciated
by a new and thinking generation, who
will be more able, as time gives opportun-
ity for reflection, to truly comprehend and
revere the memory of its pioneers who
were its best benefactors.
JH. EBELING, one of the most
prominent millers in Green Bay, was
born in 1S36 in Holstein, Germany,
a son of J. H. and Anna Dorothea
(Winert) Ebeling. The father, who was
also a miller, died in Germany in 1851^
the mother surviving until about 1887.
Of their eighteen children, Henry N. and
J. H. (our subject) now reside in Green
Bay.
In 1864 J. H. Ebeling came to the
United States, and in Mishicot, Mani-
towoc Co., Wis., was engaged, in part-
nership with Mr. Soenksen, in milling
until 1866, when he came to Green Bay.
Here he worked as a miller for a Mr.
Hoeffel two years; then, in 1868, went to
New Franken, Brown county, built a
flour mill, and under the firm name of
Smith & Ebeling carried on the business
until 1S76, when the mill was destroyed
by fire. In 1877 the present flour mills
were erected, Mr. Ebeling and H. A.
Straubel being then the proprietors. The
mills were built with four run of buhrs,
and later rebuilt to the roller system and
enlarged to a capacity of 300 barrels of
flour per day, with an elevator attached,
of 45,000 bushels capacity. The mills
were run under the firm name of Ebeling
& Straubel's mill until March, 1894, when
Mr. Ebeling bought his partner's interest,
and has since conducted the business on
his sole account. Mr. Ebeling is presi-
4S
COMMEMORATIVE BlOOIiAPUICAL RECORD.
dent of the Columbian Baker\' Company,
is a stockholder in the Brown County Fair
& Park Association, and holds various
other important business interests.
He was married, in 1865. in Mishicot,
to Miss Mary, dauf,'hter of Carl Frederic
and Augusta (Kunze) Altmann, all natives
of Dresden, Germanj-. To this union
were born four children, viz. : J. H., Jr.,
engineer at the mills; Frederic Charles,
traveling salesman for the same; Marie
C. ; and William Theodore, shipping clerk
for the mills. Mr. Ebeling is in politics a
Republican. His business qualifications
are universally recognized, and it may be
mentioned, to his great credit, that he
started in his present lucrative trade with
a cash capital of only one thousand dollars.
CHARLES WEST DAY, of the
city of De Perc, was born July i,
1836, in the town of Limerick,
Jefferson Co., N. Y. , and is a son
of Otis and Elmira (Scribner) Day, both
also natives of New York State, the for-
mer of whom was a farmer by occupa-
tion. Three children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Day in New York State, as fol-
lows: Charles W., our subject; Philander
L. a butcher and farmer, of Wrightstown,
Wis., and Frances, who died in Wrights-
town at the age of seven vears.
In November, i 849, Otis Day sold his
farm and decided to come to Wisconsin,
then the " Far West," which State was
offering cheap homes at the time men-
tioned. Accompanied by his family, he
journeyed to Buffalo, N. Y. ; and thence
via the lakes to Manitowoc; thence to
Green Bay, in January, 1850, reaching
Wrightstown, Brown county, where he
entered a tract of eighty acres of land.
The route from Green Bay to this land
led through an unbroken wilderness, and
from De Pere down was only a trail, which
had to be cut through to form a road for
the passage of his team. On his eighty
acres Mr. Day erected the first habitation
ever occupied by a white man in that re-
gion— a cabin of logs covered with bass-
wood boughs, which was occupied by the
Daj' family seven or eight years before a
more substantial and pretentious residence
was substituted. The sufferings of the
famih' from sickness at that early day
were terrible in the extreme, and at one
time Charles W. was the only member of
the household able to be on his feet. He
brought supplies from De Pere on his
back, often through knee-deep snow, and
on one occasion, returning from one of
these trips, found his only sister a corpse.
The growth of timber was very dense,
and great labor was required in felling it.
Shingles made by hand were the only
source of revenue, and it required two
days' hard work to secure a load, that is
a thousand, which after being hauled to
De Pere, the nearest market, by ox-team,
brought but seventy-five cents in trade in
goods at the store. As the timber was
felled, an axe was used to make incisions
in the ground, into which seed corn was
dropped, and the natural fertility of the
soil producing good crops, a comfortable
living was gradually derived from this
cereal. The death of Otis Day occurred on
this farm June 20, 1882, and that of Mrs.
Day May 7, 1890, and their remains now
lie in Greenleaf cemetery.
Charles West Day received such an
education as the schools of his early days
afforded, and has lived to see great changes
in the conduct of these institutions, the
advantages of which he has fully availed
himself of for the benefit, at least, of his
own children. He of course began life on
a farm, but was early initiated into the
mysteries of lumbering, the general voca-
tion of his neighborhood. At the age of
twenty he left his old home to begin the
battle of life for himself, and has made a
good fight. The first summer of his ca-
reer was passed in company with Reuben
Thompson in making shingles by hand;
the following year he worked for a Mr.
Blake, of De Pere, who was building cor-
duroy roads, and the next winter received
his first real start in life by clearing five
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
49
hundred dollars with a team of oxen he
had purchased the year previous.
On July 3, i860, Mr. Day was mar-
ried to Miss Juliette Chase, who was born
June 14, 1840, in the town of Charleston,
Kalamazoo Co., Mich. Her parents,
Henrj' and Persis (Averill) Chase, were
New Englanders, but came from Canada
to Michigan, and later, in 1856, moved to
De Pere via Green Baj', four years after-
ward removing to Wrightstown. The
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Day was sol-
emnized by Squire Brown on the site of
the "Old Agency House," a short dis-
tance north of De Pere. After his mar-
riage Mr. Day located on eighty acres of
timberland bought of Lucien Wright, in
partnership with H. S. Wright, whereon
he built a log shanty, and the fast}- man-
ner in which Mrs. Day kept the humble
abode was the comment of all the neigh-
bors round about. All the timber was
cut from the land, which Mr. Daj- sold
after passing one winter thereon, and
he then moved to Greenleaf, the follow-
ing winter locating on the old homestead,
where he continued lumbering. Here a
water-mill had been erected by Otis Day,
which Charles W. con\erted into a steam-
mill — something of a novelty in its day —
which in later years was enlarged and im-
proved. Mr. Day, in his time, has bought
and sold thousands of acres of timberland,
which he has resold after cutting off the
timber, and to-day owns a tract of 500
acres, of which 400 are under cultivation.
In August, 1884, he removed to De Pere,
where he has ever since resided, although
his business interests lie entirely in
Wrightstown, in and around Greenleaf.
Politicall}' a Republican, Mr. Day cast
his first Presidential vote for Abraham
Lincoln. He has never been an office-
seeker, but has always been one of the
advisers and counselors of his party in his
section, and has filled various local offices,
though on two occasions, when elected
township trustee, he declined to serve.
For twenty-nine years he was school
treasurer of his township, four years of
which he served after leaving the District,
and was, in fact, legally disqualified from
serving. In 1886 he was elected to the
State Senate, and served the term to the
gratification of all concerned. In all his
monetary transactions, involving thou-
sands upon thousands of dollars, he has
never had a lawsuit, which fact is in itself
sufficient demonstration of the rectitude
of his conduct. To the foresight, skill,
industry and indomitable energy of such
citizens does Brown county owe much of
her prosperity. Mr. Day is not a mem-
ber of a secret lodge or secret society of
any kind, preferring to spend his leisure
time in the home circle of his interesting
famil}', which is a true type of an ideal
American home.
Mr. and Mrs. Day have had born to
them seven children, as follows: Ed-
ward B. , of Greenleaf; Persis E., now
the wife of W. H. Earles, M. D., of Mil-
waukee; Mary E., married to B. I. Bray-
ten, of St. Paul; Alma E., who died in
infancy; Carlton A., at home; Frederick
E., who also died in infancy; and Lillian
M., at home.
HON. JOHN M. HOGAN. This
gentleman is a well-known prom-
inent farmer, of Preble township,
Brown county, in whose career
as a successful merchant and financier
we find one of the best examples of safe
conservative enterprise.
Patrick Hogan, his father, was a na-
tive of County Clare, Ireland, where he
received a liberal education. When little
more than a lad he emigrated to the
United States, and in New York City
learned the trade of hatter, which he fol-
lowed for some time there. In that city
he married Miss Isabella McGillan, a na-
tive of Tyrone, Ireland, who came to
America with a sister, both being then in
their young womanhood, and to this
union were born two children: John M.,
and Mary. When our subject was yet
an infant his parents came west, and
5°
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHJCAL RECORD.
landing in Detroit, Mich., the mother
and child were left there while the father
proceeded farther westward to Milwaukee,
Wis., where he purchased land in the
neighborhood, situated in Town 1 2,
Washington county. Later the family
joined him, and on this farm they lived
three years, at the end of which time they
moved to Green Bay, residing there un-
til March, i860, when they came to
Preble township and settled on the farm
now owned by our subject. Very little
clearing had been done on this piece of
land at the time the family came to it,
but hard work and industrious persever-
ance soon converted it into a productive
farm. The father resided here at vari-
ous times, occasionally in Green Bay,
where he died July 17, 1887, his remains
being interred in Allouez township ceme-
tery. His widow, now seventy-four years
of age, is living with our subject; she is a
member of the Church of St. John the
Evangelist, at Green Bay. The daughter,
Mary, died when four and one-half years
old, and is also buried in Allouez town-
ship cemetery. Mr. Hogan was a typ-
ical self-made man, one who climbed from
the bottom rung of the ladder of success
to the top, totally unaided, and by his
own indefatigable exertions and labor.
John M. Hogan, the subject proper of
these lines, was born, in 1848, in New
York City, whence when an infant he was
brought by his parents to Wisconsin, as
above related. At the common schools
of his boyhood period he received a fair
education, and was reared to agricultural
pursuits, in which he was thoroughly
trained. In 1882, in company with
Peter Tuyls, he embarked in general
merchandising in Green Bay, their store
being located on Main street, where they
met with encouraging success, but failing
health compelled his retirement. Selling
his interest in the store, he for a time
lived comparatively retired, occasionally
buying and selling real estate, in which he
also made a success. Two years after
the death of his father he purchased the
home farm, and believing it would im-
prove his health, in the spring of 1890
returned to it, and has remained there
ever since, not doing any active work,
however, as the farm, which now com-
prises eighty acres, is looked after by
others. In politics he is a Republican,
but no partisan, as in county and town-
ship matters he votes for the individual
he considers best suited to theoflfice, while
in State and National affairs he invariably
supports his party ticket. He has been
called upon to serve his township in var-
ious capacities, such as chairman of the
board of supervisors some seven years,
justice of the peace and treasurer of the
school board, at all times acquitting him-
self with credit and honor, and to the sat-
isfaction of his constituents. In the fall
of 1880 he was elected representative to
the State Legislature, in which he served
one term with marked ability. Much
credit is due to Mr. Hogan for the envia-
ble position in society he has elevated
himself to, he being recognized as a lead-
ing man in the county, and a wise coun-
selor. At the breaking out of the war of
the Rebellion Mr. Hogan was too young
to enlist, being then but twelve years of
age, but on May 26, 1864, when not quite
si.vteen years old, he enlisted at Green
Bay without the knowledge of his par-
ents, becoming a member of Company G,
Forty-first Wis. V. I. He served with
his command at Memphis, Tenn., and
was on picket duty there when the Con-
federate general Forrest made the attack
on that place in 1864. Mr. Hogan com-
pleted his term of enlistment, and on
September 23, 1864, was honorably dis-
charged from the service, in Milwaukee.
PHILIPP MULLER. In the life
of this well-known gentleman there
is presented a lesson for the youth
of any land; something to be found
in it of a nature encouraging to the young
aspirant, who, without friends or fortune,
is struggling to overcome obstacles in his
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
efforts to acquire a comfortable compe-
tence, if not absolute wealth.
Mr. Muller was born in Prussia, Sep-
tember 6, 1 83 1, in one of the wine-grow-
ing districts that luxuriate along the fer-
tile banks of the beautiful river Moselle,
and distant some eighteen miles from the
city of Trier. He is the second child and
eldest son of Matthias Muller, a well-to-do
landowner in Germany, also a wine-grower
and cooper, making his own casks for use
in his business. Young Philipp was brought
up to this industry, working steadily at it
after leaving school, until he was nine-
teen years old, when he decided to emi-
grate to America, here to seek his fortune.
On May i, 1850, in company with a
cousin, Matthias Hoffman, he set sail
from the port of Antwerp, Belgium, in the
American ship "Edwina," and after a
quick passage of thirty days, landed at
New York, where he found his funds
completely e.xhausted. His cousin, how-
ever, kindly came to his assistance, sup-
plying him with sufficient money to bring
him on to Wisconsin, and after landing in
Milwaukee, he and his cousin (for they
were still companions in their journey)
proceeded to Sheboygan, thence by foot
to Manitowoc, where our subject found
his first employment on American soil,
commencing, as will be seen, in debt.
His employer was one Richter, who kept
several cows a short distance from Mani-
towoc, and young Muller's duties were
to attend to them, receiving the sum
of eight dollars per month for his serv-
ices, boarding all this time in Mani-
towoc with John Raymer, a fellow-coun-
tryman. On leaving Richter he went to
Two Rivers and commenced work in the
sawmill of H. H. Smith, at the same
wages as he had previously got; but in
two short weeks the terrible scourge,
cholera, broke out, paralyzing work, and
people fleeing from the place, one of the
fugitives allowing our subject to occupy
his deserted home, and here the latter re-
mained, living as best he could. When
the plague had abated, people began to re-
turn to their homes, the sawmill was once
more started up, and Mr. Muller found
work until the fall of the year, at which
time the mill was closed. Purchasing a
strong pair of boots and an axe, he ne.xt
tried his hand at chopping cordwood at two
shillings and sixpence per cord, but at
the end of winter he found on settling up
that he owed his employer eight dollars
after giving him his axe, which was not a
very encouraging transaction. In the
spring he again engaged to work in Smith's
sawmill at eight dollars per month, and
found himself at the end of the season
with just thirteen dollars in cash. From
that he again went to lumbering in the
woods for a short time; then, purchasing
an axe and a cross-cut saw, cut cordwood
for a time, after which for the remainder
of the winter he made shingles, and on
settling up in the spring he found that,
after surrendering his tools to his em-
ployer, he was enabled to begin the sum-
mer of 1852 simply out of debt. Work-
ing again in a sawmill at nine dollars per
month, he succeeded in saving by the
commencement of winter about twenty-
five dollars, and for the next few months
he found various kinds of employment for
no more than his board.
Next year, leaving Two Rivers, he
hired out at Neshoto at sixteen dollars
per month, and at the end of something
over a year he had saved $160, with
which sum he proceeded to New York in
order to meet his parents, brothers and
sisters and an old uncle, all of whom had
just landed from Germany, and were
without money to take them westward.
Mr. Muller, however, brought them all
to Wisconsin, thirteen in number, and
when they reached Two Rivers there was
not a penny left in the party, so Mr.
Muller had to borrow two shillings where-
with to pay the wharfage on the chattels.
The family' then went to live with a rela-
tive in Two Rivers, but the junior mem-
bers soon found work, the boys at peeling
bark, the girls as domestics. A farm was
rented for the parents and the old uncle.
52
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the youngest child going with them. In
the following spring, in Mishicot town-
ship. Manitowoc county, the father
bought eighty acres of uncleared land,
paying on account $35, which money was
supplied by Philipp, saved by him out of
his earnings in the lumber woods, where
he worked at $18 per month. Later on,
finding themselves unable to meet pay-
ments falling due on this land, forty acres
had to be sold in order to clear them-
selves. There was not a single stick cut
on the remaining forty acres, so there
was a vast amount of work to be done to
make a clearing. A log house, 16x24
feet, was first built, and this was the only
shelter for the family, at that time seven
in munber, for a long time. By i860
sufficient improvements were made, our
subject furnishing out of his hard-earned
wages all the necessary means; and, in-
deed, it may be said he was the mainstay
of the family until they were able to sup-
port themselves from the product of the
farm, and then he began for himself.
On December 7, 1861, Mr. Muller
was married to Miss Magdalene Flem-
ming, who was born May 5. 1842, in
Luxemburg, Germany, a daughter of
Frank Flemming, who in 1S56 came from
Antwerp, Belgium, to New York, bring-
ing his family, from there traveling west-
ward to Wisconsin, and settling in Ne-
shoto, Manitowoc county, where the
marriage took place, 'Squire Jacob King
performing the ceremony. In Neshoto
the young people connnenced housekeep-
ing, and after a five-years' residence there
moved to Two Rivers, Mr. Muller work-
ing there in sawmills; thence proceeded
to Kewaunee, where he was employed in
the same line of work, his wages being
now $3 per day, for eight years working
in the mill summers and "scaling" logs
winters, after which for nineteen years
he was employed in sawmills only — a
total of twenty-seven years, eight years
under one employer, the remainder with
three different companies, never being
discharged from anyone of them, and not
leaving Kewaunee until the last log in the
neighborhood was sawed.
From there Mr. Muller came to the
city of Green Bay, owning some lots
there, but after a short sojourn re-
moved into the country. In the fall of
1877 he came to his present farm of
ninety-three acres in Preble township.
Brown county, situated four miles south-
east of Green Bay, and here he has since
resided, prosperously engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits, including stock-raising.
When he came to this farm it was in a
very wild condition, covered with under-
brush and fallen timber, but by dint of
assiduous labor and untiring energy he
has converted it into a luxuriant farm of
fertile fields. Two sons and two daugh-
ters complete the happy family circle,
viz. : Jacob, born February 6, 1863, in Ne-
shoto; George, born March 18, 1866, also
in Neshoto; Catherine, born June 15.
1875, in Kewaunee, and Elizabeth, born
August 21, 1877, ^1^0 '" Kewaunee.
They are all on the farm, the sons assist-
ing the father in the general work thereon.
Politically our subject is a Democrat, his
first vote being cast for Franklin Pierce,
and has served his township in various
offices, such as road overseer for District
No. 5, two terms. The family are wor-
thy members of the Catholic Church, and
enjoy the respect and esteem of all who
know them.
HON. S. D. HASTINGS, Jr., Cir-
cuit Judge of the District com-
prising Brown, Oconto, Marinette
and Door counties, was born
June 19, 1 84 1, in Philadelphia, a son of
Samuel D. and Margaretta (Schubert)
Hastings, the former a native of Massa-
chusetts, the latter of Pennsylvania.
Samuel D. Hastings was reared in his
native State, and as a representative of a
business house was sent to Philadelphia,
where he, resided until 1845, when he
came to Wisconsin and located in Wal-
worth county, where he was an earnest
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
53
worker in the cause of temperance, until
1 85 1, at which time he removed to La-
Crosse, Wis. In the fall of 1857 he was
elected State Treasurer of Wisconsin, and
filled the office eight years. On his elec-
tion to this responsible office he removed
to Madison, the capital of the State, and
there he and his wife still reside. Since
the expiration of his office as State
Treasurer, in 1865, he has devoted all
his attention to the cause of temperance.
His children are three in number,
namely: S. D., our subject; EmmaM.,
wife of H. R. Hobart, editor of the
Rni/zi'ay Ag^c, of Chicago, 111., and Flor-
ence L. , married to H. W. Hoyt, princi-
pal owner of the Gates Iron Works, of
the same city.
Hon. S. D. Hastings came to Brown
county in August, 1867, from Madison,
where for two years he had been
in the practice of law; in 1883 he was
elected to his present high position, and
was re-elected in 1889 — each term being
for six years. He was a graduate of
Beloit College and of the Albany (N. Y.)
Law C'lllege; was admitted to the bar of
New York in 1865, and, with his eighteen-
years' experience at the bar, was fully
prepared for the duties of the circuit
judgeship, taking his seat on the bench
January i, 1884. The Judge was first
married, in 1863, at Beloit, Wis., to Miss
Marj' C. Kendall, a native of Milwaukee,
and a daughter of the late J. G. Kendall,
a pioneer of Beloit. Airs. Hastings be-
came the mother of three daughters,
Lillias M. (the only one now living),
and in 1868 passed to the other side of
Life's river. In 1872 the Judge chose for
his second wife Miss Hetta Sue Clapp,
whom he married in her native city,
Kenosha, Wis. Her parents were Na-
thaniel P. and Sarah (McCoy) Clapp,
natives of New York, and pioneers of
Kenosha before Wisconsin was admitted
to the sisterhood of States. The father,
who was prominent as a stock dealer,
was accidentally killed, while in New York
with a shipment of cattle; the mother
died in Green Bay in 1889. To this
second marriage of Judge Hastings have
been born five children — Florence N.,
now aged fourteen; S. D., Jr., now aged
eleven, and three sons who died in in-
fancy. Mrs. Hastings has one living
sister, the wife of George G. Greene, of
the firm of Greene & Vrooman, attor-
neys-at-law.
Judge Hastings is a Republican in
politics; he was president of the Green
Bay school board for years, and has
been president of the board of directors
of the city library since its organization
in 1890; he is a member of the board of
directors of the Electric Light Company
of Green Ba}', of the Kellogg National
Bank of Green Bay, and of the Oconto
National Bank of Oconto. For several
years he has been lecturer in the law de-
partment of the Wisconsin University at
Madison. He has filled all these positions
of usefulness with marked ability, and
few men of his years in the State of
Wisconsin stand higher in the esteem of
its citizens.
EDWIN HART was one of the
early pioneers of Brown county.
Wis., having come here in 1S30,
in the emplo\- of the United States
Government, to assist in the rebuilding of
Fort Howard, and in other public works.
He was employed by the government
some years, having charge, part of the
time, of the surveying force on the con-
struction of military roads from Green
Bay to Manitowoc and Calumet, as well
as a lighthouse and fort at Mackinac
straits. Later he took up his residence
in Green Bay — in that portion of it known
as Navarino — as a carpenter and con-
tractor. During his active life he took
many large contracts, and nearly all the
old landmarks in and about Brown county
are his handiwork. In 1829, prior to
coming to Green Baj', he erected a Mission
church on Mackinac Island, but in the
54
COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fall of that year he returned to Cleve-
land.
Mr. Hart was born May 5, 1807, in
Griswold, New London Co., Conn., a son
of Judah and Abigail (Belden) Hart, both
also natives of Connecticut, in which
State they were married. In 1822 they
moved westward to Ohio, first locating in
Cleveland, and in 1824 settling on a farm
in Brownhelin township, Lorain county,
same State, where they died within three
days of each other. The father served in
the war of 1812.
Edwin Hart, of whom this sketch
more particularly relates, was fifteen
years old when the family moved from
Connecticut to Ohio, and in Cleveland he
learned carpentry (which was his regular
trade), there remaining until coming to
Wisconsin in the employ of the govern-
ment, as related at the commencement
of the sketch. In 1832 he was married
in Green Bay to Miss Eliza J. Glass, a
native of Clarksville, Ohio, and daughter
of Joseph and Effie fRoger) Glass, who
were married in Ohio, and came to Green
Bay in 1828; the father, who was a fur
trader, died in Green Bay, the mother
passing away in 1856 in Oconto. After
marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Hart con-
tinued to reside in Green Bay until 1852,
removing then to Oconto, same State,
where he embarked in the lumber, mill-
ing and steamboat business, and where
they still reside. This old pioneer couple
had a family of eight children, a brief
record of whom is as follows: (i) George
E. resides in California. (2) Levi W. was
killed in the railroad accident at Ashta-
bula, Ohio, in December, 1876, when
about forty years of age; he was a travel-
ing salesman at the time, with residence
in Akron, Ohio, and on hearing of the ac-
cident his wife, Mrs. Susie (May) Hart,
having some foreboding as to his fate,
drove all the way to Cleveland in a cut-
ter, to find her fears were only too well
founded; when his remains were dis-
covered in the wreck both arms and the
right leg had been burned off, but the rest
of the body, especially the face, was com-
paratively uninjured. (3) Mar\' A. is the
wife of Dr. S. A. Coleman, of Cleveland,
Ohio. (4) Clifford B. is a member of the
firm of H. W. & C. B. Hart, owners and
managers of Hart's Steamboat Line,
Green Bay. (5) Eliza Jane is the wife of
B. J. Brown, of Menominee, Mich. (6)
Cyrus S. is editor of the Oconto County
Reporter. (7) Capt. H. \V. is in partner-
ship with his brother C. B., as above
mentioned. (8) Franklin died at Oconto,
Wis., in 1863. Mr. Hart in politics was
originally a Whig, and since the formation
of the party has been a stanch Repub-
lican. Socially he is a member of the
I. O. O. F.
CAPTAIN H. W. HART, senior
member of the firm of H. W.
& C. B. Hart, owners and mana-
gers of Hart's Steamboat Line,
Green Bay, is a native of the town, born
January 8, 1846, a son of Edwin and
Eliza J. (Glass) Hart.
At the age of six years he moved with
his parents to Oconto. Wis. , where he
received his education. In early life,
when a mere boy of fourteen years, he
shipped on board a lake vessel in the
capacity of cook, from which humble
position, by energy and perseverance, he
rose step by step, in the various ex-
periences of a sailor's life, at the age of
eighteen years becoming captain of his own
ship, the steamer "Eagle"; this vessel
was built in Oshkosh and was rechristened
in Oconto, running between the latter
city and Green Bay for two seasons, after
which it carried both freight and passen-
gers for a time, and was then turned into
a tug boat for raft towing. Hart's Steam-
boat Line was founded in 1873, with a
capital of $140,000, by Capts. H. W.
and C. B. Hart, both able and ex-
perienced steamboat men. They built
the "May Queen" in Green Bay, and ran
her on the old line for two seasons, after-
ward building the "Northwest" and re-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
55
building the "May yueen," which was
burned at the dock in Green Bay in 1877.
In the spring of 1878 they launched the
steamer "Welcome," and some time
afterward the " C. W. Moore," which our
subject ran between Green Bay and
Manistique until 1888, when the " Fannie
C. Hart" was built, which he has since
run between Green Bay and Cheboygan,
Mich. The last-named boat was re-
modeled in 1890; the "Eugene C. Hart"
was built in 1890, and run on the same
route with the "Fannie C. Hart," the
company now owning four propellers —
the "Fannie C. Hart," "Eugene C.
Hart," "C. W. Moore" and the "Wel-
come " — all stanch, speedy, safe and re-
liable boats. The two brothers take
great pride in the "Fannie" and
"Eugene," which they command in
person.
In June, 1868, Capt. H. W. Hart
was married to Miss Hattie A. Wagner,
a native of Ogdensburg, N. Y., daughter
of Stephen H. Wagner, now a resident of
Green Bay, and to this union si.\ children
were born, viz. : Fannie C. , wife of
Frederick Brett, of Green Bay; Edwin
W. ; Katie and Eliza J., who died of scar-
let fever at the ages of six and four years
respectively; Hattie A. and Julia B.
Capt. H. W. Hart in politics is an active
Republican; socially he is a member of
the F. & A. M. , Washington Lodge No.
21, Warren Chapter, and Palestine Com-
mandery, all of Green Bay.
ELEAZER HOLMES ELLIS was
born August 26, 1826, in Brown
county. Wis., at or near Green
Bay. His Grandfather Ellis was
a native of Connecticut, and was of Welsh
extraction. He and his wife, who was
also a native of Connecticut, removed to
Herkimer county, N. Y. , where Mr. El-
lis died when still young; his widow pass-
ed away at the age of about seventy-seven
years, the mother of two children, Albert
Gallatin, and Sophronia (Mrs. Holmes).
Mr. and Mrs. Holmes removed to Brown
county. Wis., in 1841; both have since
died leaving many descendants, Albert G.
E. Holmes, a merchant of Green Bay,
being their eldest son.
Albert G. Ellis, the father of Judge
Ellis, was born August 24, 1800, in Ver-
ona, N. Y. He received a common-
school education, and at the age of four-
teen years entered a printing office in old
Herkimer, N. Y., there laying the founda-
tion of a thoroughly practical education,
which proved of immense value to him in
after life. He was full of ambition, and
at the age of twenty-five sought a wider
field of usefulness in what were then the
wilds of Brown county. Wis. His first
visit to this country was made about
1 82 1, when he came with the Oneida In-
dians, who were removed to Wisconsin
from Oneida county, N. Y. He was em-
ployed as a surveyor, and assisted in lay-
ing out the land of the Indian Reserva-
tion in Brown county, which then includ-
ed the greater part of northern Wiscon-
sin. He was familiar with Indian cus-
toms, and after the survey was completed
remained as a permanent citizen and soon
became a valuable acquisition to the new
settlements, being a man of more than
ordinary ability, and of great force of
character. He taught school at three
different places in the neighborhood
of Fort Howard and Green Bay. In 1824
Mr. Ellis returned to Oneida county;
N. Y. , where he married Miss Pamela,
daughter of Elijah Holmes, of West
Winfield, N. Y. , and the young couple
came to Green Bay, Brown county, then
called La Baye Verte by the French and
the old settlers. They began housekeep-
ing at or near Shantytown, three miles
south of Green Bay. Mr. Ellis taught
school for some time, and later engaged
in various occupations until he became
identified with the Green Bay Intelligencer.
He was a practical printer, became asso-
ciated with John V. Suydam in the estab-
lishing of the paper, and with him shares
the honor of founding the first newspaper
56
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in the Northwest territory. Soon after
he severed his connection with the Green
Bay Intelligencer he was elected a mem-
ber of the Second Session of the Third
Territorial House of Kepresentati\'es,
which convened at Madison December 6,
1 84 1. In 1842 he was re-elected, and
had the honor of beinj^ elected speaker of
the House ; he was ajjain re-elected in
1843. In 1 84 1 or 1842 Mr. Ellis was
appointed, by the United States Govern-
ment, Surveyor-general for Wisconsin and
Iowa, the office then being located at
Dubuque, Iowa, whither he was accus-
tomed to travel on horseback; he still
made his home, however, at Green Ba}',
and he rendered the government valuable
services in both Territories. He also
surveyed and subdivided many townships
and sections in Wisconsin, embracing
Manitowoc, Kewaunee, Door, Oconto,
Brown and Outagamie counties. An un-
tiring worker, he often, in running his lines,
tireil out even his hardy French-Canadian
assistants. He also rendered valuable
service in this county, and as his surveys
were remarkably correct, he was consid-
ered quite an expert in his profession.
He was no speculator, or he could have
become wealthy, for he knew every valu-
able foot of land in the surrounding
country. In 1S38 he removed with his
family to Hill Creek, one and a half miles
east of Green Hay, where he carried on the
business of milling and farming, and he
there owned a sawmill, a gristmill, and a
cabinet shop, all of which, with the farm,
he successfully operated for many years.
He was familiar with mechanics' tools and
machinery, and could turn his hand to
almost every kind of work — a valuable
accomplishment indeed. He was moder-
ately successful from a financial point of
view, but sold much of his land at $3
an acre, before values in land were on
the increase. He also made some Gov-
ernment surveys north of Stevens Point,
to which place he removed in 1853,
making investments there in town lots.
Shortly after his arrival there he was ap-
pointed receiver of the United States
Land Office at that place, and he held the
position several years. Among the prop-
erties he bought there was a flouring mill,
which he conducted for some time. He
also started the Wisconsin Pinery, a
paper Democratic in politics, which ex-
isted until within a short time of this writ-
ing; he was editor of the same for many
years, but finally sold his interest. He
was a very enterprising, puplic-spirited
man, and at one time served as mayor of
Stevens Point. He was an ardent mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church, to which he
gave liberal support, and he helped to
build the churches at Stevens Point and
Green Bay; he was one of the incorporat-
ors and a vestryman in the church at the
latter place. Mr. Ellis was not a member
of any secret organization. Having the
welfare of the community always at heart,
his many acts of charity and brotherly
affection toward humanity in general en-*
deared him \.vi every one, and he died De-
cember 23. 1885, honored and respected
by all who knew him, at the advanced age
of eighty-five years. He was a man of
regular habits and good principles, and his
whole life is a lesson to posterity. Mrs.
Pamela Ellis was also an active member
of the Episcopal Church, and was beloved
by all, old and young. She died at Green
Bay, March 18, 1847, aged forty-three
j'ears, the mother of six children, of whom
Judge E. H. Ellis is the eldest, and the
only survivor.
Judge Ellis was educated in the pio-
neer schools of Green Bay, and his father
being anxious for him to study French
and Latin, he procured good private
teachers, some of whom resided in his
family at the Hill Creek Mills for several
years. Young Ellis entered the law office
of Hon. Henry S. Baird, a well-known
attorney in Green Bay and vicinity, who
was the president of the first Legislative
Assembly of the Territory of Wisconsin,
and after studying for three and a half
years was admitted to the bar by Judge
Andrew G. Miller, in October, 1847. The
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
57
sjime autumn he set out, on horseback,
to look up a suitable location, and at the
age of t\vent}-one years "hung out his
shingle" at Manitowoc Rapids, then the
count}' seat of Manitowoc count}'. Here
he practiced for three and a half j'ears
with good success, and in the spring of
1851 returned to Green Ba}-, where he
opened an office and met with good suc-
cess from the start. For many years he
practiced alone, and was uniform!}' suc-
cessful. As his business increased he en-
tered into co-partnerships at different
times with the well-known attorne}'S, S.
D. Hastings, Jr. , now circuit judge,
William H. Norris, George G. Greene
and Carlton Merrill, the names of the
firms being Ellis, Hastings & Greene,
Norris & Ellis, Ellis, Greene & Merrill,
and Ellis & Merrill; at present Mr. Ellis
is practicing with Mr. Merrill. In 1869
our subject was elected circuit judge, his
circuit including the counties of Brown,
Outagamie, Shawano, Oconto and Door.
He was twice elected without opposition,
and held the office for eight successive
years, when he resigned and resumed the
private practice of his profession. Judge
Ellis has gained an enviable reputation as
a member of the bench and bar of the
State of Wisconsin, being looked upon as
an able, conscientious and careful prac-
titioner. His whole career has been a
most honorable one, well worthy the em-
ulation of the }'outh of our nation. Our
subject is a member of the Episcopal
Church, and has been connected with the
same for more than forty }'ears. His pri-
vate character is above reproach.
JM. SMITH. The late J. M. Smith,
of Green Bay, was born in Morris-
town, N. J., December 13, 1S20,
and was the eldest son of Jonathan
Smith, who was at that time one of the
most progressive farmers in that region.
He was a subscriber to the first volume
of the first agricultural paper printed in
the United Si2A.es, the A/baiiv Cultivntor,
a full file of which was seen in the old
home at Morristown a few years ago; and
was also the first man, so far as is known, to
put down an underdrain in the United
States. It was made by digging a deep
ditch and putting large stones in the bot-
tom, then filling in with smaller ones,
and covering with sods and dirt. This
drain, sixty-five years later, is still doing
good work. Under the training of such
a father Mr. Smith naturally acquired
habits of industry and forethought, and
being a close student of everything that
came in his \\ay, he naturally did a good
deal of independent thinking on his own
account, and looked forward to a time
when he would have land of his own, and
test its capacity to grow crops.
He enjoyed the benefit of as good
schools as were within his reach; but as
he grew older, he became earnestly desir-
ous for something better, and finally en-
tered the nearest academy, to prepare for
college, hoping also to enter a law school
when he should reach that point. But
when ready to enter college, a dangerous
accident to his father called him home,
and changed the whole course of his life.
He remained at home until he became of
age, and made diligent use of his spare
time in study of different kinds. Then,
after a few months of teaching, he com-
menced business for himself as a lumber-
man and wood dealer in a small way,
with such success that on the 14th of
March, 1844, he felt qualified to take a
partner, and was married, at Sparta, N.
J., to Miss Emily B. Torrey. Two are
better than one, if well mated, and cheer-
ily they worked on for ten years together,
with varying success, taking their full
share of such disappointments as are
common to those working their way,
often under difficulties. But with sun-
shine in the home, all sorts of things may
be borne.
In the spring of 1854, ten years after
their marriage, they came with four sons
to Wisconsin, and in July located in
Green Bay, little thinking it was to be
5S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPmCAL RECORD.
their home for the balance of their lives.
The chief productions of the place at that
time were pine lumber and icebergs; and
for a few years Mr. Smith was principally
engaged in lumbering; but in 1857, when
the bottom fell out of the lumber market,
he turned his attention to whatever he
could get to do, to afford a living for his
family, until 1S61, and then came the
terrible war.
Ten children had been born to them
(two were sleeping in the silent city), the
eldest being at that time sixteen years
old and the youngest ten months; but the
country must have soldiers, and in Sep-
tember of 1 86 1 Mr. Smith and the eldest
son left the home in the care of the wife
with her seven children, the eldest of the
seven being but twelve years old, and
went to help save the country. In five
months he came home to die, as he
thought; but he gradually improved in
health until the fall of 1864, when he was
drafted to serve another year, and again
he joined the army, remaining therein
until August, 1865, when the war was
over, and he was honorably discharged.
While he was absent, the mother and her
sons did what they could at gardening, and
soon after his return the market in the
towns north of Green Bay was opened
for the sale of vegetables, and as his
health was not equal to any arduous labor,
he went to work with his sons to try
what might be done in that direction. A
few acres of land were purchased at a
hgh price, to begin on; but the demand
for vegetables increased so rapidly that
more was soon needed, and the garden
increased in area from time to time, until
it contained forty acres. By the help of
true and loyal sons, the garden was
finally paid for, and improved by under-
draining and in other ways, until, if there
is another forty-acre piece of land in Wis-
consin of equal value and productiveness,
and as favorably situated for a market
garden, it would be hard to find it.
But it must not be imagined that all
of Mr. Smith's time or energy was spent
on the garden. He was, dunng nearly
all of these \ears, very largely identified
with the agricultural and horticultural de-
velopment of the State, and did much in
other ways, not only by personal work,
but with his pen, having been a regular
contributor to several agricultural papers
for several years; and was also an earnest
worker in farmers' Conventions and Insti-
tutes. He also, by special invitation, de-
livered addresses before the American
Pomological Society at Boston, and
at the dinner at the celebrated Shaw's
garden at St. Louis, as well as in many
other places. He was one of the com-
missioners from Wisconsin to the Cotton
E.\position at New Orleans, and also a
delegate from the Wisconsin Horticultural
Society to the Convention of the Ameri-
can Horticultural Society held in Cali-
fornia. He was twenty-two years presi-
dent of the Brown Count}' Horticultural
and Agricultural Society; four years pres-
ident of the Northern Wisconsin Agricul-
tural and Mechanical Association, located
at Oshkosh; and fifteen years president of
the Wisconsin State Horticultural So-
ciet}', in which he was largely instru-
mental in introducing among its workers
many educated women whose valuable
papers have helped to make our horticul-
tural volume one of the best, if not the
very best, published in the United States.
Mr. Smith was not a politician in the
common acceptance of the term, never
having been a seeker after office; but he
was .thoroughly versed in political affairs,
and acquainted by reputation with all the
prominent men in the nation who have
figured in political affairs since his early
manhood. He was proud to call himself
a Henry Clay Whig in his boyhood, and
was one of the men who helped to or-
ganize the first Republican part}- in Green
Bay. He claimed the right to hold and
enjoy his own opinions, but accorded to
every other man the same right. He
was a member of the Episcopal Church,
but very broad in his views, and honored
every man and woman who showed in
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGBAPUWAL RECORD.
59
their dealings with
their lives, and in
their fellowmen, the spirit of Chris
tianity, by whatever name the\' were
called. He was extremely fond of music,
having been a leader in church choirs in
his earl}' manhood, and also in his later
years, and a great many of his particular
friends through life have been musical
people. He was never better pleased
than when he could gather a company of
good singers around the organ in his own
home, and wake the echoes with the
ringing of the grand old anthems which
were his particular favorites. Of little
children he was very fond, and during his
long illness often asked to have some of
the little grandchildren brought in to see
him. Having himself felt the pressure of
hard times when he had a large family
dependent on his efforts, he was sympa-
thetic toward those who were trying to
do their best, and still finding it hard to
keep those dependent on them comfort-
able, and always ready to lend a helping
hand to lighten their burdens.
He did not amass a large amount of
money to leave to his children, but left
them the heritage of an honorable name,
unstained by any smirch of dishonor or
treachery to any one, and his death, which
occurred February 20, 1894, was felt in
many homes whose inmates he had be-
friended, as the departure of a near per-
sonal friend. Not long after his death a
farmer, who had often come to him for
advice about agricultural matters, was
heard to say: " I am worth thousands of
dollars more than I should have been if I
had never known J. M. Smith." He rests
from his labors, but his memory lives in
the hearts of many friends outside of his
own home.
Mrs. J. M. Smith was born in Bethany,
Penn., January 31, 1821. Her father died
before she was old enough to appreciate
his worth, but her mother was a woman
of such rare qualities of mind and heart
that she was able to govern a large family
with great firmness, and yet with such
loving gentleness that the desire to dis-
obey her was a rare thing among her flock
of children. Mrs. Smith was early thrown
upon her own resources, but managed to
acquire what was considered in those
days as a good common-school education,
and at the early age of sixteen was given
charge of a district school. The next
four years were spent alternately in teach-
ing and attending school, when she set-
tled down to the steady business of teach-
ing, until March 14, 1844, when she be-
came the wife of J. M. Smith. Like her
husband, she had grown up with habits of
industry and economy, and always thought
it worth while to learn how to perform
the many sorts of work that are likely to
fall to the lot of women in the common
walks of life. Consequently in the many
seasons of trial through which she has
been called to pass, the knowledge, thus
carefully stored away, has been a golden
treasury from which she has often been
able to draw for the benefit of others, as
well as herself.
The marriage proved to be a most
happy one; the love plighted at the altar
grew with the passing years, and was
strengthened and intensified by the joys
and sorrows which nearly fifty years must
inevitably bring. Nine sons and two
daughters were given to cheer and brighten
the home, of whom seven sons and one
daughter still remain. The children were
ahvajs considered by both parents as
God's best gift, and stood nobly by them
through storm and sunshine; and are
making, or we should say have already
made, for themselves honorable places
among their fellowmen.
FRANK T. SMITH, now a resident
of the town of Suamico, Brown
county, is the third son of the late
J. M. Smith, of Green Bay. He
was born in Morristown, N. J., October
27, 1849, and came with his parents to
Green Bay, Wis., in 1854, where be
lived until he removed to his present
home.
6o
COMMEMORATIi'E BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.
He enjoyed such advantages as were
possible in the common schools to which
he had access at that time, but bore his
full share in the hardships incident to the
times from 1857 until the close of the
war. He was too young for a soldier in
the army, or he would doubtless have
been there; but all the heroism was not
shown on the battlefields, and he with
younger brothers bravely stood by the
mother while the father and older brother
were at the front, helping to save the
country. After his father came home
broken in health, Frank T. , with his
brothers, worked faithfully at whatever
they could do, not only in the summer,
but during the winter, to help to support
the family, and to pay for the garden,
until he came of age. After that time he
worked on with his father on a salary,
gaining much practical knowledge in
methods of cultivating land.
On June 9, 1873, he married Miss
Clara Taylor, a native of Susquehanna
county, Penn., and daughter of Samuel
and Mary (Bruce) Taylor, the latter of
whom died when her daughter Clara was
twelve years old. From the union of
Frank T. and Clara Smith have been
born six children, namely: Clifford I.,
born April 15, 1875; Elsie M., May 2,
1877; Bessie R., July 25, 1879; Emrie
B., September 22, i88i; Celia T., Sep-
tember 17, 1883, and Stanley B., June
16, 1887. Seven years (1880) after his
marriage, Frank T. , preferring farming
to gardening, left the employ of his father,
and purchased one hundred acres of land
in the town of Suamico, where he now
hves. Only a small part of the land was
adapted for the growing of crops when
purchased, but most of it is now in fairly
good condition, while some of it is highly
manured, and from now on he will find
much plainer sailing than in some of the
past years. He has always led a strictly
temperate life, following in this particular
the example of his father and grandfather
before him. He and his wife and older
children are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and are also faithful
workers in the cause of temperance. In
his political faith he is a Republican, and
cast his first presidential vote for U. S.
Grant, on the occasion of that warrior's
second candidacy for that office. But
believing earnestly in Prohibition, and
having an unfailing faith in the principles
he advocates, he has since 1888 cast his
vote in accordance therewith.
DAVID McCartney. The stand-
ard by which to judge a commu-
nity is the character of its promi-
nent citizens. Progress is rarely,
if ever, the result of chance, but always
the execution of well-laid plans based on
a thorough comprehension of the laws of
business. It is only by keeping in view
the lives of men who are ever associated
in the busy marts of commerce that we
can judge of the importance of develop-
ment, and the possibilities of progress.
Thus it is, that from the commercial,
more than the literary or political side,
the most valuable lessons of life are to be
extracted. In this connection, as a gen-
tleman whose business qualifications have
proven of the best, as indicated by the
numerous enterprises he has brought to
a successful issue, a brief biographical
sketch is given of David McCartney.
Some writer has said that the most
prominent characteristics of the Scotch-
Irish are stern integrit)-, the defense of
liberty, and the love of God. Of such a
grand old race is the subject of this
sketch, who is a native of Count}- Down,
Ireland, born near the city of Belfast,
September 14, 18 14, of hardy, stalwart
Scotch-Irish ancestry, from whom he in-
herits, no doubt, his wonderful vitality,
strong individuality, courage and deter-
mination. He is a son of \\'illiam and
Isabella (McCreary) McCartney, who
about the year 1820, deciding to seek a
new home in the New World, set sail
from the shores of Erin with their little
family, consisting of one son (the subject
COMMEMORATIVE BWGRAPMIVAL RECORD.
63
of these lines) and one daughter. From
the port of debarkation they made their
way to Ohio, where for some years in
Guernsey county, laterin Behnont county,
the father followed ai^ricultural pursuits,
which had been his vocation in the mother
country. He died on the farm he last
conducted, his widow passing away some
years later at Monmouth, Warren Co.,
111. The blood running in their \eins of
that stern and rugged race of Covenanters
who left their Scottish mountains and
glens for the North of Ireland, where re-
ligious persecution could not follow them,
the}' lived and died in that Presbyterian
faith for which their forefathers had
fought and bled.
In Guernsey county, Ohio, David Mc-
Cartney received such education as could
be acquired at the primitive pioneer
schools of the period, at the same time
learning the trade of stone-cutter. His
father had two brothers in this country,
both builders and contractors, and with
one of these, John McCartney, he was
employed at the commencement of the
construction of the Baltimore & Ohio
railroad, his uncle having a contract
thereon; and later he was given employ-
ment by his other uncle, James McCart-
ney, who had a contract for earlier work
on the Philadelphia & Columbia railroad,
afterward known as the Pennsylvania Cen-
tral railroad. (At that time G. A. Thomp-
son was civil engineer for the company,
and by merit rose to be president of the
same road). Subsequently Mr. McCart-
ney was employed on. the construction of
the Lake Erie & Pittsburg canal. In 1836,
at the age of twenty-two years, he was
married in Coshocton county, Ohio, to Miss
Elizabeth Heslip, and the young couple
then took up farming pursuits in that
county, where and on other farms owned
by him they resided for about eight years.
Abandoning agriculture, Mr. McCartney
now embarked in the milling and mercan-
tile businesses at Hendrysburg, Belmont
Co., Ohio, in connection therewith en-
gaging in stock buying and general trad-
ing. But his natural enterprising spirit
was soaring yet higher, and in search of
fortune he sought other fields, turning his
attention naturally to railroad contract-
ing. Among the new roads on which he
secured contracts may be mentioned the
Baltimore & Ohio, Central Ohio and the
Hempfield railroad (now part of the Bal-
timore & Ohio; this railroad was built
about 1854-55, and the failure of the
company resulted in a loss to Mr. McCart-
ney of $80,000). Moving about the year
1855 to Barnesville, Ohio, he there oper-
ated a steam gristmill and a sawmill,
which he owned in connection therewith,
conducting other business, and at the end
of ten years, in the spring of 1865, he
came to Wisconsin. First locating in
Oshkosh, he operated two steam sawmills
there, but at the expiration of two years
sold his interests and removed to Ft.
Howard, where he became largely inter-
ested in lumbering, sawmilling and other
enterprises, involving the utilization of
thousands of acres of pine land. In 1882
Mr. McCartney retired from these inter-
ests and established the McCartney's Ex-
change Bank (a private institution) at
Ft. Howard, which in 1892 was organized
as a National Bank with a capital of
$50,000, and is recognized as one of the
safe and solid financial institutions of the
State.
In 1884, while visiting the Cotton
Exposition at New Orleans, his attention
was attracted to the State of Georgia and
its resources; and judging that there was
a good field for the profitable investment
of capital, he in the year following pur-
chased a tract of 3,500 acres of land,
comprising three plantations, subsequently
buying other tracts, consisting of 3,900
acres, making a total of 7,400 acres. At
Thomasville, the county town of Thomas
county, Ga. , he built a comfortable resi-
dence, where in the luxury of balmy
breezes and cheerful sunbeams he passes
his winter months, in the enjoyment of
that ease and comfort which comes as
the reward of years of industry and toil.
64
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
The land he rents chiefly to negroes, who
raise for the most jxirt cotton, but por-
tions of the estate are covered with valu-
able timber, mostly pine.
During the Civil war Mr. McCartney
was a])pointed a brigadier-general in the
Ohio State militia, and also a United
States provost-marshal, serving in the
last-named office one and one-half years.
During the famous raid into Ohio made
by the Confederate general Morgan, our
subject was in command of a thousand
militiamen at Barnesville, in Belmont
county, Ohio, guarding a long railroad
trestle, over which were carried daily
supplies for the Union army, as well as
drafts of soldiers on their way to the seat
of war. An attack on this trestle by
Morgan was daily expected, and to further
his ends he resorted to the following ruse:
In order to learn what force there was
guarding this work, from which he was but
eight miles distant, he cut the telegraph
wire, and instructed his own operator to
telegraph to Gen. McCartney asking how
many troops he had to defend the trestle,
at the end of the message placing the
name of Gen. I^urnsidc, who was in com-
mand of the Union troops at Cincinnati.
When the message reached Gen. McCart-
ney, he happened to be in the telegraph
office at Barnesville, reclining on a couch,
and on reading over the dispatch he at
once suspected it was a ' ' bogus " message.
With the presence of mind which was ever
ready to him, especially in moments of
danger or seeming perplexity, he tele-
graphed back that he had "sufficient
force to guard the trestle, and enough
men to capture Morgan's entire command
should he come this way. " This clever
thought of Gen. McCartney, crystallized
in the return message he sent, and which
of course was received by Morgan, was
no doubt the cause of the latter abandon-
ing his intended attack on the trestle, and
making a detour to the north. Who can
calculate of what inestimable value this
act alone proved to the Union cause! But
for the coolness, courage and presence of
mind of this one man. Gen. McCartney,
who can tell what terrible disaster might
have ensued .■' The sequel is a matter of
the history of the war. Shortly afterward
Morgan and his entire command were
captured, and he and his fellow prisoners
passed through Barnesville, where they
halted and were fed. Throughout the
entire war the General was a stanch sup-
porter of the government, giving liberally
both of his means and influence.
Twice married, our subject had. by
his first wife, three children, namely:
William, now of Guernsey county, Ohio;
Ellen, deceased wife of William Huin-
phreyville; and Thomas Jefferson, in
business at Golden, Colo. The mother
of these died February 17, 1845, ^n^ '"
1847 Mr. McCartney married Miss Lena
Eliza Harris, a native of Ohio, by which
union there were three children as follows:
Elizabeth, widow of Thomas Whelan,
and now a resident of Fort Howard;
Emma Belle, unmarried and living at
home, and Laney Viola, who died un-
married. The mother of these passed
from earth June 3, 1884. A lifelong
Presbyterian, Mr. McCartney has been a
liberal contributor toward its support,
as well as to all beneficent institutions,
particularly in his own city and in Green
Bay. At his own expense he built the
First Presbyterian Church of Fort How-
ard, at a cost of about eight thousand
dollars, and presented it to the congrega-
tion. He is a member and trustee of
same. In his political sympathies he was
a Whig until the organization of the Re-
publican party, when he enrolled himself
under its banner, as a zealous and loyal
supporter of its principles.
Before closing this sketch, there is to
be added yet another to the record of Mr.
McCartney's many gigantic undertakings;
for although more than an octogenarian,
he is as enterprising as he was twenty
years ago, and he feels that he has not
yet completed his task of doing good to
his fellowmen. As an individual enter-
prise, he is building at Fort Howard an
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
6S
electric railroad, and also putting in an
electric system for lighting the city, all of
which will be completed ere long. Self-
reliance is and has been one of his strong-
est characteristics, and in his business
enterprises he has always relied upon his
own judgment for results rather than the
opinion and advice of others. He is a
man of fine as well as forcible intellectual
qualities, an extensive reader and close
thinker, of a remarkably practical cast of
mind. He is cautious, but firm in his
judgments, and reliable; in manner he is
social and friendly, and possesses quali-
ties that readily win admiration and re-
spect. His mental faculties to-day, when
he has passed fourscore milestones on the
highway of life, are as clear as ever, and
with seeming unabated energy he is man-
aging his far-away Georgia plantation of
over seven thousand acres; at the same
time is the head of a bank doing a large
business, and moreover is conducting the
construction of the important and com-
plicated work connected with the putting
into operation the electric railroad and
electric lighting already referred to. For
some thirty years he has been promi-
nently connected with the public and pri-
vate enterprises of Ft. Howard, and with
its social, educational and mercantile in-
terests. In brief, Mr. McCartney is a
man of sound common sense, of great
courage and resolution, and executive
ability; a Christian gentleman, generous
and liberal toward all beneficent institu-
tions that he believes to be for the good
of his city and the public at large; just to
a fault, and ever thoughtful of those con-
nected with him in social and business re-
lations. May he live on in the enjoy-
ment of life, the admiration of his many
friends.
CAPTAIN CLIFFORD BELDON
HART, junior member of the firm
of H. W. & C. B. Hart, owners
and managers of Hart's Steam-
boat Line, Green Bay, is a native of the
town, born November 13, 1S39, a son of
Edwin and Eliza J. (Glass) Hart.
In Green Bay and Oconto our subject
received his education, attending the com-
mon schools up to the age of twelve years,
when he commenced sailing on the lakes
between Oconto and Green Bay, and by
his ability as a mariner, and close atten-
tion to his duties, rose by degrees from a
comparatively humble position to be cap-
tain of his own steamboat. Hart's Steam-
boat Line was founded in 1873, with a
capital of $140,000, by Capts. H. W.
and C. B. Hart, both able and experi-
enced steamboat men. They have now
four propellers — the "Fannie C. Hart,"
the "Eugene C. Hart," the " C. W.
Moore," and the "Welcome" — all as
stanch, safe and reliable as their com-
manders. The two brothers Hart are
captains of the ' ' Fannie " and ' ' Eugene "
in person, taking great pride in their boats.
They run chiefly between Green Bay,
Wis., and Cheboygan, Mich., and during
the season give employment to about one
hundred men. Capt. C. B. Hart was
also part owner of the schooners "Eva
M. Cone" and "Union," both in their
day plying between Green Bay and
Chicago, and was captain of the "Eva
M. Cone" from 1857 to 1863, and of the
"Union" from 1863 to 1865. From
1865 to 1883 he was steamboating on the
Oconto river, returning to Green Bay in
the latter year.
On December 25, 1862, Capt. C. B.
Hart was united in marriage with Miss
Hattie Ellen St. Ores, a native of Illinois,
but reared in Oconto, Wis., daughter of
Lewis and Maryette St. Ores, who in an
early day came from the East to Oconto,
where the father was engaged in the lum-
ber business till 1862; he died November
13, 1893, preceded to the grave by his
wife, who died in 1876 of heart disease.
To Captain and Mrs. Hart has come one
son, Eugene C, born December 7, 1880,
who is at home with his parents. Politic-
ally our subject is a Republican. In the
fall of 1888 he joined Washington Lodge
66
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
No. 21, F. & A. M., and at once became
deeply interested in the workings of that
fraternity, rising rapidly in the order
until he attained thirty-second degree,
being connected with \\'arreii Chapter
No. 8, Palestine Conimandery, K. T. ,
and Wisconsin Consistory. He is also a
member of Green Bay Lodge No. 259,
B. P. O. E., and of the I. O. O. F..
Lodge No. 19, Green Bay, where he was
initiated.
H. LE ROY. Among the promi-
nent agriculturists of De Pere town-
^1 ship. Brown county, none is more
deserving of mention than this gen-
tleman, who is a worthy member of one
of the early pioneer families of same. He
is descended from hardy New England
stock.
Jonas Le Roy, father of our subject,
Avas born August 12, 1S19, in West Troy,
N. Y., son of Isaac Le Roy, a native of
Poughkeepsie, who was a fisherman by
occupation, following same along the
banks of the Hudson river. His family
consisted of four sons, John. William,
Jonas and Henry. Jonas received a
limited education in the subscription
schools of the home neighborhood, left
home at the age of nineteen, after his
mother's death, and went to Cheapside,
Deerfield, Mass., where he learned the
trade of cabinet maker under Capt.
Thayer, and some time later removed to
Greenfield, same State, where he was
employed in the cutlerj- factory of John
Russell & Co. On September 10. 1S40,
he was married in Greenfield to Miss
Edith .\. King, who was born January
29, 1 82 1, in Sunderland, Vt., daughter
of James H. and Lilly (Willcutj King,
the former of whom was a shoemaker by
trade. In April, 1824, the King family
moved to Massachusetts, and they were
residing in Greenfield at the time of the
daughter's marriage. The young couple
immediately settled in Greenfield, and
there remained about fourteen years, Mr.
Le Roy continuing to work in the cutlery
establishment. Two sons were born to
them in Greenfield, viz.: John M., who
enlisted in September, 1861, at De Pere,
Wis., in Company F, Fourteenth Wis.
V. I., and was killed at Vicksburg May
22, 1863 (his body was never recovered),
and David S. J., who died when five
years old. From Greenfield the family
removed to Deerfield, where one child,
J. H., was born, and later to Conway,
same State, where they also had one
child, Edith A., now Mrs. W. R. Mat-
thews, of De Pere, Wis. In May, 1856,
the family came westward to Wisconsin,
journeying by stage to Adams, Mass.,
thence by rail via West Troy to Buffalo,
N. Y. , at the latter place taking the
steamer "Michigan" for Green Bay,
where they landed May 28. The trip
from Green Bay to De Pere was made by
boat.
James S. King, a brother-in-law of
Mr. Le Roy, had preceded them to Wis-
consin, where, with money the latter had
sent, he had purchased eighty acres of
land in Section 32, De Pere township,
along the Dickinson road. Some of the
timber had been cut from this land during
two winters of lumbering on it, but other-
wise it was still in its primitive state, and
they immediately set to work to clear a
small space, where a log cabin, the first
building on the farm, was erected. On
this place was born one child, William S.,
now of De Pere. They resided here for
eight years, and then, in 1865, sold the
place, and purchased the farm our sub-
ject now owns and resides upon, of which,
at that time but fifteen acres were cleared.
Another child was born on this farm, a
daughter, who died in infancy. In Octo-
ber, 1887, Mr. Le Roy removed to De-
Pere on account of failing health, and
there lived until his death, which oc-
curred September 8, 1892; he was buried
in Woodlawn cemetery. He was origin-
ally a Whig, afterward a Republican, in
politics, and for twelve years held the of-
fice of clerk of De Pere township, a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
67
record which speaks for itself; for two
years he was justice of the peace in the
city of De Pere. but his faihng health
compelled him to give this up. In religious
connection he was a member of the M.
E. Church, with which his widow is also
identified. Since his death she has con-
tinued to reside in De Pere. They had
lived a happy wedded life of over fifty
years, and the golden anniversary of
their marriage was appropriately cele-
brated by the family. When they came
to Brown county bears, deer and wolves
still roamed the forests, and almost the
entire country was yet in its primitive
condition. Bears were often seen even
on the farm, and frequently carried oH
the pigs. A portion of the journey to
their new home was made in an o.\-cart,
and for several years oxen were the only
beasts of burden the pioneers had. The
land was covered with white and red oak,
beech, pine and maple trees; in those
days not only the men, but the women
assisted in the clearing, and many were
the hardships and privations endured by
those early settlers before they had hewn
for themselves a comfortable home from
the dense forest.
J. H. Le Roy was born February 7,
1 85 1, in Deerfield, Mass., and in May,
1856, came with his parents to De Pere
township, Brown Co. , Wis. , where he
received such education as the district
schools of that time afforded. His older
brother having enlisted in the Civil war,
he was early put to work on the farm,
and thus his attendance at even those
primitive schools was limited to a few
months each year. He was thoroughly
trained to farming, and resided on the
home place until 1872, in the fall of
which year he entered the employ of
James S. Scott as clerk in a grocery store
in De Pere, remaining there two years.
He then attended Lawrence University,
at Appleton, three months, after which
he returned to his present farm. The
following winter he acted as bookkeeper
and measurer for Henry Graves, at the
Morrison Coal Kilns, in Glenmore town-
ship. Brown county, but he has since al-
ways made his home on the farm. He
successfully conducts a general farming
and stock-raising business, and in connec-
tion with his agricultural operations runs
a threshing machine.
Mr. Le Roy was married, September 5,
1878, in De Pere township, to Miss Susan
A. Winton, who was born in De Pere,
daughter of Charles A. Winton, a native
of Pennsylvania, who came to Brown
county in an early day. The young
couple immediately took up their resi-
dence on the farm, and here children as
follows have been born to them: Edith
A. (who is attending school at De Pere),
Ellsworth G., Eva W., Ada P., J. H.,
Jr., and Charles A., all living. Politic-
ally Mr. Le Roy is a stanch Republican,
and keeps himself well informed in the
movements of his party, in whose welfare
he takes great interest. He has been
elected to various offices in his township,
having served as assessor (two terms),
school director, school treasurer, town-
ship clerk (eight years). United States
census enumerator for his town in 1890,
State census enumerator in 1885, and in
each capacity discharging his duties with
credit to himself and satisfaction to his
fellow citizens. He has also been called
upon to act as representative to county
conventions and assemblies, and he is one
of the " wheel horses" of the Republican
party in his section. Socially he is a
member of De Pere Lodge No. 222, L O.
O. P., and Maple Leaf Lodge No. 107,
K. of P., De Pere. Mrs. Le Roy, in re-
ligious connection, is a member of the
Methodist Church.
THOMAS ELDER SHARP, the
well-known furniture dealer and
cabinet manufacturer of De Pere,
was born five miles northeast of
Newville, Cumberland Co., Penn. , in
August, 1 82 1, a son of James and Martha
(Hanna) Sharp, of Scotch and Irish de-
68
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
scent respectively. The father was a
fanner, and also a captain in the Penn-
sylvania militia, and Ixjth parents died in
the Keystone State.
Thomas E. Sharp li\ed on the home
farm until si.xteen or se\enteen year.^^ of
age, when he went to Logansport, Ind.,
where an uncle and friends of the family
resided, and began learning carpentry and
cabinet making at a point about five or
six miles north of that city. His mother
and the rest of the famih' accompanied
him (his father having died when subject
was but an infant), but the mother sub-
sequently returned to Penns\lvania.
Thomas E. prcjgresscd rapidly at his trade,
and was but a little over seventeen when
he built a school house near Logansport,
and also had manufactured several ar-
ticles of furnitiue. When twenty-one
or twenty-two he returned east, and for
eleven months worked in Pittsburg, four
months in Philadelphia, three in New
York, Philadelphia and Newcastle, Penn. ;
thence he went to Cincinnati, and in
I 84S-49, the cholera year, was in Louis-
ville. Ky. He then returned, \ia Indian-
apolis, to Logansport, and started a
cabinet shop, remaining about six months.
In i<S50, about the month of May, he set
out west with a horse and bugg}-, reach-
ing Chicago in the latter part of the same
month, and there shot at a mark on
stumps that would now be in the heart of
the cit}', if they were still in existence.
He then drove on to Milwaukee and thence
to Fond du Lac, where he disposed of his
rig; then went to Green Bay and thence
came to De Pere, where he built a resi-
dence and also did some cabinet work.
He had first intended to enter the build-
ing and cabinet-making business, but
final!}' drifted into cabinet making onl\-,
and in 1854 built a shop. He has also
done something at boat building, pattern
making, painting and other kinds of work,
and has always been an industrious man
and a skillful mechanic.
The marriage of Mr. Sharp took place
in De Pere, October 4, 1853, to Miss
Harriet Stewart, a daughter of Robert D.
and Sarah fCarpenterj Stevvatt, who were
among the earliest settlers of the city. No
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Sharp, although a neice of Mrs. Sharp-
Alice A. Stewart — lived with them man}'
years, and is now married to Dr. Porter,
of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp are
members of the Congregational Church,
and in politics he is a Republican. He
has served as city treasurer of De Pere,
and is considered to be one of the most
solid inhabitants of the place.
ROBERT D. STEWART (de-
ceased), born at Stewartsville,
Warren Co., N. J., March 5,
1779, was of Scotch descent. He
was married to Sarah Carpenter, October
20, 1807, and died May 10, 1848; the
death of his wife occurred May i, 1855.
He landed at Green Bay June 14, 1836,
lived in a house at Shantytown, three
miles distant, and was employed as super-
intendent of the hydraulic works at De-
Pere, at three dollars per day. In 1837
he moved his family to De Pere, and
bought a claim of 160 acres on the west
side of the Fox river, erected the first
house in W'est De Pere, and was the first
white man to make his permanent home
there. He was supervisor for many years
and also chairman of the board. He took
much interest in schools, was an elder in
the Presbyterian Church, and it was his
constant habit to take his family and
neighbers six miles to church at Green
Bay on the Sabbath, by means of his
sailboat.
Robert D. and Sarah Stewart had a
familv of thirteen children, three of whom
died in New Jerse}'. The ten who came
with him to De Pere were William Max-
well, who married Rachel Carpenter, and
is now deceased; Elizabeth, who became
the wife of W. W. Matthews, both now
deceased; Caroline M., widow of Godfrey
Miller, residing in De Pere; Mar}', de-
ceased; Joseph (deceased), who married
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Lora Lessey; Theodore (deceased), who
married Mary J. Hammond, who now
lives in Chicago, 111. ; Ellen, who married
Fred \V. Newhall, and lives in Chicago;
Harriet, born December 28, 1830, mar-
ried Thomas E. Sharp; Charles A., mar-
ried to Maggie McFarland, and residing
in Chicago; Matilda, who married Will-
iam J. Green, of Nyack, N. Y., and is
now deceased.
Mrs. William Maxwell Stewart, widow
of the eldest son of Robert D., narrates:
"Mr. R. D. Stewart, in 1836, beside
farming, established a ferry across the
Fox river at his house, situate at that
time about a half mile south of the pres-
ent dam at De Pere, and during the ab-
sence of the father and brothers Mrs. T.
E. Sharp and others of the children would
often take passengers across the stream
in canoes, occasionally in the large scowe
and, to tell the truth, the young ladies
did not regret the absence of father or
brothers on such occasions, as the passage
money was applied by the girls to their
own use for pin money. When the family
arrived at De Pere Indians were quite
numerous."
Thomas Stewart, the father of Robert
D., was a native of Scotland, and settled
in Warren county, N. J., in 1739; he was
a farmer, owned 360 acres of land, and
built a stone dwelling, around which after-
ward clustered the village named Stewarts-
ville, in his honor. He served as judge
of the court of common pleas, five years,
and also as justice of the peace. He died
in his stone dwelling at the age of eighty-
three years. His wife bore the maiden
name of Rachel Dewees. When Robert
D., his son, started for the West, he was
accompanied by thirty others, including
his own family, in their own boat, on the
Delaware and Raritan canal, and so on to
Philadelphia, New York and Buffalo
(where he sold his boat), and thence by
the steamer ' ' Daniel Webster " to Green
Bay, the trip from Easton, Penn., occupy-
ing just three weeks. The half-mile front-
age he purchased on the west side of Fox
river, and on which the larger part of
West De Pere has since been built, is
known as Stewart's addition.
The extraordinary career of this re-
markable man extends beyond the limits
of comprehensive comment. With a heart
filled with \o\e and charity for his fellow
creatures, his ear was ever open to the
plaint of those in distress, and his hand
ever extended in aid of the suffering. His
intuitive knowledge of the laws of trade
and the sequence of demand and supply
led him to adapt the means at hand in the
primitive country in which he lived to the
precise wants of the hour, as well as to a
permanent development of a prosperous
future. His death was a severe blow to
the community, and was indeed sincerely
deplored.
WILLIAM MAXWELL STEW-
ART preceded his father, Rob-
ert D. Stewart, in his de-
parture from New Jersey for
Wisconsin, in 1835, and on his arrival at
Green Bay acted as foreman for his uncle,
John P. Arndt, in getting out lumber,
and afterward had charge of a vessel be-
longing to the same gentleman, freighting
lumber and stone.
W. M. Stewart was married at what
is known as Carpentersville, N. J., in
June, 1834, to Rachel Carpenter, daugh-
ter of Joseph A. and Sarah (Stewart)
Carpenter. The Carpenters were of
German origin, and descendants of the
earliest settlers of New Jersey. When
William M. came west he left his wife in
New Jersey, and the following year, 1836,
she followed in company with Robert D.
Stewart's family. W. M. Stewart had
always been a farmer. In politics he
was a Republican, and served as super-
visor, besides filling several minor offices;
he was an elder in the Presbyterian
Church for a number of years. He died
in September, 1881. He and his wife
were the parents of ten children, as fol-
lows: Thomas, who married Augusta
70
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPniCAL RECORD.
Sheeaii; John P., who was a Union sol-
dier in the Civil war, and died at home of
disease contracted in the service; L}nian,
who married Aimie E. Malone; Winslow,
who married Julia Bene; Luella, who
died in infancy; Ellen, who was married
to James C. Ritchie; Elsie, single, at
home; Robert D., who married Helen
Hodgeson; and Joseph Carpenter, who
married Matilda Stickles; Edward died at
the age of ten years.
WJ. FISK. This gentleman is
president of the Kellogg National
Bank at Green Bay, which in
1874 was organized out of the
City National Bank, and he has been
actively identified with the bank since
1865; he is also one of the largest railroad
contractors in the State of Wisconsin.
Mr. Fisk was born in Brunswick,
Ohio, in 1833, a son of Joel S. and Char-
lotte (Green) Fisk, natives of New York,
who in the year 1835 came to Wisconsin,
landing at Sheboygan, whence he pro-
ceeded on foot to Green Bay. From there
he traveled, again on foot, by an Indian
trail to Chicago, 111., returned east, and
in 1836 came to Green Bay with his
family. Here Joel S. Fisk found his first
employment, in his new western home,
in the general store of Mr. \\'hitnev,
afterward conducting a similiar establish-
ment for his own account, and for a long
time was a prominent figure in the mer-
cantile and lumbering interests of this
section of Wisconsin. But he did not
confine himself to these lines of business
(which were of necessity the leading ones
in the early days of a new country), for we
find him in 1S48 filling the position of
register of deeds in the Land Office, and
he it was who in 1850 platted what is now
the thriving city of Fort Howard. He
also served as postmaster at Green Bay
for some considerable time. He died in
1876, his wife preceding him to the grave
by just six weeks. They were the parents
of seven children, of whom the following is
a brief record: (i) W. J. is the subject of
this sketch. (2) \'alentine S. enlisted in
Kansas, at commencement of the war
of the Rebellion, in the Eighth Kansas
Infantr}', served thrt^ughout the entire
struggle, and died at \\'ashington, D. C. ,
in 1872. (3) Elizabeth is the wife of
Albert Johnson, and resides in Idaho.
(4) Fannie C. died in 1875. (5) Kate P.
died in 1863. ('6) M. H. graduated in
medicine at Ann Arbor Medical College;
enlisted at Ann Arbor in the ninety-days'
service; is now practicing medicine at
\\'auwatosa, Wis. (7) One son, unnamed,
died in infancy.
W. J. Fisk received his elementary
education at the schools of Green Bay,
proving an apt scholar and diligent
student. In his boyhood he evinced
talent as a draughtsman, and at the early
age of fifteen (in 1 848) he made the maps
for the Reservation of Lands for the im-
provement of the Fox and Wisconsin
rivers. For two years thereafter he
served as clerk at Fort Howard, and
then, being desirous of improving his
education, attended college at Appleton,
Wis. Rettnning to Fort Howard, Mr.
Fisk here connnenced trading in shingles —
buying and selling; and as a natural tran-
sition he soon embarked in the manufac-
ture of that article, in course of time,
however, abandoning that line for the
lumber trade, in which he has since con-
tinued, from day to day expanding his
already vast interests. He began to sup-
ply railroads, and his first contract was
with the Chicago & Northwestern Rail-
way Company to supply them with ties
and timber for the construction of some
fifteen miles of their road. The business
was established in 1862 by W. J. Fisk,
and in 1877, admitting two sons, the firm
name became W. D. Fisk & Co., the
business consisting in the supplying of
wood, ties, telegraph poles, etc., to rail-
way companies. Quite an army of
laborers and teams find employment in
the vast operations of the firm.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
71
In 1855 Mr. Fisk was united in mar-
riage at Fond du Lac, Wis., with Miss
Mary J. Driggs, daughter of John J.
Driggs, a native of New York, who in 1836
came to Green Bay, where he carried on
a mercantile business. He died some
years ago. To 'S.iv. and Mrs. Fisk four
children have been born, viz.: Frank S.,
who died in 1881; Wilbur D. and Harry
W. , both married and residing in Fort
Howard, being members of the firm of
W. D. Fisk & Co., of that place; and G.
Wallace, also married and living in Fort
Howard, where he is bookkeeper for the
Kellogg National Bank. In politics W.
J. Fisk is a Republican. From 1862 to
1865 he served as postmaster at Fort
Howard; during the term 1875-76-77 he
represented Brown county in the Assem-
bly, and was chairman of the Railroad
Committee when the famous Granger-
Potter railway law was repealed.
REV. FATHER ANTHONY JOS-
EPH VERBERK. Where emi-
nent abilities and unblemished in-
tegrity, combined with unimpeach-
able virtue, derivable from the daily
practice of religion and piety, contribute
to adorn the character of an individual,
then it is most proper to be prominently
set forth as an example to those who
would make themselves useful to the rest
of mankind. And the writer cherishes
the belief that he will perform this ac-
ceptable service in giving a brief sketch of
the reverend gentleman whose name here
appears.
Our subject was born in Holland Jan-
uary 17, 1832, a son of Martin Verberk,
a cabinet-maker and painter by trade in
the same country, where he was born
February 2, 1800. He (the father) was
educated for a teacher of French, during
the time of Napoleon's control of Hol-
land, but after the fall of Napoleon aban-
doned that profession for a trade. In his
family there were originally ten children
— five sons and five daughters — which by
1853 was reduced to two sons — Gerhard
and Anthony Joseph — and three daugh-
ters— Mary (now Mrs. H. Bremer, of
Cleveland, Ohio), Joanna (who married
John Rolder, and died in De Pere, Wis.),
and Dora (now Mrs. Anthony Meulen-
dyke, of Menominee, Mich.). In the
spring of the year just named the family,
resolving to seek a new home in the West-
ern World, sailed for New York via
Rotterdam and Liverpool. From their
port of debarkation the party came west
to Cleveland, Ohio, whither some of their
friends had alreadj' migrated, and from
here, in 1856, part of the family, amongst
them the subject of this sketch, came to
Green Bay; but becoming dissatisfied with
the locality they returned to Cleveland in
July, 1857. In after years the parents,
in care of their son Gerhard, again came
to W^isconsin, both dying in De Pere,
Brown county, the mother on April 10,
1874, the father on May 6, 1878.
Rev. A. J. Verberk received his ele-
mentary education at the parish schools
of his native town, proving himself an
apt and diligent scholar, studious and re-
flective. At the age of fourteen he entered
college, where for six years he was a no
less diligent student of the languages —
both ancient and modern — and studied
philosophy until he was about twenty-one
years old, when owing to his father's
physical affliction, his studies were inter-
rupted, and he had to assist in many
ways at home till 1861, in September of
which year he came to Little Chute, Wis.,
to visit an old Holland acquaintance,
Father Spierings. Having been persuaded
by this gentleman to resume his studies,
Mr. Verberk on January 29, 1862, entered
St. Francis Seminary, near Milwaukee,
where he completed his philosophical and
theological course. On December 27,
1863, he was ordained to the priesthood,
by Bishop Henni, in the Cathedral at
^Iilwaukee, and appointed to his first pas-
toral duties at Theresa, Dodge Co., Wis.,
as assistant to the priest stationed there.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOOIiAPIITCAL RECORD.
who was sick at the time. In September,
1864, he was given charge of his first con-
gregation, which was in Freedom, Outa-
gamie count)', and here he remained until
March, 1865, at which time he was trans-
ferred to Little Chute, where his old friend
Father Spierings had been stationed.
Here our subject labored among his flock
till October, 1869, during which time he
built a new house for the priest, and the
new church building, of which for several
years nothing had been standing except
the foundation, was through his efforts
and labor completed, with the exception
of the work on the interior. From Little
Chute he was sent to St. Mary's Church
at Appleton, at which time the parishion-
ers, who were of several nationalities, all
attended the same church, and it was dur-
ing his incumbency here than the separa-
tion took place. While in Appleton
Father Verberk decided to pay a \isit to
his native land, and set out on his journey
in June, 1872, proceeding to New York,
visiting en route friends in Cleveland,
Ohio, and Fort Lee, N. J. The voj'age
from New York to Liverpool occupied
twelve days, and in August he arrived in
Holland, where he met with an affection-
ate reception, and lingered long and
fondly about the hallowed spot of his
happy childhood and boyhood days. His
first intention was to travel through-
out the continent and visit the Holy Land,
but, a sickness that might be called " in-
digenous" to Holland having seized him,
he had to forego the anticipated pleasure,
and return to the United States after a
brief sojourn in his native country of
about tfiree months.
On November 25, he started on his
westward journe\' to resume his clerical
duties in the Far West, and after a
twenty-five days' passage from Liverpool
landed in New York, the voyage having
been protracted by an accident which oc-
curred when they were four days out,
necessitating return to port. Tarrying for
some weeks in New York and New Jersey,
he then visited relatives in Cleveland,
Ohio, and in the spring of 1873 arrived
once more at Green Bay, Wis. , whence
he proceeded to the diocese at Lacrosse,
and for two years and a half had charge
of the congregations at Baraboo, Sauk
county, and Eagle Point, Chippewa
county. Being claimed by the bishop of
Green Bay * as belonging to his diocese,
he in November, 1875, was called to the
temporary care of Wrightstown and other
charges, and later, in February, 1876,
was transferred to Chilton, Calumet
county, where was built under his pastor-
ate a new church costing some twelve
thousand dollars, and another for the
Germans, costing from six to seven thous-
and. In May, 1881, from the fact of his
speaking the language of Holland, best
understood by the Catholic congregation
at Little Chute, he was recalled thither,
remaining from 1881 to 1889. From that
parish, where during his stay he com-
pleted the yet unfinished church building
and erected a new parish school, he re-
moved in October, 1889, to his old charge
at Chilton, remaining until 1892, when
on account of failing health he resigned,
in September taking up his residence in
De Pere. where he made his home about
nine months, during which period of re-
pose he employed a portion of his time
writing for a Dutch paper called Dc Pere
Standard, and the English Echo of the
Valley. By the advice, however, of his
physician, who recommended him to live
more into the country, he came in May,
1893, to the town of Holland, in Holland
township. Brown county, where he has
since led a retired life, at the same time
filling the charge of St. Mary's Church,
Hilbert Junction, by regular weekly visits
and religious services whenever required.
* The first resident misionary priest at Green Bay was
Father \"an den Broek, and Father Verberk is the only Hoi-
land priest in Wisconsin to see that venerable divine in life.
This happened during the winter of 1847-48. when leather Van-
den Broek. after years of missionary work among the Indians
in the Fox River Valley, was on a visit to his native country.
Father Verberk. at that time making his college course, went
to see the aged missionary for advise about joining the colony
of Hollanders just then preparing to emigrate with Father
\'an den Broek. Strange, that the college boy in after years
should buiid a new church on the very spot, where the Pio-
neer was laid to rest!
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPUICAL RECORD.
73
HON. PATRICK FINNERTY, a
leading representative citizen and
prosperous farmer of Holland
township, Brown county, by vir-
tue of his popularity and usefulness in his
county, deserves prominent place in
this Biographical Record.
He is a native of Brown county, Wis.,
born October 22, [856, on the farm
whereon he now lives in Section 14, Hol-
land township, the eldest son of Thomas
and Catherine (Keaton) Finnerty, natives
of Ireland. Thomas Finnerty was born
in County Sligo in 1820, the eldest in the
family of Patrick Finnerty, a tenant
farmer, who had by his wife, Catherine
(Caggin), a family of ten children — seven
sons and three daughters. In the spring
of 1 848 the family emigrated to the United
States, crossing the ocean from Liver-
pool in the sailing ship "Lord Elgin,"
the voyage occupying seven weeks. Land-
ing in Boston, they proceeded from there
to Vermont, locating for a time in Rut-
land county. In November, 1849, the
entire family came to Wisconsin via Buf-
falo to Sheboygan, and in Holland (at
that time Kaukauna) township. Brown
county, settled in the dense wildwoods on
160 acres government land in Section 14,
for which he paid ten shillings per acre,
and entered in the name of Thomas, the
eldest son. To reach this property the
party traveled from Fond du Lac along
the military road to a point south of
Wrightstown, and from there had to lit-
erally hew their way through the unbroken
forest, there being neither road nor even
path, the one they had to cut being the
first. Here they built them a rude cabin
and commenced to make a clearing for a
farm. Patrick Finnerty, the head of this
immigrant family, died in 1871, his wife
passing away later at the home of their
son Thomas.
Thomas Finnerty, just mentioned,
soon after their arrival here, in fact in the
fall of the same year (1848), had to return
to Ireland for some purpose, but in the
following spring rejoined his parents and
was one of the hardest workers in the
clearing of the land. For two summers,
however, after coming here, Thomas Fin-
nerty worked at Kaukauna, for the Fox
River Improvement Company, as a com-
mon laborer, in order to earn means for the
support of his parents and younger broth-
ers and sisters, after which he commenced
regular farming on the home place, and
in the course of time what was a dense
inhospitable forest he converted into a fer-
tile farm and comfortable home, the met-
amorphosis representing years of toil and
unceasing industry. In 1855 he married
Catherine Keaton, a native of Tipperary,
Ireland, and by her had children as fol-
lows: Patrick, the subject proper of this
sketch; Ellen, now Mrs. Hugh Finnegan,
of Holland; Catherine, who died unmar-
ried at the age of thirty-one years; Mary,
living in Green Bay; and Bridget, at
home. The family are all members of St.
Francis Church, at Holland. In his po-
litical associations Thomas Finnert}' is an
ardent Democrat, and in National and
State elections invariably votes that
ticket, but in county and township affairs
he supports the candidate he considers
best qualified for the office, regardless
of party ties. In his township he has
held the positions of treasurer and chair-
man, as well as treasurer of the school
board.
Patrick Finnerty, the subject of this
memoir, received a liberal education at
the winter schools of the vicinit}' of his
home, and being a diligent and apt
scholar, made remarkable progress with
his books. Schools in his boyhood were
very different to what they are at the
present time, and the lad, young as he
was, saw by his own experience that vast
improvements in the nurseries of the
young mind were necessary if education
was to keep pace with the phenomenal
progress of the latter half of the nine-
teenth century. Indeed, so aggressive
was the stand he took, and so convincing
were the arguments he advanced, that
before he was twenty-one years old he
74
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
received the appointment of clerk of the
school board of his district, an office he
has ever since held, always laboring for
the best interests of the educational in-
stitutions, particularly those included
within his own district. He was reared a
farmer boy on the same farm he now
conducts, all his instruction in this line
of work being received under the pre-
ceptorship of his father. Prior to his
marriage, in 1889, he took a trip to the
Pacific coast — his destination California;
and traveling by the Union Pacific rail-
road he stopped at many of the principal
c\i\es ill roil fi\ In the "Eureka State"
he sojourned some ten months, visiting
various interesting points, and in passing
through Oregon spent some time in Port-
land, returning to his \\'isconsin home at
the end of about a }'ear.
Politically Mr. Finnerty has been a
Democrat from the time he cast his first
vote, and has always been a wheel-horse
of the party, being from early manhood
recognized as a leader in the Democratic
ranks in his township. He has been re-
peatedly called to positions of honor and
trust, all of which he has tilled with honor
to himself and satisfaction to his con-
stituents. For two years he served as
treasurer, and in 1894 he was elected
township clerk. In the fall of 1886, by
a majority of v(jtes, he was sent to the
Assembly as member of the thirty-
eighth session of the Wisconsin Legis-
lature, the occasion being the second bi-
ennial session, and he was the youngest
man ever elected to the Legislature in
Brown county.
In February, 1889, Mr. Finnerty was
married at Milwaukee, Wis., to Miss
Ellen Desmond, a nati\e of Brooklyn, N.
Y. , and daughter of Matthew Desmond,
who settled in Milwaukee when Mrs.
Finnerty was a child of about three sum-
mers. Three children have been born to
this union: Addie, Matthew and Thomas.
The home farm, still comprising 160 acres
of prime land, is conducted under the
immediate supervision of our subject him-
self, and reflects as much credit on him
as an agriculturist as have his public ser-
vices as a statesman.
M
ATTHIAS REYNEX. Like
thousands of other worthy men
w hose lot in their native coun-
try was simply to drudge and
be always poor, John Reynen, father of
Matthias, saw in the Western World a
rainbow of promise. In the spring of
1 85 I, with his wife and six children, he
left hard times and Holland behind, and
sailed from Amsterdam in an English
ship bound for New York city, arriving
after a fifty-eight-days' voyage. Green
Bay, Wis. , was their final destination, and
they proceeded up the Hudson river by
steamboat to Albany, where the)- were
delayed a month by the severe illness of
the head of the family, ^^'hen he had re-
covered they continued their journe\' via
the Erie canal, and Matthias and his
brother werepriviledged characters on the
trip, being allowed to ride the horses which
drew the canal boat. Upon arrival at Buf-
falo it was learned that but one vessel, the
old " Michigan," was plying between that
point and Green Baj', and as it took her
two weeks to make the round trip, it was
necessary to wait most of that time for
her return; but they at length embarked,
and in the fall of 1851 reached their des-
tination.
The family passed the first winter in
Green Bay, but the following spring found
them in De Pere, as tenants of Samuel
Blake. After passing the summer here
they removed to Little Chute, where the
elder Re3'nen found employment on the
canal, as he had previously done, carry-
ing back to his family fifty pounds of
flour upon his return. He continued to
reside at Little Chute during his active
life, finally locating at De Pere, where he
died in 1883, and his remains were in-
terred in the Catholic cemetery at that
place. His widow yet lives with a mar-
ried daughter, on the same farm first
COMMEMOllA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
75
occupied bj" the family upon their arrival
in this region. Their children, \\'ho are
all living, are as follows: William, re-
siding in South Dakota; Matthias, whose
name introduces this article; Gertrude,
now Mrs. John Coonen, of De Pere; Han-
nah, now Mrs. William Vandervelden, of
Cornelius, Oregon; Mary, wife of John
Vandyke, of Freedom, Outagamie Co. ,
Wis.; Martin, of South Dakota; and the
only death in this famil}' has been that of
the father. The children ha\e all reared
large families.
Matthias Reynen was born in Holland
March 14, 1838, and was consequently
but thirteen years of age when he arrived
in the land of his adoption. His father
was able to afford him but a meager edu-
cution in the old country, and after arriv-
ing in the United States his only school-
ing was included in a four-weeks' attend-
ance at Albany, during the sickness of his
father, as above mentioned. He showed
remarkable aptness, and during that short
period succeeded in mastering the three
primary "readers" which a kind old
gentleman had furnished him. By the
time he reached Green Baj" he was able
to speak the English language fairly well,
and the first money he earned was fifty
cents received for acting as interpreter.
The same spirit of determination has been
of great value to him in the subsequent
years of his life, for by his own sole efforts
he has reached the position he now holds,
as a substantial, respected and estimable
citizen. His first employment in Wis-
consin was peeling potatoes for Gapt. Ed-
wards, proprietor of the old ' ' Washing-
ton House " (which stood on the site now
occupied by the "Beaumont House"),
and having performed the same kind of
labor in his passage across the Atlantic,
he was undoubtedly proficient. Contin-
uing to reside with his parents until he
became of age, young Matthias turned
his earnings over to them, assisting them
to the best of his ability to keep "the
wolf from the door" and become the pos-
sessors of a home, engaging in various
kinds of labor — fishing, gardening, etc.
Until 1852 he carried the mail for Mr.
Tyler between Green Bay and Manito-
woc, one summer, when his horse had
only an Indian trail to follow, and the boy
had no definite idea as to the location of
Manitowoc, frequently turning out to
avoid wolves, bears, and other wild ani-
mals. His instructions were, if the horse
got disabled and swamped, to shoulder
the mail bag and continue on foot; thij
happening on one occasion he left the
horse in the swampy ground, and started
to walk, but the animal succeeded in ex-
tricating itself from the mudhole, and fol-
lowing Mr. Reynen caught up with him
and whinnied for his master before he
had reached his destination. He at
length secured a position with Mr. Wager
and afterward with Wilcox & Wager,
millers of De Pere, with whom he learned
the milling trade, when the stone mill
was built in De Pere, and continued to
work at that place, at intervals, for twelve
years, as well as in a similar capacity at
other points; he is the oldest Hollander
miller in the Fox River Valley. He was al-
so employed more or less in the woods, and
hand in hand along with hard work plod-
ded along through the years, making a
record as a toiler scarcely surpassed by
a man of his age. He has been engaged
at nearly all kinds of labor except military
duty, and barely missed that, for he was
drafted, but escaped through a mistake on
the part of the enrolling officer, who
spelled his name "Ryan." Mr. Reynen
is unquestionably a leader of the self-
made men of his section, and, in addition
to his ability, being possessed of a won-
derful retentive memory, there is no
doubt but that, with proper education, he
might have made an honorable and dis-
tinguished record in the professional
world.
On November 16, 1863, Mr. Reynen
was wedded, in the old German Catholic
Church at Green Bay, to Adelia Martins,
who was born in Holland in 1843 and
came to the United States with h er
76
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
father's family in 1850, the latter locat-
ing near the home of our subject, in Al-
louez township, at the foot of Robinson
Hill, the propert}' now owned by Mr.
Reynen. The children born to this union
were: Minnie, now deceased; Fannie,
now Mrs. Frank Van Noss, of Green Bay;
Mary, now Mrs. Charles Van Noss, of
the same city, G. William, of Allouez, em-
ployed in the railroad ser\ice; Martin,
Xony, Ella and Minnie, at home; Frank,
deceased; Peter and Lilly May, at home;
and Dora, deceased. For a short time
after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Reynen
resided at Green Bay, but soon removed
to De Pere, where Mr. Reynen formed a
partnership with Fred Lucke, and en-
gaged for a few years in the milling busi-
ness. He also purchased the ' ' De Pere
House," becoming its landlord. He had
previously started up a new mill for other
parties in Chippewa Falls, and, besides,
built and conducted another at De Pere,
which latter was burned in 18S3, the loss
being heavy and the insurance small.
After this disaster he located upon the
farm of ninety-seven acres upon which he
has since resided, the homestead being
generally known as "Robinson Hill."
From his pleasant home, erected in 1891,
a delightful view of the Fox river is
obtained.
Politically Mr. Rejnen is an unswerv-
ing Democrat, and he has been elected by
his party to various official positions at
the different places where he has lived.
While in De Pere he was a member of the
city council several years, as well as of
the county board of supervisors twelve or
fifteen years, resigning upon his removal
to Allouez. In the latter township he has
been chairman of the town board for sev-
eral years, and is the present member for
Allouez on the county board, a position
in which he has always rendered credit-
able service. During the panic of 1873
he lost nine thousand dollars inside of six
months, and his fire losses in 1883 were
ten thousand; but, notwithstanding these
severe blows, he is yet comfortably situ-
ated, owning one hundred acres of the
most desirable land in the vicinity of
Green Bay, a property which is destined
to be worth many thousand dollars in the
not distant future. From his boyhood he
has found it necessary to make an uphill
fight. Instead of being assisted bj- his
parents his efforts were lent to their sup-
port, and it was a struggle for years be-
fore there was perceptible gain. In deal-
ing with his fellowmen his methods have
been straightforward and honorable, and
"Matt" Reynen, as he is best known,
is respected and esteemed by a wide circle
of acquaintances. He and his family are
members of the Holland Catholic Church,
in which he has been an officer for years,
and to which his contributions have been
most liberal. From out the Netherlands,
which have sent sturdy men and women
into the four quarters of the globe, there
have come few, if any, who can lay
stronger claim to the proud title, "a
self-made man," and he bears his laurels
with becoming composure.
CHARLES JOANNES, member of
the firm of Joannes Bros., whole-
sale grocers, Green Baj'. Wis.,
is a native of Belgium, born in
the town of Tervueren, about six miles
east of Brussels, April 24, 1844, the
eldest son of Eugene C. and Marie Eliza-
beth (Vandersmissen) Joannes.
In 1856 the family, consisting of
father, mother and eight children, left
their native land for the New World,
taking passage on a sailing vessel at .Ant-
werp, and after a voyage of thirty-nine
days landed in New York. From there
they proceeded westward to Wisconsin,
via rail to Buffalo, thence steamer to
Green Bay, which they found to be a
thriving village and important trading
point. The family settled in Lawrence
township. Brown county, on a small
farm, which they commenced to clear, by
hard work and untiring perseverance to
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
77
make a new home in the then compara-
tive wilderness; but the father was
doomed never to reahze his hopes and
plans for the future, for early in the fol-
lowing spring (1857), in attempting to
cross Fox river on the ice he broke
through and was drowned, leaving a
widow and seven children to survive him,
the youngest child (an infant) having died
a few months before this. He had lived
in Brown county only about six months,
yet during that short time had estab-
lished himself in the estimation of all
whom he came in contact with as an
earnest, industrious man, above the
average in intelligence and progressive-
ness. All of the children that were old
enough were sent to school soon after
they were settled. The death of the
father left the widowed mother alone
among strangers with her children, the
eldest being only about fourteen years
old; but being heroic in nature, and
possessed of an indomitable will power
and a strong constitution to back it, she
set herself to the task of rearing her
children as well as circumstances would
permit. The neighbors, being kind-
hearted people, took great interest in the
family, and helped them in many ways,
five of the children finding homes among
them, where they were required to do
chores, assisting in farm work during the
summer season and attending school
during the winter months. In 1 861 the
family moved into Green Bay, the farm
having been sold, and the money realized
from it was invested in a small home on
Pine street, where the Green Bay,
Winona & St. Paul railroad office build-
ing now stands. Here the family resided
some years, the children, when old
enough to leave school, succeeding in
securing employment of one kind or an-
other in Green Bay.
Charles Joannes, who, as will be
seen, was about twelve years old when
the family came to Wisconsin, after
spending five years on the farm, went to
Green Bay, where he immediately secured
a position with the late Dr. Henry
Pearce, remaining there a little more
than two years, doing chores and attend-
ing school. From there he entered the
office of register of deeds as copying
clerk under Xavier Martin, and there he
remained two years, at the end of which
time he entered the store of Bennett &
Williamson, proprietors of the then lead-
ing dry-goods store in Green Bay, con-
tinuing in their employ until the winter of
1867. At that time, being desirous of
improving himself in commercial theory,
he went to Chicago, where he entered
Bryant & Stratton's Business College,
and after graduating from this school he
received the appointment of assistant
bookkeeper with Belding Bros. & Co.,
manufacturers and jobbers of sewing
silks, Chicago. At the end of three
months he had earned the confidence of
the firm, and was sent by them to their
Cincinnati house to take full charge of
their books there, while at the close of
two years he became traveling salesman
for the same firm, his territory covering
almost the entire South; but in July,
1872, he severed his connection with
Belding Brothers in order to embark in
the grocery business with his brothers in
Green Bay.
The firm of Joannes Brothers, consist-
ing of Charles, William, Mitchell and
Thomas, commenced business in a retail
way in August, 1872. William (at that
time the only one of the four brothers to
have any experience in that line) was sent
to New York to buy their first stock of
goods, which was bought for cash. The
boys, being well known and respected, did
a flourishing business from the start, and
soon became the leading retail grocers in
the city. There was then quite a large
jobbing business done in Green Bay, but
the panic of 1873 soon followed, and
proved very disastrous to all the business
interests in Green Bay, particularly to the
wholesale grocery trade, it taking but a
short time to close up all of the whole-
sale grocery firms in the city. Joannes
COMMKMORATIVK BIOOHAPIIICAL RECORD.
Brothers, being then the leading retail
grocers, were quick to realize the import-
ance of trying to take care of as much of
the trade, that had formeriy been buying
their goods at wholesale on this market,
as possible; but with their limited capital,
together with the panicky condition then
existing, theycouUl readii_\' see that noth-
ing but a strictly cash basis would now be
safe to follow. This they adopted, and
adhered to until conditions were more
favorable to again return to a credit sys-
tem, from which time on their business
increased very rapidly, so that in 1884
they discontinued their retail department,
and have ever since conducted an exclu-
sively jobbing business. In 1891 their
business had grown to such an extent that
they found it absolutely necessary to in-
crease their facilities, and they then
erected their pre.sent four-story (and base-
ment) building, 88 x 90 feet in dimensions
(with granite front), with warehouses in
rear extending to the channel of the Fox
river, where all the largest lake steamers,
having goods for the firm, land and unload
their cargoes direct into these warehouses,
thus saving the firm a large amount every
year in cartage. They also have the track
of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
railroad running between their store and
warehouse, thus enabling them to being all
car-load lots directly opposite their prem-
ises for unloading. In connection with their
grocery business they also own and oper-
ate a very complete coffee and spice mill,
and there are no better goods on the
market than their Champion brand spices.
Taking all things into consideration, the
Joannes Brothers have, without a doubt,
the most complete and best equipped
plant for conducting a wholesale grocery
business that can be found in the North-
west, with a trade that is second to none
in the State of Wisconsin. They now
have seven traveling men on the road
selling goods, which fact, however, hardly
gives a correct idea of their business,
fully half of which comes to them un-
solicited, and they employ in their differ-
ent departments no less than forty-four
hands. In the accomplishment of this
the brothers have had ver\- little leisure
time, and to-da\', even, the\' are harder
workers than any of their numerous em-
ployees, and their success in life is largely
attributed to the close personal attention
they have always given every detail in
their business, they never allowing goods
to be misrepresented, so far as they are
able to judge.
On July 2, 1872, Charles Joannes, the
senior member of the firm, was married
in Cincinnati to Miss Hattie P. Lambdin,
a native of that city, and daughter of
William Thomas and Martha (Athern)
Lambdin, who were born in Martha's
Vine}ard, Mass., where W^illiam Athern,
the grandfather of Mrs. Charles Joannes,
helped to build the United States frigate
"Constitution." Mrs. Joannes received
her education in the schools of Rising
Sun, Ind., and is a lad)- of culture and
refinement. She is a prominent member
of the Congregational Church, and takes
c:n acti\e interest in the" social life of
Green Bay. As a business man, Mr.
Joannes is recognized as possessing the
utmost ability, push and energy, and as
a citizen none stand any better.
M
ITCHELL JOANNES, member
of the wholesale grocery firm of
Joannes Bros. , Green Ba}', is a
native of Belgium, born in
1848, and is the third son of Eugene C.
and Marie Elizabeth (V'andersmissen)
Joannes.
Mitchell Joannes was but eight years
of age when he left home to li\e with
others. At the age of eight and one-half
years he began working on a farm; four
years afterward went to Ripon, Wis. ,
where for two years he was employed at
the same kind of labor. In 1 862 he
came to Green Bay, entered a physician's
office as clerk, and was thus engaged for
two years, at the end of which time he
commenced clerking in the crockery
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
house of W^heelock & Chapman, at
which he continued until his enhst-
ment, in 1865, in Company G, Forty-
first Wis. \. I., under the ninety-
days' call; was stationed at Mem-
phis, Tenn., and was honorably dis-
charged at the expiration of his term of
enlistment; he sustained only one injury,
and that was at Chatham, 111., through
an accident while cit route for home. On
his recovery, he was employed as clerk
for eighteen months in Green Bay, and
was then appointed to a position in the
postoffice, in the service of which, as
clerk and assistant postmaster, he re-
mained nine years, doing duty during the
terms of Capt. D. M. Whitney, Capt. C.
R. Tyler and W. C. E. Thomas. He
resigned this position to take an active
part with his brothers, Charles and Will-
iam, in the grocery business. [Business
record of Joannes Bros, will be found in
the sketch of Charles Joannes.]
Besides his interest in this extensive
concern, Mitchell Joannes has manifold
collateral connections. He has been a
director in the Citizens National Bank
since the organization of that institution;
is a stockholder in the Columbian Bakery
Companw of which he is a director and
vice-president; also stockholder in and
treasurer and director of the Green Bay
and Fort Howard Water Works Com-
pany. He is likewise a stockholder in
the Green Bay Planing Mill, as well as
in the Green Bay Pickle Factory, and
both building and loan societies; he is a
stockholder in the Brown County Fair
and Park Association, and director in the
J. R. Thomas Machine Company, and a
member of the Business Men's Associa-
tion of the city. In politics he is inde-
pendent, locally, voting for such men and
measures as will redound, in his opinion,
to the best interests of the general public,
and has served, with the same end in
view, as alderman from the Second
ward. In religion he is a devout Roman
Catholic, and worships at the French
Catholic Church.
5
The marriage of Mr. Joannes was
celebrated at Green Bay July i, 1875,
with Miss Fannie D. Goodhue, daughter
of Charles F. H. and Delia (Alger) Good-
hue, early settlers at Beloit, Wis. The
father of this amiable lady died in Wood
county. Wis., May 16, 1874, a much-
honored citizen; the mother makes her
home in Green Bay with Mr. Joannes'
famil)-. This union was crowned by the
birth of five children, of whom three are
still living, viz. : Gertrude A., Arline and
Harold V. ; the deceased are Guy Good-
hue, born May 17, 1876, died August 25,
1876; and Nellie Genevieve, born August
31, 1880, died June 23, 1882. Mr. Joannes
has indeed been the "architect of his
own fortune," having by his upright busi-
ness methods won for himself a host of
friends in the community of trade, and
by his genial manners and pleasant ad-
dress added daily to his list of patrons.
He has always been among the foremost
to aid by his means and enterprising
spirit the building up of Green Bay city
and the county of Brown, of which he is
recognized as one of the most substantial
citizens.
THOMAS JOANNES, member of
the wholesale grocery firm of
Joannes Brothers, Green Bay, is
a native of Belgium, born March
17, 1849, in Tervueren, a town situated
some six miles east of Brussels, a son of
Eugene C. and Marie Elizabeth (Vanders-
missen) Joannes.
Thomas Joannes was seven years old
when the family came to the United
States and to Wisconsin, and at the
schools of Green Bay he received a fairly
liberal education up to the age of fourteen
j-ears. On leaving school he commenced
learning the trade of jeweler, and by the
end of three years was so proficient at the
business that he was given charge of most
of the repairing in the store where he
served his apprenticeship. About the year
1866, abandoning the jewelry business,
82
OOMMEMORATirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he was given a clerkship in the postoffice
at Green Bay, and after four years in that
capacity was appointed, by United States
Senator T. O. Howe, to the position of
postal clerk in the United States mail ser-
vice. He had charge of the first mail car
that ever ran north of Green Bay, and his
was the first appointment for that division;
but after a faithful service of one and one-
lialf years he resigned in order to take
active interest in the grocery business of
Joannes Brothers, with which he had been
affiliated since 1872. [Business record of
Joannes Brothers will be found in the
sketch of Charles Joannes.]
From the time of the opening out of the
wholesale branch, Thomas Joannes has,
more particularly, had charge of the spice
mills, besides attending to outside mat-
ters, such as collections, etc. On Octo-
ber 23, 1878, he was united in marriage,
in Oshkosh, Wis., with Miss Emma M.
Heath, a well-educated and highly-cul-
tured lady, whose native place is Racine,
Wis. She is a daughter of Joseph and
Catherine (Norton) Heath, old residents
of Oshkosh. To Mr. and Mrs. Joannes
have been born three children, named
respectively: Genevieve Regina, Mary
Hortense and Leland Heath. The par-
ents are members of St. John's Church,
Green Bay, and in his political sympathies
Mr. Joannes is pronouncedly independent.
During the winter of 1893-94 he built one
of the finest residences to be seen in Green
Bay or vicinity, in which he takes a pro-
per pride, for it is an ornament to the
city. His success in life is due to hard
work and good business management,
which, coupled with common sense and
sound judgment, have brought him the
reward he so well merits.
WILLIAM EDWARD KEL-
LOGG, cashier of the Kellogg
Banking Company at De Pere,
Brown county, was born June
I, 1855, in Amherst, Mass. He is a son
of Sanford W. and Emily L. (Spears)
Kellogg, the former of whom was at one
time a resident of Amherst, Mass., and
later a capitalist at Waukegan, 111., re-
moving still later to Sauk Center, Minn.,
where he engaged cxtensivelj' in general
merchandising and flour-milling. He sub-
sequently returned to Waukegan, 111.,
where he died in October. 1882.
William E. Kellogg was educated
partly at the high school of Waukegan,
having previously passed the junior year
at Notre Dame College, South Bend, Ind.
After leaving high school he was em-
ployed for a couple of years by a mer-
cantile firm at Sauk Center, Minn., of
which his father was the head, doing
business under the title of Kellogg, Chase
& Ma3o; later was with Thomas, La;;ear
& Hayden, wholesale dealers in furnish-
ing goods at Chicago, and then with John
V. Farwell & Co., wholesale dry -goods
men of the same city. In June, 1S78,
he entered the Kellogg National Bank at
Green Bay, Wis. , at the bottom of the
ladder, and remained until October, 1881,
when he was made cashier of the Rufus
B. Kellogg & Co. bank at De Pere, of
which institution he is now the heaviest
stockholder. The average annual de-
posits in this bank up to the panic o{
1893 were about one hundred and twenty-
five thousand dollars, and although a
slight diminution then took place, the
deposits soon recovered their wonted
volume. Throughout the most stringent
season of the year nained the bank never
for a moment closed its doors, and never
asked a dollar aid from any source — an
illustration of the safe and conservative
system of the bank, which has never yet
lost a dollar by bad loans or investments.
Since 1881 the affairs of the bank have
virtually been under the control of Mr.
Kellogg, and although this gentleman
was but a novice when he took charge,
the owners made but one visit of inspec-
tion per year after the first two or three
months, being thoroughly satisfied with
the safe .system upon which the cashier
was conducting its affairs. The manage-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
83
ment hold the entire confidence of the
pubhc, and depositors feel that their
funds are as safe in its custody as if
locked up in a safety-deposit vault. The
bank is a State bank, and was incorpor-
ated in 1889 with R. B. Kellogg, presi-
dent; L. D. Hurd, vice-president, and W.
E. Kellogg, cashier, with a capital stock
of twenty-five thousand dollars, being the
outcome of a private bank established by
Rufus B. Kellogg in 1878. The death of
R. B. Kellogg, however, took place in
September, 1891, and H. H. Camp suc-
ceeded to the presidency of the Kellogg
Banking Company. This gentleman was
formerly president of the First National
Bank of Milwaukee, and is now also presi-
dent of the Milwaukee Trust Company.
At the death of Rufus B. Kellogg our
subject was appointed one of the execu-
tors of his estate of half a million, with-
out bonds, and was also made guardian
of his children. Rufus B. Kellogg was a
practical business man, and when our
subject started in with him, at the mea-
ger salary of twenty dollars per month, he
was warned that promotion depended on
his ability and attention to his duties.
The result speaks for itself.
The marriage of W. E. Kellogg with
Gertrude M. Hutchinson was solemnized
June 7, 1882, at Waukegan, 111., the
fruit of the union being Rufus H., born
December 13, 1889, and Anna, born
January 22, 1893.
DANIEL WHITNEY (deceased).
Something more than a simple
announcement and a passing re-
mark is due to the memory of one
who was not only the founder of Green
Bay, but for more than thirty years had
his residence there, and was as familiar
to the people as their own household
gods. More than any other man, he was,
in the earlier part of his career, ardently
and actively engaged in developing the
resources of the then wilderness of the
Northwest, and in building up the city of
Green Bay. As one of the first settlers
and pioneers of Wisconsin, there is due
to his memory a place on the record of
his adopted home. In the prosecution of
his early explorations, as pioneer, no one
traveled as much, or labored as hard as
he; and, in doing so, no man suffered
more hardships, or exposure, or ran more
desperate risks. He knew no fear.
Wherever his duty or his business called
him, he went. Cold, storm, or night-
time had no terrors sufftcient to deter him
from pursuing his object.
Mr. Whitney was born September 3,
1795, in Gilsum, N. H., a son of Samuel
and Mary Whitney, the former of whom
was a native of Massachusetts, borrt
August 5, 1758, in Newton, whence in an
early day he removed to New Hampshire,
becoming a very prominent man in the town
of Gilsum, that State. He there married
Miss Mary Whitney, daughter of Capt.
Joshua Whitney, a prominent citizen of
Worcester, Mass. , and captain of a vol-
unteer company raised there, serving
throughout the Revolutionary war. Sam-
uel Whitney, father of our subject, was
also a soldier in that struggle, a member
of Capt. Flagg's company of "Minute
Men." His son Daniel, of whom this
sketch pertains, was reared in New Hamp-
shire, and received his education in part
at the schools of the neighborhood of his
home, in part in Boston, Mass. In 18 16
he paid his first visit to Green Bay, tO'
"spy the land," and returning east again
in 1819, came here to make his perma-
nent home in the new country, being
twenty-four years old at the time. Here
he established himself in mercantile busi-
ness near Camp Smith, two and one-half
miles above the present site of Green
Bay, where the village then was; and this
was the starting point of all his subsequent
numerous enterprises.
Wisconsin, and all the west and north,
was then a complete wilderness, inhabited
only by wild Indians comprising within
the limits of the present State at least six
different nations, and other nations still
84
COMMEMORAriVK BIOURAPIIICAL liECORD.
more fierce and warlike held all Ihc coun-
try west of the Mississippi. This did not
prevent Mr. W'hitnej- from making many
long journeys to the interior, and push-
ing his in\estigations wherever he thought
good locations for trade could be found.
He explored the Fo.\ river to its source,
and the Wisconsin from the rapids to the
^lississippi. In 1821-22 he was sut-
ler for U. S. troops at Fort Snelling, on
the St. Peter's river, Minnesota; estab-
lished several trading posts on the Missis-
sippi, where he supplied traders with
goods, and had also a trading post at
Sault Ste. Marie. During the winter of
1822 he traveled on foot from Fort Snell-
ing to Detroit, with onlj- an Indian for a
companion, to assist him with his pro-
visions and bedding, which they drew on
a hand sled. During this whole journey
(about one thousand miles) he met but
one white man, and saw but two cabins.
An incident occurred on this trip which
showed the perseverance and daring of
the man. In crossing one of the numer-
ous rivers en route, he found the ice bad.
The Indian guide became afraid, but Mr.
Whitney crossed over, drawing the sled
and load with him. The Indian would
not follow, whereupon Mr. Whitnej' re-
crossed, and in so doing broke through
the ice (which was thin, the water deep
and the current strong) with one foot.
He provided himself with a rope from the
sled and a cudgel, and compelling the In-
dian to lie down upon the ice, with the
rope drew him over in safety. In the fall
of 1824 he had a vessel, loaded with
goods and provisions for Green Bay, frozen
in near Mackinac. Such an accident in
those times threatened serious conse-
quences to the settlements, and, although
starvation was impossible when fish and
venison were plent}', yet many would suf-
fer inconvenience, and Mr. W'hitney a
great loss, unless the supplies could be
reached. As soon, therefore, as cold
weather had insured a bridge of ice, along
the shore, and across the rivers and baj's, he
fitted out an expedition consisting of him-
self and several French-Canadians, with
horse-trains, made the trip to Mackinac
on the ice, where the vessel was, and re-
turned with all he could of the most
necessary goods. In order to carry on
his extensive operations, he went several
times to Canada, and procured large num-
bers of " voyageurs," men used to voy-
aging and the trader's life. With those as
companions and assistants, he traversed
the country on foot, in the bark canoe
and in the Mackinac boat, exploring new
sections of country, and transporting goods
to his trading houses. Many of these
men are still in the county, and are num-
bered among the most substantial farmers.
From these early times, until the light of
civilization shone across the country, un-
til settlements were formed, and roads
opened from the lake shore to the in-
terior, and until the improvement of the
Fox river had so far progressed as to ad-
mit of partial steamboat navigation, Mr.
Whitney was largely engaged in the trans-
portation business. For manj- years all
the supplies for Forts Winnebago and
Crawford and the upper Mississippi, for
troops, Indian treaties, etc., were con-
veyed in boats from Green Bay by the
Fox and Wisconsin rivers; and few per-
sons, not familiar with those times, can
form any idea of the immense labor and
cost involved.
Between 1825 and 1830 Mr. Whitney
explored the upper W^isconsin, built mills
at Plover Portage, and for more than
fifteen }ears was engaged in the business
of manufacturing lumber, and running it
down the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers
to the St. Louis market. This was the
first lumbering establishment erected on
the Wisconsin ri\er. and probably the
first on any tributary of the Mississippi.
During the same period he also built a
shot-tower at Helena, on the \\'^isconsin
river, and inaugurated an extensive busi-
ness at that point. From the time the
Stockbridge Indians came into the State
to commence their new homes, in 1827
or 1828, until their removal to their
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
85-
present location in Shawano county, he
kept a supply store among them, trans-
acting also their business for them; and
during the whole time, about thirteen
years, as a strictly honest man and a fair
and liberal dealer, he possessed their
entire confidence; and down to the time
of his death these Indians looked up to
him as their father and friend. He also
supplied goods to Indian agencies, as will
be seen by the following letter, written
over sixty j'ears ago:
Indian Agency.
Green Bay, July 21, '32.
To Daniel Whitney:
Dear Sir. — With the anus purchased from
Messrs. Kircheval & Hamilton, together with
your own, you will please to include some to be
had from Messrs. Law, Porlier iSr Grig^non, in
order that the whole number may be included
in the one draft to be drawn on ac. of
army. These arms I should be glad to have
.sent to the Agency in the course of the day, or
early on Monday morning.
(Signed) G. Boyd, II. S. Indian Agt.
In 1831 he abandoned his residence
near Camp Smith, and moved his family
and store to Navarino (now Green Bay),
near the mouth of the river, where he
passed the rest of his days. From his
earliest acquaintance with the locality
and surroundings of Green Ba\', he enter-
tained the most unbounded confidence in
its capabilities and fitness to become the
most important commercial town in the
State, and, acting upon this faith, he as
early as possible secured the land where
the city now stands, and in 1828 or 1829
laid out the town of Navarino, since
incorporated as Green Bay, and com-
menced building a city. In 1S30 he had
completed a wharf and spacious ware-
house, a portion of the "Washington
House," a school house, and some dwell-
ing houses for his mechanics and labor-
ers. From 1830 to 1840 he continued to
build, and as fast as materials could be
obtained erected eight or ten stores and
a large number of dwelling houses to rent;
in the meantime giving away a consider-
able number of lots to mechanics and
others who were desirous of building
homes for themselves. He also con-
tributed very largely toward the comple-
tion of the Episcopal church edifice — the
first Protestant house of worship built in
either the city or the State. This church
edifice was always a special object of
interest to him, and from its completion
in I 838 until cares ended with him on earth
he never ceased to watch about it, and
many a dollar has he expended in repairs,
from time to time, which no one but him-
self ever noted or recorded, and for which
the congregation can never cease to owe
him a grateful remembrance. The fol-
lowing is copied from a sketch of ' ' Pioneer
Life in Wisconsin," written by Henry
Merrill for the benefit of the State His-
torical Society:
At Shanteetown I met Rev. Mr. Cadle, who
had charge of the Episcopal Mission, delight-
fully situated on a hill back from the river in a
beautiful grove; and Alexander Irwin and his
lady, and Samuel, his brother, who were en-
gaged in merchandise here ; Wm. Dickinson
and others. Having letters of introduction to
Mr. Daniel Whitnej', I became well acquainted
with him, and have considered him one of the
most enterprising men of the West. At this
time he was doing an extensive business in
iTierchandise, reaching on to the Wisconsin
river, where he had built the first sawmill upon
the river at Point Pass, sotne seventy miles
above the Portage, one on the Wisconsin and
one on the Fox. a shot-tower at Helena, and
extending his business on to the Mississippi to
Galena and St. Louis. Three years before he
persisted in building and laj'ing off a town,
what is now the town of Green Bay, although
he was laughed at and called crazy. But the
trouble was, in many of his operations he was
ahead of the times, and some of them did not
prove good investments, although Navarino
did not prove one of them, for the town of
Green Bay is now a large and flourishing city.
I afterward met him often, and roamed over
the country with him on horseback, as all our
traveling was accomplished in that way in
those days, sometimes without road and some-
times on Indian trails, fording streams, marsh-
es, etc., etc., sometimes in the rain and some-
times throug-h the snow, taking the ground for
our body with our saddles for pillows, carrying
provisions and blankets with us. I always
found him a cheerful companion and an estima-
ble man. He gave me at one time an account,
the minutes of which I took down, of a journey
of his from Fort Snelling, on the St. Peter's,
to Detroit, Mich., in 1821, on foot in the midst
of winter, as follows: December 6, 1821, he
.started in a canoe with two men, the ice run-
ning thick in the river. His acquaintances
86
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHICAL RECORD.
tried hard to persuade him to defer starting-
until the river closed; but no, business called
him. and he must go. They soon found them-
selves in a bad fix, for the ice blocked up under
the canoe so as to raise it six feet above the
water. After jfreat exertion thej' got to shore,
as he said, more pleased than he ever was in
his life at getting on land again. They then
started on foot, and got only nine miles the
first da3' and encamped. The next day started
down the river bank, packing their food and
blankets on their backs, each carrj-ing a gun,
the weather extremely cold and the snow six
inches deep. They were five days in getting
to Lake Pepin. In crossing the lake Mr. Whit-
ney broke through; the lock of his gun catch-
ing on the ice was the only thing that saved
him. Tlie weather was so cold some of the
time that they had to stop and build fires to
warm them.selves to keep from freezing.
Thirty miles above Prairie du Chien they got
out of provisions, but seeing a smoke they made
for it and found Augustin Grignon encamped,
an acquaintance from Green Bay. He was on
a trading voyage among the Indians ; he sup-
plied them with provisions. In this way they
passed through Prairie du Chien to Fort Win-
nebago, and from thence to Green Bay, where
they arrived in twenty-one days from Fort
Snelling. After remaining a few daj-s he took
a guide and started on foot for Chicago, where
he arrived in ten days, and from there to De-
troit in ten days more, making his tramp in
forty-one days from Fort Snelling, and said he
could then make his forty miles a day, and
easier than to ride on horseback.
During the last iifteen years of Mr.
Whitney's life he pursued no regular busi-
ness, but devoted his whole time to the
care of an immense landed estate. His
early life in the wilderness, upon the
rivers, and upon the bay, is full of in-
cidents, interesting, as showing the intre-
pidity of his character, and his indomitable
perseverance, luider the most discourag-
ing difificulties. On one occasion while
returning home from Grand Kaukauna
with hor.se and train, on the ice, in the
night, his horse broke through. Being
alone, and finding himself unable to extri-
cate the horse without aid, in order to
keep the horse's head above water he tied
it to the train, and then went three miles
for assistance, rather than let his horse be
drowned, as most men would have done.
He returned with help, and saved the
animal. Whenever there was danger in
the path, he was always at the head of
his party, and never required a man in
his employ to go where he was afraid to
lead. He was never a candidate for
office and never served in one. Honest
and upright in all his dealings, he always
possessed the confidence of his employes
and dependents, and all who had any
business transactions with him. His heart
was ever kind, and the poor, the unfortun-
ate, and the afflicted, in his death lost a
friend who never forgot them. Many was
the time that such, in their greatest want,
found the needed supply in the doorway,
or at the kitchen corner at nightfall, or
at daydawn, without ever knowing the
hand that relieved them; and oft had the
Christmas-tide brought with it happiness,
when else no merry Christmas jubilee
would have found its way around the fires
where no Yule log was wont to burn, but
for his ever benevolent and open hand.
Such will remember him with affection,
and it is feared look in vain for one to
take his place. He died November 4,
1862, in the house where he had resided
almost thirty years, at the age of sixty-
eight years, and by his will left his large
and valuable estate entirely under the
control of his widow, as sole executor.
Calmly he awaited the approach of death,
which he saw slowly but surely approach-
ing for many weeks; and spoke of it as
unconcernedly as if he was expecting a
friend to accompany him on a pleasant
journey. And thus quietly passed away
Daniel Whitney. If he had faults, let us
forget them, and remember only his many
virtues, and the sweet savor of his good
deeds. In his political associations he
was a lifelong Whig.
Our subject was married at Middle-
bury, Vt., September i, 1826, to Miss
Emmeline Henshaw, a native of that
place, born July 21, 1803, daughter of
Daniel and Sarah (Prentis) Henshaw, na-
tives of Connecticut, he born in Middle-
town, she in New London, both dying in
Vermont. After marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Whitney made their permanent home in
Green Bay, where, October 25, 1890, she
passed away. To them were born seven
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
87
children, of whom the following is a brief
record: (Ij Daniel Henshaw, born in
Shantytown, June 7, 1827, was married
March 10, 1863, to Miss Rosena Bader,
and settled in Stockbridge, Wis., but died
in Menasha November 17, 1866; they had
two children: Emmeline Stillman, born
October 28, 1865, now residing in Green
Bay, and Daniel, born January 27, 1867,
now living in Philadelphia. (II) Joshua
resides in Green Bay, and sketch of him
immediatel}' follows this. (Ill) William
Beaumont, born in Navarino (now Green
Bay) April 4, 1832, the first male white
child to see the light in that then village,
resides in Philadelphia; was married first
in Piqua, Ohio, November 21, 1854, to
Miss Laura Margaret Clewell, who died
May 4, 1884; to them were born children
as follows: Mary C, November 4, 1855,
died in Newport, Ky., August 28, 1857;
Helen C., November 15, 1863, married
to Francis Sedgwick Bangs, November
9, 1888, and resides in New York; Mary
Douglas, born October 29, 1865, married
November 19, 1891, George M. Hender-
son, and lives in Germantown, Penn. ;
William Beaumont was married the sec-
ond time at Chicago, November 23, 1888,
to Miss Emma Graham Varian, by whom
he has one child, Margaretta, born March
13, 1892. (IV) Charles Richards, born
September 27, 1837, died November 27,
1 84 1. (V) John Prentis Kane, born No-
vember 10, 1840, died October 30, 1841.
(VI) Harriet Hayward, born October 18,
1842, is still living on the old homestead,
in the house she was born in. (VII)
Henry Clay, born April 12, 1847, died
September 28, 1847.
JOSHUA WHITNEY. Were this
gentleman asked to define the secret
of success in life, from his own
standpoint and experience, his reply
would be, no doubt, that it is hard work,
availing itself of fair opportunities. Always
and everywhere he remembers that his
business career has been a successful one,
and that to himself, and all Wisconsin
men of his caliber, is peculiarly applicable
the well-worn ma.xim, that " nothing is so
successful as success."
Mr. Whitney was born in the city of
Green Bay, Wis., in 1829, a son of Daniel
and Emmeline S. (Henshaw) Whitney,
a sketch of whom immediately precedes
this. He received his education in Gam-
bier, Ohio, whither he was taken when a
four-year-old boy. On leaving school he
went to the Middlebury (Vt.j College,
where he studied five years, and then re-
turned to Green Bay. He was engaged
in the carrying trade on Fox river, and
transported the first iron for the N.
W. R. R. in this section, from Fond
du Lac to Watertown. For some
time in the iron industry, his interests
therein took him much abroad, and for a
time he was a resident of Hartford, Conn.,
where he had charge of the Connecticut
Valley railroad. On his return to Green
Bay he did not here remain long, as we
next find him in Duluth, Minn., of which
city he was a resident eight years, finally
returning to Green Bay, where he has
since continuously resided.
On November 9, 1852, Mr. Whitney
was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth
Frances Irwin, a native of Brown county.
Wis., daughter of Alexander A. and
Frances P. (Smith) Irwin, and they have
one child, Emmeline Henshaw, married
to Walter A. Calhoun, of St. Louis, Mo.,
by whom she has a son named George
Whitney. In his political preferences
Mr. Whitney was originally an Old-line
Whig, and since the organization of the
party he has been a stanch Republican,
at one time a member of the Know-
Nothing party. In municipal matters he
has been president of the council, and
served as chief of the Fire Department.
Socially he is a member of Washington
Lodge, F. & A. M. A generous, liberal
gentleman, the private life of Joshua
Whitney is adorned with man)- beneficent
acts.
88
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQllAPUICAL RECORD.
G
REGORIE DENIS. Anions the
representative self-made men, and
well-known capitalists of Brown
county, few if any have been the
architects of their own fortune to a degree
such as has been attained by the gentle-
man whose name is here recorded.
Mr. Denis is a native of Belgium, born
February 8, 1841, the eldest in the family
of Justice and Josephine Denis, also Bel-
gians by birth. The father in his native
land was a well-to-do farmer, in comfort-
able circumstances, but lieing desirous of
seeing something of the New World, and
perhaps bettering himself and family, re-
solved to emigrate hither to prospect for
a new home in the Far West, if he could
find a suitable one. Accordingly, in
1855, finding himself possessed of suf-
ficient means for the purpose without hav-
ing to convert any of his real estate into
cash, accompanied b\' his wife and son
Emil, he set sail from the port of Ant-
werp, and on arrival at New York the lit-
tle family at once proceeded westward to
Wisconsin, where in Green Bay town-
ship. Brown county, near the village of
Robinsonville, Mr. Denis purchased a
farm. Here they lived for some time, and
liking the locality and finding the property
a desirable one, Mr. Denis concluded to
remain, sending instructions to Belgium
to have his property there disposed of and
the proceeds sent to him. Shortly after
their settlement here another child was
born in the family, a daughter, named
Fanny, who is now living in Wausau,
Wisconsin.
But we must now return to our sub-
ject, Gregorie, who had been left behind
in Belgium in the care of friends. He
received a fairly liberal education at the
parish schools of his native place, and
being of studious habits and an apt
scholar made good progress with his
books. The party he had been left in care
of by his parents was by trade a
baker, who, shortly after young Denis
commenced to make his home with him,
became financially involved, having all
his possessions seized by the authorities
for debt, thereby making the lad prac-
tically homeless. For some time Gregorie
debated within himself what to do, and
even at his then early stage of life his in-
domitable will power and other charac-
teristics began to assert themselves. As
the fiint show its fire only when it is
struck, so this sudden stroke of misfor-
tune at once awakened into action the
dormant spirit in the lad. His mind after
some deliberation being made up, he con-
cluded to return to the old home of his
childhood, where he first saw the light,
and which yet remained in the family,
there to await the summons from his
father to set out for the new home in
America. The thought of having to leave
the hallowed spot where in sunny daj's
he sported in childish glee, and trod in
boyish pride, was a bitter one indeed;
and as he surveyed the well-known sur-
roundings of the old home, one of the
most beautiful in that part of the country,
shaded as it was by luxuriant shrubbery
and fragrant with the perfume wafted
from a million beautiful fiowers, he could
scarce restrain the tears from coming to
his ej'es. For some time he remained
around the sacred spot, but was far from
contented, although, being naturally in-
dustrious, he employed his time well at
whatever of use he could find for his hand
to do. After a time an uncle kindly
offered him a home, which he accepted,
and there he remained until sent for by
his parents, during the winter of 1855-56
attending school again, the last of his edu-
cational training. In April following the
summons came for his departure to
America, and accordingly bidding a fond
farewell to friends and old scenes so dear
to him, he took passage at Antwerp on a
sailing vessel for Quebec, Canada, which
he reached after a voyage of thirty-five
days. From there he at once came west-
ward to Wisconsin, and had a happy
meeting with his parents, his brother
Emil and his little sister, Fanny, whom
he had never yet seen. Here the lad
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
89
worked industriously, assisting his father
in clearing up the farm, and familiarizing
himself with all the trials and vicissitudes
incident to pioneer life. The country in
Brown county was but sparsely settled at
this time, and wild animals still roamed
the forests, Indians being also numerous,
though friendly. Our subject worked
many a time for neighbors at one shilling
per day, his father being able to earn no
more than two shillings. The latter, who
was an industrious, persevering man,
without reproach and highly respected,
died in 1867, his demise being, no doubt,
hastened by hard work and exposure; his
widow, who passed her declining years
at the home of her son Gregorie, was
called from earth in 1891, and the}' both
sleep their last sleep in Bay Settlement
cemetery. They were consistent mem-
bers of the Catholic church. Emil, the
other son, is now a farmer in Green Bay
township.
In 1 86 1 the subject of this sketch was
united in marriage at Bay Settlement
with Mrs. Mary Depereaux {nrr Gosya),
widow of Joseph Depereaux, and he at
once located at that place. She was pro-
prietor of a small restaurant there, doing
a thriving business with the traveling
public; but the business did not af-
ford support to both, and our subject
had to take employment in Appleton as a
common laborer on the Chicago & North
Western railway then building. Here
for three months he worked at meager
wages under contractors who paid but
little for their help, and many a sleepless
night he had from the violent aching of
his bones and muscles, the result of -the
previous day's hard labor. During these
three months of toil he succeeded, by
dint of the strictest economy, in saving
$35.00, with which sum he returned to
his wife in the Bay Settlement. She in
the meantime had saved some $30.00,
and their combined capital they invested
in a stock of groceries. Business was
opened up in the log house then standing,
but finding their capital still insufficient,
Mr. Denis proceeded to Green Bay where
he purchased one hundred dollars' worth
of groceries from Louis Day, who, how-
ever being unacquainted with Mr. Denis,
was indisposed to credit him. However,
a Mr. DePew, who had confidence in
the young man, and was disposed to be-
friend him, offered himself as a surety to
Mr. Da}-, and the goods were shipped on
to the unpretentious store in Bay Settle-
ment. Business continuing to increase,
purchasers from a distance patronizing
the store, which was beginning to enjoy
a wide piopularity, it became evident that
both stock and premises would have to
be enlarged. But, again, the lack of
capital was the seemingly insurmountable
obstacle, and the worthy business couple
were not a little concerned about their
future prospects. One day, however,
two customers, who were at their counter
refreshing themselves (for in addition to
the store Mr. and Mrs. Denis also kept
a sort of saloon) — Mr. Louis Van Dycke
and a Mr. Croker, then cashier of the city
bank, of Green Bay — got into conversa-
tion with our subject, and on learning
from him the circumstances just related,
and having confidence in the young mer-
chant, and in his ability to conduct a
much more extensive business, voluntar-
ily offered to give him letters of credit to
certain wholesale merchants in Milwau-
kee. Thus equipped Mr. Denis pro-
ceeded to the "Cream City," and made
purchases of dry goods, boots and
shoes, hardware, tinware, etc., until he
thought he had a sufficient stock, all
selected with the same shrewdness and
caution which have characterized all his
dealings both before and since, and never
thinking of taking any advantage of the
unlimited confidence placed in him by his
two friends. Great was his surprise and
dismay when, on returning to his hotel,
he found that his purchases summed up
to about seven thousand five hundred
dollars! The very thought of assum-
ing so great an indebtedness with a
capital of but a few dollars much per-
9°
COMMEMORATIVE BIOOIiAPHICAL ME CORD.
turbed him, but after due reflection and
revolving all the /ros and co/is in his
mind, he concluded to allow the goods to
be shipped, and trust to fortune and his
own good business capacity for the re-
sults. The freight on the goods itself
was eighty-five dollars, a large sum for
him to pay out at one time, and then there
was the expense of enlarging the store-
room. But undismayed now, he put his
shoulder to the wheel, and adopting a
strictly cash trade, he soon did a paying
business, the magnitude of his stock alone
bringing him hundreds of customers who
came out of curiosity, but very few of
whom left without purchasing something.
His bills were met as they became due,
business continued to expand, the stock
was added to with fresh lines as enquiries
for various articles demanded, and in
course of time Mr. Denis found himself
the leading merchant in Brown count}'.
His home for a considerable time was in
the rear of the store, but the rooms being
required for business purposes, he in 1889
erected what is probably the finest coun-
try residence in the county, elegantly
furnished throughout with all modern im-
provements.
His mercantile business not affording
sufficient opportunities for judicious in-
vestments of his rapidly accumulating
capital, Mr. Denis commenced a private
banking and real-estate business. Here
and there purchasing land, he at the
present time owns, in Scott and Preble
townships, between 400 and 500 acres,
which, however, does not nearly repre-
sent his possessions. In Green Bay he
owns a residence on Pine street, a busi-
ness block on Washington street, sixty-
six feet frontage of desirable business
property between Pine and Main streets,
where it is his intention to erect a suit-
able block. In all his investments and
transactions his business acumen and
sagacity have been particularly notice-
able, and to these for the most part is his
phenomenal success to be attributed.
By his first marriage Mr. Denis had
three children, viz. : Edward, who acts
as private secretary, and has control of
his father's immense business, taking
charge of nearly all his transactions, a
position for which he is well adapted,
having received a good business educa-
tion; Louis, who owns a prosperous
butcher business in Milwaukee; and
Joseph, in the employ of A. G. Spuhler
& Co., of Green Bay. In 1869 the
mother of these was called from earth,
and was interred in the Bay Settlement
cemetery. To her thorough business
capacity, judgment and tact, much of her
husband's earlier success was due, and in
his after prosperity he never forgot the
onward struggle she so faithfully shared
with him. For his second and present
wife he wedded Miss Annie Schurger, who
was born August 6, 1845, *^" Lake Michi-
gan, to Mr. and Mrs. Casper Schurger,
while they were i-ii route from Germany
to Wisconsin. To this marriage there
arc five children, all living, as follows:
Mary, Barbara, Annie, George (studying
pharmacy at the North Western Ohio
Normal School at Ada, Ohio), and Will-
iam.
Politically our subject has been a life-
long Republican, and was appointed by
the Grant administration postmaster at
Bay Settlement, an incumbency he filled
with acknowledged ability, twenty-three
years, his removal after that long period
being due to political reasons only. He
and his wife and family are all prominent
members of the Catholic Church. The
parents, deprived themselves of early
educational advantages, believe in the
thorough training of their children, who
have all had excellent academical and
other advantages. Mr. Denis has been
remarkably and happily fortunate in his
marriages. His worthy helpmeet possesses
all the characteristics of a thorough busi-
ness woman, and has been of invaluable
assistance to him in his many and diverse
interests. His success in life has well
proven the truth of the adage: "Where
there's a will there's a way," and his
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
91
stron;L,' determination, indomitable will
and never-failing courage, have placed
him in a position to be recognized as,
without a peer, the heaviest taxpayer in
Scott township.
REV. FATHER C. DE LOUW,the
learned and pious pastor of St.
Francis Roman Catholic Church,
in the town of Holland, Brown
county, is a native of Holland, born Au-
gust 27, 1839.
He is the youngest in the family of
fourteen children born to the late Martin
De Louw, who was by occupation a manu-
facturer of cloth in Holland. One son,
Andrew, is now a priest at Moergestel,
Holland; another son, John, is conducting
his father's old business, and one daugh-
ter is a Sister of Mercy. One of the sons
and one of the daughters married, but, as
the son had no children, with this genera-
tion the famil}' name becomes e.xtinct.
The father reached the advanced age of
eighty-three, the mother dying when six-
ty-three, and her mother lived to the
patriarchal age of ninety-three.
When six years old our subject com-
menced attending the public school in the
vicinity of his home, at the end of three
years entering the French college there,
from which he graduated with high honors
after a four-years' curriculum, at which
time he was not yet thirteen years old.
He then for four or five years worked in
his father's factory and was engaged in
other business, but his inclinations lead-
ing him more in the direction of the " Pie-
rian spring," he resumed his studies, at-
tending a gymnasium in Jumet, a French
village in Belgium, and here took a classi-
cal course preparatory to entering college
at Enghien, where he studied philosophy
and theology, dogmatic and moral. Here
he remained from 1859 till 1866, on June
6, of the latter year, being consecrated to
the priesthood at Bruges, and until 1871 he
served as a missionary priest in various
cities in Belgium and Holland.
In the }"ear last named, deciding to
come to America, he proceeded to Liver-
pool, England, and there took passage
on the steamship, "City of Lisbon,"
which, after a somewhat tempestuous
passage, the vessel on one occasion en-
countering a great storm, landed at New
York. Our subject's destination being
Green Bay, Wis., whither he had been
called by Bishop Melcher, he continued
his westward journey via Chicago, arriv-
ing in Green Bay November 16, 1871.
His first charge in his new field of pas-
toral duty was the mission at Wrights-
town, in Brown county, which in course
of a short time he organized as a parish,
becoming its first pastor, an incumbency
he held two years from January 12, 1872,
at the same time establishing the mission
at East Wrightstown and also attending
the mission at Sniderville. In 1874 he
was transferred to Robinsonville, same
county, and after one year's labor in the
vineyard there he attended occasionally
five missions which were without priests,
viz. : Dyckesville, Thierrij-Daams, Mar-
chant, Little Sturgeon Ba}' and Delwich.
Returning to Wrightstown in 1873 he re-
sumed his charge there, remaining till
1875, when he removed to Green Bay,
having been given the pastorate of the
Holland Church in that city. For three
years he labored here with unremitting
zeal, and then, in 1878, was transferred
to Little Chute, Outagamie county, hav-
ing been given charge of St. John's Nipo-
moc Church. Here, by his piety and
assiduous attentions to the spiritual wel-
fare of his flock, he became much liked
and beloved, but having been recalled by
Bishop Krautbauer to his old Green Bay
congregation he acceded to their request,
and for three more years ministered there.
On September i, 1884, he came from
Green Bay to his present charge, the
Church of St. Francis, at Holland. In
1886 he was made dean of the Diocese
by Bishop Katser, but this office after
three years he resigned. In 1876 he was
appointed a member of the Bishop's
92
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
council, one of four, since 1892 one of
six, he being consulter for the Dutch ele-
ment, for in the congregation three
nationalities — Dutch, German and Irish
— worship in perfect harmony.
Since coming here Father De Louw
has been the means of many improve-
ments and additions being made in the
church and parish, among which may be
mentioned a winter chapel, besides re-
pairing the main building, which was
struck by lightning; a pipe organ costing
thirteen hundred dollars, fully equipped
with all modern improvements; and a
new convent for the Sisters. St. Francis
congregation, in early days known as ' ' St.
Francis Bush," was organized by five
Holland families, early settlers in Holland
township, who gave forty acres of land,
from the proceeds of the sale of which the
original church building was erected, and
on nine acres of this same land now stand
the church, the rectory, schoolhouse and
other buildings. Father De Louw's cler-
ical jurisdiction is of no small e.xtent, and
he finds ample scope for his characteris-
tic zeal and energy, while here, as in all
his previous incumbencies, he has gained
for himself an enviable popularity and
the well-merited love and esteem of his
parishioners.
M
.AIXOLM SELLERS, Fort
Howard. It is always gratify-
ing to true citizens of this Re-
public to note the readiness of
many men, born under foreign flags, to
become loyal and patriotic supporters of
the United States Government, when they
adopt the country as their home. This
can never be misconstrued as an act dis-
playing lack of fidelity to their native
land, for which they must e\er hold the
warmest affection, but it is evidence that
they are men who recognize their duty
as citizens in common with the nati\'e-
born of the Republic, and do not hesitate
to perform it.
Malcolm Sellers was born October
26, 1 8 1 9, in Guysboro, in the county of
the same name in Nova Scotia, removing
to Prince Edward Island when twelve
years old. That he was diligent in ac-
quiring an education is plain from the
fact that he began teaching at the age of
fourteen, continuing two years. At six-
teen he became a clerk in the mercantile
establishment of McKeever & Walsh,
shipbuilders, and six months later was
placed at the head of the management of
that branch of the firm's business, con-
tinuing in that capacity for three years.
His relations there were interrupted by a
summons to the sick bed of his mother, so
he settled his affairs and went home. She
recovered, and the trustees of school affairs
in his native place offered him a situation
which he accepted and filled three years.
At the end of that time he received a
letter from the Lord Bishop, inquiring if
he would go to Country Harbor and as-
sume charge of a school and church at
that point. He accepted the proposition,
proceeded at once to the place, and re-
ceived his credentials as catechist and lay
reader from the Lord Bishop, and a general
license as teacher and missionar\', under
the Colonial Church Society of London.
He discharged the duties of this position
for more than five years, and in the mean-
time was married in Nova Scotia, in 1844,
to Miss Isabella Archibald, daughter of
Hon. Charles and Margaret .Archibald,
natives of Nova Scotia, and who resided
there until their death.
Desiring to find a wider field in which
to exercise his abilities Mr. Sellers came
to the United States in the spring of 1847,
and after visiting a number of eastern
cities concluded to push farther westward.
He finally located at Beaver Dam, Dodge
Co., Wis., where he engaged in the
manufacture of mill products and con-
ducted a mercantile establishment in con-
nection. It was natural that he should
take an interest in public affairs, and in
the fall of 1849 he was persuaded by the
Whigs in his locality to become a candi-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
93
date for the State Assembly. He was
elected over four competitors, and entered
the Legislature in the session of 1850.
In 1852 he accepted a position with Bean,
Clinton & Powers, at Waukesha, and six
months later took charge of a primary
class in Carroll College. Among his
pupils was Sidney A. Bean, who after-
ward became colonel of the Fourth Wis-
consin Cavalry, and was killed in action.
His brothers, Walter and Irving Bean,
who were also gallant soldiers, were pupils
of Mr. Sellers, as were James Proctor, of
MiKvauker.; George Burchard, of Fort
Atkinson, distinguished in the annals of
Wisconsin, and Hon. Cushman C. Davis,
afterward senator from Minnesota. Upon
the close of his service at the College,
Mr. Sellers became agent for the Mil-
waukee & Prairie du Chien railroad on the
route from Milwaukee to Waukesha, and
was one of the first in the State to fill
such a position. In his anxiety to please
he over-exerted himself, and was attacked
with hemorrhage of the lungs. When
once more able to transact business he
established a general store at Waukesha,
and bought wool in the interest of manu-
facturers, becoming the heaviest dealer in
that commodity in Wisconsin. Coming
to the State before its admission to the
Union, he has been identified with and a
prominent factor in its growth and devel-
opment, while his acquaintance with men
in business and political circles has been
extensive. "He has, " says a writer, ' ' ever
maintained an active interest in the re-
ligious and moral advancement of society
where he has resided, and has been espe-
cially prominent in Church and temperance
work. He holds commissions from the
American Bible Society, the American
Sunday-school Union and other evangeli-
cal organizations in the United States.
For more than a half century he has been
a declared advocate of temperance, and
was one of the founders of the Republi-
can party in Wisconsin. He has been
one of its most ardent and enthusiastic
supporters from its inception, aiding by
voice, money and ballot in its march of
progress."
When the gauntlet of battle was
thrown down in Charleston Harbor, in
April, 1 86 1, Mr. Sellers, who was then in
Madison serving as clerk of the Judiciary
Committee, was one of the first to offer his
services to Governor Randall. The lat-
ter, knowing his weak physical condition,
said to him, " Malcolm, you would not
live a month in the service; you are not
fit for war, but stay at home and do what
you can and I will give you any position
you ask in the State." Under this
arrangement he was assigned to the
quartermaster's department, with head-
quarters at Madison, and later was trans-
ferred to the commissary department.
Upon the call for additional troops he
went to Waukesha and neighboring coun-
ties to recruit soldiers, spending a year in
such service at his personal expense. If
unable to demonstrate his unswerving
patriotism on the field of carnage, he per-
formed such services at home as stamped
him with the undoubted seal of loyalty,
and won the gratitude of those who were
cognizant of his labors. In 1869 he re-
moved from Waukesha to Fort Howard, at
the instance of Hon. E. D. Clinton, to as-
sist in the construction of the railroad from
the latter place, by way of Shawano, to
the Mississippi river. Through a re-ar-
rangement of plans both his connection
and that of Mr. Clinton with the enter-
prise ceased, and in the years following,
until 1874, he was engaged in lumbering
and mercantile interests. His active busi-
ness life practically ceased in the latter
year, and he subsequently took up the
work of assisting old soldiers to obtain
pensions. In this line he became partic-
ularly successful, and many a veteran has
had reason to rejoice in the fruit of his
labors. He has added insurance to his
pension work with marked success. He
has been a notary public as long as Wis-
consin has been a State, and is at present
serving a third term as justice of the
peace at Fort Howard. He also cond ucts
94
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGMAPHICAL RECORD.
a livery business, in which he is assisted
by his son, Malcolm, who was previously
for some time in the railway mail service.
It was larj^ely through Mr. Sellers' exer-
tions and influence that Hon. T. O. Howe
was the first time sent to the United
States Senate. The following, taken from
the Milwaukee Scutiiicl of November 4,
1 888, speaks for itself:
Fort How.\kd, Nov. 2.
To tlic Editor of Tin Sentinel:
On Wednesday of this week I received a cir-
cular from James Morgan, the nominee of the
Democratic party for governor of thi.s State, to
which I sent the following reply:
FOKT Howard. Oct., 31. 188S.
Dear Sir: — Your circular reached ine this morning, and in
reply would say. if 1 had ten thousand votes I would not give
you one under your present nomination. A Scotchman receiv-
ing a nomination from the modern Democratic party, which
has souglit by all lueans on earth and in hell to destroy our
Nation, is too much for me. As a true Scot. I cannot compre-
hend what you are after.
Yours truly, M. Sellers.
The children of Mr. and Jvfrs. Sellers
have been si.x in number, but of these
only two are living: Maggie I. and Mal-
colm A. Charles A. enlisted early in the
war in Company F, First Wisconsin Cav-
alry, was wounded at Pulaski, Tenn., and
sent to the hospital, and finally came
home wrecked physically and with his
constitution undermined by disease and
wounds, causing him to fall a victim to
chronic diarrhea and inflammatory rheu-
matism. His death occurred February
20, 1876. Florence Victoria died when
but four years of age. Martha lived to
the age of twenty and died in the dawn
of beautiful womanhood, and Ida P.
passed away at the age of nineteen years.
On November lo, 1894, on the occasion
of the " Golden Wedding " of Mr. and
Mrs. Malcolm Sellers, friends to the num-
ber of 1 50 persons assembled at the Sell-
ers residence in Fort Howard in the eve-
ning, and presented Mr. Sellers with a
handsome gold-headed cane, and Mrs.
Sellers with a number of elegant and
valuable presents. The guests were highly
pleased, and declared that it was the
pleasantest entertainment they ever at-
tended.
Mr. Sellers, while not a native of the
United States, is in every possible respect
an American. His parents, Donald and
Margaret (McKenzie) Sellers, were re-
spectively of Highland and Lowland
Scotch ancestry, his father coming to the
.'\merican colonies previous to the war of
the Revolution. In that struggle for lib-
erty and independence he espoused the
cause of his adopted country, enlisted in
her army and served until the battle of
Charleston, S. C, where he received a
British bullet in his thigh and was sent to
the hospital. He finally reached home,
and after the war removed to Nova
Scotia, where he married and located on
a farm. " He reared ten children and died
on his estate in 1848, in his ninety-ninth
year. He was a man of vigorous temper-
ament, and two years before his death
walked from his farm to Guysboro, and
return, a distance of twenty miles. He
had no son who could perforin such
a feat. The ball he received in the
battle of Charleston moved down to
a position below his knee, and was
in his body when he was buried."
The son of such a sire could not help
being imbued with an intense love for that
country for which his father fought and
bled, and the record of the famil)' in the
service of the Nation is a proud one. In
such men lies the hope of the Republic.
May they multiply within her borders.
HON. ROBERT J. McGEEHAN,
State Senator from the Second
Senatorial District of Wisconsin,
comprising the counties of Brown
and Outagamie, was born August 26, i 854,
at Peel, Wellington county, Canada. His
grandfather, Robert McGeehan, a native
of Scotland, was married in County Down,
Ireland, to Margaret Morgan, and in 1818
migrated with his wife and family to
Guelph, Canada.
John J. McGeehan, son of Robert, was
but five years of age when the family
reached Canada, where he was reared a
farmer, and where he married Mary Ann
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGllAPUICAL RECORD.
95
Driscoll, who was born in Canada. In 1 870
John J. and his family came to Wiscon-
sin, and on March i of that year located at
Wrightstown, where he purchased a farm.
His son, Robert J., the subject proper
of this sketch, was also reared to farming,
which he followed, in conjunction with
sawmilling, until 1878, when he estab-
lished the agricultural implement business
at De Pere, which he is still most success-
fully conducting, handling large numbers
of wagons, buggies, carriages, etc. In
early life he became an adherent of the
Democratic party, and at once became
most enthusiastic in its support. Although
still a comparatively young man, he was
recognized as being possessed of ability,
and as a hard worker, and was soon
elected by his neighbors to serve in many
local offices of honor and trust. During
the years 1884-85, he served as alderman
of De Pere, and from 1887 to 1890 as
member of the Brown county board of
supervisors; he has also served for five
years as a member of the board of trus-
tees of the County Asylum for the Chronic
Insane, and is now president of the Brown
County Agricultural and Mechanical As-
sociation, an office to which he has been
elected for a term of three years. In 1889,
while serving as supervisor, he was elected
a member of the Wisconsin State Assem-
bly for the Second District, and re-elected
in 1890; in 1892 he was elected to the
State Senate, which office he continues
to fill to the entire satisfaction of his con-
stituents. He never tires in his devotion
to the interests of his fellow citizens or of
his party; has acted as chairman of the
Brown county Democratic committee; is
also a member of the Democratic State
Central committee, elected September 6,
1 894, and on several occasions has served
as delegate to Democratic State and
Congressional conventions. He is prob-
ably as well and as favorably known as
any public man in his portion of the State,
and socially and fraternally stands very
high, being now president of the Society
of Catholic Knights, Branch No. 46, of
De Pere, member of the Order of the
Catholic Knights of America, and also of
the Business Men's Association of De-
Pere.
Mr. McGeehan was most happily
married, October 3, 1882, to Miss Bridget
E. Hines, who was born September 10,
i860, at Kaukauna, Wis., and six chil-
dren were the result of this union, viz. :
Myra C, who died in infancy; Grover
Thomas, born December 8, 1884; Elmer
James, born May 12, i886; Mary Eliza-
beth, born May 11, 1888; Margaret
Catharine, born April 17, 1890, and Ellen
Earen, born October 10, 1894. Mr. Mc-
Geehan owes his success entirely to his
own unaided efforts, having, since he was
eleven years of age, fought the battle of
life with Nature's weapons only — intel-
ligence and determination.
JOHN C. NEVILLE, senior member
of the well-known law firm of John
C. and A. C. Neville, Green Bay, is,
probably, the oldest legal practi-
tioner in this part of Wisconsin, having
come to Green Bay nearl}' forty years
ago, when the now bustling city was in
its infancy.
He is a native of Dublin, Ireland, born
July 27, 181 5, and was there reared and
educated, remaining at the parental home
until he was twenty-one years old, at
which time, in 1836 or 1837, he emi-
grated to this country, landing in New
York. From there he moved to Potts-
ville, Penn., and in 1840 commenced the
study of law in the office of Francis W.
Hughes (who, later, became attorney-
general of Pennsylvania), and was ad-
mitted to the bar of that State in July,
1842. Immediately thereafter he com-
menced the practice of his chosen profes-
sion at Pottsville, practicing in all the
Pennsylvania courts, and remained in
that city until coming to Green Bay, De-
cember 27, 1856, where he has since had
his home, and built up one of the most
lucrative clientages in northern Wiscon-
96
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPSICAL RECORD.
sin, in 1869 forming a partnership with
J. J. Tracy, later, in 1874, receiving his
son Arthur C. into the firm. In 1875,
Mr. Tracy withdrew, and the firm has
since been known by the above title.
On April 11, 1843, Mr. Neville was
married at Pottsville, Penn., to Miss
Catherine D. Lawton, a daughter of
Charles Lawton, all natives of New York
city, whence they moved to Pottsville,
where Mr. Lawton was engaged in the
coal business, and where he and his wife
passed the rest of their days. To this
union were born in Pottsvile, six children,
only two of whom are now living: Arthur
C, who was six years old when the
family came to Green Bay, read law with
Neville & Tracy, and is now a member of
the firm, as alread\- related (he was mar-
ried in i88ij; and Sophia R., at home.
The mother, Mrs. Neville, died in 1876.
In his political predilections Mr. Neville
has been a Democrat since qualifying to
vote, and has been honored by his party
with election to various positions of trust.
For several years he was district attorney;
was city attorney in 1S62, and in 1880
served as mayor of the city, at which
time Gen. U. S. Grant visited Green Bay,
and was escorted through the city by our
subject. In 1859 he was elected repre-
sentati\e t(j the State Legislature, taking
his seat in i860, but at the expiration of
his term of service he declined renomina-
tion. Socially, Mr. Neville is a member
of the I. O. O. F. , in 1844 was admitted
to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and
since 1856 has been deputy grand master;
he is also a member of the Daughters of
Rebekah. In religious faith he is promi-
nently indentified with the Episcopal
Church, and he enjoys the respect and
esteem of a wide circle of warm friends.
GEORGE B. HESS, senior mem-
ber of the Geo. B. Hess Milling
Company, of Green Bay, Wis., is
a native of Ohio, born in Carroll
cotint\- in I 85 I.
John D. Hess, father of our subject,
was a native of Maryland, a miller by
trade, carrying on a milling business in
Uhrichsville, Ohio. He married Cath-
erine A. Simmons, a lady of Connecticut
birth, who died in 1886, he himself pass-
ing away in 1889. They were the parents
of eight children.
The subject of these lines received his
education in the schools of his native
place, and learned his trade in his father's
mill and under his tuition. In 1874 he
came to Wisconsin, and was engaged in
the milling business for a number of years
in company with Thos. Smith, of Green
Bay, Wis. In 1893 he, in company with
Dr. H. A. Wolter and C. Massey, erected
the "Star Flouring Mills," corner of
Quincy and Cedar streets in the city of
Green Bay, which has a daily capacity of
two hundred barrels of flour and ten tons
of feed. The institution has been incor-
porated, and is doing a fine business.
Politically Mr. Hess is a Republican;
socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F. ,
Green Ba}' Lodge No. 19.
w
ILLIAM FINNEGAN. Biog-
raphy is history of the purest
type, and to possess a history
is that which distinguishes man
from the lower creatures around him.
They present the same appearance from
age to age, unchanging in their instincts
and habits, except in so far as they have
been modified through contact with man;
and, therefore, the history of one gener-
ation of irrational animals is the history
of every other. But in the human race
there is progressive change, which it is
the part of history to both record and
accelerate, and the duty of the living to
perpetuate in biographical form for the
benefit of coming generations. In this
connection it is a pleasure to here pre-
sent a brief review of the life of the gen-
tleman whose name is here recorded.
Mr. Finnegan was born November 22,
1836, in the city of Philadelphia, Penn.,
f 5«»«^^,
^^T'l^r^
T
COMMEMORATIVE BIOOEAPHICAL RECORD.
99
in what was then called Moyamensiiig,
on Bedford street (now known as Kates
street), three doors east of Broad street,
a son of Henry and Nancy (Smith) Finne-
gan. The parents were of Scotch-Irish
origin, the father born in County Tyrone,
a son of Henry Finnegan, and the mother
in Culdaff, near the most northern point
of Ireland, both coining to this country
when quite young, marrying, in 1827, in
Philadelphia, where they had located.
The father of our subject was reared
to farming pursuits in the old country,
and after coming to Philadelphia he kept
teams working in brickyards, besides do-
ing teaming for the corporation and for
Stephen Girard, who gave him an old gig
he used to ride in himself, which the
recipient kept for a long time. In those
days cows, hogs and goats were "free
commoners" in the southern part of
Philadelphia; that is, they were allowed
to run at large; and in this connection it
is known that Mr. and Mrs. Finnegan
kept cows, whose milk they sold, and also
hogs which they fed on swill gathered
from place to place in the city and con-
veyed in carts made with water-tight
boxes; the cows were allowed to run on
the commons lying west of Broad street
and south of South street. Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Finnegan accumnudated consider-
able property in small three-story houses —
some ten or twelve in number — which
they rented, and in 1843 he bought forty
acres of land twelve miles west of the
city, in Marple township, Delaware county,
whither he moved April 4, 1844, and here,
August I, 1846, his faithful wife, at the
early age of thirty-four years, died of
dropsy brought on by hard work. She
was the mother of three sons and two
daughters, the latter of whom both died
in infancy, and were buried in the Randle-
son burying ground, Philadelphia, which
at the present time is in the heart of the
city. Of the three sons, John and Henry
are living in Jones county, Iowa, and
William is the subject of this sketch.
Some time after the death of the
mother of these Mr. Finnegan mar-
ried a much younger woman than
himself, in the person of Charlotte Pat-
ton, which event broke up the family,
the two elder sons not living at home
much afterward. After residing on the
farm in Marple township the family re-
turned to the city. In i860 the father
moved to Iowa, where, in Jones county,
he had previously bought a partly im-
proved farm of 320 acres, from which he
eventually retired to Fairview, where he
passed the rest of his days in retirement,
dying at the age of eighty-five years.
Until the fall of 1857 our sub-
ject worked in the brickyards at Phila-
delphia, and in the following spring, ac-
companied by his brother Henry, he set
out for the then " Far West," arriving at
Muscatine, Iowa, April i, 1858. Times
being then particularly "hard," no work
being obtainable at any price, they stayed
around Muscatine until their money was
all gone and William's trunk held at
Stein's Hotel for $6.00, the balance he
owed for board. Finding no work on
land, they shipped on board a steamboat
bound for St. Louis, Mo. , in the capacity
of roustabouts, and now in earnest com-
menced their hardships. Arrived at St.
Louis, they looked in vain for work until
their hard-earned money was all gone
again, so once more they shipped as deck
hands, this time on a Missouri river
packet bound for Leavenworth city, they
intending to hire themselves out there to
the government as ox-drivers across the
Plains, as United States troops were on
the eve of setting out for Utah Territory
for the purpose of operating against the
Mormons. When our young adventurers
reached the fort (Leavenworth) they found
to their disgust and disappointment that
for every vacancy there were not less
than fifty applicants already on the
ground, so there was nothing for it but to
return to St. Louis by the same boat that
brought them up, working on her as deck
hands. While on the down trip the
cylinder head of one side of the engine
lOO
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
blew out, so that the vessel had to make
the rest of the trip to St. Louis with one
wheel; and when she did arrive it was
found there w.ere no funds to pay the
crew with, and as the brothers had not a
cent wherewith to pay for board while
waiting for a settlement with the steam-
boat people, they concluded to sell their
claims, which they did to a lawyer, each
getting about eight dollars, by which time,
as Mr. Finnegan himself sagely remarks,
he was "beginning to find out the value
of money," and in all probability these
hard knocks were the ■ ' open sesame " to
his future wonderful career of success.
At this point things were getting des-
perate, and something had to be done, at
once. Henry still had his trunk, Will-
iam's was where he left it at the hotel in
Muscatine; so the two agreed that Henry
should pay his passage to Muscatine, and
that William should try to make his way
thither without paying. On arrival at
Keokuk, however, he was put ashore, but
just then another boat was leaving "for
somewhere," which our subject immedi-
ately boarded, not knowing at the time
whether she was going up or down the
river. On the boat were several rafts-
men on their way to Prairie du Chien,
Wis. , and he cleverly succeeded in get-
ting "mixed up" with them, the result
being that he finally, without let or hin-
drance, reached Muscatine (for fortu-
nately the vessel was going in that direc-
tion) before his brother did. Here they
found it necessary to live as economically
as possible, and finding a family in the
outskirts of the town who allowed them
the use of their cooking-stove, they fur-
nished their own victuals and slept wher-
ever they could. Learning that there
was some wood-chopping to be done at
Fredonia, on the Iowa river, west of Mus-
catine, they proceeded thither, and found
that employers were paying thirty cents a
cord for cutting big knotty black jack oak,
while board, consisting of salt pork, corn
bread, black molasses and rye coffee, was
$2.00 per week. Here our subject worked
for two weeks, in that time not earning
enough to pay his board, for being brought
up in a large city he knew very little
about chopping, and his hands would
continually blister. In the meantime his
brother had returned to Muscatine, in-
tending to be gone about one week, but
William did not see him again for three
months. Giving the " board boss " what
wood he had cut, his a.\e and iron wedge,
in payment for his board, our subject set
out for Iowa City on foot, and now, alas!
to use his own words, "became a genuine
tramp, out of money, begging my food as
I journeyed onward by day, and sleeping
under the canopy of some straw or hay
stack at night." All his clothes, except
what he was wearing, were in his trunk
at Muscatine, so he had no change of
clothing whatever. After wandering
through Iowa for more than a month Mr.
Finnegan returned to Muscatine, and
securing employment on a farm at five
dollars per month, worked one month,
after which he set out for Illinois for the
purpose of hunting up his brother Henr}',
and falling in with James Vanatta, the
latter took him to his home. Mr. Van-
atta is now living at Buffalo Prairie, Rock
Island Co., 111., at the age of seventy-
one years, and Mr. Finnegan has kept up
a correspondence with him ever since
they parted, some thirty or forty years ago.
At Buffalo Prairie our subject found
three months' work on a farm, for which
he was to receive six dollars per month;
but being unable to get cash he had to
be content to accept three steers in lieu
thereof. These he drove to Muscatine to
sell, but all he could get for them was
nine dollars cash for the three, six dollars
of which he applied toward getting his
trunk released from "Stein's Hotel."
That winter he worked for James V-anatta
for his board, and during the summer of
1859 he worked land on shares, getting
one-third of the crop for his labor. The
wheat yield, however, was a failure, and
corn was only half a crop. Mr. Finnegan
traded his share of the corn crop for a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
young mare which he took with him to
Iowa, to the farm his father had bought;
but two days after reaching this farm, the
mare strayed away, and he never saw her
again. On his father's farm he worked
from December 25, 1859, till August 7,
1862, when he enlisted in Company F,
Twenty-fourth Iowa V. I., under
Capt. Dimmit. He served through-
out the entire struggle, being mustered
out July 17, 1865. He took an active
part in all the marches, skirmishes and
engagements of his regiment, but was
once taken prisoner in Louisiana, and
held from November 15, 1863, until
December 25, following, when he was
exchanged. At Milliken's Bend, in the
same State, he was once confined to
hospital through sickness for several
weeks, but with these exceptions he was
on constant duty.
After his return from the war Mr.
Finnegan again worked on his father's
farm for a time, but his stepmother's
manner toward him becoming so unbear-
able, he concluded to try his luck farther
west. Consequently, on March 10, 1867,
he left home with a light wagon and span
of horses, with which he traveled across
Iowa, arriving April 10 following at Lin-
coln, Neb., which now prosperous city
was said at the time to contain but 300
inhabitants. Times were good there,
work plentiful and wages high, and until
the fall of that year Mr. Finnegan
freighted lumber from the Missouri river
to Lincoln; also hauled from Beatrice
some of the stone that was used in the
building of the capitol. In that fall
(1867) he took up a pre-emption claim
twelve miles north of the city (Lincoln),
built a "dug-out," and lived therein
throughout the winter, during the follow-
ing spring breaking prairie and hauling
stone for the State University then build-
ing at Lincoln. In the fall of 1868 he
proved up his claim and homesteaded
eighty acres adjoining, making in all 240
acres, and during the following two years
he was occupied in farming and teaming.
In the spring of 1870, in company with
L. K. Holmes, an uncle of his wife, he
started a brickyard, made brick two
years, at the end of which time he sold
out his interest in the business to his
partner, his farm to other parties, and
with his wife started for Wisconsin, arriv-
ing in the town of Howard December 17,
1872. In the spring of -1873 he com-
menced operating a small brickyard on
land owned by A. G. E. Holmes, molding
the brick himself by hand and making an
average of 8,000 for a day's work, con-
ducting the yard entirely by hand for
some seven years, or until August, 18S0,
when he put in small steam-power, which,
in 1882, he supplanted with large power
machinery. At the same time he built a
modern brickyard, known as "Yard No.
I," which is located on the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul and Green Bay,
Winona & St. Paul railroads, also on
Duck creek, a navigable stream for light-
draft boats. In 1890 he built "Yard
No. 2," on the same stream, one mile
below "Yard No. i," with a track from
the Chicago & Northwestern railroad to
the yard, a distance of three-quarters of
a mile. In 1891 he purchased 124 acres
of land in the city of Fort Howard, and
following year built on this land ' ' Yard
No. 3," which has a capacity of 60,000
bricks per day. The total capacity of
the three yards, when running full time,
is from twelve million to fifteen million
bricks per annum.
On June 16, 1872, at Trinity Episco-
pal Church, Lincoln, Neb., Mr. Finnegan
was most happily married to Miss Ella S.
Oatley, who was born in Oneida county,
N. Y., March 12, 1851, daughter of
Albert B. and Lavantia (Holmes) Oatley,
also natives of Oneida county, who came
to Wisconsin in 1857, settling in Suamico
township. Brown county, where they
lived for twelve years, and now reside in
the town of Howard. To this union were
born five children, as follows: Holmes
Adelbert, William, Jr., Ella Ruth, Edith
May, and Anna Leona, the eldest of
I02
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
whom died at the age of nine years, the
youngest when one )ear and nine months
old. Mrs. Finnegan is a prominent
member of the Episcopal Church, with
which she united herself at the age of
fourteen years, and is known far and
wide as a good Christian lady, given to
works of benevolence wherever her femi-
nine sympathycan reach. Mr. Finnegan
in politics is a sound Republican, and his
first vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln.
He is remarkable for his quiet, unobtru-
sive manner, in all his acts proving
himself the very beau ideal of a good,
loyal and useful citizen. In local affairs
he takes a deep interest, and although he
has filled several minor offices in his town-
ship he has never been an office-seeker.
Besides being an expert in the manufac-
ture of brick, he is equally skillful as an
agriculturist, and his tract of 250 acres is
a model of neatness and comfort, giving
every evidence of intelligent and system-
atic management. His talents as a business
man have made him a prominent figure
in the business world, and have given
him a solid standing as a substantial citi-
zen, which his continuous transactions
since 1S73, without the slightest in-
fringement of his word or infringement of
his integrity, fully entitle him to.
PHILIPP KLAUS (deceased). Men
there have been, unversed in
classics or science, without art,
without eloquence, who jet had
the wisdom to devise and the courage to
perform that which they lacked language
to explain. Such men have worked the
deliverance of nations and their own
greatness. Their hearts are their books;
events are their tutors ; great actions are
their eloquence, and in this category
stand surely men of such a stamp as is
the subject of this sketch.
In the pretty little village of Bruttig,
^'on the Banks of the Blue Moselle," in
Rhein Prussia, Germany, was born, July
20, 1832, Philipp Klaus, of whom this
sketch relates, and he there received his
education, less a knowledge of the En-
glish language. At the age of seventeen
he left the Fatherland, in company with
his father and four brothers, to seek a
new home in the Western World, and on
November ii, 1849, landed in the then
young town of Green Bay, Wis. , thus be-
coming, in fact, one of its German pio-
neers. He quickly Americanized him-
self, made rapid progress in the English
language, and in course of time became
one of the most active and energetic, as
well as influential, business men of the
town.
His ancestors, as the name indicates,
were Germans, and the village of Bruttig
has known the family for manj' years.
Here Grandfather Stephen Klaus was
born, married, and at an advanced age
died, leaving a good name as an heritage
to his posterity — a name that has been
honored and kept unsullied ever since.
His son, Jacob, father of Philipp, also
born there, was taught the trade of shoe-
maker, and became a good workman.
He was married in Bruttig to a young
German woman, who bore him li\e chil-
dren, all sons, and died at the birth of
our subject. The names of the children
are John, Joseph, Charles, Anton and
Philipp, of whom only Anton survives.
Philipp Klaus was reared by his broth-
ers, whose devotion for him, and their
almost motherly care, often excited the
admiration of the neighbors and others
who knew the family. The boys also
kept house, and did their domestic work
well, while all of them learned to cook.
When the eldest entered the German
army, the next eldest took his place, and
so on in rotation till it came to Philipp's
turn, when, in 1848, the father concluded
to leave the Fatherland, and bring his
five stalwart sons to America. On land-
ing in New York they at once proceeded
by boat on the Hudson river to Albany,
thence traveled by cars to Buffalo, from
which city they came by the steamer
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
103,
"Empire State" (at that time the finest
boat on the lakes) to Milwaukee, Wis.
Here they took passage on the old
steamer " Lexington," which on a beauti-
ful November morn, as the rising orb of
day was tinting the heavens with ethereal
hues, majestically entered the Fox river,
and in due time safely landed the immi-
grant family in Green Bay — the " ultima
thule" of their long journey.
During the first few years after his
arrival in Green Bay our subject worked
with his father at the shoemaking trade,
and then betook himself to the pineries
at Peshtigo, same State, where he re-
mained until 1 85 5, returning to Green
Bay. At this time he and his brother
Charles leased the ' ' Green Bay House, "
a well-known hostelry in Green Bay,
which they conducted till 1856. The
same year Mr. Klaus built the old " Ivlaus
Hall, " which was afterward sold to the
proprietors of the Green Bay Advocate,
and he then erected the present "Klaus
Hall." Here he opened a general store,
in which he met with the most encour-
aging success. From about 1874 till
within a year or two ago he was chiefly
engaged in the real-estate and insurance
business, and for the most part in the
real-estate line managed the affairs of
large outside corporations or interests,
among which ma}' be mentioned the great
W. L. Newberry (Chicago) estate, while
in insurance matters he represented the
Phcenix, Mutual Life, the Charter Oak
and other companies. These insurance
agencies came to Mr. Klaus totally un-
solicited by him, at the time he was suf-
fering from the financial depression
following the panic of 1873, and he was
thus enabled to resume his real-estate
operations, which had been temporarily
discontinued from the same cause. Hav-
ing by patient, quiet industry and
laborious diligence accumulated a hand-
some competence, Mr. Klaus for the last
few years of his life resided in Green
Bay, in the enjoj'ment of quiet retire-
ment, with his faithful wife, still, how-
ever, doing a little real-estate business,
principally among friends and old ac-
quaintances. For the last year or so of
his life he was in poor health, and his
death, on July 23, 1894, caused little sur-
prise among his friends and acquaintances
in Green Bay, where he will long be re-
membered as a most worthy citizen.
On Easter Monday, March 24, 1856,
Mr. Klaus was united in marriage with
Miss Elizabeth Basten, daughter of Franz
Jacob and Maggie Concen Basten, and to
this union were born five children, as fol-
lows: Christine, wife of A. M. Grau, of
Milwaukee; Anna, who died at the age of
fifteen years; Barbara, wife of A. G.
Netter; Elizabeth, and Henry P., now of
Milwaukee, of whom special mention will
presently be made. In politics Mr. Klaus
was a Democrat, and the citizens of
Green Bay honored him by electing him
to the office of city treasurer, which he
filled with much acceptability for nine
years, leaving an honorable record as a
city official; later he was elected city as-
sessor, an office he held two terms, de-
clining re-election. He was a prominent
member of the Cathedral Church at Green
Bay, with which Mrs. Klaus is also con-
nected.
Henry P. Klaus, only son of Philipp
and Elizabeth Klaus, received his ele-
mentary education at the Cathedral school,
Green Bay, and at the age of thirteen
years entered Marquette College, Mil-
waukee, where he took a three-years'
business course, graduating in August,
1 89 1, with the class honors, and receiv-
ing a gold medal from the college. Im-
mediately on leaving college he looked for
employment, and found it in a wholesale
establishment in Milwaukee, in the capac-
ity of receiving clerk. After a few months
he was offered, and accepted, a position
as bookkeeper for the Cream City Brewery,
Milwaukee, where he was held in high
esteem by his employers, and he is win-
ning well-merited recognition among busi-
ness men. At present he is at home, man-
aging the affairs of his deceased parent.
104
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
ELISHA MORROW. When an
e\ei-bu.sy man, from the fe\erish
turmoil of politics, and the harass-
ing cares of business, is retired to
a peaceful, quiet and happy life, such an
individual naturally excites the friendly
envy of his less-favored fellowmen. With-
out ostentation or apparent conscious
superiority, he mingles in the society of
his neighbors, and enjoys with them the
affairs of the present, and a pleasant
retrospect of a life well spent.
Elisha Morrow, of whom we write,
comes, on the paternal and maternal
sides respectively, of Irish and English
ancestry who settled in New Jersey prior
to the Revolutionary war. He was born
in Sussex county, N. J., in 1819, a son
of George and Maria (Davis) Morrow,
who for some years resided in that county,
where the father was engaged in the man-
ufacture of iron, and died in 1826. His
widow spent the rest of her days at the
home of her son Elisha, in Green Bay,
Wis., passing from earth in 1869. Our
subject received his education at the
schools of Sparta, N. J., and at about
the age of fifteen commenced clerking in
a store in that town, remaining there
some three or four years. In 1837 he
came west, locating at Peoria, 111., where
he had, living, three sisters married to mer-
chants of the place. Near here he took
up 160 acres of wild land at $1.25 per
acre, eighty acres of which he cleared and
farmed. At the end of three years he
sold this property and bought several
head of cattle, which he drove to Galena,
same State, where he sold them. His
next speculation was the purchase of 100
'head of cattle, driving them to Green
Bay, Wis., where he arrived with them
November 26, 1840. At that time there
was a fort at the place, several compa-
nies of United States soldiers being sta-
tioned thereat, and some of the cattle he
sold to the Government, others being
slaughtered and sold by the carcass, the
venture proving fairly successful. Hav-
ing bought an interest in a tannery at
Green Bay, and liking the place, Mr.
Morrow concluded to remain, and his
home has since been here. In addition
to the tannery he was for a long time
more or less interested in the buying and
selling of real estate, lumbering, farming,
merchandising, etc. From 1843 to 1851
he ran stage lines from Green Bay to
Milwaukee, Sheboygan and Madison.
As a politician Mr. Morrow was origi-
nally one of the most active supporters of
the Democratic party, and in 1845 ^^
was elected to the Territorial Legislature,
serving two successive terms of one year
each. In 1847-48-49, under the admin-
istration of President Polk, he served as
receiver for the United States land office
at Green Bay, which at that time was sit-
uated on the corner of Adams and Chi-
cago streets. At this time there was a
great boom, and during Mr. Morrow's in-
cumbency about two million dollars worth
of property was turned over. On leaving
the land office he became largely inter-
ested in the lumbering business and mer-
cantile pursuits until 1873. In 1856 the
course of events caused Mr. Morrow to
change his allegiance from the Demo-
cratic part}' to the new Republican one,
he becoming one of the early adherents and
organizers of that party in Wisconsin. He
was prominent and active in the nomina-
tion for President of J. C. Fremont, and in
the subsequent campaign, attending as a
delegate the first Republican State con-
vention (of which he was elected presi-
dent) held in Wisconsin; this was in June,
1856, and the convention was held in
Fond du Lac. In June, i860, he was a
delegate to the Chicago convention that
nominated Lincoln for President. Since
the organization of the State government
he has taken no part in public affairs, and
since 1874 has been engaged in no busi-
ness except agriculture, having one or
two farms in the neighborhood of the
city.
In 1849 Mr. Morrow was married to
Miss Maria Bemis, of Buffalo, N. Y. , who
died in 1852, leaving two children, viz.:
COMMEMORATIVE BWGEAPUIVAL RECORD.
lo;
Claude Bemis, born in 1850, now in
charge of a lumbering establishment at
Barronett, Wis., recently all burned out
by the forest fires, and Maria, who died
at the age of five years. In 1859 Mr.
Morrow married, at Green Bay, Miss
Josephine Amelia Sayre, of that town,
by which union there are six daughters:
Maria (Mrs. Lally, of Kansas City), Helen
E. , Carrie (wife of R. H. Pierce, who
was chief electrician for the World's
Fair, and now living in Chicago), May,
Jennie R. and Louisa L. , the unmarried
young ladies living at the pleasant family
home in Green Bay. Mrs. Morrow is a
member of Christ Church, Episcopal.
ALBERT G. E. HOLMES, retired
merchant, of Green Bay, was
born in Oneida county, N. Y. , in
1825, a son of Alvah and Sophro-
nia (Ellis) Holmes.
Alvah Holmes was a native of Con-
necticut, and at eight years of age was
taken to Oneida county, N. Y. , by his
father, Elijah, who was also a native of
Connecticut, but removed to Herkimer
county, N. Y. , and later to Oneida coun-
ty. Alvah Holmes was reared in New
York, was a drummer boy in the war of
1812, and in 1821, at his majority, was
married; in 1840 he came with his family
to Green Bay, Wis. , where he was en-
gaged in milling and farming. Here his
wife died in 1845, ^"d he returned to
Oneida county, where his death took place
Februarys, 1871. He reared a family of
seven children, viz. : Olive Ingalls, widow
of Edson Sherwood, of the firm of Sher-
wood & Holmes, Mr. Sherwood dying in
Greing Bay in 1880, and Mrs. Sherwood
taking up her residence in Howard town-
ship. Brown Co., Wis. (she died Septem-
ber 10, 1894); Albert G. E., our subject,
the second in the family; Clinton resides
on the old homestead in Oneida county,
N. Y. ; Lavantia C. , wife of Albert Oat-
ley, resides in the town of Howard ; Leo-
nidas K., who lives in Lincoln, Neb.;
Asahel Brainerd, of Los Angeles, Cal.,
and Stephen Augustus, a resident of
Herkimer county, N. Y., died January
26, 1894.
During the Presidential campaign of
1840, A. G. E. Holmes took part in a
Harrison log-cabin procession, going on
horseback from Oneida county, N. Y. , to
Buffalo, where the family, including him-
self, embarked on a steamboat for Green
Baj'. Our subject was then fourteen
years of age, and had been fairly edu-
cated in New York, to which privilege he
added by further study in Green Bay. In
1853 he here engaged in the grocery and
provision business under the firm name of
Sherwood & Holmes; in 1877 Mr. Sher-
wood retired, but the business was con-
tinued, under the style of Holmes & Har-
teau, until about 1879, when Mr. Holmes
disposed of his interest in the concern and
engaged, in partnership with L. M. Mar-
shall, in the lumber, shingle and general
merchandise trade, which was successfully
conducted until 1888, when Mr. Marshall
died. The trade was then carried on by
Mr. Holmes alone until 1892, when he re-
tired entirely from business, after an ac-
tive e.xperience of over forty years.
The marriage of Mr. Holmes was sol-
emnized in the town of Brookfield, Madi-
son Co., N. Y. , in 1849, to Miss Antoin-
nette R. Brown, a native of Madison
county, and daughter of Williams and Es-
ther (Randall) Brown. Williams Brown
was born in Connecticut, in 1783, coming
to New York with his father, Asa Brown,
when twelve years of age. He lost his wife
in 1863 in Madison county, and just after
this event came to Dane county, Wis.,
where his death occurred in 1 867. To Mr.
and Mrs. A. G. E. Holmes have been born
two children: Kittie, who died in 1872,
and Albert, who is attending a business
college in Green Bay. Mr. Holmes is a
Republican; he was a member of the
school board for three years, has served
as alderman from the Second ward, and
for nine years was county superintend-
ent of the poor; he is a member of the
io6
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Knights of Honor and a charter member of
Green Bay Lodge. Mrs. Holmes is a
member of the Episcopal Church, Mr.
Holmes himself being a constant attend-
ant. The family are respected by all the
community of Green Bay, and the busi-
ness qualifications of Mr. Holmes have
been made the subject of constant re-
mark. He is patriotic and liberal in for-
warding and sustaining the general in-
terests and improvement of Green Bay,
and is a factor in her moral and educa-
tional progress.
HENRY F. HAGEMEISTER.presi-
dent of the Hagemeister Brewing
Co., Green Bay, which was or-
ganized in 1886 and incorporated
in 1890, is a native of Green Bay, Wis.,
born in 1855.
Francis Henry Hagemeister. father of
subject, was born in Prussia, and in early
manhood emigrated thence to the United
States, locating first in Milwaukee, Wis.,
where he worked in a meat market for
J. Nunnemacher. In 1866, along with
four others, he organized a brewing com-
pany in Green Bay, Wis., later buying
out the interests of the others. In Green
Bay he married Miss Barbara Martin, a
native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and
they reared a family of si.\ children, as
follows: Mary, wife of G. W^alters, of
Pittsburg, Penn. ; Henry F. ; Bessie; Min-
nie; Albert, married, and residing in Green
Bay; and Louis W. , engaged in a boot
and shoe business in Green Bay. [Since
this was written Louis W. Hagemeister
died February 20, 1895.] The father
died November 18, 1892, aged si.xty-five
years, eleven months; the mother passed
away in 1882. Francis H. Hagemeister
was a member and an officer of the Luth-
eran Church; politically he was a Dem-
crat, and at one time served as alderman
in Green Bay.
Henry F. Hagemeister, the subject
proper of this sketch, received a liberal
education at the public schools of his na-
tive town, and at the age of seventeen
years commenced working in a brewery,
a line of business he has been identified
with ever since. In 1879, when twenty-
four years old, he had the management of
abrewrey, and in 1886, as above recorded,
was organized the present concern, of
which he is president, his brother Albert
being secretar}' and treasurer. The plant
in Green Baj' is located on the East side,
and, including the branch brewery at
Sturgeon Bay, Wis., represents a capital
of two hundred and twentj'-five thousand
dollars.
A Democrat of the purest type, Mr.
Hagemeister has not been inactive in the
interests of either his party or the public
at large. At the present time he repre-
sents the First District of Brown county
in the Legislature; has served his city as
alderman four years; has been president
of the council, and is now supervisor of
his ward. Socially he is a thirt3'-second
degree Mason, a member of Washington
Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M. ; of Warren
Chapter, No. 8; of Palestine Command-
ery. No. 20; and of the Wisconsin \'alle3'
Consistory ; is also a member of the Golden
Shrine, of the Order of Elks; and of the
Knights of Honor. In all connections —
business, political or social — Mr. Hage-
meister has ever pro\ed himself worthy of
the high esteem and respect in which he
is held by the community.
LOUIS W. HAGEMEISTER,
proprietor of boot and shoe estab-
lishment, in Green Bay, and vice-
president of the Hagemeister Brew-
ing Co., is a native of Green Bay, born
March 17, 1865; a son of Francis H., and
Barbara ( Martin) Hagemeister, natives of
Germany.
The subject of this biographical mem-
oir received his education in Green Bay,
and on leaving school commenced to work
in a brewery. In 1 890 he became a stock-
holder in same, and in 1893 was appoint-
ed vice-president of the Hagemeister
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
107
Brewing Co. , which was organized in that
year. In addition to the extensive plant
in Green Bay, there is a branch brewery
at Sturgeon Bay, the entire plant costing
in the neighborhood of two hundred thou-
sand dollars; the industry giving employ-
ment to from thirty to forty hands. In
1893 he commenced in his present boot
and shoe business, keeping a full line of
everything in the trade. After learning
the brewing business in Green Bay, Mr.
Hagemeister went, at the age of twenty-
one, to Detroit, Mich., and for twelve
months worked in the E. W. Voight
Brewery, receiving a diploma; after which
he was for a time in Keeley Bros. Brew-
ery, Chicago. Moving to Dallas, Te.\as,
he remained with the Dallas Brewing Co.,
eighteen months, and then returned to
Green Bay, becoming manager of the Stur-
geon Bay Brewing Co., after which he
was appointed manager of the bottling de-
partment. In addition to city real estate,
Mr. Hagemeister owns an interest in 130
acres farm property. In his political
preferments he is a Democrat, and he is
a member of the K. O. T. M. , Tent
No. 25.
The following account of the old home
of the Hagemeister family is from the pen
of Miss Bessie Hagemeister: " It is one of
the old landmarks of Green Bay. Much
of m}' knowledge was gathered from Mrs.
Mitchell, mother of Mrs. Theodore Har-
ris, and from others who had occupied it
or knew o"f its history. The home is sit-
uated at the corner of North Adams and
Pine streets, Green Bay. It was erected
in 1835 by the late Hon. Fred Ellis,
father of Judge Ellis. Mr. Ellis contin-
ued in possession of the property until
about 1844, when it passed into the hands
of one Rev. Davis, an Episcopalian divine.
The next change in ownership occurred
in 1858, when it was bought by Frank
Hagemeister, and it is still in the posses-
sion of the Hagemeister family. During
all these years the home was occupied by
other families, as tenants. In 1839 the
parents of Charles White moved into the
house, and resided there until 1S44.
Then for a short time it was vacant.
During this period Rev. T. R. Haff, the
present rector of Christ Church, Green
Bay, and a few friends, while on an ex-
pedition through the country for an out-
ing, camped in the house for a short time,
instead of pitching tents outside. Some-
time between this and 1846 a family
named Stevens lived there. In 1847 the
late Col. Chapman and family became its
occupants, and Mrs. Wheelock was with
them as a member of the family during
the time. In 1848 the owner. Rev. Davis,
moved in, Col. Chapman having vacated.
In 1852 Mr. Davis died, but Mrs. Davis
still made it her home till 1854, when
Mr. Holmes moved in, and she boarded
with his family until 1857. The next oc-
cupants were Mr. Frank Lenz and wife.
The old home then became a sort of
country tavern, or, more properly, a
boarding house, although Mr. Lenz occa-
sionally entertained transients, and became
quite popular as a stopping-place for fel-
low countrymen of Mr. Lenz on their ar-
rival in the city; and it was here that Mr.
and Mrs. Schellenbeck first stopped on
their honeymoon. About this time the
property was purchased by Mr. Hage-
meister, and he lived there during his life-
time. I have preserved all this history of
the old home, in which I am deeply inter-
ested." [Since the above sketch was put
in type, we have received information of
the death of Mr. Louis W. Hagemeister,
which occurred February 20, 1895, at the
old homestead. — Ed.
REV. JOHN L. HEWITT, A. M.,
D. D., pastor of the First Pres-
byterian Church of Green Bay, is
a native of England, born March
4, 1843, in Oswestry, Shropshire, of an
old family in that stalwart " little island,"
the name Hewitt frequently appearing in
old-time annals.
Grandfather Samuel Hewitt held a
loS
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.
.{government position, and was a man of
prominence in his day. He and his wife,
EHzabeth, were members of the Church
of England, and were the parents of five
children, named respectively: Samuel,
Joseph, Thomas, Sarah and Elizabeth.
Of these, Thomas was born in Wolver-
hampton, Staffordshire, England, and
was reared to the trade of mechanic, in
which he became highly skilled. In Os-
westrj' he married Miss Elizabeth Jones,
a granddaughter of Charles Devereux
Price, who was a son of a London gentle-
man of means, supposed to be a descend-
ant of the Earls of Essex. Mrs. Eliza-
beth Hewitt's father, Morris Jones, was
a master builder by occupation, becom-
ing successful and prosperous ; he came
to the United States about the year 185 1,
and died in Racine, Wis. He had a
family of six children, of whom, Eliza-
beth was born in Mellinochreg Hall,
Welshpool, Montgomeryshire, North
Wales, almost under the shadow of
Plynlymmon, a picturesque mountain in
Cardiganshire. She was well-educated
in her native city, and a woman of the
most refined taste, one who reared her
family well and in true Christian faith.
To her and her husband were born twelve
children, six of whom survive. In 1856
the family came to the United States,
settling in Racine, Wis., where the father
died in July, 1867.
The subject of this sketch received his
education in London, England, first in
three different select schools, later in St.
Luke's, Chelsea, and St. Mark's College,
Brompton. He was thirteen years old
when the family came to Wisconsin, and
here he has since lived. In 1862 he en-
tered Lawrence University, Appleton, and
in 1870 was ordained a minister. Since,
he has officiated at Waukesha, Kenosha
and Milwaukee, at which latter place he
was pastor of the Grand Avenue M. E.
Church; subsequently he was presiding
elder of the Milwaukee district, and pastor
of Washington Avenue Church. In 1881
he received the degree of Master of Arts
at Lawrence University, and, in 1891,
while officiating as pastor of the Wash-
ington Avenue M. E. Church, Milwaukee,
that of Doctor of Divinity, from the Uni-
versity of the Northwest. In 1892 he
received an unanimous call to the pastor-
ate of the First Presbyterian Church of
Green Bay, his present incumbency, and
was installed October 17, 1893. Of this
church a local paper of October, 1893,
says the following: "The Green Bay
Church in question is one of the oldest,
if not the oldest. Congregational Church
in Wisconsin, being over sixty \ears old
as a church organization. The site upon
which the society's buildings stood since
organization was presented to the congre-
gation by John Jacob Astor, in the days
of his great fur deals. The deed to the
land reads: ' From John Jacob Astor
to the First Presbyterian Church of
Green Bay,' etc., and in that way the so-
ciety received its name as a Presbyterian
Church, although it has always been a
Congregational Church in doctrine and
practice." Of the chief characteristics
of the present pastor, the following is
gleaned from a long-time acquaintance:
" Dr. Hewitt was cast in a finer, gentler
mould than many men, and yet he has
also those manly qualities that we ought
to find in every man, be he statesman or
business man or clergyman. His sense
of the fit and the beautiful is keen — he has
much of the spirit of the poet in his
thinking and living. His ideas of honor
and integrity and duty are exceptionally
strong. Mentally he has both depth and
breadth. He is never afraid of new
ideas, is receptive to any new truth, but
has the faith that assures him the founda-
tions of God stand unshaken amid man's
changing opinions and speculations.
* * * As a minister of the Gospel he
has always emphasized the spiritual
rather than the ecclesiastical or dogmatic
side of the church and the personal life,
and has been uniformly beloved as
preacher, teacher, pastor and man. To
this sacred and honored calling he has
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
109
devoted all of himself, and is splendidly
equipped for successful work."
In 1866 Rev. Dr. Hewitt was married
to Miss Kate Richardson, daughter of
George Richardson, of Omro, Wis. , and
three children have been born to them,
to wit: Frederick]., in Milwaukee; May
Belle, at home; and George P., a classi-
cal student at Lawrence University. In
his political preferences our subject is a
Republican, with Prohibition tendencies;
socially he is a Royal Arch Mason.
HON. THOMAS RICHARD
H U D D. Thers is something ex-
ceedingly attractive in the volun-
tary retirement of a man who, for
several years, has taken an active and in-
fluential part in the affairs of the govern-
ment. He leaves public life in the full-
ness of his strength, and while in the path-
way of political advancement. He ex-
changes the exciting scenes of political
turmoil, which present the most power-
ful attractions to the ambitious, for the
peaceful labors of his profession, or other
vocation, in the pursuit of which he, may-
hap, finds time to ruminate on past
events, on those that are passing, and on
those which futurity will probably develop.
Mr. Hudd is a native of New York
State, born October i, 1835, in Buffalo,
a son of Richard and Mary (Harrison)
Hudd, English people, the father a na-
tive of Laylock, Wiltshire, the mother of
Northamptonshire, born in the village of
Barby. Richard Hudd was a painter and
decorator, and in 1 830 came to the United
States, where he followed his trade until
his death, which occurred in 1841, he
having been accidentally drowned. He
was descended from the land-holding
class of England, and was a man of fine
appearance, and good education, having
been a student at the famous Eton school.
His wife was daughter of Thomas Harri-
son, who came to this country and for a
time resided near Utica, N. Y. , but after-
ward, in 1833, became a pioneer of Illi-
nois, settling near Lisbon, Kendall county.
He died of apoplexy while taking a load
of wheat to Chicago by wagon. He was
a lineal descendant of Gen. Harrison, who
was one of Cromwell's right-hand men,
and one of the judges who condemned
Charles I. to death.
Thomas R. Hudd was a lad of seven
summers when his father died, and soon
after that sad event the widowed mother
moved with her little boy to Chicago,
where he attended school until he was
about fifteen years old, when he left his
books to assume the role of "devil" in
the job-room of the Evening Journal,
Richard L. Wilson at that time being
publisher, and Andrew Matteson foreman
of the job-room. From there he went to
the Western Citizen, where he learned
typesetting and the trade in general,
remaining in that office until 1853. In
the meantime his mother, having married
a Mr. A. D. Partridge and removed to
Neenah, Wis., induced the lad to rejoin
her, which he did, and he soon thereafter
became a student at Lawrence (Appleton)
University, paying his way toward receiv-
ing a good education by working at his
trade in the office of the Appleton Crescent.
In 1855 he left college and commenced the
study of law with R. P. Eaton, in Apple-
ton, then with Smith & Ballard, the senior
member of which firm. Perry H. Smith,
afterward became well-known as a prom-
inent railroad official of Chicago. In
October, 1856, Mr. Hudd was admitted
to the bar, and in the following Novem-
ber was elected district attorney of Outa-
gamie county. Forming a partnership
with John J. Jewett, they practiced law
together in Appleton until 1863, when
Mr. Jewett retired, and Mr. J. H. M.
Wigman succeeded him in the partner-
ship. When Mr. Hudd came to Green
Bay, in 1868, Mr. Wigman continued the
Appleton office until 1870, when he re-
moved to Green Ba}', after which time
the firm engaged in general law practice,
extending to all the State and Federal
courts. For a short time, in the heyday
no
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of his Congressional work, and at the ex-
piration of the Lth Congress, Mr. Hiidd
was a member of the law firm, in Chi-
cago, of Case, Hudd & Hogan, which was
intended only as a temporary arrange-
ment, and was discontinued in October,
1890.
Mr. Hudd has served his adopted
State well in public affairs. In 1861 he
was elected to the State Senate, and in
1867 to the Assembly; in 1876 he was
again elected to the Assembly, and in this
session he was prominently identified in
the securing of the repeal of the ' ' Granger
Law," which had become so obnoxious to
the State. In 1877 he was again sent
by his constituents to the Senate, and
was successively re-elected to same until
1885, in which year he was elected to the
United States Congress, resigning his
seat in the State Senate when he had
three years yet to serve. This was the
XLIXth Congress, and he was elected to
the vacancy caused by the death of Jos-
eph Rankin. In this Congress he served
on the committee on Commerce, to take
the place of Joseph Pultzer, who had re-
signed in order to visit Europe. Elected
to the Lth Congress, Mr. Hudd was ap-
pointed chairman of the committee on
Expenditures, in the Interior Department.
This closed his most active life in the
arena of politics, and he has since con-
fined himself to the practice of his pro-
fession, wherein he has a wide clientage
and enjoys the distinction of being the
leading criminal lawyer in this section of
Wisconsin. In municipal affairs, also, he
has been active, having served the peo-
ple of his locality in many minor offices,
among which may be mentioned that of
president of the school board, several
years. In 1889 he was appointed by
Gov. Hoar, one of three commissioners
to represent the State of Wisconsin at
the Centennial celebration of the inaugur-
ation of George Washington as first
President of the United States, which was
held at New York in April, 1889. Dur-
ing the Civil war he was commissioned to
a lieutenancy, and mainly by his individ-
ual exertion were organized two military
companies in Outagamie county, but he
was unable to take active service, having
just been elected to the State Senate.
Mr. Hudd has been twice married,
first time, in 1857, to Parthenia S. Peak,
who died in 1871, the mother of four
children, as follows: Richard P., Sophia
M. (now wife of William Beatty, of Colo-
rado), Mary H., and Julia P. (now living
in Washington, D. C). In 1872 Mr.
Hudd married, for his second wife, Miss
Mary Kiel, and four children, all daugh-
ters, have been born to them, named as
follows: Gertrude D., Nellie, May and
Maude, all at home. Mr. Hudd is a mem-
ber of the F. & A. M., Waverly Lodge
No. 51, Appleton, and in politics he is a
stanch Democrat.
WILLIAM C. HINSDALE, the
popular and efficient agent at
Green Bay for the American
Express Company, is one of the
ten oldest employees of that corporation
in Wisconsin, and has earned for himself
an enviable reputation as a courteous,
painstaking official.
He is a native of this State, born, in
1847, '" the town of Kenosha, a son of
W. L. and Isabella C. (Courtenay) Hins-
dale, natives of New York City, whence
they came in 1836 to South Port (now
Kenosha), Wis., where, in company with
a brother, Mr. Hinsdale was engaged for
some }ears in the lumber business, they
becoming extensive traders in that line,
and ultimately selling out to F. B. Gard-
ner, of Chicago. Mr. Hinsdale then re-
sided in Madison, Wis., one year, moving
from there, in 1S55, to Milwaukee, where
he became the first treasurer of the Chi-
cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad,
which in a few years he resigned to ac-
cept the position of secretary of the North
Western National Fire and Marine Insur-
ance Company. His father was a well-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ill
known jeweler in New York Cit}', where
he passed his entire Hfe.
Isabella C. Courtena}, mother of the
subject of this sketch, was born in Balti-
more, Md., and was a member of one
of the early leading families of that State,
English people who settled in the town of
Goodhope about the year 1700. One of
her remote ancestors on her father's side
lost his life on account of claiming a right
to the crown of England, and some of her
later ancestry were engaged in the war of
the Revolution in this country, others,
again, in the war of 181 2. Grandfather
Courtenay died in Maryland, and his
widow came to Kenosha, Wis. , with her
brother, Hercules, who opened up a farm
in Kenosha county, where he died; she
passed from earth in the town of Kenosha
about the year 185 1. Mrs. Isabella C.
Hinsdale died in 1892.
William C. Hinsdale, our subject, re-
ceived his education in Milwaukee, and
after leaving school entered the employ
of Marshall Ilsley, as bank collection
clerk, and after four j-ears, or in 1869,
entered the service of the American Ex-
press Company, at Black River Falls,
Wis., thence moved to Milwaukee, from
there to Green Bay in 1871, passing
through the various grades of promotion
"with flying colors." In 1873-74 he was
Express Messenger between Green Bay
and Marquette, Mich., and other points,
and in 1881 received the appointment of
agent at Green Bay, his present incum-
bency. In October, 1881, he was mar-
ried in Green Bay to Miss Minnie C.
Gardner, a native of that town, a daughter
of B. C. and M. E. Gardner, who about
the year 1854 came to Green Ba}-, where
the father followed his business, that of
contractor and builder; he died about
1880; the mother is yet living in Green
Ba}-. To Mr. and Mrs. Hinsdale have
been born two children, Florence and
Isabella. In politics our subject is a Re-
publican; socially he is a member of
Pochequette Lodge No. 26, K. of P., and
has passed all the Chairs. To his well-
directed efforts — efforts that never know
fatigue — Green Bay is indebted for as
well-conducted an express system as ex-
ists in the State.
GE. T. KYBER, notary public,
mortgage loan and real-estate
broker, of Green Bay, Wis., was
born in Saxony, Germany, in
1828, a son of Theodore George and
Caroline (Weygant) Kyber, the former of
whom, a native of Saxony, died at the
age of ninety-one; the latter was of Polish
descent. They had born to them eight
children, of whom the living are Carl, in
Glauchau, Saxony; Frederick and Amelia,
residing near Dresden, Saxony, and G. E.
T. , who is the subject of this sketch.
G. E. T. Kyber lost his mother when
he was six years of age. He was reared
and educated in Saxony and studied mili-
tary science and architecture, which pro-
fession he followed in the old country
until he was twenty-two years old. In
1850 he came to America, and in New
York was employed for a short time in
lithographic work and painting; then
went to Central America and served as
head steward of a large hospital, caught
the yellow fever, and returned north. In
1854 he came to Green Bay and opened
a paint shop, which he conducted until
1 86 1, when he was appointed notary pub-
lic; in 1863 he was appointed, as a Demo-
crat, auditor of the Volunteers Aid Fund
in the office of the Secretary of State, and
held the position until 1865; in 1867 was
elected the first police justice of Green
Bay. In 1873 he moved to Allouez town-
ship, where he has ever since had his resi-
dence, and is now public administrator
for Brown county. Mr. Kyber was mar-
ried, in New York, in 1852, to Miss
Susanna Muth, and to this union have
been born eight children, of whom the
living are: Fannie, wife of F. L. Erd-
mann, of Green Bay; Virginia, Theodore
G. and Frederick E. The mother of this
family was called from earth in 1887
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.
since when Mr. Kyber has remained a
widower.
Mr. Kjber is a member of Herman
Lodge No. Ill, I. O. O. F. , and also of
the Turn Verein, of which he was one of
the organizers. He is also a member of
the Lutheran Church, lives fully up to its
teachings, and is greatly respected for his
moral walk through life.
THOMAS J. McGRATH, senior
member of McGrath & Anderson,
leading firm of contractors and
builders, of Green Bay, is a fair
representative of those whose sagacity
and capital have done so much toward
the commercial and manufacturing pro-
gress of the city of his adoption.
A native of Canada, he was born
January 15, 1859, in Emily, Victoria Co.,
Ontario, to Michael and Mary Ann (Mc-
Carthy) McGrath, the former of whom
was a carpenter by trade. In March,
1863, the father died, and in 1875 the
family, then consisting of mother and
three children, including our subject,
came to Wisconsin and settled in Lebanon,
Waupaca county, where the mother
subsequently married Michael Ahearn, of
that place, where they are now living.
As will be seen, our subject was a lad of
some sixteen summers when the family
came to Wisconsin, prior to which he had
received at the excellent public schools
of Canada the only literary education he
was destined to have, which in after
years he added to by close reading and
general observation of men and things.
At the age of eighteen he commenced to
learn carpentry, at which trade he soon
proved himself admirably adapted; and so
quickly did he make himself proficient
that at the early age of twenty-two he was
placed as foreman over men whose actual
experience represented more years than
he had lived. But he was equal to the
responsibility, and proved himself an-
efficient and capable overseer. In this
capacity his first employment was for
contractors, but ere long he entered the
employ of the Chicago & Northwestern
Railway Company as foreman of bridge
carpenters, the work at that time being
done by this company on the St. Peter
division in Minnesota. For six years he
continued in this position, proving him-
self well worthy of his trust — honest and
capable. He then entered the employ of
the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste.
Marie Railroad Company as superin-
tendent of building construction, but at
the end of one year he resigned to accept
the position of superintendent of bridges
and buildings for the Milwaukee & North-
ern railroad, which about three 3ears
thereafter merged into the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul railroad.
In 1890 Mr. McGrath commenced the
since prosperous business of general con-
tracting and building, and among the
many substantial works in Green Bay
that stand to-day as evidence of his skill
may be mentioned the Mason street
bridge over the Fox river; an extension
of one thousand feet dockage for the
Murphy Lumber Company, and elevator
and dock for W. W. Cargill & Bro. In
February, 1893, Mr. McGrath recei\ed
as partner in his extensive business Mr.
W. B. Anderson, since when the firm
have completed the following contracts:
Plant for "The Columbian Bakery"; ex-
tensive coal-sheds for Barkhousen &
Hathaway; the power-house for the Fox
River Street Railway Company; 800 feet
extra dockage for the Murphy Lumber
Company; about 14,000 yards of cedar
block paving on Washington street; 25,-
000 yards cedar block pavement on
Crooks and Walnut streets; bridge over
the East river, connecting Allouez and
Bellevue townships, in Brown county;
bridge over East river on Mason street;
and three and one-half miles of railroad
for the Chicago & North Western Com-
pany, in Michigan.
At Mankato, Minn., on March 21,
1880, Mr. McGrath was married to Miss
Eleanor Fuller, a native of Lapeer,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
"3
Mich., and daughter of Daniel and Marj'
J. (Arlow) Fuller. An interesting family
of si.\ clever children have been born to
this union, named respectively: Nellie
M., Claude A., Violet M., Thomas R.,
Daniel F. and Alvin E. Politically Mr.
McGrath is a stanch Republican, but has
no time to spare for office, his business
demanding and receiving his closest at-
tention. He is a member of the F. & A.
M., Washington Lodge No. 21, Warren
Chapter No. 8, Warren Council No. 13,
and Palestine Commandery No. 20. Mrs.
McGrath is a member of the M. E.
Church.
N
S. KIMBALL, division master-
mechanic of the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul railroad, by
virtue of his long residence in
Wisconsin, covering a period of over
thirty-six years, is not only well known
but highly respected, especially in railroad
circles, where he is prominent.
He is a native of New Hampshire,
born November 21, 1831, in the town of
Warner, Merrimack county, a son of John
and Hannah (Bean) Kimball, the former
of whom was born and reared in Waltham,
Mass. In early life, he, John, moved to
New Hampshire, and in the town of War-
ner established a paper-mill as well as a
bookbindery, being proprietor of both.
Senator Chandler, of New Hampshire,
is now owner of the site on which these
old-time industries stood. John Kimball
and his wife passed the rest of their
days in New Hampshire, dying in Man-
chester in 1 84 1 and 1862 respectively, he
at the age of fifty years, she at the age of
sixty-two; his maternal grandfather,
Thomas Wellington, was a soldier in the
Revolution, spent the winter at Valley
Forge and crossed the Delaware with
Washington. John Kimball served in the
war of 1 81 2, in which conflict John Bean,
the maternal grandfather of our subject,
was also a soldier.
The subject of these lines received a
liberal education, in part at the schools of
Manchester, N. H., and in part in Hop-
kinton Academy, same State, chiefly,
however, at the schools of the latter
place. He was in reality reared to farm-
ing, and for a time tended sheep on the
Kearsarge Mountains, but in 1847, 3-t the
age of seventeen, he commenced to learn
the trade of machinist in the Amoskeag
locomotive shops of Manchester, N. H.,
which had just been started, remaining in
them as long as the}' existed as locomotive
shops, or until 1857. In January of that
year he moved to Detroit, Mich., and
for a short time was in the employ of the
Michigan Central Railroad Company,
thence removing to La Porte, Ind. , where
he worked for the Lake Shore & Michi-
gan Southern railroad. After this he
was on a farm in Logan county. 111., for
some eight months, at the end of which
time, in 1858, he removed to Milwaukee,
Wis. , where he was given charge as fore-
man in the repair shops of the Milwaukee
& Mississippi railroad, which at that time
extended as far as Prairie du Chien, and
is at present a division of the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul railroad, on which he
is now employed. Here he remained
within one year of a quarter of a century,
and in 1882, having accepted the position
of division master-mechanic of the Mil-
waukee & Northern railroad, came to
Green Bay, where he still remains in the
same capacity. In 1882 this was the
Milwaukee & Northern railroad, but in
1 890 it was absorbed by the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad. He has
therefore served continuously thirty-six
years in positions of responsibility on the
lines of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul railroad.
In 1853 Mr. Kimball was married to
Miss Mary A. Edmunds, daughter of
Enoch and Mary (Campbell) Edmunds,
all natives of New Hampshire, where her
father died, the widowed mother after-
ward coming to Green Bay, where, at
the residence of our subject, she passed
away in 1892. To Mr. and Mrs. Kim-
114
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ball has been born one child, Walter H.,
by profession a stenographer, married,
and residing at Green Bay. In his polit-
ical preferences our subject is a Republi-
can. In 1854 he joined the Masons, at
Manchester, N. H., and he is a member
of Washington Lodge No. 21, F. & A.
M., Green Bay; Chapter No. 7, Milwaukee;
Palestine Commandery No. 20, of Green
Bay (of which he is past eminent com-
mander), and of the Wisconsin Consis-
tory, thirty-second degree ; he is also a
member of the Mystic Shrine, Tripoli
Temple, of Milwaukee. He and his wife
are members of the Protestant Episcopal
Church, with which he has been connect-
ed for thirty jears, and for several years
he has been a vestryman and warden.
FW. SCHNEIDER, photographic
artist, at No. 310 North Wash-
ington street. Green Bay, was
born in Westphalia, Prussia, Janu-
ary 8, 1854. His parents were Anton
and Mary Elizabeth (Schneider) Schneider,
natives of Rhine-Province, Prussia, where
the father died in 1859; in 1868 the
mother came to Wisconsin and located in
Kewaunee county, where she carried on
fanning and a cheese factory and store
until her death in 1891. She reared a
family of three children, viz: Charley, a
farmer; F. W. , our subject; and Helen,
wife of W. Gauerke, of Brown county.
F. W. Schneider was educated in
Prussia until fourteen years of age, and
after coming to America attended the
evening schools, and a business college
in Green Bay, Wis. In 1870 he settled
in Brown county, and was employed in
sawmilling and team driving till 1874,
when he moved into Green Bay, where he
learned his art, and in May, 1877, com-
menced business on his own account, be-
ing now the oldest gallery proprietor in
the city, and one of its finest artists.
Mr. Schneider was married in De-
Pere, in 1876, to Miss Elainna M. Nuss,
a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter
of Michael Nuss, who settled in De Pere
about the year 1866. This happy union
has been blessed with three children,
named respectively: Alvin, Mabel and
Fred. Mr. Schneider is a Republican in
his political affiliations, and in his social
and fraternal connections is affiliated with
Green Bay Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F.,
in which he has passed all the chairs, and
is also a member of the Encampment; is
a member of the Royal Arcanum, of the
Modern Woodmen, and of the Knights of
the Maccabees. He has grown up with
the city of Green Bay, has been a witness
to much of its progress, and is now
ranked among its most respected citizens.
HON. W. J. ABRAMS. The life
of the subject of this sketch pre-
sents a striking example of enter-
prise, industr}' and integrity, con-
ducting to eminent success, and of politi-
cal consistencies based on enlightened
and moderate views — views at all times
compatible with a generous toleration of
the sentiments entertained bj' others, and
commanding general confidence and es-
teem.
Mr. Abrams was born March 19, 1829,
in Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y. ,
and is a son of Isaac T. and Ruth (Hall)
Abrams, natives of New York. The
father, who was a business man of West
Troy, N. Y., died in 1868, the mother in
1870. Of their family of children only
one grew to maturity, the son whose
name introduces this sketch. His great-
grandfather on the mother's side, Capt.
Alexander Thomas, was commissioned in
December, 1 778, by the General As-
sembly of Rhode Island, a captain in
Col. Topham's regiment, and it is rec-
orded that he "drew regular pa\-. " Our
subject is a blood-relation, on his
mother's side, of Lyman Hall, one of
the signers of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, and, on his father's side, Mr.
Abrams claims lineal descent from Lord
Townley, of the English House of Peers.
n/-^ a.
CT C>
7:^/5 QJ^a^j^
aOMMEMORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
117
an
and
theological
W. J. Abrams, after
academic education at Cambridge
Troy, N. Y. , entered the
school at Williamstown, Mass. ; but,
owing to impaired health he had to aban-
don the course, and spent some years in
travel, at the same time continuing his
studies, for the most part in history, arts
and general literature. In the latter con-
nection it may be mentioned that he was
the author, under various noinmcs dc
phivie of various essays, but his health
would not permit of his continuing in such
work as a profession.
In 1856 he came to northern Wiscon-
sin, and was engaged for a considerable
time in railroad surveys from Lake Michi-
gan to Ontonagon, making his permanent
home in Green Bay in 1861. He became
identified with the Collingwood, Sarnia
and Buffalo line of steamers, and, until
1870, none was more prominent in the
development of the water transportation
facilities of the town. In that year he
directed his attention more especially to
railroad enterprise, and was one of the
promoters of the Green Bay & Lake Pepin
railroad (having made the survey and ob-
tained its charter), becoming officially
connected with same, for many years
serving as secretary. This road was sub-
sequently merged into the Green Bay &
Minnesota, and still later into the Green
Bay, Winona & St. Paul. Mr. Abrams
was also the leading promoter of the Ke-
waunee, Green Bay & Western railroad,
some thirty-five miles in length, built in
1 89 1, and has been president of the com-
pany from its organization.
In 1854 Mr. Abrams was married in
Montgomery county, N. Y., to Miss Hen-
rietta T. Alton, a native of New York
State, daughter of James Alton. Her
mother, at the time of her marriage with
Mr. Alton, was the widow of Commodore
Germain, commander of the ' ' Ironsides,"
during the Revolutionarv war. Mr. and
Mrs. Alton are now deceased. To Mr.
and Mrs. Abrams have been born three
children, viz.: Two daughters — Kate,
wife of Hamilton Townsend, in the real-
estate business in Milwaukee, Wis. ; and
Ruth, wife of Dr. C. McVeigh Tobey, of
St. Paul, Minn. ; and one son — Winford,
at home. Mrs. Townsend is a member
of the Daughters of the Revolution in
Milwaukee, and secretary of the State di-
vision of that order.
During the Rebellion Mr. Abrams was
an uncompromising war Democrat, and is
still as ardent as he was when he cham-
pioned the rights of the party in the halls
of the State Assembly and in the Senate,
in the former of which he served four
years (from 1864 to 1867), and in the lat-
ter two years (1868-69). Among the nu-
merous official positions he holds or has
held may be mentioned — vice-president
of the Soldiers Orphans Home, at Mad-
ison, Wis.; vice-president of the Fair and
Park Association, in which he is a stock-
holder, and a member of the Horticul-
tural Society; mayor of Green Bay in
1882-83, and again in 1885. Socially he
is a retired member of the I. O. O. F. ,
and a member of the Royal Arcanum, of
which he is supreme representative at the
present time, and has been Grand Regent
of the State. One of the most active,
progressive, public-spirited men, Mr.
Abrams has done as much to develop the
almost inexhaustible resources of the Fox
River Valley as any other man.
Mr. Abrams has frequently appeared
as a public speaker, especially during po-
litical campaigns, and his style is of a char-
acter to command the respect and atten-
tion of his audience. As a public officer
he has few superiors; as a railroad official
he has a wide reputation for executive ca-
pacity and able management of affairs,
and it would be hard to find a man better
adapted to organizing capital to promote
sucfi enterprises as he may become inter-
ested in, his foresight and sagacity in
financial matters fitting him especially
therefor. His power over men — and
hence his influence in social, political, and
business matters — is of that quiet order
that makes little outward show, yet is a
iS
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGEAPHICAL RECORD.
potent factor in shaping the success of
the community in which he resides. The
State of Wisconsin is justly proud of such
sons, and the record of their lives should
be perpetuated in iiistory, chronicled in
steel and in words that endure forever.
THOMAS ATKINSON, a respected
and well-known citizen of Preble
townsliip. Brown county, is a na-
tive of Ireland, born March lo,
1816, in County Sligo, son of Henry and
Kate (Kaveny) Atkinson, the former of
whom was a farmer and stock raiser.
Thomas Atkinson received such an
education as the schools of the time and
place afforded, and from boyhood was
reared to farm life. In January, 1842,
he was married to Miss Mary Flatley,
who was l)()rn in 1823, dauj^hter of Dom-
inick and Margaret (Flynn) Flatley, and
this union was blessed with children as
follows: Margaret (now Mrs. John Mahon,
of Preble), Henry (deceased in infancy),
Kate (who died, unmarried, in Preble
township) and Maria (who was a school
teacher, and died in Preble, township in
young w(jmanhood), all four born in
Ireland; and Louis (at home), Philip (of
Ironwood, Mich.) and Thomas H. (who
died young), these three born in America.
In January, 1848, Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson,
with their family, then consisting of three
girls, left Ireland, and shortly afterward
sailed from Liverpool, England, on the
"West Point," landing at New York in
March, after a voyage of forty-one days.
They first located in Cherry Valley,
Oneida Co. , N. Y. , where Mr. Atkinson
worked as laborer on a plank-road at that
time in course of construction, remaining
there over a year; then, in the fall of 1849,
proceeding by canal from Rome to Buf-
falo, N. Y., they took passage on a ves-
sel bound for Kewaunee, Wis., thence
coming to Green Bay on the tug "Jim
Wood." The same fall Mr. Atkinson
located on a small farm in Holland town-
ship. Brown county, "all in the woods;"
but after remaining there about a month
returned to Green Bay, where he resided
some years. In 1853 he was appointed
lighthouse keeper at Long Tail Point,
Wis., and was stationed there six years
and one month, at the end of which time
he removed to Fort Howard, where he
opened out a grocery and saloon business.
A few months later, in the spring of i860,
he located on his present farm, and has
here since continuously resided, having
now 133.1 acres of prime land, which he
has accumulated by years of industry and
toil. On May 4, 1856, Mrs. Mary Atkin-
son passed from earth, and May 29, 1857,
Mr. Atkinson wedded, for his second wife,
Miss Margaret Howard, who was born,
in iiS27, in County Limerick, Ireland,
daughter of Michael Howard; she died
January 22, 1877, without issue, and her
remains now rest in Shantj'town cemetery.
Our subject, as a member of the Dem-
ocratic party, takes an active interest in
politics, and has held the offices of super-
visor aixl chairman of his township; in
religious faith he is a member of the Cath-
olic Church. He is well read, keeping
himself closely informed on the issues of
the day, and is highly respected where-
ever he is known.
THOMAS DOUBELL BOWRING
is a native of Reigate, county of
Surrey, England, and was born
January 13, 1844, the son of
Thomas and Susan (Doubell) Bowring.
The father, with his wife and five chil-
dren, came to the United States in 1851,
locating at Lyons, N. Y. From there he
moved to Detroit, Mich., where for the
most part he lived until his death, which
took place in i8<S5; his widow died in the
same city in 1891.
Thomas D. Bowring obtained his edu-
cation partly in England, and partly at
the common schools of this country.
While attending school at Lyons, N. Y. ,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOOIiAPHICAL RECORD.
119
he sustained an injury to his left hip
which crippled him for life. He learned
the art of photography in Detroit, where
for about a year he was in business for
himself; but in 1868 he moved to Green
Bay to become operator for H. S. Clark.
In 1869 he took charge of a branch gal-
lery in De Pere, which, at the close of the
year, he purchased, and has since been in
business for himself. Mr. Bowring was
married in 1874 to Miss Alice Arndt,
daughter of J. W. Arndt, and there have
been born to this union five children,
named, respectively: Alice Irene, Thomas
Reuben, Randall, William Wallace and
Elcey Arndt. Of these, Randall died in
1883; the others are living with their par-
ents. In local politics Mr. Bowring is
independent, supporting the men whom
he thinks will best perform the duties of
the various offices; but in National affairs
he has usually been in accord with the
policy of the Democratic party. He was
treasurer of De Pere in 1877-78, and is
the present supervisor from the First
ward. He is a member of the De Pere
Temple of Honor, was made a Freemason
in Detroit in 1863, and is now a member
of the De Pere Lodsre, F. & A. M.
WILLIAM ARMSTRONG, of De-
Pere, is now retired on his
means, although when he first
reached De Pere he was the pos-
sessor of the sum of only twenty-five cents.
His indomitable energy and shrewd busi-
ness qualifications have alone been the
secret of his success, as will be found in
the sequel. He is of Scotch-Irish extrac-
tion, and was born in the village of
Bathurst, N. B. , January 14, 1821,
son of William and Sarah (Ellis) Arm-
strong, natives, respectively, of Aberdeen,
Scotland, and Londonderry, Ireland, the
former of whom, by \ocation a lumber-
man and ship-owner, took up his resi-
dence in New Brunswick, where he and
his wife passed their declining days.
William Armstrong received a fair ed-
ucation at the common or district schools
of Bathurst, and at the age of twenty-one
years began work at lumbering at Paubo,
in the district of Gaspe. Being very apt
and well educated, at the end of a year's
life in the woods he was made superin-
tendent of a gang-mill employing 300
men, natives of Canada, of whom two
only could write their names, and over
this large number of men he held con-
trol three years. In 1849, smitten with
the gold fever, he started for Califor-
nia, going by team to St. John, N. B. ,
thence by boat to Boston, Mass. ; but the
sea-going vessel had taken its departure
before he reached that port. This cir-
cumstance necessitated a change of plans
on the part of Mr. Armstrong, and, after
working three months in a ship-yard in
Boston, he found his way to Albany, N.
Y., where for three months he was em-
ployed in canal-boat building. From Al-
bany he went to Buffalo, N. Y., by canal,
thence by steamer, via the lake, to She-
boygan, Wis., and finally reached De-
Pere, his present residence, about May
30, 1850, as before stated, with only a
few cents in his pocket, and one suit of
working clothes, as his trunks were de-
layed and did not arrive until two or three
weeks afterward. He found employ-
ment in a lumber-mill as head sawyer,
and, after working three or four da\s the
proprietor was heard to remark chat there
must be something wrong about that man,
for, to judge by his good writing and fig-
ures, he was evidently well educated and
superior to his present emplo}'ment; so
he was set down as a rogue in hiding, an
impression which did not last long, how-
e\'er, although there was perhaps suffi-
cient cause for it, as he had worked in the
dirt and wet for two or three weeks with-
out change of clothes, making him look
very rough, a condition which was rem-
edied on the arrival of his trunks. After
working a year as head sawyer in the
lumber-mill he subsequently rented the
same, in partnership with James ^lorgan.
120
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Armstrong superintending the getting
out of the logs and the general work of
the gang in the forest. Having now ac-
cumulated some money, our subject ne.xt
purchased a ta.x-title to some heavily tim-
bered pine land east of De Pere, which
proved as prolific as any to be found in
the State of Wisconsin; still, with his
keen business eye, he saw that the price of
lumber was going down, and for several
years filled positions as superintendent
for various lumber companies on salary,
until i860, from which time until 1862,
the times being troublous, he wisely ab-
stained from venturing his capital in busi-
ness. In the latter year, however, he ac-
cepted an appointment as deputy United
States marshal for the northern district of
Wisconsin, filled the quota of enlisted
men, and then proceeded to make the
draft for extra men over and above the
volunteer contingent. In this draft, which
first occurred at Green Bay for the town of
Washington Island, Door county, a singu-
lar incident occurred: A blind man was
selected to do the drawing, and Mr. Arm-
strong gave the wheel containing the
names of the men to be drawn, three
turns; a somewhat prominent fisherman,
standing near, demanded another turn of
the wheel, until he said enough, and, on
this beiniJ done, the first name drawn was
that of Robert Nolan, the fisherman who
had demanded a. new turn of the wheel.
For two years Mr. Armstrong filled the
office of provost marshal, and in 1864
started for the gold fields of Montana,
where he secured a placer claim on Hen-
derson Gulch, and wrought out $12,000
in one season. He also bought an inter-
est in a ranch on Burnt Fork, a stream
that emptied into Bitter Root valley, from
which he produced 250 barrels of flour,
which was sold at forty dollars per barrel;
1.500 bushels of potatoes, sold at seven
dollars and fifty cents per bushel; 1,200.
bushels of oats, sold at fivp dollars per
bushel, all spot gold; onions sold at
twenty-five cents per p^und, rutabaeas
at fifteen cents per pound, and other
products in proportion. A portion of his
produce was sent to the mines market,
140 miles away, and the hauling was done
by four six-yoke oxen-teams, and two
four-horse teams, the rate of freight being
four cents per pound. Mr. Armstrong
also purchased beef cattle in large quan-
tities, which he slaughtered and sold for
food to the miners; and thus life was
passed at the mining districts, to the great
profit of Mr. Armstrong, his gain for his
residence of two years on the ranch being
ten thousand dollars, or more. He was
always a favorite with the miners, among
whom he was familiarly known by the
sobriquet of " Uncle Billy," and enjoyed
a monopoly of the trade of the camp,
never hesitating to run out a line of credit
to those who had not the ready means for
cash payment. During the winter season
he lumbered a little, whipsawed lumber
at two hundred dollars per thousand feet
for spruce, and also manufactured shingles
at an immense profit. He built the
first shingle-roofed house in Bitter Root
valley, and at the end of the four years
sold out the balance of his mining claim
for one thousand dollars, and went to
Fort Benton,thenceb3' steamer to Omaha,
and from that point came to De Pere.
Here he was engaged two years at the
furnace business; next was superintendent
for the Fox River Iron Company for
about ten years, continuing to put money
in his purse and filling the position to the
entire satisfaction of his employers. In
1880 he patented a stump-puller, in the
manufacture of which he was engaged
eight years at De Pere. Of this valuable
implement he sold upwards of three
thousand, and, in addition, disposed of
the right to manufacture in a large extent
of territory. In 1889 he was appointed,
by President Harrison, postmaster at De-
Pere; but, at the expiration of the Presi-
dential term, resigned, for political reasons,
although no fault had been found by the
general public with his performance of
the duties of the office. It will readily be
perceived that Mr. Armstrong is a Repub-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUWAL RECORD.
121
lican in politics, and as such has been
elected three terms as alderman, in which
capacity he is now serving. For one
term, also, he served as president of East
De Pare village, and in all public offices
he has discharged his duties with credit to
himself and to the public. In rehgion he
is a birthright member of the Presbyterian
Church, and in 1874 was also admitted,
by profession of faith, as a member ofthe
church at De Pere, of which body he is
now an elder, and has always lived up to
its teachings.
• On March 25. 1851, Mr. Armstrong
was happily married to Miss Rebecca
Rogers, a native of Nova Scotia, and a
daughter of David and Hannah (Hadley),
Rogers, who ended their life pilgrimage in
Mr. Armstrong's land of birth. To the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have
been born two children, viz.: Alexander,
born January 4, 1852, married to Mary
Hannah, and now residing in Chicago,
111., and William S., born January 2,
1863, and now a resident of Green Ba\-,
Wis. William Armstrong is, strictly
speaking, a self-made man, having in-
herited nothing from his father, who was
reduced from most excellent circumstances
by the failure of Joseph C. Cunard, ship-
builder and ship-owner. But Mr. Arm-
strong has ever been a moral man, has
been enterprising and industrious, and is
now retired with a comfortable com-
petence.
CHAUNCY N. ALDRICH, one of
the earliest and best-known resi-
dents of Preble township. Brown
county, is a native of Cortland
county, N. Y., born in the town of Preble,
May 1 1, 1825.
His father, Jonathan Aldrich, who was
a farmer, first saw the light in Vermont,
where he married Amelia Gains, and to
this union were born children as follows:
Jonathan, who died about 1890, at Am-
herst, Portage Co., Wis.; Penelope, who
married Caleb Blanchard, and died in
Lewis county, N. Y. ; Olive, who was first
married to Horatio Howard, and later to
William H. Bruce (she died on the farm
of our subject); Amelia, who married
Francis Gilbert, and died at Green Bay;
Delight, who was married to Royal
Jacobs, and died in Michigan; Valentine,
who died in Cooperstown, Manitowoc
Co., Wis. ; Amasa G., who died in Preble.
Cortland Co., N. Y. ; Asa H., who died
in Brown county. Wis.; Samuel M., who
died on the farm of his brother, C. N. ;
Gains D., who died in Green Bay;
Chauncy N., specially mentioned further
on; and Rexville R. , deceased in infancy.
The father of this family was a life-long
agriculturist, and made his home in New
York State for many years, dying August
13, 1838, in the town of Scott, Cortland
county; he was buried in Preble, same
county. His wife, who survived hirn
many years, passed away June i, 1871,
in Preble township, Brown Co., Wis., at
the home of her son Chauncy N., and her
remains now rest in a private cemetery
on his farm, where she was laid at her
own request. She was a member of the
Methodist Church. Jonathan Aldrich
was a Dem.ocrat of the "Jacksonian
stripe, "and a very stanch adherent of the
party.
Chauncy N. Aldrich is the sole survi-
vor of the family of twelve children born
to Jonathan and Amelia (Gains) Aldrich.
He received such an education as the
common schools of his time afforded, and
was reared a farmer boy, residing at home
up to the time of his father's death. The
latter had requested him to go west to
Brown county, Wis., and make his home
with his brother-in-law, \\'illiam H.
Bruce, until he reached his majority, and
after attending school one year longer he
left his native place for the " Far West,"
as Wisconsin was then considered. He
made the journey by wagon to Syracuse,
by canal to Buffalo, and thence by lake
on the boat "Illinois," Capt. Blake (her
first trip), to Mackinaw, where he waited
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.
for a boat to Green Bay. He took pas-
sage on the "Gov. Marcy, " and arrived
at his destination October 24, 1839. His
brother-in-law, Mr. Bruce (above men-
tioned), was a jTjeneral merchant at Green
Bay, and young .Aldrich resided with him
for seven years, engaged at various kinds
of labor, driving team, working on the
farm, and in fact doing anything that
presented itself.
At the age of twenty-two Mr. Aid-
rich was united in marriage, at Green
Bay, with Miss Amanda Porter, who was
born at Coeymans, X. Y. , daughter of
John Porter. Mr. Aldrich, in the mean-
time, had saved a few dollars, and shortly
after his marriage located on the farm
where he has ever since resided, and
which then belonged to his brother-in-
law, Mr. Bruce. At the time our sub-
ject came here there was not a building
between the farm and Green Bay, and
the road-? had to be cut out as he went
along The old house which he first oc-
cupied is still standing. Here he has
since made his home, with the exception
of one year, when he lived in Stephens-
ville, Outagamie county. Mr. Aldrich
has been a farmer and stockman, and he
has seen his land converted from its
primitive condition, the forests sup-
planted b\- fertile fields, all representing
many years of hard, unremitting toil.
When he first located here wild animals
abounded, deer and wolves being especi-
ally numerous. His farm consists of 160
acres of good land.
To Mr. and Mrs Aldrich have been
born nine children, a brief record of them
being as follows: Arthur N. is a resident
of Larimer county. Colo. ; Amelia is the
wife of John Coppcns, < f Humboldt town-
ship; Olive is married to Henry Rock-
well, of Preble township; I.^avina married
Charles Sidel, and died in Wausau.Wis. ,
leaving four children; Madison is a resi-
dent of Preble township; Chauncy N.
died whr;n three months old; \\'illiam is
li\inL,^ ;it home; Delight is tiie wife of
Fred Rockwell, of Preble tovvnship;
Porter lives at home. Politically a Demo-
crat, Mr. Aldrich has been one of the
stanch supporters of the party in his
township, and has been called on to
serve in many positions of trust, such as
chairman of the board, in which capacity
he has served for twenty years, at various
times, at one time holding the office when
his jurisdiction extended over what is now
six townships. He has also served two
years as township treasurer, and has been
justice of the peace, filling every position
with credit to himself and satisfaction to
his constituency. In religious connection
Mrs. Aldrich is a member of the Baptist
Church.
FRED. P. GROSS, a well-known
citi;?en of Port Howard, Brown
county, was born in 1863, in Mor-
rison township, Brown Co.,
Wis., and was educated in the schools of
the locality. His parents, John G. and
Margaret (Moschel) Gross, were born in
Germany, near the "wild and winding
Rhine," the father coming to this vicinity
when a young man, about 1852, and set-
tling on a farm in the woods. F"or some
years subsequent to 1871 he was pro-
prietor of a sawmill, and he and his wife
arc now residents of Morrison township,
Brown county. Their children are: Car-
oline, wife of Frank Falk, of Seymour,
Wis. ; Louisa, wife of Joseph Leonard, of
Medford, Wis. ; August, married and re-
siding in Morrison tovvnship, where he
operates a sawmill; John, married and
residing in Fort Howard, engaged in the
saloon business; Fred. P, , the subject of
this article; Maggie, wife of I3aniel
Schunk, of Morrison township; Sophia,
wife of William Peters, of Bullion, W^is. ;
Christina, wife of Charley Furstenburg,
also of Bullion, and Godfrey, residing
in Fort Howard.
Our subject resided on the home farm
and was engaged in milling pursuits until
April, 1889, when he located at Fort
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Howard, embarking the following year in
the saloon business on Broadway. He is
a Democrat in politics, and in the spring
of 1894 was elected supervisor of the
Third ward, Fort Howard, his opponent
being A. L. Gray. In 1890 he was mar-
ried, in Morrison township, to Miss Minnie
Lapnow, a native of that township,
daughter of Fred Lapnow, and they have
two children: Laura and Minnie. Mr.
Gross, with his wife, belongs to the Lu-
theran Church, and he is a member of the
F. & A. M., Despres Lodge, No. 85, of the
American Legion of Honor, and of the
Turnverein.
JOHN COOK, fashionable merchant
tailor, and proprietor of the opera
house at De Pere, Brown county, is
a native of that city, born March 21,
1856, a son of John and Catherine
(Dwyer) Cook.
The father of our subject was a na-
tive of Germany, a tailor by trade, and
came to the United States with his par-
ents, who settled at Tiffin, Ohio, in 1832.
In 1848 he came to De Pere, and in 1849
established a merchant-tailoring establish-
ment. In 1858 he purchased a farm of
fifty-eight acres one-half mile south of
East De Pere, and upon it moved his
family, but retained his business in the
village until his death. He was a Demo-
crat in politics, served as chairman of
the board of supervisors some eight or
nine years, was a member of the Catholic
Church, and was regarded as a man of
the strictest integrity. His wife, Mrs.
Catherine (Dwyer) Cook, was born near
Dublin, Ireland, and came to the United
States with her brothers and sisters, set-
tling in the northern part of Illinois, in
Lake county, in which State she became
acquainted with Mr. Cook. Her death
took place in i860, and her remains lie
interred beside those of her husband in
the Catholic cemetery, just south of
Green Bay and east of Shantytown. Mr.
and Mrs. Cook had born to them a family
of three children, viz. : Mary, who mar-
ried Albert Martens, of De Pere; Isadore
William, who went to California twenty
years ago, and John, the subject of this
sketch. The last named was educated
in the De Pere schools, and was taught
his trade by his father. In the fall of
1882 he began merchant tailoring on his
own account, and has since been at the
head of the trade in De Pere. On April
10, 1888, he opened his opera house to
the public, and has found it to be a profit-
able investment; the building is a frame
structure, with an auditorium 60 x 114
feet, and has a seating capacity for six
hundred persons, but, on extraordinary
occasions, from nine hundred to one
thousand can be crowded within its walls.
In politics Mr. Cook is Democratic,
in 1890 was elected alderman from the
First ward of De Pere, and proved him-
self so efficient that he was re-elected in
1 891 ; in religious faith he is a member of
the Catholic Church. In the fall of 1 888
he was married to Catherine Rooney, who
was born in Canada, and one child, Cyrill,
has blessed this union. Mr. Cook has
led a life of integrity and industry, and is
recognized as one of the solid men of
De Pere.
JB. LAST, general freight and pas-
senger agent at Green Bay for the
Green Bay, Winona & St. Paul, the
Kewaunee and Green Bay & Western
Railroad Companies, is one of the most
popular, courteous and obliging railroad
officials to be found in the State.
Mr. Last was born at Green Bay, in
1848, a son of John and Sarah (Green)
Last, the father a native of near London,
England, the mother of New York. Some
time in the "thirties" John Last immi-
grated to America, and coming to Wis-
consin settled in Green Bay. He died in
1884; his widow is still a resident of
Green Bay. After receiving a liberal ed-
124
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
iication at the schools of his native town,
our subject commenced active business
life in the service of the American Ex-
press Company as messenger between
Green Bay and Oshkosh, Wis. This po-
sition he held for about one year (1866),
and then accepted a cnj^agement as clerk
for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway
Company at Fort Howard, remainingthere
three years, at the end of which time he
embarked in mercantile business in Green
Bay. At the close of si.\ years, his in-
clinations tending more toward railroad
work, he entered, as clerk, the general
freight offices of the Green Bay, Winona
& St. Paul railroad. In the fall of 1882
he went to Chicago as general agent
for the Milwaukee & Northern railroad,
being located there until the spring of
1883. We next find our subject in Den-
ver, Colo., where he was in the service
of the Claim Department of the Union
Pacific railroad till 1887, in which year he
returned to Green Bay. Here he was lo-
cal agent for the United States Express
Company some two j-ears, when (1889)
he was a])pointed to his present position,
to which, by his wide experience and gen-
eral qualifications, he is admirably
adapted.
Fi:KDINAND GOFFAKT, justice
of the peace, and one of the most
extensive farmers of De Pere
township, Brown county, was
born November 18, 1836, in Belgium, son
of Peter J. Goffart. The latter was a
gardener and store-keeper, and also fol-
lowed the business of dyer, besides
various other occupations. He had eight
children — five sons and three daughters —
of whom Ferdinand is the second child
and eldest son.
Our subject first attended the village
schools, and then for two years went to a
graded school, receiving a very fair educa-
tion, all in French. It was the intention
of his parents to educate him for profes-
sional life, but, his father dying when he
was sixteen years old, he was obliged to
leave school and assist in the support of
the family. Concluding he could better
his condition by coming to the United
States, he bade farewell to his home and
friends, and in the spring of 1857 sailed
from Antwerp on the "John Elliot,"
landing at New York after a voyage of
fifty-six days. His destination was Green
Bay, Wis., and thither he proceeded from
New York by rail and water, arriving
August 8. The first work he did in the
New World was on a piece of land in the
town of Scott, Brown Co., Wis., which
he abandoned after some time, and hard
work, and later he went to Bay Settle-
ment; proceeding to Red River township,
Kewaunee county, he prospected for land;
but, not being satisfied, he returned to
Green Bay. In the following spring
(1858) he came to De Pere township,
Brown county, and here purchased about
one hundred acres of land, paying there-
for eleven hundred dollars. On this
tract he erected a round-log house, 14 x 16,
which was the first building on the place,
and there was only one other house be-
tween it and De Pere. He immediately
set to work to clear u]i the land, which
was densely covered with timber, princi-
pally beech and niRple. but he also found
some pine, black birch, elm and ash
trees; on one part of the land was a heavy
growth of "sugar bush." After much
hard work he succeeded in clearing space
enough to put in a crop, the first being
rj'e, and as the years passed the entire
tract gradually became a well-cultivated
farm. In June, 1858, Mr. Goffart's wid-
owed mother had come hither, bringing
the remainder of the familv, but the
'greater part of the responsibility rested on
Ferdinand. She died in Rockland town-
ship. Brown count)', in 1 888, and was
buried in De Pere cemetery.
On March 9, 1861. Ferdinand Goffart
was united in marriage in Fremont coun-
ty, Iowa, \yith Miss Julia E. Frederick-
son, who was born in Burlington, Racine
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
125
Co. , Wis. , and to this union were born
twelve children, eight of whom are now
living, viz. : Sylvester, a resident of the
State of Washington; Mary C, now Mrs.
Oscar Barkrnan, of St. Paul, Minn. ;
Adaline, a Sister in the convent at De-
troit; Noah, residing in the State of
Washington; Isabella, Sister in the con-
vent at Chicago, 111.; Sedonia, at home;
and Emily and Julia, both of Detroit,
Mich. Those deceased are Christiana,
Charlotte S. , Mary S. and Francis B.
The mother of these died in 1882, and
was buried in De Pere cemetery. On
September 24, 1882, Mr. Goffart was
married in De Pere, for his second wife,
to Pelagie Bell, who was born December
31, 1 85 1, in Belgium, daughter of Remy
Bell, and came to the United States in
1865. To this marriage were born chil-
dren as follows: Victor B. (deceased),
Rachel, Isaac, Rebecca, Moses, Zipporah
(deceased), and Aaron. Immediately after
his marriage to Julia Frederickson, Mr.
Goffart went to South Dakota and took
up a homestead at Elk Point, on the Mis-
souri river, where he remained for nearly
two years. He then removed to Iowa
City, Iowa, and while there enlisted, on
August 9, 1862, in Company G, Twenty-
second Iowa V. I. , for three years. He
served to the close of the war, and was
discharged in July, 1865, in Savannah,
Ga. , being mustered out at Davenport,
Iowa, and during his entire service he
was never on the sick list, and was never
wounded. Upon his return home from
the army he went back to Dakota, and
thence, after a residence of two years
more, removed to Detroit, Mich., and for
one summer acted as superintendent of a
farm near that city. Then, in 1868, he
came to his present farm in De Pere
township, Brown Co., Wis., which at
that time was in a totally unimproved
condition, and here he has ever since
made his home. He now owns 225 acres
of excellent land, and is one of the most
extensive agriculturists of his section. He
has labored much and endured many
hardships in the clearing and subduing of
his land, and during his residence here he
has seen the entire surrounding country
transformed from a wilderness into fertile
farms. He and his estimable wife are
now about to live a retired life. During
his service in the Civil war Mr. Goffart saw
a great deal of the South; he is a well-read
man and an observer, and is possessed
of no small stock of general information.
During the war he was a Republican, but
he has since been a member of the Demo-
cratic party, and is a strong supporter of
its principles, always voting that ticket
in State and National elections, but in
township and county affairs he exercises
his franchise according to the dictates of
his own conscience. He has been elected
to various offices in his township, has
been member of the school board, clerk
of same, and is at present serving as jus-
tice of the peace, an office he has held
with eminent satisfaction to all for the
past fifteen years. He and his wife are
members of the Catholic Church.
ALEX. CLEEREMANS, alderman
from the Second ward. Fort
Howard, is now serving his first
term in that capacity. He is also
engaged in gardening, and for the past
nine years has been janitor of the Second
ward schoolhouse. He took the State
census for a certain district in 1885, and
has gathered statistics for the school cen-
sus for eight years in succession.
Mr. Cleeremans, who is a son of
Frank and Josie (DeLang) Cleeremans,
was born in 1850 in the village of Weert
St. Georges, Belgium, and came with his
parents to the vicinity of Green Bay in
1867, the family settling on a farrii in the
forest of Scott township. The father
died in 1876, the mother in 1871. Alex,
is one of the family of five sons, the other
four being: Charley, a gardener of Fort
Howard; John, working at the carpenter's
trade in the same city; Frank, a farmer
126
COMMEMORATIVK BIOGRAPHICAL ItECOHD.
in Scott township; and Henry, a sawyer
or setter in the mills at Oconto. Alex,
received his education in Beigiuni, in
both the Belgian and French languages.
He aided his father in clearing and im-
proving the Scott township farm, and
after coming to Fort Howard, in 1871,
worked in the McDonald mills, and for
the government in the stone (juarr}'. In
1877 he went to Oregon, thence two
months later to Nevada, where he worked
in the mountains, getting out mining
timber for McKay & Fair. He came
home in the latter part of the same year,
by way of California and Oregon; from
1880 till 1886 was tie inspector for the
Chicago & Northwestern railroad, and
now owns a fine garden tract of four
acres within the city limits. He was
married, in 1874, in Duck Creek, town
of Howard, to Miss Sophia Simoens, who
was born in Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of
Frank and Theresa (Houters) Simoens,
natives of Belgium, who settled near Fort
Howard in 1857, on a farm in Howard
township. Her father now resides in Fort
Howard; her mother died January i,
1886. Of their eight children three are
living: Nettie, wife of Bernard Vaner-
beck; Mrs. Cleeremans; and Henry, of
Fort Howard. The children of Mr. and
Mrs. Cleeremans are: Celia, Joseph,
Rosa, Angeline, Anna, Lucy, M^illie and
Laura. Mr. Cleeremans is a Democrat
in politics, and was elected several times
to Congressional and Senatorial conven-
tions. He is a member of St. Joseph's
Society of Green Bay, and, with his wife,
belongs to St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
PETER HERBEK, an energetic
young farmer of Howard town-
ship. Brown count}-, was born in
New York, Mav 6, 1S55, a son of
John and Elizabeth ,'Fuchs) Hcrber.
John Herberwas born in Rothcrburg;
Germany, April 14, 18 16, left his home
at the age of thirteen years, and was em-
ployed as a laborer through the country.
On November 15. 1854, he married, and
the same year started for the United
States via Liverpool, the voyage from
that port to New York occupying six
weeks. After working in a stone quarry-
in New York until 1856, he came to
Wisconsin, and first settled in Eaton town-
ship, Brown county, where he resided
twelve years, cleared up a farm, for two
j'ears rented one, and then bought his
present place of fifty-seven acres in How-
ard township. This tract was partly im-
proved, and for seven j'ears he made his
home in the log house then on the prem-
ises, afterward moving into his present
handsome and convenient dwelling. Mrs.
Elizabeth Herber was born in Bavaria,
Germany, January 23, 1824, but lost her
parents when she was a little girl.
Peter Herber is an only child, and has
always lived under the parental roof. He
was reared to the useful pursuit of farm-
ing, and on October 25, 18S1, married
Miss Karolinc Breuninger, a native of
Green Bay, born October 2, 1857, and a
daughter of Karl and Sophia (Huenger)
Brueninger. the former of whom was born
at Shrotsburg. Wurtemburg, Germany, No-
vember 23, 181 8, and in 1S40 came to
the United States, and for a year lived in
the State of Delaware: he next went to
Ohio, and four months later came to
Wisconsin and settled in Green Bay,
where his death occurred March 3, 1866.
He was a son of John Breuninger, an old
school-teacher, who was born in Kocher-
stertien. and there died: his wife, Sophia
C. Phaff. was born I'ebruary 17, 1800,
in Hermersberg Castle, and her death
took place October 9. 1834, at the place
where her husband's death occurred.
Karl Breuninger. as Tuav well be sup-
posed, was a hi£rhly-cdncated man, and
was emploved in clerical work. His wife,
Sophia Huenger. was born in Saxony,
and is now a resident of Preble township,
Brown county.
To the, union of Peter and Karoline
Herber have been born three children.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
^^^
viz.: Henrj' J., October 4, 18.S2; Peter
K., Februar}- 15, 1884; and Karl F. ,
October 4, 1886. After his marriage
Mr. Herber settled down on the old
homestead, and has increased his posses-
sions to eighty acres, which he devotes to
general farming. Both father and son
have been hard-working, industrious men
and worthy citizens, and to illustrate in a
small way the hardships of pioneer life it
may be mentioned that the elder Mr.
Herber, on first settling, was obliged to
pawn his coat in order to obtain an axe
wherewith to chop wood, so scarce was
money in that day. In politics, both
father and son are Republicans, the
father having cast his first Presidential
vote for Abraham Lincoln, and the son
for I-iutherford B. Haves.
JOHN CONNELLY, proprietor of
the " Pine Grove Hotel," and a suc-
cessful, self-made man, of De Pere
township. Brown county, is de-
scended from Scotch-Irish ancestry. He
was born March 25, 1840, in Ouebec,
Lower Canada (now known as the Prov-
ince of Ouebec), a son of Michael Con-
nelly, who was a native of county Lim-
erick, Ireland.
When a 3'oung man Michael Connell)'
immigrated to Canada, where he married
Marv Hamilton, a native of County Don-
egal, Ireland, and to their union were
born fifteen children — four sons and
eleven daughters — seven of whom are yet
living. Michael, who was a farmer in
Quebec, in the fall of 1865 came with his
family to De Pere, Brown Co., Wis., later
moving to Bay Settlement, same county,
and here for some time worked in a saw-
mill. He then removed to Bellevue town-
ship, where he had purchased a partly-
improved farm of T40 acres, and there
made his home for a number of years,
finally returning to De Pere township,
where he and his wife are now passing
their declining years. Two of the daugh-
ters, Mary Jane and Jennie, also came to
De Pere in 1865. Mr. Connolly is a
Democrat in politics, but he takes no ac-
tive interest in party affairs.
John Connell}', the subject proper of
these lines, lived with his parents until he
reached the age of seventeen, at which
time he commenced to work in the lum-
ber regions. Up to that period he had
received no schooling whatever, but he
then attended a night school, where he
received a fair common-school education,
the instruction being in the French lan-
guage, which he learned to read and write.
He was two years in Wilkinsonville,
Mass., near Worcester, working in cotton
factories and mills; from there went to
Lower Canada and bought a farm of ninety
acres, which he sold, and then located in
Belleville, Upper Canada (Ontario), where
he again attended night school. On July
17, 1865, Mr. Connelly was married in
Belleville to Miss Mary McDermott, a
native of Canada, daughter of Michael
McDermott. At this time our subject had
about one thousand dollars, every cent of
which he had saved from his own earn-
ings. In October. 1865, he returned to
De Pere. Wis., and worked for one year
for Reed in a sawmill, thence going to
Bay Settlement, in Scott township. Brown
county, where he was employed for seven
years as foreman and superintendent of a
sawmill, and as foreman in the woods.
About 1867 he purchased 160 acres of
land in Bellevue township. Brown county,
and the family resided there off and on,
never making a permanent home there,
however, until 1888, as Mr. Connelly's
work took him to various places. For
many years he was in the employ of Anton
Claus and other lumbermen, and for four
years resided at Angelica, Wis. , where he
was superintendent of a sawmill. In 1871
Mr. and Mrs. Connelly, while residing in
the town of Scott, lost everything in the
great fire that broke out there on the
night of October 7, and which destroyed
the sawmill, as well as £.11 the surround-
ing buildings, including the boarding
I2S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUIVAL RECORD.
house, besides the cattle, horses, etc.
Mrs. Connelly and her children escaped
from the boarding house with nothing but
their night clothes, and, taking to the
woods for their lives, succeeded, after a
desperate fight with fire and smoke, in
reaching a clearing, where they were in
comparative safety; but the itifantjohnnie,
whom the mother carried in her arms, was
so injured by the heat that it died a few
months afterward. Mrs. Connelly, as
soon as possible, went to the home of her
parents in Belleville, Canada, there to re-
main till her husband should have a new
home prepared, and in the meantime he
and his crew were fighting the flames,
which continued in great fury for three
weeks. Prior to the fire Mr. Connelly
had been working as engineer for a saw-
mill in l^russels township, Door county;
but as there was considerable danger of
fire, of which there was a good deal
throughout the woods at that time, he
left there for Scott township, and the
very night of the breaking out of the fire
in the latter locality a conflagration burst
out in Brussels township, which destroyed
everything for miles around, no less than
sixtj' people being burned to death, in-
cluding the man Mr. Connelly had en-
gaged to take his place; and our subject,
on visiting the spot shortly afterward, saw
si.xtecn charred bodies of his old comrades
lying close together.
After the fire in Scott township, Mr.
Connelly put up a mill for Anton Claus
on the spot where the burned mill stood,
and this he superintended some ten
months. His wife and children having
returned from Canada by this time, he, in
1888. moved with them to his farm; but
after two years he removed to Little River
in order to superintend the erection of a
mill for Marshall & Holmes. After this
he again returned to the farm, and re-
mained there until 1891, in which year he
came tu Pine Grove, where he now con-
ducts the "Pine Grove Hotel," of which
he is proprietor. He is the owner of 227
acres of land, all representing years of
hard work and thrift. His success has
been the direct result of his own individual
energy and good business management,
coupled with industry and a strong deter-
mination to win. ^ His long and varied
experience in the lumber business made
him one of the most competent managers
in that line, and at different times he had
as many as one hundred men under his
direction.
Mr. Connelh- has taken an active and
leading interest in the welfare of his town-
ship and county, and is recognized as a
progressive, loyal citizen. He has served
his community in various capacities, hav-
ing been chairman and supervisor of Belle-
vue township for eight years, and for
twelve years he was a member of the
school board, acting as director and treas-
urer. In his political affiliations Mr.
Connelly was a Republican until 1884,
since when he has been non-partisan,
voting for the best man, regardless of
party lines. He is not an advocate of
free trade, but believes in tariff reduction.
In religious connection he and his wife are
members of St. Francis Catholic Church.
De Pere. They had children, as follows:
Lizzie, wife of Henry Nachtwey, a mer-
chant of Pine Grove; Rosa, Mrs. Frank
Novakafsky. of Green Bay; John, de-
ceased in infancy; and John, Edward and
Arthur, at home.
FRANK HEYRMAN. Among the
earl\- pioneer families of Preble
township. Brown county, none
are better known than the Heyr-
man family, the first of whom to come to
Wisconsin was John Heyrman fgrand-
father of Frank Heyrman), who, about
the year 1856, came to the United States
from Belgium, where he was a well-to-do
farmer.
John Heyrman married in his native
country, and there three sons were born
to him: Charles L. , who is mentioned
farther on; John B., editor of a news-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
paper at De Pere; and Joseph, now de-
ceased, who was a civil engineer at Green
Baj'. The mother of these died on the
ocean, while the family were en route for
America, and was buried at sea. From
the port of landing the father and sons
came by rail to Chicago, III., thence by
water to Green Bay, Wis., where they
arrived May 4, 1856. Here they made
but a short stay while deciding on a place
to locate, and then made a settlement in
Preble township, where Mr. Heyrman,
who was a man of considerable means,
purchased a farm of 160 acres, the same
his grandson Frank Heyrman now re-
sides on. At that time not a tree had
been felled, nor a habitation of any kind
erected by white men; but they soon
had built a log cabin, in which they re-
sided until 1868, when it was supplanted
by a more substantial residence, which
still stands. The land was densely
covered with oak, pine, hemlock and
maple trees, and, in the low places, ash
trees, and wild animals were still numer-
ous and troublesome. But the forests
soon gave way before the axe of the pio-
neer, and the cleared land not only af-
forded support for the family, but yielded
a comfortable income as well. On this
farm John Heyrman passed the remainder
of his life, dying August 25, 1874, a
member of the Catholic Church, and he
was buried in the Finger Church ceme-
tery. Prior to his decease his two younger
sons had left home and engaged in busi-
ness, Charles L. alone remaining on the
farm.
Charles L. Heyrman was born Septem-
ber 8, 1827, in Belgium, and, as will be
seen, was nearly thirty years of age when
he came with his father to the United
States. In Brown county, Wis., on Jan-
uary 6, 1857, he was united in marriage
with Miss Monica Van Lent, also a native
of Belgium, and they immediately settled
on the home farm with his father, and
there made a permanent home. To their
union were born six children, of whom
Frank is the subject of this sketch; Mary
is the wife of Martin Lindsley, of Belle-
vue township; Celia is married to Julius
Lamal, of Humboldt township; Edward
died in 1893 at the age of twenty-four
years; two sons died in infancy. Mr.
Heyrman was very successful, and became
one of the leading farmers in his town-
ship, continuing to live on the home farm
until his death, which occurred Septem-
ber 8, 18S9, when he was just sixiy-two
years old, and his remains now rest m the
Finger Church cemetery. He was a
Catholic in religious faith, and one ot the
founders of the Church of the Holy Mar-
tyrs of Gorcum, in Preble town.-hip, of
which for many years he was a leading
member. Mr. Heyrman served as super-
visor of his township; in his political
preferences he was a Democrat, mvari-
ably supporting that party in State and
National elections, but in township and
county affairs he was non-partisan, the
fitness of a candidate being more im-
portant to him than party connection.
Since his death his widow has resided on
the home farm with our subject; she is a
devout member of the Catholic Church.
Frank Heyrman was born November
25, 1858, in Preble township, Brown
county, on the farm he now owns and
resides on. He attended the first school
ever held in his district, the "hall of
learning " being a log cabin, and was
among the first pupils the day it was
opened, the teacher being Miss Aldrirh, a
daughter of C. N. Aldrich, of Preble
township. At the same t'lne he n ceived
thorough training to agriculture, under the
direction of his father, on the home place,
where his whole life has been passed. On
February 19, 1889, our subject was
united in marriage with Miss Clara De-
Greef, who was born in Humboldt town-
ship, Brown county. November 27, 1865,
daughter of Anton De Greef, w ho came
from Belgium. Three children have been
born to them, viz : Louis, John and
Kate, who represent the fourth generation
of the Hej'rman family who have lived
on the farm. Politically Mr. Heyrman is
I30
COMMEMORATIVE DIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
a Democrat, and one of the leadin)^ mem-
bers of the party in liis township, where
he has held various offices of honor and
trust. For two years he served in the
important position of chairman of the
township, and has also been assessor,
proving himself an efficient and trust-
worthy official. He keeps himself in-
formed on the movements of his party,
and is well read on all current topics,
finding a great help in his excellent mem-
ory. Though still jounghe is a res]iccted,
worthy representative of the farming
community in Preble township, and is
foremost in every movement of interest
or benefit to his section.
NIEI.S HANSEN, contractor and
builder. Fort Howard. This
gentleman, who was born in 1840
in Denmark, is a son of John and
X'alburg (Holm) Hansen, and one of a
familv of nine children — five sons and
four daughters — of whom seven are now
living, all married: Peter, who lives in
Prussia, and Johan. in Denmark, both
blacksmiths; Niels, of Fort Howard; Iver,
a shoemaker in Denmark; Mary, wife of
Henry Terp, of Prussia; Anna, wife of
Peter Lund, a Danish farmer; and Sarah,
wife of John Zimmerman, of Prussia.
Their father, who followed blacksmithing
in early life, afterward became a farmer.
His death occurred about 1878, and that
of his widow in 1879, in Denmark.
Niels Hansen grew to manhood and
was educated in the vicinity of Kolding,
Denmark, and during the war between
Denmark and Prussia served two years
( 1 863-64) in the Danish army. He learned
his trade in that country, following it until
coming to Fort Howard in 1872, in which
place he is now the oldest contractor.
Among the many buildings he has erected
are those of R. M. Wilson, J. L. Jorgen-
sen, Mrs. Blesch, James Treman, the
Presbyterian church, Kellogg National
Bank, Jorgensen & Blesch Company's
store at Green Ba\', L. Gotfredson's resi-
dence in the same city, and others. Dur-
ing the busy season he furnishes employ-
ment to from fifteen to twenty-five hands.
His own residence, one of the finest in
Fort Howard, was built in 1891. Aside
from this he owns four other dwellings in
the city, from which he derives rental.
His propert) has been accumulated
through untiring industry and close econ-
omy, and in his declining years will serve
to furnish him the means for living with-
out the necessity of hard labor such as his
former years have experienced. As a
good citizen he takes avowed interest
in all that may contribute to the growth
and prosperity of his city. Mr. Hansen
was united in marriage, in 1875, to Mary
M. Peterson, daughter of Anders and
Mary Peterson, all natives of Denmark,
where her parents remained. The chil-
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Hansen are Bertha,
John, Lizzie and Alvin, and of these,
John, who is now eighteen years of age,
holds a position as clerk in the McCart-
ney National Bank. In political matters
Mr. Hansen is actively interested, voting
with the Republican party. Socially he
is a member of (jreen Bay I^odge, No. 19,
I. O. O. F. , also of Mistical Seven Coun-
cil, No. 519, Royal Arcanum, in which
latter organization he has served one
term as treasurer and two terms as trus-
tee. He and his wife are members of the
Presbyterian Church.
P1:TKK HOSKENS, a well-to-do
agriculturist of De Pere township.
Brown count}-, was born Feb-
ruary 4. 1S38. in East Flanders,
Belgium, son of Peter J. and Catherine
Hoskens, farming people of that countr\\
They had a family of thirteen children —
si.x sons and seven daughters — of whom
our subject is the eleventh.
Peter attended the schools of his birth-
place until he was eleven years of age,
when he commenced farming, working
a COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.
131
for his father and others, perforininj4' such
labor as his age would permit. He re-
mained in his native country until he
reached the ajje of twenty-six, when he
went t(j France, and there worked on
railroads for a time; he was also employed
(1867) at work on the then forthcommg
Paris Exposition. Concluding he could
improve his condition by coming to the
United States, Mr. Hoskens returned to
his native country, and bidding his home
and friends farewell, set sail August 20,
1868, from Antwerp for Liverpool, Eng-
land. At that port he took passage on
the "Colorado," and after a voyage of
thirteen days landed in New York, from
which city he came, with several others of
his countrymen, to Green Bay, Wis., ar-
riving September 8. He remained over
night with John Martin, at the ' ' United
States Hotel, "and the next day, Sunday,
came to De Pere. Mr. Hoskens had
saved a small sum from his earnings, but
his passage to the United States cost
three hundred francs, and by the time he
reached De Pere he had only twenty
francs with which to begin life in his new
home. He secured work in a brickyard
opposite De Pere, remaining there until
the season closed, in November, and then
went to Suamico, Brown county, where
for a short time he was employed
in the mills. He next went to Stiles,
Wis., and remained all winter, \\ork-
ing in the lumber mills and in the
woods, where he became thoroughly famil-
iar with the hardships and dangers in-
cident to lumbering, and the privations
which must be endured in camp life. But
this occupation, though dangerous, was
very popular, as in those earl}' days it
was a very lucrative business, and was
an important industry in pioneer times.
After finishing his work in Stiles our sub-
ject returned to De Pere, and there re-
mained until the spring of 1870, when he
went to Delta county, Mich. , at which
place he took out his naturalization papers.
Here he worked at railroading and char-
coal-burning until 1873, when, having
saved some money (eight hundred and
forty dollars), he concluded to pay a visit
to his native country. He sailed from
New York to Liverpool, thence to Ant-
werp, where he arrived in June, 1873.
On May 16, 1874, he was united in mar-
riage, at his old home, with Miss Louise
Van Remoortel, who was born June 25,
1836, a daughter of Joseph and Celia
Van Remoortel, and shortly after their
marriage the young couple sailed from
Antwerp on the "Switzerland," bound
for New York, from which city they came
by rail to De Pere, Wis. In the mean-
time Thomas Hoskens, brother of our
subject, had come to the United States
and purchased the farm now owned by
Peter, in De Pere township, and for a
short time they made their home with
him. But Peter, not wishing to take up
farming at that time, again went to Delta,
Mich., resuming his old occupation,
though he had to work for less than half
of what he had before received. He lived
there, however, for three and a half years,
and then, in August, 1878, returned once
more to De Pere township, and purchased
his present farm from his brother Thomas,
paying eight hundred dollars for forty
acres. Here he has since been engaged
in general farming and stock-raising, and
he has improved his farm and added
thereto until it now comprises si.xty acres.
In 1 891 the residence on the place was
burned, and the following year he built
the present comfortable home of the
family, which is the most substantial farm
residence in the township. The place is
also equipped with commodious out-
buildings. Our subject is a self-made
man in the fullest sense of the word, and
his success shows what man may do with
plenty of energy and a determination to
win. Coming to America a poor man,
he has, by industry and pluck and strict
attention to his business, made for him-
self a comfortable property and gained
the respect of his fellow citizens for hon-
esty and integrity. Mr. Hoskens votes
independently, and does not take any
132
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGHAPHICAL RECORD.
active part in political matters. In re-
ligious connections he and wife are mem-
bers of St. Mary's Catholic Church, De-
Pere. They have had one child, Joseph,
who was born on the farm in Dc Pere
township, January 29, 1879, and is at
present attending the De Pere High
School. He is the only heir of Peter and
Louise Hoskens, the only living child of
the three they had by their marriage, and
the only one for whom they live and work.
On him they ba.se all their hopes, and,
therefore, wish to give him a good edu-
cation. The lad's father says he would
like him to be something better than a
farmer, not that he (the father) has any
distaste for the vocation, but probably
thinks Joseph should take up one of the
professions. Grandfather Henry Hoskens
had six children, five of whom were mar-
ried, but left only two children, Peter and
Thomas. The latter has si.\ daughters,
three of whom are Sisters in the Order of
Notre Dame, the inclination of the other
three being in the same direction. The
family, as far back as known, have be-
longed to the Roman Catholic faith, and
Peter Hoskens says that if his son Joseph
follows their rule, " the laws will be of no
use to him, for not one of the family has
ever come before the law."
DA\ID WELLS BRITTON, the
most extensive manufacturer of
cooperage of every kind in the
Northwest, with his plant at Green
Bay, was born December 8, 1832, -in
Sidney Plains, Delaware Co., N. Y. , a
son of Solomon and Amy (Whitney) Brit-
ton, who were natives of New England,
the father having been born in Massa-
chusetts and the mother in Connecticut.
In 1806 Solomon Britton removed
from his native State to Albany county,
N; Y. , and later to Delaware county,
where he was married. He followed his
vocations of farmer and cooper in both
counties until 1850, in that year coming
to Green Bay, Wis., where he died in
1854, his wife in 1856. Walter Whitney,
the maternal grandfather of our subject,
was a resident of Albany, N. Y. ; at the
age of fifteen years he enlisted in the
patriot army, and served throughout the
Revolutionary war. The Brittons, who
are of French extraction, settled in Amer-
ica during Colonial days, and members of
that family also served in the war for
American independence. To the union
of Solomon and Amy Britton came nine
children, all born in the State of New
York, and all deceased with the exception
of D. W. Britton, the subject of this
sketch; of the remainder — Dorcas died at
Long Lake, Minn., in 1884; Walter in
Knox county. 111., in 1888; Nicholas, at
Buffalo, N. Y. , in 1869; Emaline, at
Freeport, 111., in 1850; Julia, in Indiana,
in 1874; the other three died in New York
State — Hannah, in 1838, at the age of
seventeen, and two in infancy.
D. W. Britton was educated in the
schools of Delaware county and Buffalo,
N. Y. At the age of eighteen he moved
with his parents to Green Bay (previous
to which he had resided four years in
Ashville, N. Y.), and the same year
opened out the cooperage business on
premises beginning at the confluence of
the East and Fox rivers, retaining that
yard one year, after which he moved to
the present site of the Green Bay Car-
riage Co., holding possession here until
1867, when he removed to his present
extensive yards and shops, which are now
the largest establishment — or promise to
be, to say the least — of any of the kind
in the great Northwest. In little over
three decades a business has been estab-
lished that would, in the conservative
countries of the Old World, have taken
several generations to build up. With
shops supplied with every description of
the most desirable machinery required in
the business; with his immense yards,
filled with every form of lumber demanded
by his trade, Mr. Britton's operations are
seen to require a more than ordinary ex-
%•.
'm
m
4
m
^ar^tZ&-iAj
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
135
ecutive ability and a knowledge of detail
that would dismay the ordinary mind.
The manufactory and contingents oc-
cupy nearly fifteen acres, and Mr. Brit-
ton's operations extend into twelve dif-
ferent States, in itself significant of what
great advantage to the citj' such an insti-
tution must be. One hundred and thirty
men, on an average, are employed, and
allotting a family of three to each man
(the lowest estimate allowed by statis-
ticians), it would indicate a population of
nearly four hundred, all of whom depend
for their subsistence upon the enterprise
and ability of Mr. Britton. Illustrative
of hi3 methods it ma\' be mentioned that
all workmen are regularly paid each Mon-
day— a consideration of great moment to
the poor man, and one which frees him
from the clutches of debt, that monster
that follows close in the train of the
monthly payment system. It is not only
better for the workman, but a great
desideratum with the merchants who sup-
ply his daily needs.
In his political affiliations Mr. Britton
is a Republican, and under the auspices
of that party has most satisfactorily served
as alderman of Green Bay three terms; he
has also done good service on the board
of health, on the school board, and one
term as fire warden. He was one of the
promoters and organizers of the Fair and
Park Association, was its first president,
serving two years, and is at present one
of its directors. He is a stockholder in
the Kellogg National Bank, and is always
one of the first to assist in any enterprise
tending to promote the public good. So-
cially he is a member of Washington
Lodge, No. 21, F. & .A. M., and of the
I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 19.
Mr. Britton was first married, in 1853,
to Miss Frances Daggett, a native of New
York, whose father, E. Daggett, came to
Wisconsin years ago, locating first at Ke-
nosha, and afterward, in 1852, engaging
in the manufacture of shingles at Green
Bay; he died in Suamico township. Brown
county. Mrs. Frances Britton died the
8
year of her marriage, and in 1855 Mr.
Britton wedded Jerusha Kelsey, who was
reared in Green Bay; she died in 1856,
the mother of one child, who died when
one year old. Mr. Britton's third mar-
riage was solemnized in 1859, the lady of
his choice being Laura Strickland, whose
death occurred September i, 1890. This
union was blessed with two children,
Elmer E., married, and Sarah Josephine,
who died at the age of two years and eight
months. For his fourth wife Mr. Britton.
married, October 18, 1892, Amy Thrall,
a native of New York. Mr. Britton is-
one of the oldest and most prominent fig-
ures in the commercial circles of Green
Bay, as well as one of the most extensive
business men of the Northwest, and his
experience has extended over the most
progressive periods in the history of Green
Bay and Brown county.
JOHN Mcknight, an esteemed and
prosperous farmer of New Denmark
township, is a native of the land
of Erin, born in 1833, son of John
and Bridget (Frawley) McKnight, the
former of whom was a farmer. Our sub-
ject was the eldest in their family of five
children, namely: John, Margaret, Mar-
tin, Michael and Catherine.
About 1847 the family sailed for
America, and during the six-weeks' voy-
age the father died and was buried at
sea. The mother and children landed at
Quebec, thence traveling to Burlington,
Vt., where they lived one year, and then
returned to Quebec, where Mrs. McKnight
purchased some property, and there
passed the remainder of her life. John
McKnight remained with his mother sev-
eral years after coming to America and
then moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where
he lived about three years, principally
engaged in farming. From there he went
to La Fayette, Ind , where he worked as
day laborer for about a year, after which
he migrated to Brown county. Wis., and
136
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
entered the employ of the Two Rivers
Company, continuing to work for them
several winters, in the summer time doing
farm labor.
In 1859 he was married to Miss Mar-
garet Smith, also born in Ireland, daugh-
ter of James and Mary Smith, who died
when she was a child; she came to the
United States when about twenty-five
years old. After his marriage Mr. Mc-
Knight bought forty acres of wild land in
New Denmark township, and a few years
later added an adjoining forty-acre tract,
subsequently making other additions to
the place, which now comprises 1 18 acres,
all of which he has cleared and improved
himself. To Mr. and Mrs. McKnight
have been born ten children, viz. ; Michael,
Catherine, Mary, Margaret(Mrs.T. Arens),
John, Martin, Julia, Bridget, Honora and
George. The family give twelve mem-
bers to the Catholic Church. Politically
Mr. McKnight is a Democrat, but not a
strong partisan, and does not aspire to
office, though he has served as school
director. He is much respected in his
community, where he is regarded as a
faithful, loyal citizen.
WILLIAM HANDEYSIDE, the
very popular liveryman of De-
Pere, Brown county, was born
September 15, 1843, in York-
shire, England, and is a son of Roger and
Ann (Stevenson) Handeyside, who were
the parents of nine children, William
being the eldest. In April, 1849, Roger
Handeyside, who was a shepherd in the
old country, sailed from Hull, England,
for Quebec, Canada, the voyage lasting
forty-three days. After experiencing
many " ups and downs " in Canada, the
family came to the United States in 1858,
settling in Wayne county, Mich., where
several members still reside. The father
is now eighty-two years of age, the mother
died November 10, 1877.
William Handeyside has earned his
living since he was fifteen years old, and
until he reached the age of twenty-one
gave all his earnings, like the dutiful son
that he was, to his parents. As a dutiful
citizen, also, he enlisted, November 18,
1864, in Company C, Thirtieth Mich. V.
I., and served until June 17, 1865, prin-
cipally on detached duty. He then re-
turned to Michigan, and worked at farm-
ing and broom-making ; next went to
Kentucky; thence back to Michigan; then
to Green Bay, Wis. ; thence to Marquette,
Mich., where he was employed a year
and a half as teamster at the Morgan
Iron Furnace, No. i, and worked himself
up to engineer of Furnace No. 2. In
August, 1868, he came to De Pere, and
for nine years was employed as en-
gineer for the Fox River Company; then
was employed at E. E. Bolle's Wooden-
ware Co. 's Works, as engineer and fore-
man in the lumber yard; thence went to
Glenmore township, where he conducted
a mill and store for his employers; then
returned to De Pere and organized the
VanGalder & Handeyside Co., for making
imitation cedar cigar-box lumber, and at
the end of a year became sole proprietor
of the plant, but was soon afterward burned
out. In June, 1889, he became a member
of the firm of Thiele & Handeyside, now
the most popular and successful livery
men in the city of De Pere.
On January 19, 1873, Mr. Handey-
side was united in marriage with Miss
Blanche Packard, daughter of John and
Diantha (Hannon) Packard, the former a
native of Canada, the latter of New York
State. Mrs. Handeyside is the seventh
child in a family of nine, the other eight
being Winslow H., who served three
years in the Union army and died Sep-
tember 13, 1874, leaving a wife and two
children, Mary and Cynthia; Florence A.,
now the wife of John Handeyside, her
former husband, John Leach, having been
killed in the Civil war; William P., of
Canton, Wayne Co., Mich. ; Silas J., who
died at the age of twenty-seven; Cynthia,
now Mrs. William McKinstrey, of Jack-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL BE CORD.
137
son, Mich.; George W., who died at the
age of ten; Martha, who died at the
age of nineteen, and Eibertie, now on
the homestead at Canton, Wayne Co.,
Mich. The father of this familj', who
was a pioneer of Wayne county, Mich.,
died May 20, 1886, his wife following
him to the land of eternal rest December
2, 1888, both dying at the age of sixty-
eight years. Mr. Handeyside and his
wife are both Baptists in their religious
belief, but there is no church of that de-
nomination at De Pere with which to af-
filiate. In politics he is a Republican;
socially he is a member of the Soldiers'
Relief Committee, appointed by the county
judge, and is also a member of the F. &
A. M., I. O. O. F.; K. of P., G. A. R.,
and Temple of Honor. He has won a
high place in the confidence of the busi-
ness men of the community, and is highly
esteemed in a wide circle of social ac-
quaintances. Mrs. Handeyside is a
member of the Women's Relief Corps of
the G. A. R. , and of the Social Temple —
the latter an auxiliary degree of the Tem-
ple of Honor — and enjoys, with her hus-
band, the respect of all acquaintances.
CARL G. MUELLER (deceased),
well-known and highly respected
in his day in both county and
State, was born January 8, 1834,
in Saxony, Germany, and in 1852 came
to America with his father and a brother
and sister, his mother having died in the
old country when he was but three years
old. The family, on arriving in the United
States, located near Milwaukee, Wis., and,
for about two years, Carl G. clerked in
a general store in the village of Calumet
and other localities, in 1856 settling in
Wrightstown, Brown county, where for
two years he clerked in a hotel. He then
opened a general store in the village,
which was one of the first in this section,
and practically succeeded to the business
interests of the Wrights, who were the
founders of the place. In August, 1861,
he married Miss Mary Thompson, who
was born December 9, 1841, in Gran-
ville, a suburb of Milwaukee, one of a
family of nine children born to William
and Frances (Quinette) Thompson, the
former of whom was a native of Scotland,
and an early settler in Milwaukee county,
Wis. He died in Wrightstown at the
age of seventy-three; his wife, who was
born in France, is still living in Wrights-
town. Of the thirteen children born to
the marriage of Carl G. and Mary Mueller
six sons and one daughter have been
called away. The survivors are Charles
W. (whose name opens this sketch),
Emma, Mary, Clara E., Gertrude and
Selma. Mr. Mueller continued to carry
on his general store after his marriage,
and was honored and respected by the
entire community until the day of his
death; and, indeed, his memory is still
cherished with affection by those who
knew him. He was a gentleman of a
most enterprising spirit as well as of phil-
anthropic disposition; was prosperous as
a merchant, and invested his profits in
large tracts of wild land, giving poor per-
sons every opportunity to buy a home
cheaply and get a start in life. It was a
prominent trait in his character that in
old times, when the country was new and
money scarce, he would advance all need-
ful supplies, and even money to the poor
and rich, alike. In fact, all had unlimit-
ed credit, as can be readily testified to by
the old residents; to which fact, however,
sad to relate, he lost the greater portion
of his estate (which at one time was esti-
mated to be worth over one hundred
thousand dollars), many of those whom
he had befriended when in need refusing
to pav their obligations when the}' found
themselves in more prosperous circum-
stances. For years he ran the ferry
across Fox river, and afterward built and
operated the fir=t bridsre across that river,
at this place a floating bridge. He built
the "American House," the best hotel in
the town, and was landlord of same;
13^5
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
also built and operated a brewery on
the west side of the village: started the
first sawmill in Wrightstown, and a few
years later also opened a general store and
built a sawmill in Ashland, Wis. Just
prior to his death he sold the Ashland
mill, however, and after his demise the
entire business at Ashland was closed up.
Mr. Mueller was a devout Christian, ac-
tive in religious work. He assisted in or-
ganizing the first Lutheran Society in
Wrightstown, gave the ground on which
to build a church, much of the timber
necessary for the building, and a good
portion of the cash requisite for its erec-
tion. It is said cjf him by the residents
of Wrightstown that he gave sites for and
helped, financially, all the churches and
schools on the east side of the villiage of
W'rightstown. In politics he was a life-
long Ueniocrat, and for over twenty-five
years was postmaster, also filling several
other local offices with honor and credit
at different times. He was the architect
of his own fortune, and was in every re-
spect a representative self-made man.
His funeral took place from the Lutheran
Church December 15, 1886, and was the
largest ever seen in this part of the coun-
try; so great, indeed, was the attendance
of Germans, Americans and others, that
two sermons were delivered, one in Ger-
man and the other in English. His
death was a sad blow to the entire com-
munity, as he was not only a friend to the
individual members thereof, but was also
looked upon as one of the fathers of
Wrightstown. His estimable widow still
lias her residence at the old home, sur-
rounded by her children and every com-
fort calculated to make life desirable. She
is a devout member of the Catholic
Church, a kind and lovable woman, a
noble mother, and a model of honor in
her daily walk throuefh life.
CHARLES W. MUELLER.the eldest
son of this honored gentleman, was born
in Wrightstown township. Brown Co.,
Wis., December 27, 1862. He is now
the manager of the estate, and displays a
rare business talent, which already marks
him as one of the future representative
men of his county. He has filled several
local offices, and is at present clerk of the
village and township, which responsible
offices he has filled with credit for the
past two years. He is a graduate of Ap-
pleton high school, and he and his sisters
have been reared to a faithful observance
of the doctrines of the Catholic Church.
From an early day he was his father's
chief assistant, and, after the death of the
latter, successfully conducted the large
business in all its details, until his own
marriage, when he wound up the business
and has since had charge of the estate
and everything pertaining to it. He was
wedded in 1886 to Miss Louisa Delger, a
native of Calumet county, Wis., and
daughter of August and Estina Delger,
both of whom are now deceased. Two
children have blessed this union, viz. :
Edwin and Irene. Socially Mr. and Mrs.
Mueller stand in the front rank in their
community, and as a business man he has
the respect of all acquaintances.
AUGUST H.AESE, prominent as a
farmer and sawmill owner of
Morrison township, Brown county,
was born January 10, 1843, ''i
Northern Prussia, son of Christoff Haese,
a farmer.
At the age of eleven years our subject
emigrated, in company with his brother,
John Ferdinand, to the United States,
landing in New York, thence coming di-
rectly to Manitowoc county. Wis., where
a brother, a sister, and a brother-in-law
were then living. Although a mere lad,
August, after attending school a }ear,
went to work in the woods at shingle
making, then an industry pursued alto-
gether by hand. Early in the spring of
I 860 he went to Spring Lake Prairie, and
for eight months worked on a farm at six
dollars per month. He saved his earn-
ings here, and also the money he earned
COMMEMORATIVE BWGBAPUWAL RECORD.
139
later near Ripon, in Fond du Lac county.
In the latter part of August, 1862, he re-
turned to Manitowoc county, enlisted in
Company F, Twenty-sixth Wis. V. I.,
and was sent to Milwaukee, whence, after
two weeks' drilHng, he was returned
home on account of being too young for
a soldier and his father refusing to sign
his enlistment papers. For a few years
following he worked in the northern part
of the State in sawmills and at lumbering,
and then, in January, 1867, in company
with his brother Ferdinand and another
comrade, he settled on Section 22, in
Morrison township, where the three
erected a sawmill in a dense forest, the
nearest road to the mill being the old
stage road, one and a half miles west.
Here, on the Branch river, the partner-
ship lasted for a year and a half, Mr.
Haese at that time buying his partners
out and forming a new firm, comprising
himself and his brothers Ferdinand and
Albert, who for seven years worked sol-
idly together, and consequently prospered.
On January 15, 1869, Mr. Haese
married, in Cooperstown, Wis. , Miss Ma-
tilda Olp, who was born in Milwaukee in
1850, a daughter of Ferdinand Olp, a na-
tive of Prussia. The young couple went to
housekeeping in a log cabin that stood
north of their present fine residence
which Mr. Haese erected in 1883. The
children born to this union were as^ol-
lows: Helena, who died at the age of
seventeen; Louisa, now Mrs. Louis Falck;
Robert C, an assistant of his father; Ida,
Emma and Bertha, at home; August, who
died at nine years of age; and Julia (twin
of August), who lives at home; Arthur,
also at home, and Ella, the survivor of a
twin that died at birth.
The Haese brothers remained together
in business until 1876, when August
bought the interest of the other two; one
year after his making this purchase his
mill was destroyed by fire. He had no
insurance and but little capital left, but
he had good credit, the next best thing to
cash, and, probably a better thing yet,
an unimpeachable character for integrity.
Three solid contractors were anxious to
secure the job of rebuilding, knowing full
well that their pay would be certain if the
life of Mr. Haese were spared, and that
they would be fully reimbursed for their
cash outlay and expenditure of time. So
the mill was rebuilt, and paid for by Mr.
Haese. and now, for twenty-seven years,
he has been continuously and prosperously
conducting the business on his own prop-
erty— a tract of 160 acres. In 1869 he
added farming to his milling industry, and
has been as successful as an agriculturist
as he has been as a mill man. This farm
was literally hewn out of the woods, but
is now a model of thrift and beauty and
skillful culture.
Mr. Haese's political proclivities are
Democratic, but he prefers active busi-
ness interests to the ephemeral ones of
party politics, and wisely has never been
an office seeker. He and his family are
members of the Lutheran Church, and
for six years he has been a deacon. His
aim has always been to be a good citizen
and so to train his children, and there is
no family in the township that stands
higher socially than his. When it is re-
membered that he had no assistance in a
pecuniary sense in his start in life; that
his mother died when he was but three
years of age, and that he was reared
without the fostering care of the parent,
who, as a rule, imparts the virtuous les-
sons that from infancy onward make the
man what he ought to be morally, it be-
comes a matter of wonder that he has
succeeded so well; and it may be inci-
dentally added that his course through
life is well worthy the emulation of the
youth of our land.
N
lELS RASMUSSEN, one of the
well-to-do farmers of Glenmore
township. Brown county, was
born November 11, 1838, in the
Kingdom of Denmark, son of Rasmus
140
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Christensen, who was employed as a farm
hand by a large landowner for forty years,
and who died in Denmark, as did also his
wife. They were the parents of ten chil-
dren— four sons and six daughters — of
whom Niels is the eldest son and the sec-
ond child in order of birth.
Niels Rasmussen attended school in
his native country from his seventh to his
fourteenth year. He was reared to farm-
ing, which he continued to follow until he
was twenty-one years old, about which
time he joined the army, serving seven-
teen months. In 1863 he again joined
the army, also in 1864, during the war
with Prussia, ami while i.n the service was
never wounded, though his clothing was
pierced by a ball. On March 16, 1866,
he married Miss Hannah Neilson, who
was born June 2 1839, (daughter of Niels
Anderson, a farmer in comfortable cir-
cumstances), and attended school from
the time she was seven years old until she
reached the age of fifteen. One child was
born to this union in Denmark, Mary,
now the wife of J. P. Christenson, of
Glenmore township. Brown countv. After
his marriage Mr. Rasmussen worked as
a laborer for a grain merchant on the
Island of Moen, Denmark, until 1869, in
the spring of which year, bidding their
native land farewell, he and his little
family proceeded from Copenhagen to
Hull, I^ngland, and thence to Liverpool,
where they took pa'^sage on the "North
America" on April i, setting sail for
America. The boat was bound for
Quebec, but as it was early in the season
the ice compelled them to put in at Port-
land, Maine, and they landed there on
the 14th of April. They had tickets for
Green Bay, Wis. , whither they came via
Chicago (where a sister of Mrs. Rasmus-
sen was living), arriving at their destina-
tion, April 21, strangers in a strange land,
and totally unacquainted with the English
language. The family remained in Green
Ba\- while Mr. Rasmussen went to Glen-
more township, where a brother resided,
and during that summer he worked as a
farm hand, also making shingles and do-
ing anything else he could to earn an
honest dollar to support his family. In
the fall of 1869 he purchased a piece of
land in section 24, Glenmore township,
but through some mistake commenced
clearing the wrong tract, and it was not
until 1884, after much expensive litiga-
tion, that he finally secured a clear title
to his land. He now has a fine farm of
120 acres, all of which has been cleared
by him, or under his direction, a laborious
task, and one which occupied many years.
But from being a poor man he has, by
honest industry and assiduous toil, become
a well-to-do farmer and landowner.
He and his wife had five children
born to them in Wisconsin, namely:
Charles, Lawrence, Andrew and Alfred,
all living, and Niels, who died in infancy.
The sons, who are all hard-workingyoung
men, have been of great assistance to
their father in the cultivation of the farm,
which is one of the best-improved places
in the township, the buildings being ex-
ceptionally fine, and the barn one of the
most commodious in the vicinity. In
politics our subject is not an ardent party
man, voting usually for the best man re-
gardless of party, and he has served as
school director in his township. He and
his wife are members of the Lutheran
Church of Denmark, and they are known
and respected throughout their commu-
nity as kind-hearted, hospitable people.
FELIX LUROUIN, Fort Howard.
The pioneer settlers in the Green
Bay region had many difficulties
to encounter in the earh' days,
but they were, for the most part, hardy
and persevering men, and more than one
lived to see his final triumph over them all.
Among these there have been persons of
various nativities, all alike struggling to
acquire a competence, and all developing
into excellent citizens, public-spirited and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPIIICAL RECORD.
141
alive to the best interests of their com-
munity.
Fehx Lurquin was born in 1842, in the
village of Blanden, Belgium, son of Joseph
and Mary (Haazendonk) Lurquin, who
had a family of five children, as follows:
John B., married and residing on Elmore
street. Fort Howard, where he is engaged
in gardening; Collett, wife of John B.
Vanderveken, residing in Belgium; Felix,
our subject; and August and Leonie, both
residents of Belgium, the latter the widow
of Bernard Nakaars. The parents both
died in the old country in the same month
in 1893, the father aged eighty-six and
the mother eighty-four years.
Mr. Lurquin was educated and grew
to man's estate in Belgium, and in 1865
was married in that country to Miss Rosa-
line De \to3', daughter of Franz and
Johanna (Kattersoll) De Vroy, all natives
of the same countr}-, where her parents
passed their entire lives. Upon coming
to Green Bay, in 1866, Mr. Lurquin found
employment as a day laborer, and in the
fall of 1867 removed to Fort Howard,
settling where he now resides, on Dous-
man street. Purchasing four acres of land
from Mr. Elmore he engaged in garden-
ing, and subsequently added a considera-
ble area to this original small tract, still
owning twelve acres, besides which he
sold fourteen acres and gave eight and a
half acres to his children. In 1876 he
built his present brick residence, and is
the owner of the fine brick Fink block
on Dousman street, which he purchased
in 1893. In politics Mr. Lurquin is a
Democrat, and takes an active interest in
the workings of his party; he was city
marshal of Fort Howard for five years,
serving twice in that capacity, and for two
years he was superintendent of streets,
but he is by no means an office-seeker.
He and his wife are members of St. Willi-
brord's Catholic Church at Green Bay.
When they built their home at Fort
Howard it was in the woods, but the place
has grown beyond its then narrow con-
fines, having developed to a degree per-
haps never anticipated by its pioneer set-
tlers, and their home is now within the
city limits. Mr. Lurquin has adhered to
industrious habits, and by perseverance
has accumulated the property he now pos-
sesses. When he and his wife arrived in
this country, in 1866, they were without
money, and all that they succeeded in
gathering together has been acquired by
hard labor and assiduous industry; at the
present writing he has an independent
competence, and is counted among the
substantial citizens of Fort Howard. He
is a worthy example of the pioneers who
hewed out a home in the midst of a forest,
and from a start of nothing secured a
comfortable property by patient toil.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Lurquin
are: Joseph, who married Frances Deu-
ster, and resides in the same house with
his parents (they have one child, Henry);
and Nettie, the wife of Ferdinand De-
Volder, of Fort Howard, who has one
daughter, Rosaline (she had a son who
died February 14, 1894).
EMILE VAN CALSTER, one of
the respected self-made farmers of
Bellevue township. Brown coun-
ty, was born April 20, 1840, in
Belgium, son of Gregg Van Calster, a
blacksmith, who had eight children —
four sons and four daughters — of whom
Emile is the eldest.
Our subject attended the schools of
Belgium until he was eleven years old,
after which, for eight years, he was em-
ployed in the thread mills. When about
twenty years old he commenced to learn
the trade of painter, in which he con-
tinued five years. Then, in the spring of
1865, he sailed from Antwerp, and after
a voyage of fourteen days landed at New
York City, thence immediately coming to
Wisconsin, and on June i landing at
Green Bay, eighty dollars in debt, as he
had borrowed to pay the expenses of the
journey. In Green Bay he secured work
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at his trade, which he continued to follow
until 1872. In the meantime he had
purchased thirtj' acres in Bellevue town-
ship, where he now lives, at that time all
new land, and put up the first dwelling, a
24x28 house, himself, removing thereon
in 1870. On December 25, 1867, Mr.
Van Calster was married, in Green Bay,
to Miss Hortense Daix, who was born
January 18, 1841, near his home in Bel-
gium, a daughter of Anton Daix, who
died in Belgium. In 1865, his widow,
Mrs. Daix, came with her family to Wis-
consin, our subject being also one of
the party.
To Mr. and Mrs. Van Calster have
been born the following named children :
Joseph (who is a carpenter in Green Bay) ;
Constance, Julius, and Sarah, at home;
and two that died, Constance when seven
years old, and Alvinia, when two and a
half years old. Since 1872 our subject
has given his attention principally to his
farm, and he now has 120 acres of fine
land, all improved by himself, where he
is engaged in farming, in connection with
which he also conducts a dairy business,
lindustry and good management have
brought him success, and he is highly es-
teemed in his township. Politically he is
a Republican, and has served his township
as road master. In religious belief he
and his wife are Spiritualists.
Z.\CHAKIE GOFFART. Among
the intelligent, prosperous agricul-
turists and self-made citizens of
Dc Pere township, none is more
deserving of mention than the one whose
name is here recorded. He was born
August I, 1842, in Belgium, a son of
Peter J. Goffart, who was a merchant and
landowner in his native land, and in com-
fortable circumstances. He died when
his son, Zacharie was twelve years old.
Zacharic Goffart received all his edu-
cation in Belgium, and when, about four-
teen \'ears old, came with his widowed
mother to the United States. They sailed
from Antwerp in April, 1857, on the
"Westphalia,' and came via Quebec to
Green Bay, Wis., where they arrived
eight weeks after leaving their home. An
older brother of our subject, Ferdinand,
had preceded them to this country, and
they all resided for a time in Green Bay
township; but the la,nd was poor, and
they soon afterward moved to De Pore
township, along the East river. In this
region, which was then all in the woods
and abounded with wild animals, Zacharie
was reared to manhood, and, there being
no lack of work he commenced early to
assist in the clearing of the land. From
De Pere the family later removed to
Rockland township, where they resided
seven years.
On June 11, 1867, Mr. Goffart was
married, in De Pere, to Miss Mary T.
Daix, a native of Belgium, and to this
union were born six children, four of
whom are yet living, namely: Catherine,
Ellen (a school teacher, of Peoria, 111.),
Hortense (a school teacher at Steven's
Point, Wis.), and Leo (living at home).
The mother of these died November 10,
1879, and was buried in De Pere ceme-
tery, and on January 10, 1881, Mr. Gof-
fart was married, in De Pere, to his pres-
ent wife, Elizabeth Becher. She was
born March 17, 1 861, in New Denmark
townshi]!. Brown county, a daughter
of Joseph Becher, who was a native
of Germany. To this marriage were born
children as follows: Emil}', Constant
(deceased), Joseph, John, Edward, Zach-
ariah, Elizabeth, and Flora (deceased).
After his marriage Mr. Goffart first lo-
cated in De Pere township, along East
river, and then for seven years resided in
Rockland township. In 1892 he remo\ed
to the city of De Pere, where he owns
twenty acres within the corporation limits
and forty-four acres outside in the town-
ship, private claim No. 35. He has fol-
lowed general farming and stock raising,
and has met with encouraging success.
He has seen the entire surroundin'j coun-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUWAL RECORD.
'43
try transformed from the woods to fertile,
well-kept farms, and has himself taken no
small part in the development of his sec-
tion. He has been a hard-workinjj man,
and by industry and energy has earned for
himself a comfortable, well-improved farm
and home. In his political affiliations he
is a Democrat, but he does not take any
active interest in party affairs, preferring
to give his attention exclusively to his
private business interests; but, though
not an aspirant for office, he has served
as roadmaster in Rockland and De Pare
townships. Though Mr. Goffart's early
educational ad\antages were somewhat
limited, he has acquired a good store of
knowledge by reading and observation;
he takes great interest in the newspapers
cf his section, as well as others of general
interest, and keeps himself well informed,
on current topics. He has ever been and
is yet a very active man, always finding
something to occupy his time. He has
crossed the Atlantic five times, having
paid two visits to his native home since
coming to the United States, taking the
first trip in 1S71. In 1S93 he proceeded
over the Baltimore & Ohio railway to
New York, where he embarked on the
Red Star liner "Westerland" for Antwerp,
and spent two months as a guest at the
same house where he was born, as well
as his mother and grandmother. Mr.
Goffart has also journeyed throughout the
Great West, for the benefit of his health,
which was much improved, and all in all
there are few farmers of his section who
have traveled more extensively.
PETER VANDERK INTER.
Brown county is indebted to the
little kingdom of Holland for
many of her most loyal and sub-
stantial farmer citizens, prominent among
whom in New Denmark township is the
gentleman here named. He was born in
Holland December 25, 181 8, a son of
Peter and Anna (Cooper) Vanderkinter,
who reared a family of seven children,
named as follows: Jacob, Mary, Duke,
Leona, Catherine, John and Peter. The
father owned a small farm, which he cul-
tivated, and by thrift and industry was
enabled to support his family in comfort.
Peter Vanderkinter lived with his par-
ents until he reached the age of eighteen
years, at which time he entered the army,
remaining in the service ten years. He
then sailed for America in company with
two other young men, and landed in New
York after a voyage of thirty-seven days,
during which one of his companions was
so seriously injured that he died a short
time after landing; the other young man
lived in New York State six years, and
then returned to his native land. Our
subject was penniless on his arrival in the
New World, and found employment with-
out delay, working first for a gardener in
New York at four dollars a month, and
later going to New Jersey, where he re-
mained seven j'ears, following the same
line of work. Here he was married
March 9, 1850, to Miss Anna Bush, and
they came westward to Wisconsin, Mr.
Vanderkinter working near Sheboj-gan as
a farm hand for a year and a half, thence
moving to New Denmark township,
Browncounty, where he took up eighty
acres of land, a complete wilderness at
that time, and set about the task of con-
verting it into a pleasant, fertile farm.
He and his wife lived with their nearest
neighbor until the log shanty, 18 x 20, was
ready for occupancy, and this was their
home for seven years, when a more sub-
stantial one took its place; which in its
turn was in course of time supplanted by
the modern frame house now occupied by
Frank Vanderkinter. The clearing of the
land necessarily progressed slowly, for
our subject had no team during the first
six years, and therefore he had to hire
such aid, working out bv the day to pay
for it. All the trading had to be done at
Green Bay, and, having to walk the entire
distance, a trip to town occupied three
davs. About fifteen vears after his removal
144
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPniCAL RECORD.
here Mr. Vanderkinter purchased another
forty-acre tract of wild hind, which he has
also cleared and improved, the farm being
well-equipped with outbuildinj^s, and
other accessories.
To our subject and wife were born
twelve children, as follows: Jacob, John,
Rozina, Anna, triplets who died in in-
fancy, Peter, Frank, Henry, Abraham
and William, of which large family but
four are now living: John, Frank, Henry
and \\'illiam. The mother of these
passed from earth March i, 1885, and
was laid to rest in New Denmark ceme-
tery, deeply mourned by all who knew
her. Frank Vanderkinter has always re-
mained on the home farm, of which he
now has the principal management, his
father having retired from active work.
On August 18, 1888, he was married to
Miss Minnie Fager, daughter of August
and Hannah Fager, and their union has
been blessed with three children: Will-
iam, F"rederick and Henry. Politically
Mr. Vanderkinter is a Democrat, but not
active in party affairs.
CW. STRECKENBACH. Far
across the stormy Atlantic, in the
quaint old German Fatherland,
Ernest Streckenbach and Nettie
Miller, his wife, were born. Both sought
homes in the country of the stars and
stripes, coming to Brown county, Wis.,
in the days when it was practically an un-
broken wilderness.
Mr. Streckenbach reached Green Bay
in 1 848, married, and settled in the woods
of Pittsfield township. Brown county,
where he erected a log cabin and began
the improvement of his land. ' It may be
readily imagined that the young German
soldier found this life wonderfully difTer-
ent from what he had been accustomed to;
but he bravely plodded ahead, and lived
to see great changes accomplislied in the
region about him. Four children came
to gladden the home: Edward C., now
engaged in the boot and shoe business at
Fort Howard; Pauline, wife of L. C.
Schilling; Louise, teacher in the public
schools of Milwaukee; and the subject of
this sketch. Mrs. Streckenbach, who had
also come with her parents to Green Bay
in 1 848, was called upon in 1 863 to mourn
the death of her husband, who passed
away in that year. She subsequently be-
came the wife of Henry Rathman, and
bore him four children: Lena, now Mrs.
Alvin Outland, of Green Baj'; Clara, wife
of W. W. Nuss. also of Green Bay;
Emma, teacher in the public schools of
the same city, and one deceased.
C. W. Streckenbach was born in 1861
in Pittsfield township. Brown Co., Wis.
Coming to Green Bay at an early age, he
acquired a common education in the pub-
schools and at Prof. Murch's business
college. At the age of thirteen years he
engaged in the cooperage business in a
plant, a portion of which is now owned by
D. W. Britton. In 1885 the present
wholesale firm of C. W. Streckenbach &
Co. was formed. These gentlemen deal
extensively in oysters and fish, and fur-
nish employment at their establishment to
twelve or fifteen men. In September,
1890, Mr. Streckenbach was united in
marriage, at Stephenson, Mich., with
Miss Maud Benjamin, a native of Mani-
towoc county. Wis., where her father,
Sumner Benjamin, was a respected pio-
neer; he now resides at Stephenson, and
is a millwright by occupation. To Mr.
and Mrs. Streckenbach have been born
two children, Sumner and Hazel. Mr.
Streckenbach is a Republican in politics,
and takes a becoming interest in the af-
fairs of his party. He is a member of
the Royal Arcanum, Council No. 546;
also of Pochequette Lodge, No. 126, K.
of P. His estimable wife, who was reared
a Methodist, attends the services of the
M. E. Church.
In a region like that surrounding Green
Bay, and having so manj- natural facili-
ties for commercial advancement, the
changes in a few vears will necessarih- be
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
H5
many, and, although yet a young man,
Mr. Streckenbach has witnessed a re-
markable development in the surround-
ings of his home. The future is full of
promise for this locality, and such repre-
sentative men will be at the front in shap-
ing its destiny along the lines of prosper-
ity and usefulness.
HORACE J. CONLEY, yacht
builder, commodore of the Green
Bay Yacht Club, and former pro-
prietor of the beautiful vessel
"Merlin," said to be the safest, best
equipped and fastest yacht on the lakes,
has been a resident of Green Bay for over
a quarter of a century, having come to
the town when a boy.
He is a native of Maine, born in the
town of Medway, August 3, 1861, to Vin-
cent and Eleanor (Fowles) Conley, the
father a Canadian by birth, the mother a
native of Maine. The}' were married in
that State, and there Vincent Conley fol-
lowed the lumber business and carpentry,
until I 866, when they came west to Wis-
consin, bringing their family. Settling for
the time in Green Bay, the father worked
in the shipyards, later building vessels
for his own account, and finally engaging
in the ice trade until 1884, when he
moved to Sheboygan, establishing there
an extensive ice business which he still
carries on. Eight children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Conley, five of
whom are yet living, namely: William,
married, in business a boat builder; Etta;
Horace J., our subject; Lincoln, and
Lewis — of whom William, Etta and Lewis
live in Fort Howard, Wis. ; Lincoln, who
is married, lives at Sheboygan. Wis. ;
Edward, who was married and resided at
Watersmeet, Gogebic Co., Mich., where
he was a notary public and township
supervisor, died there July 19, 1894.
Horace J. Conley, whose name intro-
duces this sketch, received his education
at the schools of Fort Howard and at
Green Bay Business College, afterward
learning the trade of boat builder, making
himself conversant with all the details of
the craft. In 1883 he commenced build-
ing boats, yachts, etc., for his own ac-
count, making a specialty of racing and
sporting yachts of all descriptions, as well
as ordinary sail boats, and he has built
several boats that have "shown a clean
pair of heels" to all competitors. His
industry gives employment to some seven
hands. In connection with his business
Mr. Conley has naturally been deeply in-
terested in yacht racing, in which his
record places him "second to none," for
he has proven that he can not only build
boats, but that he can also sail them like
the true " fore-an'-aft " sailor he is.
Among the many yatch races in which he
came off the victor may be mentioned the
regatta at Chicago during the World's
Fair, which was of more than local in-
terest, as it attracted from all parts of
the United States thousands of lovers
of aquatic sports Besides winning the
free-for-all race, his yacht, "Merlin,"
also beat, in private races, the schooner-
yacht "Toxteth," and sloop "Rambler,"
coming in ahead of the first-named by a
quarter of an hour. She took first prize
at the Milwaukee Yacht Club regatta held
at Milwaukee, July 4, 1894, and first
prize at the Green Bay Yacht Club regat-
ta held at Green Bay, September 26,
1 894. In September, 1 894, the ' ' Mer-
lin '' was sold by Commodore H. J. Con-
ley to Commodore J. D. Sarles, of Green
Bas'. Mr. Conley's "Empress" and
"Vivian" are also famed for speed, the
first-named being said to be the best
finished yacht on the lakes; she won first
prize in a race on Lake Oconomowoc,
without availing herself of her time allow-
ance, the "Vivian" coming in second.
(The prize was a silver cup presented by
Commodore Greene). In 1886, at the
closing of the season of the Oconomowoc
Yacht Club, on the waters of La Belle,
the "Vivian" captured the first prize.
Among other A i yachts built by Mr. Con-
146
COMMEMOllATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ley may be mentioned the fast sailor •' Au
Re\oir, " for A. J. Chase, of Lake Crystal,
Minnesota; schooner yacht "Oneida, "for
John C. F"ollett, of Green Bay, Wis., (she
won first prize in her class in the Green Bay
rej^atta held July 27, 18941; sloop "Em-
ma," for Commodore Greene, which, in
her maiden race, beat the "Empress"
and ' ' Vivian " on Lake Oconomowoc, July
4, I 894, also on Auf^ust 26, in a race on
the same lake, between boats brought in
from Pine and Pewaukee Lakes, again
won first prize, this time against ten
starters, the boats taking part in this race
representing the best builders in the coun-
try, some of them coming from New York
and Boston.
In 1889 Mr. Conley was married in
Green Bay (where she was born) to Miss
Clara M. Scheller, daughter of Albert
and Louise Scheller, natives of Germany,
whence several years ago they came to Wis-
consin, settling in Green Bay, where Mr.
Scheller conducted one of the first tailor-
ing establishments of the place. He died
in 1863; his widow is still residing in
Green Bay. To Mr. and Mrs. Conley
has been born one child, a charming little
daughter, named Marie Vivian. Mrs.
Conlej' is a member of the Moravian
Church. Our subject is a member of
Pochequette Lodge, No. 26, K. of P.,
Green Bay, and of the Republican party.
He was elected commodore of the Green
Bay Yacht Club July 1 1. 1894. In addi-
tion toj'achts and boats, he is also manu-
facturer of sails, tents, flags, awnings,
etc. The family residence is at No. 300
South Washington street, Green Bay.
FELIX DKOOG. This substantial,
well-to-do citizen of De Pere,
Brown coimty, is a native of Bel-
gium, where he was born Decem-
ber 25, 1823. and educated, attending
school up to the age of thirteen yenrs.
He started out in life for himself, first
commencing to work as mason's assistant.
afterward learning the trade of mason and
bricklayer, at which he continued to work,
and, being thrifty and economical, saved
some mone\-. On April 15, 1856. he was
married in Antwerp to Bernardine Evard,
who was born in Belgium in August, 1826,
and a few days after their marriage they
bade farewell to their friends and home.
Mr. Droog had not to leave his native
country because of the fear of coming to
want in later life, for he had been re-
warded with the National Recompense of
two medals of honor for devoted acts of
courage. The first medal (silver) he re-
ceived in April, 1850; the second one
(gold), also an engraving showing his
courageous acts, received from the royal
palace February 11, 1851. With this
honor, he and his j'onng bride set sail
from Antwerp for America. They
took passage in the "Mary Goodwin,"
and after a long voyage landed at Que-
bec, Canada, whence they at once set out
for their final destination. Green Bay,
Wis. The journey from Quebec occu-
pied nine days, and they arrived in Green
Bay July 14, strangers in a strange land,
and with but fifteen dollars to commence
life in the New World. For o\er a year
after their arrival they resided with Greg-
orie Bormans. in .'Mlouez township, and
then moved to De Pcre, where Mr. Droog
obtained employment on the old stone
school building, which was then in course
of construction, and later took the con-
tract for the mason work on the "Cali-
fornia House " He continued to follow
his trade at odd times for four and a half
years, part of the time working for Joseph
G. Lawton at seventy-five cents per day.
Purchasing a lot in De Pere, he erected
thereon the house in which the family
still resides, and, after some years, pur-
chased twenty acres of wild land in De-
Pere township. The place was entirel}' in
the woods, not a stick having been cut from
it, and he at once set to work to clear and
improve it; he never lived there, however,
continuing to have his home in the town.
He is energetic and industrious, and by hard
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
'47
work and perseverance has accumulated a
comfortable competence. He not only
cultivated his original larin, but added to
it gradually, until it now consists of fifty
acres of productive land. In addition to
his agricultural labors he also continued
to follow his trade until 1892, when he
abandoned it. For twenty-three years he
had been employed to set fire-brick and
do other repair work in different furnaces
in the Fo.\ River \'alle3', many of which
he had also helped to build. There are
few men in the township who have toiled
harder, but he has met with encouraging
success in his efforts, and he is highly re-
spected everj'where for his sterling worth.
Mr. and Mrs. Droog have been blessed
with children as follows: Mar}', Mrs.
Frank Calaway, of WestDePere: Leona,
Mrs. August Matzke, of Glenmore; Jo-
sephine, deceased wife of Mathias Matzke
(she was a school teacher prior to her
marriage); and Jennie C. and Henry J.,
at home. Mr. Droog is a Democrat in
his political preferences, and in religious
connection he and his wife are members
of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, De Pere.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH DENIS, of the
steam tug "Charniy," has been
sailing from the port of Green
Bay since 1864, commencing on
the steamboat "George L. Dunlap," and
receiving his commission in 1868.
He was born in Belgium in 1845, a
son of Leopold and Rosalie (Noel) Denis,
and in 1855 the family left their native
land on the " Henry Reed," a sailing
vessel, in fifty da\s arriving at New York
City. Thence they proceeded to Buffalo,
N. Y., where they passed their first win-
ter; from there, in the following spring,
came by rail to Fond du Lac, Wis., and
thence by team to Green Bay. In Bel-
gium the father had followed agricultural
pursuits, and, being desirous of continuing
the same vocation in the New World,
bought 160 acres of totally uncleared
timber land in Brussells township. Door
Co., Wis., near Red river. This, how-
ever, the family never cleared, nor even
lived on, though in later years the father
did some logging on it; but in Allouez
township they lived for five years on Capt.
Cotton's farm, where is now the cemetery
of that township. He then bought a farm
near the old military road, where he died
Januarj- 22, 1892; his first wife had pre-
ceded him to the grave in 1866. He was
a Democrat in politics, and for eighteen
years was assessor of his township. This
couple had born to them children as
follows: Joseph, the subject of this
sketch; Victoria, wife of Frank Garrett,
of Green Baj'; Celestin R. , residing at
East De Pere, engaged as engineer and at
farming; Louis, an engineer, who died in
1891, at Appleton; Alfonsine, who died
while en route to America; Charles, who
died in Buffalo, N. Y. ; Leopold, an en-
gineer, residing in Green Bay; Julia, wife
of X. Parmentier, city clerk of Green
Bay; Mary, wife of Alfonse Hugot, of
Allouez; Rosalie, wife of Ralph Soquet, a
druggist, and Charles, a resident of De-
Pere. In 1867 Leopold Denis, father of
this famil}', for his second wife married
Honorine Istash, also a native of Belgium,
and to this union were born seven chil-
dren, of whom the living are Victor,
P"rank, James, Honorine and Louisa.
Our subject was but ten years of age
when he came to Green Bay, and was
educated in the schools of that city and
in Allouez township. Until he com-
menced boating he was employed on the
farm; in 1882 and 1883, however, he was
connected with his brother, Leopold, in
sawmilling, but continued steamboating
between Green Bay and all lake ports as
far as Chicago. In 1868 he \\as married,
in Green Bay, to Miss Mary Briquelet, a
native of France and a daughter of
Nicholas Briquelet, at that time a resi-
dent of Allouez, where he died. Her
brother, Joseph, came to this country in
1856, and died in 1888. To the marriage
of Capt. Denis have been born four chil-
1 48
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dren, viz.: Aj^nes (deceased in 1891) was
the wife of Joseph Coel, a clotliing mer-
chant; James is a salesman with Joannes
Bros. ; and Lucy, and Joseph, also clerk-
ing with Joannes Bros. The Captain in
politics is a Republican; fraternally he is a
member of the Royal Arcanum; in relig-
ious faith he and his wife are members of
St. John's Catholic Church. Their fine
residence in Green Bay is located at No.
325 Van Buren street, and is centrally
situated. The Captain takes a lively in-
terest in the progress of the city, is high-
ly respected both on the lakes and on
shore, and is recognized as a useful, sub-
stantial citizen.
PETER VANDERHEIDEN,
farmer of Holland township,
Brown county, was born in North
Brabant, Holland, February 10,
1849, a son of Derk and Antonet (Van-
Roy) Vanderheiden.
The father of our subject was a
farmer, and was twice married, first to
Petrone'la Van de Nymelenberg, who bore
him seven children, and died November
9, 1847. The father then married, No-
vember 30, 1848, Antonet Van Roy, who
has bore him six children, viz. : Peter,
our subject; George B. ; Mary, deceased;
John and Bardine (twins), and Mary (2).
In 1850 the parents came to America,
landing in New York, thence coming
directly to Wisconsin. They settled in
Holland township, where the father
bought 160 acres of land in the wild
woods, from which was carved out the
splendid farm where our subject now lives.
It would be superfluous to here relate the
primitive manner in which the farm was
reached and hewed from the wilderness.
The courage and the endurance of the pio-
neer have been depicted a* housand times,
and the experience of the Vanderheiden
family was that of all others in like cir-
cumstances. Suffice it to say that the
family prospered, but that it was for a
period of thirty years that they lived in
the 20 X 30 log cabin that originally occu-
pied the site of their present substantial
stone dwelling.
Peter \'anderheiden was faithful in
aiding his father in developing the home-
stead, and was alwa)s a hard worker at
home, with the exception of a few months
during the winters, when he worked for
neighbors; but he always brought his
earnings home, adding thus to the family
store. The father died here February 1 1,
1874, aged fifty-nine years, eleven months
and eleven days, deeply mourned by
friends and neighbors. Our subject then
took possession of the farm, which he has
successfully managed to the present time;
each heir became the owner of eighty
acres. In 1887 our subject married Miss
Louise, daughter of John and Mary
(Gilsing) Pekel, the family coming to
America from Germany in i860. There
were nine children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Pekel, namely: Lambert, John, William,
Mary, George, Kate (deceased in in-
fancy), Louise, Kate (2), and Lena. To
our subject and his wife have come four
children, viz. : Theodore, born Decem-
ber 7, 1S88; John and Mary, born Jan-
uary 14, 1891; and William, born Jan-
uary 7, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Vanderheiden
are devout members of the Catholic
Church; in politics he is a Democrat, and
socially he is one of the most respected
citizens of the township.
JOSEPH CRABB, a rising young agri-
culturist of De Perc township, is a
native of the town of De Pare,
Brown county, born November 8,
1 87 1, son of Philip and Gertrude Crabb,
the former a native of Belgium, the latter
of Holland. She was his second wife,
and they were the parents of six children —
three sons and three daughters — of whom
Joseph is the eldest son.
Joseph Crabb received a liberal com-
mon-school education in the schools of
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
149
De Pere. When he was seven years old
his father died, and his mother having re-
married, he resided at home until he
reached the age of eighteen, at which
time he commenced life for his own ac-
count. Proceeding to Glenwood, St.
Croix Co., Wis., he remained there three
years, the greater part of the time work-
ing in a mill, excepting for a few months
when it was idle, and he engaged in rail-
roading. He then returned to De Pere
township, Brown county, where for a
short time he made his home with his
wife's parents, coming, March i, 1893, to
the farm where he now resides. On No-
vember 5, 1889, Mr. Crabb was married,
in De Pere, to Miss Nellie Kersten, who
was born August 17, 1870, in De Pere
township, daughter of John Kersten, a
native of Germany. To this union have
been born two children, Philip and Ger-
trude A. Though Mr. Crabb is but a
young man, and is, in fact, the youngest
fanner in the township, he has no su-
perior as an agriculturist in his section.
He is hard-working, energetic and pro-
gressive, and with his natural ability and
good business management is bound to
prosper. In his political affiliations he
is a member of the Democratic party,
and in religious connection he and his
wife are both members of St. Mary's
Catholic Church.
JAMES D. McAllister, a weii-
known resident of Howard township.
Brown county, is a native of Wis-
consin, born in Manitowoc county
November 27, 1847, son of Clement and
Minalta (Holbrook) McAllister.
Clement McAllister was born and
reared on a farm in the forests of New
York State, and came to Wisconsin in
1839, settling on a farm, where he died
when about fifty years of age. His parents
were Francis and Nancy (Elkins) McAllis-
ter, natives of Scotland, the former of
whom was born March i, 1792, and died
November 6, 1841, in Manitowoc county,
Wis. ; the latter died in St. Lawrence
county, N. Y. Mrs. Minalta McAllister
was born November 18, 18 10, in St. Law-
rence county, N. Y., and now makes her
home with her son, James D. She is a
daughter of David and Minerva (Bartholo-
mew) Holbrook, the former of whom, a
farmer, was born in 1785 in Lebanon,
Conn., and died in T833 in St. Lawrence
county, N. Y. His parents were Peltia
and Mary (Clark) Holbrook. Minerva
Bartholomew, daughter of Isaac and
Lydia (Deming) Bartholomev^', of Ver-
mont, but later of New York, was born
June 3, 1793, and died in 1843, the mother
of twelve children, of whom Minalta Mc-
Allister was the eldest, and of whom seven
are yet living.
James D. McAllister is the youngest
child in a family of six, of whom but one
besides himself, a sister, is living. He was
reared on the home farm until fourteen
years of age, when his father died, and he
went to work for his Uncle Hiram, with
whom he remained eight or nine years.
In 1876 he first came to Howard town-
ship. Brown count}', and bought eighty
acres of partly cultivated land, which he
at once commenced to improve and work.
On May 28, 1879, he was married to Miss
Ella Ames, who was born March 27, 1859,
in Erie county, Penn., daughter of Clark
and Mary (Robbins) Ames, who had a
family of five children; these parents were
also natives of Pennsylvania, in which
State the mother died at the early age of
twenty-seven years; the father, Clark
Ames, and his children came to Wiscon-
sin about the year 1866, and still reside
in Pittsfield township.
The union of James D. and Ella Mc-
Allister has been blessed with six chil-
dren, as follows: Mabel V., born April
3, 1 881; William L. , born September 10,
1882; Susan S., born June 3, 1885; Alvin
L., born March 8, 1888; and Clyde C,
born May 18, 1890, and one born May
17, 1894, died July 28, 1894. Mr. Mc-
Allister, at the time of his marriage, set-
•50
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD.
tied on his present farm, on which he
conducts a profitable dairying business.
In his political affiliations he is a Republi-
can, and he is active in promoting the
educational interests of his section, also
giving his aid to religious and other moral
movements which tend to benefit or ad-
vance his township or county. He and
his family are universally respected, and
Mr. McAllister's steady habits render him
a desirable member of the community.
SETH WILLIAMS CHAMPION,
railroad manager, was born De-
cember 25, 1844, at Princeton,
Ky., son of Henry W. and Sally
(Wiggcnton) Champion, also natives of
Kentucky. They were both closely allied
to well-known southern families, although
bearing different names.
Thomas Champion, grandfather of the
subject of these lines, was a native of
North Carolina, whence he moved into
Kentucky, settling in Livingston county,
near the city of Salem, where he resided
until 1 8 14. He served as sheriff of Liv-
ingston county, was a trader with the
Southern States, and while on a trip
south with a drove of horses contracted
yellow fever, from which he died soon
after reaching home, leaving a widow and
five children, Henry W. being the eldest;
Dr. Alfred Champion, now a resident of
Eddyvillc, Ky., is the only surviving
member of this family. Their mother,
Mrs. Thomas Champion, was Miss
Frances Williams, who, in 1809, in com-
pany with her brother Henry, migrated
from Virginia to Kentucky, and settled in
Livingston county, near Salem. She was
connected with the Williams family, nota-
ble among the large landowners of Cul-
peper county. Va., some members of
which achieved distinction in public life.
One of the most distinguished members
of this family was Gen. Robert Williams,
of the United States Army, an ardent
Unionist, who rendered valuable service
to the government during the Rebellion,
notwithstanding the fact that he was a
Virginian by birth. After the war he
served as adjutant-general of the army,
and married the widow of Stephen A.
Douglas. His grandfather served in the
Virginian line during the war of the Rev-
olution, and was also a commissioned
officer in the war of 1H12. The paternal
great-grandmother of Seth Williams
Champion came of another distinguished
Virginia family, representatives of which
were also numerous in Culpeper county.
Henry W. Champion, father of our
subject, was born, in 1812, in Livingston
county, Ky., and was but a boy when his
father died. His wife was a granddaugh-
ter of John Miller Bell, who belonged to
a famous Southern family, numerous rep-
resentatives of which have been promi-
nent in public life, John Minor Botts,
who was one of the signers of Jefferson
Davis' bail bond at the close of the Civil
war, belonging to the antecedents of the
Bell family. Prior to the war he served
many years in Congress as an "Old-Line
Whig," and was an enthusiastic follower
of Henry Clay. He was a lawyer and
gentleman farmer, his law office being in
Richmond, and his country home near
Culpeper Court House. He opposed the
Secession movement, and when the war
began retired to his farm, refusing to act
with the large majority of the public men
of Virginia who held that they owed their
State allegiance paramount to that which
they owed to the National Government.
His loyalty to the Union caused him to
suffer arrest and imprisonment at the
hands of the Confederates, and his for-
tune was seriously impaired by the rav-
ages of war. After the struggle was ended,
he e.xerted his influence to restore Vir-
ginia to Statehood, and published an in-
teresting volume entitled "The Great
Rebellion, Its Secret History, Rise, Pro-
gress and Disastrous Failure."
In 1857 Henry W. Champion, with
his family, emigrated from Kentucky to
Coles county. 111., one of the older coun-
'^Icr^Kt
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
153
ties of southeastern Illinois, where he be-
came a fanner. In 1862 he removed to
central Illinois, settling first in Macon
county, and three or four years later in
Menard county, where he continued to re-
side up to his death, which occurred in
1 88 1, one week after the decease of his
wife. In early life he was a printer, and
published a paper both in Tennessee and
Kentucky, but later was a merchant at
Greenview, and for many years postmaster
of that village. In his religious faith he
was a stanch and active member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and
during his whole life was an ardent worker
in the Sunday-schools.
Seth Williams Champion, the subject
proper of this sketch, received his literary
education at the schools in Coles county
and Mount Zion, Macon Co., 111., at the
age of thirteen years commencing to work
on his father's farm, and, until he at-
tained his majority and sought other em-
ployment, by far the greater share of
his time was thereafter devoted to that
kind of labor. When he was about twen-
ty-two years of age, he left home and
went to Virden, 111., becoming a clerk in
the office of the Chicago & Alton Railway
Co. at that point, and after remaining
there one year he was appointed station
agent at Greenview, 111. At the end of two
years more he was promoted to station
agent at Lacon, 111. (also on the Chicago
& Alton railroad), and remained there
eight years. In 1878 he came to Green
Bay, Wis., and became the agent in that
city of the Green Bay & Minnesota Rail-
road Company, now known as the Green
Bay, Winona & St. Paul Railroad Com-
pany. Sometime afterward he entered
the general offices of this company as
chief clerk, and later was promoted in
succession to the important and respon-
sible positions of general freight and pas-
senger agent, and superintendent. In
1890 he became general manager of this
line of railroad, with headquarters in
Green Bay. He has also been manager,
since its construction, of the Kewaunee,
Green Bay & Western railroad, running
from Green Bay to Kewaunee, a line
thirty-four miles long, of which he was
one of the builders and principal pro-
moters.
As a railroad man, Mr. Champion
has become well known throughout the
entire Northwest, and is recognized as a
railroad operator of superior capacity and
ability. Having begun his career, as a
railroad man, as station agent in a country
village, he has thoroughly familiarized
himself with all the details of railroad
business and management, and has earned
promotion by hard work and thorough
honest}', intelligent effort, and efficient
services. He has made a close study of
what may be termed ' ' The science of
railroading," has a broad knowledge of
the principles governing the operation of
railroads and all the rules and regulations
pertaining to railroad traffic, and is a
man, also, of extensive general informa-
tion. The duties and responsibilities of
the positions which he has held have de-
manded his undivided attention, and he
has had neither the time nor the inclina-
tion to seek official preferment or public
honors of any kind, the only office he has
ever held being that of alderman, while
a resident of Lacon, III. He has, how-
ever, taken the interest which all good
citizens should feel in political move-
ments, acting always with the Republi-
can party where political issues are in-
volved, and being a firm believer in the
wisdom of its principles and politics. His
family, although of Southern origin, be-
longed to the " Old-Whig" party of ante-
war days, and when his father came
North he drifted easily and naturally into
the Republican party, when that party
came into existence. The son wasbrought
up under this influence, and has seen no
reason to change his political faith. The
religious influences, which surrounded him
in early life, were those of the Cumber-
land Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Cham-
pion is still a Presbyterian in his Church
affiliations, but on account of there being
'54
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
no Presbyterian Church of the Cumber-
land faith in Green Bay, he affihates with
the Methodist Church, of which his wife
is a member.
In 1868 Mr. Champion was married
to Miss Lucinda A. White, a daughter of
George Roley White, of Decatur, 111., in
which city she was born, and to this union
were born five children, of whom three
are living, namely: Lalla May, Ora A.
and Clyde W.
REV. JACOBUS BOZMACK was
born May i, 1848, in Austria, son
of Valentine and Constantia Boz-
mack, who had a family of eight
children, all of whom are deceased ex-
cept our subject. The parents both died
in their native country.
Jacobus Bozmack received his early
education in the common schools of the
land of his birth, and, at the age of
twenty-seven years, entered the priest-
hood. In 1 893 he came to America,
and after a very rough voyage landed in
New York city, thence coming directly
to his charge in Eaton township, P)rown
county, Wisconsin.
HENRY NACHTWEY, a prosper-
ous wide-awake general merchant
of De Fere township, and post-
master at Pine Grove, is a native
of Wisconsin, born July 22, 1858, in Coop-
erstown. Anton Nachtwey, father of
Henry, was born March 26, 1826, in
Prussia, Germany, a son of Michael
Nachtwey, who died when his son, Anton,
was twelve years old. Michael Nachtwey
was married four times, and had twenty-
five children; by his third marriage he had
ten, of whom Anton was the ninth and
the youngest son. This wife died when
her son Anton was five 3ears old.
Anton Nachtwey received a good edu-
cation in the schools of his native coun-
try. He was reared a farmer boy, and
after the death of his father left the home-
stead and hired out as a farmhand at
various places until he reached the age of
sixteen, when he went to Frankfort-on-
the-Main. Here he remained until he
was twenty-one years of age, during which
time he was emplo}ed in the German
mint for three years, and for a year and
a half worked in a brewery with his
brother, Henry (this brother afterward
conducted a store and a saloon in Coopers-
town, Wis. ). Anton had a very profitable
situation in the government mint, but
he was obliged to abandon it on account
of his health. Having a few hundred
dollars, part of which he received from
his father's estate, and part of which he
had saved, Mr. Nachtwey, in the summer
of 1847, left his native countr}' and set out
for America. He proceeded to London,
England; but after waiting there nine days
for a vessel which did not arrive, he took
the cars to Liverpool, whence he set sail,
and after a voyage of seven weeks landed
at New York. From there he proceeded
by steamboat to Albany, thence, via the
Erie canal to Buffalo, where he took
passage on the steamer "Michigan" for
Milwaukee, Wis. His destination was
Two Rivers, but as the "Michigan " did
not stop at that port, he came hither by
sailing vessel from Milwaukee, arriving at
his journey's end in the latter part of
July. At that time the town of Two
Rivers contained but twenty-seven build-
ings, by actual count, and Indians were
still numerous in the surrounding country.
Here Mr. Nachtwey found work in the
sawmill of a Mr. Smit, and remained four
years.
On July 20, 1 85 I, he was married, in
Cooperstown, to Miss Catherine Flatten,
who was born July 8, 1835, '" Prussia,
daughter of Anton and Margaret Flatten,
who came to the United States in 1842.
They were seven weeks crossijig the ocean,
and made the entire journey from their
home in Germany to Green Bay, Wis.,
by water, making the lake trip (-)n the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
155
"Old Columbus," this being; the last trip
made by that old boat. For a year and
a half after their arrival the Flattens lived
in Gi^een Bay, and then moved to De-
Pere township. Brown county, where Mrs.
Nachtwey resided until her marriage. To
Anton and Margaret Nachtwey have been
born children as follows: Joseph, of
Bellevue township; John, of New Den-
mark township; Henry, whose name opens
this sketch; Anton, of Glenmore town-
ship; Frank, of Bellevue township; Mary,
teacher in a convent in Chicago; Mark,
Matilda, and Maggie and Lizzie (twins).
at home; thre^ children that died young;
and Peter, who died in Green Bay at the
age of seventeen, from lockjaw, the re-
sult of an accident in a sawmill.
After his marriage Mr. Nachtwey re-
sided in Cooperstown, of which place he
and his brother Henry were among the first
German settlers. When they first came
there the surrounding country was still in
its primitive condition, and Mr. Nachtwey
remembers at one time seeing seventeen
Indian wigwams in Cooperstown, the oc-
cupants of which were all engaged in
making maple sugar, which they traded
to the settlers for potatoes and other food.
In 1877 he came to New Denmark town-
ship, Brown county, where he and his
wife still make their home. He has fol-
lowed farming continuously ever since his
marriage, and he now has a fine tract of
160 acres. He and his wife are members
of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church at
Pine Grove, and in his political affilia-
tions Mr. Nachtwey generally fa\'ors the
principles of the Democratic party; how-
ever, he cast a vote for Abraham Lincoln,
and supports the best man without much
regard for party lines. He is universally
respected as an honest, upright citizen.
He has a remarkable memory, and easily
recalls events which happened vears ago.
Henry Nachtwey received his educa-
tion in the common schools of his time,
and was thoroughly trained to agriculture
on the home farm. In 1 870 he commenced
to work in a shingle-mil], and continued the
same until a painful accident to his
shoulder compelled him to retire from
active labor and rest for a year, at the end of
which time, with complete rest and the
aid of a costly contrivance, he fully re-
covered and was able to resume work.
For three years he was employed in the
mills of Gillon & Monroe, becoming thor-
oughly familiar with all kinds of sawmill-
ing, which in the early pioneer times was
a very important industry, but with the
clearing up of the countrj' has been gradu-
ally decreasing. On November 12, 1889,
Mr. Nachtwej' was united in marriage, in
De Pere, with Miss Margaret E. Connel-
ly, who was born May 23, 1865, in the
Province of Ontario, Canada, daughter of
John Connelly, and was but nine weeks
old when her parents came to Wisconsin,
where she was reared. After marriage the
young couple commenced housekeeping
in Pine Grove, De Pere township, where
he has been engaged in general mercan-
tile business since 1882. He commenced
alone, but later received his brother,
Joseph, as a partner, and they carried on
the business together until 1891, since
when our subject has been sole proprietor.
He has been very successful, and he con-
ducts one of the best-kept and most com-
plete general stores in the county, his
courteous and accommodating disposition
having made him exceedingly popular
with his fellowmen. The postoffice at
Pine Grove had been discontinued, but in
1882 it was re-established, and Mr.
Nachtwey was appointed to the position
of postmaster, in which he now serves.
Mr. and Mrs. Nachtwey are both mem-
bers of Holy Trinity Catholic Church at
Pine Grove. They have had one child,
Allen A., who was born June 22, 1892.
WILLIAM WORKMAN, the pop-
ular druggist of De Pere, Wis.,
was born at the village of Prest-
wick, Ayrshire, Scotland, June
22, 1S22, a son of John and Ann (Prin-
156
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
glej Workman, the former of whom was
a weaver, who employed several journey-
men, but who died when his son William
was but six years of age. Mrs. Ann
Workman continued to reside at Prest-
wick for some years after the death of her
husband, but tinall}' followed her son Will-
iam to America, and ended her days at
his home in De Pere. Both parents were
members of the Presbyterian Church.
William Workman ser\ed an appren-
ticeship of five and a half years at the
machinist's trade in Deanston, Perth-
shire, Scotland, and then, July i, 1842,
at the age of twenty years, embarked at
Glasgow on a sailing vessel for the United
States, and nine weeks later landed in
New York City, where he remained about
a year, employed at various occupations;
he then came to Milwaukee, Wis. ; thence
moved to Waterville, where he emplo\ed
himself at farming for a year, and was
then employed in carpentering at Ripon.
On January 8, 1852, he started for Cali-
fornia b\' the Panama route, reaching
Panama on the first of the following
March; built and started the first circu-
lar sawmill in the place at a salary of
one hundred dollars per week in gold,
and on May i reached San Francisco.
After quite successfully mining in Cali-
fornia for two years, Mr. Workman re-
turned to Ripon, Wis., May 30, 1854,
and established a steam cabinet-making
establishment; in 1859 he purchased a
seeding machine patent, and for three
years was engaged in its manufacture at
Ripon, but the patent proved a failure.
Mr. Workman ne.xt secured several pat-
ents for sundry other machines, and in
the manufacture of these he met with
better success. In 1866 he entered into
partnership with Jason and \\'ellington
Hitchcock, and added the manufacture of
sleighs, cutters, wagons, etc., and in 1878
sold his interest in the factor}' to Jason
Hitchcock and moved to De Pere, where
he took the position of superintendent of
the De Pere Iron Works, in which he
held some stock. In 1873 the company
failed and was bought in by Blanchard &
Arnold, of Milwaukee, for whom Mr.
Workman acted as superintendent. This
firm also fell into financial difficulties
through the failure of the Union Steel &
Iron Company, of Chicago, in 1884, and
by this disaster Mr. Workman was again
a sufferer to the extent of five thousand
dollars. On November 30, 1885, Mr.
Workman bought out the interest of his
son and his son's partner, Michael Welsh,
in their drug store in West De Pere, and
this he conducted until August 18, 1890;
in 1887 he also purchased from William
Chapman his drug store in East De Pere,
and to this, after selling out in W'est De-
Pere, he has since devoted his entire at-
tention, meeting with a prosperous trade.
Mr. Workman has been twice mar-
ried, first time at Ripon, in 1845, to Miss
Rachel Stilwell, who survived her mar-
riage only three months; his second mar-
riage occurred, in 1850, to Margaret
Miller, also at Ripon. and this union has
been blessed with six children, viz. : Will-
iam M., a druggist of West De Pere;
Mary, married to David Thomas, of Ripon;
Margaret and Aimie P., at home; John,
who died at Ripon of scarletina at the
the age of two years and nine months;
and Frank, who died of diphtheria at De-
Pere, aged three years and three months.
Mr. Workman was a charter member of
Ripon Lodge, No. 95, F. & A. M., in
1857; he also was a charter member of
Ripon Chapter, No. 30, and a member of
the Commandery at Fond du Lac; he is
now a member of De Pere Lodge. No.
85, of which he has served as secretary
three j'ears. In politics he is a Repub-
lican, and while living at Ripon he served
as county supervisor from the First ward;
two terms; also in the city council several
terms, and as mayor one term; at West
De Pere he has served as president of the
village for ten or more years, and also as
member of council in East De Pere for
two years — evincing in each position a
business ability that gave the utmost
satisfaction to the public.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
157
Mr. Workman has always commanded
the respect of the communities in which
he has lived, and been recognized as a
valuable and desirable member of society.
JAMES TOUHEY, the genial pro-
prietor of the "New Transit Hotel"
at De Pere, was born July 28, 1836,
in County Clare, Ireland, son of
Michael and Bridget (Maloney) Touhey,
natives of the same county.
Michael Touhey was a farmer of
moderate means, and also a cattle dealer,
with his residence about seven miles
northeast of Limerick. His children,
who were all born in Ireland, were named
as follows: Jane, Mary, Dennis, Bridget,
Michael, Honora, Margaret, Winnie,
Michael (2), Timothy, Winnie (2), and
James; there was also one that died in in-
fancy. They were not, however, born in
the order named, as James, our subject,
was the fifth child and the third son. On
March 17, 1848, Michael Touhey and his
family left Limerick for America, and on
June 20, landed in Quebec. From that
city he went to Burlington, Vt., where he
was appointed overseer and timekeeper
over 1,200 men employed on the New
York & Erie railway, then being built.
Wisconsin was then a new State, and, al-
though he was making money he con-
cluded to try his fortune here. Accord-
ingly, in the latter part of August, 1848, he
arrived in Milwaukee, where he was en-
gaged in street grading, etc. , employing
many men and teams, until September,
1855, when he removed to Manitowoc,
and a short time afterward purchased a
tract of 160 acres in Franklin township,
same count}', which he subsequently in-
creased to 400 acres. Here he died, in
the Catholic faith, April 6, 1886, and was
followed to the grave by his faithful wife
four days later. Their remains now rest
side by side in Maple Grove cemetery,
Manitowoc county. Of his large family
four children only survive: Honora, a
widow; James, our subject; Margaret,
now Mrs. Patrick McMann, of Kansas;
and Michael, of Bessemer, Mich., but
formerly of Morrison township. Brown
Co., Wis., being then the representative
of his District in the State Legislature.
James Touhey received his earlier ed-
ucation in his native land, and, after
reaching the United States, at the age of
eleven years, attended the Milwaukee
schools until large enough to drive a team
for his father. While thus employed he
drove the horses that hoisted the first lo-
comotive that e\'er ran in Wisconsin, and
which was subsequently used on the Mil-
waukee & Mississippi railroad. He moved
with his parents to Franklin township,
Manitowoc county, where he worked on
his father's extensive tracts of new land
until his marriage, October 26, 1858, at
Manitowoc Rapids, with Miss Mary Mans-
field, a native County Kilkenu}-, Ireland,
born in 1839, daughter of Thomas Mans-
field, who died when his daughter was
but five years of age, leaving a widow and
five children. The widow came to the
United States in 1850. remarried, and had
three children by her second husband.
Mary Mansfield was reared near Haver-
straw, on the Hud.son (or North) river.
New York, and in 1858, while on a visit
to Wisconsin, met and married Mr. Tou-
hey. For five years after his marriage
Mr. Touhey resided with his father, and
then located on i 20 acres of timbered land
that had formed part of his father's estate.
He cleared this land and made a fine
farm, on which he resided twelve years,
doing hard work all the time. In the fall
of 1873 he removed to De Pcie and pur-
chased the " Fox River Hotel," which he
remodeled and opened on the second
Tuesday in November of the same year,
changing the name to the "Manitowoc
House." Aided by his wife, a very ac-
complished lady, he carried on a most
prosperous business until April 22, 1882,
when the edifice was consumed by fire.
Mr. Touhey immediately rebuilt on a
larger scale, and called the new hotel the
I5S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
"Transit Hotel." in which he did a thriv-
ing trade for seven years, when he was
af,'ain burned out. Mr. Touhe}-, some-
what di.scouraged, then went to Hot
Springs, Ark., to be treated for rheuma-
tism, from which he had been suffering
since 1879; later he visited various sites
in Colorado, where .several offers of an
advantageous nature were made to as-
sist him in opening a hotel, but the pub-
lic-spirited citizens of De Pere induced
him to return to that city and resume his
former business. Acordinglv. on the ist
of September, 1890, he opened the "New
Transit Hotel," now .so well known along
the F"o.\ river.
Mr. Touhey is a stanch Democrat, and
was once elected justice ol the peace, but
declined to serve; in 1863, however, he
served as a member of the board of alder-
men of De Pere. He is a member of St
Francis Catholic Church, and he and his
wife are held in the highest respect by the
entire community. They have had no
children born to them, but some young
relative— niece or nephew— has always
found a home under their roof.
Emma, Robert, Ida, and Albert. After
a residence of about si.xteen years on his
farm Mr. Schroeder removed with his
family to Wrightstown, leaving one son in
charge of the home place. Here Mr.
Schroeder at once established his present
business, dealing in farm machiner\- and
agricultural implements, and has built up
a successful and thriving trade, his fair
dealing and gentlemanly deportment gain-
ing for him the confidence of the com-
munity. He is a local leader in the Dem-
ocratic party, and has filled .several re-
sponsible offices; he is now a candidate
for the position of postmaster.
Chari.es schroi£dp:r. This
popular dealer in agricultural im-
plements of Wrightstown, Brown
county, was born June 6, 1844
in West Pru.ssia, son of Gottlieb and
Louise fLuefgei Schroeder.
In 1863, ill company with his mother
and two sisters, our subject came to the
United States, landing at Baltimore Md.,
August 15, whence they moved to the
town of Rockland. Brown Co., Wis., set-
thng in the wilderness near the Fo.\ River
Valley, where he engaged in farming. On
January 18. 1870, Mr. Schroeder was
here married to Miss Bertha \\'irschke a
daughter of Gottlieb Wir.schke, who was
largely engaged in the manufacture of
linseed oil. To this union have been
born ten children, namelv: Marv. Charles,
August, Emilie, Rudolph, " Wilhelm'
CHRISTOPH MEISTER, who is a
contractor and builder, of Green
Bay, was born in Saxony, Ger-
many, November 9, 1820, a son
of Henry and Elizabeth (Neuman) Meis-
ter, who, in 1855, settled in Green Bay,
where the father died in 1864, the mother
in 1866. They reared a family of six
children, as follows: Christoph, the sub-
ject of this sketch; Fredericka, wife of
Matthias Fi.st, of Pittstield township;
Carolme, wife of Jacob Low, of Preble
township; Harry; James; and Ernestine,
I wife of Frank Lipman,of Preble township.'
I Christoph Meister was educated in
Germany, and also learned his trade of
carpenter and builder in that country.
On June 18, 1853, he came to Green Bay,
and m 1856 erected his present plea.sant
residence. On arriving here he at once
engaged in business, and among the many
structures he has put up may be men"-
tioned "Cook's Hotel," Chapman block.
Uncle Frank's block. Engine House No. 1 ,'
the old Postoffice building. Turner Halli
the Union Brewery, a brewery in Esca-
naba, the courthouse in Grand Rapids,
and most of the larger stores and dwell-
ings in Green Bay. Mr. Meister was
united in matrimonv' in Germany, in 1.S49,
to Miss Dorothea Montag. and to this
union have been born eight children, viz. :
COMMEMORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
159
Ernest, Charley, Herman, Frederick,
Louisa (wife of Otto Brehmer), Lena,
Emma, and Matilda. Mr. and Mrs. Meis-
ter are members of the Lutheran Church.
Socially he is a member of Herman
Lodge, No. Ill, in which he has passed
all the chairs, and is also a member of
the Turnverein and of the German Benev-
olent Society. In politics he is a Re-
publican, taking an active interest in the
success of the party, and has served as
alderman four years. Mr. Meister is the
oldest contractor in Green Bay, has la-
bored hard to advance its interests, and
has won for himself a high standing in the
estimation of the entire communit\'.
JOHN BATEY, of De Pere, was born
in the village of Stella, on the river
Tyne, County of Durham, England,
September I I, 1823, and is a son of
John and Ann (Blair) Batey, the former
of whom was a mason and contractor.
Our subject was educated in private
schools in the village of Backworth,
county of Northumberland, England,
until fifteen years of age, when he was
indentured for six years to a coal com-
pany (for whom his father was a foreman
over the masons employed) for the pur-
pose of learning masonry. He served
out the full term of his indentures, and also
worked for the company three years as a
journeyman. On the 25th of |anuar\-,
1845, he married Doroth)- Armstrong,
then eighteen years and eleven days old,
a daughter of Thomas and Ann (Scott)
Armstrong, the wedding taking place in
All Saints Church, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
For ten years after his marriage Mr.
Batey resided in Backworth, working at
his trade, and, of his four children born
there, three died of scarlet fever, which
so distressed him that he resolved to
abandon the country and emigrate to
Australia. On reaching Liverpool with
his wife and remaining child, Ann, then
eight years old, the news of hard times
was so disheartening from the antipodes,
that he changed his destination to Amer-
ica, and landed in Montreal, Canada,
where he found work on the famous Vic-
toria bridge, tlien in course of construc-
tion for the Grand Trunk railway. But
the work was dangerous, and drownings
of masons were of such frequent occur-
rence, that he sought and secured em-
ployment in the Grand Trunk railroad
shops at Montreal, where he remained
three months, and then moved to Point
Levi, near Quebec; but, the water freez-
ing here a quarter of an inch in one night,
in the month of September, he immedi-
ately took passage for Toronto. This trip
was an exceedingh- stormy one; the boat
was wrecked, his household goods all
lost, and he, his wife and child barely
escaped with their lives. Being unaware
of the liability of the boat owners for his
entire loss, Mr. Batey accepted five dol-
lars from the Captain as full indemnity
for his goods and clothing. At Toronto
Mr. Batey worked for three years at his
trade for the railroad company, and then
came to Wisconsin and passed two years
at Marquette; from there, about 1870, he
came to De Pere, since when he has con-
tracted for or assisted in the erecting of
furnaces all the way across the continent
from Detroit, Mich., to Portland, Ore.,
at one time taking nineteen workmen
from De Pere to Oregon. At present
Mr. Batey confines himself to acting
as foreman or director of men engaged
in mason work, having accumulated suf-
ficient means to support his wife and self
during his declining years.
While residing in Canada there were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Batey four children,
of whom two only are now living, viz. :
Rebecca, married to Mr. Bicksler, of
Spokane Falls, Wash., and Thomas W.,
at home with his parents. Ann, the child
who was born in England, was married
in Canada, to William Wright, bore her
husband five children, and died when
about twenty-six years old — the children
being mostly reared by Mrs. Batey. In
i6o
COMMEMORATIVK BWGRAPniCAL nECORD.
politics Mr. Batey is independent, while
Mrs. Batey affiliates with the Repub-
licans, and she has been a consistent
member of the Presbyterian Church for
twenty-six years.
M
H. NOLAN, chief of police of
Green Bay, was born in 1856,
in Sheboygan coimty, Wis.
His parents, Thomas and Mary
(McDonald) Nolan, natives of Ireland,
about the year 1 84 1 settled in the woods
of Sheboygan county, where they wrested
a farm from the forest and acquired a
moderate fortune. They now reside in
Green Bush township, Sheboygan county,
in ease and comfort. They had born to
them a family of twelve children, of whom
eleven are living, viz. : Bridget, wife of
Michael Flynn, of Antigo, Wis. ; John,
of Altoona, Wis.; M. H., our subject;
Andrew, a farmer of Dakota; Katie, at-
tending the Normal School at Oshkosh,
Wis. ; Libbie, assistant county treasurer
of Langlade county, Wis. ; Anna, clerk-
ing in Milwaukee; Thomas, a farmer of
Sheboygan county; Winnie, wife of Thom-
as Keenan, of Milwaukee; Alice, a school-
teacher of Sheboygan county, and Madge,
now attending school.
M. H. Nolan was reared to farming
on the Sheboygan county homestead.
While yet a young man he passed two
years in traveling, seeing the country and
working here and there until his final set-
tlement in Green Bay, in 1882. After
being employed at different branches of
labor, he was placed in the city tire de-
partment, and had charge of engine
house No. 2 for a year; was then tran.s-
ferred to the police force, and served four
years in a subordinate position, when he
was appointed chief in 1893; having filled
the position one term with ability and to
the satisfaction of all concerned, he was
re-appointed and is now serving his sec-
ond term. The force comprises the chief
and si.\ subordinates, and, under Mr.
Nolan's guidance, have succeeded in keep-
ing the city in an admirable state of good
order and quietude. In piilitics Chief
Nolan is a Democrat; in religion he is a
devout Catholic. He is a member of the
Knights of the Maccabees, of which he
was one of the organizers of Green Bay,
and is also a member of the Royal .Ar-
canum. He is a man of nerve, and is
much admired by his many friends and
associates.
FRANK THEODORE BLESCH,
a wide-awake and enterprising
merchant of Green Bay, and who
for some years has been connected
with the commercial and social interests
of that city, was born in Fort Howard,
Wis., July 18,1861, of German ilescent,
his grandfather, Carl Blesch, having been
born at Bingen-on-the-Rhine. The great-
grandfather was a well-known musician
of that locality, and a composer of piano
and organ music. Carl Blesch was also
a very popular citizen in the community
where he lived, and was the proprietor of
the ' ' Pariser Hof " (or ' • Parisian Hotel ")
in Bingen. He died in the prime of life,
leaving a widow, whose maiden name was
Clara Heuser, who survived him many
years. They were the parents of seven
children: Margareta and Carl, both de-
ceased; John B; .Andrew; Francis, also
ceased; Elesa and Peter.
Francis Blesch, father of our subject,
was born in Bingen, November 6, 1824,
and in the public schools of his native
town obtained a good practical education.
He there learned the cooper's and brewer's
trades, perfecting himself in the business,
and worked along those lines in many
places, traveling over the greater part of
Europe. Eventually returning to Bingen,
he there remained until October, 1849,
when he crossed the Atlantic to America,
with but little capital; he was thoroughly
honest, however, and willing to work, and
soon won the respect and confidence of all
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.
i6i
by his many good qualities of head and
heart. He first located in Milford, Penn.,
but in 1850 came to Green Bay, Wis.,
where he established a brewery and did a
successful business. He was a member
of the Masonic fraternity and a benevo-
lent and charitable man, giving freely of
his means to the poor and distressed,
doing all in a quiet and unostentatious
manner. His death occurred November
9, 1879, and he was mourned by many
friends. He married Antoinette Schnei-
der, a native of Brussels, Belgium, who
survives her husband; she is the mother of
six children, namely: Mrs. Sophia B.
Jorgenson, Mrs. Clara Monroe, Mrs.
Emily Lewis, Gustav A., Frank T. and
Louise A.
The subject of this sketch was edu-
cated in the public schools of his native
town, and at the age of seventeen entered
upon his business career as a clerk in the
dry-goods store of his brother-in-law, J.
L. Jorgenson. He remained in that store
nine years, during which time he mastered
every detail of the business. He became
a partner in the concern, and when a
branch store was established at Green
Bay he moved thither to assume the po-
sition of resident manager, and has since
been in charge of what is now one of the
leading mercantile establishments of the
city. He is a man of excellent business
and executive abilities, sagacious and far-
sighted, and by his earnest desire to please
his customers, and his courteous treatment
and fair dealing, he has secured a liberal
patronage, of which he is well deserving.
The best interests of the community re-
ceive his support, and he withholds his co-
operation from no worthy undertaking
calculated to promote the general welfare.
RJ. BLACK, stock dealer. Fort
Howard. This gentleman was
born, in 1843, in Jylland, Den-
mark, and is a son of James and
Carrie (Morup) Black, natives of the same
place, where the father died in 1869, the
mother in 1871, never having left their
native countrj-. Their children were
seven in number (of whom four came to
Wisconsin), viz. : James, who resides in
Denmark; R. J., the subject of these
lines; Carrie Marie, wife of Anders Nel-
son, a large dairy farmer of Denmark;
Peter, also residing in Denmark; Chris-
tian, a resident of Fort Howard, Wis ;
Anna Catherine, who came to Oshkosh,
Wis., and died there in 1870, and James,
who came to Fort Howard in 1874, where
he now resides.
R. J. Black was reared and educated
in Denmark, and prepared himself for a
teacher. At the age of twenty-one years
he left his native land and came to Wis-
consin. Returning to Denmark in 1869
he remained until the following year,
when he again came to the "Badger
State." He first located at Oshkosh, in
1865, working at the lumber business, but
in May, 1874, removed to Fort Howard
and settled in Tanktown. He was then in
the employ of the Green Bay, Winona &
St. Paul Railroad Company, for whom he
had begun work as a track-layer, assisting
in laying the rails as far as Winona, Minn.
He had previously, after his return from
Denmark, been employed by the Wiscon-
sin Central Railroad Company, helping
to grade the road, and, later, was with
the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad
Company, on their line between Green
Bay and Marinette. After the first year
at Fort Howard Mr. Black opened a meat
market, which he conducted for .seventeen
years, finally selling out and engaging in
the stock business, in which he has con-
tinued. He buys and sells live stock, and
has an extensive business. He is the
owner of a good farm in the city limits,
and has been successful in his ventures.
In 1872, at New London, Wis., Mr.
Black was married to Miss Marie Madsen,
a native of Lolland, Denmark, and daugh-
ter of Mads and Miriam Christina (Torsen)
Rasmussen, who spent their entire lives
in their natiN'e country. Four of their
l62
COMMEMOUATIVK BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD.
chil(iren emifjrated to Wisconsin: Rasmus
Madscn and I'rcderic Matisen, both resi-
dents of l-'ort Howard; Mrs. Black, of the
same place, and Signc, wife of C. J.
Black, who died at Fort Howard in 1 886.
There were two brothers, Nels, who died
in Australia, and Christian, who died in
the South. Mr. and Mrs. Black are the
parents of si.\ children: Charlotte, wife
of Rev. J. F. Younj:;, pastor of the Pres-
byterian Church at Fort Howard; Marie,
a j^aaduate of the Fort Howard schools
in 1<S93, and now attending Normal School
at Oshkosh; Agnes, Emma and Stella, at
school; and Edna. In political matters
Mr. Black is a Prohibitionist, and he and
his wife were charter members of the
local organization of the I. O. G. T. ;
both are members of the Presbyterian
Church. Mr. Black also holds member-
ship in the I. O. O. F. at Green Bay,
and the Royal .\rcanum at Fort Howard.
For five years he has served on the school
board, and for an ecpial period was alder-
man from the Fifth ward, serving also two
years as supervisor. He takes commend-
able interest in public affairs, and is in every
respect an upright, worthy citizen. In
1889, in order to enjoy a pleasure trip
and see more of the country, he visited
California.
Mr. and Mrs. Black have both re-
sided in Fort Howard a sufficient period
to witness remarkal)le changes in the
place, and have kept pace with its devel-
opment. All the region round about
Green Bay has undergone almost a com-
plete transformation during the years of
their residence, and the end is not \et.
DM. HARTEAU, architect, of
Green Bay, was born at Dc Pere,
Brown count}', Wis., in 1842, a
son of Joseph and Mary iGorham)
Harteau, the former a native of Canada,
the latter of Mackinac. Michigan.
Joseph Harteau, with two brothers.
Mitchell and Lewis, early came to Green
Ba)' (Shantytown), and there Joseph
found employment on the river under a
Mr. Whitney, and was there married.
Later he migrated to Scott township and
engaged in farming, and still later moved
to Chase township, Oconto Co., Wis.,
where he passed from earth in 1889; his
wife had died in 1888. Mrs. Harteau's
father, David B. Gorham, was a native
of England, and was a shipbuilder. On
coming to America he settled in the Ter-
ritor)- of Michigan, and in July, 1827,
was naturalized in the county of Michili-
mackinac, but shortly afterward moved to
Green Bay, Wis., where he was employed
by the government in boat building, and
where he met his death at the hands of a
soldier. His widow, of whom Charley
Gorham, of De Pere, is the youngest
brother, afterward married Charles Ga-
beau, a native of Canada. Joseph and
Mary Harteau were the parents of eight
children, as follows: D. M., our subject;
Ivosella, who married William Pherson,
and died at Oshkosh; Adeline, wife of
Louis Hardvvelk, of Menominee; Charley,
of Chase township, Oconto county ; Joseph ;
Augustus, of Chase township; Adel, mar-
ried to John Wilson, and Eliza (Mrs.
Longled), of Wisconsin.
In 1864, D. M. Harteau enlisted at
Green Bay, in Company C, Forty-seventh
Wis. V. I., was assigned to garrison duty
at Tuliahoma, Tenn., and was discharged
at Nashville, Tenn., in 1865. On his re-
turn he worked at his trade, that of mason,
and studied architecture, opening an office
in Green Bay, in 1874, for the practice of
the latter science, and has been so em-
ployed ever since. He was married, in
1872 to Miss Camilla Follett, who was
born in AUouez township. Brown county,
a datighter of Burley and Lizzie Follett.
The father was a stationer, but later was
in the boot and shoe business, and died
in Green Bay; the mother passed from
earth in Marinette. To Mr. and Mrs.
Harteau six children were born, of whom
oidv one survives, Zola Lillian; the de-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
16,^
ceased are: Lewis, Sarah, Charles, David,
and Adda.
In pohtics Mr. Harteau is a Repub-
lican, and has served as a member of the
common council from the Third ward; he
is also a member of T. O. Howe Post, No.
124, G. A. R., and of the French Catholic
Church; Mrs. Harteau is Presbyterian.
The family are quiet and retiring in their
habits, and are regarded with general re-
spect, while Mr. Harteau's professional
reputation stands on a firm basis.
JOSEPH HENRIGILLES, present
district clerk, is one of the most
popular citizens of De Pere town-
ship, Brown county, with whose in-
terests he has for many years been promi-
nently identified.
Our subject was born Februar\- 9,
1840, in Francorchamps, Belgium, son of
Hubert Henrigilles, who was a well-to-do
fanner and miller. The latter married
Mary C. Legros, and to their union came
five children, four of whom grew to ma-
turity, viz.: Therese, married to J. Nisen;
Margaret, now the wife of Jacques Ducat,
a farmer of De Pere township; Marj-, who
married Nic. Guirsh, and died in Kansas;
and Joseph, whose name introduces this
memoir. The mother of these died in
1846. In 1858 Hubert Henrigilles sold
his property in Belgium, and in the fall of
the year took passage at Antwerp for New
York, where he and his family landed
after a voyage of thirty-six days. From
New York they proceeded westward to
Chicago, 111., and here remained two
months, at the end of which time they
came to Peshtigo, Wis. , where the father
and son entered the employ of Ogden, the
lumber and railroad man. They worked
in sawmills, and also at vessel loading
until i860, when they removed to New
Hamburg, Scott Co., Mo., and here the
father engaged in farming and other pur-
suits until 1 87 1, when he returned to
"Wisconsin, and passed the remainder of
his life in De Pere township. Brown
county, at the home of his son. He died
in 1892, at the age of ninety, a member
of the Catholic Church, and in politics a
Republican. While a resident of Missouri
he enlisted in the home guards, on the
Union side.
Joseph Henrigilles was reared to agri-
cultural life, and received his education in
the common schools of his native place,
the instruction being principall}' in
French, but he also received a fair train-
ing in the English language. When
eighteen years of age he came with his
father to the United States, and his first
work in the New World was for the Ogden
Com.pany, near Peshtigo, Wis., as pre-
viousl}' stated. The first private resi-
dence in Peshtigo was built for his father,
but it was never taken off the contractor's
hands. Later our subject engaged in
fishing, and in 1 860 he went to New Ham-
burg, Scott Co., Mo., and there joined
Company B, Scott Count}- (Mo.) Home
Guards, Volunteer Battalion. On August,
15, 1 86 1, he enlisted in Company B, First
Missouri Cavalry, Hubbard's Battalion, at
Jefferson Barracks, Mo., for three years,
or during the war. In 1863 he was pro-
moted to corporal, and on December 31,
same year he was honorably discharged at
Little Rock, Ark. The next day, January
1 , 1 864, he re-enlisted in the same company
and regiment, and served to the close of
the war, receiving his final discharge Sep-
tember I, 1865. Mr. Henrigilles was
taken ill in St. Louis soon after his enroll-
ment, and was sent to the hospital, where
he suffered much for want of proper food.
After leaving the hospital he joined his
regiment at Tipton, Mo., and thence went
to Springfield, same State, under the
command of Gen. Fremont, subsequently
returned to Tipton, where he was taken
ill with fever, and, upon his recovery, he
rejoined his regiment at Springfield, Mo.,
to assist in driving the Rebels from the
State. The latter returning, the engage-
ment at Pea Ridge took place. At Sugar
Creek a friend of our subject was wounded,
164
COMMEMOnATIVE BIOURAPniCAL RECORD.
and Mr. Henrigilles was sent to the hos-
pital with him. This establishment had
been moved three miles from its first lo-
cation, and on March 7, 1862, it was at-
tacked by the Rebels, the building being
between the fires of both armies. From
there our subject was sent to Cassville,
Mo., was appointed hospital steward, and,
after some four months rejoined his com-
mand at Springfield. For a time he served
as scout. and was then engaged with 1,300
other men in the pursuit of Col. Coffee. The
Confederates were driven from the State,
and the pursuers returned to Mt. Vernon,
Mo. Our subject was then detailed with
one hundred other men to guard a mill at
Newtonia, Mo., which was thirty-three
miles from the Union and five miles from
the Confederate camp. The second day
the horse Mr. Henrigilles rode gave out.
When the detachment arrived at New-
tonia they were met by i , 600 Confederates,
forming into line for battle, and Capt.
Adams, who had the command, ordered
the men to take care of themselves. Our |
subject was captured, put in a pen with a 1
score of others, and taken to Sugar Creek,
where all their effects were taken from
them, and they were kept on the bare '
ground. Thence they were conveyed I
across Arkansas, via Elm Springs, Fay- j
etteville, over the Ozark mountains to |
Van Buren, and from there to Fort Smith, I
where they were held for three months, '
scantily clothed and fed, and with bricks
for their bed. They were paroled at Lit-
tle Rock, and from there Mr. Henrigilles
went to Helena, .Ark., and after remaining
in that city several weeks joined his bat-
talion at RoUa. Mo. He was again on
scouting duty for a while, and then went
to Pilot Knob and Jackson, Mo., being
with his connnand when it encountered
Gen. Marmaduke and drove him from the
State, capturing the towns of Pilot Knob
and, later. Little Rock. .Ark. The winter
was spent at Benton, .\rk., .scouting, and
they then joined the Camden expedition,
bein? assigned to the command of Gen.
Steele; they were on the march for forty-
two days, fifteen days without drawing
rations, and three days without having
anjthing to eat. On the return to Little
Rock, our subject was granted a veteran
furlough. He afterward was detailed to
carry mail from Camden, .Ark., to Wash-
ington, Arkansas.
Major Hubbard's battalion, or the
battalion to which Mr. Henrigilles be-
longed, was engaged in the following ac-
tions: Springfield, Mo., October 26,1861;
Little Blue, Mo., November 11, 1861;
Clinton, Mo., December 17, 1861; Silver
Creek, Mo, January 8, 1862; Spring-
field, Mo., February 12, 1862; Cross
Timber, Ark., February 16, 1862; charge
at Sugar Creek. Ark., February 18,1862;
first capture at Fayetteville, .Ark., Feb-
ruary 28, 1862; Pea Ridge. Ark.. March
6. 7 and 8; Neosho, Mo., April 26, 1862;
Cowskin Prairie, April 24, 1862; Berry-
ville, ,Ark., May 20, 1862; Fayetteville,
Ark., June 27, 1862; Newtonia, Mo.,
September 13. 1862; Seneca Mill, Ind.
Ter. ,Scptemberi6, 1862; McGuire's Ford,
Ark., October 28, 1862; Prairie Grove,
Ark. , December 7, 1 862 ; Van Buren, Ark. ,
December 28, 1862; Chalk Bluff, Mo.,
May 5. 1863; Bajou Metre, Ark., August
20, 1863; Shallow Ford, Ark., August 25,
1863; Caddo Gap, Ark., November 7,
1863; Cedar Glade, Ark., November 10,
1S63; Arkadelphia, Ark., March 3, 1864;
Spoonville, -Ark., March 5, 1864; Little
Mi.ssouri River, Ark., March 10, 1864
Prairie D'Anne, Ark., March 13, 1864
Poison Spring, Ark., March 14, 1864
capture of Camden, Ark. .March 15, 1864
Jenkins Ferry, Ark., April 30, 1864.
Genera! Steele's division, which had suf-
fered heavily in incessant skirmishing
through the entire march to make con-
nection with Banks from Little Kock,was
attacked on the Sabine river, in Arkansas,
by the consolidated forces of Generals
Kirby Smith and Price — 5,000 Union
soldiers against 20,000 Rebels. A battle
of about eight hours' duration ensued,
which was- one of the sharpest contests
of the Southwest in the war, but resulted
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
l6:
in a victory for the Union force, which
saved Little Rock and Arkansas to the
United States Government. The army of
the Frontier, to which our subject's regi-
ment had been assigned, was designed to
put an end to the combination of Rebels
and Indians, and to do service in all
capacities where needed; consequently
it performed duties of the most arduous
and dangerous character, much of which
has never been portrayed on the pages of
history. They were occupied successively
in expeditions against the I-iebels and In-
dians, connected with the Confederate
forces in skirmishes with Rebel guerrillas,
bushwhackers, etc. ; and of such heav}-
marches as were made by the cavalry and
sharpshooters history has no record.
Joseph Henngilles received his dis-
charge September 1,1865, at Little Rock,
Ark., and immediately proceeded to De-
Pere, Wis. , in the hope of recovering his
health, which had broken down com-
pletely in his long service. For two years
thereafter he worked in a sawmill for
David Loy. On December i, 1866, Mr.
Henrigilles was married, in De Pere, by
Father Verboort, to Miss Mary B. Bor-
man, who was born February 4, 1850, in
Belgium. She was one of a family of six
children ('two now living) who came with
their parents to the United States in 1855,
and was reared in Brown county, Wis.
For about five years the young couple
had their residence on the Borman home-
stead, and then, in 1871, took up their
home on the place where they are yet re-
siding, lot 20, private claim 36, De Pere
township. At that time the tract com-
prised twenty acres of heavily-wooded
land, but it has since been increased to
eighty-five acres. Although he has been
in poor health ever since the war, Mr.
Henrigilles has been a hard worker, and
his good management and progressive
habits have brought him success. He is
naturally intelligent, keeps himself well
informed on the general topics of the day,
and reads considerably. He is a fine pen-
man, and, had he devoted much time to
it, he would undobtedly have become an
artist in this line. In his political affilia-
tions Mr. Henrigilles is a stanch supporter
of the Republican party, and, as such, has
been elected to various offices, serving his
township as justice of the peace, as town
clerk for several years, assessor and su-
pervisor, and at present he holds the office
of district clerk. In religious faith he
and his wife are both members of the
Catholic Church. To their union have
been born the following named fifteen
children: Mar}- T. (now Mrs. Joseph
Martin, of Lawrence township), Mary E.
(now Mrs. Hubert Duquaine, of De Pere
township), Mary L. (now Mrs. Henry Von
\'onderen, of De Pere township), Joseph,
Mary H., Mary L., Ann J., Mary T.,
Hubert H., Laura E., Alise C, Ida M.,
Elionor L. , Catherine E. , and Mary L. ;
of whom Mary H., Mary L. , Mary T.,
Mary L. , and Ann J. are deceased.
ALVIX HUNTER, a prosperous
husbandman of Suamico town-
ship, Brown county, is a native of
Maine, born in Kennebec county,
March 24, 1844. His parents, Arthur
and Emeline fSmith) Hunter, were also
natives of the same place, the former
born in 18 16, dying at the age of seventy-
four; the latter still enjoys life on the old
home farm. Of their three children, Al-
vin is one of the two surviving.
Our subject worked among the granite
hills of his native State, assisting on the
home farm, until the blast of war called
him from his home. He was nearly
twenty years old when he enlisted, Decem-
ber 5, 1863, in Company F, First Maine
Cavalry, and he did faithful service until
March 31, 1865, when he was wounded
at Dinwiddie C. H., Va. ; he was honor-
ably discharged June 27, 1865, from hos-
pital at Augusta, Maine. After the close
of the war he came to Brown county,
Wis. , and bought a forty-acre tract of
land, but he followed teaming for a liveli-
i66
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
hood until his marriage, which took place
November 28, 1868, to Miss Rose Bru-
nette, who was a native of Green Bay,
born in 1842. Her parents. Prudent
and Mary L. fKeynold) Brunette, were
natives of Canada, who came in 1854 to
the United States, where they died at the
respective ajjes of eighty-eipht and seven-
ty-nine, the father passing away first.
They were born in 1804 and 1805, re-
spectively, and their longevity was the
result, no doubt, of the steady habits that
descended to their children, of whom
they had eleven, four of them still living.
To Alvin and Rose Hunter were born nine-
children, as follows: Ida E., married
to Ed. J. Coffin, and has two sons;
Edward A., married to Verna Codington;
Cnra M., second wife of N. J. Putnam,
by whom she has two daughters; Lillian
(i^rst wife of N. J. Putnam), who died
leaving one child; George, who died at
the age of four months; and Willie A.,
Walter O., George D. and Charles L. ,
all four at home.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Hun-
ter settled on his purchase of forty acres,
which he cultivated twenty years and
then went east, and for one summer
worked on his father's farm, after which
he returned to Wisconsin and bought a
new farm of eighty acres, on which he
still lives. In his political preferences Mr.
Hunter is a Republican, having cast his
first Presidential vote for U. S. Grant in
1 868, since when he has been active in
party work, and has held several offices;
he is now chairman of his township.
Socially he is an active member of T. O.
Howe Post, No. 124, G. A. R., of Green
Bay, and he and his wife are regular at-
tendants of Calvary Church.
CM. WINTON, general farmer and
stock-raiser, of De Pere township,
Brown county, is one of the best-
known and most highly respected
men in his community. He was born July
27, 1850, in Meadville, Crawford Co.,
Penn., son of Charles Winton, who was
a native of Centreville, same county.
The Winton family are descended from
English ancestry, who settled in Pennsyl-
vania about the beginning of the present
century, coming either from New York
or one of the New England States. When
a young man Charles Winton married, in
his native county. Miss Phoebe Waid, who
was also born there. He was a farmer of
but limited means, and in 1854 he brought
his family westward to Wisconsin, where
cheap homes could then be had by those
who were willing to undergo the numerous
trials and inconveniences which were the
common lot of the pioneer. He first lo-
cated in Rock county, where he spent the
winter of 1854-5, and in the spring of
1855 removed farther north to Glenmore
township, at that time one of the wildest
sections of Brown county. Some timber
had been cut from the land, but the greater
part of the country was still in its primi-
tive state, and the life of the early settler
was one of constant hardship, privation
and danger. In 1865 Mr. Winton re-
moved to De Pere township, where his
wife died in 1872. He now makes his
home in Daggett, Mich. Thej- had a
family of ten children — five sons and five
daughters — all of whom but one, Edgar,
are yet living.
Charles Mead Winton was but four
years of age when he came with his par-
ents to Wisconsin, and his early education
was such as the common district schools
of that early day afforded. In the mean-
time he also received a thorough training
on the farm, and remained with his par-
ents until 1872, when he decided to pay
a visit to his birthplace in Pennsylvania.
The superior educational advantages to be
had in the East became so apparent to
him that he concluded to remain, and for
five years attended school at Centreville,
Crawford Co., Penn., where he received
thorough instruction, and in 1879 he re-
turned to Wisconsin.
On July 20, 1881, Mr. Winton was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL UECORD.
167
married in De Pere, to Miss Harriet G.
Phelps, a native of Janesville Wis. ,
daughter of Jeremiah and Theresa Phelps,
natives of New York State, who came to
Wisconsin in an early day. In 1879 Mr.
Winton bought the old homestead, and
after his marriage he made it his perma-
nent home; it now consists of eighty acres
of fertile land, where he conducts a gen-
eral farming and stock-raising business.
By industry and perseverance he has
greatly improved his farm and home. In
politics he is a stanch adherent of the
principles of the Republican part\', and
in 1891, 1893 and 1894 was elected town-
ship assessor, in which position he is
proving himself an able officer. Mrs.
Winton is a member of the M. E. Church
in De Pere. They have had one child,
Aden L. , who was born September 25,
1882. Mr. Winton is a great reader,
keeping himself well informed on general
topics, and he and his wife are highly es-
teemed in the community.
LEONARD BONE, retired mer-
chant, of De Pere, was born about
thirty miles southwest of Montreal,
Canada, in the village of Vau-
dreuil, February 2, 1826, a son of Andrew
and Monick (Lesbuay) Bone, both also
natives of Canada and of French descent.
At the age of eleven years our sub-
ject was permitted to make his residence
with a wealthy gentleman, who, in return
for Leonard's services, was to give him a
good education, but who wholly neglected
so to do, the result being that the lad, when
nearly seventeen years old, quit the em-
ploy of the part}' mentioned and made
his way to Whitehall, N. Y. , when not
quite seventeen. A few weeks later he
reached Albany, in the same State, where
he was fortunate enough to secure work
with a stonecutter, and, although a novice,
was soon able to earn sixty-five dollars a
month, and this business he followed
about eighteen months. Times becoming
dull, however, he engaged at work as a
farm hand seven miles from Albany, be-
ginning at three dollars per month, but at
the end of the first month his wages were
increased to ten dollars, his employer find-
ing him to be worth that amount. After
a two-month's sickness, he was married at
Albany to Miss Jane Remington, a native
of Two Rivers, Canada, born September
27, 1823, a daughter of John and Vic-
toria (LeClainj Remington, the former of
whom was of English descent, the latter
of French. Shortly after his marriage
Mr. Bone came west and found employ-
ment at stone-cutting in Joliet, 111., where
he worked two jears, and was then per-
suaded by William Townsend to embark
in the hotel business at Chicago, where,
within two years, he lost all he had in-
vested— seventeen hundred dollars — and
was obliged to borrow fifty dollars to en-
able him to leave that city. About this
time, in 1849, he first came to De Pere,
but did not stay long, preferring to
go to Pensaukee, where, for a year, he
managed a boarding house forF. B. Gard-
ner, who operated a sawmill, and for his
own and his wife's services received thirty
dollars per month; the following four
years their compensation was one thou-
sand one hundred dollars per year. Mr.
and Mrs. Bone then settled on a farm of
eight}- acres near De Pere, which he cul-
tivated some years, and then went into the
grocer}' business within the limits of the
city, where he erected the first brick block
and accumulated a competence that justi-
fied his retirement fifteen years ago. Mr.
and Mrs. Bone are members of the Cath-
olic Church, and in politics he is a Re-
publican. There have been no children
born to them, but they have'reared, from
the age of thirteen months, Kate Palmer,
now happil}- married to Michael Tessier,
and with him living in Nebraska; the}"
have also reared Leonard Tessier (son of
Michael and Kate), a graduate of the De-
Pere High School and of the Universit}'
,of Wisconsin, and who is now superin-
tendent of the Electric Light Works at
1 68
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
De Pere; in addition to these adopted
children, they also reared a nephew,
Julian Bone, from the age of twelve to
twenty j'ears. What more need be said
as to the native kindness of their hearts?
ANTHONY GOEMANS (deceased),
who during his lifetime was a
much respected farmer of Rock-
land township. Brown county,
was a native of Holland, born September
29, 1 82 1, in the province of Limburg.
He was a son of John Goemans, a well-
to-do fajmer, who had six children, An-
thony being the eldest in the family.
During his youth Anthon}' Goemans
had very limited educational advantages,
as he had to commence work very early
in life, and was reared to farming, which
he always followed. In 1856, hearing
that he would have better wages and op-
portunities for advancement in the United
States, he left his native country, and
coming to Wisconsin remained here ten
years, engaging in various kinds of work.
In 1866 he returned to Holland, and on
February 28, 1867, was there married to
Miss Joanna Bernards, who was born No-
vember 5, 1839, daughter of John Ber-
nards, a farmer of that country. Bid-
ding farewell to their home and friends,
they left Holland a month after their
marriage, and, proceeding from Rotter-
dam to Glasgow, took passage there on
a vessel bound for New York, at which
port they landed after a voyage of twenty-
four days. Their destination being in
Wisconsin, they proceeded thither by
rail, and after a short stay in Little
Chute, Outagamie county, came to De-
Pere township. Brown county, where Mr.
Goemans purchased a tract of eighty
acres in Section i i. The land had not
been improved in any way; in some
places it was covered with logs and wood,
all of which had to be cleared away, the
task involving no small amount of hard
work; but being anxious to have a home he
could call his own, Mr. Goemans perse-
vered, and in time succeeded in hewing a
fine property out of the dense forest. On
this farm all their children were born, as
follows: Anna M. (Mrs. Martin Baeten),
John W., Mary M. (Mrs. Henry Herm-
sen, of Green Bay), Frank S., Peter J.,
Katie, Christina M., Herbert, and Nellie
E. Of these, John W. is a carpenter by
trade, moves buildings, drives piles, and
builds bridges; Frank S. entered the
monastery of the Servite Fathers Sep-
tember 4, 1894, and is still there. On
January 2, 1886, the father of this family
was called from earth, and was buried in
De Pere Cemeter)'. He was a Catholic
in religious faith, and in politics a Demo-
crat. At the time of his death the eld-
est of the nine chddren was but seventeen
years of age, but Mrs. Goemans has car-
ried on the farm successfully, and has dis-
played no little business ability and sa-
gacity in the management of the place,
which comprises 1 20 acres of prime land.
The farm work is now attended to by the
sons, Peter J. and Herbert, who have
proven themselves full}' competent, and
the entire family are respected for their
industry wherever they are known. In
church connection they are all members
of St. Mary's Catholic Congregation,
De Pere.
JOSEPH HOEFFEL, president of
the Allouez Mineral Spring Com-
pany, of Green Bay, was born March
25, 1825, in thetown of Lichtenberg,
Province of Lorraine, France. The first
of the family of whom we have any record,
was Joseph Hoeffel (grandfather of our
subject), who was a mechanic, following
his trade in France. He reared a family
of six children — five sons and one daugh-
ter— all of whom received good educa-
tions, becoming for the most part teachers
and musicians.
Of the sons, Anthony (father of our
subject) was brought up to the trade of
COMMEMORATIVE BWGRAPEICAL RECORD.
[71
weaver, which he followed in Europe for
some time. In his military service, which
ended with Waterloo, he was in the arm)-
of Napoleon the Great, doing garrison
duty chiefly. In 18 10 he was united in
marriage to Miss Cecelia Carabin, who
bore him ten children, of whom Louis
died at Havre, France, in the fall of 1828,
while the family were c// ;-tf«/tto America.
In the United States they made their
hom.e at Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio,
where they followed farming with consid-
erable success. The father being a
weaver, as already related, constructed a
loom for himself and manufactured cloth
for his neighbors, as well as for family
use. He was devoted to music, and was
for many years leader of church choirs.
His wife died at the age of forty, in i 840,
and two years later he married Miss Mary
Beyer, who passed away, in 1857, aged
sixty-five years. Both wives died at Nor-
walk, where he himself departed this life
March 10, 1861, aged seventy-four years.
Joseph Hoeffel,the subject properof this
sketch, received his education at Norwalk,
Ohio. When seventeen years of age he
began to learn carriage making, and at
the end of a three-years' apprenticeship,
October 8, 1845, came to Milwaukee,
Wis. , where he followed his trade as a
journeyman one year. On August 10,
1846, he moved to Brookfield, Waukesha
county, and here he engaged in the busi-
ness of manufacturing carriages, etc. In
1848, he visited Norwalk, Ohio, and was
married November 3 to Miss Catharine
Frye, who bore him a son, A. Louis
Hoeffel. Mrs. Hoeffel died at Brookfield,
Wis., June 13, 1850, and May 20, 1851,
Mr. Hoeffel was again married, this time
at Waukesha, Wis. , to Miss Frances
Knowles, by which union nine children
have been born, of whom are now living
the following named six: Frank, Sylves-
ter, Elizabeth, Agnes, Joseph P. and
James I.
In the fall of 1853, at the first Wis-
consin State Fair, held at Watertown,
Wis., Mr. Hoeffel exhibited a full line of
10
carriages, wagons, etc., of his own manu-
facture, and received awards on his
patents in gearing. On May i, 1856, he
sold out his Brookfield business and re-
moved to Green Ba\-, Wis. , arriving June
28, 1856. The same j-ear he erected a
store building on Washington street, and
opened a general store, conducting same
until 1 87 1. In the spring of 1872, hav-
ing acquired property at Oconto, Wis.,
he moved there, and started a store.
Business prospered and his sons, Frank
and Sylvester, after assisting him in the
business a number of }ears, purchased
same in 1886, Mr. Hoeffel retiring, owing
to poor health.
In 1 888, an accidental discover}' de-
cided Mr. Hoeffel to again enter business
life. ^^'hile overseeing some improve-
ments on his Astor Hill property at
Green Bay he drank freel}' of the waters
of a spring at the foot of the hill. The
prompt action of the \\-ater on his en-
feebled s\'stem and the remarkable relief
he experienced from its use convinced
him of its great medicinal value. He
arranged at once for a thorongh and ex-
haustive analysis of the water. Samples
were for\\arded to Prof. W. W. Daniells,
the distinguished professor of chemistry
and pharmacy in the W'isconsin State
University, Madison, and, after a com-
plete and scientific analysis of the water,
he subsmitted same:
University of Wisconsin. \
Chemic.'^l Laboratories, [•
MAnisON, Wi.*;., AiiR-ust 13, 1888. )
Joseph Hoeffel:
Dear Sir: The sample of spring water re-
ceived from -you for analysis has the following-
composition, expressed in jfrains, per United
States standard gallon of 231 cubic inches:
Sodium chloride 4.2SS2S
Potassium sulphate 0.12072
Sodium sulphate 3.4S826
Calcium sulphate 0.10788
Sodium phosphate trace.
Bicarbonate of iron 0.06257
Bicarbonate of lime 24.68662
Bicarbonate of magnesia 27.53300
Oxide of aluminum (alumina). . 0.17470
Silica and insoluble residue. . . . 1.97160
Total grains per U. S. gal. .62.38060
Temperature, 46 degrees Fahrenheit.
COMMEMORAriVK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
This is an unusually large amount of solids
to find in a Wisconsin mineral water — the larg^-
est amount I have ever found. The salts that
exist in unusual quantities are niaffnesia,
sodium salts, sulphuric acid, lime and chlorine.
Of these I have made duplicate determinations,
to he assured of their accuracy.
You will note its freedom from organic mat-
ter. Yours trulv,
W. W. DANIELLS,
Professor of Analytical and Applied Chemistry.
The receipt of this exceedingly favor-
able analysis from so reliable a source,
and the action of the water on Mr. Hoef-
fel having proved same to be possessed of
positive curative virtues, determined him
to develop the springs and place the water
before the public that others might like-
wise enjoy its healing powers. The an-
alysis of Allouez Water reveals the fact
that it is the strongest alkaline (antacid)
mineral water known. The combination
of the salts of sodium, magnesia, lime,
iron and silica with carbonic, sulphuric,
and hydrochloric acids, all in perfect solu-
tion, is a rare one. This fact at once
brought it into prominence before the
public. Physicians, especially, recog-
nized in the harmonious blending of these
therapeutic properties, a sovereign rem-
edy, whose use is indicated in all dis-
eases of the allied phenomena of the uric
acid diathesis, viz. : Diabetes, Bright's
disease, inflammation of the bladder and
kidneys, rheumatism, dyspepsia, torpid
liver, cloudy urine, gravel, suppression of
urine, calculi or stone in bladder, consti-
pation, piles, catarrh of the stomach,
nervous debility, gout, rheumatic gout,
dropsy, sick headache, female weakness,
and eczema. In the short period of time
since the discovery of the medicinal vir-
tues of Allouez, the reputation and fame
of the water have become widespread.
The marvelous curative power it possesses
has gained for it the attention of the
medical profession in various parts of this
countrj', who recommend and prescribe
it, often where medicine has failed to ef-
fect a cure. As a remedy it acts the
same alone or in connection with medi-
cal treatment. The demand for Allouez
is constantly inceasing, and thousands of
cases of bottled water are shipped annu-
ally. The springs were named ' ' Allouez "
in honor of Pere Claude Allouez, the in-
trepid missionary who founded the first
Indian mission in 1668 (225 years ago;,
but a short distance from these springs.
That the medical virtues of the waters of
these springs were known to the Indians
and early missionaries may be inferred
from extracts taken from Marcjuette's
Journal: "Embarking in our canoes,
we left the river and nation of the Wild
Oats (Menominees), and soon reached the
extremity of Baydes Puants (Green Bay;.
Leaving this bay, we entered the river
emptying into it. We found the river
full of bustard, duck, teal and other water
birds, attracted by the wild oats growing.
I had the curiosity to drink the mineral
waters found not far from here. "
The following is a short sketch of Mr.
Hoeffel's seven living children: (I). A.
Louis, eldest of the seven living children,
was born at Brooktield, Wis., September
4, 1849, and moved with his parents to
Green Bay, where he was educated; he
became a marine engineer, which voca-
tion he now follows; he is married and
has four children. (II). John Francis
was born at Brookfield, Wis., June 25,
1853, and came with his parents to Green
Bay, where he received his education in
the public schools; later he attended St.
Francis Seminary at Milwaukee, Wis. ;
in 1883, he married Miss Clara Saylor, of
Saugatuck, Mich., who died June 12,
1883; on January 25, 1888, he was united
in marriage to ^Iiss Adelaide Doolittle, at
Whitewater, Wis. ; he is now located in
business at Chicago; thev have one son,
Basil D., born October 2'6, 1888. (III).
Sylvester was born October 10, 1857. at
Brookfield, Wis., came to Green Bay with
his parents, and pursued his studies in the
public schools; in 1871, he engaged in
mercantile business in Oconto, where he
still resides; he was married May 25,
1 88 1, to Miss Genevieve Heath, of Osh-
kosh, and they have five children, their
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
173
names and dates of birth being as follows:
Paul S., June 12, 1885; Mildred G., Oc-
tober 27, 1888; Marion F., October 27,
1888; Gerald N., June 20, 1892; Ken-
neth M., March 29, 1894. (IV). Eliza-
beth was born at Green Bay, Wis., June
8, 1858; after graduating from the high
school here, she attended St. Mary's In-
stitute at Milwaukee, Wis., in 1875, where
she graduated four years later; she was
united in marriage with Dr. P. O'Keefe,
at Oconto, Wis., January 31, 1883, where
they still reside; they have four children,
Horace V., born December 28, 1884; Jes-
sie A., born October 9, 1886; Carroll J.,
born September i, 1889; and Gertrude
L. , born June 2, 1894. (V). Agnes C.
was born December 3, i860, at Green
Bay, Wis. ; received a thorough high school
and convent education; in 1878, she
studied painting at Chicago, under Prof.
Gregori, for two years, also music at the
Chicago Conservatory; on October 10,
1 88 1, she was united in marriage at
Oconto, Wis., to Henry U. Cole, where
they continue to reside; they have seven
children, their names and dates of birth
being as follows-: Francis M., August 3,
1882; Minnie Cecile, December 15, 1883;
Helen, August, t 886; Henry U., April 26,
1888; Pauline A., July 15, 1889; Agnes
C, September 27, 1892; Kathleen, June
9, 1894. (VI). Joseph P., born Septem-
ber 17, 1 86 1, at Green Bay, Wis.,
was educated at the public schools; in
1879, he attended the College of the Sa-
cred Heart at Watertown, Wis., finishing
his studies there; after seven years' ex-
perience in his father's store in Oconto,
became to Green Bay in April, 1889,
where he andjames I. (mentioned below)
engaged in the shoe business; he is inter-
ested in the Allouez Mineral Spring Com-
pany, at Green Bay, directing the man-
agement of the same; he was united in
marriage to Miss Christine Romana Waite,
of Pewaukee, Wis., Februar}' 3, 1890,
and they have one son, Joseph Merrill,
born October 31, 1890. (VII). James I.
was born April i, 1863, at Green Bay,
\\'is. ; after attending the public schools
here and at Oconto, he entered the Col-
lege of the Sacred Heart at Watertown,
Wis., finishing his studies there in 1881;
having secured a business education in his
father's store at Oconto, he came to
Green Bay, 1889, and associated himself
in the shoe business with his brother,
Joseph P. ; he is also interested in the
Allouez Mineral Spring Company; he is
not married.
T
HOMAS RYAN, who for the past
forty years has been actively
identified with the agricultural in-
terests of Rockland township.
Brown county, was born November 10,
1833, in County Tipperary, Ireland, son
of Patrick and Nora Ryan, the former of
whom, who was a farmer, died in 1 846,
leaving a widow and seven children —
four sons and three daughters. In 1853,
having determined to try their fortune in
the New World, the family proceeded to
Liverpool, where they took passage on
the "Arctic," bound for New York, in
which city they landed after a voyage of
five weeks and five days. Going to
Otsego county, N. Y., they remained
there a year and a half, the sons engag-
ing in farm work, and then came west-
ward to Brown county, Wis., by water,
arriving in Green Bay in November, 1855.
After coming to Wisconsin, our sub-
ject worked in Oconto county and vicini-
ty for some time, following various pur-
suits, principally farming. In i860 he
purchased forty acres of new land in Sec-
tion 10, Rockland township (being obliged
to go into debt for a portion of this
tract), and built thereon a rude, though
comfortable log house, in which he and
his mother made their home. As the
farm yielded no support for some years,
he followed lumbering during the winter
season for several years, devoting the
rest of the year to clearing and improving
the land. He has not only succeeded in
converting the original forty acres into a
1/4
COM.VEMORATIVE BIOOIiAPIIICAL RECORD.
present
leading;;
He has
fertile, well-cultivated tract, but has
added thereto until he now has a fine
farm of 160 acres. His property has
been feathered by years of industry and
untiring energy, and he is a self-made
man in the full sense of the word, having
risen from a poor boy to his
enviable position among the
farmers of Rockland township.
been called upon to serve in various of-
fices of honor and trust in his township,
such as member of the school board,
supervisor and chairman, and has dis-
charged the duties imposed upon him in a
creditable and highly satisfactory manner.
In his political preferences he is a Demo-
crat, though not strictly partisan, in local
elections voting for the best man regard-
less of party ties.
fn November, 1865, Mr. Kyan was
married to Miss Margaret Lee, a native
of County Galway, freland, daughter of
Michael I^ee, who was a farmer of Rock-
land township. After marriage the young
couple immediately took up their resi-
dence on the farm, where, in 1886, Mr.
Ryan erected one of the most substantial
rural homes in the vicinity. This union
has been blessed with children as follows:
Catherine, Mrs. H. P. Crist, of Wausau-
kee, Wis. ; Agatha, a school-teacher of
De Pare: Patrick J., at home; Marie
Anna, a school-teacher of Wausaukee;
Michael E., at home, who attends the
high school in West De Pere; Winnifred,
attending the State Normal School at Osh-
kosh; Timothy, going to school in De-
Pere; and Thomas and Robert, at home.
These children have all had excellent
educational opportimities, of which they
have not been slow to take advantage
and to fully appreciate, and the entire
family are among the highly respected
ones of the vicinity. In religious connec-
tion they arc members of St. Francis
Church, De Pere. During the Civil war
Mr. Ryan enlisted, on January i, 1865,
at Green Bay, in Company I, Fifty-first
Regiment Wis., V. I. and served during
the remainder of the struggle on scouting
and guard duty, receiving an honorable
discharge at Madison, Wis., August i,
same year.
CF. GOODELL, station agent
and general local representative
of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railway Company at De-
Pere, is a practical railroad man. When
but a youth of seventeen he was initiated
into the mysteries of telegraphy, and since
that time his rise, though gradual, has
been marked. There are probably no
other business concerns conducted by
large corporations in which ability and
attention to duty are more promptly
rewarded by promotion than in our great
railway systems, where precision, effi-
ciency, and reliability are extremely es-
sential, and in these respects our subject,
though thoroughly tried, has not been
found wanting.
C. F. Goodell is the son of Watson
and Luvilla (Stranahan) Goodell, the
former of whom was born in Schenectady,
N. Y., the latter in Utica, X. V., both
descendants of sturdy New England stock.
Watson Goodell received a good common-
school education in the schools of Albany,
N. Y. , and later in life became an expert
accountant, a profession he followed for
several years. His health having become
impaired in the comparatively' confining
work, Mr. Goodell, thinking the change
would prove beneficial, decided to remove
to Wisconsin, then considered the "Far
West." Accordingly, in about 1850, he
removed hither, and made his first loca-
tion near Oconomowoc, where he com-
menced farming. At that time the coun-
try was entirely new, and the land being
covered with timber, the work was at-
tended with many hardships; but the
change brought about the result he had
hoped for, and his health improved. He
had married, in New York State, Miss
Luvilla Stranahan, who survives him, and
they had three children: C. P.; Carrie;
and Maria, the wife of J. H. Le Grand, a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
175
prominent politician and at present county
auditor of Buena Vista county, Iowa, with
residence in Storm Lake. Mr. Goodell
passed from earth in June, 1890, in Port-
age, Wis., and his widow now resides
with her daughter Maria, in Storm Lake,
Iowa. In politics he was a stanch mem-
ber of the Republican party, and at one
time served as justice of the peace in his
township. He was a member of the Con-
gregational Church, as is also his widow,
though she was originally a member of
the Episcopal Church. Shortly after his
removal to Wisconsin Mr. Goodell went to
Pardeeville, where he had his residence
several years.
C. F. Goodell was born October 5,
1853, in Oconomowoc, Wis., and received
at first an elementary education, after-
ward taking a more complete course in
the schools of Oconomowoc. When
seventeen years old he entered a railway
office at Pardeeville, Wis., on what was
then the St. Paul road, where, under A.
E. Cole, station agent at that place, he
obtained his first knowledge of telegraphy.
When he had advanced far enough to re-
ceive and send messages he was placed in
the capacity of " extra man " on the then
Northern division, from Horicon Junction
to Portage City, Wis., and later, while
still in his "teens, " was given charge of
the office at Rolling Prairie, Wis. He
was next stationed at Winneconne, on the
Northern division, as operator and clerk;
afterward served as operator at Horicon
Junction for two years, and then for a
short time filled similar positions at Ripon
and Oshkosh. Mr. Goodell then went to
Milwaukee, where for a time he was in
the train dispatcher's office of the Wis-
consin Central, later going to Phillips,
Wis., in the employ of the same com-
pany, as operator and clerk at the chief
engineers's headquarters. His first ex-
perience as station agent was at Fifield,
at which place he was stationed when
there was not a house in the town, tents
being the only shelter, and in addition to
his regular duties he sold the lots there
for the compan}-, who owned the plat.
From Fifield he was transferred to
Waldo, Sheboygan count}-, where he
again acted as agent, and here m the
spring of 1878 he was united in marriage
with Miss Carrie Ford, a native of Waldo,
daughter of Benjamin Ford, who came here
from Lake county, Ohio. In February,
1882, Mr. Goodell came to De Pere, at
which time the road through here was
operated by the Wisconsin Central, and
when the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railway Company assumed charge he
still continued in the office, and now has
charge of their interests at this place.
Our subject is a Republican, and a
stanch adherent of the party, though be-
}ond voting regularly he takes no active
part in political affairs. He is a leading
member of the Congregational Church,
being at present a trustee and superin-
tendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. and
Mrs. Goodell have four children, namely:
Harold F. , Charles W. , Lula and
Alton W.
M
RS. MARGARET AEBISCH-
ER, widow of Samuel Aebischer,
is a daughter of Charles and
Barbara (Meringer) Bloom, who
came to America from Germany when
their daughter was about seven months
old, locating first in New York. They
fanned there until 1850, when thej- re-
moved to Wisconsin, and they still live
at Chilton, where they are engaged in the
same vocation. They have a famih' of
nine children.
Samuel Aebischer was a native of
Switzerland, and, on coming to America,
in company with two brothers, first lo-
cated at Elkhorn, Walworth Co., Wis.,
where he learned shoemaking, a trade he
followed thirty-five years. The family
came to Brown county in 1887, where
Mr. Aebischer bought a farm of i i 5 acres
from a brother, and cultivated same until his
death, which occurred when he was fifty-
two years old. In the Civil war he served
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPUICAL RECORD.
one year (1863) in Company K, Fourth
Regiment Wis. V. C. , and was discharged
at Vicksburg, Miss., on account of sick-
ness. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Acbischer took place October 13. 1867,
and they had eight children, of whom five
are still living, their names and dates of
birth being as follows: Charles N., Sep-
tember 25, 1870; Willie, March 7, 1872;
Maggie, August 3, 1879; Minnie, April
26, 1883; and Cora, June 21, 1885. It
was not until after her husband's death
that Mrs. Aebischer erected her pres-
ent comfortable brick dwelling, where
her son, Charles N., also lives. Mrs.
Aebischer has proven herself to be a
woman of no small business ability; but
the affairs of the farm are now looked
after by her son, Charles N. She is a
devout member of the Lutheran Church,
and is greatly respected throughout the
township.
EBERHARDT A. LANCE, a well-
known and jiopular druggist at
West De Pere, Brown county, is
a native of Fond du Lac, Wis.,
born April 11, 1859, and is a son of A.
A. and Catherine (Trumbauer) Lange.
A. A. Lange, a native of Berlin, Ger-
many, came to the United States about
1835, and, being an upholsterer, carried
on that business at Fond du Lac for
several years, and also at Milwaukee.
Mrs. Catherine I^ange came from Penn-
sylvania.
The subject of this sketch was edu-
cated in the schools of Fond du Lac, and
at the age of seventeen entered the drug
store of Ur. Wright. He remained in
the same store ten years, the firm chang-
ing twice in that time, first to A. De-
Land, and then to Kellogg & Lange;
then, in 18S6-87, he carried on a drug
store on his own account, in Brillion,
Wis. In the fall of 1887 he came to De-
Pere, and for three and a half years was
employed in the drug store of William
Workman. In 1890 he bought out his
employer's business in West De Pere,
and in 1893 moved to his present loca-
tion, where he carries a full line of drugs,
paints, wall paper, ammunition, station-
ery, etc., has one of the neatest and best-
equipped establishments of the kind in
the town, and does a remunerative trade.
In 18S3 Mr. Lange married Miss Allie E.
Megnussen, who has borne him three
children, named respectively: Albert H.,
Roy Harrison and Arthur D. Mr. Lange
is a member of the Presbyterian Church,
and is very highly esteemed in the com-
munity'.
AUGUSTIN H. BABCOCK, a well-
to-do farmer of Howard town-
ship, Brown county, was born
July 17, 1840, in Alexander,
Washington Co., Maine, a son of Stephen
and Betsey (Flood) Babcock. In 1873
he come alone to Wisconsin. His par-
ents had also come here, settling on the
farm where our subject still resides, and
here the father died at the age of seventy-
five years, the mother at the age of
seventy-seven. They were the parents
of twelve children, of whom two sons
and three daughters are yet living.
Stephen Babcock was a native of
King's county, N. S., but when a young
man came to the United States and made
his home in Maine. Mrs. Betsey (Flood)
Babcock was born in St. Matthews,
Mass. , one of the nine children of Peter and
Lucy (Snow) Flood, the former of whom
was a shoemaker and harnessmaker, and
died at Alexander, Maine, at a very ad-
vanced age: he served through the Mexi-
can war. Military ardor seems to have
been inherent in the family, as four of
the grandsons, of the Babcock branch,
did gallant service in the Civil war, in-
cluding Augustin H., our subject, whose
military record is mentioned farther on;
his brother William died while in the
service; another brother, George A.,
served in Company A, Fourteenth Wis.
V. I. ; and another brother, Gilbert, was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGEAPUICAL RECORD.
'77
wounded in the battle of Petersburg, Va. ,
while serving in the Twenty-eighth Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry.
Augustin H. Babcock left the parental
farm at the age of ten years, and hired
out by the month on his own account,
continuing to work thus until his enlist-
ment. He was first in Company F,
Sixth Maine Volunteers, and later in the
Nineteenth Regiment, Maine V. I., serv-
ing altogether four years. At the bat-
tle of the Wilderness he was so badly
wounded that he was disabled for the
entire summer, and subsequently he was
confined to hospital with typhoid fever;
but with these exceptions was with
his regiment in all its marches, engage-
ments and skirmishes. After the close of
the war he resumed the pursuits of peace,
and shortly afterward married Miss Louisa
Foster, who died two years later. In
about 1873 he settled down on the old
farm in Howard township, Brown county,
and in 1879 married Miss Jennie Black-
burn, who was born in Manitowoc county.
Wis., a daughter of Lorin and Hannah
Blackburn. To this union five children
have been born, of whom the following
four are still living: Louisa, born Au-
gust 9, 1880; Alice, born January 22, 1883;
Stella, born October 24, 1886; and Vera,
born October 22, 1888. Mr. Babcock
has made a success of his life as a farmer,
and has always maintained the respect
and esteem of his neighbors. In relig-
ious faith he and his wife are members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. In poli-
tics he has been independent; he cast his
first Presidential vote, in 1865, for George
Brinton McClellan, the Democratic nomi-
nee, but since then has voted the Repub-
lican ticket.
JOSEPH LEY, a worthy representa-
tive of one of the old pioneer fami-
lies of Rockland township, Brown
county, where he is a well-known
and highly respected citizen, was born in
that township May 10, 1854, a son of
Joseph Ley.
The latter was born in 1823, in Prus-
sia, where he was reared, and in early
manhood learned the trade of carpenter.
Hearing and reading of the superior ad-
vantages offered to young men in the
New World, he resolved to emigrate, and
gathering together what capital he could,
he left his native land in 1844 to seek his
fortune in the United States. Many of
the early settlers in Wisconsin were Ger-
mans, and having decided to come to that
then new State, Mr. Lej' after landing in
New York proceeded by boat to Milwau-
kee, Wis. He came from Milwaukee to
Green Bay on foot, the road which he
took leading him the greater part oi the
way through the dense forest, and often
it was nothing more than an Indian trail.
He frequently met Indians, who were
then still numerous in this region, though
usually friendly, but as he did not know this
their appearance alarmed him not a little.
The woods abounded with wild animals,
and the howling of the wolves, which
were especially ferocious, caused him
great uneasiness. But the long, tedious
journey was at last safely accomplisiied,
and on arriving at Green Bay he found it
a small town, containing a few houses,
the garrison stationed at Fort Howard
forming the greater part of the popula-
tion of both towns at that time. Mr.
Ley made his first location in Section 3,
Rockland, in which township only three
other families were then living. He had
a brother living at Fond du Lac, but is
now a resident of Jordan, Minn. Mr.
Ley was at this time but a poor young
man, not able to jnirchase land even
at the low prices it then sold for. He
could obtain work at his trade, how-
ever, and was offered two blocks in what
is now the business portion of Green Bay,
for a year's labor, an offer which he re-
fused, never realizing that the little vil-
lage would in a few years become an im-
portant city. He was truly a pioneer of
Rockland township, for he cut the first
17S
COJdMKMOnATlVK BIOCUAPHICAI. RECORD.
timber felled by a white man in Section
3, and after making a small clearing built
the lirst house there. It was only a rude
log dwelling, but it was the only shelter
he and his family had the year round.
Here he resided for some time, toiling
early and late to clear his land and hew a
home from the dense forest, and a few
years later removed to a farm in Section
8, Rockland township, where he passed
the remainder of his da\s. This was also
new land; but he once more commenced
the task of converting the forest into a
productive farm, and at his death he left
150 acres of good farming land as well
improved as any in the township up to
that time. He endured all the vicissi-
tudes and hardships incident to the set-
tling and improving of a new country, and
did his full share toward the advancement
oi his section. Politically he was a Dem-
ocrat and a leader in the party, and he
served faithfully in various local positions
of honor and trust, being township as-
sessor fifteen \ears and justice of the i)eace
sixteen years; and his good common sense
and sound judgment won for him the re-
spect of all who came in contact with
him. He died November 23, 1878, a
member of St. Francis Catholic Church,
De Perc. and was buried in De Pere cem-
etery. After his settlement here Mr. Ley
offered a home/o his aged parents, and
the\- set out on the journey from Ger-
man}-, but the mother died iii route. The
father arrived safely at his destination, and
passed his declining years in comfort, dy-
ing at the home^ of his son February 17,
1872, at the age of ninety years.
Joseph I-ey, Sr. , was first married in
1 85 I, in De Pere, to Miss Mary Engles, a
native of Germany, and they had a fam-
ily, of whom tw(j sons grew to maturity:
Michael, who is a resident of Lu.xem-
bourg, Kewaunee county; and Joseph,
mention of whom is made farther on.
The mother of these was called from
earth in 185S, and buried in Shantytown
cemetery. For his second wife Mr. Ley
subsecjuently wedded Mrs. Josephine Det-
rich, who was born in Belgium, and came
to the United States with relatives. She
is yet living at the age of seventy-three
years. Of their family one son and three
daughters are living, viz. : Thomas, living
at Pound, Wis. ; Mary, wife of Henry
Berg, of De Pere; Julia, wife of Con.
Keefe, of Rockland; and Louisa, wife of
Charles Brown, of Pound, Wis. ; the
others dying in infanc}-.
Joseph Ley, whose name introduces
these lines, was reared in the same man-
ner as other pioneer children, receiving
his literary training at the rude schools of
the time, which were quite different from
those of the present day. His knowledge
of farming he received under the tuition
of his father. On May 13, 1884, he was
united in marriage, at Menasha, Wis.,
with Miss Mary Lemmel, the ceremony
being performed by Father Andrew Sen-
bert. She was born April 11, 1858, at
Maple Grove, Manitowoc Co., Wis.,
daughter of Agidius Lemmel, who was a
native of Bavaria, Germany, from which
country he came to Wisconsin in an
early day. Here he married Barbara
Schaeffer, and they had a family of seven
children, to wit: John D., of Menasha,
Wis. ; Kate. Mrs. John Cure, of Mil-
waukee; Mary, Mrs. Joseph Lej-; Bar-
bara, Mrs. Fred Digler, of Menasha;
Anna L. , S. S. de Notre Dame, Cham-
paign, Illinois; Rosa, Mrs. Fred Esser,
of .Milwaukee; and Maggie, Mrs. Henry
Grant, of Menasha. Wis. After mar-
riage our subject resided at the paternal
homestead until 1889, when became to
his present farm, which now comprises
I 30 acres of excellent land. All the im-
provements on this farm have been made
by him, and he has also erected all the
buildings on the farm. He is a success-
ful agriculturist, progressive and enter-
prising, and is recognized as one of Rock-
land township's public-spirited citizens,
always ready to encourage and assist
every movement for the improvement and
advancement of his section.
A local leader in the Democratic ranks,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
'79
Mr. Ley has been elected by that party
to positions of trust, such as township
treasurer, in which he served ten years,
and he was school clerk eleven years,
giving complete satisfaction to his con-
stituency. Mr. and Mrs. Ley have an
interesting familj- of six children, namely:
Anton J., Maggie M., Anna L. , Hen-
rietta M., Joseph H. and Hildy M. In
religious faith the entire family are
members of St. Francis Catholic Church,
De Pere.
GEORGE A. DELANEY, one of
the best stone-cutters in Howard
township. Brown county, was
born here in i 869, the youngest
in the family of six sons and five daugh-
ters born to James C. Delaney.
janies C. Delaney was born Februar}'
I, 1819, in Shippensburg, Penn., a son of
James and Rebecca (Anderson) Delaney,
the former of whom was a native of Ire-
land, the latter of England. James and
Rebecca Delaney came to the United
States when quite young, and here he first
followed the blacksmith trade, afterward
conducting an old-time tavern; later he
settled on a farm in Ohio, where he also
conducted a blacksmith shop, around
•which a little country village sprang up.
Here he died at the age of sixty-four
years; his wife had died when their son,
James C, was but two years of age. Of
the five children born to James and
Rebecca Delaney, four are still living.
James C. Delaney, at the age of ten
years, started out in the world for him-
self, and worked at various places by the
month until he was fourteen years old,
when he was apprenticed to a shoemaker.
After a two-years' service he ran away,
and at Philadelphia found employment as
driver of a canal-boat horse, later became
steersman, and then captain. When
twenty years old he enlisted in the army
as a musician, and for two years served as
fifer in the Florida war. On his return he
met Miss Elizabeth Dickinson at Buffalo,
N. Y. , and they were married December
7, 1842. She was born in England, a
daughter of Robert and Mary Dickinson,
and was two years old when brought to
America by her parents, who both died in
Buffalo. Shortly after his marriage Mr.
Delaney re-enlisted for five years, served
as fifer, and was sent to Mexico, where he
was quartered in the halls of the Monte-
zumas. He served, in all, ten years as
fifer, eight of which he was fife-major of
the Second United States Infantry. After
the Mexican war the army was billeted at
different points, and Mr. Delaney's lot
was cast at Fort Howard, Wis. , where he
was eventually discharged. But in the
meantime he had bought a few acres of
land, on which he has lived ever since,
adding constantly to his original purchase
until he became, possessor of a fine piece
of property, of which he has given each of
his two sons forty or fiftj' acres.
WJ. CASEY, who for the past
thirteen years has been favor-
ably known as a pains-taking and
careful railroad official, is a native
of Ireland, born in 1856. a son of John
and Mary (O'Keefe) Casey, of the same
nativity. The father died in Ireland, the
widowed mother, about the year 1859,
coming with her little family of one (onr
subject) to the United States, first locat-
ing in Fond du Lac, Wis., later settling
in Milwaukee, where she is now residing.
Our subject, as will be seen, was three
years old when he was brought to Wis-
consin, and he was reared and educated
in Fond du Lac. When old enough to
commence the world, he learned teleg-
raphy at Campbellsport, same State, and
after six months received the appointment
of local agent at Fredonia, Wis., for the
Wisconsin Central railroad. After six
months so employed, he was sent to
Forest Junction, where he also served six
months in similar work, at the end of
which time he moved to Amherst Junc-
tion, having been appointed joint agent
I So
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
for the Wisconsin Central and the Green
Bay, Winona & St. Paul railroads. Here
he was stationed from 1882 till 1885, and
was then moved to Green Bay, to till the
position of chief clerk in the freight and
passenger department of the Green Bay,
Winona & St. Paul railroad. In 1887 he
was appointed agent at Green Bay (Fort
Howard Junction); in 1890 he was ap-
pointed traveling auditor for the company,
in 1892 being promoted to his present in-
cumbency, that of car accountant for the
Green Bay, Winona, & St. Paul and the
Kewaunee, Green Bay & Western rail-
roads.
In 1878 Mr. Casey was married at
Fond du Lac, Wis., to Miss Hattie
Durand, and four children have blessed
their union, viz. : Charles, Mamie, \\'ill-
iam and George. Our subject is a mem-
ber of the Royal Arcanum, of Pochequette
Lodge, No. 26, Knights of P\thias, and
lieutenant in the Uniform Kank of same.
JOSEPH HEBEL, who, for the past
quarter of a century, has been act-
ively identified with the farming in-
terests of the township of Glenmore,
Brown county, was born in Germany in
1845, <i ^o" "f Mathias Hebel. The
latter died before our subject was nine
years old, and, the family being left in
somewhat straitened circumstances, Jo-
seph went to live with a farmer.
Our subject was reared to farming,
and continued to follow that vocation
until lie was twenty-one years of age,
when he concluded to come to the New
World, where he would have better
chances for advancement. Borrowing
the necessary money from a friend, he
sailed from Bremen early in the summer
of 1867, and landed at Quebec after a
voyage of eight weeks. From there he
came at once by rail to Milwaukee, Wis.,
thence to Manitowoc, where he found
himself a stranger in a strange land, but
young and active, and willing to work at
anything which would bring him an honest
dollar. He remained in Manitowoc coun-
ty about three years, finding employment
during the summers at farm work, and in
the winter season engaged in lumbering.
Two years after his arrival he returned
the money he had borrowed to bring him
here, and he also saved enough to bring
his widowed mother, and his two sisters
— Mary and Barbara. They lived in a
rented house in Manitowoc county, and,
after the daughters married the mother
continued to reside with our subject until
her death.
On January 2'si, 18G9, Joseph Hebel
was married, in Francis Creek, Wis., to
Miss Mary Gruber, who was born in Ger-
many in 1847, daughter of Mathias Gru-
ber. In the year of his marriage Mr.
Hebel purchased forty acres in Section 24,
Glenmore township. Brown county, only
five acres of which were cleared at that
time, and here, in a small log house,
which stood a short distance from their
present residence, they made their home
for a number of years. .\t first the farm
afforded no revenue whatever, and, in
addition to the arduous task of clearing'
away the forest, Mr. Hebel also engaged
in making shingles by hand, receiving two
dollars a thousand for them, delivered at
Green Bay. fifteen miles distant. But
after several years of hard work the land
was greatly improved, and, though obliged
to go into debt for his first purchase, he
soon paid for it, and added another tract,
now owning eight\' acres of excellent
land. At that time his children were all
too \oung to help, but he has reared his
family in comfort, and hewed a comforta-
ble home from the dense forest. In all
his dealings with his fellow men he has
been square and upright, and has acquired
an enviable reputation for integrity of
character and honesty of ]iurpose, being
respected by all who know him. Mr.
Hebel is a Democrat in his political
preferences, but takes no active part in
party affairs; in religious connection he
and his wife are members of St. James
Catholic Church, at Cooperstown, Mani-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
iSi
towoc county. To their union came
children as follows, their names and dates
of birth being: Joseph, November i8,
iS7i;John, April 29, 1873; Anton, No-
vember 2, 1875; Louis, February 23,
1878; Margaret, April 12, 1881; Annie,
March 22, 1883; Mary, May 31, 1886;
Frank, January 4, 1891. One son, Louis,
died x'oung.
S\V. H A Y F O R D, a prominent
citizen of Wrightstown, Brown
county, is a native of Potsdam, N.
v., born July 25, 1832. His father,
Abiel D. Hayford, who was a native of
Massachusetts, was a Congregational min-
ister. He married Miss Laura A. John-
son, whose father, C. Johnson, was con-
nected with the body-guard of Gen. George
Washington. According to tradition, he
was a skillful carpenter, and made the
coffin for the unfortunate Major Andre.
S. W. Hayford, at the age of fifteen
years, leaving the parental roof to brave
the world on his own account, worked in
different States for a time, and then, to-
gether with his brother, James H., began
the study of medicine. But their means
were too cramped to allow them both to
continue their education, so our subject
concluded to abandon the stud\- for the
time being, and with fraternal generosity
assist his brother to a diploma, after which
he would resume the study himself. Re-
turning to New York, he married, on
May 3, 1854, Miss R. Chapin. daughter
of a prosperous farmer of that State, and
two years later they came to Wrights-
town, Wis. To this union have been
born the following named children: Lu-
ther D., of Rhinelander, Wis. ; Lucina A.,
at home; James H., in Illinois; Edwin,
of Wheatland, N. Dak. ; Alfred, still at
home; Chester, in Illinois; Charles, of
Sheboygan, Wis. ; Carrie, Chapin and
Laura, at home. In 1864 Mr. Hayford en-
listed in Company E, Forty-second Wis-
consin V. I. , with which he served until
the close of the war, when he received an
honorable discharge, and returned to his
home to resume the peaceful occupation
of tilling the soil. Circumstances pre-
vented his ever resuming the study of
medicine. Politically he is an ardent Re-
publican, but is not an aspirant for office,
although he has served as justice of the
peace. From a child he has been a very
active temperance worker and an active
Christian.
Dr. James H. Hayford, brother of our
subject, and now the editor of the Lara-
mie (Wyo.) WccklyScntiml, has attained
considerable fame as the originator of the
woman suffrage movement. Mrs. Hay-
ford, his wife, had the distinction of serv-
ing on the first and only jury composed
equally of male and female members in
the United States.
WB. ANDERSON, junior member
of the well-known leading firm
of contractors and builders,
McGrath & Anderson, Green
Bay, is a living e.xample of what industry,
perseverance and sound judgment can
produce; while his business life bears tes-
timony to what it is possible for man,
with willing heart and hands, to ac-
complish.
He isanati\eof Ontario, Canada, born
August 20, 185 I, in the town of Corn-
wall,a son of Robert and Mary (McMillen)
Anderson, the former of whom came,
when a boy, from his native land, Scot-
land, to Canada. He learned the trade
of tailor, which for many years he fol-
lowed in Cornwall, where he made a set-
tlement, becoming a leading citizen of the
town, which he served as clerk and treas-
urer for thirty-four years. Of Kno.x
Presbyterian Church in Cornwall he was
a prominent member for a long period of
time, and he served in many positions of
honor and trust, so highly was fie esteemed
by the community. He and his wife lived
to advanced ages, dying, he in 1892, she
in 1886.
The subject of this sketch, who is
I 82
COMMEMOUATIVK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
third ill order of birth in his parents'
family, received a fair education at the
schools of his native town. At the age
of fifteen he went to work as a farm
hand, receiving nine dollars per month
and his "keep," and his earnings he
turned over to his father, not that he was
obliged to do so, but in response to the sim-
ple filial promptings of his heart. When, in
the winter time, there was not much to
do on the farm, the lad would be found
hauling cordwood to town, his pay at
that time being six dollars per month.
Coming to the United States in 1868, he
worked for a time as a farm hand in St.
Lawrence county, N. Y. , receiving seven-
teen dollars per month, and during one
season he labored in the lumber regions,
known as "The South Woods," in St.
Lawrence county. In 1870, learning
that labor was better paid in the West,
he set out with buoyant spirits and a
hard hand— for in the words of Shake-
speare "there is no better sign of a
brave heart than a hard hand " — and
landing in Winona, Minn., he found
himself the happy owner of only twelve
dollars in cash and his clothes (rather a
limited supply), but possessed of a super-
abundant allowance of courage and Scotch-
Canadian "grit." Here he secured work
as a common laborer in the service of a
contractor named F. A. Johnson, who
was engaged in driving piles and erecting
bridges for the Chicago & Northwestern
railroad. After a time, Mr. Johnson
having similar work at St. Joe, Mich.,
our subject went there, and staid till the
contract was completed. Returning to
Winona, he continued sometime longer
in the employ of Mr. Johnson, and then
engaged with the Chicago & Northwestern
Railroad Company as a bridge builder.
In this, though yet a lad, his work was so
thorough, and so highly appreciated by
his einpl(j}ers, that he was made fore-
man of a gang, in which position he re-
mained till 1 876, when he resigned, hav-
ing accepted a similar appointment from
the Southern Minnesota Railwa\' Com-
pany. This last was a two-years" engage-
ment; and his efficiency was again re-
warded with promotion, he becoming
superintendent of bridges and buildings,
in which capacity he remained some four
years. At the end of that time he
moved to Winnipeg, Canada, where he
found similar work on the Canadian Pa-
cific railroad, then in course of construc-
tion, his engagement with them termi-
nating in 1884, when he returned to the
United States, and for two years lived in
St. Paul, Minn., taking a much-needed
rest. During the next two years he was
foreman for contractors on the Minneapo-
lis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie rail-
way, and then for one year was superin-
tendent of bridges and buildings for that
company. We now find him in the em-
ploy of the Milwaukee & Northern Rail-
road Compan}', whom he served in similar
capacity till in February, 1893, when he
became a partner with Mr. Thomas J.
McGrath, as contractors and builders.
Since the partnership was formed the
firm have erected 800 feet of dockage for
the Murphy Lumber Co. ; plant for " The
Columbian Bakery;" extensive coal sheds
for Barkhousen & Hathawa\-; the power
house for the Green Bay Electric Co. ;
about 14,000 yards of cedar block paving
on Washington street, all in the city of
Green Bay, besides the bridge over the
East river, connecting Allouez and Belle-
vue townships, in Brown county.
On October 9, 1875, Mr. Anderson
was married in Winona, Minn., to Sarah
Pritchard, who was born May 2, 1856, in
the city of Delaware, Del., a daughter of
Thomas and Mary ("Morgan) Pritchard,
who were of English descent. At the
age of thirteen Mrs. Anderson accom-
panied her parents to England, where
they left her, as they had to return to the
United States. The intention was that
the 3'oung girl should come home with
some relatives, but she concluded to re-
turn without their company which she
did on the steamship "Turriffo." In 1868
her parents removed to Minnesota, and a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I S3
year later she followed them. The names
of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. W.
B. x\nderson are: Mary Jessie (she died
when two months old); James R. , Will-
iam Iv. , and Olive A. Politically our
subject is a stanch Democrat. Mrs.
Anderson is a member of the Catholic
Church, and the entire family enjoy the
respect and esteem of a wide circle of
friends.
JOSEPH TREML, farmer and stock-
raiser, and one of the highly re-
respected citizens of Glen more
township, Brown county, is a na-
tive of Germany, born October 15, 1S28,
son of Joseph Treml, who had fi\e chil-
dren— three sons and two daughters — of
whom our subject is the eldest.
Joseph Treml was reared to farm life,
and during his youth had but limited edu-
cational advantages, attending school only
three winters. He remained at home until
he reached the age of twenty-one, at
which time he commenced life on his own
account, working as a farm hand, and
later the homestead came into his posses-
sion. In February, 1866, he was married
in Germany, to Miss Mary Reiter, who
was born November 30, 1843, daughter
of Adam Reiter, and while living in Ger-
many they had two children, as follows:
Joseph, born October 10, 1868. now
working on the home farm; and Annie,
born February 22, 1872, who was mar-
ried August 3, 1892, to Thomas Crestoff,
of Montpelier township, Kewaunee coun-
ty. After his marriage Mr. Treml contin-
ued farming until 1874, when he disposed
of his property, and with the proceeds
brought his family to the United States.
They sailed from Bremen, arriving in
Baltimore, Md., after an ocean voyage of
eighteen days, and immediately after
landing came westward over the Pennsyl-
vania railroad, to De Pere, Brown Co.,
Wis., via Chicago. Shortly afterward
Mr. Treml purchased forty acres of new
land in Section 25, Glenmore township.
for which he paid three hundred dollars.
The first timber on this land had been
cut by lumbermen; but he built the first
house, a log structure, which stood where
the kitchen of the present residence now
is. The years that followed were filled
with hardship and stern toil, but these
settlers were an.xious to have a home of
their own, and by perseverance suc-
ceeded at last in clearing the entire farm.
On this place the rest of their children
were born, as follows: Wolfgang, born
October 1, 1874; Mary, born November
8, 1876; Frank, born January 10, 1880,
all three living at home; and four sons —
John, Charles (i), Charles (2), and
George — who died in infancy.
During his residence in Glenmore
township our subject has devoted himself
exclusively to farming and stock-raising,
and besides improving the original tract
has added to it till he now has 120 acres.
When he settled here it was covered with
brush and stumps and fallen timber left
by lumbermen, and no small amount of
labor has been involved in its transforma-
tion to its present condition, in which
work his sons have been of great help to
him. He is universally respected by his
fellow citizens for his square, honest
methods and upright character. He is a
stanch Democrat, but has never given
any time to politics, all his time being de-
voted to his business interests. He and
his wife are members of St. Mary's
Church, in Glenmore, and they are highly
esteemed by all who know them.
LG. SCHILLER, manager of C.
Schiller, wholesale dealer in fresh,
salt and smoked fish, at the foot
of Jefferson street. Green Bay,
was born September 12, 1848, in the
Province of Brandenburg, Germany.
Our subject came to Green Bay in
1872, and April 6, 1874, married Miss
Clara Asimont, daughter of George Asi-
mont, who came to Green Bay from Ger-
many in 1857. On first coming to that
184
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
city Mr. Schiller was employed by Cran-
dall & North, wholesale f^jrocers, and for
four years did faithful service; he was then
employed for three months b\- John Daj-
& Son, wholesale grocers and fish dealers,
and in November, 1876, went into the
grocery business at the corner of Pine
and Adams streets; in the spring of 1882
he moved to Washington street, but sold
out May 30, 1889, and assumed his pres-
ent position. This house was established
in 1879 on East river, and in 1889 L. G.
Schiller established the business at the
foot of Jefferson street, in the interest of
his employer, at the time of his taking
the management of the concern in Green
Bay. Under his control all things have
prospered, and he now employs twenty-
five hands. The position of Mr. and
Mrs. Schiller in social circles is all that
can be desired, and both are members of
the Lutheran Church, in good and faith-
ful standing. He has also been treasurer
of his church ten years; is a member of
the Royal Arcanum, of the Orderof Tonti,
and of the Knights of the Maccabees. In
politics he is a Republican, and in 1877-
78 was a member of the city council; he
has likewise served as a member of the
board of school trustees, and every office
he has held with credit to himself and to
the satisfaction of the public.
Of seven children born to the parents
of L. G. Schiller, two besides himself are
residents of the United States — Louis,
who came to Green Bay in 1868, worked
for Crandall & North, until 1874, and
then went to Milwaukee, where he still
resides; and Frank, who reached Green
Bay in 1872, was in business with his
brother, L. G., till 1889, but is now a
resident of Fort Scott, Kans. To the
marriage of L. G. Schiller and Clara Asi-
mont were born ten children, viz. : Clara,
died in 1875; Gustave, bookkeeper for his
father; Julia, residing with her parents;
Frieda and Clara, (twins), died in 1878;
Sophie, died in 1880; Henrietta, died in
1 882 ; Louis, died in 1883; Clarence, resid-
ing with his parents ; and Otto, died in 1 889.
FRANK CRABB, one of De Pere's
prosperous young business men,
is a nati\e of Brown county, born
May 8, 1862, in Section 3. Rock-
land township.
Philip Crabb, his father, was born in
Belgium, and was there reared, receiving
but a limited education, as he had to
commence work when but a bo\'. In
early manhood, hoping to succeed better
in the United States, he emigrated hither,
and coming to northern Wisconsin, at
that time a new and unsettled country,
found employment as a laborer, work be-
ing plenty in the lumber regions. He was
married in Green Bay to Mrs. Catherine
Tillmans, a widow, and shortly afterward
located on a farm in Rockland township,
where they resided until their removal to
De Pere. Previous to their coming, Mr.
Crabb had had a business room built in
the town, walking daily to and fro from
his farm to superintend its construction,
and during his absence Mrs. Crabb would
work in the clearing. One day, while
she was thus engaged, she heard the
screams of her little daughter, who was
playing about the house. The child's
dress had accidently caught fire, and, with
great presence of mind, the mother dashed
her into a watering-trough, but the little
girl soon afterward died from the injuries.
Our subject, Frank, was the only child
by the first wife that grew to maturity;
she died in 1871, and was buried in the
Catholic cemetery at De Pere. Philip
Crabb subsequently remarried, and by
that union had two children who lived to
adult age, namely: Annie, now Mrs.
Peter Pembrook, of De Pere; and Joseph,
a farmer of De Pere township. Mr.
Crabb died July i, 1879, and was buried
in De Pere cemeter}-; he was a member
of the Catholic Church, and a stanch
Democrat, though he never took an active
part in politics. After his removal to the
town of De Pere he carried on a grocery
and liquor business in the store room
above mentioned, becoming very success-
ful and accumulating a snug property.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.
1S5
Frugality and industrj' and attention to
business were the elements of his success,
for his proper!}' was made from a start of
nothing else.
Up to the age of five years Frank
Crabb lived on a farm in Rockland town-
ship, and then came with his parents to
De Pare, where he received his education,
attending the "old stone schoolhouse "
for several years. When but a boy he
commenced to assist his father in the
store, where he secured his first business
training, and, after the death of the father,
continued the business in the same build-
ing until 1882, when he was burned out.
In 1885 he rebuilt, erecting a substantial
brick business room and residence, where
he now conducts one of the best-appointed
saloons in De Pere, doing a prosperous
business. Mr. Crabb was married in 1880
to Miss Allie Vanderhyden, a native of
Oconto county. Wis. , and a daughter of
John Vanderhyden, who is a Hollander
by birth. This union was blessed with the
following named children: Katie G.,
Cecelia T. , Theresa A., Frank John
Joseph (deceased), George A., and Al-
gomaj. Our subject, like his father, is a
stanch member of the Democratic party,
but does not mingle in political affairs.
In religious faith he is a member of St.
Mary's Catholic Church.
BARNARD FINNEGAN, a self-
made prosperous agriculturist and
extensive land owner of Holland
township. Brown county, is a na-
tive of the land of Erin, born about the
year 1 827 in County Sligo, a son of Patrick
and Rose (Flynn) Finnegan.
Patrick Finnegan was a tenant farmer,
and like many others at that time, though
hard-working and frugal, found it no easy
task to support his family in comfort. He
had six children — one daughter, Winnie,
who died young, and five sons, Barnard,
Patrick, Thomas, John and Eugene, of
whom but two are now living, Barnard
and Patrick. The mother of these dying.
the father subsequently married Miss Mar-
garet Kerrigan, with whom he came to
the United States in 1846 (leaving his
sons in Ireland), and made his home in
Montgomery county, N. Y. Barnard
Finnegan received a somewhat limited
common-school education, for, being the
eldest son, he commenced work at the
early age of eleven years. After his father
left Ireland Barnard supported himself by
farm labor until the fall of 1847, when
his father provided him and his brother
Thomas with means to emigrate. The
two young men proceeded to Liverpool,
where they took passage on a sailing ves-
sel bound for America, and, landing after
a four-weeks' voyage, immediately joined
their father in Montgomery county, N. Y.
Here Barnard found employment as a
farm hand, and was also employed as
section laborer on the New York Central
railroad between Utica and Albany, con-
tinuing in this some years. Thomas Fin-
negan died in Montgomery county, where
he was buried, and in the spring of 1853
Mr. and Mrs. Finnegan and Barnard con-
cluded to migrate to Wisconsin, attracted
undoubtedly by the cheapness of the land
in that then new State. Gathering to-
gether their household effects, they set
out for what was then the "Far West,"
going by rail to Buffalo, where they em-
barked on the lake steamer "Morton,"
Capt. Thompson, and landed in Green
Bay, Wis., early in June. The father
came at once to Kaukauna, but Barnard
obtained employment for the summer as
deck-hand on the steamer '.' Moore," ply-
ing between Green Bay, Washington Har-
bor and Mackinac. In the fall, after navi-
gation had closed, oursubject rejoined his
father at Kaukauna, and here he remained
two years in the employ of the Fox River
Improvement Co About 1855 he pur-
chased eighty acres in section 22, Hol-
land township, on which not a single im-
provement had been made, and he built
the first house on the place, which is yet
standing. Here Mr. and Mrs. Finnegan
passed their declining days; but Barnard
iS6
COMMEMOKATIVK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
did not make a permanent home there at
first, for it needed mone}' to carry on the
farm, and he could at that time earn more
at other pursuits. Hut he earnestly set
about the task of clearing and improving
his farm, and not only accomplished this
much, hut also added to the place from
time to time, now owning 280 acres of ex-
cellent land, all of which he has accjuired
by industry and honest toil. His sons
have been of great assistance to him in
the cultivation of this large farm, and to-
day they stand among the leading \oung
men in the township.
On February ly, 1S61, liarnard Fin-
negan was united in marriage with Miss
Mary Cavney, who was born March 7,
1843, in County Sligo, Ireland, only
daughter of Roger and Julia (McNulty)
Cavney. They came to the United States
in 1850, and for several years resided in
New York City, where Mrs. Cavney died.
In 1858 the father and his daughter Mary
came to Wisconsin, where he passed the
remainder of his days, making his home
with his daughter until his death, which
occurred March 28, 1877.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Finne-
gan took uji their residence on the farm,
where they have since continued to make-
their home. Their union has been
blessed -with eight children, a brief rec-
ord of whom is as follows : Rosa, died
at the age of three years. Patrick, died
at the age of fifteen \'ears and nine
months. John C, born Jul}' 10, 1867,
received an education at the common
schools of the home neighbi)rhood, sub-
sequently attended McCunn's Business
College in Green Bay for a year, and
taught school in Brown county seven
years; he is a stanch Democrat, a local
leader in the party, and in 1893 was
elected township clerk; at present he is a
notary public; he married Odell Savageau
November 7, 1S94, and lives in a fine
residence on his farm in Holland town-
ship. Brown county. Michael J., born
August 28, 1869, graduated from the
Green Bay Business College, and for the
past six years has been employed by the
Metropolitan Lumber Comjian}', of Dick-
inson county, Mich., as bookkeeper.
Eddie B., born January 23, 1872, also
took a course in the Green Bay Business
College; he resides at home. Charles
T., born November i. 1874, lives at
home. F'rank died when two years and
seven months old. Mamie E. . born
January 11, 1883, is living at home. In
religious connection the famil)' are all
members of St. Francis Church, Holland
township. Politically Mr. Finnegan is an
ardent adherent of the principles of the
Democratic party, but, though interested
in its welfare, is not acti\e in party affairs.
M
.\XUEL BRUNETTE, proprie-
tor of the Duck Creek Stone
( Uiarry, \"elp, Brown county, is
one of the prominent self-made
men of northeastern \\'isconsin, where he
is widely and favorably known.
He was born June 5, 1842, in Green
Bay, son of Dominick and Louisa (Bru-
nette) Brunette, the foriner of whom was
born in Green Bay in 181 2, and for many
years was a jobber in logs, lumber, etc. ;
he is now retired from business, residing
on a farm in Brown county owned by
our subject. Mrs. Louisa Brunette was
born in Lower Canada, and died in How-
ard township. Brown county, at the age
of sixt\-six years, the mother of fourteen
children, of whom but five are now li\ing.
Manuel Brunette's paternal grandfather,
Dominick Brunette, Sr. , was born in
Little Moscow, Canada, and in 1796 came
to Green Bay with a party in bark canoes,
being among the first to \isit the shores
and settle here. On entering the bay, at
that point known as •' Death's Door," the
party was dashed against an island, and
the canoes wrecked, but they succeeded
in repairing them with birch bark, and
then made their way along the east
shore to what is now the city of Green
Bay, at that time only a fur-trading post.
Here for some \ears Dominick Brunette
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1S9
engaged in fur trading, and then marired
a Miss Grignori, through whom he in-
herited part of an old French claim.
This led him to adopt farming, a voca-
tion he followed the remainder of his days,
dying in 1862 at the age of seventy-eight
years; his wife also lived to an advanced
age. He had reared his son Dominick to
a life of usefulness and hardihood, a train-
ing which fully qualified him for the
dangers incident to those early times, and
he took an active part as a home guard in
defense of the settlers during the Indian
war against the depredations and attack
of the Redskins, as well as in the more
peaceful but equally hazardous undertak-
ing of acting as one of the party who sur-
veyed the military road running from
Green Bay to Prairie Du Chien.
Manuel Brunette was reared to the
practical pursuits of agriculture as well as
to those of life in the woods. On com-
mencing life for himself he first hired out
by the day or month either at logging or
farming, also as a shingle sawyer, and
from these crude beginnings has accumu-
lated his present fortune. He was vir-
tually at home during his " jobbing out"
experience, until his marriage to Miss
Teressa Walker, a native of Lockport,
N. Y. , which event occurred April 21,
186"; their union has been blessed with
fourteen children, ten of whom are yet
living, as follows: Mary L., Sarah, Lemuel,
Margaret, Roland, Manuel, Abbie,
Robert, Norine and James. Of these the
second daughter, Sarah, is the wife of
Albert Strasburger, superintendent of
schools of Sheboygan county, Wisconsin.
Mrs. Teressa Brunette is a daughter
of James and Sarah (Welch) Walker, the
former of whom was born in Tullamore,
King's county, Ireland, May 3, 1 8 14, and
was about eleven years old when he came
to America with his sister and settled in
New Brunswick. There he at once shipped
as a cabin boy, sailing between Que-
bec and Chatham, a vocation he followed
until he reached the age of twenty, when
he went to Pennsylvania, working in a
11
stone quarry until 1839, in which year he
moved to Lockport, N. Y. He was there
married, in 1840, to Miss Sarah Welch,
and resided there until 1849, when he set
out for Wisconsin, traveling via canal to
Buffalo, and thence by steamer "A. D.
Patchen" to Milwaukee, where he passed
the greater part of the summer. Coming
thence to Green Bay, he settled finally
at Velp, Brown county, where he cleared
forty acres of land, and made a perma-
nent home, residing there until his death,
which occurred in November, 1892. In
1872 he opened a general store, and for
fonrteen years served as postmaster at
Velp. In politics he was first an Aboli-
tionist, later a Democrat. He was the
father of ten children, of whom four sons
and three daughters survive. Mr. Walker
was a great traveler in his day, and vis-
ited nearly every stone quarry in the
United States; he was a great reader, and
a most enterprising and progressive man
in every way, having assisted in construct-
ing the first threshing machine in the
country; put in the first blast in the Erie
canal near Lockport, N. Y. , and was one
of the first passengers to cross the Alle-
ghany Mountains on a railroad. Having
been educated in the common schools, he
knew their value, and, in company with
David Cormier and Charles W. Athey,
organized the first school in Howard
township, against strong opposition on
account of the cost. He was always active
in public affairs, and was highly honored
in this section of the county. Mrs. Sarah
(Welch) Walker was born March 4, 1826,
daughter of Thomas and Mary (Nichols)
Welch, natives of Limerick, Ireland, who
landed in Toronto, Canada, the year Mrs.
Walker was born.
After his marriage Manuel Brunette
settled on a single acre of land he had
previously purchased with money earned
by hard daily labor, and built a small
frame house, 20x26, thereon. With no
capital, save good health and determina-
tion, he, for sixteen vears, followed boat-
ing, and hauling lumber, shingles, etc.,
190
COMMEMOaAriVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
by frugality and attention to business
managing to accumulate some cash cap-
ital. In 1873 he bought the Duck Creek
Stone Ouarry, the business which chietly
engages his attention at present, but in
the meantime had purchased various tracts
of farming lands, to the cultivation of
which he has given his personal super-
vision, and is now not only recognized as
one of the most progressive farmers of
Brown county, but as a thoroughly sub-
stantial business man. The Duck Creek
Ouarry stone is described to be the most
substantial for sub-structure in the North-
west, and is so acknowledged. The es-
tablishment supplies engine beds, fur-
nishes cut and dimension stone to order,
and has a steam barge to deliver orders
wherever practicable. It runs steam
drills, a channeling machine and polish-
ing machines, giving constant employ-
ment to about fifty men, and is yearly
extending its trade. Many of the finest
buildings in the Northwest are constructed
from the product of this quarry, and Mr.
Brunette deserves great credit for placing
the valuable material before builders and
architects of the country.
In politics our subject is a Democrat,
and cast his first Presidential vote for
George B. McClellan. He has served
his fellow- citizens fifteen years as super-
visor, for several terms as member of the
Brown county board, and in other local
offices, in every one of which he has
given the utmost satisfaction. He is the
present treasurer of the school board, and
has been postmaster of Velp since Grover
Cleveland's first administration, with his
daughter Margaret as assistant. Mr.
Brunette and family are members of the
Catholic Church, toward the support of
which he has contributed generously, as
well as to the building up of other
churches and schools. In fact, he is
active and liberal in all public under-
takings. Mr. Brunette is self-educated,
and has been the sole architect of his
fortune. His reading is of a most exten-
sive character, including ancient and
modern history, politics and current litera-
ture. He is wise in counsel, and is much
sought after both by business and profes-
sional men for advice, and few men are
more highly respected in Brown county.
Of such men the State of Wisconsin is
justly proud, as such lives are a living
example to the new generation.
WILLARD E. BURDEAU, of
Flintville, Brown county, was
born December i, 1859, in
Clinton county, N. Y. His
grandparents, Jacob and Fannie Burdeau,
were born near Montreal, Canada, and
came to t'.e United States about 181 2,
locating near LakeChamplain, in Clinton
county, N. Y. ; later moved to a farm at
Chazy, Clinton county, thence to Woods
Falls, N. Y. , finally returning to Dover,
Canada, where they died at an advanced
age. They had a family of thirteen chil-
dren, among whom was Isaac, the father
of our subject.
Isaac Burdeau was born May S, 1831,
in the village of Champlain, Clinton Co.,
N. Y., was reared a farmer, and was mar-
ried December 31, 1853, to Miss Mary A.
Cook, who was born in Clinton county, N.
Y. , October 8, 1837, a daughter of John
and Ann Cook. Isaac Burdeau followed
farming in his native county until 1866,
when he brought his family to Brown
county. Wis., and bought a farm near
where his son Willard E. now lives, re-
siding thereon until his death, which oc-
curred January 13, 1894. He was one of
the best known and most highly respected
lousiness men of the county, and an old-
time and influential Democrat. There
were six children in his family, one of
whom died at the age of thirty-four years,
leaving a family of eight children.
Willard E. Burdeau, at twenty-one
years of age, left the home farm for Lake
Superior, where, for two years, he was
foreman for a large sawmill firm; then re-
turned home, and for the next two years
followed logging, working hard and mak-
COMMEMORATIVE DIOGRAPmCAL RECORD.
191
ing money. On May 8, 1884, he married
Miss Sarah A. PhilHps, a native of
Suamico township, born July 6, 1863,
and this happy union has been blessed
with four children, as follows: Alma E. ,
born February 18, 1886; Earl \V., born
February 21, 1888; Leo A., born October
5, 1891, and Flora, born March 16, 1893.
After his marriage Mr. Burdeau carried
on a farm until 1892, when he bought a
general store, to which, in 1894, he add-
ed a large stock of farm machinery, in-
cluding binders and mowers, besides
wagons and buggies, in all of which he has
made a success. He is a member of the
Democratic party, and September 30,
1893, "^'^s appointed postmaster. He
has served as supervisor and road over-
seer, and for one year as chairman of the
town board; he has also been a school of-
ficer for several years. He and his wife
are members of the Catholic Church.
Mrs. Sarah A. Burdeau is a daughter
of George Phillips, whose parents, Daniel
and Nancy (Hughes) Phillips, were natives
of County Down, Ireland, where George
was born, in August, 1820, one of ten
children. George came to America in
1854, landing in Canada, where he lived
fourteen months, and then went to
Whitehall, and later to Clinton, N. Y.,
thence to Syracuse, same State. While
there he married Miss Sarah Quinn, who
was one of a family of seven children, also
born in County Down; her mother was a
daughter of John and Sarah Sloan. To
George and Sarah (Ouinn) Phillips were
born five children, and the family came
to Wisconsin about the year 1S56, but
three years later returned to New York,
where they remained one year. At the
end of that time they came back to Wis-
consin, locating in Door county, but
about i860 settled in Suamico township.
Brown county, where they now reside,
beins; among its most honored citizens.
Willard E. Burdeau has led a very
active and industrious life, and has made
his fortune solely through his personal
exertions. He is recognized by his
neighbors as a man of enterprise, ever
ready to promote all projects designed
for the public good; and his fellow citizens
have never hesitated to call upon his ser-
vices when in need of a faithful and reli-
able executor of a public trust. His social
standing is with the best people in the
community, and his business integrity has
ever been without reproach.
FRANZ LI EB MANN, a typical
self-made, industrious farmer, and
one of the leading, highly respected
citizens of Preble township, Brown
county, is a native of Schwarzburg-Rudol-
stadt, Germany, born June 27, 1824, in
the village of Lichte, by Koenigsee. His
father. Christian M. Liebmann, was a na-
tive of the same place, and by occupa-
tion was a farmer.
Franz Liebmann was educated in the
common schools of his place of birth.
When thirteen years old he commenced
to learn the trade of potter, at which he
served an apprenticeship of three years,
and then followed same as journeyman in
various parts of Germany, giving his
father part of his earnings before he be-
came of age. In the spring of 185 i, con-
cluding he could better his condition by
coming to the United States, he bade
adieu to his home and friends and sailed
from Hamburg on the vessel ' ' Germany. "
Reaching New York after an ocean voy-
age of five or six weeks, he proceeded
thence by boat to Albany, and from there
by rail to Buffalo, where he took the lake
boat to Sheboygan, Wis. From the
latter place he came to Green Bay, where
several families from his home neighbor-
hood had settled. Mr. Liebmann's first
employment in the New World was mak-
ing ditches, at which he continued one year,
and then spent three months at his trade,
conducting the pottery business on a small
scale in Green Bay, where he was the
first in that line. After a time his health
became poor, and, on his recovery, he
went to Menasha, Wis., and worked for
COMMEMORATIVE DIOOEAPIIICAL UECORD.
Mr. Hatchclder in the potter}' in that
town for about six months. Then, join-
ing his father and brother Louis, who had
followed him to the United States, he
went to Washington Harbor, Wis., where
they engaged in the fishery business, and
prospered. But here he was again taken
sick, and he left the place one hundred
dollars in debt. Coming to Green Bay,
he worked in sawmills for Robinson,
Howe, Tyler, and others, was then for
some time employed in Bellevue town-
ship, and finall}-, in November, 1859,
came to his present farm, having sold his
house and lot in Green Bay.
On October 31, 1858, Mr. Liebmann
was married, in Green Bay. to Enistina
Meister, who came from Germany about
1853, and children as follows were born
to their union: Ernst, a farmer of Preble
township, born October 19, 1859, who
was married October 26, 1886, to Hannah
Jobelius, and has had two children: Nellie
(deceased) and Laura (he is a Republican
in political coimection, a leader in the
party in his township, and has served as
chairman of the board, supervisor, and
for three years as assessor, still holding
the latter office); Edwin, a saloon keeper
in Preble; Fred, at home; Louisa, widow
of Charles Wallman, of Peshtigo, Wis.,
and Caroline, Mrs. Hubbard Basten, of
Preble. Mr. Liebmann first purchased a
tract of twenty acres, and now owns 120
acres of excellent farming land, the culti-
vation of which is now carried on by his
sons. In January, 1865, he was drafted
into Company B, Fourteenth Regiment
Wis. V. I., was first sent to Vicksburg,
and was present at the fall of Spanish
Fort, this being his first battle; they then
commenced the march toward Montgom-
ery, and we cii route at the time of Lee's
surrender. Mr. Liebmann was mustered
out at Mobile, and received his discharge
October 9, 1S65, at Madison, Wis., com-
ing home at once; but after his return he
had an attack of fever and ague, also rheu-
matism (which still troubles him), being
sick for two jears as a result of exposure.
Our subject has follow-ed farming for
thirty-ti\e years, and from a start of forty
dollars, the amount he had when he
landed in Green Bay, he has accumulated
a very comfortable propert}', the result of
years of hard work and economy. Atone
time, while working at day labor, money
was so- scarce that he was obliged to take
his pay in "shin plasters" (this was in
1856-57). But he struggled along, jear
by year improving his circumstances, till
he now stands among the most successful
farmers of his section. In politics he has
been a Republican since i S60, and is a
stanch supporter of the principles of his
party. He has held various offices in his
township, and served for some time as
clerk of the school board, then as chair-
man of same for six years, discharging
his duties with credit to himself and satis-
faction to all. During his younger days
Mr. Liebmann was a most indefatigable
worker, and he has attended to the clear-
ing of his entire farm, seeing the dense
forest, once inhabited by wild animals,
supplanted by fertile fields, representing
many years of unrelenting toil. He and
his family are highly esteemed, and he is
known to be honest and straightforward
in all his dealings with his fellowmen.
Sociallv he is a member of Hermann
Lodge," No. Ill, I. O. O. F., of T. O.
Howe Post, No. 124, G. A. R. , and of
the Germania Benevolent Society.
JOHN D. ESMANN, an industrious
well-to-do farmer of New Denmark
township. Brown county, is a native
of Germany, born September 9,
1823, a son of Herman H. and Margaret
(Schlake) Esmann, who had a family of
seven children, namely: John D., Anna,
Gesche, Fritz, Meta, Henry, and Ber-
nend.
Our subject received his education in
the common schools of his native land,
and learned the mason's trade under his
father, following same constantly in his
native countrv. In 1852 he was married
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
193
in Germany to Miss Adelaide Meise-
gades, and, in 1861, they emigrated to
America, landing' in New York City, thence
immediately comin;; westward to New
Denmark township. Brown Co., Wis.
Here Mr. Esmann purchased eighty acres
of wild land, which, by hard labor and
shrewd financiering, he has converted
into a highly cultivated improved farm,
where he is ruccessfully engaged in general
agriculture.
To Mr. and Mrs. Esmann were born
four children, as follows: Meta, Henry
(deceased), Gesene, and Fritz, the latter
remaining on the home farm with his
father, their mother having died in 1883.
She was a member of the Lutheran
Church, as is also Mr. Esmann. In his
political preferences' he is a Republican.
LORENZ HEIM, one of the thrifty
industrious German farmers of
Scott township. Brown count)-, is
a native of the Fatherland, born
February 28, 1831, son of Martin Heim.
In the fall of 1846 the latter, with his
family of three sons and two daughters,
immigrated to the United States, and com-
ing directly to Wisconsin, made a settle-
ment in Brown county. In Green Bay
township, which then comprised what is
now four townships, he purchased a tract
of eighty acres of new land, covered with
timber and brush, and on this farm he and
his wife passed the remainder of their
days, he dying in 1872, she in 1878.
Lorenz Heim was fifteen years of age
when he came with his parents to Amer-
ica, prior to which he had received his
education in the common schools of his
native land. He secured work in Green
Bay, for four years doing chores around
the old " Astor House," for which work
he received eleven dollars per month, his
earnings all going to assist his parents to
pay for their new home; subsequently he
worked two years at another hotel in the
same capacity. On November 26, 1855,
Mr. Heim was married at New Franken,
Brown county, to Miss Barbara Bidde-
john, who was born in Belgium, March
22, 1830, and came to America in 1855.
To this union have been born seventeen
children, of whom Mary is the wife of
Joseph Ryder, of Menominee, Mich. ;
Catherine is married to Andrew Simons;
Frona lives at home; Andrew is a resident
of Marinette, Wis. ; Louis is living at
home; Agnes is the wife of Peter Becker,
of Michigan; Lena, Hobart, Caroline,
John, and Joseph all live at home; the
others died in infancy.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Heim
had purchased a tract of new, uncleared
land, for which he went into debt, and
this he has since cleared and improved,
now owning 160 acres of prime farm
land. He is one of the self-made men of
his section, and is everywhere respected
for his industry and honest, straightfor-
ward methods in dealing with his fellow-
men. In 1865 he was drafted into the
army, but hired a substitute whom he
paid $800. In politics Mr. Heim is a
stanch Democrat, and, though not particu-
lar!}' active in politics and no office-
seeker, has served four years as super-
visor of his township. The entire family
belong to the Catholic Church.
ARCHIE LYNN GOWEY, plumber
at De Pere, was .born in Spring
Vale, Fond du Lac Co., Wis.,
May 29, 1854, and is a son of
John H. and Jane (Parish) Gowey, na-
tives, respectively, of Poultney, Vt. , and
of the village of Askron, England. John
Gowey was engaged in farming at Spring
Vale, also carried on a lumber business
at Fond du Lac for many years, and there
built the Moore & Galloway mill. In
1866-67 he was engaged in the milling
and lumber business at De Pere, but
afterward moved to Oshkosh, Winnebago
Co., Wis., where he died; he was buried
at Neenah, same county. His widow
still resides at De Pere.
Archie L. Gowey was educated in the
194
COMMEMORATIVE BI06BAPUICAL RECORD.
schools of De Pere, and when seventeen
years of age went to Oconto, Wis., and
was there engaged in scaling lumber for
the Oconto Compan\', and for England,
Taylor & Company. About 1871 he
opened a grocery and general store at
Oshkosh, Wis., carried it on about two
years, and then engaged in farming near
De Pere until 1877. In 1882 he entered
upon his present plumbing and heating
business in De Pere. Mr. Gowey was
most happily married, in 1876, to Miss
Carrie Lawton, a daughter of Joseph G.
Lawton, and this union has been blessed
with the birth of six children, as follows:
Archie L. , Leila C, Paul E. and Pauline
E. (twins), Ella \. and Clarence P. Mr.
Gowey is a member of the Knights of
Pythias, Lodge No. 107, of De Pere. In
politics he is a Republican, and he and
his wife are members of the Episcopal
Church. Socially the family hold an
enviable position.
IVl
ARTIN VER STRATEN.one of
the prosperous self-made agri-
culturists of the township of De-
Pere, is a native of North Bra-
bant, Holland, born July 25, 1836, son
of George and Delia \'er Straten, the
former of whom was a farmer in but or-
dinary circumstances. He had a family
of eight children (three of whom lived to
adult age), of whom John and Martin
(twins) were the eldest.
Martin Ver Straten attended school
until he was twelve years of age, and then
commenced to work at farm labor, first
for his father, and later for others. He
supported his parents until they died, and
then he and his brother took care of their
younger sister, who was then seven years
old. In 1865 his brother John immi-
grated to the United States, settling in
Brown county. Wis., and, having ac-
quainted Martin with the superior advan-
tages for advancement offered in the New
World, our subject concluded to follow.
Accordingly, in the spring of 1866, he
bid adieu to his home and friends, and
proceeded from Rotterdam to Hull, Eng-
land, thence to Liverpool, where he
took passage in a vessel bound for New
York, arriving in the latter city after a
voyage of eleven days. He was accom-
panied by Miss Anna Van Den, his
brother's fiancee, and they proceeded
directly from New York to Little Chute,
Brown Co. , Wis. , where the\- found John
awaiting his bride. Martin \'er Straten
worked as a farm hand for five or six
weeks after his arrival, and then came to
De Pere township, where he found em-
ployment in a sawmill, and later on a
boat. His first day's work in this town-
ship was for John Coenen, and shortly
afterward he and his brother purchased,
in partnership, fort}- acres of partly-
cleared land, which he still owns, on
which stood a small log house. In
the fall of 1869 he returned to his
birthplace, and, in the spring of 1870,
was there married to Miss Gertrude "Van-
derwise, a native of the same locality,
immediately after which event the young
couple set sail from Rotterdam, landing,
after a voyage of thirteen days, at Port-
land, Maine. From that city they came
over the Grand Trunk railroad to Chi-
cago, and thence to the home in Brown
county. Wis. In the fall of 1868 he had
purchased the interest of his brother John
in the tract of forty acres, and he and his
wife lived there in the log house until it
was destroyed by fire and replaced by a
better one. This was the home of the
family until 1885, when the present sub-
stantial residence was erected. To Mar-
tin and Gertrude Ver Straten were born
six children, as follows: George, Leon-
ard, Annie, and Henry, living, and two
that died young. The mother of these
died in 1882, and was buried in the St.
Marj^'s cemetery, at De Pere, and for his
second wife Mr. Ver Straten married, in
18S5, Mrs. Catherine Smit, widow of
Alexander Smit. She was born in Ba-
varia, Germany, daughter of John Burk,
and came to the United States with her
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
'95
parents when five years old. Her father
had emigrated three years before and lo-
cated in New York, remaining there until
he saved enough to bring his family and
two sisters from the old country. Later
they removed west to Waukesha, Wis.,
and still later came to Brown county.
Mr. Ver Straten now has a well cul-
tivated farm of 1 30 acres, which repre-
sents years of hard, untiring toil and
economy. He is a self-made man in
every respect, having, from a start of
nothing, accumulated a comfortable prop-
erty and a snug income, his success being
the direct result of his own individual
labor. He is highly respected in his town-
ship, where he has been elected to various
offices of trust, serving as supervisor four
terms with satisfaction to all, and he is
now clerk of the school board. In his
political preferences he is a Democrat; in
religious faith he and his wife are mem-
bers of St. Mary's Catholic Church, De-
Pere. When he was nineteen years old
he was called to serve in the Dutch army
five years, by Wilhelm III, King of the
Netherlands, but at the end of one year's
service he was allowed to return to his
home by consent of the King.
JOHN VER STRATEN, who, during
his lifetime, was one of the best-
known farmer citizens of De Pere
township. Brown county, was a na-
tive of Holland, born July 25, 1836, in
the Province of North Brabant. He was
a son of George Ver Straten, a farmer,
and a twin brother of Martin Ver Straten,
a sketch of whom precedes this.
John Ver Straten lived in his native
country, doing farm work until he was
twenty-nine years old. He then concluded
to try his fortune in the United States,
and in 1865 set sail from Antwerp, taking
passage in the "Agnace." During the
first day of the voyage cholera broke out
on board, and the vessel put back to port,
where a fort was converted into a pest-
house; the vessel started again after a few
days, but three hundred of the seven
hundred passengers died of the disease.
Immediately after landing Mr. Ver Straten
came to Brown county. Wis., and for
one year worked on a farm. In April,
1866, he was married, in Little Chute, to
Miss Anna Van Den, who was born Sep-
tember I, 1838, in Holland, daughter of
Martin and Delia Van Den, and came to
the United States in 1866 with Martin
Ver Straten, brother of her late husband.
Immediately after their marriage the
young couple took up their residence with
a farmer in Holland township. Brown
county, where they remained one year;
but, being anxious to have a home of their
own, they, in 1867, purchased private
claim No. 39, a farm of forty acres, for
the payment of part of which they were
obliged to go into debt. A small log
house was the only building on this land,
fifteen acres of which was cleared, and
here they resided one year, and then for
three years lived on a rented farm along
the Dickinson road, his brother Martin
locating on the farm they had left. In
the spring of 1873 they came to the
farm in De Pere township where the
family still make their home, and here
Mr. Ver Straten passed the remainder of
his life. The year before they had pur-
chased forty acres, private claim No. 38,
where they now live, but a small portion
of which tract had then been cleared, and
on which there was not even a dwelling;
but a rude house was soon erected, which
served as a shelter for the family until
their present substantial home was built.
Mr. Ver Straten died on this farm May
14, 1885, leaving a family of eight chil-
dren to be provided for, and a home
encumbered with an indebtedness of seven
hundred dollars. However, by working
together and practicing thrift and strict
economy, the family have paid off every
cent of the debt, and they now have a fine
farm of one hundred acres, equipped
with good out-buildings and a comfortable
residence. The children are as follows:
George, Henry, Martin, Delia, John,
196
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mary, Ellen, and Peter, all living; one
child, Nellie, died in infancy. The sons
are all hard working men. and have nobly
assisted their mother in paying for the
home. George met with a very serious
accident in August, 1894, whereby he
lost an arm. It appears that on the 25th
of that month, while he was operating the
threshing machine at the home of his
mother (an occupation he had been ac-
customed to for the past eight \ears), he
unfortunateh' got his arm entangled in the
pulley through which the belt ran, and it
was terribly torn, the bone being broken
as well. The doctors who attended him
set the bone and did all they could to save
the arm, but three days afterward the
patient was sent to the hospital at Green
Bay, where it was found necessary to
amputate the arm above the elbow. He
is now working his mother's farm. Mrs.
Anna Ver Straten is a thrifty economical
woman, and has shown no small amount
of business ability and sagacity in the
management of the farm. The entire
family are held in the highest esteem in
the communitj' in which they reside. Mr.
Ver Straten was a genial, sociable man,
and he had many friends. He was a
member of St. Mary's Catholic Church
in De Pere, as is also his widow, and in
politics he was a Democrat, though he
never took much interest in party affairs,
and about fifteen years ago served as
assessor three years.
ARONDOU, a prominent gardener,
and now serving his seventh year
as supervisor of the First ward,
Fort Howard, came to Fort How-
ard in 1870, locating where he now lives
in 1876, and engaging in gardening. He
has an ex'cellent farm of thirty acres, all
inside the city limits, and is in the enjoy-
ment of a prosperous business. He built
a good barn in 1891, and raises small
fruit and vegetables.
Mr. Rondou, who is a son of John and
Catherine (De 'Vray) Rondou, was born
in 1853, in Belgium, where his parents
lived and died. He came to Detroit,
Mich., in 1868, finding a home with an
aunt, and from there removed to Fort
Howard. Here he was married, in 1876,
to Miss Johanna Carton, a native of Brown
count} , daughter of Joseph Carton, who
was born in Belgium, and coming to this
country located in Pittsfield township,
Brown Co., Wis., in 1854. Here he
married MarxCabesen, and, with his wife,
is now living with Mr. Rondou. Nine
children came to gladden the home of the
Rondous: Joseph, Frank, Anton, Mary,
Katie, Nettie, Lizzie (deceased;, Fred
and Rosa. Mr. Rondou is a Democrat
in politics, and the leader of his party in
the First ward, of which he has been
supervisor since 1887. He has also
served as alderman from the same ward.
He and his wife are members of St.Willi-
brord's Catholic Church, and Mr. Rondou
holds membership in the Catholic Order
of Foresters, the Catholic Knights of
Wisconsin, and St. Joseph Society, of
which latter he is treasurer. He is one
of the progressive, successful men of Fort
Howard, and always active in furthering
the best interests of the community in
which he resides.
JD. MORAUX, M. D., eminent as a
physician and surgeon, was born in
Green Bay, Wis., his present resi-
dence. May 9, 1864, and is a son of
Victor and Mary (Collart) Moraux, both
natives of Belgium.
Ferdinand Morau.x, father of \'ictor,
was also a native of Belgium, and came to
Brown county. Wis., in quite an early
day, bringing his family and locating in
Green Bay, where Victor found employ-
ment in the grain business as foreman,
being employed later by \'an Dyke, Burr
& Co., then by John Beth, and finally by
Weise, Hollman & Co., and here died
in January, 1894. Mrs. Mary Moraux,
daughter of Desire Collart, Sr. , still re-
sides in Green Bay, as does her father.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPHICAL RECORD.
■97
who once operated a stone quarry at
Duck Creek. To Victor and Mary Moraux
were born seven children, as follows: J.
D. , our subject; Louis, who died of scar-
let fever; Louis (II), who was drowned;
Mary, Felix, Julia and Flora.
Dr. J. D. Moraux was reared in his
native cit}-, and, after a proper preliminary
education, read medicine with Dr. J. R.
Brandt. He then entered the College of
Physicians and Surgeons, Chicago, where
he graduated in February, 1887, and the
same year began practice at Luxembourg,
Kewaunee Co., Wis., but, before the close
of the year, came to Green Bay, and
formed a partnership with Dr. Bartran.
After a brief practice in this connecticn he
bought out Dr. Dechesne, at Robinson-
ville, Brown Co., Wis., but there soon
lost everything by fire, and returned to
Green Bay. The Doctor has always met
with the approbation of his fellow-practi-
tioners, and has been earnest in his en-
deavors to maintain the dignity and coher-
ence of the profession. He is a member
of the Fox River Valley Medical Society,
and once filled the office of vice-president
of the Kewaunee County Medical Society,
of which, also, he was one of the Censors.
He has built up a fine reputation as a
physician, and enjoys quite a lucrative
patronage for a practitioner of his years.
Dr. Moraux was married at Green
Bay, October i. 1888, to Miss Hettie
Schellenbeck, a native of Green Bay and
daughter of Jacob and Otilia (Texton)
Schellenbeck, who came from Germany
to Green Bay about the year 1855.
Here Jacob Schellenbeck engaged in tan-
ning, and later in the leather business;
he was a Republican in politics, served as
a member of the school board, and died
full of honors in July, 1892; his widow is
still a resident of Green Bay. To Mr.
and Mrs. Schellenbeck were born five
children, viz. : Emma, who died at two
years of age; Emma (2), wife of G. P.
Kusterman, of Green Bay; Otto, who was
engaged in the drug trade for some \ ears,
was a K. of P., and died in 1885, at the
age of twenty-nine years; Ernest, who
died when five years old, and Hettie, now
the wife of Dr. Moraux. To Dr. and Mrs.
Moraux were born two children: Otto
Schellenbeck and Hettie, the latter of
whom died in infancy.
Dr. Moraux is a Republican in poli-
tics, is a warm supporter of his party, but
has never been an office seeker. Being a
native of the city he has witnessed much
of its progress, and has naturally taken
great interest in its advancement, and has-
willingly lent every aid in his power to-
ward that desirable end.
CARLMANTHEY, manufacturer of
monuments, headstones and cem-
etery work of all description, and
dealer in marble, granite, etc., at
Green Bay, was born May 11, 1851, at
Coerlin, Province of Pomerania, Prussia,
Germany, a son of Johanna Petersohn,
and in 1858 was adopted by Hermann
and Henrietta Manthey, also natives of
the Province of Pomerania, and moved to
Stettin, Prussia. The family came to the
United States in 1 869, and located on
Clybourne avenue, Chicago, where they
were burned out during the great fire,
losing everything. Here the father worked
as a laborer until 1874, when he came to
Brown county, Wis., and opened up a
farm in Morrison township, which he cul-
tivated until his death in 1883; the widow-
ed mother then returned to Chicago, and
now resides on the North side.
Carl Manthey, the only child, was
educated at Stettin, Prussia, and on
reaching Chicago began an apprenticeship
at his present trade with the Gowen Mar-
ble Company of that city. In Morrison,
Crown Co., Wis., in 1874, he was mar-
ried to Miss Elizabeth Hansch, a native
of Prussia, and to this union have been
born four sons, viz : Hermann, in busi-
ness with his father; Otto, who works for
Joannes Bros., and Charles and Ervin. In
1875 Mr. Manthey worked at his trade in .
Appleton, Wis., moving from there to
198
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
Oshkosh, thence to Fond du Lac, where
he passed four years and, then, in the fall
•of 1880, came to Green Bay. About
1881 he formed a partnership with G.
Kurtz, under the firm name of Kurtz &
Manthey, but at the end of one year
bought out Mr. Kurtz's interest, and since
1882 has been in business for himself. In
1892 he erected his present substantial
brick office building at No. 132 South
Washington street. It is 20 x 50 in dimen-
sions, and here he contracts for everj- va-
riety of work in his line, being himself a
first-class workman, in the busy season
employing six assistants. Mr. Manthey
is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of
the Turnverein, of which latter societ\- he
was dramatic manager ten years. He has
seen a great many changes take place in
Green Bay since coming here, and has al-
ways taken a strong interest in the welfare
of both county and town.
THOMAS H. SCANLAN, justice of
of the peace and notar\' public, at
West Ue Pere, Brown county, is
a native of Askeaton, County
Limerick, Ireland, and was born July 10,
1837. His parents, Thomas and Mary
(Hanley) Scanlan, who were respectable
farming people, both died in Ireland, the
latter when our subject was ten years old,
the former when the boy was twelve years
of age.
Having received a fair education in
the select schools of his native place, our
subject followed his father's vocation for
several years, and then decided on emi-
grating to America. Accordingly, on the
5th day of May, 1863, he embarked on a
sailing vessel at Liverpool, and, after a
voyage of three weeks, landed at New
York, whence he went to Philadelphia,
where some relatives resided. There he
remained until the i ith of the following
October, at which time he came to Wis-
consin, and for awhile stopped at Oconto.
On May 5, 1864, he reached De Pere,
and for two years lived in East De Pere,
but on June 8, 1866, he moved into a
house that he had built on Oneida street,
between P'ourth and Fifth street, in West
De Pere, and here has resided ever since.
On arriving at De Pere, Mr. Scanlan
began work in a sawmill, remaining thus
employed for about two years; but No-
vember 22, 1866, he entered the employ
of the E. E. Bolles Wooden Ware Com-
pany as yard foreman, and with this
company remained twenty-one years,
quitting their employ March 17, 1888.
While filling this position Mr. Scanlan
became quite a favorite with the general
public. In 1 872 he was elected a mem-
ber of the board of trustees of West De-
Pere, and for ten years faithfully per-
formed the functions of that office; in
1883, he was elected treasurer of the city
of West De Pere, in which position he
gave such satisfaction that he was re-
elected in 1 884; in i 885 he was nominated
for the office of mayor of West De Pere.
but being disinclined to run he voted
against himself, and having urged his
friends to the same course, he was conse-
quently defeated; in 1889 he was elected
a justice of the peace, an office he has
ever since held; in that year was also
elected a supervisor, and was appointed
city clerk same j'ear by common council;
in May, 1891, he was commissioned a
notary public, and is still acting in that
capacity. It must be here observed,
however, that 'Squire Scanlan has been
borne into office solely on his own merits
and unbounded popularity, and that he
never was an office-seeker in the. usual
acceptation of that term.
The marriage of Mr. Scanlan took
place at Philadelphia, October 10, 1863,
to Miss Catherin Dowling, and three
children were born to this union, all dying
young. Mr. and Mrs. Scanlan, however,
have reared to womanhood a niece, Mary
Ann Loftus. who was left an orphan at
the age of four years, her mother having
lost her life by the explosion of a kerosene
oil can at her home in Green Bav. Miss
Loftus was married to John Hoks, and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
199
became the mother of one child, Pater-
nella Hoks, now nine years old, who,
having lost her parents when young, is
being also reared by the 'Squire and his
estimable wife. Mr. and Mrs. Scanlan
are devout members of the Roman
Catholic Church, and their quiet and un-
assuming lives have won for them the
respect of all who know them.
EUGENE K. ANSORGE. The
beautiful land of Bohemia, famed
for its picturesque valleys, silvery
streams, romantic mountain scenes
and its handsome, gay and music-loving
people, has sent to our country some of
its most industrious, loyal and peaceful
citizens, among whom is found, in no small
degree of prominence, the gentleman
whose name is here recorded.
Mr. Ansorge was born September 23,
1843, in the German village of Christofs-
grund, in the northeastern part of
Bohemia, a son of Anton and Caroline
Ansorge, who, in 1855, with their family
of three children (the eldest son, Kilian,
serving at that time in the Austrian army,
followed in 1866), emigrated to the
United States, where, in Manitowoc
county, Wis., they cleared up a farm
from wild woodland they had bought.
Here the mother died in 1867, the father
at Green Bay in 1888, aged eighty-six
years.
The subject of this sketch was a lad
of eleven years when the family came to
Wisconsin, and, not having the oppor-
tunity to visit a school, he acquired the
greater part of his education by self in-
struction in reading, etc. Up to the age
of twenty-one he worked on his father's
farm, learning also the trade of carpenter,
at which time, his two-years-older brother
returning from the war, he volunteered
his services to the Union for the suppres-
sion of the Rebellion, by enlisting in
Company F, Forty-fifth Wis. V. I. From
the commencement of his enlistment he
served as sergeant, chiefly in Tennessee,
and for the most part on camp and train
guard duty. In August, same year, the
war having closed, he was honorably dis-
charged, and came home. A short time
afterward he went to Missouri, and for
over a year worked at carpentry. In
June, 1867, he started as contractor and
builder, but being taken sick, had once
more, in November of that year, to return
to the parental roof. In the following
spring, having recovered his health, he
resumed his trade as builder at home,
continuing it until the ne.xt fall; but such
work does not appear to have been the
primary and great object of his ambition,
and he began to look around him for some
occupation more suited to his tastes and
inclinations. Determined to try his hand
at insurance work, he, in December, 1868,
entered the service of the " Dodge County
Mutual Insurance Company" as solicitor,
and as such traveled on foot over part of
Manitowoc county, and near all of Ke-
waunee county, in the following April
opening an office in Oconto, where for
four years he did a thriving business in Fire
insurance. During all this time, being a
musician of acknowledged merit, playing
the violin, he was frequently employed to
furnish music for entertainments, etc.,
and even now, at times, assists at concerts.
In March, 1873, he moved to Green Bay,
transferring his office in toto, and has
since conducted one of the most reliable
and flourishing Fire and Life insurance
businesses in northern Wisconsin. On No-
vember I, 1892, he received into partner-
ship E. P. Parish, the firm name being
Ansorge & Parish, which still continues.
In 1870 Mr. Ansorge was married to
Miss Johanna T. Ansorge, and five chil-
dren were born to them, namely: Herman
and Walter, both deceased, and Clara,
Herman and Flora, all three at home. In
his political associations our subject is a
Republican, and, although no office seeker,
has served the city of Green Bay as alder-
man. He is a member of the K. of P.,
Turnverein, German Singing Societj',
Green Bay Sharpshooters Society, and G.
200
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
A. R., in all of which he has taken an
active interest, and served in various offi-
cial capacities. A man of enterprise and
integrity, success has crowned his efforts,
and he is the owner of considerable
amount of real estate. He is now a
director of the Citizens National Bank.
Although favored with but limited school-
ing, as alread)' intimated, Mr. Ansorge
has acquired a more than ordinary practi-
cal education by extensive reading and
close observation of men and things. He
is the owner of an excellent library, in
which he takes deep interest, realizing
full well that books "are a substantial
world, both pure and good, round which
our pastime and our happiness will grow. "
AW. JOHNSON, successor to
Johnson & Havens, is a highly
reputable dealer in marble and
granite monuments and tomb-
stones, his office being at Xo. 310 Cherry
street. Green Bay, Wisconsin.
He was born in Black Brook, Clinton
Co., N. Y. , in 1854, and is a son of
William and Sarah (Belong) Johnson,
natives of Essex county, same State.
William Johnson was a miller and iron
manufacturer at Black Brook, but later
moved to Plattsburg, where he was em-
ployed by a marble firm. He finally
came to ^^'isconsin, and died at Fort
Howard, Brown county, in 1S86; his
widow now resides in Beekmantown, N.
Y. They were the parents of two chil-
dren : Ida, wife of A. Rea, of Beekman-
town, and A. \\'., our subject. The lat-
ter was reared, educated anti learned
marble cutting in Plattsburg, and worked
at his trade in Clinton, Essex, Franklin
and' St. Lawrence counties, N. Y. , and
then came to Wisconsin. He began
business in Hilbert Junction, Calumet
county, in 1876, remaining there until the
fall of 1 88 1, when, at Fort Howard, he
formed a partnership with Mr. Havens.
In 1882 the firm came to Green Bay,
where they continued in partnership un-
til February, 1891, when Mr. Johnson
bought out the interest of Mr. Havens,
and is now building up a fine trade on his
own account, employing, on an a\erage,
four men.
Mr. Johnson was married at Fort
Howard, in 1885, to Miss Anna Klauson,
a native of that place, and a daughter of
Henry and Mary (Hintzj Klauson, the
former a native of Holland, the latter of
Germany. They were married in Fort
Howard, and became the parents of
three children, viz. : Catherine, wife of
James Faulkner, of Fort Howard; Henry,
a painter by trade, who died in 1879, and
Anna (Mrs. Johnson). To Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson have been born two children,
W'allace Rea and May Ida. Politically
our subject is a Republican; social!}' he is
a member of Hilbert Lodge, No. 56, I. O.
O. F., and of the A. O. U. W., of Fort
Howard. Mrs. Johnson is a devout mem-
ber of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
ALEXANDER P. SCHMIDT, a
prosperous brewer of West De-
Pere, is a native of New York
State, born in Tonawanda, Erie
county, October 3, 1846, a son of Martin
and Mary Ann (Nagle) Schmidt.
Martin Schmidt was born near the
city of Sweibrucken, Bavaria, was a shoe-
maker, and came to the United States in
1832. At Buffalo, N. Y., he met and
married Mar}- Ann Nagle, a native of
Tonawanda, whose father, Antony Nagle,
was born in Alsace, but who served in
the United States army in the war with
Great Britain in 181 2 (for which he re-
ceives a small pension); he was killed, at
the age of ninety-six years, on the 4th of
July, 1876, by a railway train, being deaf
and partially blind from old age.
Alexander P. Schmidt was educated
until eight years of age at the public
schools of Tonawanda, when, in 1854,
his father moved with his family to Mani-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
20I
towoc, Wis., where our subject completed
his education. The father purchased a
farm near the city of Manitowoc, but
later engaged in mercantile business, and
since Cleveland's first administration has
been postmaster at Elverno, Wis., and
has also served, as a Democrat, on the
board of supervisors — a portion of the
time as its chairman. Mrs. Mary Ann
Schmidt died in the town of Manitowoc
Rapids in 1855. On June 24, 1864,
Alexander P. Schmidt enlisted in the
Union army at Buffalo, N. Y. , and saw
active service in the department of the
Mississippi until September, 1865, when
he was honorably discharged. After be-
ing mustered out he commenced learning
the brewing business at Manitowoc, and
five years later, in partnership with his
father, Martin Schmidt, built a brewery
at Silver Lake, Wis. , where a profitable
business was conducted for sixteen months,
at the end of which time our subject
moved to Mazo Manie, Dane Co., Wis.,
and here kept a boarding-house and saloon
for a year, after which he settled, in May,
1874, in De Pere, Brown county, where
he purchased his present site of four lots,
erecting a fine residence and brewery and
several commodious barns, granaries, etc.
Here he turns out about 500 barrels of
beer annually, the home trade consuming
the entire product. Mr. Schmidt owns
one-half of the brewery lands in partner-
ship with Pauline Zeller, and also owns a
neat farm of ninety-eight acres, of which
fifty-eight acres lie within the city limits.
In politics Mr. Schmidt is a Demo-
crat, and has served as alderman of West
De Pere ten or twelve terms at various
periods. He is a member of Harrison
Post, G. A. R. , at De Pere, is an upright
member of the Catholic Church, and en-
joys the respect of his fellow citizens. In
1872 Mr. Schmidt married Miss Augusta
Ya;ller, a native of Calumet, Fond du Lac
Co. , Wis. , and of Saxon descent. Five
children have been born to this union, as
follows: Estella C. S., now filling her
fourth term as teacher in the high schools
of De Pere; Edward A. G., attending
the State University at Madison; Laura,
attending the Normal School at Milwau-
kee: and Myrtle and Richard, at home.
DAVID ZIMDARS, a respected,
self-made agriculturist of Glen-
more township. Brown county,
was born February 22, 1840, in
Germany, son of Joaquim Ziindars, who
had a family of eleven children, David
being the sixth in the order of birth.
Our subject received a fair education
at the common schools of his native land,
but commenced to work at an early age,
as his parents were only in moderate cir-
cumstances. At the age of twenty he
entered the army, and served three years.
In 1865 he was married to Miss Minnie
Berkenhagen, who was born in Germany
in 1842, and shortly afterward the young
couple went to work for a large farmer.
The wages were small, but in four years
Ihey had managed to save enough to
bring them to America, and, with their
only child, Hulda, they journeyed to
Bremen, where they took passage on the
vessel "Ferdinand," landing at Quebec,
Canada, after a voyage of eight weeks.
At this point their funds were exhausted,
but, receiving money from a brother-in-
law in Milwaukee to come to that city,
Mr. Zimdars took his family thither at
once. There they remained for about
ten years, during which time he was em-
ployed as laborer in the manufactories of
the city, and, by economy and thrift, they
managed to save a little. In the spring
of 1878 they removed to Section 10,
Glenmore township. Brown county, where
Mr. Zimdars had previously purchased
eighty acres of wild land, which had been
lumbered over, but was totally unim-
proved. He built the first dwelling on
the place, and all other improvements
thereon have also been made by him, or
under his direction; he now has 120 acres,
the greater part of which is cleared and
under cultivation. Since coming to this
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGIiAPlIICAL ItECORD.
farm Mr. Ziindars has done a great deal
of hard work, for when he first took up
his home here the land was poor, and af-
forded but a scanty support, their principal
re\enue being derived from the sale of
timber; and his success, in the face of
all difficulties, shows what may be ac-
complished by industry and honest toil.
Though in debt when he landed in the
United States, he is to-day one of the
well-to-do farmers of his locality. His
wife has assisted him nobly in the ac-
cumulation of their comfortable property,
and they are highly esteemed in the com-
munity for their many good qualities; they
have a wide circle of friends and acquaint-
ances. They are both members of the
Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Zim-
dars is a Democrat, but, though interested
in the welfare of the party, he is not a
strong partisan, in local elections voting
for the best man regardless of politics.
Mr. and Mrs. Zimdars had but one
child, Hulda, who was born in Germany.
She was married in Glenmore township.
Brown county, to Henry Goethe, a native
of southern Germany, and one child,
William, was born to this marriage. Mrs.
Goethe died September 23, 1889, in Mil-
waukee (where she was buried), deeply
mourned by her family and friends.
JOHN MURPHY, widely known and
respected in Brown county, and es-
peciall}' in Glenmore township,
where he is justly recognized as a
public-spirited, progressive citizen, was
born April 16, 1850, in Roxbury, Massa-
chusetts.
Timothy Murphy, his father, was
born in County Cork, Ireland, son of
John Murphy, where he received a com-
mon-school education, and when a young
man, having decided to seek his fortune
in the United States, he came to Boston,
Mass. In that city he wedded Ellen Ma-
honey, also a native of Ireland, and after
their marriage they removed to Ro.xbury,
Mass., where two children — Elnora (now
a school-teacher of Stephenson, Mich.),
and John (our subject) — were born to
them. In the fall of 1850 Mr. Murphy,
accompanied by his father and his little
family, migrated westwanl to Wisconsin
(where a brother had previously located),
attracted by the cheap homes to be had.
They proceeded to Buffalo, thence to
Green Bay, on the steamer "Old Michi-
gan," and from there to De Pere, where
for a time the family resided. In the
same year he purchased 160 acres in
Section 23, northwest quarter, Glen-
more township, at ten shillings per acre,
and immediately commenced the clearing
of the land, which was still in its primi-
tive condition. He spent some time pre-
paring a home for his family, and his
route from De Pere to his settlement led
through the woods from a point on the
Dixon road; no bridges spanned the
streams, which had to be forded or crossed
by means of some fallen log. The land
was heavily timbered, and a space had to
be cleared for the log cabin, which stood
a short distance southeast of the present
residence. Early in 1852 the family re-
moved to their pioneer home, and at that
day the township was so wild and so
sparsely settled that the few families
grouped together near Mr. Murphy's
cabin. The farm at first afforded no sup-
port whatever to the family, and, but for
the few dollars he had managed to save,
they would even have wanted the neces-
saries of life. Such stock as they had
they were in constant danger of losing,
for the wild beasts, especially wolves,
made frequent visits to the farm. But
gradually the wild animals disappeared
from the vicinity, the forest was sup-
planted by beautiful, smiling farms, a
great work indeed, and one which in-
volved many years of stern toil. Two
more children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Murphy on this farm, Cornelius and
Mary, both now of Chicago. These old
pioneers passed from earth in 1887, Mr.
Murphy on June 30, when about seventy-
three years of age, his wife on March 4,
COMMEMOIIATIVE BIOGIiAPIIICAL RECORD.
203
and they now lie buried in Shantytown
cemetery. Tiiey were members of the
Catholic Church. In politics he was a
stanch Democrat, held many offices of
honor and trust in his township, and as-
sisted materially in the improvement of
his section.
John Murphy, eldest son of this old
pioneer, was but a child when he came
with his parents to Glenmore township,
and here was reared to manhood. He re-
ceived his first schooling in District No. 2,
under Maurice Casey, and later attended
for about a year in District No. 4, Rock-
land township. But, being the eldest son
his help was needed on the farm, where
he received a thorough training to agri-
culture under his father, and during his
younger da3's he also worked at lumber-
ing, an occupation then very popular
among young men. But with the excep-
tion of probably a year, he remained at
home. On May 13, 1880, Mr. Murphy
was married in De Pere to Miss Johanna
Heffernan, a native of Glenmore town-
ship, born February 11, i860, daughter
of James and Bridget (Leary) Heffernan,
who were natives of the Emerald Isle and
early settlers of Glenmore township.
This union has been blessed with one
child, Ellen E. , born April 16, 1881.
After his marriage our subject settled on
the old homestead, where he has ever
since resided, principally engaged in gen-
eral farming and stock-raising, having
eighty acres of excellent land, all under
cultivation. In his political preferences
Mr. Murphy is a Democrat, and gives
that party his unfailing support in State
and National elections; but in township
and county affairs he selects the best man
without much regard for party lines. He
has been called upon to fill various local
offices of trust; in 1884 he was elected
township treasurer, and served continu-
ously until 1889; he has been justice of
the peace for many years, and in 1 894
was elected to his present position, chair-
man of the township; in every capacity
he has proven himself an efficient officer,
and his service has invariably been marked
by a careful, conscientious discharge of
his duties, which has never failed to give
satisfaction. He gives a ready and willing
support to every enterprise of interest or
benefit to his township, and his many
years of public service have made him
well known and infiuential. In religious
connection he and his wife are members
of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Glenmore.
PETER HANSON SCHULTZ, an
old settler and prominent citizen
of Fort Howard, Brown county,
was born in North Schleswig,
Denmark, in 1S24. His parents, Johan
and Christina (Hanson) Schultz, were
also natives of Denmark, in which country
the former died, his excellent wife, mother
of Peter, came to Brown county, Wis.,
and settled in the township of New Den-
mark, where she died about 1879, aged
ninety-three years and four months. She
also had two daughters: Christina, wife
of Christian Hartz, in Denmark; and
Ureka (widow of Hans Nelson), now a
resident of New Denmark township,
Brown county.
The son, Peter Hanson Schultz, lived
in his native country twenty-six years.
He received a good education, and in
1848 entered the Danish army, which
during that year engaged in its regular
drill, and in 1849-50 he saw active ser-
vice in a war against the Germans. He
learned the trades of carpenter, plasterer,
and cabinet-maker while yet a resident of
Denmark, and found employment in those
lines until he concluded to come to
America. In 1852 he set out on the sail-
ing vessel "Alter Peter," from Hamburg,
landing six weeks later at New York,
from which city he proceeded directly to
to Fort Howard, Wis., finding employ-
ment at the carpenter's trade, which he
followed for years. In the course of time
he acquired considerable property, and
now owns three houses besides the one in
which he lives. As a Republican he takes
304
COMMEMORAriVK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a lively interest in political affairs, and
was for one year a member of the town
council. Both he and his wife belonf^j to
the Lutheran Church.
Mr. Schultz was married in 1869, at
Fort Howard, to Anna Maria Hanson,
daughter of Hans Jorgen and Hannah
Marguerita (Hendrickson) Hanson, all
natives of Denmark. The family located
in New Denmark township in 1868, set-
tling on a farm. The senior Hanson died
in 1878; his widow, now over eighty-four
years of age, yet resides on the old farm.
Their children were: Fredericka, wife of
Jens Anderson, of Denmark; Carrie, wife
of Jacob Klausen, of New Denmark
township; Hans Henry, married and re-
siding in the same township; Anna Maria,
now Mrs. Schultz; Martha, wife of Hans
Rasmussen, of Denmark; Julia, wife of
Louie Larsen, of New Denmark, Brown
county. When Mr. Schult/ first came to
Fort Howard, he settled in what was
known as Tanktown, working at the
carpenter's trade for Schwar^, Kemnitz
& Voight, and at contracting and building.
SIMON JONES MURPHY, JR.
In the human race there is ever
progressive change, and it becomes
the part of biography, which is
the essence of history, to record and ac-
celerate it. It shows us how far weha\'e
advanced beyond the past, and it treas-
ures up the experience of that past for
still further advance in the future.
Without history we would constantly
require to begin the march of improve-
ment or progress anew, and society would
be moving in a narrow ever-returning
circle, instead of in one straight and for-
ward line. While this is true of history
in general, that of ourselves, our relatives,
our people — crystallized into the form of
biography, whereby are perpetuated the
lives of the fittest — has special, even first,
claims upon us; and it becomes a duty to
both the present and coming generations
to include in this biographical work
records of the lives of such representative
men of our time as the gentleman of whom
it is our privilege to now write, whose
success in business is due to the practical
and sensible constitution of his mind,
and to the thoroughness of his business
training.
Mr. Murphy is a nati\e of the State
of Maine, born March 27, 1851, in the
town of Bradley, a grandson of Charles
Murphy, who was born in the Kennebec
Valley, in that State, and was a farmer
of fair education, possessed withal of
strong characteristics. His son, Simon
Jones Murphy, Sr. , who is a native of
the same locality, born in April, 181 5,
was reared by his uncle, George Jones, a
farmer on Jones Hill, remaining under his
care till he was eighteen years old. At
the age of eighteen he left the farm, going
to Bangor, on the Penobscot river, where
he became a lumberman, exploring the
river and its tributaries for lumbering pur-
poses. After making himself acquainted
with all the details of the business, he
embarked in the industry for his own
account, and, by energy, sagacity and
prudence, became a successful lumber-
man. He was a hard worker, but
was endowed by nature with a rug-
ged and strong constitution that carried
him through many severe hardships. In
all his ventures he met with success, and
is to-day, in his declining years, a typical
representative of a New England pioneer
lumberman. Soon after getting well
started in business he married in the
State of Maine, and in 1866 removed to
Detroit, Mich., where he has since had
his home, although for the past several
winters he has lived in Los Angeles
county, Cal. His wife, Ann Montgomery,
was a daughter of Charles M. Dorr, a
citizen of prominence in the East, and
she was educated in Boston while living
with an aunt. Twelve children were
born of this union, of whom but six lived
to maturit}', as follows: Charles E.,
Simon J. Jr., Albert M., \\'illiam H.,
UOMMEMOHATIVE DIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
207
Anna D., and Frank E. Of these,
Simon J. Jr., the subject proper of these
lines, received his primary education in
Bangor, Maine, finishing at the high
school, Detroit, Mich. , after which he
prepared himself for college, in 1870
entering Harvard University, where he
graduated in the class of 1873, in the
Lawrence Scientific School. The object
of his ambition at this time appears to
have been railroading, and he was
promised a position on the Northern Pa-
cific railroad, but the financial crash of
that year intervened, frustrating his in-
tentions, and he was fain to enter the
employ of his father in the lumber busi-
ness. In order to become thoroughly
acquainted with all the details from the
very commencement, he began at the
bottom round of the ladder, driving
teams, etc., and doing all other offices of
the laboring man, in the end thoroughly
mastering the business. There is some-
thing to admire in the conduct of the
young Harvard graduate working in the
ranks, as it were, and receiving no ad-
vantage over the common laborer. As
soon as practicable, he was put in charge
of a camp, and, later, he had control of
drivers, in a few years becoming a mana-
ger in his father's vast lumber business on
the Saginaw river, Michigan. In 1878
he became also interested in the White
River lumber operations, controlled by
his father, and in 1882 the style of the
firm became Crepin, Murphy & Sons. In
1883, after the election of officers, our
subject became one of the directoi's, and
was made president of the White River
Boom Co., remaining as such until 1885,
by which time the timber owned by his
firm had been all cut.
In February, i 886, Mr. Murphy came
to Green Bay, and at once set to work to
build a sawmill at the mouth of Fox river,
on what was known as the "Whitney
slough," which mill is now one of the
largest in northern Wisconsin, its ca-
pacity being twenty-five million feet per
annum, running daytime only. In April,
1886, his brother Frank E. joined him,
becoming a partner in the business, and
he is a director and secretary-treasurer of
the Murphy Lumber Co. , their father
being president, and their brother Will-
iam H. vice-president. From the very-
commencement this vast industry has
been a pronounced success, giving em-
ployment to some 250 men in the woods
and in the mill, the product of which
latter is shipped by water and rail to
Chicago, Milwaukee and eastern points.
On October 17, 1877, Mr. Murphy
was married to Miss Helena Bogardus
Piatt, a lady of much refinement, culture
and rare grace in entertaining. She is a
daughter of James Piatt, of Boston, an
Englishman by birth and education; her
mother was a Miss Bogardus, of the old
Dutch family of that name in New York,
who are related to the Van Rensselaers.
To this union were born five children,
named as follows: Elsie L. , Florence L. ,
Lorraine A. , Yvonne Dorr, and C. Temple.
Politically Mr. Murphy is a Republi-
can, and, in 1890 and 1894, he was a
candidate on that ticket for member of
the Assembly from Democratic Brown
county, but was defeated by a small ma-
jority. Socially he is a member of the
F. & A. M., thirty-second degree, A. A.
S. Rite, of Tripoli Temple, A. A. O. N. O.
M. S., E. C. of Palestine Commandery,
No. 20, and Gr. J. W. of the Grand
Commandery of the State; he is exalted
ruler of Green Bay Lodge, No. 259, B.
P. O. E., and is a member of the Order
of Hoo-Hoo. He was president of the
Business Association of Green Bay two
terms. Since becoming a resident of the
city of his adoption Mr. Murphy has con-
spicuously and effectively contributed to
its rapid development, and he is justly
honored as one of its most useful, most
substantial and most enterprising citizens.
The valuable lessons, a young and
thinking generation can glean from such a
sterling character as our subject presents,
are briefly these: that natural ability with
a good education, coupled with tact and
JoS
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
restless energ;y, are sure roads to success
in business, as well as in the social and
political fields. Only a man of the right
material could readily doff the student's
gown for the woodman's jacket, and learn
the details of a vast business, and in a
short time place himself practically at the
head of a vast lumbering concern, be-
sides finding time to look after the in-
terest of his city and watch every op-
portunity which might bring a benefit to
his town and county; and also to be all
that a fond father and husband should be
to his famil)' in the home where the inner
life, which is the real life of any man, is
lived. There in the home circle, where
presides with tact and grace a true Amer-
ican lady, Mr. Murphy gains much of that
good cheer for which he is so well known,
and which is so highly appreciated by his
numerous friends.
Mr. Murphy's youth was passed with
a keen intelligence and much out-door
life that built up a healthy and robust
physique, which soon won for him recog-
nition and respect at the hands of those
with whom he was thrown in contact;
thus gradually but surely placing him in
an enviable position as a prominent citi-
zen and business man.
He is of sanguine temperament, though
cool and deliberate, even when absorbed
in the most momentous and intricate
business proposition; in fact, he is pos-
sessed of what might not improperly be
styled a judicial cast of mind, which has en-
abled him to conduct and regulate his large
business with that perfect order which in-
sures success; also to maintain discipline
in, and guarantee honest service at the
hands of, his small army of employes in
the mill orforests, which, through the same
potent agency, are kept in perfect accord
and under thorough control.
The casual observer may not always
recognize, in his often careless attire and
unostentatious mien, the college graduate
or polished sympathetic speaker, for as
such he is fast beginning to be known in
this part of the State, because he is a
man that hates cant and empty ceremony,
and at all times is more than he seems to
appear.
ABEL D. NEWTON (deceased)
was, in his lifetime, a conspicuous
landmark in the part of the coun-
try in which for so many years the
cheerful ring of his anvil was heard for
miles around. He was a native of North
Leverett, Franklin Co. , Mass., born Sep-
tember 2, 1806, being of the seventh gen-
eration from Richard Newton, who came
from England to the American Colonies
before 1640, the heads of the family from
him down to our subject being as follows:
Moses, Jonathan, Nathan, Paul, Edward
and Abel D. Richard Newton, the im-
migrant, located in Sudbury, Mass., and
was one of the original proprietors of
that town.
Abel D. Newton, the subject proper
of this sketch, was reared by his grand-
father, Paul Newton, attending the public
schools of his early day to the age of
fifteen years, at which time he commenced
a six-years' apprenticeship to the trade of
blacksmith at Deerfield, Mass., and, at
the age of twenty-one, worked at his trade
in Ashfield, same State and county. Sub-
sequently he took a one-year's course of
study at an academy in Ipswich, Mass.,
at which town he became interested in
mission work. He united with the Con-
gregational Church of Ashfield in 1828,
in 1830 joined the American Board of
Home Missions, and same year was sent
out to Mackinaw in the capacity of mis-
sionary among the Indians in that region,
continuing cheerfully and faithfully in his
arduous duties for three or fouryears; but,
his health becoming impaired, he had to
abandon mission work. His work was to-
teach the Indian boys blacksmithing and
other trades, reading and the customs of
civilized life.
On April 29, 1834, Mr. Newton was
married, in Ashfield, Mass. fwhither he
had returned for the purpose), to Mi.ss
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
209
Betsey Leonard, a native of that town,
born December 6, 1809, a daughter of
Ziba Leonard, of Ashfield, who was of
the seventh generation from Solomon
Leonard, who came from England to the
American Colonies in 1630, locating in
Duxbury, Mass., and whose descendants
by generations were: Jacob, Joseph,
Joseph, Dan, and Ziba. After marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Abel D. Newton came to
Wisconsin, he having entered into an en-
gagement as blacksmith for the American
Fur Company, at La Pointe; this was in
.1834, and for about four years he re-
mained in this employ, at the same time
giving some attention to missionary work.
In October, 1839, he came to Green
Bay, about which time he and his family
were prostrated with fever and ague, but
all recovered. During the ensuing winter
he worked at blacksmithing for Daniel
Whitney, and in the following summer
carried on a blacksmith shop he had built
on Adams street, between Croaks and
Stuart, so continuing until 185 1, the year
of his coming to De Pere, where he built
him a shop, becoming the leading black-
smith of the locality. For edge tools, a
branch of the trade at which he was an
expert, his services were waited on from
far and near, his reputation as an all-
round artisan being widely recognized.
In De Pere he bought four lots, built a
house and lived there until i860. He
had, in 1849, bought a farm of 120 acres
in Section 32, De Pere township, for
which he paid $200 in gold, and hither he
moved in i860, having built a log house
on his property, which stands a short dis-
tance north of his present dwelling, the
latter having been erected in 1875. Here
Mr. Newton, by unremitting toil and tire-
less energy, cleared a fine farm, and passed
in peace the rest of his life, dying January
7, 1889, full of years and honor. His re-
mains rest in Greenwood cemetery. In
Church matters he was an active leader, a
ruling elder and a prominent member of
the Presbyterian Congregation, of which
Mrs. Newton has also been a member for
sixty-seven years. Now, in her eighty-
sixth year, she is calmly awaiting the
summons that shall call her hence, to join
those gone before to the Better Land.
The children, nine in number, born to this
honored couple, were as follows: Mercena
L. , widow of Charles T. Dickinson, of
St. John's, Ore.; Martha, Mrs. R. F.
Wilson, of Portland, Ore.; Edward D.,
who died on the home farm from disease
contracted in the army, he having served
three years as a member of Company G,
First Wisconsin Cavalry; Zebina Leonard,
deceased at the age of three years; James
K. , who died in California, June 26, 1892
(he had studied abroad, and for sixteen
years was professor of modern languages
at Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio; dur-
ing the Civil war he served four years,
and was second lieutenant in Company F,
Fourteenth Wis. V. I.); Samuel, now re-
siding in De Pere, who is clerk for Jack-
son & Sons (he served one year in Com-
pany G, First Wisconsin Cavalry); Er-
mina E., married, June 2, 1888, to B. A.
Leonard (sketch of whom follows), and
living on the home farm in De Pere town-
ship; Sarah A., Mrs. I. S. Clifford, of
Manston, Wis., and Marion A., who died
at the age of twenty-two years.
BERNARD A. LEONARD, who is now
living on the home farm of the late Abel
D. Newton, in De Pere township. Brown
county, is a native of Massachusetts, born
July 25, 1844, in Southbridge, second son
of Manning Leonard, who was of the
seventh generation from Solomon Leon-
ard, who came from England to the
Colonies in 1630, as already recorded in
the sketch of Abel D, Newton. He at-
tended both common and high school, and
when of age began life for himself. In
Iosco county, Mich., he bought some land,
after a visit to Oconto, Wis,, which, ad-
vancing in price, he sold, thus furn shing
himself with sufficient capital to embark
in regular business. For three years he
was a successful dealer in hardwood lum-
ber in Detroit, and from there moving to
Cincinnati, Ohio, became a leading mem-
COMMEMORATIVK BIUCHAPUICAL RECORD.
ber of the Greenwood Stove Company,
but at the end of three years, his health
failing, he returned to Detroit and com-
menced the manufacture of carriage
wheels, also conducting a dental supply
store. His health, however, not improv-
ing, Mr. Leonard returned to his native
State in order to recuperate, and, after a
stay of two years, removetl to Jackson,
Mich., and here entered the retail grocery
and wholesale spice mills of Ford, Dela-
niater & Company, tlicn returned to
Massachusetts, where, from 1879 to 1888,
he remained.
Mr. Leonard first married. May 31,
1 87 1, Miss Nellie T. Burr. For his sec-
ond wife he married, June 2, 1888, Miss
Ermina E. Newton, of De Pere, Wis.,
since when he has lived a retired life on
the old Newton homestead. In genealogy
he takes great interest, and he has latelj'
taken up a partly completed work (left so
by his father) treating on the Leonard
family genealogy, to the completion of
which he devotes much of his time.
DANIEL H. DAVIS, a thriving
farmer of Pittsfield township,
Brown county, was born in Par-
ishville, St. Lawrence Co., N.
Y. , November 24, 1842, a son of Darwin
and Emeline (Steel) Davis, who were the
parents of four children, viz. : Alonzo D.,
deceased at the age of twenty-six; Daniel
H., our subject; Emeory, now the wife of
George Jenkins, of Wrightstown ; and
William Henry, of Cato, Manitowoc Co.,
Wis. The family came to Wisconsin in
1846, and for five years lived in Wal-
worth county; then moved to Manitowoc
county, where Darwin Da\is bought eighty
acres of hard-timber land, from which he
cleared up a farm; in 185S he sold twenty
acres, and in 1869 sold the balance and
bought a house and lot in Cato, where he
and his wife lived until May 7, 1885, when
he died in the Presbyterian faith. His
widow passed away at the home of her
son, Daniel H., December 4, 1894, at the
advanced age of eighty-two years, seven
months, two da\s, and was buried at Cato,
Manitowoc Co., Wisconsin.
On August II, 1862, Daniel H. Davis
enlisted in Company K, Twenty-first
Wis. v. I., and served until December
29, when, having been shot through the
arm at the battle of Perryville, he was
discharged at Louisville, Ky. , and re-
turned to his home, where he was laid up
a year. Early in 1864 he began driving
team for S. A. Benjamin, and remained
with him four years. In the meantime,
November 12, 1865, he married Mrs. Edna
M. (Warfield) Branch, daughter of John
and Caroline (Post) Warfield, and widow
of Nelson Branch. Mr. Warfield was a
butcher and farmer, and was twice mar-
ried; his first wife was Caroline Post, who
bore him three children, viz. : Mary,
Edna M. and John M. Mrs. Caroline
Warfield died when Edna M. (Mrs. Davis)
was but eight years of age, and Mr. War-
field married a widow — Caroline Howard
— who had by her first marriage two
children, Spencer and Eli; to her marriage
with Mr. Warfield were born four chil-
dren, viz. : Augustus, Caroline, William
and Julia. Edna M. Warfield (Mrs. Davis)
was first married April 11, 1855, to Nel-
son Branch, a school-teacher and specu-
lator, to whom she bore one child, Rosa,
now Mrs. Frank Hubbard, of Maple Val-
ley, Oconto Co., Wis. Mr. Branch had
been married about eight years when he
became insane, and died in an asylum.
No children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Davis.
After his marriage, and after leaving
the employ of S. A. Benjamin, Mr. Davis
came with his wife, in 1868, to Mills Cen-
ter, Pittsfield township, and for three
years kept a boarding house. During this
period he bought forty acres of land. He
got rid of the standing timber by giving it
to charcoal burners for the clearing of it
away, built a frame house on the cleared
land, and a year later took possession of
it and still lives thereon, having been en-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
21 I
gaged in farming ever since his removal
hither.
In politics Mr. Davis is a Republican,
and has been school clerk two terms, also
justice of the peace six years, offices he
has filled with great credit to himself, and
to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.
GEORGE GEURTS, one of the
well-known farmer citizents of
De Pere township. Brown coun-
ty, is a native of Holland, born
March 4, 1845, son of Arnold Geurts,
who was also a farmer. In the spring of
1866 Arnold Geurts came to the United
States, bringing his family, consisting of
five children, all of whom are yet living.
They sailed form Antwerp, landing in
New York after a voyage of !orty-five
days, and, in three months from the time
they leftt heir native land, arrived at their
final destination. Brown county. Wis. They
first went to Little Chute, where some rela-
tives had previously located, and there
remained four months, working at an}'-
thing they could find to do. The family
then came to De Pere township and pur-
chased the forty acres where Martin Ver
Straten now resides, and which at that
time had no improvements whatever but
a small log house. There they made
their home for eight or nine years, all
working together to clear and improve the
land, which at the end of that time was
divided.
In July, 1872, George Geurts was
united in marriage with Miss Harriet Van-
derVoort, who was born February 20,
1852, in Holland, daughter of Arnold and
Mary (Barten) VanderVoort, who came
to the United States in 1856. They made
the voyage from Antwerp to New York in
thirty-five days, and then proceeded by
water to Green Bay, Wis. At that time
Arnold VanderVoort was a poor man, and
for a while supported his family by work-
ing as mason's assistant. He died in De-
Pere township in 1871 on the farm now
owned by our subject, with whom his
widow, now aged seventy-two years, yet
resides. After marriage Mr. Geurts im-
mediately commenced farming on the
place he now owns and resides upon, and
which, at the present time, comprises 114
acres of excellent farming land, all taken
from the woods. To Mr. and Mrs. Geurts
were born children as follows: Mary, Ar-
nold, Annie, John, Nellie, Delia, and Cor-
nelius, all living, and four that died young.
Mr. Geurts has resided on his present
farm for over twenty yerrs, during which
time, by industry and assiduous toil he
has done much toward its improvement
and made for himself a comfortable home.
He is well known and highly respected
in his township, where he is recognized
as a thorough, hard working agriculturist
and a kind-hearted neighbor. In politics
he is a Democrat, and, though not an
office-seeker, he is at present serving as
school treasurer in his district. He and
his wife are members of St. Mary's Cath-
olic Church at De Pere.
JOHN CODY, assessor of Fort
Howard, city and township, has
held this responsible position for
eighteen years, evidence sufficient
in itself of the esteem in which this gentle-
man is held by his fellow citizens and of
the trust imposed in him.
Mr. Cody was born in 1820, in Coun-
ty Kilkenny, Ireland, in which land of
the Shamrock his parents, James and
Bridget (McCarty) Cody, passed their
lives. Of their children, Ann died in Ire-
land; Alice came to Philadelphia; Michael;
a baker by trade, immigrated to Oswe-
go, N. Y., removing thence to Ohio.
John, who had received an education in
the schools of the locality of his birth,
set out at the age of eighteen years for
America, and in Greene county, N. Y. ,
was employed for seven summers at brick
making. He was married, in 1841, at
Albany, N. Y., to Miss Catherine Ken-
nedy, also a native of Ireland, whence her
father came in the early days to New
212
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
York, finally locating at New Orleans,
where his death occurred. Eleven chil-
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cod), of
whom eight are living : James Henrj',
who enlisted in a Massachusetts regiment
during the war of the Rebellion, served
one year, and now resides in the Lake
Superior region; John Edward and Will-
iam, both also residents of the Lake
Superior countrj'; Maria, married and
residing in New York City; Frank, a
resident of Quincy, 111. ; Robert, who has
his home in Dubuque, Iowa; R. D., a resi-
dent of Winona, Minn. ; and Delia, at home
with her parents; Michael, who comes
between Maria and Frank, died in 1874.
About 1847 Mr. Cody removed to Oswe-
go county, N. Y. , where he continued to
reside eighteen years, owning a sawmill
and 1 30 acres of land. He came to Fort
Howard in 1865 and settled where he
now resides, engaging in sawmilling for
the Howard Mill Company, and a portion
of the time for the Astor Mill Company;
he was also, for a few years, engaged in
the grocery business. He has always
taken an active interest in public affairs,
and enjoys the esteem and confidence of
all who know him. In politics he is a
Democrat, and he and his wife are mem-
bers of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
JOHN BECHER is one of the indus-
trious young farmer citizens of
Preble township, Brown county, a
son of Joseph Becher, who was born
in Austria, where he followed farming un-
til 1854, in which year he came to the
United States. In his native country
Joseph Becher had married Anna Rosena
Fisher, and four children were born to
them in Europe, Annie, who is now Mrs.
Leopold Kelner, of New Denmark town-
ship, Brown county, being the only sur-
vivor. The others were: Theresa, died in
Europe; Matilda, died on the ocean and
there buried; Karl, died in New York and
buried there. On their arrival in America
the Becher family came at once to Wis-
consin, making their first location at
Waukesha, then in Manitowoc county,
and later in Brown count}', settling on a
farm in New Denmark township, near the
eastern township line. The country was
new, and they endured many hardships and
privations in the clearing and cultivating
of the land; but being diligent and perse-
vering Mr. Becher succeeded in convert-
ing it into a fertile, productive farm. In
1870 he removed to Pine Grove in De-
Pere township, where he peacefully passed
the remainder of his days, dying Novem-
ber 18, 1882, a respected member of his
community. He was a Democrat in poli-
tics, and in religion a member of the
Catholic Church. Since his decease his
widow has made her home with her son,
John. Her husband was enrolled during
the Civil war, October 4, 1864, in Com-
pany D, Seventeenth Wis. V. I., for one
year's service, and was discharged July
14, 1865, at Madison, Wis. On Febru-
ary 12, 1 89 1, she received $2,200 pension
as back pay for her husband, and twelve
dollars per month up to date, which
latter she receives as pension as long as
she remains a widow. The children born
to her in America, besides our subject
were: Frank, born in Manitowoc county.
Wis., in 1857, died in Duluth, Minn.,
November 18, 1892; Lizzie, born, also in
Manitowoc county, in i860, married to
Zachary Goffard, and living in the city of
De Pere; Mary, born in New Denmark,
Brown Co., Wis., in May, 1862, now a
Sister of Charity; and Clara, born also
in New Denmark, in May, 1867, married
to Samuel Boggs, and living in Preble
township.
John Becher first saw the light Febru-
ary 27, 1864, on the farm of his parents
in New Denmark township. He received
his education in the common schools of
his time, and remained on the home farm
until he reached the age of fifteen. From
that time until 1884 he engaged in vari-
ous pursuits, working a year and a half
for the Van Dycke Brewing Co., nine
months for the Menominee Brewing Co.,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-'3
three winters for Ramsey & Jones in the
lumber woods, etc. , and part of the time
with his parents at home. In 1884 he
opened out a saloon and dance hall in
Preble, conducting the business for his
mother until 1 889, when he purchased it for
himself, and continued as proprietor until
May, 1894, when he sold it back to his
mother. He then removed to his present
beautiful home in Preble, near the Belle-
vue township line, the location being one of
the most delightful in the vicinity; the resi-
dence is situated on a knoll. Here he
owns a small tract of excellent land, to
the cultivation of which he now devotes
himself; also owns one dwelling house in
Fort Howard, one dwelling house in the
city of Green Bay, which he has to rent
out; also forty acres of timber and farm
land in Glenmore township, Brown
county. Mr. Becher is everywhere known
as a hard-working young man, and, being
possessed of good common sense and
sound judgment, he has made his busi-
ness a success. He has a wide acquaint-
ance in his township, in which he is at
present serving as supervisor and member
of the board of health, having been
elected to the latter office in 1893. In
his political preferences he is a Democrat.
On February 7, 1889, Mr. Becher
was married to Miss Thersa Matcke, who
was born in De Pere, Wis., daughter of
Frederick Matcke, a native of Germany,
and to this marriage have come three chil-
dren, namely: Frederick J., born Octo-
ber 10, 1890; Joseph W. , born October
26, 1 89 1; and John Frank, born October
6, 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Becher are mem-
bers of the Cathedral Catholic Church at
Green Bay.
JOHN WALLACE ARNDT (origin-
ally John B. Wallace Arndt), of De-
Pere,Wis., was, born September 15,
181 5, at Wilkes-Barre, Penn., son
of John P. and Elizabeth (Carpenter)
Arndt.
The family is a very old one in this
country, the first to reach here having
been John Philip and Ernest Arndt, who
had lived on a farm at Frankfort-on-the-
Main, Germany, until about 1684, when,
being taxed beyond endurance, they, with
many friends, sold their property, came
to America, and bought land of William
Penn on the Delaware river. John, the
elder of the two brothers above men-
tioned, was the ancestor of our subject.
He erected his dwelling one mile above
Durham Cove, and this he and his de-
scendants occupied until 1 700, when the
grandfather of John W. sold out and
moved to Easton, Penn., taking with him
a son, J. P. Arndt. The latter married
Elizabeth Carpenter, whose ancestors
came over in the same ship with the
Arndts, and to this union was born the
subject of this sketch and several other
children. J. P. Arndt met with consider-
able losses at Wilkes-Barre, Penn. , dur-
ing the war of 18 12, and in 1818 he con-
cluded to "go west," and after a horse-
back tour as far as Michigan and Illinois,
selected Buffalo, N. Y., as his future
home. In the fall of 1819, therefore,
with his wife and four chidren and such
household goods as could be transported
in three wagons, he migrated to that
city and there engaged in the fish and fur
trade with the settlements on the great
lakes until 1822, when he changed his
headquarters to Mackinac, Mich., and, in
1824, to Green Bay, Wis. — a distance of
200 miles, which was made in a sailing
vessel in a tempestuous voyage of two
weeks' duration. John W. was then a
lad of nine years, but he still vividly re-
members the hardships of this voyage and
the loss of a part of the cargo.
The life of John P. Arndt was an act-
ive and successful one, and he filled many
public offices — among others that of mem-
ber of the Territorial Legislature several
times. He died June 10, 1861, in his
eighty-first year, just one year after the
death of his wife. His eldest son, Alex-
ander Hamilton, died ai Point Isabel dur-
ing the Mexican war; his second son,
214
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.
Charles C. P., a graduate of Rutgers Col-
lege, and an attorney \>y profession, was
elected to the Territorial Senate of Wis-
consin in 1 840, and was shot and killed
in the Senate Chamber in i<S4i by James
K. \'inyard. The eldest daughter, Mary
Arndt, was married to Capt. J. W.
Cotton, of the United States army; Eliza-
beth, the other daughter, was married to
H. E. Eastman, an attorney and colonel
of cavalry in the Civil war.
J. \\allace Arndt, at the age of nine-
teen, had received but little schooling, but
in 1S34 he entered the academy of Rev.
Dr. John Vandavers at Ea.ston, Penn.,
studied two years, then entered Yale Col-
lege, where he remained until 1839, after
which he taught school one year. He
then read law a jear with his brother; but
on the death of the latter dropped this
study and assisted his father in the lum-
ber business until 1856, later working in
the gold mines of Colorado, and also at
the oil wells of Pennsylvania. Mr. Arndt
was united in marriage, September 25,
1842, with Miss Mary C. Wilcox, who
was his affectionate companion and faith-
ful helpmeet until her death from pneu-
monia, April 13, 1 89 1. She was a
daughter of Randall Wilcox, for many
years a member of the Wisconsin State
Legislature. Randall Wilcox was born
at Lee, Mass., was of English descent,
and settled in Ue Pere in 1836. He here
became president of the De Pere Hy-
draulic Co., ha\ing had much previous
experience in hydraulics as a builder of
many bridges and dams in Pennsylvania
and Maryland. The mother of Mrs. Arndt
bore the maiden name of Lydia Field; her
ancestors were early settlers near Pom-
fret, Conn., and their old home is still
known as Field's Point, where a branch
of the family still lives. The children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Arndt were as fol-
lows: Edward W., born February 8,
1845, a resident of Superior, Wis.; Elcey
M., born November 27, 1846, who mar-
ried Charles A. Lawton September 5,
1866; Emily, born March 26, 1848, mar-
ried to Peter S. Loy September 7, 1869;
Mary, born November 28, 1849, and mar-
ried to James R. Shepard; Lizzie V.,
born June 17, 1851, died October 24,
1870; Alice, born May 8, 1854, married
to Thomas D. Bowring; Randall, born
March 9, 1855, married to Annie C. Ash,
September 26, 1878; Lydia, born Sept-
ember 13, 1857, died November 7, 1879,
and Martha Ann, born May 20, 1859,
married to John F. Byers August 2, 1882.
John Wallace Arndt has been actively
identified with the business interests and
public impro\einents of De Pere nearly
all his life, and the interests of the entire
territory comprising Brown county have
received his close attention. He has
given his aid to every enterprise that
could in any way benefit the people at
large, especially toward promoting the
incoming and outgoing of railroads and
their construction throughout the county
as connecting links for traffic between
local and distant points of trade. Fra-
ternally he is a Freemason; politically a
Republican, and in religious belief a Prot-
estant. Socially he and his family stand
as high as any in the county or State.
JAMES PALMER WETER, dentist,
of De Pere, is a native of Floyd,
Oneida Co., N. Y. , and was born
May 2, 1844. His parents were
Mahlon Palmer Weter and Jane G. (Pal-
mer) Weter, of whom the latter died
when our subject was but a year old.
The father again married, and in 1846
carrte with his family to Wisconsin, lo-
cating in Linn township, Walworth coun-
ty, and he now resides in Sharon township,
in the same county.
James P. Weter resided with his father
in Walworth county until just past eight-
een years of age, when he enlisted, in
August, 1862, in Company C, Twenty-
second Wis. V. I., and served in Ken-
tucky until June, 1863, when he was hon-
orably discharged on account of having
contracted typhoid pneumonia, by which
COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPBICAL RECORD.
215
he was invalided for two years after his
return home. When sufficiently recov-
ered, he attended a private seminary at
Hebron, 111., for six months, and next an
academy of sciences at Elmira, N. Y. ,
for a year, and this training was supple-
mented with a course in a commercial
college, followed by a six-months' study
of the law in the office of Smith, Robert-
son & Fasset, Elmira; but his health
proved to be too frail for the continuance
of the latter, and he therefore became a
student of dentistry in the office of Ur.
E. C. Terry, of Elmira, N. Y., ,with
whom he remained for two years, later
forming a partnership for one year with
Dr. E. O. Beers, of the same city. In
the spring of 1870 he married Miss Sarah
A. Nichols, of Windsor, Berkshire Co.,
Mass. , and immediately located in Sharon,
Wis., where he practiced his profession
until 1874, when he came to De Pere,
and has here built up a fine professional
reputation. In 1889 he took a post-
graduate course in the College of Dental
Surgery at Chicago, 111., thus adding
largely to his already extensi\'e knowledge
of his art.
In politics the Doctor is a stanch Pro-
hibitionist, and has served the city of De-
Pere three times as alderman in a most
satisfactory manner — once by appoint-
ment to vacancy and twice by election.
He has also taken a most active interest
in educational matters, and has served as
secretary to the West De Pere board of
of education for ten j-ears. In the sum-
mer of 1870 he was appointed United
States marshal for taking census statis-
tics. He is a member of the G. A. R. ,
of the Temple of H(inor, and of the I. O.
O. F. In religion he is a devout member
of the M. E. Church, having joined that
denomination in 1867. He has taken an
active interest in church work, has served
as superintendent of Sunday-school for
the past twenty-four years consecutively,
and has also filled the positions of stew-
ard, trustee and treasurer, as well as
minor offices.
On the Doctor's start in life his father
gave him one thousand dollars; but,
meeting with an accident, he was laid up
so long with an abscess, fever and other
ills, that his funds were exhausted, so
that he was compelled to work his way
up to an education, and was virtually five
hundred dollars in debt when he began
practice. Since his residence in De Pere,
however, he has paid off all his indebted-
ness, and has accumulated a comfortable
property. The children born to his mar-
riage were three in number, namely:
Mary O., who died in January, 1888;
Winifred A., now attending Lawrence
University at Appleton, Wis.; James P.,
Jr., a student in the State University at
Madison, Wis. The Weters are descended
from one of the very early settled families
of the United States, and on the paternal
side are of undoubted German origin,
while on the maternal side they are of
Holland descent.
EDMUND F. LIEBMANN, a well-
known prosperous young farmer,
of Preble township, Brown county,
is the eldest son of Louis and
Christina (Opstfelder) Liebmann, both of
whom are natives of Germany.
Louis Liebmann was born May 29,
1828, and was reared in his native coun-
try, receiving a common-school education.
In 1853 he set out with his parents for
the United States, landing, after a voyage
of several weeks, in New York, and thence
proceeding westward, their destination
being Green Bay, Wis., where a brother
of Louis, Frank Liebmann, had located
two years previously. They made their
home in Brown count}', and, some time
later, Louis, his father and brother, Frank,
commenced the fishing business at Wash-
ington Harbor, Door Co., Wis., in which
they prospered. In i860 Louis Liebmann
removed with his parents to the farm
where he passed the remainder of his life
(the same on which our subject now re-
sides). On June 26, 1861, he was united
2l6
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in marriage with Miss Christina Opstfelder,
and theyhad three children, viz.: Edmund
F. , subject of sketch; Ida, now Mrs.
Aup;ust Fontain, of Humboldt township;
and Emma, Mrs. Louis Dudeau, of Merrill,
Wis. His widow now makes her home
with her son, Edmund F.
The land was entirely new at the time
of Louis' location, and had to be cleared,
but his was an energetic nature, and, going
to work with characteristic German in-
dustry, he soon transformed the forest
into a productive farm. At the time of
his death he was in comfortable circum-
stances, the result of years of stern labor
and strict economy. A quiet, unassuming
man, he was universally respected. Po-
litically he was a Republican, but took
little or no interest in party affairs, and in
church connection he was a Lutheran.
He died on the farm February 5, 1886,
and now lies buried in Woodlawn ceme-
tery. Green Bay.
Our subject was born October 11,
1862, in Preble township. Brown county,
on the farm where he yet resides, re-
ceived in his youth a common-school edu-
cation, and has followed farming all his
life. On May 10, 1887, he was united in
marriage with Miss Elizabeth Larchied,
who was born July 29, 1868, in Preble
township, daughter of Anton and Ger-
trude (Basten) Larchied, and to this union
have come two children, Christina E. and
Julia L. In his political preferences Mr.
Liebmann is a Republican, and in 1890
he was elected township overseer. He is
a systematic agriculturist, and, possessing
the industry so characteristic of the fam-
ily, has a prosperous career before him.
WM. WORKMAN, the well-known
and popular druggist, of West
De Pere, was born in Ripon,
Wis., December 13, 1850, and
is a son of William and Margaret (Miller)
Workman.
Our subject was educated in the city
schools, also at Brockway College, Ripon,
and was also highly trained in vocal and
instrumental music. At the age of
twenty he was proficient on many instru-
ments, including nearly all the pieces
used in a brass band. Although troubled
with pulmonary ailments, he accepted a
lucrative position with the Blakely Con-
cert and Oratorio Companj-, as tenor
singer, and, later, made an engagement
with the Harry Robinson Minstrel Com-
pany, also as tenor singer, traveling with
the same for about four 3'ears. His
versatility as a musician was so great that
he could at any time be relied on to take
the place and instrument of almost any
member of the company who might be
absent from a performance on account of
illness or for other cause. Mr. Work-
man was also a most excellent book-
keeper, and, when he came to De Pere,
April 4, 1874, was employed in that
capacity by the De Pere Car Works, of
which his father was superintendent, but,
at the end of the year the business was
discontinued, and he then became book-
keeper for the Menomonee Furnace Com-
pany, at Menomonee, with which he re-
mained until 1877, when he accepted a
position with the De Pere Agricultural
Works, contracting to do all its painting
for a year. He then became bookkeeper
for the same company, then its secretary,
filling the latter position until February
24, 1885, when he resigned and engaged
in breeding trotting horses on a farm six
and a half miles south of Ripon, in part-
nership with D. Thomas. Among the
trotters here bred, one, "Barney F. ,"
made a record of 2:29.^ when five years
old. Mr. Workman also brought to
Brown county, " Achilles," No. 2535 in
Wallace's Trotting Register — the first
registered, trotting-bred stallion brought
to the county. At Ripon, in 1892-93,
Mr. Workman was secretary of the
Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany, which company carried risks aver-
aging $1,500,000 annually. In 1893 he
settled in West De Pere, and, on Novem-
ber I, began his present drug business.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
217
He carries a full line of drugs, paints, oils,
wall paper, stationery, etc., and is doing
a thriving business. Mr. Workman is a
member of the Masonic Lodge at De-
Pere, in which he has passed all the sub-
ordinate chairs, and has served as wor-
shipful master; he has also filled the
position of chief templar of the Temple of
Honor at De Pere, and for eight years,
all told, was a member of the West De-
Pere fire department, serving four years
as chief.
Mr. Workman was married October
24, 1878, to Harriet S. Stewart, who has
borne him four children, viz. : Jean (de-
ceased), William Stewart (deceased). Dean
and Nannie. Mr. Workman and family
stand very high socially, and he is looked
upon as one of the most enterprising and
substantial residents of West De Pere.
AUGUST GREILING, a respected,
self-made farmer of Preble town-
ship. Brown county, is a native of
the Fatherland, born August 5,
1836, son of Nicholas Greiling, a stone-
mason, who had three children : Fred-
erick, who died in Germany; Caroline,
yet residing in her native land; and
August.
Our subject received his education in
the common schools of the time, attend-
ing until his fourteenth year. He learned
the cabinet-maker's trade, serving an ap-
prenticeship of three and a half years at
same, after which according to the rules
of that time, he traveled for three years,
then followed the business on his own
account, later employing three or four
men. On August 23, 1864, he married
Miss Amelia C. Overlander, who was
born September 21, 1840, in Germany,
six miles from the birthplace of her hus-
band, daughter of Christopher Over-
lander, an ironworker employed at the
furnaces there. Two children were born
to this marriage in Germany, namely:
Hugo H. and Louis L. , both of whom
are now farmers in Preble township. Mr.
Greiling managed to save some money
from his hard-earned wages, and in 1866
concluded to try his fortune in America.
Accordingly, on October 13, that year,
he and his family sailed from Hamburg
on the steamer •■ Allmonia," of the Ham-
burg-American line, bound for New York,
where they landed after a voyage of fif-
teen days. Having friends in Green Bay,
Wis., they proceeded thither at once,
traveling by rail via Chicago, and arriving
November 13. Mr. Greiling secured
work with Bender & Phal, furniture
manufacturers, of Green Bay, remaining
with them one year, and then remaining
another year and a half with Mrs. Phal,
who continued the business after Mr.
Bender's death. By strict economy dur-
ing this time he had saved a hundred dol-
lars, which in part paid for the forty acres he
had purchased in Section 33, Preble town-
ship, the present homestead, where he buiit
a small house and took up his residence
thereon in April, 1868. Here for a year
he continued to follow his trade, making
furniture and hauling it to town for Anton
Burkhard, and then abandoned cabinet
making, and for twelve to fifteen years
engaged in contracting at various places
in the township, building houses, barns,
etc., and doing anything else in that line.
He has never discontinued carpentry alto-
gether, and still does odd jobs for others
besides such work as he requires for him-
self. When he first settled on the farm
it was covered with timber and brush,
and the task of clearing was an arduous
one; but he has succeeded by industry in
converting it into a fertile, productive
tract, and has also added another forty
acres, now having a well-improved farm
of eighty acres. Mrs. Greiling, by her
economical management has been no
small factor in her husband's success, and
the children have also assisted faithfully.
Much credit is due her for bringing up
and caring for so large a family as was
their's, of whom she takes, in her later
days, so much pride.
In this country Mr. and Mrs. Greiling
2lS
COMMEMOUATIVK BIOdliAl'IIICAL ItECOHD.
have had the followinj^ children born to
them: Charles and Herman, contrac-
tors, now the firm of (ireiliiif; Bros.,
in Green Ba\-; Fred C, Frank, Caroline,
Albert L. and Henry, all living at home;
John, deceased in infancy; and Emma, at
home. Mr. Greiling and his sons arc
stanch Republicans, and, though not by
any means an active partisan, he is an
ardent supporter of the principles of his
party, and is a strong advocate of protec-
tive tariff. His friends credit him with
being a strong advocate of more liberal edu-
cational facilities and stringent laws gov-
erning same. Mr. Greiling has won the
respect of his fellow citizens for his fair
dealings and honest methods; arid is self-
made in the full sense of the term, having,
from a start of nothing, accumulated the
comfortable property he now enjoys and
richl}' deser\es. At present he is enjoy-
ing his daily papers.
FRED MATZKE, an upright, ener-
getic citi/en and farmer of De-
Pere township, is a native of the
village of Gross-Pogul, Wohlau,
Prussia, born March 2, 1S26, son of
Anton Mat;ike, a farmer in ordinary cir-
cumstances, who died when his son Fred
was six years of age, leaving six children,
four sons and two daughters.
Fred Mat;;ke received his education in
the common schools of his native place,
attending until he was fourteen years of
age. When sixteen years old he hired
out as a farm hand, and thereafter worked
as a farmer and sliepherd. In it^55 he
married Mary Herda, a native of the vil-
lage of Gleinau, Wohlau, Prussia, and
shortly afterward he and his young wife
emigrated to the United States, sailing
from Bremen to Quebec, where they
landed after a voyage of seven weeks.
From Quebec they came to Green Bay
Wis., and here resided a short time, Mr.
Matzke also working in sawmills at
Oconto, his wife remaining in Green Bay.
Subsequently, having a let in Green Bay,
he traded half of it for a farm of thirteen
acres in Bellevue township. Brown county,
and forty-five dollars in cash; the other
half of the lot he sold for $250. On
this farm in Bellevue township the family
resided in a log house, Mr. Matzke labor-
ing in the harvest fields for others, and at
first they endured many hardships. The
land was uncleared, and Mr. Matzke
chopped wood on the farm at six shillings
a cord. On March 1, 1864, he rented a
farm of eighty acres of culti\atcdland one
mile from his own farm in Belle\ue town-
ship, and here worked hard and indus-
triously, doing well. On October 7, 1864,
while on his way to visit his brother-in-
law in Minnesota, he enlisted at LaCrosse,
Wis., in Company D, Forty-fourth Wis.
V. I., and was sent to Nashville, where,
under Gen. George H. Thomas (who was
his commander during his entire service),
he participateil in his first active engage-
ment, a three-days' battle. He served
until the close of the war, and on August
28, 1865, was honorably discharged at
Paducah, Ky., immediately returning to
his home in Brown county, WMs. In the
meantime, during his absence, his wife
sold all the personal property and grain,
and moved back to their own log house in
Bellevue township, where she remained
with her five children; and to add to the
general unpleasantness of the situation
the family were considerably annoyed by
thieving Intlians in the neighborhooci. Mr.
Matzke takes this opportunity to return
many thanks to the good neighbors who
assisted his wife during his absence in
the war.
In the fall of 1 865 he purchased eighty
acres of partly improved timber land in
De Pere township, going into debt for
same to the extent of seven hundred dol-
lars, and here he has e\er since made his
home. To our subject and wife have
been born children as follows : August
and Mathias, farmers of Glenmore town-
ship; Annie, now Mrs. Victor Fonder, of
Glenwood Springs, Colo. ; Mary, now
Mrs. Albert Radke, of Milwaukee, Wis. ;
COMMEMORAriVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Rosa, Mrs. Joseph Raster, of De Pere
township; Paul, a farmer, of Wrights-
town, \Vis. ; Theresa, Mrs. John Becher,
of Preble; Sylvester, residing in Millbank.
S. Dak. ; and Elizabeth and Philip, at
home. In politics Mr. Matzke was
originally a Democrat, but he is now in-
dependent, voting as his conscience and
judgment dictate; he has served nine
years as supervisor of De Pere township,
and school treasurer fourteen years; the
first school building ever erected in his
district he bought, and is now using as
his granary on the farm. He and his
wife are members of the St. Mary's
Catholic Church of De Pere. Mr. Matzke
has been one of the most industrious men
in his township, and his noble wife has
also done her share of work in the rearing
of their large family and the careful
management of the household. He is
straightforward and honest in all his
dealings, and has won the respect of the
community by his fair methods and sterl-
ing worth. Though he was not wounded
during his service in the Civil war, his
general health was seriously impaired,
and he has never been a robust man since
before the three-days' battle referred to
above, when he was taken sick. During
that fight he was so unwell that he had
to lie down on the wet ground in the
rain, which increased his illness. When
he and his faithful wife first arrived in
Green Bay about forty years ago, he had
only about $150 in cash, and everything
they now possess has been accumulated
by honest industry and judicious econ-
omy. As good Christian people they are
deservedly honored and respected by the
entire community.
T
land.
IMOTHY RYAN (deceased), who
was known during his lifetime as
an industrious farmer, was a na-
tive of County Tipperary, Ire-
where he grew to manhood. Timo-
thy was but a young boy when his father
died, and consequently he was obliged to
commence work when still very young.
In early manhood, having saved
enough to bring him to America, Mr.
Ryan emigrated from his native country,
to try his fortune in the New World,
locating first in New York State. In
Cooperstown, N. Y., he was united in
marriage to Miss Bridget R\an, who was
born in County Limerick, Ireland, daugh-
ter of Timothy Ryan, and came to the
United States in her girlhood. After
their marriage the young couple concluded
to go west where work was plenty and
land was cheap, and, coming to Wiscon-
sin, spent the first winter in Green Bay,
Mr. Ryan finding employment in the
lumber woods. The following spring he
purchased a totally unimproved tract of
land in Rockland township. Brown county,
and while waiting for their dwelling to
be built they lived at the home of An-
thony Dwyer. The surrounding country
was all new and very wild, but Mr. Ryan
bravely set about the task of clearing
away the forest; and being a diligent
worker and anxious to make a comfort-
able home for himself and family, he soon
had a fine farm. He died on this place
April 12, 1S74, and was buried in De-
Pere cemetery. In politics he was a stanch
Democrat. During the Civil war he was
a soldier in the Union army, and he never
fully recovered from the hardships en-
dured in the service. He left a family of
eight children (the eldest then but sixteen
years of age), viz.: Nora, now a resi-
dent of Chicago; Joanna, Mrs. John
Underwood; Patrick, of Ashland, Wis.,
Timothy, on the home farm; Mary, Mrs.
Fred Bettinger; Simon, a lumberman;
and Morris and Katy, at home. At the
time of the father's death the home had
not been fully paid for, and a portion of
the land was allowed to go to pay the
balance. Mrs. Ryan has since managed
the affairs of the place with ability and
success, and has been faithfully assisted
by her children. The agricultural work
is now attended to by the son Timothy,
220
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.
and the farm yields a comfortable sup-
port to the family, being a fertile, well-
cultivated piece of land. Mrs. Ryan has
seen her home transformed from the
dense forest, taking no small part in this
work herself. She is a member of St.
Francis Catholic Church, De Pere, and
is highly respected in the community
where he has resided for so many years.
JOHN F. WATERMOLEN, attor-
ney at law in his native city of
Green Bay, was born in 1862, and
for three years has been actively en-
gaged in the practice of his profession, at
first under the hrni name of Waterrnolen
& Wavrunek. His parents were natives
of Belgium, and in 1857 came to America,
settling in Bellevue township, Brown Co.,
Wis., where the father engaged in farm-
ing, and where he and his wife still re-
side. Of their eight children, seven are
still living, viz.: Joseph P., William,
Henry, Mary, Philip, John F. , and
John B.
J. F. Waterrnolen was reared and ed-
ucated in the township of Bellevue until
the age of twenty-three, and then at-
tended the business college managed by
Murch & Hills, at Green Bay; he next
taught in the district schools of Brown
county, reading law in the meanwhile,
and finally entered the law office of
Wigman & Martin, studying until Decem-
ber 29, 1 891, when he was admitted to
the bar with highest honors at Milwau-
kee, Wis., since when he has enjoyed a
lucrative practice. He is United States Cir-
cuit Court Commissioner for the Eastern
District of Wisconsin. He was married,
April 18, 1893, in Green Bay, to Miss
Ella M. Wigman, daughter of J. H. M.
Wigman, a prominent attorney at law.
One child, James J., is the fruit of this
congenial union. Mr. and Mrs. Water-
rnolen are devoted members of St. Willi-
brord's Catholic Church, and socially are
held in high esteem by a large circle of
personal friends, as well as by the com-
munity at large. Mr. Waterrnolen is a
member of the Catholic Order of Fores-
ters and of Navarino Camp, No. 534,
Modern Woodmen. His business is daily
increasing, and his abilities as a law\er
are fully recognized as being far beyond
those of any practitioner of his age in
the county. He is one of the many young
men, self-educated and self-made, who
have made the most of the golden op-
portunities open to the ambitious Ameri-
can youth.
CONSTANT DE JONGHE, the
leading baker of De Pere, was
born in 1831, in Belgium, a son
of Frank De Jonghe, who was a
butcher by trade, and had a numerous
family.
Constant was but three j'ears old when
he lost his parents, and, until he reached
the age of twenty years, was reared by his
maternal step-grandfather, at the end of
which time he commenced learning the
baker's trade, and worked at same in the
old country until he was twenty-four
years of age. He then, on July 5, 1856,
set sail from Antwerp for the United
States on the "American Alexander,"
which should have sailed the previous
day, but was detained in port one day in
order to give the crew an opportunity of
celebrating the "Fourth" onshore. On
September 25, Mr. De Jonghe landed at
New York, whence he came directly to
Wisconsin, landing in Green Bay with
but twenty-nine cents in his pocket. He
soon found work, however, in sawmills,
in the woods and on the lakes, all along
saving some money; and, as he was always
faithful in his service to his employers, he
never had to ask for work a second time
from any employer. Fourteen years of
his life were passed in the lumber woods
of Wisconsin, but he lost his earnings; he
was also for some fifteen or sixteen years
in Menominee, Mich. In 1873 he came
to West De Pere, and with what capital
he had managed to save from the time
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGBAPHICAL RECORD.
221
he lost everything, as above referred to,
he started a bakery which he carried on
there until 1887, when he moved into
De Pere and opened his present business,
on the corner of Broadway and Charles
street. Here he has built a very substan-
tial brick block, two and a half stories
high, and containing two business rooms.
His bakery is now the leading one in the
city, and his success is the result of his
own hard work and indomitable perse-
verance.
In July, 1882, Mr. De Jonghe was
married in West De Pere to Miss Romaine
Van De Walle, a native of Belgium, and a
resident of Wisconsin since 1881. They
have one child, Mary, who is a natural
musician, and, for her age, quite awonder
as a piano player. In his religious faith
Mr. De Jonghe is a devout Catholic, and
he enjoys the respect and esteem of all
who know him.
OTTOMAN GEORGI. As a living
example of what resolute work-
ing, earnest endeavor and indom-
itable perseverance will accom-
plish, this gentleman stands prominent
among the worthy citizens of Brown
county. He is a native of Prussia, Ger-
many, born February 24, 1837, in the
village of Blankenburg, son of Philip
Georgi, a tanner by occupation, who
passed his entire life in the Fatherland,
dying there in 1859.
The boyhood experiences of Ottoman
were not different from those of other
lads in his rank of life — attending school
with regularity for a few years, and then
learning a trade. This latter part of his
education cur subject received under his
father's tuition, he serving a three-years'
apprenticeship in the tannery, after which
he did journeyman work at various places.
In 1853 he was nearing the age when he
should enter the army, according to the
law of his country, but through his father's
personal intercession with the King of
Bavaria he was given exemption. His
father having now presented him with one
hundred Prussian dollars to commence
the world with, young Ottoman concluded
to try his fortune in the Western World.
Accordingly, securing passage on board
the ship "George Corning," from Ham-
burg to New York, he set sail with a
light heart and bright prospects, and,
after a six-weeks' voyage, landed at the
port of debarkation. From New York
he at once proceeded in the direction of
his destination. Green Bay, Wis., but on
his arrival in Detroit found his money all
gone. Assistance, however, coming from
friends in Green Bay, he was enabled to
pursue his way, but, through some mis-
take, landed in the town of Madison, a
total stranger, and penniless. Here he
could find no employment, and, de-
ciding to make his way to Portage
City, where he hoped to be more suc-
cessful, he set out on foot, getting an
occasional meal from farmers c/i route.
In Portage he succeeded in securing work
at eight dollars per month; but, never
losing sight of his proper detination, he
left there after saving little money, and,
traveling by way of Madison, Milwaukee,
Sheboygan and Manitowoc, finally reached
Green Bay, arriving August 26, 1854,
after many adverse experiences. Here he
readily secured work in F. B. Gardner's
sawmill, remaining there over five years,
or until early in the spring of 1859, when,
having received news of his father's death
in Germany, he set out in the month of
April for his old home, taking passage at
New York for Bremen, the voyage occupy-
ing fourteen days. At his old home he
spent about one month, and then returned
by the same boat, from Hamburg to New
York, bringing with him to Green Bay his
sister, Sophia, and brother, August, the
latter party arriving in August, 1859.
Our subject then returned to his work in
Gardner's sawmill, continuing there until
1862, at which time he went to Onton-
agon, Mich. , and there worked in a
tannery a couple of months, and also in
the mines. Returnine: to Green Bay,
222
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Georjifi secured einployinent in Fred
Schellers' Cedar Crcuk Gristmill, in Preble
township, but in October, 1864, he had to
leave, having been drafted into Company
E, Seventeenth Wis. \'. I., which was
mustered in at Camp Randall, Madison,
Wis. From there the regiment was sent
to Louisville, thence to Kingston, Chatta-
nooga and linally to Atlanta, where they
experienced their first battle. They then
participated in Sherman's inarch to the
sea, and followed the fortunes of the army
till the Grand Review at Washington in
1865. At Louisville, Ky., our subject
was honorably discharged July 14, 1865,
and was mustered out at Madison,
Wis., whence he at once proceeded to
Green Bay thence to Preble township,
where his wife and infant son were,
and at once resumed the pursuits of
peace. In 1867 he purchased twenty
acres of land in Preble township, on which
his present residence stands, and to this
he from time to time added until he found
himself the owner of over 230 acres — part
of which he has given to his children — -all
the result of his own individual hard work,
untiring energy and sound judgment.
On January i, 1864, Mr. Georgi was
married to Miss Maria Barbara Basten,
born .April 24, 1835, in the village of
Kosen, Prussia, who came to the United
States in 1852, along with her parents.
The children of this union are Fred and
Philip, both of whom are farmers in Preble
township; Lena and Charles, at home;
and August, who died May 22, 1876, aged
eight years. The mother of these died
January 14, 1890, and sleeps her last
sleep in the cemetery at Green Bay, since
when the daughter, Lena, has presided
over her father's house with becoming
grace. In i 870 our subject revisited Ger-
many, and on his return brought with him
his aged mother, who passed the rest of
her life at his home, dying November
9, 1892.
In politics our subject is a Republi-
can, and for some eight or ten years
served his township as supervisor, ha\'ing
been elected on that ticket; but he is no
partisan, in county and township affairs
invariably supporting such men and
measures as he deems best for the com-
munity at large. Socially he is a member of
Herman Lodge, No. iii, I. O. O. F. ; of
the Germania Society, and of T. O. Howe
Post, No. 124, G. A.' R., all of Green Bay.
Taken all in all, Mr. Georgi is a thoroughly
representative citizen, universally respect-
ed, and is a typical self-made man.
DON F. SMITH, one of the most
prominent and active citizens of
Suamico village. Brown county,
was born July 28, 1836, in Onon-
daga county, N. Y., a son of Hiram J.
and Elsie H. (Adams) Smith, also natives
of New Ycrk. Hiram J. Smith was born
March 6, 1800, was a shoemaker by trade,
and died May 26, 1845, in Erie county,
N. Y. ; Mrs. Elsie H. Smith, whose par-
ents came from Rhode Island, was born
September 4, 1802, and died October 13,
1872. Of the six children born to them
but two are still living, Don F. and Ho-
ratio, the latter a resident of Michigan.
Don F. Smith was reared on the farm
of an uncle from the time he was fifteen
until he reached the age of twenty-one,
when, in 1857, he came to Wisconsin with
his brother-in-law, H. J. Ayres, and locat-
ing in Duck Creek, Brown county, worked
here two years in a sawmill. Then for a
time he taught school in Howard town-
ship, and later engaged by the month in a
saw and shingle mill in Suamico town-
ship, being thus emploj-ed at the time of
his marriage. On August 25, 1863, he
wedded Miss Julia A. Woodruff, who was
born at Norton, Summit Co. , Ohio, but
was reared and educated in Akron, same
State, and when quite young came west
for the benefit of her health, teaching
school until her marriage, when she re-
linquished that vocation. The union of
Don F. and Julia A. Smith has been
blessed. with six children, as follows: (i)
Hattie M., born August 29, 1864; was
fl
"r^
M
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGBAPUWAL RECORD.
first married to C. O. Stevens, who died
leaving one son, now also deceased; her
second marriage was to D. W. Burns, and
to them has come one daughter, Esther
C. , born August 12, 1893. (2; Estella,
born April 12, 1866, was married to F.
B. Stevens, and to this union were born
three children — Hiram D. , October 4,
1890, Ethel, November — , 1891, and El-
sie, February 21, 1893. (3) Frank A.
was born April 30, 1868. (4) Don D. was
born July 21, 1870. (5) Lloyd was born
April 30, 1 88 1. (6) Cora was born Octo-
ber 9, 1883. Mrs. Julia A. Smith is a
daughter of Giles and Esther (Wetmore)
Woodruff, natives, respectively, of Massa-
chusetts and Connecticut. Giles Wood-
ruff, who is a farmer, was a pioneer of
Ohio, and served as colonel of a regiment
of home guards. He died in Akron, Ohio,
at the age of seventy-six years, leaving
two children, Mrs. Julia A. Smith and
Mrs. Lucia E. Vosburg.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Don F.
Smith located in Suamico village, where
for a year and a half he worked in a
sawmill, and then went to Akron, Ohio,
at which place he bought a meat market,
and conducted same one summer. He
then returned to Suamico, where he had
charge of the shipping interests of several
large firms for two or three years. When
the Chicago & Northwestern railway was
built through the town of Suamico he was
appointed, on July i, 1872, agent forthe
company, a position he has held ever
since, giving the utmost satisfaction. He
has also served as postmaster for the last
thirty years; township treasurer for over
three years, and has filled several other
local offices with great credit and accepta-
bility. His first vote was cast for Abraham
Lincoln in i860, and he has been a faith-
ful member of the Republican party ever
since. He is a notary public, acts as
agent for the American Express Company,
and has always manifested marked busi-
ness ability, industry and activity. He is
treasurer of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Suamico. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
13
were both school teachers, and fully com-
petent to rear their family. No man in
the county is more capable of filling the
responsible positions to which he has been
called than Mr. Smith, and Mrs. Smith is
a lady of fine intellect, highly accomplished
and much loved by all. The family have
a delightful home in the town, and also
own a small farm, which is rented out.
Mr. Smith has, assisted by his amiable
wife, made his comfortable property
through industry, and backed by a deter-
mination to succeed. By his unswerving
integrit}' he first gained the confidence of
his fellow citizens, and by his faithful at-
tention to the duties of the various posi-
tions he has filled as a public officer, and
as an employe, he has won the approba-
tion of all parties concerned. Socially, no
family in the township occupies a more
enviable position.
JACOB KETTENHOFEN, a wide-
awake, progressive citizen, and the
leading blacksmith of Wrightstown,
Brown county, of which city he has
been a resident some twenty years, is a
native of Rhein-Province, Germany, born
July 16, 1854, in Irsch, Kreis Saarbruck,
Regierungsbezirk Trier. For ten genera-
tions his ancestors were blacksmiths before
him, some serving in the armies of Europe,
and they were, for the most part, educated
above their station, many members of the
families being educators. Grandfather
Mathias Kettenhofen followed blacksmith-
ing in Orsholtz, Germany, and also his
sons.
Peter Kettenhofen, father of Jacob,
our subject, carried on that trade in Irsch
till 1862, when he was induced to come
to America by his sisters, who had pre-
ceded him to the Western World. Com-
ing with his family to Wisconsin, Peter
located in Holland township. Brown
county, where he followed his trade in
connection with farming till 1872, in
which year he removed to Wrightstown
and established the blacksmith shop now
226
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
occupied by his son Jacob. He died
October 21, 1887, af:;ed about sixty years,
esteemed and respected by all who knew
him as a brij^ht, intelligent, active and
honorable man. In Europe he had been
educated for the profession of teacher;
but the ruling trait of the family was so
strong in him that he preferred the trade
he followed throughout life, and he had
five brothers, all also blacksmiths. He
was considered a first-class mechanic,
making a success of his business, and
much of his work is still to be seen in
various parts of the county. In his native
land he had married Miss Anna Fish, who
was also born in Irsch, near Trier, Rhein
Province, Germany, and nine children
were born to them, six of whom are yet
living. The mother was called from
earth August 27, 1892. Peter Ketten-
hofen was a consistent member of the
Catholic Church; in politics he was a
stanch Democrat, and served as delegate
to county conventions.
The subject proper of these lines,
whose name opens the sketch, was eight
years old when his parents brought him to
this country, and in Holland township.
Brown county, he received a good com-
mon-school education. In 1871, when
seventeen years old, he commenced to
learn blacksmithing in Menasha, with
Philip Sensenbrenner, a master mechanic,
and at the end of two years came to
Wrightstown, where he entered his
father's shop, and has remained there
continuously to the present time, a period
of over twenty years, in which connection
it were superfluous to add that he is a
master of the business in every detail,
and a thoroughly expert horse-shoer. On
June 29, 1880. he was married to Miss Liz-
zie Brenzel. who has borne him nine chil-
dren: Catharina. Annie, John, Helena,
Jacob, Mary, Clara, Eva and Peter. Mr.
and Mrs. Kettenhofen are members of the
Catholic Church. Politically he is identi-
fied with the Democratic party, has con-
siderable influence in local and county
politics, being well known all over the
southern part of Brown county and the
northern part of Outagamie, and generally
serves as delegate to conventions. So-
cially he is an active member of the Cath-
olic Knights of Wisconsin, is president of
the local order, was elected a delegate to
the State convention at Oshkosh in 1 894.
He has taken an interest in educational
matters, and is trustee of the Sisters'
school at Wrightstown.
On March 28, 1894, he was chosen
chairman of the caucus, being the first
caucus held in the new town hall at
Greenleaf, to nominate officers for the
town election.
JAMES McKONE, a popular livery-
man and horse breeder, of Green
Bay, was born in County Cavan,
Ireland, April 15, 1854, and is a
son of James and Ann (McCabe) McKone.
The father, who was a prosperous farmer,
died in 1858, leaving a widow and six
children, viz. : Patrick, Catherine, John,
James L. , Terrence and Ann — all living
with the exception of Ann, who died in
Minneapolis, Minn., leaving one child,
also named Ann. In 1868 the mother of
our subject sold her property in Ireland,
and with three children came to America,
her other children having preceded her.
She bought a place in Oshkosh, Wis.,
where her three brothers, Cornelius, John
and Frank, then lived, and where John
still has his residence. Here Mrs. Mc-
Kone passed away December 5, 1885.
The subject of this sketch, after pass-
ing six weeks in New York, was employed
in a sawmill at Oshkosh, Wis., until
December, 1879, when he went to Wau-
sau, Wis., and for four years profitably
carried on a dairy; he then moved to
Clintonville, Wis., and bought a livery
stock, which he transferred to Fort
Howard, where he remained fourteen
months, and then settled in Green Bay,
and here he rented the barn which he
now owns. He has had his business mis-
fortunes, but, on the whole, has been re-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
227
markably successful. His stables con-
tain thirty-four horses, some of which
are very valuable, among them being a
two-year-old mare, "Bourbon Break,"
with a record, as a two-year-old, of 2:31!^;
for this animal Mr. McKone has refused
$3,000. Among other promising animals
in this stud are "Anna May," "Wilkes,"
"J. C," "Skylark," "Ben Crosier,"
"Fancher, "and " Daisy H." While a resi-
dent of Oshkosh, Mr. Mclvone married
Julia Helpen, daughter of Patrick and Jen-
nie (Mallon) Helpen. She bore her hus-
band two children — James L. and Mamie,
the former of whom resides with his father,
the latter dying in infancy. Mrs. Mc-
Kone died May 15, 1881, and her re-
mains were interred at Wausau. The
second marriage of Mr. McKone took
place at Clintonville, Wis., to Miss Mary
Geary, a native of Hazleton, Penn., and
daughter of Patrick and Catherine (Mulli-
gan) Geary, the former of whom died in
Chicago in 1876, while on his way home
to Clintonville from a trip to Texas; the
latter is now a resident of Philadelphia,
Penn. The second marriage of Mr. Mc-
Kone has been blessed with three chil-
dren : Frank, John and Alvin, the last
named dying in infancy. Mr. McKone is
a member of the Royal Arcanum, and,
with his wife, attends St. John's (Catho-
lic) Church. He is a gentleman of great
native energy, has made himself what he
is, in a financial point of view, notwith-
standing some severe business reverses,
and, through his affability and straightfor-
ward dealing, has won hosts of friends.
M
ICHAEL PATTON. This gen-
tleman, who is now living semi-
retired on his farm in Glenmore
township. Brown county, en-
joys the distinction of being its oldest liv-
ing settler.
He is a native of the Emerald Isle,
born about 18 14, in County Waterford,
son of Martin and Mary (Powers) Patton,
farmingpeople in moderate circumstances.
They had a family of si.\ children — four
sons and two daughters — of whom
Michael was the eldest, and consequently
his educational opportunities were some-
what limited. When a mere boy he com-
menced to work in the copper mines, con-
tinuing thus while in his native country.
In young manhood he was married to
Miss Mary Hayes, who was also a native
of County Waterford, and three children
were born to them in Ireland, namely:
William, who is now a resident of Fort
Howard, Brown county; Martin, of Glen-
more township; and Mary, who married
Leonard Miller, and died in Marinette,
Wis. Having by economy managed to
save a few dollars from his meager earn-
ings, Mr. Patton concluded to emigrate
and try his fortune in the New World,
and, bidding their early home farewell, he
and his family sailed on the "Admiral,"
in the spring of 1844, and landed in Que-
bec after a voyage of five weeks and three
days. Mr. Patton had intended to go to
the Lake Superior copper region ; but
learning that work was scarce there, he
went instead to Lowell, Ohio, where he
found employment at a furnace. Later
he worked at other towns in the Mahon-
ing Valley, and also in the coal and iron
mines of that country, remaining in the
vicinity of Youngstown until 1848, when
he came to Wisconsin to look over the
land. In Section 8, Glenmore township.
Brown county, he purchased a half-section
of wild land, and then went back to Ohio
for his family, returning to Wisconsin in
the fall. There were no roads laid out
at this time, the path to his farm led
through the forest, and their neighbors
were the Whitmores, who lived two miles
away, along the Dixon road. The trees
were so thick that a spot large enough
for the dwelling had to be cleared, and
Mr. Patton put up a log cabin, into which
the family moved. Wild animals were
numerous, but they gradually passed away
with the clearing and settling of the conn-
try. The settlers labored under many
disadvantages in the improving and culti-
328
COMMEMOHATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
vating of the land, for almost the only
tools Xhey had were an axe and a grub-
hoe, and oxen were the only beasts of
burden. But the prospect of having a
comfortable property of his own cheered
Mr. Patton through the first few j-ears of
hard work, and encouraged him to prese-
vere until the land became productive and
yielded a good income. As his sons grew
up they proved a great assistance to
him, and in turn he has given them a
comfortable start in life; he, at one time,
owned between 400 and 500 acres of good
land, but he has given the greater part
of it to his sons. In 1 892 a new resi-
dence was erected on the farm.
After coming to the United States Mr.
and Mrs. Patton had the following chil-
dren: Kate, Mrs. Richard Gorman, of
Marinette, Wis. ; Morris, who died in
Youngstown, Ohio, where he was buried;
Patrick, a resident of Glenmore town-
ship, Brown county; Edward, who died
in Glenmore township in 1893; John,
who is mentioned farther on; Michael,
who died in Glenmore township; and
Morris, of Green Bay. Mr. Patton is
now retired from active farm work, en-
joying the fruits of his early toil, for the
past twelve years having made his home
with his son John. He is a typical self-
made man, for, landing in this country
with no capital save health and energy,
he rose by his own efforts to an enviable
position among the leading farmers of
Glenmore township. In his political af-
filiations he is a stanch Democrat, and in
his earlier years he served as supervisor
and school treasurer in his township, but
he was never an office-seeker, always pre-
ferring to give his undivided attention to
his business. In religious faith he is a
member of St. Francis Church De Pere.
His estimable wife was called from earth
January i, 1888, when aged seventy-two
years, and her remains now rest in Al-
louez cemetery.
John Patton was born March 25, 1856,
on the farm where he is yet living, and
here obtained a thorough knowledge of
agriculture under his father, at the same
time receiving his literary education in
the common schools. On May 2, 1882,
he was married in St. Francis Church,
De Pere, to Miss Frances A. Lawlor, who
was born in April, 1865, in Glenmore
township, daughter of Thomas and Mary
(Connors) Lawkjr. To this union came
children as follows: Mary, Lizzie, Fran-
ces, and Pearl, living; Lucy, deceased;
and James Rhaman, living. Mr. Patton
is a hard-working, prosperous farmer, and
one of the substantial, public-spirited
citizens of his township. He devotes his
time exclusively to the cultivation of his
farm, which comprises i 20 acres of excel-
lent land. In his political preferences
he is a Democrat, and in religious connec-
tion a member of St. Francis Church,
De Pere.
WD. RICE, of Pittsfield town-
ship. Brown county, was born
February 14, 1838. in F'itz-
william, N. H., the eldest of
the four children born to John and Caro-
line (Hayden) Rice. The other three
were Eliza, who died leaving three chil-
dren, Lizzie, Ellsworth and Fred; Wins-
low, who was killed in the Civil war; and
Sarah, who died leaving a husband and
two children — Eva and Nellie.
W. D. Rice, since the age of fifteen,
has earned his living through his own ex-
ertions. From his native State he came
directly to Wisconsin, and was one of the
early settlers of Pittsfield (then Suamico)
township. Brown count}', where he
bought eighty acres of land which he
still owns, having first earned the money
by hard work in the lumber woods — a
business he followed thirty-nine years be-
fore he ceased active work, having al-
ways had charge of a camp from the age
of eighteen. He cleared off the timber
from his farm at odd intervals, ridding it
of trees, Indians, bears and wolves, until
it became one of the model farms of the
township. Having commenced the prep-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
aration of a home, he was married, on
April 23, 1859, to Miss Hannah E.,
daughter of Cornehus and Ivfargaret
(Leonard) Keefe, put up the house they
at present occupy, and in i860 moved
into the new home. ft was in this year
that the town was set off, the poll at that
time being 13; in 1894 it had reached
230. To Mr. and Mrs. Rice were born
five children, as follows: Lizzie, John,
James (who died in infancy), Clara and
Leonard.
In politics Mr. Rice is a stanch Re-
publican; in 1885 he was elected chair-
man of the town, and has held the posi-
tion for several years. He has been true
to his party from the time he cast his
first Presidential vote, for Abraham Lin-
coln, and this circumstance has been
fully recognized by his political friends.
HM. I3ECK, M. D. This esteemed
citizen of Green 13ay, and well-
known physician and surgeon, is
a native of Bavaria, Germany,
born November i, 1855, a son of Leon-
ard and Eva (Gesner) Beck, also of Ba-
varian birth, the former of whom died in
1892 in his native land, where his widow
is yet living. They were the parents of
six children, viz. : Valentine, in Bavaria;
H. M. , subject of sketch; Barbara, wife
of John Schenck, of Brown county, Wis. ,
Velp P. O. ; Johanna, Iska, and Anna.
Of these, two came to Green Bay, and
are here now residing, to wit: H. M. and
Barbara.
H. M. Beck received his primary edu-
cation at the public and preparatory
schools of Bavaria, after which he at-
tended the Polytechnic High-shool at
Munich. In 1876 he immigrated to the
United States, arriving in Green Bay,
Wis., in December of that year. Here
for about one year he gave music lessons,
after which he engaged in the drug busi-
ness, carrying same on for several years.
In 1879 he commenced the study of
medicine with Dr. B. C. Brett, in
1 88 1 entering Rush Medical College,
Chicago, where he graduated in March,
1883, thereafter at once commencing
the general practice of his profession
in Green Bay, in which he has met
with well-merited success. In 1879
Dr. Beck married Miss Mary Fox, daugh-
ter of Paul Fox, an early settler of Brown
county. This wife died in 1886, leaving
one son. Otto, and in 1888 the Doctor
was united in marriage with Miss Irma C.
Van Dyke, daughter of Louis Van Dyke,
and two children have come to brighten
their home, viz. : Irma and Florence.
Dr. Beck is a member of Fox River
Valley Medical Society, and of the State
Medical Society. He is examining sur-
geon for the Northwestern Mutual Life
Insurance Company; for the ^Etna, Equi-
table, Connecticut Mutual, the National
Life Insurance Company of Montpelier,
Metropolitan of New York, Mutual Life
of New York, etc., besides for three or
four societies. He has been local sur-
geon for the Chicago, Minneapolis cS: St.
Paul Railroad Company for over ten
years. Socially he is a member of the
K. of P., Pochequette Lodge, No. 26(0!
which he is Keeper of Records and Seals),
and of the Uniform Rank; also a mem-
ber of the Elks, No. 229, Green Bay. In
his political associations he is a Repub-
lican; served as county commissioner two
years; as member of the school board also
two years. Taken all in all, the Doctor
is a thorough representative of the best
citizenship of Green Bay.
ADAM DOHN, a prosperous agri-
culturist, and one of the most
highly respected citizens, of De-
Pere township. Brown county,
was born February 4, 1835, in Bavaria,
Germany, son of John G. Dohn, a shoe-
maker, who had three children, Adam
being the eldest.
Our subject attended the common
schools of his birthplace until he reached
the age of fourteen years, when he began
230
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to assist in the support of the family.
When he was seventeen years old his
father died, leaving a home unpaid for,
and the property was thus lost. In the
fall of 1852 the widowed mother and her
three children set out from Germany for
Havre, France, where they took passage
on the vessel "Lindy" for the United
States, landing in New York after a voy-
age of forty-two days. From there they
proceeded by rail to Dunkirk, N. Y. ,
thence by boat to Detroit, Mich. , by rail
to Chicago, 111., and from there by boat
to Milwaukee, Wis. Their destination
was Waukesha, Wis. , and, their funds hav-
mg been exhausted by the time they
reached Milwaukee, they walked the re-
mainder of the way, twenty miles, arriv-
ing in Waukesha seven days after landing
in New York City. Mrs. Dohn made her
home in Waukesha with her brother, Philip
Filer, who had loaned them mone}- to
help pay the e.xpenses of their journey to
the United States; and Adam, who being
the eldest was looked to for support, hired
out as a farm hand, receiving sixty dollars
for his first year's work. He not only as-
sisted in the support of his mother, but
also paid back the money, one hundred
and twenty dollars, which they had bor-
rowed from his uncle, and for the first few
years his life in the New World was one of
constant toil and hardship. Of the other
two children, his brother William received
a liberal education in the common schools,
and later engaged in business in Gibson-
burg, Ohio, first in merchandising, and
afterward in the lime business; he died in
Gibsonburg. The sister, Catherine, died
in Waukesha at the age of thirteen years.
Mrs. Dohn died in Ohio at the home of
her son William.
On May 6, 18 58, Adam Dohn was
married, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Margaret
Miller, who was born, August 28, 1833,
in Hesse-Darmstadt, a daughter of John
and Anna Miller, the former of whom died
in Germany when his daughter, Margaret,
was three years old. She set out with
her mother for the United States in 1853,
sailing from Bremen on the " Elizabeth,"
and, after a voyage of forty-two days,
landed in New York, from which city
they came at once to Milwaukee, Wis.,
the journey occupying one week. After
his marriage Mr. Dohn purchased four
acres of land in Waukesha, taking up his
residence thereon, and, in addition to
culti\ating his own land, worked at farm-
ing for others and also at railroading. In
1 870 he removed to Brown county, locat-
ing on the farm where he has ever since
resided. Private Claim, No. 40, De Pere
township, containing eighty acres of highly
cultivated, productive land. When he
came here, however, it was still in a
primitive condition, and he set to work
at once to clear and improve it, giving
his attention exclusively to general
farming and stock-raising. The first
house Mr. Dohn erected on the place was
built of logs, and the family lived in it
until 1 89 1, when the present comfortable
residence was erected. From a start of
nothing, and without assistance from any
one, our subject has accumulated a com-
fortable competence, and his life furnishes
an example of what may be accomplished
by determination and energy and indus-
trious habits. He has won the esteem of
his fellow citizens for honesty and ster-
ling worth, and he and his family are
highly respected in their community. To
Mr. and Mrs. Dohn have been born seven
children, viz. : George, John, William,
Minnie (Mrs. William Delzer, of Wood-
ville township, Calumet county), Anna (of
De Pere), and Maggie and Herbert E.,
both deceased.
On February 18, 1864, Mr. Dohn en-
listed, at Milwaukee, in Company D,
Forty-eighth Wis. V. I., and was sent to
St. Louis, Mo., thence to Fort Scott,
Kans. , on patrol duty, remaining in the
service until April, 1866, when he re-
ceived an honorable discharge at Madison,
Wis. ; he was mustered out at Fort Leaven-
worth, Kans. He had served in the In-
dian campaigns, during which the men
suffered greatly from exposure and lack
COMMEMOBAl'lVia BiOGRAPUWAL RECORD.
231
of provisions. From Colorado they
marched 600 miles over the plains to Fort
Leavenworth, Kans., and, for thirty-two
nights, they had to sleep on the ground,
although it was covered with snow. For
300 miles of this long march each com-
pany had but one load of firewood, and
the men were allowed to make coffee but
once a day; on the remaining 300-mile
march they had no wood at all. Mr.
Doha's health was so seriously impaired
by the hardships he endured that he has
never fully recovered. In his political
affiliations he was originally a Democrat,
but he is now an advocate of protection
and a member of the Republican party.
He has served his township as supervisor,
and for eight years as member of the
township board, but his ill-health com-
pelled him to resign this position. He
and his wife are members of the Presby-
terian Church of De Pere.
FRANK KOZLOWSKY, a worthy
citizen of New Denmark town-
ship, Brown county, where he has
been actively engaged in farming
for over thirty years, and of which he is
one of the oldest and most highly honored
residents, was born March 14, 1834, in
Bohemia, Austria. His parents, John and
Anna (Horene) Kozlowsky, the former
of whom was engaged in farming, had a
family of three children, namely: Joseph,
Frank (our subject), ahd Philip, now a
resident of Coopers.own, Wis., who is
married and has seven children. The
mother died when her son Frank was
eight years old.
At the age of twelve Frank I\ozlowsky
commenced to learn the tailor's trade,
continuing to follow same in his native
country for six years. When eighteen
years old he set sail from Bremen, Ger-
many, and landed in New York after a
nine-weeks' voyage, thence continuing
his journey to Chicago, 111., where his
funds were exhausted, and he had to wait
for his baggage. He waited in that city
until his goods came after him, then he
started for Wisconsin, coming across Af-
ton to Milwaukee, thence by wagon to
Port Washington, from which place he
proceeded on foot to Manitowoc, a dis-
tance of sixty-five miles, whence he walked
to Kossuth township, Manitowoc county,
where his uncle resided. Here he engaged
in clearing land for about a year and a
half, and then invested in a tract of eighty
acres in Cooperstown township, in part-
nership with a Mr. Nejedlo. They erected
a small shanty and commenced clearing
the place, continuing together for about a
year, when Mr. Nejedlo sold his share,
our subject becoming sole owner of the
tract. On January 19, 1856, Mr. Koz-
lowsky was married to Miss Anna Pivonka,
and walked afoot, along with two wit-
nesses, to the justice of the peace, Charles
Rieter, at Manitowoc, about fourteen
miles, and back the same day, along a
good snow road. They lived in the shanty
four years, when it was supplanted by a
comfortable log dwelling. Besides at-
tending to the work of clearing, Mr. Koz-
lowsky engaged in the manufacture of
shingles, an occupation that brought him
a small revenue until the farm afforded
a comfortable support. All the provisions
had to be carried by him from Kossuth, on
his back or in his hands, and on one oc-
casion, having lost his way, he wandered
about for several hours before he found
the path. After living on that farm six
years they sold it and come to New Den-
mark township. Brown count}', here buy-
ing 120 acres, which forms part of the
present homestead. This was also new
land, totally unimproved, like all the sur-
rounding country, and there were no roads
in the township, only Indian trails, over
which they brought their supplies from
De Pere and Green Bay. The work of
clearing was commenced in earnest, and
besides reducing the first purchase to a
condition of fertility, he purchased and
improved forty acres additional. When
he first started to cultivate his land he
had no team with which to plow, and all
232
COMMEMORATIVE BWORAPHICAL RECORD.
the {ground for planting or sowing of grain
was made ready with a grub hoe. Mr.
Kozlowsky is a Democrat in politics, and
has served his township two years as super-
visor and four years as clerk of the school
board. In religious faith he and his
family are devout members of the Catho-
lic Church, and he donated the land for
the Catholic Church situated near his resi-
dence. In 1862 he was drafted into the
army, and was sent to Madison, whence
in four days ho proceeded to Fond du
Lac, and then was sent home. Being
drafted a second time, he was sent to
Green Bay.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kozlowsky have been
born eight children, namely : Antone,
Catherine, Anna, Mary, Frank, Joseph,
Adolph and Ennna, of whom Frank has
alwa\s resided on the farm; the others re-
mained at home up to the time of their
marriage. Mr. Ko/lowsk}' is now retired
from active farm work, he and his wife
living with their son Frank, ^\•ho now
owns the farm and carries on the agricul-
tural work, and in 188S, besides attending
to all his work on the homestead, he
(Frank, Jr. ) cleared five acres.
On January 31, 1888, Frank Koz-
lowsky, Jr.. was united in marriage with
Miss Anna Kc)nop. bringing his wife at
once to the home farm. Their union has
been blessed with four children, namely :
Joseph, Mary, Emma and Annie.
WILLIAM LARSEN, mayor of
F"ort Howard, and one of the
most extensive shipping mer-
chants and traders of north-
eastern Wisconsin, was born May 29,
1850, in Buffalo, New York.
His father, Ole Larsen, who was a native
of Norway, with his first wife, a son and
four daughters, came to the United States
in 1844, and first embarked in the groc-
cery business at Buffalo, remaining there
until 1852, when he came to Wisconsin.
For a short time he resided in Fort How-
ard, then removed to Door county, and
was engaged in fanning until his death,
which occurred when he was sixty-five
years of age. Before leaving Buffalo his
first wife had died, and he married, for his
second, Miss Rachel Weisenberg, also a
native of Norway, who came to the
United States with her friends when
about thirty years of age ; she now lives
at the home of our subject. To this
marriage were born four children : A
daughter that died in infancy; William,
whose name introduces this article; Otis,
a merchant of Chicago ; and Henry, who
is associated with \\'illiam.
William Larsen attended the district
schools of this State until about fifteen
years of age, then passed a year at Ap-
pleton College, after which he entered the
general store of M. E. Tremble & Co.,
at Suamico, as head clerk, having charge
of the store and books for the firm.
This position he held four years, when,
at the age of twenty, he married Miss
Sarah Krouse. He at once settled in
Fort Howard, and, with $700 he had
saved during his clerking days, engaged in
the grocery business with M. C. Johnson,
conducting same . most prosperously for
seven years, when both partners sold out.
Mr. Larsen then established a general
shipping business, handling principally
fruits, produce, hay, etc., and this has
reached enormous proportions, the vol-
ume of his trade at present representing
half a million dollars per annum at alow
estimate. His pay-roll is in excess of
three thousand five hundred dollars per
month, and his payments for produce in
the season exceed ten thousand dollars
per month; during the same part of the
year his transactions in hay are pro-
digious. Mr. Larsen is also a stock-hold-
er in and vice-president of McCartney's
National Bank, and holds a large interest
in the Columbia Bakery Co., a very ex-
tensive, popular and prosperous establish-
ment. Besides attending to his immense
mercantile and financial interests, he finds
time to devote to the care of a forty-acre
garden plat, from which he also derives
-j^'^ &t^II7 £^-PVgr&ftms &-^--
J OiA<^^y\/J
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
235
a considerable profit. Public duties,
moreover, have claimed and still claim
much of his time and attention ; for
three years he was alderman from the
Second ward of Fort Howard, and he is
now serving his third term as mayor of
the city.
Mrs. Sarah Larsen was born in Suam-
ico, Brown Co., Wis., and is a daughter
of Ferdinand and Sarah Krouse, who
had a family of five children. To her
marriage have been born ten children, of
whom one died when but a year old ; the
names of the others are Mabel, Austin,
Leslie, Edith, Grace, Charles Sumner,
Marie, Milton, and Warren. The eldest
of these is proficient in music, and is
still taking lessons at the Auditorium in
Chicago, while several of the others are
being educated at the best colleges of
Wisconsin. Mr. Larsen and his wife at
first lived in a rented house, for which
they paid $8 or $10 per month, and con-
tinued to reside there until about 1888,
when he completed his present magnifi-
cent home at a cost of nearly fifteen
thousand dollars. It is the most mod-
ern, handsome and complete house in
this section of the country, and the fur-
niture and grounds are in appropriate har-
mony with the residence. His business is
now one of themost extensive commercial
enterprises of the entire State, and Green
Bay, as well as Fort Howard, is especially
benefited through its dealings in country
produce. He is endowed, in a remarkable
degree, with the characteristics possessed
by his hardy, brave and adventurous an-
cestors— traits of character which enabled
them to secure a more than prominent
place in the history of the world. These
" Norsemen " were old-time heroes, whose
indomitable spirit made them the most
adventurous navigators of their time, and
who undoubtedh' viewed the shores of
the New World at a period long antedating
its "discovery" by Columbus, the Geno-
ese mariner. And not only as navigators
were they supreme, but as warriors in the
field, also; for, in all western and northern
Europe, they came to be known and
dreaded as redoubtable and fearless
fighters; in later days admired and re-
spected as an enlightened and Christian
people. Mr. Larsen may be justly termed
a representative self-made man, one who
in his early life received little, if any,
financial aid. His youth was passed
with a keen intelligence, and a healthy,
robust physique that soon won for him
recognition and respect at the hands of
those with whom he was thrown in con-
tact, thus gradually, but surely, placing
him in an enviable position as a citizen
and business man. He is of a sanguine
temperament, though cool and deliberate
even when absorbed in the most mo-
mentous and intricate business proposi-
tion; in fact, he is possessed of what
might not improperly be styled a thor-
oughly judicial cast of mind — a quality
that has stood him in good stead, placing^
him in the front rank of the strong array
of merchants in his adopted city, and
enabling him to conduct and regulate his
large and varied business with that per-
fect order which insures success; also to
maintain discipline in, and guarantee
honest service at the hands of, his army
of employes, either at home or attending
to his affairs elsewhere. The minutest
as well as the most extensive details of
his intricate business are supervised by
the master mind, and kept in perfect ac-
cord and under thorough control through
the same potent agency. In all his deal-
ings he is recognized as one of the most
fair and honorable of merchants, and, as
a citizen, he is held in such a high degree
of regard as to be honored with election
to many positions of honor and trust —
including the highest in municipal affairs
— all which he has filled faithfully and
well, ever giving his best endeavors for
the benefit of the city, and using the
same sound judgment and shrewd sagacity
that have so successfully militated in
building up his own business — now the
largest of the kind in northern Wisconsin.
No man is more highly honored than
:236
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Larsen, regardless of politics, re-
ligion or nationality, his talents as a busi-
ness man having won for him the un-
grudged esteem of his fellow citizens at
home and abroad, who have ever had
communication with him, either in person
or in the channels of trade. He and his
wife are both members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and both are active
in the extension of the good work car-
ried on by their church, while their
private works of charity, which are multi-
tudinous, go without record.
AUGUST BAUMGART, who for
more than twenty years has been
identified with the farming inter-
ests of Glenmore township. Brown
county, is a native of the Fatherland,
born November 28, 1848, son of August
Baumgart.
Our subject received his education in
his native land, and after leaving school
commenced work in a brickyard, continu-
ing in that vocation until about twent}'
years of age, when he came with his par-
ents to America, and to Brown county,
Wis. On September 29, 1874, he was
married, in Green Bay, Wis., to Miss
Honora Murphy, born in that city May
19, 1856, daughter of Dennis Murphy,
who came from Cork, Ireland. After com-
ing to Brown county August Baumgart
remained with his parents four years,
helping them to pay for their farm, and
one year prior to his marriage purchased,
on his own account, eighty acres of land
in Section 14, Glenmore township. A
few acres had been partially cleared, but
otherwise there were no improvements
except an old log shanty, in which he
made his home until the comfortable
house now occupied by the family was
built. To Mr. and Mrs. Baumgart were
born ten children, as follows: Charles,
Gertrude, Joseph, Edward. John, and
Anton, all living, and four that died young.
By industry and assiduous toil Mr. Baum-
gart has succeeded in clearing all his land.
and now has a well-cultivated, improved
farm, the result of years of energy and
persevering labor, his wife having assisted
him greatly in the accumulation of their
comfortable propert}'. They are respected
by all who know them as kind-hearted,
hospitable neighbors, and as members of
St. Mary's Catholic Church, of which he
has served as trustee the past three years,
and he is at present a member of the
board of education. In politics Mr. Baum-
gart is a Democrat, and at present he is
serving as assessor of his township, but
has refused other ofifices, as he prefers to
give his principal attention to his farm.
In connection with his other agricultural
interests he has for the past fifteen years
operated a threshing-machine. Mr. Baum-
gart has always been ready to listen to
the distressed and unfortunate, and has
ever been willing to extend pecuniary aid
and give wise counsel.
M
ATTHIAS LINSSEN. the pop-
ular treasurer of Bellevue town-
ship. Brown county, in which
incumbency he has served since
1 89 1, is one of the leading young farmers
in his township.
He was born February 19, 1859, in
Holland, son of Henry Linssen, a car-
penter, who, in 1871, came with his wife
and ten children to America, sailing from
Liverpool, England. They landed at
Quebec, Canada, thence coming to Wis-
consin on May 24,^871, arriving in Green
Baj- with just seventy dollars to com-
mence life in their new home. They
made a temporary location on a farm in
Bellevue township. Brown county, where
Mr. Linssen shortly afterward purchased
and removed to a new farm, and there
made his home until 1890, in which year
he removed to Preble township, where he
has since resided, highly respected by all
who know him. After coming to Amer-
ica he abandoned his trade and turned his
attention exclusively to farming. His
first wife died in Holland, and before
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
237
coming to the United States he there
married his present wife; four children
have been born to them in Wisconsin.
Matthias Linssen is the second son and
fourth child born to the first marriage.
Our subject received the greater part
of his education in Holland, and when
eleven years old came with his parents
to America. He commenced to work
early in life, being thoroughly instructed
in the duties of the farm on the home
place, where he remained until his mar-
riage. In 1880 he wedded Miss Annie
Wald, a native of Scott township, Brown
county, daughter of Michael Wald, at
which time he had one winter's earnings
with which to commence life for himself.
The first winter they resided with Mrs.
Linssen's parents, and soon afterward he
purchased a piece of timber land, which
he cleared, realising good returns for his
labor; subsequently he bought forty acres
of new land in Bellevue township, which
he afterward sold, the investment proving
a good one, and then purchased the place
in Preble township where he lived until
1 89 1. In that year he came to the farm
where his home now is, a beautiful tract
of eighty-four acres, highl}' cultivated,
well improved and systematically con-
ducted, everything about the place evi-
dencing the owner's thrift, good manage-
ment, and prosperity. Mr. Linssen has
no superior in his township as an agricul-
turist, and he is a striking example of a
successful, self-made man. For six years
he was employed at the National furnace,
in De Pere — one year in the stock-house
and five years in the casting-house, and
thus obtained capital to start with. In
addition to his general farming interests
he has a part ownership in a modern
threshing outfit. In his political prefer-
ences Mr. Linssen is a stanch Democrat,
and in 1891 was, without solicitation,
elected treasurer of his township, in which
office he has since served; and, though the
youngest man who has ever held that
office in the township, he has given com-
plete satisfaction to all. In church rela-
tion he and his wife are members of the
Holland Catholic Church at Green Bay.
To them were born eight children, viz. : An-
nie, Nellie, Mary, Elizabeth, Catharine, Jo-
seph, and Gertrude, all living; and Michael,
who died in infancv.
GEORGE HUISENFELDT, one
of the substantial farmer citizens
of Rockland township, Brown
county, is a native of same, born
October 28, 1856, son of Stephen and
Wilhelmina (Sultan) Huisenfeldt.
Stephen Huisenfeldt was born in Hol-
land, and in 1847 came to the United
States, landing in New York City. Having
heard of the superior advantages offered
to settlers in the great West, he came to
Green Bay, Brown Co., Wis., and thence,
after a short stay, to Bay Settlement, where
for two years he made his home with his
brother, Reinhard, after which he came
to De Pere township, where he was em-
ployed three years on the farm of James
Boyd, and then for two years following
rented and worked a farm along the Dixon
road. Mr. Huisenfeldt was married in
Green Bay to a Miss Hazacher, who
passed away eighteen months afterward,
the mother of one child, who also died.
He subsequently married Miss Wilhelmina
Sultan, a native of Holland, and, after
living on the rented farm a short time,
they came to the place in Rockland town-
ship, now owned by our subject, on which
they passed the remainder of their lives.
He first purchased forty acres in Section
10, at $2. 50 per acre, and, after clearing a
small space erected a I2x 14 log shanty,
in which they lived five years. The task
of clearing was commenced at once; but,
owing to the lack of necessary farming
implements, the work was slow and labo-
rious, several years of hard labor being ex-
pended on the place before it yielded any
return. For seven years after their settle-
ment they had no team, and either had to
hire one or exchange work with others.
When the ground had been cleared and
23S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
prepared for the first crop, Mr. Huisen-
feldt found himself without money to bu\'
seed, and accordingly he exchanged an
acre of ground for four bushels of wheat
seed, thus obtaining a start. In 1870 he
purchased thirty-six acres more (which
also needed clearing and improving), the
home farm now containing seventy-five
acres of highly cultivated land. Mr. and
Mrs. Huisenfeldt had four children, as
follows: Cornelius, who resides in Mar-
shall, Minn. ;George, subject of this sketch;
Johanna, who died at the age of eighteen
3'ears; and one that died in infancy.
Stephen Huisenfeldt passed from earth
November 9, 1S89, at the age of seventy-
nine years, and was followed to the grave
by his wife Februarj' 4, 1893.
Our subject was reared to farm life, in
early boyhood commencing to assist his
father in the work on the pioneer farm,
taking no small share in transforming the
wilderness into a pleasant farm. He
always remained at home assisting his
parents, and on the death of his father
the home place came into his possession,
his mother residing there with him until
her decease. On April 19, 1889, Mr.
Huisenfeldt was united in marriage with
Miss Christine Alliers, daughter of Gerard
and Johanna Albers, who emigrated from
Germany to America in 1882, coming west
to De Pere, Wis., where Mr. Albers fol-
lowed his trade, that of a carpenter. Mr.
and Mrs. Albers had thirteen children,
seven of whom are living, viz. : Mary,
Henry, Johanna, Nellie, Dora, Christine
and Peter. After their marriage our sub-
ject and wife came at once to the home
farm, which he conducts in a systematic
manner, engaging successfully in general
farming. Their union has been blessed
with two children, namely : Anna Minnie,
born April 17, 1 890, and Stephen G. , born
May 24, 1 893. Mr. and Mrs. Huisenfeldt are
members of the Holland Catholic Church
of De Pere. Politically he is independ-
ent, and though not an active politician
has served his township as supervisor,
discharging the duties of his office in a
conscientious, business-like way. He
stands in the front rank of the progres-
sive farmers of his section; and commands
the respect of all who know him for his
integrity and uprightness.
,AUL BAUMGART. who ranks
among the industrious, rising
P
I young farmers of his section, is a
native of the Fatherland, born
August 9, 1858, in I^reslau, Prussia.
His father, August Baumgart, was a
farmer and land-owner in Prussia, and for
several years also engaged in the manu-
facture of bricks. He and his wife had
seven children, namely: Charles (who died
in Germany), Joseph, Caroline, August,
Edward, John and Paul. Deciding to
bring his family to America, Mr. Baum-
gart sold his property, and in the spring
of 1868 they sailed on the "Schiller,"
which vessel was bound for Baltimore, at
which port they arrived after a stormy
passage of eight weeks and three days.
They then came west over the I^altimore
& Ohio railway, via Columbus (Ohio) and
Chicago (111.), and on July 6, same year,
landed in Green Bay, Wis., locating
eventually in Bellevue township. Brown
county, where, shortly after their arrival,
Mr. Baumgart purchased seventy-two
acres of new land, all of which was still
in the woods, not even space enough for
a house having been cleared. But they
set to work at once, and soon had a
dwelling 16x20, near the site of their
present home. The farm was gradually
cleared and cultivated, and there Mr.
Baumgart made his home until 1882, in
which year he removed to another farm
in Bellevue township, where he and his
wife yet reside. They are members of
the Catholic Church, and in politics he is
a Democrat.
Paul Baumgart was nine years of age
when he came with his parents to Wis-
consin. He had attended school for three
years in Germany, and the rest of his edu-
cation was received in the district schools
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-39
of the period in the \icinity of his new
home. He was reared a farmer boy,
thorouf;hly trained to agricultural pursuits
on the farm he now owns and resides on,
which he has seen transformed from the
dense forest to a fertile tract. On April
17, 1883, he was married, at Francis
Creek, Manitowoc Co., Wis., to Miss
Lizzie Auntholtz, a native of that county,
born May 31, 1861, daughter of Henry
Auntholtz, who came to Wisconsin from
Prussia in an early day. The 3'oung couple
immediately settled on their present farm,
and in 1888 Mr. Baumgart erected the
substantial, comfortable dwelling where
they now make their home. They have
had children as follows: Nettie, Theresa,
Sylvester, Paul, Peter and William, all
living. Our subject is a self-made man,
and by hard work and thrift has acquired
the comfortable property he now owns;
the farm is an excellent one, and he con-
ducts a profitable general farming busi-
ness, in which he can not fail to prosper.
Politically he is a Democrat, and though
not an office-seeker, he has served his
township as road master. The family are
all members of St. Francis Catholic
Church, De Pere.
HERRMAN EHLE, one of the
early pioneers of Brown county,
was born in the village of Bari-
gau, Schwarzburg- Rudolstadt,
Germany, January 6, 1830.
His father, Nicholas Ehle, a farmer,
died in that country about 1853, and his
mother, who afterward came to Brown
county, Wis., died about 1878. Of their
seven children, four came to Brown coun-
ty: Herrman in 1855; August in 1856 (he
was a blacksmith by trade and removed
to Texas, dying at Houston in 1861 or
1862); Caroline in 1857 (she was the wife
wife of Gottfried Undehaun, and died at
Green Bay about 1888); Henrietta in
1857 (she married Theodore Mahn, and
now resides at Green Bay, her children
were seven in number, as follows: Albert,
who was accidentl)- killed while on a
hunting trip; Lena, wife of Herman Kapp,
of Green Bay; William, a tailor, residing
at Green Bay, who is married to Mamme
Vandenhubel; Mary, wife of Conrad Beth,
also of Green Bay; Theodore, a tailor, of
Fort Howard; Anna, wife of Frank Miller,
of Green Bay, and Herman Mahn).
Herrman Ehle, the subject proper of
this sketch, was reared and educated in
Germany, and was engaged in farming
previous to coming to the United
States. After locating at Fort Howard,
on August 12, 1855, he learned the car-
penter's trade, and followed that vocation
many years. On arriving at Wisconsin
he first located at McKane, near Milwau-
kee, remaining there ten weeks before
coming to Fort Howard. He was en-
gaged in building in Fort Howard, and for
five years was connected with Mr. C.
Schwarz in contracting and building, con-
tinuing in the same business for himself a
long period following. He erected a large
number of residences in Fort Howard and
Green Bay, building the first brick resi-
dence in the city of Green Bay in 1866;
in 1870 he erected a brick building in Fort
Howard, and another in 1871. He is the
owner of thirteen dwellings in the Fifth
ward of Fort Howard, five of the num-
ber being constructed of brick, and it will
be seen that Mr. Ehle has done much
personally toward building up and im-
proving the city. He has, in addition,
been prominently connected with affairs
generally incident to the development of
Brown county, and is recognized as a
substantial citizen and representative bus-
iness man, with progressive ideas and
vigorous methods. Politically he is a
Republican, and has served for twelve
years as alderman from the Fifth ward of
Fort Howard. Industrious and careful,
he has in the nearly forty years of his
residence here been fortunate in business,
and has a record and a reputation justly
the source of pride. He has never mar-
ried. Mr. Ehle was reared under the
influence of the Lutheran Church, and has
240
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
always been considered one of the most
straifjhtforward business men and upright
citizens of Fort Howard.
BARTHOLOMEW DOOLAN, a
thrifty and wealthy young farmer,
of Morrison township. Brown
county, is a native of Massachu-
setts, born September 7, 1846.
John and Julia (Noonan) Doolan, his
parents, natives of Ireland, were the
parents of five children, namely: Mary,
Michael, Bartholomew, Ellen, and John.
The father was a farmer, and, with his
wife and his eldest (then his only) child,
came to the United States in 1832, land-
ing at New York after having passed seven
long weeks on the ocean. From New
York the family went to New England,
and lived there for a period of eleven
years, principally in Rhode Island, also
residing for a few years in Massachusetts.
In 1849 John and his family reached Wis-
consin, and settled in Franklin township,
Manitowoc county, where he bought 304
acres of land in its primitive condition,
from which he, in due course of time,
hewed out a farm that was the pride of
the township. Their first dwelling was a
log cabin, 16x24 fe^t in size, in which
they lived twelve years, after which they
erected a comfortable frame dwelling.
The first schoolhouse was erected after
the family had been in the township five
years, and in this Bartholomew received
his education. The father died May i s,
1877, the mother in 1882, and the re-
mains of both were interred in Franklin.
Bartholomew Doolan did good and
faithful service in assisting his father in
clearing up and tilling the home farm un-
til he was twenty-one years of age, with
the exception of a short time passed in
working in the woods. Employing his
time thereafter on his own account until
he had reached the age of twenty-five, he
married, September 19, 1871, Miss Sarah
Watt, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah
(O'Connell) Watt, natives of Ireland who
came to America in 1845, ''"^ after their
marriage here settled in Maple Grove,
Manitowoc county. Wis., and reared six
children — Anna, Sarah, Michael, Thomas,
Mary, and John. After his marriage Bar-
tholomew and his wife came to Morrison
township. Brown county, and here Mr.
Doolan bought eighty acres of wild land,
on which they erected their present home,
with Indians, wohes, bear and deer for
their companions and neighbors. Here
was begun that life of toil and hardship
developed only in pioneer life, but which
resulted in after years in the possession of
all the comforts and conveniences of civili-
zation. The eighty-acre tract was in-
creased to a farm of 200 acres, and the
old log house, which is still standing, was
their habitation fully twelve years, but
their present residence, erected about
1884, is a modern frame, with every de-
sirable convenience and comfort. But the
acquirement of all this has required toil,
economy, and the willing efforts of man
and wife and the cheerful aid of the elder
children. The children, eleven in num-
ber, were born in the following order:
John, July 4, 1872; Thomas, July 27, 1874;
Mary, October 4, 1876; Agnes J., Janu-
ary 21, 1879; Sarah E., May 28, 1881;
Helen A., May 14, 1883; Frances B.,
September 11, 1884; Catherine G., No-
vember 17, 1S85; Margaret, March 19,
1888; Lucy'L. , November 17, 1890; and
Theresa, October 3, 1892. Of these,
Frances B. died September 15, 1884; the
others are all living at home, with the ex-
ception of Thomas, who is attending a
business college at Manitowoc. The
family are all strict members of the
Catholic Church, with the exception, of
course, of the younger members, who
have been baptized in that faith. Mr.
Doolan has served as trustee of his Church,
and, as a Democrat, is serving as school
clerk of his township, but he takes no
special itjterest in politics.
Mr. Doolan and his family rank among
the best and most respectable citizens of
Morrison township, and it is such as he.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGEAPHWAL RECORD.
241
with strong muscles, willing disposition,
industrious habits and law-abiding princi-
ples, that have made the township and
county what they are.
FERDINAND SMET, one of the
highly respected citizens of De-
Pere township. Brown county,
where he owns a well-improved
farm, is a native of Belgium, born Jan-
uary 12, 1832. His father, Albert Bene-
dictus Smet, was a life-long farmer, in
comfortable circumstances, owning a good
farm, and he passed his entire life in his
native country. I-Ie had a family of seven
children — four sons and three daughters —
of whom Ferdinand is the eldest.
Ferdinand Smet attended the schools
of his birthplace until he was thirteen
years old, and then commenced to work
on the home farm, where he remained
over thirty years. They lived but a short
distance from Antwerp. He was married
in Belgium to Constance Boart, and they
had three children born to them there,
viz. : Ozarine, now Mrs. August Johnson,
of De Pere township; Emma, Mrs. John
Van Vedron, of Rockland township; and
Martin, of Washington. About 1868 Mr.
Smet disposed of his business and prop-
erty, he being a merchant and store-
keeper, and set out with his family for
the United States, where he thought to
find better opportunities for his family.
He journeyed from Antwerp to Hull,
England, thence to Liverpool, from
which port he sailed for New York on
the "Colorado," making the voyage
in twelve days. Their destination was
Green Bay, Wis., whither they traveled
by rail, arriving six days later, on Satur-
day, and spent the first night with John
Martin. A few days afterward Ferdinand
Smet secured work«in the hub factory at
De Pere, and here he continued to work
for two and a half years, until, in 1872,
he purchased his present farm in De Pere
township. It then consisted of forty acres
of new land, upon which stood only a log
house and a small barn, and all but ten
or twelve acres was in the woods. He
had saved enough to pay for the land,
but was obliged to go into debt for the
farm implements, etc., which he needed
to clear and cultivate the place. Hcnv-
ever, he set to work with a determination
to make a comfortable home for himself
and family, and after much hard work
they succeeded in reducing the land to a
cultivated condition. He now owns a
good farm of eighty acres, the accumula-
tion of which had involved no small
amount of hard work. But he has been
greatly assisted by his family, and they
have cleared and improved the place un-
til it is now a fertile, well-equipped tract,
with a good residence and outbuildings,
and all free from debt. In this country Mr.
and Mrs. Smet had children as follows:
Louis, now a farmer of De Pere town-
ship; Mary, Alice, and Henry J. at home,
and Edward, who died in infancy. On
April II, 1877, the mother died, since
which time the daughters have had charge
of the household work. The entire family
are highly respected for their industry
and sterhng worth, and Mr. Smet is
everywhere known as an honest, upright
citizen. In politics he is a Democrat, but
takes little active interest in party affairs.
Religiously he is a member of St. Mary's
Catholic Church, De Pere.
ALPHONSE MARIA KERSTEN,
M. D. , of De Pere, Brown coun-
ty is of German origin, and was
born in 1848, at Rees-on-the-
Rhine, in Rhenish Prussia, the oldest of
five brothers, one of whom, the Very
Rev. Norbert U. Kersten was, for many
years, Vicar-General of Bishop F. X.
Katzer, of Green Bay, and Chancellor of
that diocese, and its administrator when
Bishop Katzer was promoted to the Arch-
bishopric of Milwaukee.
His parents, Edward and Anna (Rutjes)
Kersten, were residents of the city of Rees-
on-the-Rhine, in Rhenish Prussia, where
242
COMMEMORATIVK BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
the father was a dry-goods merchant, dying
there January 31, 1S91, and where the
mother still lives. The Doctor was edu-
cated, classically, at the Jesuit collcfje at
Feldkirch, in the Province of \'orarlbcrg,
Austria; the college of Gaesdoiik, in
Khenish Prussia; and the Gymnasium of
Muenster, in Westphalia. Coming to
America in 1868, he conducted a drug
store in several Wisconsin cities up to the
year 1879. He then attended two courses
of lectures at the Medical Department of
the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
and then became a student at the Detroit
Medical College, from which he graduated
in 1883. He then began practice at
Petoskey, Mich., whence he removed to
De Pere, Wis., in 1885, and has here been
in active practice ever since, being recog-
nized as one of the most skillful physicians
of northeastern Wisconsin, On first
coming to the United States, the Doctor
located at Fredonia, Ozaukee Co., Wis.,
where he operated a drug store, in part-
nership with a physician; in 1878 he
moved to Kaukauna, built a new store,
and from there moved to Ann Arbor,
Mich., for the purpose of pursuing his
medical studies, as above narrated. In
politics the Doctor is a Democrat, and.
while a resident of Ozaukee county, tilled
various minor offices; in 1887 he was ap-
pointed, under President Cleveland, as
pension examiner, and was re-appointed
under President Harrison, but resigned
after one month under the latter appoint-
ment. In 1 89 1 he was appointed, by
Governor Peck, State Superintendent of
Inspectors of Illuminating Oils for Wis-
consin, was re-appointed in 1892, and
again on April i, 1894, and is still serving
in that office.
The marriage of the Doctor took place
in 1 87 1, at Barton, Washington Co.,
Wis., to Miss Mary Vandeboom, a native
of the city of Calcar, Rhenish I^russia,
and this felicitious union has been blessed
with nine children, named as follows:
Annie M., Clara M., Edward M., Norbert
M., Sylvan M., Theresa M., Leo M.,
Paul Ernest M. and Hugo Henry Louis
M., all living at home in De Pere. The
Doctor is a member of the Catholic
Knights of Wisconsin, and vice-president
of the local branch of that order. He has
achieved a fine professional reputation, and
his social standing is a most enviable one.
BISHOP SEBASTIAN GEBHARD
MESSMEK was born August 29,
1847, at Goldach, Canton of St.
Gall, Switzerland. The ancestors
of Bishop Messmer were Swiss Catholics,
and resided in Thai, Canton of St. Gall,
Switzerland. At the time of the Refor-
mation one branch of the family became
adherents of the Protestant faith. Grand-
father Messmer also resided in the above
place. His son, Sebastian G. Messmer,
Sr. , moved to Goldach, and there resided
till his death in 1873, when he was aged
si.\ty-si.\ years. He was a man of con-
siderable wealth and education, and a
farmer by occupation. He held offices in
the Canton, by representing his district in
the General .Assembly, and in the Catholic
Administrative Council, and was a useful
and conscientious legislator. He was
greatly beloved in his town, and was a man
of influence and importance there, making
himself useful and beloved among his
friends and fellow citizens. He was a
strong character, noted for his rugged
independence and honorable social and
business career. A stanch Catholic, he
was active in church work, and was presi-
dent of the town council and of the board
of church trustees for many years. The
great-grandmother of our subject, on the
father's side, was a Miss Kalb, an Aus-
trian from Bregenz. The mother of
Bishop Messmer was Rosa Baumgartner,
a native of Moerschwyl, Canton of St.
Gall. Switzerland. Shf died in the prime
of life, highly esteemed for her many good
qualities of head and heart.
Bishop Messmer is the eldest in a
family of six children. He received his
primary education in the common schools
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUIUAL RECORD.
245
of his native town, and tiien attended
the High School (or Real School) in
Rorschach, on Lake Constance, for three
years, or till 1861. There he first met
Otto Zardetti, his life-long friend, who
later became Bishop of St. Cloud, Minn.
Following the clerical vocation, he en-
tered the diocesan College of St. George's,
near St. Gall, where he became known
for his devotion and close application to
his studies, and obedience to his superiors.
At that school he remained till 1866, and
then entered the University of Innsbruck,
in the Tyrol, in Austria, where he studied
philosophy and theology, remaining there
five years. Those were years of hard
work, yet full of pleasant recollections.
On July 23, 1871, he was ordained to the
priesthood for the American mission.
He remained at home only a short time,
and came to America, landing in New
York October 4, 1871. Previous to this
he had applied for and received an ap-
pointment by Bishop Bailej', of Newark,
N. J., as professor of theology at the
Seton Hall College, South Orange, N.
J., which is also a diocesan seminary.
There he remained till August, 1889, dur-
ing which time he made himself general-
ly beloved by the thoughtful and kindly
interest he manifested to all with whom
he came in contact. As teacher, chap-
Iain and friend, he bound many hearts to
him, and led them into a brighter thought
world and closer communion with the
Creator, the Savior and the Church.
During those eighteen years he also did a
great deal of pastoral work in St. Peter's
Church, 'Newark, N. J., which is a Ger-
man congregation with the largest paro-
chial school in the diocese, containing at
present fifteen hundred children. It was
in this church, that, at his own request,
he was consecrated by Bishop Zardetti,
March 27, 1892, because he was so well
known and beloved there, and because of
the many pleasant recollections which
■clustered around St. Peter's. While act-
ing at the college as professor, he had
also charge of St. Mary's Orphan Asylum
14
as chaplain, besides doing a great deal of
pastoral work. He also had charge of
St. Leo's congregation, at Irvington, N.
J., for two years.
Having been called in 1889 to the
chair of Canon Law in the University of
Washington, D. C, he went to Rome to
prepare more fulh' for the special work
assigned to him. As Canon Law had
been one of his classes when professor at
Seton Hall, he now devoted himself to
the study of the old Roman civil law, and
graduated with the degree of D. C. L.
(Doctor of Canon Law), at the CoUegio
Apollinare. In September, 1890, he en-
tered upon his duties at the university,
where he taught with great credit to him-
self till he came to Green Bay, Wis.
While at Seton Hall he was selected as
one of eight theologians to prepare the
matter or decrees for the Baltimore Plen-
ary Council in 1 884. He was also one
of the Secretaries of the Council at its
sessions, and afterward with Dr. O'Con-
nell, now rector of the American College
at Rome. Bishop Messmer prepared for
publication the proceedings of that fam-
ous Council, which work was published
in 1886, and is a model of scholarship.
After the publication of the book he re-
ceived the title of Doctor of Divinity
from the Pope, which was remarkable
when we consider the rarity of such be-
stowal. Bishop Messmer has written a
few works of merit, displaying both
scholarship and talent as a practical
writer on topics concerning his noble pro-
fession. He was assistant secretary of
the Provincial council of New York in
1883, and wrote a little work in Latin
called "Praxis Synodalis," which was
later used at the Council of Baltimore.
In 1886 he edited for the American
clergy, an English translation of a Ger-
man work, entitled " Canonical Procedure
in Criminal Cases of Clerics, " which is
still an authority in clerical law. He has
also written articles for a German monthly
clerical paper published at St. Louis, Mo.,
called "The Pastoral Blatt," and for the
246
COMMEMORATIVE lilOORAPUICAL RECORD.
"American Ecclesiastical Review," of
Philadelphia.
Bishop Messmer was appointed Bishop
of Green Bay, December 14, 1891, but
did not arrive here till April 7, 1892.
Here a wide and useful, but also hard
field of labor awaited him, which for the
time seemed to check his literary efforts.
But the strong mind that brou<(ht order
out of the manifold accumulations of a
great literary council has already made
him fully acquainted with work in the
Diocese of Green Baj'. Here his influ-
ence, always for good, is felt in every
nook and corner. The respect which he
inspired on his arrival has not abated,
but is increased as time goes on. To
the talents of a pastor and bishop is added
the learning of a scholar and literateur,
which (united with rare business tact and
ability to govern) has made him already
a conspicuous figure in the Church and
State, and has gained him the confidence,
good will and love of all classes, denomi-
nations and nationalities.
JOHN L. LAMARRE (deceased), who,
in his lifetime, was one of the most
intelligent and prosperous agricul-
turists of Preble township. Brown
county, was a native of Belgium, born
August 4, 1822.
He was a lifelong farmer, having been
reared to the plough from early life, his
education at the same time not being
neglected; and, as his parents were well-
to-do, they were able to give him some
assistance when he first commenced farm-
ing for his own account. In Belgium he
owned about five acres of land, which was
then considered quite a comfortable little
farm, and by careful cultivation he had
good average returns from it. He was
married in his native place to Miss Vir-
ginia Merrick, who was born in Belgium
in 1832, and children as follows blessed
their union: Joseph E., Victor, Alphonse
and Mary, all of Belgian birth, and all
yet living. In 1871, the sons growing up
around the little home, Mr. Lamarre de-
cided to emigrate with his family to
America, where he knew there was room
f(jr all, with plenty to spare; and on April
I , that year, they took passage on a ves-
sel bound for New York, the father having
previously sold all his property, goods and
chattels, which brought him a consider-
able sum. From New York they at once
traveled westward to Wisconsin, and in
Green Bay township. Brown countv, Mr.
Lamarre purchased some land, on which
the family resided until 1 884, when they
removed to Preble township, settling on
160 acres of land bought by Mr. La-
marre, having sold his place in Green Bay
township. Here he passed the rest of his
life, dying April 18, 1885, his remains be-
ing interred in Shantytown cemeter)-.
A Democrat from the time of his be-
coming an American citizen, he always
voted that ticket, but was in no sense a
politician, attending sedulously to his bus-
iness on the farm. He was a quiet, unas-
suming man, very domestic in his habits,
one who strictly minded his own business,
and he was respected by all. Having
died somewhat suddenly he left no will,
and no provision having been made for
the disposal of the property, his widow
and children have since conducted the
farm conjointly. Mrs. Lamarre, though
now sixty-three years old, is remarkably
active, and performs her share of work at
the homestead more like a woman of half
her age. The sons are a trio of indus-
trious, hard-working young men, whose
equal, it is said, is not to be found in any
one family in the township for progres-
siveness and enterprise, worthy sons of
worthy parents. In April, 1893. they
purchased the Cedar Creek Flouring Mills
from George B. Hess and H. A. Walter,
and, by the latter part of 1 894, expect to
have the concern in full operation. The
home place, now comprising 1 20 acres of
well-improved land, is well managed, re-
flecting great credit on the family, and on
the sons in particular, for their industry
and energy.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
247
JOHN LEBAL, who for the past
quarter of a century has been a well-
known farmer of Glenmore town-
ship, Brown county, is a native of
Bohemia, born April 28, 1837, son of
Wencel Lebal, who was a farmer in com-
fortable circumstances.
Wencel Lebal had four children, viz. :
Wencel, who is a farmer of Glenmore
township; John, whose name introduces
these lines; Joseph, of Allouez township;
and Mary, Mrs. Wencel Vilda, of Ne-
braska. In the fall of 1852 this family
left their native land, and crossing from
Hamburg to Hull, England, journeyed by
rail to Liverpool, where they took pas-
sage for New York, landing after a voy-
age of four weeks and three days. They
pushed westward at once to Milwaukee,
Wis. ; thence, after a halt of three days,
coming to Kossuth township, Manitowoc
county, where a friend from their town in
Bohemia was living, and they remained
with him three weeks. In the same fall
they came to Cooperstown, same county,
taking up 160 acres of government land
in Section 28, for which they paid seventy-
five cents per acre, and which at that
time was heavily timbered and entirely
unimproved. A rude shant}' was erected
on the place, in which the family lived
for ten years, and, before the land yielded
a support, those able to work earned a
small income making shingles bj' hand,
selling them in Manitowoc, some eighteen
miles distant. The mother died on this
farm, and was laid to rest in Kossuth
township; the father subsequently passed
from earth in Allouez township. Brown
county, at the home of his son Joseph,
and he was buried in Green Bay ceme-
tery. Both were members of the Reform
Church.
John Lebal received a fair education
in the common schools of his native land,
and was reared from boyhood to agricul-
tural life. He came to the United States
with his parents, and remained with them
in Manitowoc county until his enlistment,
August 21, 1862, in Company F, Twenty-
sixth Regiment, Wis. V. I. The com-
mand was sent to Milwaukee, thence,
after being drilled, to Washington. Their
first engagement was a Fredericksburg,
following which came the battles of Chan-
cellorsville and Gettysburg, where, on the
afternoon of July i, 1863, our subject
was wounded in the right knee by a
musket-ball. He was first taken to the
field hospital, and thence conveyed to
Baltimore, where he lay twenty-one days,
after which he was removed to the general
hospital at Washington, and here re-
mained until early in January, 1864.
Joining the Veteran Reserve Corps at
Alexandria, Va. , he remained there some
time, and then returned to Washington,
doing guard duty about that city. He
was next transferred to Syracuse, N. Y. ,
and thence to Elmira, same State, where
he received an honorable discharge July
13, 1865, having served continuously
since his enlistment without furlough, and
he saved two hundred dollars while in the
service. Returning to his old home in
Wisconsin, he continued to work for his
parents three years, receiving a piece of
land in Cooperstown township for his
services.
In the fall of 1869 Mr. Lebal married,
in Cooperstown township. Miss Rosa
Rudolf, a native of Bohemia, who died
one year later, and was buried in Coop-
erstown. About 1 87 1 he was married,
in Kossuth township, for his second wife,
to Miss Eliza Krieneck, a native of Bohe-
mia, to which marriage came six children,
of whom a son and two daughters died
young; Emma, Annie and Joseph are liv-
ing at home. The mother of these passed
from earth April 3, 1881, and was buried
at Francis Creek, Manitowoc county. In
January, 1882, Mr. Lebal wedded in Gib-
son township, Manitowoc county, for his
third spouse. Miss Mary Holub, a native
of Carlton, Kewaunee Co., Wis., and
this union has been blessed with children
as follows : Wencel, Christina, Edward,
Helen and John, living, and Edward (i),
who died young. The mother of these
248
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was called from earth May 17, 1894, and
is buried in the Lutheran fjraveyard at
Glenmore.
About the jear 1869 Mr. Lebal came
to Glenmore township, and in Section 20
purchased forty acres of new land, on
which the timber was still standing. He
erected a dweilinj,' on the place, at once set
about the work uf clearing, and, after
years of labor, found himself possessed
of a fertile farm. From time to time he
has added to the original tract, and owns
200 acres in Glenmore and Rockland
townships. He has been the architect of
his own fortune, for he started in life a
poor boy, and he has won the respect of
all who know him for his industry and
integrity. In political affiliation he is a
Republican, but not active in party-
affairs, and in religious connection he and
his family are members of the Protestant
Cluirch, at Francis Creek, in Kossuth
township, Manitowoc county.
JOHN MICHELSON, of Pittsfield
township. Brown county, was born
August 28, 1838, in Denmark, and
is one of a family of nine children
born to Michel Peterson and his wife,
Carrie Peterson. The father was a cabi-
net maker, and with him our subject re-
mained until fifteen years old. He then
worked out as a day laborer for one j'ear,
for sixteen dollars; then as a coachman
four years, at sixty-fi\e dollars per year.
In June, 1862, he entered the army and
served three years; in 1865 he sailed for
America, landing in New York, whence
he came directly to Wisconsin. For three
months he worked on a farm near Racine,
thence going to Manistee, Mich., where
he worked three weeks in a sawmill, and
then worked in the woods for twent}-si.\
dollars per month during the winter. Re-
turning to the mill in the spring, he in the
fall went into the woods again, at thirty-
five dollars per month, and remained
about eighteen months.
On January 8, 1869, he married Mary
Nelson, one of a family of eleven children
born to Nels and Keirsten (Fredericks)
Anderson. Mrs. Michelson was twenty-
four years of age when she came to Amer-
ica. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Michel-
son remained five months in Manistee,
and then removed to Fort Howard, Brown
Co., Wis., lived there a year and a half,
and then settled in Pittsfield township,
where Mr. Michelson bought a forty-acre
farm, of which about twelve acres were
cleared, and on which stood the house in
which they now live. To this farm have
been added twenty-three acres, all cleared,
and in good condition. To the marriage
of Mr. and Mrs. Michelson have been born
seven children, in the following order:
Constance, November 8, 1869; Nellie,
August 3, 1871; Lena, July 12, 1873;
Frederick, August 7, 1875; Meta, April
7, 1877; Alvin, July 15, 1879, and Andy,
September 20, 1882. All the children
are living, and five still make their home
with their parents. Lena, who attended
college at Battle Creek, Mich., has been
a teacher since sixteen )ears of age, and
is still in the profession. In religious con-
nection the family are Seventh-Da\' Ad-
ventists, and in politics Mr. Michelson is
a Republican. He is a self-made man in
the full sense of the term, and well de-
serves the high esteem in which he is held
by his fellow citizens.
ELBRIDGE G. BOYDEN, a pros-
perous merchant and agriculturist
of Mills Center, Brown county, is
a native of the State of Wiscon-
sin, born December 2, 1853, in Manito-
woc count}'.
His father, Charles Boyden, was one
of five children born to Amos and Abigail
(Wood) Boyden, at Orange, Mass. Amos
was a mill-man, and died in his native
State at the age of seventy, preceded to
the grave by his wife, who onl)- reached
middle age. . Charles Bo3den passed his
early years in his father's mill, later made
a whaling \oyage, and afterward became
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
H9
a boatman on the Erie canal, where he
met his future wife, Augusta Dunham,
whom he married June 15, 1850. She
was born July 4, 1825. in Windsor coun-
ty, Vt. , a daughter of William and Sarah
(Metcalf) Dunham. Both the paternal
and maternal grandfathers of Mr. Boyden
were heroes in the war of the Revolution,
and did valiant service. Charles Boyden
was born November 14, 1804, came to
Wisconsin in Ma\', 1852, via the lakes to
Detroit, Mich., by railroad to Chicago,
111., and thence by lake to Manitowoc
county, where he was employed for some
years in manufacturing shingles in the
old-fashioned way. He died in Brown
county when nearly eight}-si.\ j'ears of age.
Elbridge G. Boyden is one of a family
of eight children, six of whom are still
living, for the most part engaged in busi-
ness. He remained with his father until
his marriage, April 29, 1875, to Miss
Henrietta Hollom, a nati\-e of Sebec,
Piscataquis Co., Maine, born February
14, 1 85 1, and a daughter of Charles F.
and Dorothea A. (Judkins) Hollom.
Charles F. Hollom was born in Sebec,
Maine, in 181 5, a son of Charles and
Lydia (Crockett) Hollom, the former of
whom was a native of Sweden, the latter
of New England. Charles F. "rounded
the Horn" in 1853, and died in Cali-
fornia at the age of sixty-one. Mrs.
Henrietta Boyden's mother, Dorothea
A. (Judkins), was born November 22,
18 18, in Fayette, Kennebec Co., Maine,
a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bache-
lor) Judkins, the latter a native of Fay-
ette, Maine, the former of Scotland; they
both died in Bangor, Maine, the father at
the advanced age of ninety-five; the
mother at the comparatively early age of
thirty-seven.
Mrs. Elbridge G. Bojden at the age
of fourteen began teaching school in
Berwick, Maine, and for two years was
very successful in that vocation. She
then entered the composing room of the
Portland Transcript, held cases six weeks,
and went thence to Biddeford, Maine,
where she held cases in the Democrat
office a year and a half, thence going to
Boston, Mass., where she set type in a
book office for over eighteen months. Re-
turning to Biddeford she worked in the
Journal office on Butler's "Bible Com-
mentaries," thence to Great Falls, N. H.,
and worked as a compositor in the Journal
office a few months; then taught school in
Berwick a \ear, after which she came
alone to Wisconsin, and, settling where
she now lives, taught school one year. In
the following year she was married to Mr.
Boyden, and they have had five children,
namely: Nettie Aimena, born February
II, 1876; Grace F., born August 21,
1877; Allen L. , born September 7, 1881;
Jesse, born February 12, 1884; and one
son that died at the age of nineteen
months.
After his marriage Mr. Boyden settled
in Mill Center, working in the woods,
making staves, etc., for about five and a
half \ears, when he opened a general
store, of which his wife has since had full
charge. He also owns one hundred acres
of good land, from which he reaps a fair
income. His first dwelling here was a
log structure, and he now occupies a com-
fortable brick dwelling erected by him at
a cost of five thousand dollars. The total
capital of Mr. and Mrs. Boyden was, on
starting, two hundred dollars, which,
through their united energies, they have so
increased that they can claim rank with
the most wealthy residents of the county.
In politics Mr. Boyden is a Republican,
and cast his fir.st Presidential vote for U. S.
Grant, when a candidate for the second
term.
NIELS ERICKSON is a native of
Denmark, born May 8, 1833, son
of Erik and Lettie (Andersen)
Peterson, who reared a family of
children as follows: Rasnms, Niels, Peter,
Anna, Christian, Hans, and Lena.
Niels was obliged to commence assist-
ing his parents at an early age, and ac-
250
COMMKMOIIATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cordingly had little opportunity to obtain
an education. He was employed princi-
pally by the fanners in the neighborhood
of his home, turning his wages over to
his parents until he reached his majority,
after which he commenced to save, in
order to get a start in life. In 1859 he
was united in marriage with Caroline
Christison, daughter of Christ and Martha
(Johnson) Oleson, all natives of Denmark,
and to this union were born five children
in Denmark, namely: Laura C Chris-
tian. Christ. Emil and Martha. Nine
3'ears after his marriage, in 1868, Mr.
Erickson set out with his family for
America, and, after landing in New York,
immediately proceeded westward to Brown
county. Wis., and took up his residence
in New Denmark township. He worked
in a sawmill for about one month, and
was then engaged for a few weeks peeling
hemlock bark, after which he entered the
employ of Casper Hansen, for whom he
worked about two years. At the expira-
tion of that time he invested in eighty
acres of land in New Denmark township,
which at that time was all in the woods,
and was still inhabited by wild animals. A
log house was erected on the place, in which
the family lived for several years, and the
work of transforming the wilderness into
a fertile farm was commenced, a task in
which he met with well-deserved success,
as his present beautiful farm well shows.
Their trading had to be done at Manito-
woc or Green Bay, and, as they had no
team, the journey had to be made on foot.
Some years later other eighty acres, ad-
joining the original tract, was purchased,
making the fine farm of 160 acres now
owned by our subject, which has been
highly improved and carefully cultivated.
Four children were here born to Mr. and
Mrs. Erickson, viz. : Peter, Hans, Lettie,
and Edith, two of whom, Peter and Edith,
are still at home. Politically Mr. Erick-
son is a stanch Republican. At the age
of seventeen Peter Erickson commenced
to work on the railroad, and continued in
that vocation some years, becoming a
section foreman; but he abandoned rail-
roading several years ago in order to assist
in taking charge of the affairs of the home
farm. He was a stanch member of the
Democratic party until recently, when he
changed his views, and is now supporting
the principles of the Republicans.
TERRENCE DORAN, an energetic
citizen of Pittsfield township.
Brown county, was born in Belle-
ville, Canada. November 20. 1838.
and is the second in the family of seven
children of Patrick A. and Ann (Hickey)
Doran. the other six being named as fol-
lows: Mary. James. John. Hugh, Matilda
and Rose.
Our subject was but a year and a half
old when the family moved to New York
State, where Terrence received his edu-
cation. In 1855 he came west, stopping
for a time at Chicago, thence proceeding
to Dubuque, Iowa, in order to view the
country, returning to Chicago shortly
afterward. His eldest sister and her hus-
band, Michael Kirbey, who had been his
companions as far west as Chicago, con-
tinued their journey to Wisconsin, and
landed at Suamico, Brown county. On
returning from Dubuque to Chicago Mr.
Doran took passage, via the lake, for
Green Bay, whence he, also, came to
Suamico. After working here about fifteen
months, making shingle-bolts, etc., he
made a trip to Dunkirk, N. Y. , remained
six weeks, and then returned to Suamico,
Wis., and bought forty acres of land,
where now stands Tremble Station. In
the meantime his father and mother had
come to Wisconsin, and on this farm thej'
found a welcome until their decease. Mr.
Doran, however, only made his home
there until October 31, 1861, when he
married Margaret Page, daughter of David
and Margaret (Prue) Page. He then came
to Pittsfield township, which has since
been his horne. He has speculated largely
here in real estate, and for twenty-five
winters ran a lumber camp; at one time
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he owned 460 acres, and now has 220
acres of good land, well improved.
Mr. and Mrs. Uoran have two chil-
dren: Mary Ann, at home with her parents,
and Andrew, married and living near by.
The family are Catholic in their religious
faith, and in politics Mr. Doran is a Dem-
ocrat. In his Church he is treasurer of
the building committee; he has served as
supervisor of his township twelve years,
and was school clerk fourteen years. He
has also served three terms as justice of
the peace, and no citizen in Pittsfield
township is more highly respected.
received a good
FERDINAND WITTIG, a pros-
perous general merchant of New
Denmark township. Brown coun-
ty, was born October 20, 1851, in
Denmark, son of Henry C. and Maren
(Peterson) Wittig, the former of whom
was a farmer, and also followed his trade,
that of cooper, to some extent. His
family consisted of seven children, name-
ly: Henry C, Mary, Peter F. , Ferdinand,
Anna, Jacobine, and Jacob.
Ferdinand Witti
common-school education in his native
land, and lived with his parents until he
reached his majority, at which time he
decided to emigrate to and try his fortune
in America. Proceeding to Liverpool,
England, he embarked from that port in
an American-bound vessel and landed in
New York after a voyage of thirteen da3's,
immediately continuing his journey west-
ward to Wisconsin, his destination being
in New Denmark township, Brown coun-
ty, where his aunt, Mrs. Hans Olsen, was
living. He reached New Denmark by
way of Green Bay, and commenced work-
ing on his aunt's farm, remaining there,
however, but six months, at the end of
which time he migrated to Negaunee,
Mich., where he remained two months.
From there he went to Marquette, Mich.,
thence to Minneapolis, Minn., whence,
after a sojourn of two months, he re-
turned to New Denmark, and here con-
tinued a year. He next worked six
months in the lumber regions of Manis-
tee, Mich., and then again returned to
New Denmark township, where he has
ever since resided.
On -June 28, 1877, Mr. Wittig was
united in marriage with Mrs. Catherine
(Buckman) Lange, a widow, daughter of
Ahrend S. and Henrietta (Bartels) Buck-
man, residents of New Denmark town-
ship. She was born June 28, 1844, in
Germany, and came to America with her
parents, remaining at home until her mar-
riage. May 17, 1862, with August Lange.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Lange
owned eighty acres of wild land (on which
there were about four acres cleared),
whereon they moved, living in a one-
room log house until a more comfortable
dwelling could be built. They were hard-
working and industrious, and by their
united efforts succeeded in clearing and
improving their tract, converting it from
a wilderness to a productive farm. Their
marriage was blessed with five children,
viz. : Herman, Ahrend, Bernard, Henri-
etta, and Frederick, all of whom are liv-
ing but Ahrend. Mr. Lange was called
from earth September 14, 1872, and his
widow continued to manage the affairs of
the place alone for five years, or until her
marriage to Mr. Wittig. After a residence
of five years on the farm Mr. Wittig
erected his present store in New Denmark
township, and embarked in the general
mercantile and saloon business, in which
he has since been successfully engaged,
doing a thriving trade; from time to time,
owing to the demands of his increasing
business, he has been obliged to enlarge
the stock, and now carries a large assort-
ment of general merchandise. In politics
he is a Republican, but, though interested
in the success of his party, takes no act-
ive part in political affairs, his business re-
ceiving his undivided attention. In re-
ligious faith he and his wife are mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church. To their
union have been born three children:
Henry, Martha and Diederich.
252
COJdMEMURATlVK lUOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
REV. CLEMENT LAU. pastor of
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Con-
gregation, Green Ba\', is a native
of Germany, born No\eiiiber i8,
1840, in the Province of W'estphalia, of
which locaHty his ancestry were all resi-
dents as far back as can be traced, all
bearing an honorahle reputation, their
life vocation, for the most part, beinj,' that
of farming.
He is a son of Bernard H. and Anna
Maria (Ross) Laii, who, shortly alter the
birth of our subject, removed to the city
of Kheine, in the same Pro\ince, where
he attended the city schools, later the
gymnasium, which latter institution he
entered at the age of eleven years. Here
he studied diligently till 1S59, in which
year he commenced a course of study at
the gymnasium of Muenster, where he
passed his final examination, and having
decided to prepare himself for the priest-
hood, in September, 1S61, entered the
university in the same cit)", studying there
about twelve months. In the following
year he proceeded to Austria, and in the
Priest Seminary at Linz fUpjier Austria)
studied theology, after which, in June,
1863, he was ordained a sub-deacon. On
June 13, 1865, he was ordained a priest,
by the Right Rev. Bishop Francis Joseph
Rudigier, after which he ser\ed in the
priesthood in three different Austrian
towns. Meanwhile, in 1877, he visited
Rome on the occasion of the Pope's jubi-
lee ("Pius IX). In August, 1878, he came
to the United States, and on the i2thda}-
of the same month was received by Bishop
Krautbauer in the diocese of Green Bay,
Wis. His hrst appointment was to the
church at Clark's Mills, Manitowoc coun-
ty, where he labored diligently for four-
teen months in a mixed congregation.
Next he was appointed, by the Bishop,
rector of St. Marj^'s Church in Greenville,
Outagamie county, the congregation of
which was German, and here he built a
school and Sisters' house; at the same
time he had charge of St. Patrick's (Irish)
Congregation at Stephensville.
In March, 1887, he was called bj-
Bishop Katzer to Green Bay to take
charge of the St. Francis Xavier Cathe-
dral Congregation, where he has remained
to the present day. He has labored faith-
fulK' and well, and has done much toward
building up the Cathedral congregation,
especially the school in connection, which
he made free himself. In September,
1892, he opened a high school under the
charge of the school Si.sters of Notre
Dame, and now the Cathedral congrega-
tion possesses a school with eight classes
instead of four classes before his adminis-
tration. No one will know the sacrifices
it required to put them on this footing,
which was the means of making the pros-
perity of the congregation. In January,
1890, at a cost of six thousaml dollars, he
built the priest's residence, which was
completed in October, i S90. He has
been a very useful pastor, and will long
be remembered for his kindly counsel and
advice, given always with a smile that
meant more than mere words.
CHRISTOPH GOLDSMITH, a
thrifty, enterprising farmer of
New Denmark township. Brown
count}', was born June 26, 1826,
in the \illage of Vollhousen, Prussia, Ger-
many. He is a son of Christoph and
Augusta Goldsmith, also natives of Ger-
many, the former of whom was a gar-
dener, a vocation he followed successfully
in his native land for many years. He
had a family of four children: Augusta.
Christian, Charles and Christoph.
Our subject remained at home until
he was fifteen years of age, when he
commenced to learn the blacksmith trade,
at which he served an apprenticeship of
two years, subsequently following it while
he lived in Germany. In September,
1854, he proceeded to Liverpool, and
embarked at that port on a vessel bound
for America, the voyage occupying six
weeks. Landing at New York, he thence
went to Albany, where he worked at his
.J>
COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPHICAL RECORD.
255
trade some time, afterward going to Sault
Ste. Marie, Mich., where he remained
one winter, and then removing to Apple-
ton, Wis. , lived there a year and a half.
At the end of this time he came to New
Denmark township, Brown county, and
here purchased forty acres of wild land,
on which he erected a log house near his
present comfortable dwelling, and com-
menced clearing the place, from which
not a tree had been cut, nor was there
any road at the time he moved here,
though one was opened about a j'ear
later. All the supplies had to be brought
from Green Bay, and, as he had no team,
he had to carry them home himself. Two
years after his removal to this farm Mr.
Goldsmith was married, July 19, 1857,
in New Denmark, to Miss Mary Ann
Nocker, daughter of Frank and Jacobine
(Seager) Nocker, who had a family of
three children, a brief record of whom is
as follows: Mary Ann (Mrs. Goldsmith)
was born November 27. 1839, in Nassau,
Germany ; August was born in Nassau,
Germany, and resides at Mishicot, Wis.,
is married and has eight children ; Frank
is a resident of Franklin, Wis. , is mar-
ried and has five children. In 1853 Mr.
and Mrs. Nocker emigrated to America,
landing in New York after a voyage of
sixty-three days from Liverpool, and pro-
ceeding westward immediately to Me-
nomonee Falls, Wis., where they lived
three years, thence removing to Franklin,
where Mr. Nocker purchased 160 acres of
timber land, on which he passed the re-
mainder of his days. After his death his
widow removed to Mishicot, Wis., and
resided there until her death. The old
homestead, at Franklin, is now owned by
the son, Frank.
Mrs. Goldsmith has aided her hus-
band nobly in the accumulation of his
property, his farm now comprising ninety
acres of highly-improved land. As he
was the only blacksmith in the town for
twenty years he was a very busy man,
and, in order to carry on the farm suc-
cessfully at the same time, Mrs. Gold-
smith looked after it, besides attending to
her household duties. To their union
have been born six children, viz. ; Frank
and August, who died in infancy; Frank
(2), deceased ; Carl G. , who remains at
home with his parents ; and Catherine A.
and Susie, who also live at home. In
religious faith Mr. Goldsmith is a member
of the Lutheran Church, and Mrs. Gold-
smith and the children are members of
the Catholic Church. In 1865 Mr. Gold-
smith enlisted in the army, and served
six months in Company C, Eleventh Wis.
V. I., six weeks of which term were spent
in the hospital. He received an honor-
able discharge toward the close of the
struggle on account of disability, and is-
now receiving a pension of $22 per month
from the government for disability caused
by exposure during his service.
ALBERT VERBOORT, one of the
most affluent farmers and land-
owners of Lawrence township,
Brown county, was born March
I, 1839, in Uden, Province of North
Brabant, Holland, son of John and Maria
Verboort.
In 1848 the parents of our subject
came to the United States with their fam-
ily, sailing from Rotterdam on the
"Libera," and landing at Boston, Mass.,
after a voyage of fifty-two days. At
this time there were four children in the
family, namely: John, now a resident of
Washington county, Ore. ; William, who
became a priest, and died in Washington
county, Ore., at the town of Verboort's
(named after him), where he had estab-
lished a church (he was a well-known
priest in his time; for several years he
lived in Brown county, Wis. , where he
established five churches — one in Morri-
son township; St. Francis Church at De-
Pere; St. Mary's, De Pere; St. Patrick's,
Fort Howard, and St. Willibrord's, Green
Bay); Mary, residing at Verboort's, Ore.,
and Albert, whose name opens this sketch.
From Massachusetts the familj' came by
'56
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPBICAL RECORD.
rail and water to Green Bay, Wis., later
removing to Little Chute, Outagamie
county, and thence to Holland township,
Brown county. They were almost desti-
tute, and, having lost all their baggage,
had practically n<jthing with which to be-
gin life in the New World. They also
had much difficulty in securing a home,
and tried various localities, moving about
from place to place along F"o.\ river; at
one time they even had a house partly
built, when it was found necessary to
abandon it. They endured many hard-
ships, and once they had nothing to eat
but wheat bran. But, after reverses that
would have discouraged almost any one,
their prospects began to brighten, and in
1854 they purchased 113 acres of land in
Lawrence township, the place on which
our subject now resides. The father and
two sons commenced threshing by hand,
receiving for their laborious work one-
eighth of the grain, which was hauled on
a hand-sled to market and traded for
flour. The family resided on the farm
from 1855 to 1875, and then removed to
Portland, Ore., where the parents and
son William died in 1876, the father on
July 6, the mother June 23, and William
July 14. They were devout Catholics,
and were buried in the cemetery at Ver-
boort, where, as before stated, William
had established a Catholic congregation,
which, at the time of his death, was in a
flourishing condition. With the death of
this priest the Catholic Church lost one
of its most earnest workers, and too much
praise can not be given him for his zeal
and untiring industry.
Albert Verboort attended school but a
short time in his native country, and only
one month in the United States; but his
natural ability has asserted itself in spite
of his lackof early educational advantages.
He has an inherent genius for mechanical
work, and learned readily the blacksmith's
and wagon-maker's trades, at which he
worked when about fifteen years of age.
In the fall of 1863 he was united in mar-
riage, in Brown county, by Rev. Father
Spierings, with Miss Anna Johnson, who
was born November i 3, i 826, in Holland,
near the birthplace of her husband. She
was a daughter of Jacob and Mary John-
son, and came to the United States in
1850 with her mother and two brothers
— Frank and Theodore. They sailed from
Antwerp, and, after an ocean voyage of
thirty days, landed at New York, proceed-
ing thence via Buffalo, N. Y. , to Green
Bay, Wis. After marriage Mr. Verboort
located on his present farm, remaining
thereon until 1875, when he went to
Oregon, and there resided three years,
after which he returned to Brown county.
Wis., and for a time lived on land along
Ashwaubenon creek. He then made
another trip to Oregon; returned again to
Brown county, and after a brief sojourn
here once more removed to the Pacific
coast, where he made his home until 1892,
when he came back to Brown county,
taking up his residence on his present
farm.
There is probably no citizen in Brown
county, in the ordinary walk of life, who
has traveled so extensively, he having
gone over sixty thousand miles since 1876.
He has been most successful in his agri-
cultural work, and to-day is one of the
wealthiest landowners in Lawrence town-
ship, having won success by his own
efforts. In his political preferences he is
a Democrat, though not strictly partisan,
and he has never aspired to office. The
entire family are members of the Catholic
Church. Mr. and Mrs. Verboort have
had children as follows: John and Will-
iam, both living; Dora, who died when
twelve years of age; and others that died
in infancy.
ARVE ARVESON. Among the
progressive, highly-esteemed agri-
culturists of New Denmark town-
ship. Brown county, this gentle-
man occupies a prominent place. He is
a native of Norway, born February 22,
1835, son of Christian (who was a miner
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
^57
in Norway) and Ingeberg (Johnson) Arve-
son, who reared a family of five children,
as follows; Arve (our subject), Mary,
John, Martha and Nils.
At the early age of fourteen years Arve
Arveson commenced to work in the mines,
his wages being about twelve cents a day,
and continued in this labor until he reached
the age of eighteen years, when the fam-
ily immigrated to America. They landed
in the city of Quebec, Canada, thence
journeyed to Green Bay, Wis., where
they arrived on the old steamer " Michi-
gan, " and thence to New Denmark town-
ship, Brown county, where Mr. Arveson
bought eighty acres of totally unimproved
land. Mr. Gotfredson, another early
settler, who owned an ox-team, assisted
them to bring their household goods to
their home in the woods, but they had to
be carried some distance, as there was no
road for the team. There were only a
few yoke of oxen in the township at this
time, and the Arvesons lived here three
years before they were able to buy a team
for themselves. For the first two years
they lived in a i6x i6 log house, the first
dwelling erected by a white man on the
place, which stood in the midst of the
forest, and then removed to another tract
of eighty acres just northeast of this first
home, where the parents passed the re-
mainder of their lives, both living to the
advanced age of eighty-two years.
Our subject was, as above related,
eighteen years old when he came with his
parents to Wisconsin, and, being the eld-
est, much of the farm work devolved upon
him. On March 28, 1858, he was united
in marriage with Miss Mariane Anderson,
daughter of Anders and Bertha (Ras-
mussen) Christensen, and, our subject
having purchased his present farm from
his father, the young couple immediately
took up their residence here, living in the
old log house during the first five years,
when it was supplanted by a comfortable,
modern residence. Their marriage has
been blessed with seven children, a brief
record of whom is as follows: Alfred C.
died of consumption at the age of twenty-
five (he was in Colorado when first taken
ill, but came home about two months be-
fore his death); Emma, Mrs. Christensen,
is living in Iowa; Millie, Mrs. Hanson, is a
resident of New Denmark; John remains
at home with his parents; Rosa, Mrs.
Nelson, is living in Oconto; Christ is at
home; Arthur is a school-teacher in
Antigo, Wis. Mr. Arveson is strictly a
self-made man; receiving in his youth but
meager educational advantages, he has,
by his own efforts, acquired a practical
education in the broad school of expe-
rience, and commencing life in the New
World with no capital save health and
energy, he has accumulated a comfortable
property, having a highly-improved farm
of 160 acres in New Denmark township.
He is greatly respected by all who know
him, and has been elected to fill various
positions of trust in his township, which
he served two years as chairman, three
years as treasurer, and also as assessor, to
the complete satisfaction of his fellow cit-
izens. In his political preferences he is
a stanch member of the Republican party.
He and his wife are, in religious faith, act-
ive members of the Lutheran Church, in
which he has served as deacon, and at
present holds the office of trustee.
In 1862 Mr. Arveson was drafted into
the Union army, and provided a substitute;
but in 1865 he enlisted in Company F,
Fiftieth Wis. V. I., and served about a
year, principally in Dakota, among the
Indians. He received an honorable dis-
charge at Madison, Wis., in June, 1866,
and immediately returned to his home.
PHILIP M. WIRTH. The life of
a literary man seldom exhibits any
of those striking incidents that
seize upon public feeling and fix
attention upon himself. His character is,
for the most part, made up of the aggre-
gate of the qualities and qualifications he
may possess, as these may be elicited by
the exercise of the duties of his vocation
258
COMMEMOIIATIVK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
or the particular profession to which he
may belong; and in this, possibly, the
subject of this sketch presents not alto-
gether an exception to the general rule.
Mr. W'irth was born in Bavaria, Ger-
many, April 25, 1823, the third son in
the family of seven children — six sons and
one daughter — of Michael J. and Theresa
(Rauscher) Wirth. The father was a
school-teacher in Germany, having quali-
fied for that profession by a college edu-
cation; and, as a natural consequence, the
sons received excellent scholastic training.
Our subject, up to the age of ten }ears, at-
tended the public schools of the neighbor-
hood of his place of birth, then for a
couple of years received tuition under a
private tutor, after which he entered the
Royal Gynmasium at Muennerstadt, study-
ing at that institution of learning six years.
For a year after leaving college Mr.
Wirth traveled through Germany and
Austria for pleasure and recreation, view-
ing in his journey many scenes not easily
to be effaced from his memory. In Ger-
many it is the custom for youths of all
classes to learn a trade, and our subject
was no exception, for on his return home
he apprenticed himself to a carpenter,
serving two years, at the end of which
time he answered to his call to enter the
army, but on account of physical de-
ficiency he was rejected. Turning his eyes,
now, in the direction of the Western
World, with all its grand advantages to
the man "who is willing to toil, and
where the poorest may gather the fruits
of the soil," he resolved to make it
the battleground of his future life in
his struggle with the world. Accord-
ingly, on April i, 1846, he took pas-
sage at Cuxhafen, the seaport of Ham-
burg, on the good ship ' • Perseverance "
(a suggestive title for the young emigrant),
bound for Ouebec, and after a passage of
fifty-eight da>s landed at that quaint old
Canadian city. His destinaton, however,
was Wisconsin, whither his brother
George C., had previously emigrated; so
from Quebec our subject proceeded to
Buffalo, N. Y. , where he boarded the
steamer " Oregon " for Milwaukee, from
which latter port he journeyed to Green
Bay, arriving July 11, 1846. Here he
unfortunately was siezed with typhoid
fever, but, on the other hand — ''For tuna
favi't fortibus" — he fortunately had the
home and care of his brother for the
two months he was ill and convalescent.
The first dollar he earned in the United
States was for work he did for Albert
Weise, who was putting up his first dwell-
ing on Walnut street, and for a mtjnth he
followed his trade. Preferring, however,
the life of a farmer to that of a trades-
man, he hired out to Daniel H. Whitney,
of Stockbridge, Calumet county, for ten
dollars per month, remaining with him
till 1 849, ofttimes, no doubt, when turn-
ing the sods with the plough repeating to
himself lines from the Georgics of Virgil,
or the Bucolics of Theocritus, or Xeno-
phon and Homer. From that time for-
ward he followed his trade as a house
and ship carpenter till October 4, 1 864,
when he was drafted into the Union army.
He was assigned to Companj- E, Twenty-
second Wis. V. I., and served as orderly
sergeant and clerk to Col. Chapman,
whose headquarters were at Camp Randall.
On May 17, 1865, he was honorably dis-
charged and returned home to Green
Bay, where he resumed his trade.
The time had now come for him to
buy land, and in December, 1865, he
purchased fifty acres in Private Claim
No. 43, Bellevue township. Brown coun-
ty, heavily timbered and without any im-
provements, paying for same one thous-
and dollars. On this tract stood a quan-
tity of oak timber, and some of the heavi-
est trees of that kind ever cut in the
neighborhood of Green Bay were felled on
this farm. By assiduous labor Mr. Wirth
cleared the land, converting the primeval
forest into a luxurious vegetable or truck
farm, all the improvements being made
by his own hand, and under his personal
supervision. His time, ever since com-
mencing in this line, has been devoted ex-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
559
clusively to the farm, varied occasionally
by some small job at carpentry for the
first two years. On P'ebruary 2, 1S49,
Mr. Wirth was married in Green Bay to
Miss Odelia Schauer, who was born Sep-
tember 8, 1824, in Bavaria, a daughter of
Henry Schauer, whose family (he l^eing
deceased) emigrated in 1 846 from the
Fatherland to the United States, arriving
in Green Bay, Wis., September 8, 1846.
After marriage Mr. Wirth continued farm-
ing in Calumet county until July, 1S49,
and then came to Green Bay, as already
related. For his first residence in the
town he built a house on Madison street,
which he traded later, and then erected
the present commodious family residence
on Walnut street, now owned by Leon
Findeisen. 1 he children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Wirth were as follows : George
W., a marine engineer; Odelia, Mrs.
William Devhue, of Preble township;
Martha, Mrs. John Heidorf, of Manito-
woc, Wis. ; Philip and Jacob (twins), the
former of whom is a marine engineer, the
latter an artesian well-borer; Mary, Mrs.
Leonard Verdigen, of Bellevue; Frances,
Mrs. Mathias Anheuser, of Fort Howard;
Michael, a farmer of Bellevue; Theresa,
who died when nine months old. Our
subject and wife are members of the
Catholic Church. A Republican, though
at one time a Democrat, his first Presi-
dential vote was cast for Lincoln, and he
has done yeoman service in political mat-
ters : For nine years he served as clerk
of Bellevue township; was chairman of
the council one year, and member of the
school board five years. He was enu-
merator of the Tenth United States Cen-
sus; in 1883-4 served in the Legislature,
first biennial sessions; and in all his pub-
lic trusts he has given ample satisfaction
to his constituents, reflecting the utmost
credit to himself for his capacity and
faithfulness. He still finds time for an
occasional stroll in the fields of literature,
for, with Greek, Latin, historical, scien-
tific and other useful books at his com-
mand, he has always with him a substan-
tial world, both pure and good, round
which, "with tendrils strong as flesh and
blood, our pastime and our happiness
will grow. "
JEREMIAH BI-iENNAN, one of the
old pioneers of Morrison township.
Brown county, is a native of Ireland,
born in 1834, a son of Jeremiah and
Margaret (Foley) Brennan, who were the
parents of six children, viz. : Kate, Mi-
chael, John, Patrick, Jeremiah, and Mary:
Jeremiah Brennan, the father of the
family, was the first of its members to
come to this country. In 1 840 he reached
Glenmore, Brov^'n Co., Wis., where he
entered 160 acres; and about 1842 he re-
turned to the East in order to bring his
family out West. For several years the
fc-ther was employed in a grocery in Chic-
opee, Mass., while our subject worked in
a cotton factory. In 1854 the family
were prepared to come west and settle on
their farm, but the father was taken sick
and died. The mother, however, with
her sons, left Springfield, Mass. , some
little time after the sad event, and ar-
rived in Glenmore before the expiration
of the year. From De Pere they carried
their effects on their backs to the farm,
with nothing but an Indian trail to guide
them; but once on the land there were no
idle or unwilling hands, and soon a small
clearing was made and a small shanty of
scoops, 12x16 feet, erected for their shel-
ter, the mother doing her full share of the
work. Wild animals, which were numer-
ous and ravenous, killed the oxen in the
woods, while the bears would carry off
the hogs before the eyes of the hard-work-
ing settlers; and the Indians, although
called civilized, would enter the dwelling
in the absence of the inmates and carry
off the provisions — a serious and heavy
loss under the circumstances. But the
hardy pioneers struggled on through the
innumerable vicissitudes and struggles of
life in the wilderness, and eventually tri-
umphed over all difficulties — even over
2 6o
COMMEMOUATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the vicious, pernicious, and poisonous
mosquitoes, which, though small in them-
selves, were no small factor as an annoy-
ance and an irritant to the new settlers.
The good old mother was spared to see
the homestead fully developed, and died
in 1878, at the advanced age of eighth-
five years, honored and venerated by all
•who knew her. Her mortal remains rest
in the Morrison Catholic burying ground.
In 1859, at the age of twenty-five,
Jeremiah Brennan was married to Claren-
cy, daughter of Michael and Catherine
Quinn, old settlers of Morrison township,
having come here about the year 1855.
They bought 480 acres of land, and, like all
other pioneers, endured the hardships of
life in the wilderness. They were the
parents of three children, named Clarency,
John S. and Michael. After his marrige
Mr. Brennan settled on his farm of 160
acres, which he had previously purchased,
and on which he had erected a house
built of timber hewn by his own hands, at
that time considered the best house in the
township. In 1 S62 Capt. Harrison and
Mr. Brennan organized the first company
in Brown county for service in the Union
army during the Civil war, the company
consisting of sixty men; but Mr. Brennan
resigned his commission, and Harrison,
going to the front, was killed in the first
action in which his regiment was engaged,
and was succeeded by Mr. Lawton, of De-
Pere. On March 38, 1863, Mr. Brennan,
with eleven others, started from De Pere
across the plains to Idaho, with sixteen
yoke of oxen and wagons, and arrived at
their destination .\ugust 14. They found
wild Indians, a wild country, and they also
found gold. Mr. Brennan returned to
Wisconsin in i 867 and resumed farming.
His first wife survived about twelve years
after marriage, and died July 2, 1872, the
mother of three children, Mary, Jeremiah,
and Michael. In 1873 Mr. Brennan took
for his second wife Ellen Pool, daughter
of Hugh and Mary (Mehegan) Pool, who
were the parents of eight children,
viz. : Kate, John, Thomas, Mary, El-
len, Michael, William and Hannah. The
father was one of the pioneers of Cedar-
burg, having settled there in 1836; he
now resides in Milwaukee with a daughter,
and is nearly one hundred years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Brennan lived in the old
log house about fourteen years, when it
was replaced by the magnificent dwelling
in which they now reside. The farm com-
prises 1 20 acres of good land, and is highly
improved, the whole being the reward of
Mr. Brennan's industry, aided by his
children and their good mother. Mr.
Brennan is a strong advocate of public
schools, three of the children being now
teachers. The nine children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Brennan were as follows: Will-
iam; Nellie, who is a school-teacher;
Anna; John, deceased; George, whose
death was caused by playing base-ball;
Kate, Grace and Celia; Michael, teaching
in District No. 6. The parents are mem-
bers of the Catholic Church, in which
Mr. Brennan is much interested, having
erected the first parsonage built in the
town. Politically he is a Democrat, and
has served as town supervisor and in sev-
eral other offices, but prefers the quietude
of his private life, which has been alto-
gether upright and industrious, and such
as to win for him the respect of all who
know him.
M
ART IN VAN DE WYN-
G A A R D. Among the repre-
sentative self-made agricultur-
ists of Bellevue township. Brown
county, none commands greater respect
than this gentleman. He is a native of
Holland, born . August 30, 1821, son of
Anton Van De Wyngaard. who was a
farmer and miller, and had eight children
— four sons and four daughters — of whom
Martin is the youngest son.
Our subject received his education in
the common schools of his birthplace,
commencing when about sixteen years of
age to learn the milling trade under his
father. In 1 851 he sailed from Rotter-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
261
dam on the "Mozambique," and, after a
voyage of forty-five days, landed in New
York, whence, during the same year, he
came westward by way of Cleveland,
Ohio, to Green Bay, Wis. Here he re-
mained but a few months, and then re-
turned to Cleveland, where he secured
employment at shingle-cutting, being will-
ing to do anything to earn an honest dol-
lar. While in Cleveland he was taken
sick, and was sent into the country, in
the vicinity of Newburg, to recover, after
which he returned to his native land, as
he had learned that his father was very
ill. He was thirty days crossing the
ocean, during which passage, on August
15, he dreamed he was attending his
father's funeral, and, strange to say, he
found, on his arrival home that his father
had died and the funeral had taken place
that day. After spending five or six
months in Holland, our subject again
came to America, this time sailing from
Liverpool on a Black Star liner, and land-
ing in New York after a very stormy pas-
sage, the vessel arriving in port with one-
half of her mainmast standing, while the
other masts were gone altogether. Mr.
Van De W^yngaard again came to Cuya-
hoga county, Ohio, and in 1854 was there
married to Miss Catherine Ingersoll, a
native of same, who was born August 13,
1821, daughter of Levi and Derdamia In-
gersoll, New England people, who were
early pioneers of the county, having come
to Cleveland between the years 18 12 and
1815. After marriage our subject lived
in Cuyahoga county with his wife's parents,
and also on a farm of his own until 1871,
in which year he brought his family to
Green Bay, and, buying the "Camp
Smith" farm along the river, resided there
for some years. In 1877 he purchased
and removed upon his present place, now
consisting of one hundred acres of good
farming land, but which at that time was
a new farm and not all cleared; but with
constant care and attention to the details
of his work, he now has a pleasant home
and comfortable propert}'. He conducts
a profitable general farming business, the
success he has met with being all due to
his own unceasing efforts, and he is well
known and highly respected by his neigh-
bors and fellow citizens.
In politics our subject was originallja
Republican, but during the Grant cam-
paign he joined the ranks of the Demo-
cratic party, with which he has since re-
mained. Religiously he is a member of
St. John's Catholic Church, Green Bay.
To Mr. and Mrs. Van De Wyngaard have
been born the following named children:
Augusta E. (wife of L. Ver Berkmoes, a
merchant of Atkinson, 111.), Christina,
Anton, and Alphonsos (at home), and
Barnardus (of Sheboygan, Mich.).
NIELS HANSON GOTFREDSEN
(deceased) was, during.his lifetime
one of the most active, promi-
nent citizens in New Denmark
township. Brown county, of which he was
one of the earliest settlers.
He was born, March 2, 18 14, in the
Kingdom of Denmark, where, on Febru-
ary 18, 1848, he was married to Miss
Laurentine Hjorth, who was born March
8, 1824, in Langeland, Denmark, daugh-
ter of Rasmus and Mary (Iverson) Hjorth,
who had eight children, three of whom
are now living, namely: Laurentine (Mrs.
Gotfredsen), Frederick, and Peter A.
Rasmus Hjorth was a schoolteacher for
twenty-eight years. One month after
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gotfredsen
sailed for America, landing in New York
two months later after a very rough voy-
age, and coming directly to Milwaukee,
Wis., in which city Mrs. Gotfredsen re-
mained while her husband went farther
north to look for land. He purchased 160
acres in New Denmark township. Brown
county, on which they removed at once,
being the second settlers in the township.
Mr. Cooper, the first settler of Coopers-
town, Wis., conveyed them to their home
with his ox-team, and they located in the
midst of the forest, which thev at once
262
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUWAL RECORD.
coinineiiced to clear awaj' and convert
into a fertile farm. The task was not a
light one; and, owing to the new and un-
settled condition of the country, these
pioneers suffered numerous hardships and
privations incident to backwoods life, as
well as the inconveniences to be experi-
enced in a new countrj"; but the\' perse-
vered in their noble work, and, after years
of toil found themselves in possession of a
tine pnjperty hewn from the forest. By
unceasing industry Mr. Gotfredsen was
enabled to increased the area of his farm,
and at the time of his death was the
owner of 200 acres of highl}-improved
land, and ranked among the most success-
ful men in his locality. In 1S51 Mrs.
Gotfredsen's parents set out from Den-
mark for the United States, but the father
died on the sea, of heart trouble, from
which he had suffered many years, and
was buried in New York; the widowed
mother came to \\'isconsin, and passed
the remainder of her life with her daugh-
ter, dying about 1.S61; she was interred
in the cemetery in New Denmark town-
ship, donated by Mr. Gotfredsen.
At the time Mr. Gotfredsen came to
New Denmark township it was included
in De Pere, and he was instrumental in
having it set apart as a separate township,
taking great interest in that, as well as all
other public improvements for the benefit
or advancement of his community. In
political connection he was a stanch Dem-
ocrat, and held numerous positions of
honor and trust in his township, serving
as chairman, treasurer, etc., in an able
and satisfactory manner. He was highly
esteemed by all who knew him, and his
death, which occurred February 22, 1894,
brought a loss to the entire community,
who felt keenly the departure of one of
the best and oldest citizens. Since his
decease his widow has continued to make
her home on the farm, having with her
her daughter ]ennic. The children born
to Mr. and Mrs. Gotfredsen were eleven
in number, as follows: Mary (who was
the first white girl born in New Denmark
township), Hilbert, Minnie, Sophia (who
died at the age of twenty-six), Jennie,
Frederica, Augusta, Lawrence, Benjamin,
Laurena and Edith, most of whom are
living in Nebraska. In 1865 Mr. Gotfred-
sen revisited his native country, spending
a short time there among his relatives and
friends, who
welcome.
^ave him a very hearty
R\l\. MICHAEL JOHN O'BRIEN
is pastor of St. Patrick's Church,
Fort Howard, one of the oldest
congregations in the Fox Ri\er
Valley, with a present membership of two
hundred families.
He was born February 29, i860, in
Granville, Milwaukee Co., Wis., a son of
Patrick and Margaret (O'Leary) O'Brien,
who were natives of Ireland, the former
of County Waterford, the latter of Coun-
ty Cork. The parents had immigated to
Boston, Mass. , about 1 846, were married
in that city in 1848, and remo\ed to Wis-
consin earl}- in the spring of 1855, locating
in Granville township, Milwaukee county,
where their son was born, on a farm in
the woods, which they cleared and im-
proved. In 1873 the father removed with
his family to Chilton, Calumet county,
dying on his farm there ten years later,
March 23, 1883. His widow now resides
in South Milwaukee. Of their children,
Ellen is the wife of John McGrath, a
farmer, and resides in Lebanon, W'aupaca
Co., Wis.; Patrick is a resident of South
Milwaukee; Rev. M. J. is the lo\ed pastor
of a large congregation at Fort Howard;
Margaret, now Mrs. Charles Kelley, lives
in Lebanon, as does also Jennie, wife of
Patrick Cleary; Lizzie is now Mrs. Harry
Kearns, of Buffalo, Wis. ; George resides
in South Milwaukee.
The future candidate for priestly hon-
ors was a farmer in his youthful days in
Milwaukee and Calumet counties. He
was a member of the first class to grad-
uate from the Chilton high school, in
June, 187S, and, for three years follow-
COMMEMORATIVE DIOGRAPIIICAL liECORD.
263
ing, was a teacher in Calumet county.
He then, in the fall of 1880, entered St.
Francis Seminary at Milwaukee, from
which he was graduated with the class of
1888; in June, of the same year, was or-
dained to the priesthood by Archbishop
Heiss, of Milwaukee, and the following
month was sent to St. Andrew's Church,
at Kingston, Wis. He was next assistant,
for two years, in St. Peter's Church, at
Oshkosh, and subsequently in charge of
St. Stephen's Church, at Stevens Point,
from which place he came to Fort How-
ard, in May, 1893. Here the field of his
labors is large, and his efforts have been
marked with gratifying success. On the
second Sunday after his arrival he took
steps toward the erection of the present
magnificent church, at the corner of
Cherry and Hubbard streets, in which
the congregation now worship, which was
completed in November, 1894, and is one
of the finest in the Fox River Valley.
He labored indefatigably to secure means
and advance the work in every possible
way; but a good constitution — the founda-
tion of which was laid on a farm — and
his ardent love for the work undertaken
enabled him to give the constant atten-
tion necessary during the construction of
the edifice, and to perform a large amount
of work in addition to his regular duties.
The church is a brick building, with trim-
mings of Duck Creek stone, 60 x 124 feet
in dimensions, with basement, costing
about twenty-five thousand dollars, and
is a monument to the zeal and devotion
of its earnest pastor, who has endeared
himself to all classes, regardless of de-
nomination and nationality.
FRANK CLEEREMANS, Jr., one
of the well-known farmer citizens
of Scott township, Brown county,
was born April 8, 1845, in Bel-
gium, son of Frank Cleeremans, Sr. , who
was a farmer in that country.
In the spring of 1867, having deter-
mined to try his fortune in America, Frank
15
Cleeremans, Sr. , emigrated from his na-
tive land, bringing his wife and family of
five sons — Charles, John, Frank, Jr.,
Henry and Alex — all of whom are yet
living. Sailing from Antwerp on the
"Ottawa," they arrived in New York
after a voyage of sixteen days, and im-
mediately journeyed westward by rail to
Brown county. Wis. , coming via Chicago
to Green Bay. Mr. Cleeremans, Sr. , had
saved a few hundred dollars, and in Scott
township purchased forty acres (where his
son Frank now lives), for which he paid
fifteen dollars per acre. A one-room log
shanty was the only dwelling on this place,
and but ten acres of the land were cleared,
the rest being still in its primitive state.
The family lived in that house two years,
when a better one was built. The farm
was graduall}' cleared and made to yield
a good income, and here the parents
passed the remainder of their lives, the
mother dying May 20, 1871, the father
on January 11, 1876. They were mem-
bers of the Catholic Church, and their
remains now rest in Bay Settlement
cemetery.
Frank Cleeremans, Jr., attended the
common schools of his native land, where
he obtained all his education, receiving
instruction in French and Flemish, being
able to read both these languages. His
knowledge of English he has acquired
since coming to the United States, by
close application to American books and
papers. At the age of twenty he com-
menced to learn the blacksmith trade,
which he followed until he came to Amer-
ica with his parents; previously he had
worked in a soap factory in France. After
coming to Wisconsin he secured work in
Green Bay, and continued in the employ
of others, giving his earnings to his par-
ents, until the time of his marriage, in
1 87 1. In that year he wedded Miss Vir-
ginia Horckmans, also a native of Bel-
gium, who, when fifteen months old, was
brought to America by her parents, Will-
iam and Thersa (Vanderbosh)Horckmans.
At this time Mr. Cleeremans, Jr., bought
264
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPIIWAL RECORD.
the interests of his brothers in the home
farm, and, building a shop on the place
(all on credit), continued his trade in con-
nection with farniiii<^ until 1875, when he
abandoned it, and has since given his at-
tention exclusively to agriculture. For
several years he was engaged in the sale
of nursery stock, and while in this busi-
ness became widely acquainted in his sec-
tion of the county. He is now the owner
of the original place, to which he has
added ten acres more, and has a comfort-
able productive farm, free of debt. To
Mr. and Mrs. Cleerenuins, Jr., were born
children as follows: Annie, Thersa, Odile,
Minnie, August, and Henry, all living, and
four that died in infancy. The mother of
these passed from earth September 14,
1887, and was buried in the \Vec]uiock
cemetery in Scott township. Mr. Cleere-
mans, Jr., is a stanch Republican, and an
ardent supporter of the principles of that
piarty, especially those of protective tariff.
He has been elected to various offices in
his township, serving one term as chair-
man, and for thirteen or fourteen years as
assessor, in both capacities giving satisfac-
tion to his constituents. He has been
self-made in every respect, and, though
begiiming life a poor man, his natural
ability, industrious nature and persever-
ance have enabled him to rise to his pres-
ent cn\ial)le position.
HD. VAN SEGGERN was born
October 9, 1849, in Oldenburg,
Germany, son of Henry F. and
Meta (Schmidt) Van Seggern, who
had four children, as follows: H. D.,
Dedrick (who died when three years old),
and two that died in infancy. The father
was a sailor and carpenter, and was em-
ployed as such for fifteen years, after
which he worked for a time in the ship-
yards.
In 1859 the family came to America,
sailing from Bremen, and landing, after a
voyage of thirteen days, in New York,
where they sojourned three days, and
then continued their journey west. They
traveled to Milwaukee, Wis., and thence
by boat to Manitowoc, where they hired
an o.\-team to take them to their destina-
tion in New Denmark township. Brown
county; but the team collapsed near
where Mr. Fagan now lives, and they were
obliged to finish the journey as best they
could. In New Denmark township the
father purchased a tract of 160 acres,
only three acres of which were cleared,
and the family took up their residence in
a log hut, which stood on the place, con-
tinuing to live in same eight years, when
it was replaced by a more modern dwell-
ing. About two years after their arrival
Mr. Van Seggern disposed of eighty acres
of his land. The father spent the re-
mainder of his life clearing and improving
the land he had bought; later purchased
some more land, and at the time of his
death was the owner of a fine farm of 160
acres, now the home of our subject. He
passed away at the age of seventy-eight,
fifteen years after the death of his wife.
Our subject, being the only son, had
to commence work very early in life,
helping his father in the labor of clearing
and cultivating the pioneer farm, remain-
ing at home except for three winters
when he worked in the woods. In
his youth the country around his home
was sparsely settled and totally unim-
proved, and he has experienced all the
inconveniences incident to backwoods life
in those early days. Although no road
had yet been cut through to Green Bay,
he would walk there and back, carrying
butter and eggs to market, and bringing
home provisions. On account of the
meager educational facilities of tha time,
he received only eleven months' schooling;
but he has made the best of such oppor-
tunities as he had, and has acquired a
practical education by his own efforts.
He assisted his parents faithfully in the
laborious task of converting the forest into
a fertile, jirodurtive farm, and he is now
enjoying the fruits of those early days of
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
265
hardship and incessant toil. On May
13, 1879, he was united in marriage with
Miss Martha F. Daggart, a native of Two
Rivers, Wis. , daughter of Charles B. and
Naomi (Knibbs) Daggart, who were of
Scotch and English descent, respectively.
Mr. Daggart's first wife died in Two
Rivers, leaving two children, Thomas and
Mary, and he subsequently returned to
New York State where he married Naomi
Knibbs, who became the mother of five
children, viz.: Amanda E., Andrew,
Martha F. , Evaline Ann, and one that
died in infancy. Mr. Daggart, who fol-
lowed merchandising, served as postmas-
ter at Two Rivers, and also for one year
as member of the Assembly.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Van Seggern took up their residence on
the old homestead, which Mr. Van Seg-
gern inherited, and have ever since re-
mained here, prosperously engaged in
general farming. To their union have
been born eight children, their names and
dates of birth being as follows: Matie
N., May 22, 1880; Amanda E., Decem-
23, 1 88 1 ; Charles H., November 3, 1883;
Fred J., May 13, 1885 ; Walter M., March
6, 1888; Irma C. , July 10, 1889; Cora
A. A., February 1, 1892 ; Edna H., No-
vember 23, 1894. In religious faith Mr.
and Mrs. Van Seggern are members of
the Lutheran Church, in which he serves
as trustee and secretary. In his political
preferences he is a Republican, taking
considerable interest in the workings of
his party, and his fellow citizens have
honored him with election to various local
positions of trust ; he served faithfully as
supervisor three years, from 1880 to 1883;
also school director, and was recently
elected to the important position of chair-
man of his township. For the past si.\
years he has been treasurer of the Farm-
ers' Insurance Company. As a promi-
nent, prosperous farmer, a public-spirited,
representative citizen, and a progressive,
self-made man, Mr. Van Seggern occu-
pies an enviable position among his fel-
low citizens in New Denmark township.
JACOB CRAANEN, postmaster and
merchant at Bay Settlement, is one
of the most prosperous young men
of Scott township, Brown county,
of which he is a native, having been born
in Bay Settlement May 26, 1858.
He is a son of Christian Craanen, a
shoemaker by trade, who was born in
Holland, and there married Theodora
Hooken, the young couple immigrating to
America immediately after their marriage.
They came to Green Bay, Brown county.
Wis., and arrived late in the fall of 1856,
the entire journey occupying eighty days.
For two or three weeks they remained in
Green Bay, and then came to Bay Set-
tlement, Scott township, where Mr. Craa-
nen purchased three or four acres of
land, on which he built a small log house.
One corner of the cabin was reserved for
his work-bench, and finding plenty to do
at his trade, he labored diligently to sup-
port his family. Three children came to
brighten his home, viz. : Antoinette, now
Mrs. Henry Kersten, of Chilton, Wis. ;
Jacob, a sketch of whom follows; and
John, a farmer of Scott township. Mr.
Craanen, in addition to working at his trade,
cleared his land, and, as his sons grew up
and commenced to assist him, he pur-
chased a tract of forty acres, from time to
time making other additions to his farm,
until at his death they had 350 acres, all
accumulated from a commencement of
nothing. He passed from earth May 14,
1893, and was buried in Bay Settlement
cemetery. Mrs. Theodora Craanen died
December 27, 1881, and was buried in
Bay Settlement cemetery, and he sub-
sequently married Elizabeth Noyman,
who survives him. He was a member of
the Democratic party, but not an active
politician, and in religious faith he and
his wife were members of the Church of
the Holy Cross, of which he was treas-
urer at the time of his death. No
citizen in the township stood higher in
the esteem of his fellowmen or better
deserved their respect. He was self-
made in the full sense of the word.
266
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUWAL RECORD.
and his larjje propert}' was acquired by
hard work. f;(K)d in;uia<;eiiient, and up-
right dealing,'. His powers of endurance
were wonderful, for, during his earlier
years, when struggling to obtain a fair
start, he would labor day and night. The
330-acre farm did not represent all his
wealth, for he owned property in Green
Bay and Ue Perc as well, and, from being
a poor man on his arrival in Brown
county, ho rose, b\' industry, to be one of
its leading citizens.
Jacob Craanen attended the common
schools of the home neighborhood until
thirteen years of age, and then entered
the college at Calvary, Wis. , where he
remained until he was si.xteen years old.
He connnenced to work on the farm,
where he labored industriously to help his
father. On November 19, 1889, he was
married to Miss Mary Beauinier. a native
of Scott township, and a daughter of Au-
gust Beauinier, who came from Canada,
and was of French extraction. This mar-
riage has been blessed by three children:
George, born November 21, 1890; Jacob,
born June 8, 1892, and Myrtle, born Jan-
uary 2, 1894. In December, 1893, Mr.
Craanen was appointed postmaster at
Bay Settlement, where he also conducts
a grocery business. He is the owner of
1 5 5 acres of land, a portion of which he
rents, and is regarded as one of Scott
township's substantial citizens. Politi-
cally he is a Democrat, and he and his
wifciarc members of the Catholic church.
H. WIESE, a prosperous young
agriculturist and well-known citi-
F
I zenof Lawrence township, Brown
county, was born September 6,
1862, in Lippe-Detmold, Westphalia, Ger-
many, son of William and Louisa (Hage-
meister) Wiese.
a William Wiese was for thirty-two years
foreman in a brickyard in his native place,
and became quite skilled in this line of
work, understanding it in every detail.
His children, all born in the old countrv.
were as follows: Amelia, now Mrs. Will-
iam Grimmer, of De Pere, Wis. ; Louisa,
now Mrs. Gustav Fleck, of Kaukauna,
Wis. ; Minnie, wife of Rev. Bock, a
Lutheran minister of West De Pere, Wis. ;
William, deceased in infancy; and Fred-
crick H., our subject. In 1867 the family
sailed from Bremen on the vessel "Ger-
many," and landed at New York after a
voyage of eleven days. There they re-
mained a short time at the "Emigrant
House," and then proceeded westward to
Chicago, thence via the Chicago & North
Western railway to Green Bay, Wis.,
where they made a temporary home with
the well-known Hagemeister family. Mr.
Wiese was totally unacquainted with the
value of property in Brown county, and,
acting upon the advice of relatives, he
purchased one hundred acres of land in
Lawrence township (the farm our subject
now resides on), the price paid being three
thousand dollars. A barn and frame
house had been erected on the place, but
otherwise it was totally unimproved, and
it was several years before it afforded any
revenue to the family. Being obliged to
go into debt for the farm, and, being
anxious to own a home free of incum-
brance, Mr. Wiese put forth every effort
to clear the land and create a fertile farm;
but the hard work soon told upon him,
and, as a result of exposure, he was
seized with inflammation of the lungs,
which carried him off September 5, 1868,
when he was lifty-one years old. He was
a member of the Lutheran Church. His
remains now rest in Lawrence cemetery.
The death of the father left the widow
and children with the encumbered prop-
erty, but they courageously set to work,
and, although the task was no small one,
they proved themselves equal to it. They
hired a man to assist with the heavier
work until our subject was fifteen years of
age, after which he gradually assumed
charge of affairs; year by year they saw
the indebtedness diminish, and finally,
after working together industriousl)- for
many vears, found themselves owners of
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
267
a well-improved farm, on which a sub-
stantial residence had been erected. Mrs.
Wiese died June 15, 1890. a member of
the Lutheran Church, and was buried in
Lawrence cemetery.
Frederick H. Wiese received but a
limited education, as he had to commence
work early in life, being the only son, and
he has always remained on the home farm,
which he now owns. Being a natural
mechanic, he has worked at the wagon-
maker's trade. On October 14, 1890,
he was married to Miss Ida E. Smith,
who was born April 27, 1867, in Wrights-
town township. Brown county, daughter
of Nicholas and Carolina (Zittlow) Smith,
early residents of that locality. Mr.
Wiese has followed general farming and
stock-raising, also taking an interest in
the dairy business. He is industrious and
systematic, and a leader in all movements
tending to benefit his township and the
community at large. In politics he is a
Democrat, and in religious connection he
and his wife are members of the Evangel-
ical Lutheran Church at West De Pere.
They have one child. Alma L. A., born
July II, 1891.
ANTHONY DWYER, one of the
old and highly respected residents
of Rockland township. Brown
county, is a native of the Emerald
Isle, born in May, 18 18, in County Tip-
perary. His parents, Dennis and Johanna
(Ryan) Dwyer, farming people, who
passed their entire lives in their native
Ireland, had a family of six children, of
whom Anthony, the only son, was the
third in order of birth.
Our subject was reared to farm life,
and, when a young man, married Miss
Johanna Ryan, and while in Ireland they
had the following children: Johanna,
Dennis, Philip, Michael, Maurice, An-
thony (i), John and Anthony (2). Of
these, Johanna is now the wife of M.
Scandlan, of Green Bay; Dennis is de-
ceased; Philip lives in Pound, Wis.;
Michael is deceased; Maurice lives in
Lowell, Wash.; Anthony (i) is deceased;
John lives in Rockland, Wis. ; Anthony
(2) is deceased. In the spring of 1852
this family went to Liverpool, and, taking
passage on an American-bound vessel,
landed at New York, their first home in
the New World being in Syracuse, N. Y. ,
where they lived for three and a half
years, Mr. Dwyer working at anything
which would bring him an honest dollar.
Here one child, Anthony (2), died, and
one, Anthony (3), was born (he is now
living in Lowell, Wash.). In October,
1855, they came westward to Wisconsin,
and for a year had their residence in De-
Pere, where the father engaged in various
pursuits, and then in November, 1856,
came to the present farm in Rockland
township, purchasing forty acres at $1.50-
per acre, and then had to borrow thirty
dollars to make the first payment. At
that time there was not a single house
between the farm and De Pere, and the
road was only a path through the woods.
Mr. Dwyer built the first dwelling on the
place, and then commenced the work of
clearing away the forest, the dense growth
of oak, beech, pine, maple, etc., making
the task a difficult one; but he was deter-
mined to succeed, and, after many years
of hard work, had a fertile, productive
farm, which yielded him a good income.
While living in De Pere another son,
Jeremiah, was born (he is now living
in Minneapolis, Minn.), and the follow-
ing named children were born on the
farm: Patrick, living at home; Mag-
gie, Mrs. Edward Martin, of Florence,
Wis.; Mary, deceased; and Katie, living
at home. The mother was called from
earth March 26, 1876, and was buried
in De Pere cemetery, and since her death
her daughters have had charge of the
household affairs. Mr. Dwyer has seen
his present farm transformed from an un-
broken wilderness into a well-improved
farm, which represents years of arduous
toil, this property having all been accumu-
lated from a commencement of nothing. In
268
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1890 his son Patrick bought the farm, and
Mr. Dvvyer now makes his home with
him, retired from active work. He is a
Democrat, but has never taken much inter-
est in pohtics, having, until recently, given
his undivided attention to the farm. Of
his large family of fourteen children,
eleven are now living, and he has twenty-
six grandchildren and six great-grand-
children.
NIELS NELSON, an esteemed cit-
izen of New Denmark township,
Brown county, has been identified
with her agricultural interests for
the past forty years. He is a native of
Norway, born March 14, 1823, son of
Nelson and Anna (Johnson) Nelson, who
were the parents of two children: Bertha,
now Mrs. Torkel Johnson, of Denmark,
and Niels, our subject. The father
worked in the iron factories of his native
country.
Niels Nelson lived with his parents
until he reached the age of about twenty-
five years, when he was married March
25, 1847, to Miss Anna Arveson, whose
parents, Aron NeiLson and Mar\' (Chris-
terson) Arveson, had children as follows:
Christian, Neils, Emma and Anna (Mrs.
Nelson). Immediately after their mar-
riage Mr. and Mrs. Nelson sailed for
America, and after a seven-weeks' voyage
landed in New York City, thence contin-
uing their journey westward to Buffalo,
N. Y. , and thence to Cincinnati, Ohio,
where thej' remained nearly three years,
Mr. Nelson working as a day laborer. In
1 8 50 they emigrated to \\'isconsin, and in
New Denmark township, Brown county,
our subject invested in sixty acres of
timber-covered land, and, having cleared
a small space in the woods, erected a
14x16 log cabin, in which the}' lived ten
years, when it was replaced by a more
modern dwelling. Their supplies were
all brought from Green Bay, and as Mr.
Nelson did not own an ox-team until ten
years after his removal to this place, he
would walk the entire distance to and
from that town, carrying his provisions,
his path for the greater part of the way
lying through the forest; when he came to
New Denmark the Manitowoc road was
the only one leading through the town-
ship. By diligent toil he has succeeded
in converting the piece of wild land into a
comfortable farm, with good improve-
ments and all necessary outbuildings, and
he carries on a profitable general farming
business. Politically our subject is inde-
pendent, and not active in public affairs;
in religious faith he and his wife are mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church. They have
had one child, Nellie.
FATHER ADOLPH SMITZ, pastor
of St. Boniface Church, West De-
Pere, is a native of Holland, born
October 25, 1844, at Oirschot, a
village of three or four thousand inhab-
itants in the Province of North Brabant,
son of Henry Bartholome and Antonia
Maria (Fock) Smitz, both also natives of
Holland. The father, who was a physi-
cian, is now deceased, but the mother is
still living in Holland at the age of eighty-
one years.
Adolph Smitz was educated in the
lower and higher seminaries of 's Herto-
genbosch, was ordained priest May 25,
1872, in the Cathedral of St. John, at that
place, and was afterward assistant priest
at Moergestel, at Diessen and at Zeelst
— all in Holland. On September 8, 1883,
he sailed from Amsterdam on the steamer
" Amsterdam," and landed at Hoboken,
N. J. (opposite New York City), soon
afterward coming to Wisconsin. For a
short time he officiated in the vicinity of
Green Bay, and on January i, 1884, was
given charge of St. Boniface Church,
West De Pere, a position he still fills.
This church is an offshoot of St. Mary's,
of East De Pere; the edifice was erected
in 1883, and. when Father Smitz took
charge, was composed of little more than
bare walls, with a room partitioned off at
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
269
the north end for a school, but since he
assumed charge of affairs here a pleasant
priests' residence has been built (1885),
the church edifice plastered, finished and
furnished (1891), and a commodious
schoolhouse, containing six rooms, erected
(1893), the land for both parsonage and
school having been purchased during
Father Smitz' administration. The reci-
tation rooms are 24x30 feet, some of
them being at present occupied by the
Sisters for residence purposes. The
school enrollment in 1894 was 212, for
both sexes, and 150 families are numbered
in the prosperous parish of St. Boniface,
natives chiefly of Holland, Belgium and
and lower Germany. The corner-stone
of the schoolbuilding was laid and blessed
by Bishop Messmer May 14, 1893, and
the school was blessed by the same bishop
September 8, in the presance of the Most
Rev. Francesco Sattoli, Archbishop of
Lepanto, I. P. I., and apostolic delegate
to the United States. In February, 1894,
the school was made free. On June 29,
1893, the church was blessed, by permis-
sion of the Bishop, by Father Martin
Anderegg, and on the same day he cele-
brated first mass. St. Boniface church
edifice is not yet complete, as a sanctuar}-
is to be added on the north end, for the
purpose of enlarging its seating capacity.
A fine bell, weighing 1,400 pounds, and
costing three hundred and twenty dollars,
blessed February 12, 1888, calls the con-
gregation to worship.
JOHN SMITH, prominent as an at-
torney of De Pere, Brown county,
Wis., has been a resident of that city
for the past twenty-five years. His
birth took place in a small village in Zwol-
gen, in the south of Holland, July 29, 1 844.
His education was acquired in the com-
mon and military schools of his native
country, in the army of which he served
eighteen months, and he also became mas-
ter of the bricklayer's trade before coming
to the United States in the earlier part of
1869. In the" summer of that year he
settled in De Pere, with ten cents in his
pocket and with an indebtedness of sev-
enty dollars staring him in the face; but
he was ambitious and skillful, and steadily
worked at his trade until 1873, when his
labors began to lighten. He now became
interested in insurance and real estate,
and to devote his spare hours to the study
of law with his partner, George F. Mer-
rill, with whom he continued to read until
1884, when he was admitted to the bar.
From that date to this he has been in
constant and active practice, in conjunc-
tion with his insurance and real-estate
business. He is the sole agent at De Pere
for the sale of steamship passenger tickets
to and from the old country for several
trans-Atlantic steamship lines. He also
has a Catholic book, stationery and toy
store, which is in charge of his daughter
Jennie, and he has proved himself to be a
shrewd and self-reliant business man. He
is now the owner of a large body of real
estate in the city, and has several build-
ings, including the brick block in which he
has his office and store.
Mr. Smith was married, one year after
settling in De Pere, to Miss Kate Minor-
ette, also a native of Holland, who has
borne him thirteen children, nine of whom
are living, named as follows: Carrie,
Jennie, Christian, Edward, Herbert, Frank,
Charles, William and Fredrick, all resid-
ing under the paternal roof, excepting
Carrie, who is married. In politics Mr.
Smith is a Democrat, and for eleven years
has served as school commissioner; he has
also served as mayor of De Pere two
terms, as alderman several times, and is
now filling his fourth term as city attorney.
He is strictly a self-made man, and enjoys
to the full the confidence of the public.
LEWIS KNUTH, a justice of the
peace, town clerk and chairman of
the town of Wrightsville, Brown
county, was born at De Pere,
Brown Co., Wis., February 22, 1863.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
His father, George Kmith, was born
October lO, 1814, ''^ Groiuienz, in west
Prussia, and was there married to Cathe-
rine Jaddaz, daughter of a prominent citi-
zen of the place. In 1859 they came to
the United States with their five children,
first locating in the town of Maple Grove,
Manitowoc Co. , Wis. , whence the)' moved
to De Pere, where Mr. Knuth filled various
positions, but was never a man to seek
public office. In 1870 he settled in
\\'rightstown, where he made farming his
principal occupation until his death, which
occurred October 26, 1877, his widow sur-
viving until February 13, 1893.
Lewis Knuth was educated at I)e Pere,
and at the little log schoolhouse of
Wrightstown. At the age of eighteen
years he entered the store of the well-
known firm of Mueller & Spuhler as
clerk, and this position he retained about
eight years. On May 13, 1887, he mar-
ried Miss Pauline Fieck, daughter of
Charles F"ieck, a prominent farmer of
Morrison township, Brown county, and
the same spring he was elected to the of-
fice of town clerk, and two years later to
that of justice of the peace. The former
office he has filled so well that his fellow
citizens have retained him in it for five
consecutive years, and he also continues
to hold the office of justice of the peace,
for which he has proved himself equally
well qualified. He is also chairman of
the town. A man of energy and of liberal
views, he has risen to a high position in
the estimation of his fellow townsmen, as
is fully proven by his popularity at the
polls. Four children make his home happy
—two sons and two daughters, named
respectively, Elma, William, Laura and
Arthur.
JOHN NIVEN McCUNN. The sons
of Scotia, whose suggestive motto,
" Nrmo mc ivipunc laces sit," em-
blazons every Scottish battle-torn
banner, are to be found the wide world
over, occupying, many of them, exalted
positions in every sphere of life — in liter-
ature, arts and sciences, no less than in
the several professions — civil and mili-
tary; foremost in war, first in peace.
The subject of this memoir is a native
of Glasgow, Scotland, born December 10,
1858, of time-honored ancestry. His
Grandfather McCunn was a sea-faring
man, and wag drowned off the wild and
rugged coast of Scotland while acting as
pilot on a vessel. His son, James, father
of our subject, was born at Gourock.
Lanarkshire, Scotland, and learned the
trade of carpenter and joiner, which he
successfully followed many years, in the
latter days of his life conducting a grocery
business; but, when he was only thirty-six
years old, death intervened and deprived
his wife of a loving husband, and their
four " weanies" of a devoted father. He
was a man of more than ordinary intelli-
gence, and of considerable enterprise, up-
right and conscientious, and a consistent
member of the Presbyterian Church. His
widow, Mrs. Janet McCunn, who was a
daughter of John and Mary (Kirkwood)
Niven, natives of Paisley, Scotland,
having decided, in her widowhood, to
come to America with her little family,
set out by the S. S. "St. David" of the
Allan line, in April, 1870 (our sub-
ject being then about eleven years old),
arriving at Point Levi, opposi+e Quebec,
Canada, on May 6. From there they
came direct to Wisconsin, making their
first home in the ^^'estern World in Port-
age county, whither James McCunn, the
oldest son (now a farmer in that county),
had preceded them.
John N. McCunn had received some
elementary education in Glasgow, and
after coming to Wisconsin he attended
district school, also the high school at
Waupaca, afterward teaching for a season
or so, at the same time keeping up his
studies. In 1882 he entered Milton Col-
lege, intending to take a full collegiate
course; but impaired health prevented his
completing it. During the summer of
1883 he visited his old home in Scotland,
t^<^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
273
and on his return to Wisconsin he re-
sumed his studies, and again taught school,
after which he became general agent for
"Johnston's Encyclopedia," his territory
covering all northern Wisconsin, while his
headquarters were at Green Bay. In
1887 he bought a half interest in the
Green Bay Business College, and before
the expiry of a year he had complete con-
trol of the institution, to which he was
now enabled to give his exclusive atten-
tion. After taking charge he made a
complete change in the general economy
of the college, among other innovations
having added a Shorthand department,
and in the spring of 1888 furnished the
rooms with new fixtures, etc. In the spring
of 1893 Prof. McCunn erected the largest
and most expensive college building in the
State, exclusively for a Business College;
it is a three-story structure, built of red
pressed brick, having brown sandstone
facings, the entrance being adorned with
polished granite columns, basement being
of limestone. The entire building is
heated with steam and lighted with elec-
tricity— in fact the Green Bay Business
College is the most thoroughly equipped
institution of the kind in the West, and,
as a whole, is well worthy of the pride of
that ambitious city.
In 1884, after his return from his
visit to Scotland, above alluded to. Prof.
John N. McCunn was married in Wau-
paca to Miss Florence Ida Pipe, a native
of Waupaca county, Wis. , and daughter
of Thomas Pipe, ex-mayor of Waupaca,
an honored pioneer and business man.
To this union were born three children:
Ethel May, Florence Verna, and Walter
Thomas. The mother of these passed
from earth January 10, 1889, and in Oc-
tober, 1890, our subject married Miss
Ada Montgomery, daughter of John Mont-
gomery, an extensive farmer of Washing-
ton county, Penn., where she was born.
She was educated at the ladies' seminary
in Washington, Penn., after which she
taught school in her native county and in
the Green Bay Business College one year.
By this second marriage of the Professor
there is one child now living, Harold
Montgomery.
Prof. McCunn has been an active and
useful citizen of Green Bay ever since
coming to the place, and has closely
identified himself with its civic affairs, at
the present time serving as a member of
the city council. Socially he is a mem-
ber of the Business Men's Association,
Royal Arcanum, B. P. O. E., and K. of
P., in which latter order he was installed
chancellor commander in January, 1894.
Politically he is a Republican, his first
Presidential vote having been cast for
Garfield. Green Bay owes much to just
such enterprising young men as the sub-
ject of this sketch, who has brought his
young and active life to aid in forming
the nucleus around which, in time, will
cluster the metropolis of northeastern
Wisconsin. In the building up of his
Business College, alone, he has been the
means of bringing to Green Bay many
enterprising young people, who are bene-
fited by the example set them by their
upright principal.
HENRY RHODE, M. D., one of
the oldest and most experienced
physicians and surgeons of Green
Bay, was born in Hanover, Ger-
many, in 1829, a son of Henry and
Catherine (Beil) Rhode. He was edu-
cated at the Gynmasium at Heiligenstadt,
Prussia, and studied medicine at the Uni-
versity of Goettingen, Hanover, from
which he graduated in 1850, and then en-
tered the Prussian army as surgeon, serv-
ing until 1854.
In that year he and his wife came to
America and located in Toledo, Ohio,
where his father and mother and two
sisters died of cholera the same year; they
had immigrated to America in 1 849. After
a brief practice in Toledo, the Doctor
moved to Chilton, Wis., in 1856; thence
went to Manitowoc, and in 1859 came to
Green Bay, where he has ever since been
374
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPITWAL RECORD.
in active practice. He has achieved a
fine reputation professionally. He is a
member of the Fo.\ River Valley Medical
Society, also of the Brown County Medi-
cal Societ}', and is likewise a censor.
Dr. Rhode has been twice married:
first time in Germany, in 1852, to Chris-
tina Engelhardt, who died in Toledo,
Ohio, in 1856, two years after the death
of his parents and two sisters. His sec-
ond marriajje took place in Green Bay,
Wis., in i860, to Miss Mary Eva Becker,
a native of Prusssia and a daughter of
Bartholmaus and Eva Becker, who were
early settlers of Milwaukee, the former of
whom died in Milwaukee in 1853, the lat-
ter in Green Bay in 1886. To the Doc-
tor and his wife were born eight children,
of whom seven are living, as follows:
Kunigunda, wife of Feli.x Johannes; Caro-
line Matilda, wife of H. E. Bacon, Jr.;
Katie, now Mrs. E. A. Beaumont ; Ottilie,
wife of Winford Abrams; Ida; Henry P.,
who graduated from the College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons, of Chicago, 111., and
located at Forest Junction, Wis., in 1894,
and Richard A. In politics Dr. Rhode
is a Democrat, is serving his second term
as a member of the board of Pension
Examiners, and has been county physi-
cian three terms. He and his wife are
members of the Catholic Church, and
their consistent Christian walk in life has
gained for them the respect of all their
neighbors.
HANS PETER ANDERSEN, a
successful farmer of New Den-
mark township. Brown county,
was born February 6, 1851, in
Langeland, Denmark, son of Rasmus
and Anna (Peterson) Andersen, natives of
the same place, the latter of whom was a
daughter of Peter Christensen.
Anders Christensen, paternal grand-
father of our subject, had a family of six
children, namely: Christ, Rasmus, Hans,
Mary Ann, Nels, and Frederick. Rasmus
Andersen followed the wagon-maker's
trade, which he had learned from his
father, and which he in turn taught to his
son, our subject, who followed it about
two years in the old country. Seven
children were born to Rasmus as follows:
Anna, Matilda, Hans Peter, Andrew, Car-
oline, Mary Ann, and Christiana, all of
whom are now in this country; two of the
daughters, Mrs. Rasmus Nelson and Mrs.
Rasmus Rasmussen, are residents of New
Denmark, Brown county. In the spring
of 1867 the family left Denmark and
landed in New York after a three-weeks'
voyage, coming directly from that city to
New Denmark township. Brown count\-.
Wis., where the\- invested in sixt\- acres
of land, partly cleared. A log house
standing on this place was their home for
six years, when it was replaced by the
modern frame dwelling in which our sub-
ject now lives, and here the parents passed
the remainder of their lives, the father
passing from earth August 13, 1890, the
mother May 24, 1891. Their remains
were interred in New Denmark cemeter),
where a monument now marks their last
resting-place.
Hans Peter Andersen remained at
home with his parents until he was about
twenty-one years of age, when he engaged
in carpentering, continuing at same for
five years. At the end of that time, in
1877, he bought the home farm, where
he had been thoroughly trained to agri-
cultural pursuits, his father having in his
day been one of the most successful farm-
ers of the township. On April 10, 1880,
our subject was married to Miss Mina
Nelson, daughter of Niels Peter and Maria
(Peterson) Nelson, the latter of whom, a na-
tive of Denmark, married, for her first hus-
band, James Anderson, and after his de-
cease was wedded to Niels Peter Nelson.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Andersen has
been blessed with three children, as fol-
lows: Mary, born December 19, 1880;
Alfred, born April 3, 1884, and Agnes,
born February 21, 1887. During his
youth our subject had very meager op-
portunities for obtaining an education.
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
■/:>
but he has acquired a practical business
training, and by good management has
made a success of his chosen vocation,
now owning 138 acres of good land, well
improved and highly cultivated. A stanch
Republican in politics, he takes great in-
terest in the success of his party, and,
though not an aspirant for offlce, has served
his township as school clerk six years and
supervisor two years; also was treasurer
of the New Denmark Mutual Home Fire
Insurance Company eight years. In re-
ligious connection he and his wife are
members of the Lutheran Church, in
which he has been an officer for the past
fifteen years, serving as trustee, treasurer,
secretary, and deacon.
M
ARTIN VAN ABEL. This lead-
ing representative farmer citizen
and prosperous merchant of Hol-
land township. Brown county, is
a living link between the pioneer days of
half a century ago and the present ad-
vanced period in the history of Wiscon-
sin. With axe in hand he felled the first
tree on the spot where is now his elegant
home, and his eyes have beheld the trans-
formation of impenetrable forests into
bright fields of golden grain and luxuriant
meadows, fragrant with the perfume of
honey-bearing clover.
Mr. Van Abel is a native of Holland,
born February 13, 1827, a son of Andrew
Van Abel, a farmer in comfortable cir-
cumstances in that world-renowned dairy-
land, and who was the parent of five chil-
dren that lived to adult age, of whom
three are yet living, viz. : William, in
Holland township. Brown Co. , Wis. ;
Ellen, living with our subject; and Mar-
tin. The father of these died in 1844,
the mother, whose maiden name was
Mary Kempen, passing away in 1863.
They came with some of their children
to Wisconsin in 1851, three years after
Martin's emigration.
Martin Van Abel received a fair edu-
cation at the public schools of his native
land until thirteen years of age, when he
went to work on a farm, and so continued
till his emigration to the United States,
which event took place when he was
twenty-one years old. Having been
drafted into the Dutch army, he con-
cluded the best way to avoid service
would be to "take French leave," and
emigrate. Accordingly, on the good ship
' • Liberia, " bound from Amsterdam for the
United States, he, in the spring of 1848,
set sail from his native land, arriving, after
a voyage of fifty-four days, at Boston.
Thence traveling westward via Buffalo
(where he took passage on the ' ■ Old
Michigan"), he landed in Green Bay May
10, same year. From there he came to
what is now Holland township, in com-
pany with the following named, who were
among the first settlers of the village of
Holland : William Kempen, Henry Van-
dehey, Henry Hovener, Henry Gerrits,
Martin Ver Kuile, Albert Vandenberg.
John Arts, George Vanden Heuvel, and
John Verboort. At this time the land was
all new and uncleared,, in fact, in its
primeval condition, totally untouched by
the hand of man, and here they decided
to form a purely Dutch colony. In order
that they might not only converse in their
mother tongue, but also worship as they
did in their far-away native land, they
brought with them their own pastor, Rev.
Godhart. The party came by way of
Wrightstown, and from there continued
their journey by teams, in the direction
of their destination ; but at the end of
three miles they found themselves con-
fronted with an impenetrable forest, de-
fying farther progress with anything in the
shape of horse and wagon; consequently
the teams were left behind, and all the
goods and chattels carried through the
woods on the backs of the immigrant
colonists. Arrived at last at their goal,
they made their first settlement on a piece
of land now owned by Martin Van Abel.
Shanties or huts were hurriedly built of
bark stripped from the basswood tree, and
for a long time this was their only shelter.
276
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Each member of this party took up land
for his own account.
During the first year Martin \'an Abel,
being \'oung and strong, worked for some
of the others who liad families, and as
there were no roads of an)' kind, bound-
aries, farms or fences, he found plenty
to do at chopping down the giants of the
forest, and out of the hewn logs building
dwellings of a more substantial nature.
The first land purchased by Mr. \'an Abel
was forty acres, all timber-covered, in
Calumet county, one-half mile from the
village of Holland, for which land he paid
ten shijlings per acre, and here he cut the
first tree that ever fell to axe on the
place, all the preliminary improvements
on the place being made by his own
hand; and, as there was no means of re-
moving the trees as they fell, huge bon-
fires were made, which consumed many a
thousand feet of valuable timl^er. .\bout
I 862 our subject removed to Section 35,
Holland township, where for one year he
lived on rented land, then in Section 34
he bought the twelve acres whereon is
now his home.
But Mr. V'an Abel, since coming to
Holland townshij), has been more inter-
ested in mercantile pursuits than in farm-
ing. Shortl\- after his arrival in the vil-
lage of Holland, in partnership with his
brother-in-law, lohn Wassenberg. he
opened out a mercantile business, con-
ducted by them two years, at the end of
which time our subject bought out his part-
ner and afterward carried on the store alone
until 1880. In that year fire destroyed
his store and stock in trade, causing him
great loss, as he had but little insurance.
Nothing daunted, however, he rebuilt at
once, bought a fresh stock, later adding
thereto a saloon business, all of which he
has since conducted with eminent success,
the growth of his trade necessitating the
enlargement of his premises from time
to time, until now he owns quite a com-
modious establishment. To his land he
has, by purchases at different periods,
added until now he has 130 acres.
In October, 1861, Mr. Van Abel was
married, in Holland township, to Miss
Ellen Wassenberg, a native of Holland,
born May 16, 1842, a daughter of William
Wassenberg, who came to the United
States with his family in 1851 on the
same boat in which the mother of our sub-
ject and others of the family crossed the
Atlantic. To this union came children
as follows : Born in Calumet county —
John, now a farmer of Holland township;
born in the \illage of Holland — Mary,
now the wife of Theodore Broercn, of
Portland, Oregon ; Hattie, Mrs. Henry
Van Deuren, of Green Bay; William (i),
deceased at the age of two years; Minnie,
one of the Sisters of St. Francis, in Mani-
towoc, Wis. ; Michael M., at home; Henry
H., a graduate of Green Bay Business
College ; Lizzie, who died young; Annie,
William (2), and Anton, all three at
home; Bardene, deceased; and Albert, at
home. Mr. and Mrs. Van Abel and fam-
ily are prominent members of St. Francis
Church, at Holland. Politically he has
always been a stanch Democrat, and has
served as supervisor, although he has
never sought office, his many private in-
terests demanding and receiving all his
time and attention.
Mr. Van Abel is one of the four yet
living of the original party of pioneers
who came into the Holland settlement in
1848 — nearly half a century ago — during
which long period he has witnessed mar-
velous changes and experienced hardships
unknown to and not readily realized by
the present commercial generation. He
is a living type of the progressive man,
who from boyhood, with but little educa-
tion and no knowledge of the English
language, essays to build up a home and
reputation in the wilds of a new part of a
new countr\', and succeeds by his own
brawny muscle and indomitable will
power. He was confronted with the
stern forest, and he subdued it ; he en-
countered innumerable difficulties, and he
overcame them; he met with ruinous ad-
versity, but Phcenix-like, he built up bet-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGEAPmCAL RECORD.
ter and higher. He and his amiable wife
had a large family to rear, and they
brought them up nobly in the backwoods,
educating them as well as if they had
lived in the finest city, and taught them
to t;now and to live up to the knowledge
that they are worthy children of worthy
pioneer parents, respected everywhere.
F
RANK FROSCH, the postmaster
of Wayside, Morrison township.
Brown county, and a prosperous
merchant, is a son of George
Frosch (a rope-maker), a native of Baden,
Germany, born April 23, 181 7, son of
Alexander Frosch, a merchant and also a
rope-maker.
George Frosch also served, under the
military laws of his country, as a soldier
for three years, and therefore became a
free citizen. At the age of twenty-six he
had accumulated some means by hard
work, and determined then to come to
the United States. Embarking at Havre,
France, he reached New York City after
a passage of forty days, and thence went
to Rochester, N. Y. , where, even at his
age, he began to learn coopering, at that
time a very lucrative trade. A year or
two later he moved to Ohio, worked at
the same trade a short time, and then
came to Wisconsin, landing at Milwaukee;
here he worked at coopering a year or
more, and then went to Cedarburg, Ozau-
kee count}', where he was employed as
clerk by a Mr. Honnafer, proprietor of the
' ' Washington House. " It was there that
he met, and married, on April 6, 1853,
Elizabeth Hangen, who was born March
17, 1 83 1, in the village of Sprendlingen,
Province of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany,
a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Bal-
ser) Hangen, who came to the United
States in 1843. To the marriage of Mr.
Frosch was born, January 20, 1854, one
child, Frank. Late in the fall of 1856,
relinquishing coopering at Cedarburg,
which trade he had followed since his
marriage, Mr. Frosch moved to Morrison
township. Brown county, and settled on
forty acres of land he had previously
bargained for in Section 18, S. E. The
land was new, with only a few trees felled
around a shanty built by the former owner.
No roads were in the neighborhood, ex-
cepting a foot-path tliat led to the shanty.
Bear and deer were plenty, with other
wild game, and wolves were yet to be
found to make night hideous with their
howling. Mr. Frosch erected a small
workshop on his place, and made quite a
comfortable living for his famil}-. On
this tract, on November 18, 1867. .was
born the second son, George. A few
years later Mr. George Frosch bought
eighty acres in Section 17, opposite his
first purchase, owning eventually 124
acres, which he converted into an excel-
lent farm. About 1890 he retired to
Wayside, where his death occurred Febru-
ary 24, 1892, after one week's illness
from la "grippe." He was a sincere Lu-
theran in his religious faith, and in poli-
tics was a Democrat, but did not aspire
to public office. Mr. Frosch led a virtu-
ous and industrious life, one worthy the
study of the rising generation. He in-
herited nothing to give him a start, and
yet died a comparatively wealthy man.
He came to America with but a few hard-
earned dollars in his possession; finally
settled in a wilderness, which he made to
"blossom like the rose; "worked at a trade,
which, in his day, was unaided by the
machinery of the present day, but all
done by manual labor; won the respect of
all who knew him, and left to his progeny
sufficient for an honorable beginning of
their chosen callings. His estimable
widow, a member of the Lutheran Church,
is now residing with her son George.
That she has always been an invaluable
and earnest helpmeet to her honored
husband it is superfluous to add.
Frank Frosch was hardly three years
of age when he was brought to Morrison
township by his parents. In this wilder-
ness he was reared on the farm and in-
ured to all the hardships of a pioneer life.
27S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
His education \v;is accjuired at the district
school, and was sufficient for all the pur-
poses of a hardy but intelligent farmer.
At the age of twenty-one he went to De-
Pere and engaged in business with Jacob
Falck, thus increasing his store of knowl-
edge. In a short time, however, he re-
turned to Wayside, and purchased the
general store of Peter Axen, which was
then, in 1876, a small affair, but now,
under Mr. Frosch's management, has
become one of the most thriving and
largest business houses of the town. Mr.
Frosch was united in marriage, March 22,
1876, at De Pere, with Miss Elizabeth
Beattie, a native of that city, and the
children born to this marriage are as fol-
lows: Raymond G., Frank H., Estella
A., and Cora E. In politics Mr. Frosch
is a Democrat; he was the first postmas-
ter at Wayside, and has so efficiently per-
formed the duties of the position that he
has held the office through all the admin-
istrations ever since; he has also been
township treasurer for the past two years.
His business interests have grown apace,
and in 1892 he took into partnership his
brother, George, the firm now standing as
Frosch Bros. Mr. and Mrs. P'rank Frosch
are members of the Lutheran Ch,urch,and
are highly respected in the social circles
of Wayside and the entire township of
Morrison.
ANDREW HIBBERD, a resident
of Rockland township. Brown
count}', was born August 8, 1S46,
in the State of Vermont, son of
Lawrence and Julia (Hall) Hibberd, both
of whom were natives of Canada.
Lawrence Hibberd removed with his
parents to New York State when but a
child, and resided near Plattsburg for a
number of years. He was a shoemaker
by trade. In Canada he was married to
Miss Julia Hall, and they had a family of
eight children — six sons and two daugh-
ters— as follows: Lawrence, of Nebraska;
Charles, John, and Silas, all residents of
Rockland; Edmund, of Glenmore; An-
drew, our subject; Angeline, Mrs. Frank
Gennette, of Dixon, 111. ; and Mary, who
died in 1894 (she was first married to
Oliver D. Colburn, and subsequently to
John Pro\ost, of Fond du lac. Wis., who
preceded her to the grave). Of these,
Andrew and Angeline were born in the
United States, the others in Canada. The
father died in 1S51 in New York, and
was buried in Plattsburg cemetery. The
widowed mother and children continued
to reside near Plattsburg until 1855, when
they came westward to De Pere, Wis. ,jour-
ne}ing via Toronto, Canada, to Green Bay,
where they landed November i, 1855, and,
arriving in De Pere a few days later, rented
a house there for a time. The sons who
were able to work found employment in
the logging camps then so numerous in
Brown county, and thus assisted in sup-
porting the family. In the spring of 1857
they removed to Rockland township on a
tract of forty acres in Section 9, for which
they paid $335, going into debt for the
amount. They built the first house on
the place, which was still uncleared and in
a primitive condition, and commenced the
work of clearing, a difficult task with the
few rude implements they had to work
with ; and, as the land did not yield enough
to support the family for the first few
years, the boys found work with the neigh-
boring farmers. The mother lived on
this farm until her death, which occurred
November 8, 1880, when she was seventy-
two years of age; her remains now rest in
De Pere cemetery. In religious faith she
was a member of St. Francis Church,
De Pere.
Andrew Hibberd received in his youth
but limited educational advantages, being
obliged, after the settlement of the family
in Rockland township, to assist with the
work on the home place. He was reared
amid all the hardships of pioneer farm
life, and was also thoroughly initiated into
the logging business, which he followed to
some extent. He lived at home until
December 28, 1861, when he enlisted, at
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
= 79
De Pere, in Company F, Fourteenth
Wis. V. I., and was sent with his com-
mand to Fond du Lac, thence to St.
Loui.s, and thence to Tennessee, where
he first saw active service in the engage-
ments at Pittsburg Landing; then, with
the Western army, followed the engage-
ments at Corinth, Holly Springs, luka and
Vicksburg, where he was discharged De-
cember 28, 1863, on account of disability
resulting from exposure; he was wounded
in the foot at the battle of Corinth. Re-
turning to Brown county, he shipped, the
the following spring, with Capt. Campbell
on the brig ' ' Oleander, " of Buffalo, serv-
ing for a time before the mast and later
as second mate, thus continuing until the
end of the season. On November 20,
1864, he enlisted, at Chicago, in the
Ninth 111. V. C, joined his command at
Nashville, Tenn., and during his second
term of service participated in the second
fight at Nashville, thence going to Tupelo
Creek, where they had six weeks of hard
fighting. They then crossed to Eastport
in pursuit of Hood, and after continuing
the chase for some time returned to East-
port on garrison duty and general recruit.
They were next engaged in destroying
local gun manufactories in northern Ala-
bama, and later went to Decatur and
Montgomery, where our subject received
his discharge, and, returning to Brown
county in November, 1865, continued to
live on the homestead until his marriage.
On November 13, 1869, at De Pere,
Mr. Hibberd wedded Miss Philomine
Floury, who was born June 13, 1852, in
Francis Creek, Manitowoc county, daugh-
ter of Louis and Margaret (Boprey)
Floury, the former of whom was a native
of Canada. At the time of his marriage
Mr. Hibberd purchased forty acres of land
in Section 9, adjoining the home farm on
the north, and he and his wife commenced
housekeeping in an old log house which is
still standing. Only about half of this
tract was cleared, all the improvements
which have since been made on the place
have been placed there by Mr. Hibberd
or under his direction; he has also added
forty acres to the original farm, making a
comfortable place of eighty acres, well
equipped with buildings, etc. Our sub-
ject and wife had children as follows;
Andrew, Jr., Hattie J., Frank E., Wil-
liam E., Lavina M., Ida E. (deceased in
infancy), and Louis L. Politically Mr.
Hibberd is one of the leaders of the Re-
publican party in his township; in relig-
ious connection he and his family are
members of St. Joseph's Church, De
Pere.
M
ARTIN CURRAN, who is a
thrifty and prosperous farmer of
Glenmore township, Brown
county, was born, in 1S22, in
County Kerry, Ireland, son of Cornelius,
(a farmer) and Mary (Kennedy) Curran,
who had a family of six children — four
sons and two daughters — of whom Martin
is the third son and the fourth child in
order of birth.
Our subject received a meager educa-
tion in the schools of his native country,
and was reared to farming, living at home
with his parents. In the spring of 1847
he determined to seek his fortune in the
United States, and accordingly took pas-
sage at Limerick on the sailing-vessel
"Souvenir," bound for Quebec, where
he landed after a voj'age of eighteen days,
a stranger in a strange land, and with but
twelve shillings in his pocket. But he
was young and strong and willing to work,
and for several days was employed around
the docks, unloading vessels. He then
came to Burlington, Vt., and thence to
the village of Sharon, where he secured
work as a laborer on a railroad, remain-
ing there one season, and here he received
the first twenty dollars he ever earned,
which was at once sent home to his
mother. He continued to do railroad
work, at various places, in Bellows Falls,
(Vt.), New Hampshire, Springfield (Ohio),
and Columbus (Ohio), (where he worked
several years on the C, C, C. & I. rail-
28o
COMMEMORATirE BIOQRAPHWAL RECORD.
road, which was then in course of con-
structionj. and nuinafjed to save a httle.
At that time land was cheap in northern
Wisconsin, and Mr. Curran migrated
to this then new State, coming by rail
and water to Green Hay, and thence to
Kaukauna, where he worked one summer.
The preceding fall (1853) he had in-
vested in 1 10 acres of land in Section 6,
Gleninore township, on which not a tree
had been felled, or an improvement of any
kind made. He commenced to clear
it during the winter, doing the best he
could, in the meantime making his home
with his brother-in-law, Thomas Sullivan.
The entire surrounding country was yet
in its primitive state; wild animals were
still numerous: there were no roads to the
farm, the nearest highway being the Dixon
road, which led east from De Pere. The
task of clearing was a difficult one, and
proceeded slowly, for the pioneers had
but a few rude tools to work with. A
few years later a log house was erected
on the place, and it still stands on the
original site, but Mr. Curran did not make
a permanent residence on iiis land until
after his marriage.
In 1837 he married, in Green Bay,
Miss Mary Donahue, who was born, in
1833. in County Kerry, Ireland, a daugh-
ter of Timothy Donahue, who came to
the United States when Mary was a child,
and the family resided in Massachusetts
until a few years before her marriage,
when they came to Wisconsin. Mr. and
Mrs. Curran moved to the farm shortly
after their marriage, and here they have
ever since remained. He has spent his
best years clearing, improving and culti-
vating this land, and, with each succeed-
ing season, the farm has become more and
more productive, yielding a better income.
Since his settlement here he has devoted
himself to farming exclusively, and, by
hard work and good management, has
succeeded in carving a fine property from
the sombre forest. Our subject has won the
esteem of all who have come in contact
with him for his integrity and upright
dealing, and he is well and favorably
known among the citizens of Glenmore,
where the entire family are held in the
highest respect. Politicallj' he is a Dem-
ocrat, but has never given . any of his
time to party affairs, preferring to attend
strictly to business. In religious con-
nection the family are members of St.
Francis Church, De Pere.
Mr. and Mrs. Curran had ten children,
all born on the farm, as follows: Mary
(Mrs. Edward Keegan) and Ellen (Mrs.
Robert Miersj, both of Milwaukee; Cor-
nelius, of Medford, Wis. ; Thomas and
Catherine, at home; Daniel M., a machin-
ist, of Milwaukee; Margaret A. and
Tinioth}', at home; Patrick, deceased at
the age of nineteen years; and Julia, de-
ceased when a year and a half old. In
March, 1865, our subject, enlisted at
Green Bay, in Compan\- F, Fiftieth Regi-
ment Wis. V. I. ; was sent to Madison,
thence to St. Louis, and for a time was
engaged in scouting and on guard duty
through northern Missouri. He was next
located at Fort Leavenworth and Fort
Rice, and in May, 1866, was discharged
at Madison, returning home immediately.
w
ILLIAM ROBERT ENDERBY,
one of the wealthiest, as well as
one of the most highly respected
and prominent citizens of Preble
township, Brown county, is a native of
England, born January 30, 1841, in the
town of Bolinbroke, Lincolnshire.
His father, John Enderby, a native of
the same county, was a laborer and small
farmer, industrious and honest, but not
overburdened with an overshare of this
world's goods. He married Eliza Sheriff,
and, after the birth of our subject, con-
cluded to come to the United States, here
to select a new home for the family, and
at the same time endeavor to find his
wife's brother, Robert Sheriff, who was
supposed to be somewhere in Wisconsin,
near Green Bay. Accordingly, leaving
his wife and young son in England, he
:^ /f . ^^-....^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
2S1
took passage in December, 1852, for the
United States, landing after a six-weeks'
voyage at New York. On fiis way west-
ward from there he was taken sick at
Amsterdam, N. J., necessitating his con-
finement to hospital some six or eight
weeks, and on recovery proceeded on his
journey, traveling by rail and boat to
Milwaukee, from which point, although
still unwell and feeble, he walked to
Green Bay, leaving, in Milwaukee, his
trunk, which he never saw or heard of
again. Arrived in Green Bay, he en-
quired of John Day as to the whereabouts
of Robert Sheriff, and learned that he was
conducting a farm in Freedom township,
Outagamie county. Thither Mr. En-
derby went, and, renting a farm, sent
home to England for his wife and son,
who sailed October 16, 1853, from Liver-
pool on the ship "Continental," onboard
of which were over one thousand Irish
emigrants (in eleven days 1,024 died of
cholera). In twenty-six days the wife
and son landed in New York, and their
passage to Buffalo being prepaid, started
to continue their journey; but through
some rascality or glaring mistake they
were made to pay their fare over again,
which, however, was ultimately repaid, as
well as damages incurred, legal proceed-
ings having been commenced. On their
arrival at Sheboygan, Wis , they found
that, navigation having closed for the sea-
son, the boat they had come on would
proceed no further, which was most per-
plexing to Mrs. Enderby, as her money
was completely exhausted, and she and
her little boj' were utter strangers in a
strange land. In Sheboygan they went
to a boarding-house, where the mother
worked for her board, the son helping
around the barn; and, as soon as sleighing
set in, the wa\'-worn, weary travelers, leav-
ing their trunks as security for transpor-
tation to Green Bay, set out for their des-
tination by sleigh, via Fond du Lac. ar-
riving at Green Bay in January, 1854,
where John Day assisted them to reach
their future home in Freedom township,
16
Outagamie county, a niece of which said
John Day, to use our subject's own words,
"by some unknown mystery became my
wife. "
On this farm they lived two years, and
then Mr. Enderby pre-empted eighty acres
of land, to which the family moved and
thereon lived a year, their first habitation
being a log shanty, and the nearest market
town. Green Bay, distant some eighteen
miles. In 1857 they removed to the
farm of eighty acres in Preble township,
Brown county, which Mr. Enderby had
purchased, going in debt $1,800, retain-
ing, however, the property in Outagamie
county. For one year, or until 1858,
they made their home on this new farm,
but, owing to the financial depression of
that year, the place was lost to them, and
for the next two years they had to rent it.
In the fall of i860 Mr. Enderby purchased
sixty acres, also in Preble township, the
farm our subject now owns, at that time
totally unimproved, with no building
thereon of any kind; consequently for
three years the family made their home
on an adjoining forty-acre farm, then
coming to their own place, where a dwell-
ing and some outhouses had been put up,
many other improvements also being
made. Here the father died September
5, 1870, the mother on May 4, 1874, aged
fifty-six and sixty years respectively, and
they sleep their last sleep in Green Bay
cemetery. They were members of the
Episcopal Church, and in politics Mr.
Enderby was a stanch Democrat.
W. R. Enderby. the subject proper of
this memoir, was a boy of about twelve
summers when he accompanied his mother
on the tedious journey from England to
Wisconsin, and at the country winter
schools of that period he received but a
limited education. At the age of fifteen
he began to work in the lumber camps,
saving his earnings, which went toward
paying for his father's land, thereby being
of great service to his parents, and (with
the exception of the time passed in the
army), he so continued until his marriage,
284
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
emploj'ing himself one entire winter mak-
ing rails to fence the farm with.
On October 19, 1861, Mr. Enderby
enlisted in Company H, Twelfth Wis. V.
I., three-years' service, and was honor-
ably discharged at Natchez, Miss., De-
cember 31, 1863, when he veteranized,
re-enlisting same day in the same com-
pany and regiment, his final discharge at
Louis\ille, Ky., under special order of
the War Department, bearing date July
16, 1865. He was the first man to enlist
from Preble township, and the first
veteran to re-enlist, a fact worthy of note.
After his first enlistment the regiment
rendezvoused at Madison, Wis., and be-
ing then sent to the front, participated in
all the e.xposures and discomforts incident
to the preliminary movements of the
army in an inclement season, including
long and wearisome marches, which oc-
cupied their time until the spring of 1863,
when at Coldwater, Miss., they experi-
enced their first engagement with the
Confederates. After this came the siege
of Vicksburg, where the regiment dis-
played great gallantry, taking thirty-
one thousand six hundred prisoners, one
hundred and seventy-two canon, and about
sixty thousand muskets; part of the regi-
ment participated in the action at Jack-
son. In August, same year, the bri-
gade to which the Twelfth was at-
tached was ordered to Natchez, where it
remained until it was re-organized, and a
majority of the men had veteranized. It
then took part in what is known as the
Meridian expedition, the object of which
was to cripple the resources of the enemy,
and during this important affair it did a
vast amount of useful work, entailing a
great deal of arduous duty, a march of
400 miles being, perhaps, not the least
part of it. At Jackson, Miss. , they
smashed forty-four locomotives, burnt
twelve hundred cars and destroyed a lot
of railroad track.
In the spring of 1863 our subject re-
turned home on veteran furlough, and
on rejoining his regiment it was assigned
to the Arm)' of the Tennessee, taking part
in several of the actions preceding the
Atlanta campaign, under Sherman. At
Huntsville, Ala., Mr. Enderby was taken
sick, and was first sent to the hospital at
Huntsville, Ala., later to those at Nash-
ville and Louisville. After recovery he
set out to rejoin his regiment, which was
still with Sherman's army, his route being
via New York, Pocotaligo, S. C, and
Wilmington, N. C, where he made con-
nection with the commantl. On the day
before Johnson's surrender, while on
picket duty at Pocotaligo, he was struck
in the throat by a spent rifie ball. The
hardships endured on the Meridian march
produced varicose veins in the right leg,
while the march to Washington, after the
close of hostilities, brought the same
trouble to his left leg, by all of which it
will be seen that as a brave and loyal sol-
dier our subject suffered considerably.
After his discharge from the armj' Mr.
Enderby returned home to Preble town-
ship, and, before once more settling down
to the pursuits of peace, was married,
September 8, 1865, to Miss Eliza Ann
Jeffrey, who was born June 8, 1845, in
Scott township, Brown Co., Wis., a
daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Day)
Jeffrey, natives of Lincolnshire, England.
To this union children, as follows, were
born: Anna Eliza, now wife of Joshua
Ritchie, of Green Bay; John T., at home;
May L. , now Mrs. Frederick Huetters,
of Green Bay; W^illiam L. , married to
Miss Clara A. Sawyer, also in Green Bay;
Carrie J., George R., Wilbert M., Albert
H., and Duain M., all four at home;
Melinda M., deceased at the age of two
years; and Lottie A. and Loella A., both
at home. After marriage our subject and
his young wife made their home on the
farm of her parents for one year, and then
moved to Fort Howard, where they lived
three years, he conducting a butcher busi-
ness and farm. He is now the owner of
seventy-nine acres of land, eight of which
are covered with an orchard, the finest in
Brown county, and he gives considerable
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
385
attention to fruit-growing, both large and
small, as well as the cultivation of
honey bees.
Politically Mr. Enderby is a Repub-
lican, though the son of a stanch Dem-
ocrat, whose vote, on the occasion of the
first Presidential election after the war,
the son nullified by voting for Grant.
But no more filial son breathes, as proven
by his many unselfish acts of generosity
to his parents, whom he has aided in
many ways, some of which have already
been recounted in this sketch. From
his pay as a soldier he saved nearly every
cent, in all sending home $590 to assist
inicancelling a si.x-hundred-dollar mort-
gage held over the home farm, thereby
purging the property of all liens. Not
many years ago " Bill Enderby," as he is
familiarly called, was struggling along
"in the same old rut," making a bare
living on his farm; but having taken up
fruit culture and made himself thoroughly
acquainted with the business by reading
and observation, he has attained an emi-
nent success, and to-day not a more pros-
perous farmer is to be found in all Preble
township, a consummation he has reached
solely by industry, study, hard work, and
untiring energy, supported by level-
headed, sound judgment. At the present
writing he is in very poor health.
A P. SAWYER, who, for the past
twenty years, has been a well-
known resident of Preble town-
ship. Brown county, is a native of
New York State, born November 2, 1847,
in the town of Fulton, Oswego county, of
hardy New England stock.
Grandfather Thomas Sawyer was born
in the town of Orford, Grafton Co., N.
H., son of Jonathan Sawyer, and was
reared to farming pursuits. He was mar-
ried in New Hampshire to Miss Asenith
Sargent, daughter of Timothy Sargent,
who was a soldier in the Revolution and
received a pension for his services. Thomas
and Asenith Sawyer became the parents
of five children — two sons and three
daughters — of whom, Thomas, the father
of our subject, was the second in order of
birth.
Thomas Sawyer was born July 6,
1807, in Orford, Grafton Co., N. H., was
reared a farmer boy, and at the age of
sixteen commenced to learn the trade of
tanner and currier, in which he continued
until he reached his majority. He re-
mained in New Hampshire until the spring
of 1834, when he removed to New York
State, and for four months was employed
as steersman and bowsman on the Erie
canal. Then for some months he drove
a stage between White Hall and Rutland,
subsequently following the same vocation
at Plattsburg, N. Y. From there he came
to Detroit, Mich., and engaged as stage
driver between Detroit and Dearbornville,
also between Ann Arbor and Lima, and
for some time also acted as road agent
from Ann Arbor to Kalamazoo. Return-
ing to New York he worked in a livery
stable, and also as driver from Troy to
Sand Lake, Pittstown, Schenectady,
Albany, Lebanon Springs, and various
other places until 1836, when he came
westward to Lake county, Ind. In Por-
ter county, same State, he commenced
farming, also carrying mail and conducting
a tavern, and here, in February, 1840, he
was married to Miss Amanda E. Cady, who
was a native of Clinton county, N. Y. ,
born in 181 5, and had come to Indiana to
live with her brother. After marriage
Mr. Sawyer removed to Crown Point,
Lake county, and there engaged in farm-
ing, later embarking in the hotel business
at that place, and conducting same un-
til 1846, when he removed to Illinois,
taking up his residence in Chicago. Here,
for seven years, he was in the employ of
Asahel Pierce, as agent, selling agricultural
implements and buying stock, subsequently
working one year in a wagon shop, and
then for another year following teaming
on his own account. He next removed
to Northfield township, also in Cook
county, and lived there for some time on
286
COMMEyWRATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL BE CORD.
rented land, later following;' farming; sev-
eral jears in McHenry count}', 111. In
the fall of 1869 he went to Sac City, Sac
Co., Iowa, where his son, James A., had
previously located, and there resided un-
til Januar}', 1893, when he came to Preble
township, Brown Co., Wis., to pass his
remaining years at the home of his son,
A. P. He is a hearty, well-preserved
man. and thouf;h. over eighty-seven jears
old, still reads without the aid of glasses.
His first vote was cast for John Quincy
Adams, and he has never missed but one
Presidential election since then, and that
was when Gen. Scott was candidate in
1852, remaining a stanch member oi the
Whig party and its successor, the Repub-
hcan party. Mrs. Amanda Sawyer died
in Chicago in June, 1850, of cholera.
She was the mother of three children — two
sons, A. P., and James A. (of Sac City,
Iowa), and a daughter, who died when
ten months old. In January, 1852, Mr.
Sawyer wedded, for his second spouse,
Mrs. Susan E. (Montgomery) Pratt, a
widow, who was born in Oswego county,
N. Y. , daughter of Capt. Archibald Mont-
gomery, of the British na\y. This wife
passed from earth in December, 1868, in
Woodstock, McHenry Co., 111., without
issue.
A. P. Sawyer, whose name introduces
these lines, received his education in the
common schools of Cook county. 111.,
principally after reaching his fourteenth
year, as previous to that time he cared
little or nothing for books. On February
19, 1864, when but a little over si.xteen
years of age, he enlisted, at Elgin, 111.,
in Company G, Fifty-second 111. V. I.,
and was sent with his command to Pulaski,
Tenn., where they drilled for si.\ weeks.
They were then sent out foraging, and
while climbing into a wagon, our subject
had his right foot crushed, for a few days
being obliged to remain in the convalescent
camp at Pulaski. After this he was sent
to Tunnel Hill, on railway patrol, being
there for about two weeks, and then going
to Prospect, Tenn., helping in the garri-
son fort and guarding railway bridges. At
this time our subject w'as ordered to
Atlanta, where his regiment lay, and he
was under fire every day during the siege of
that city, which lasted about one hundred
days, after which his regiment was ordered
round to Jonesboro, which they captured,
thereby causing Gen. Hood to evacuate
Atlanta and the place to capitulate. After
this our subject proceeded with Sherman
on his march to the sea, taking an active
part in all the engagements en route. He
was present at the surrender of Gen. John-
ston, at Raleigh, N. C. , and took part in
the Grand Review at Washington, D. C,
from that city going by rail to Parkers-
burg, W. Va. , thence down the Ohio river
to Louisville, Ky. , where he was mustered
out. On July 12, 1865, he received an
honorable discharge at Camp Douglass,
Chicago, then proceeding to McHenry
county. 111. , where his father was residing
at that time, remained there a few months,
and then went to Northfield township.
Cook Co., 111., where he followed farming.
When but a boy of fifteen Mr. Sawyer
had served a three-inonths' apprenticeship
at Woodstock, 111., under George R. Bas-
sett, and he followed his trade and paper-
hanging for some years. In July, 1869,
he went to Madison, Wis., to look for
work, and here followed his trade for
a while, his first work being for railroads,
and as he was a good workman he readily
found employment with the St. Paul Rail-
way Company in the Prairie du Chien
branch, painting bridges and depots. He
also worked on the same road as fireman
ten months, and then commenced the
study of dentistry under Norman Ellis, of
Madison; but this being distasteful to him
he returned to his trade, engaging with
Memhart & Robbins, painters, at Madi-
son. For some time he was bar-tender
in that city, but in 1871 removed to Osh-
kosh. Wis., where he worked at his trade,
also logging, and remained there until
1873, in which year he came to Green
Bay. In 1874 he removed to his present
farm in Section 25, Preble township,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
2S7
Brown county, at that time a perfect wil-
derness, and here he has ever since made
his home, engaging to some extent in fruit
farming, in which industry he is a pioneer
in his section. He has not abandoned
his trade, however, for during the season
he continues to follow same in Green
Bay, doing paper-hanging and general
painting work, besides carriage painting.
On July 14, 1872, Mr. Sawyer was
married, in Oshkosh, to Miss Annie M.
Maus, who was born in Preble township.
Brown county, in 1849, and to this mar-
riage came three children, namely: Annie
C. (Mrs. W. L. Enderby), of Green Bay,
and James T. and Mary A., living at
home. The mother of these died in
Preble township May 13, 1879, a member
of the Catholic Church, and her remains
now rest in Bay Settlement cemetery.
Mr. Sawyer married, on August 19, 1883,
for his second wife, Mrs. Mary E. (Vieu)
Ballinger (widow of Albert Ballinger), who
was born in Lawrence township, Brown
county, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth
Vieu, French Canadians, who came to
Lawrence township in an early day. Mrs.
Sawyer is a member of the Catholic
Church. Politically our subject is a Re-
publican, but gives little time to politics;
socially he is a member of T. O. Howe
Post, No. 124, G. A. R. , of which he is
chaplain
JOHN COENEN, for over forty-iive
years an esteemed resident of De Pere
township. Brown county, and vicin-
ity, where he ranks among the pros-
perous self-made agriculturists, is a native
of Holland, born October 28, 1834.
He is a son of Theodore Coenen, a
farmer of that country, who had a family
of nine children — seven sons and two
daughters — of whom John was the third
son and the fourth child in the order of
birth. About 1848, seeing that his chil-
dren could have better opportunities in
the United States, Theodore Coenen sold
his little property and sailed with his
family from Rotterdam in a vessel bound
for Philadelphia. They landed in that
city after a voyage of forty-eight days,
and then, their destination being in Brown
county. Wis., proceeded at once by rail
to Albany, N. Y., thence via the Erie
canal to Buffalo, and from there by the
old steamer " Michigan " to Green Bay,
Wis., where they landed early in June,
1848. The family was one of ten who
made their home in a house in Shanty-
town, where, one week after their arrival,
Mr. Coenen secured work. For a short
time they lived in De Pere, then but a
small village, and ne.xt moved across the
river to a place along the Ashwaubenon
pike, where they farmed for three years.
They then purchased forty acres in De-
Pere township (where our subject now
lives, which at that time was government
land and claimed by an individual), pay-
ing the claimant one hundred and fifty
dollars for his title and ten shillings an
acre to the government. Twelve acres of
this tract had been "lumbered over," but
the remainder was yet in its primitive
state, the only improvement thereon be-
ing a small three-roomed log house, where
they lived for a time. Work was immedi-
ately begun on the farm, but money was
scarce, and, as the boys became old enough,
they worked for neighboring farmers, their
wages usually being fifty cents a day. Mr.
Coenen died on this farm in 1 864, and
was buried in Allouez township; his wife
survived him until October 23, 1885,
when she passed away at the advanced
age of eighty-si.x years, and was buried in
the Catholic cemetery at De Pere. After
the father's death the sons continued to
live on the farm, working it together.
The mother also had her residence there,
living with her son John, at whose home
she died.
John Coenen attended the schools of
his native country, where he received all
his education. When fourteen years old
he came with his parents to the United
States, and here he was soon put to work,
assisting on the farm. The land was new,
iS8
COMMEMORATIVE DlOGRAPniCAL RECORD.
and during his boyhood he became thor-
oughly familiar with all the details and
hardships incident to pioneer farm life in
the opening of a new country. On Au-
gust 24, 1863, John Coenen was married,
in Little Chute, Wis. , to Miss Gertrude
Reynen, who is also a native of Holland,
born September 25, 1840, daughter of
John Reynen; she came with her father
to the United States when she was ten
years old, and, with the exception of a
six-months' residence in Green Bay, made
her home in Little Chute, Wis., until her
marriage. Immediately after their mar-
riage the young couple took up their home
on the farm with his parents, and after
the death of his father, and working for
a while in partnership with his brothers,
John paid off the other heirs and became
the owner of the old homestead. The
place then comprised forty acres, to which
he has added from time to time, until he
now owns 200 acres in De Pere and Rock-
land townships, all of which is the result
of years of untiring industry and toil. He
has been a hard worker from bojhood,
and from a start of nothing has accumu-
lated a comfortable property, and placed
himself in an enviable position among
the well-to-do farmers of his township.
He has never speculated, and his success
shows what it is possible for a man to ac-
complish by perseverance and honesty
and a determination to win. His chil-
dren have been of great assistance to
him, the sons faithfulh' remaining on the
home place and taking their share of the
farm work. The farm is equipped with
substantial outbuildings, all erected by
Mr. Coenen, and in 1883 he built a com-
fortable brick residence. Our subject has,
in his days, seen the entire surrounding
country transformed from the dense forest
to beautiful, well-cultivated farms, and
he himself has taken no small part in this
important work.
To Mr. and Mrs. Coenen were born
children as follows: Theodore, a farmer
of Wrightstown township; Anton, assist-
ing in the work on the home farm ; Annie,
Mrs. Henry Verhagen, of Freedom town-
ship, Outagamie county; Martina, Mrs.
Arnold Smith, also of Freedom township;
John, William, Henry and Mary, all liv-
ing at home; and Hattie and another
child, who died in infancy. The entire
family are members of St. Mary's Catho-
lic Church, De Pere. In politics Mr.
Coenen is a Democrat, but no active party
worker.
CHRISTIAN SCHWARZ, lumber
merchant and proprietor of plan-
ing mill. Green Bay, is a native
of Germany, born in Baringau-
Thuringen February 7, 1834. Michael
Schwarz, father of our subject, was a
farmer (as was his father before him) and
dealer in lumber in Germany, and was
one of the most progressive and active
men in his part of the country. He died
at the age of seventy-seven years. His
wife, Elizabeth (Hoercher), who was a
native of the same part of Germany, is
now living at the advanced age of eighty-
four years ; she is the mother of three
children — Christian, Eline and Oscar — of
whom Eline is married and lives in her
native land.
At the age of eighteen years, in the
spring of 1852, the subject of this sketch,
along with several others from his neigh-
borhood, set sail from Germany for the
United States, the voyage to New York
occupj'ing forty-nine days. From there
he came by way of the Hudson river and
railroad to Buffalo, N. Y. , where he
passed the winter, chopping cord-wood,
and the following spring he shipped as
deck hand from Buffalo to Chicago, mak-
ing several trips on the lakes as a sailor,
eventually finding himself in Chicago. He
finally shipped on a steamer coming north-
ward; but, on arriving at Mackinac Island,
left the ves.sel, and from that point made
his way to Green Bay, which he reached
in May, 1853. He was first employed here
in a brewery a short time, but, moving to
Oconto, worked in a sawmill till winter
COMMEMORATIVE BWORAPHICAL RECORD.
289
time, when he engaged at himbering in
the woods, resuming sawmilling the fol-
lowing spring. Returning to Green Bay
in the fall of 1854, he commenced to
learn the carpenter's trade, which he fol-
lowed until 1865, in that year, in part-
nership with Theodore Kemmitz, starting
a planing-mill in Fort Howard, a venture
that proved a decided success, the concern
continuing for about thirteen years, dur-
ing which time, in 1866, John Voightwas
received as a partner. Mr. Kemmitz sold
his interest in 1877, from which time our
subject and Mr. Voight conducted the
mill until 1887, when Mr. Schwarz em-
barked in the lumber business, his late
partner continuing the planing-mill. Mr.
Voight and Mr. Kemmitz both came from
Germany on the same vessel as Mr.
Schwarz. In 1890 our subject, at the
desire of several friends, erected a planing-
mill in Green Bay, which has since been
in successful operation, its owner, by his
popularity as a good citizen and his close
attention to business affairs, having earned
for himself and his mill a wide and envi-
able reputation.
On November 7, 1857, at Fort How-
ard, Mr. Schwarz was married to Miss
Caroline Freytag, daughter of Christof
and Christiana (Schmideknecht) Freytag,
natives of Herschdorf, Schwarzburg-Son-
■dershausen and Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt,
Thueringen, Germany, respectively. Mrs.
Schwarz came from Germany across the
ocean in the same vessel as her future
husband. To this union were born four
children: Lina, who died at the age of
two years; Emma; Carrie, wife of Ernest
Pecker, and Louisa, wife of Philip Lucas;
there is also an adopted son, Herman,
who was educated in the Northwestern
University at Watertown, Wis., which is
connected with the Lutheran Synod of
Colleges in America (he is now a student
of pharmacy in Milwaukee). Mr. and
Mrs. Schwarz are active members of the
German Lutheran Church; in politics he
has been a Republican from the time he
became citizenized, and he gives all his
influence to whatever may tend to benefit
the town or county. Mr. and Mrs.
Schwarz are honored citizens of Fort
Howard, respected for their personal
worth, and held in the highest esteem by
all classes for their good qualities of head
and heart.
FATHER JAMES GAUCHE, retir-
ed, was born in Belgium, in 1825,
in the village of Messancy, and re-
ceived his literary education at
Bastogne Seminary, and at Grand Semi-
nary of Namur, at the latter educa-
tional institution also studying theology.
At the age of thirty years, on June 29,
1855, he was ordained priest, and was a
member of the Capuchin Order, near Fond
du Lac, as priest, twelve years; served at
Two Rivers six years; at Cooperstown
three years; and at Kaukauna eighteen
months. He was then at West De Pere
nine and a half years, and at Chilton three
years. For the past year and a half he
has been retired, and now lives modestly
at West De Pere in a neat and comfort-
able home, honored alike bj' all denom-
inations for his piety and benign de-
portment.
CW. LOMAS, attorney at law.
Fort Howard, was born in Wau-
kesha county. Wis., in 1855, a
son of John and Emma (Jones)
Lomas, natives of England, who settled
in that county in 1848. There the father
was engaged in farming until his death
in 1887, his wife having preceded him to
the grave some years previously.
Our subject received his preparatory
education in the schools of the county,
and for five or six years thereafter was a
school teacher. He attended the Law
Department of the University of Wiscon-
sin, at Madison, graduated in 1882, and
was admitted to the bar the same year.
The next year he was in practice with
Sloan, Stevens & Morris, in the capital
290
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
city, and in 1883 settled in Fort Howard,
where he formed a partnership with P. \'.
Cothell, now deceased, and since 1 887
Mr. Lomas has been alone. In his po-
litical affinities Mr. Lomas is an ardent
Prohibitionist. He was the candidate of
that party for Attorney-General of the
State in 1894; has served as city attorney
of Fort Howard eight years; has a good
practice, and has accumulated some prop-
erty. He is a director of the McCartney
National Bank of Fort Howard. In 1885
he was married in Crawford county, Wis. ,
to Miss Fannie Gay, who has blessed his
home with three bright little daughters:
Cora, Emma, and Loraine. Mr. and Mrs.
Lomas are members of the Presbyterian
Church, in which Mr. Lomas is superin-
tendent of the Sunday-school; he is presi-
dent of the Y. M. C. A., and was superin-
tendent of the Fort Howard schools two
years, 1891,-92. They are highly respect-
ed as members of society and moral factors
in the community.
REV. FATHER JOHN VER-
STEGEN, pastor of St. Mary's
Parish, De Pere, Brown county,
was born in the Province of North
Brabant, Holland, April 9, 1840. He
was educated in the classics in Holland,
and in philosophy and theology in the
Augustinean College, Belgium, finishing
his studies at the Seminary of St. Francis,
Milwaukee, Wis.. He was ordained a
priest at Green Bay, Wis., June 10,
1870, bv Bishop Joseph Melcher, D. D.,
and August 14, 1870, was placed in
charge of the congregation at Freedom,
where, through his energy, the new
church edifice (St. Nicholas) was com-
pleted and a new parochial school-house
erected. Of this new church he was the
faithful pastor until January, 1882, on the
seventh day of which month he was ap-
pointed to St. Mary's, or the Church of
the Immaculate Conception, at De Pere
- — his present incumbency. Under his
wise administration the church building
has been greatly enlarged and improved,
and he has also largely added to the
church property; he has, besides, erected
a substantial brick school edifice with a
capacity for 246 scholars, and in 1893 he
erected a tine and roomy building for the
accomodation of the Reverend Fathers
connected with the congregation. Father
Verstegen is still in the prime of life, is
active and alert, and never tires of doing
irood for his beloved Hock.
CHARLES R. DENIS. This gen-
tleman, for so nian\- \ears favor-
ably known on and about the
lakes, especially by vessel owners,
is a Belgian by birth, born February 17,
1849, a son of Leopold and Rosalie (Noel)
Denis, of the same country, who were the
parents of eleven children — si.x sons and
five daughters — Charles R. being the sec-
ond son.
In 1855, our subject being then nearly
seven years old, the family came to the
United States, the trip across the ocean
being made in the " Henry Reed " sailing
ship, and, after landing in New York, pro-
ceeded to Buffalo, N. Y. , where they
passed their first v\inter; thence in the fol-
lowing spring traveled by rail to Fond du
Lac, Wis., and from there by team to
Green Bay. In Belgium the father had
followed agricultural pursuits, and, being
desirous of continuing the same vocation
in the New World, bought 160 acres of
totally uncleared timber-land in Brussells
township. Door Co., Wis., near Red
River. This, however, the family never
cleared, nor even lived on, though in later
years the father did some logging on it;
but in Allouez township they lived for
five years on Capt. Cotton's farm, where
is now the cemetery of that township.
Here he died January 22, 1892, his first
wife having preceded him to the grave
in 1866. He was a Democrat in politics,
and for eighteen jears was assessor of his
township. They were the parents of thir-
teen children, viz. : Joseph, a steam tug
<:^k^</^^^?^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
291
captain in Green Bay; Victoria, wife of
Frank Garrett, of Green Bay; Charles R.,
subject of sketch; Louis (an engineer),
who died in 1891 at Appleton; Alfonso,
who died while en route to America; Vic-
tor, who died in Buffalo, N. Y. ; Leopold,
an engineer, with residence in Green Bay;
Julia, wife of X. Parmentier, city clerk
of Green Bay; Mary, wife of Alfonse
Hugot, of Allouez; Rosalie, wife of Ralph
Soquet, a druggist; Charles A., of West
De Pere; and two, whose names are not
given, that died while 01 route to America.
Leopold Denis, father of this family, for his
second wife married, in 1867, Honore
Hitas, also a native of Belgium, to which
union were born five children, of whom the
living are Victor, Frank, James, and
Honorius.
Charles R. Denis, the subject of these
lines, received his education at the com-
mon schools of the period in Wisconsin,
and at the early age of fifteen commenced
working on steamboats plying between
Escanaba and Green Bay. Securing
employment on the vessels of the North
Western Steamboat Company, his first
job was firing on the ' ' George L. Dun-
lap " for three years, later on the " Sarah
Van Epps, " and still later on the "Sagi-
naw" and the " Escanaba," all belonging
to the North Western Company. After
firing for six seasons, he, in 1870, was
given the position of engineer on the high-
pressure tug " Ida S." in Green Bay har-
bor, at the end of two years was trans-
ferred to the tug "Escanaba," after an-
other year rejoining the " Ida S.," and at
the close of two more years' service on
her was made engineer on the "John
Gregory," which was built in Green Bay.
He assisted in putting the engines into
this boat, and ran her on her maiden trip.
(Prior to this he served as engineer of No.
2 fire engine in Green Bay). The "John
Gregory" plied between Green Bay and
Chicago, and from her Mr. Denis went to
the "John H. Hackley," in the same
capacity; but at the end of his second
season as engineer on her, he and his
brothers, Capt. Joseph and Paul Denis,
bought the "Ida S. Botsford," which
they rebuilt and named ' ' The Denis
Bros. " Of her our subject was engineer
one season, and the following winter he
put the engine into the "W. L. Brown."
Selling out such interests as he had in
boats, Mr. Denis concluded to leave the
lakes, and in 1882 bought his present
farm of seventy-four acres in De Pere
township, moving thereon; but he can not
forsake his old love, the lakes, for every
summer he readily finds employment on
some steamboat or other as engineer.
He has sailed the lakes, either as fireman
or engineer, for nearly all the large vessel
owners in his part of the State, and has
in every instance proved himself as com-
petent as he is reliable and trustworthy,
qualifications in which he is second to
none. In addition to what has already
been here enumerated, he has put the
engines into several boats, including the
' • Fannie Hart. " He has never been ship-
wrecked, although he has e.xperienced
many hairbreadth escapes, and he has
often worked with wrecking parties, be-
sides meeting with not a few pioneer ad-
ventures. On one occasion, while on his
boat, which had run ashore, word reached
him that his mother was dangerously ill.
Without a moment's delay he left the
boat, and with the speed of an Indian
made a dash through the woods for his
home, either running or walking for forty-
five miles to a certain point, which he
reached in twenty-four hours. Here he
was enabled to take boat for his destina-
tion, which he reached in safety. In this
homeward journey he passed one night in
the woods amid the bowlings of hungry
wolves, who would have made short work
of him had he not kept them at bay by
lighting occasional fires, fortunately hav-
ing some matches in his pocket.
On August 20, 1872, Mr. Denis was
married, in Green Bay, to Miss Eliza Lesses,
who was born September 7, 1849, in Bel-
gium, a daughter of August Lesses, who
came with his family to the United States
292
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
in 1 87 1. The children of this union
■were: Joseph, Annie, George, Willie (de-
ceased in infancy), Laura, Lizzie, William,
Paul and Rosa. In politics our subject has
always been a stanch Republican, and he
and his wife are prominent members of
St. Francis Catholic Church, respected
and honored by all who know them.
JACOB JACOBSEN, a well-known
and prosperous citizen of Glenmore
township. Brown county, was born
June 30, 1855, in Norway.
His father, also named Jacob, was a
merchant and later a seafaring man, but
he met with reverses, and in 1869 con-
cluded to bring his family — which then
comprised six children — to the United
States, he having visited this country
two years previously, and purchased some
land in Ashwaubenon township. Brown
county, Wis. The family sailed from
Skien on the " Rukan," and after a voyage
of eight weeks and three days landed in
Quebec, thence journeying by rail and
water to Chicago, 111., where they lived
four months. They then removed to the
farm in Ashwaubenon township, where
the father passed the remainder of his life,
dying in 1876; he was a member of the
Lutheran Church, and in political affili-
ation a Republican. The mother is now
living in Allouez township. Brown county,
with her son Peter, who is sexton of
Woodlawn cemetery, near Green Bay. A
brief record of their children is a follows:
Six were born in Norway — Jacob, who is
mentioned further on; Christ, who died
in this country at the age of twenty-one
years; Louis, who lives in Fort Howard;
Inge, Mrs. Louis Christopherson, of Ash-
waubenon; Martin, a resident of Glen-
more township; and Peter, who is sexton
of Woodlawn cemetery, near Green Bay;
and three were born in Wisconsin — Hans,
and Andrew, both now living in Green
Bay; and Neils, who died when six years
old.
Jacob Jacobsen received a good
common-school education in his native
country, and, when about fifteen years of
age, came with his parents to the United
States. He commenced to learn wood-
carving in Chicago, but shortly afterward
went on the lakes as cook. When
his parents removed to Wisconsin he
accompanied them, and, after working a
few months on his father's farm, began to
work for others. In the spring of 1 870
he entered the employ of M. Sellers, a
merchant and horse dealer of Fort Howard,
and afterward worked seven months with
a surveying corps, laying out the northern
extension of the Milwaukee & Northern
railroad. He next worked as general
utility man for Lawyer Neville, and later
peddled ice for six years for Bennett &
Conley, after which he removed to Glen-
more township. On August 22, 1877, he
was married, at Fort Howard, to Miss
Augusta Siversen, who was born in Nor-
way, in October, 1854, daughter of Siver
Oleson, and in the fall of the same year
the young couple removed to the town of
De Pere, where, during the succeeding
winter, he chopped wood for fifty cents a
cord. The next spring he removed to the
city of Green Bay, and during the sum-
mer again worked for Bennett & Conley.
Later he purchased sixty acres of land in
Section 29, Glenmore township, going in
debt for it, as he had but twenty-five dol-
lars in money, and he and his wife took
up their residence in a small log house
which stood thereon. Only five acres of
this tract were cleared, and he immedi-
ately set to work to improve the rest; but
he only remained there one year, when he
was appointed sexton of the Woodlawn
cemetery at Green Bay, and continued in
that position five years. In the fall of
1884 he came to his present farm, for
which he had in the meantime traded, and
here he has since resided, except during
the summer of 1886, when he worked in
Sheboygan for his former employer, Mr.
Conley. This place originally contained
eighty acres, to which he subsequently
added eighty more, but later sold forty.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
393
Mr. Jacobsen has carefully cultivated and
improved his farm, has remodelled his
residence and built a commodious barn, all
of which tends to enhance the value of
his property. At one time he owned al-
together 760 acres, but he has disposed of
the greater part of it. In connection
with his farming interests he has conducted
a store and cheese factory, and has met
with unbounded success in all his ventures.
Our subject has been indeed a self-made
man; beginning life without pecuniary
aid, he has risen by industry to the posi-
tion he now occupies among the leading
respected citizens of Glenmore township.
Being steady-going and reliable he won
the confidence of his employers, and he
has won and retained the esteem of his
fellowmen for his honesty and square
dealing.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacobsen have had eight
children, namel}': Emma, Jennie, Chris-
tina, Carl, Olena, Cigur and Clara, all
living, and Louisa, who died young. Mr.
Jacobsen has always been a Republican
in politics, and is one of the leaders of
the party in his township, where he has
been elected to various positions of honor
and trust. Since 1885 he has been school
clerk, and he served two terms as town-
ship treasurer, discharging the duties of
his office conscientiously and to the satis-
faction of all concerned. Socially he has
been a member of the Royal Arcanum,
Green Bay Lodge, since 1882, and in
religious connection he and his wife are
members of the Lutheran Church at
Glenmore, in which he has been trustee
since his residence in the township.
CASPER SCHADEN, a well-known
member of the farming commu-
nity of De Pere township. Brown
county, was born April 2, 1842,
in Prussia, son of Frank J. and Catherine
(Cornelius) Schaden, the latter of whom
died when Casper was an infant. The
father was subsequently married again,
this time to Gertrude Andre, by whom
he had four children : Mary, Gertrude,
Joseph and Anna Mary ; by his first wife
he had two children, Catherine and Cas-
per, and of the entire family, four children
are yet living. Frank J. Schaden was a
blacksmith, and a successful tradesman.
In 1852, his second wife having also
died, Frank J. Schaden concluded to
bring his family to America, and after an
ocean voyage of forty-eight days, they
landed in New York City, thence imme-
diately coming westward to Milwaukee,
Wis., where they visited friends. From
Milwaukee they came direct to De Pere,
Brown county, where Mr. Schaden had
two brothers-in-law living, and during the
first winter the family were scattered, the
father working hard to get a start. He
purchased twenty acres of new land, and
erected a log house thereon, in which the
family lived for some time, and, with the
aid of his sons, he eventually cleared the
farm and converted it into a cultivated
productive tract. He died September 23,
1 886, at the home of his daughter, and
was buried in Denmark, Brown county.
Casper Schaden attended school in
his native land until he came with his
father to the United States, after which
he was obliged to give up school, as his
help was needed on the farm, where he
was thoroughly trained to agricultural
pursuits. When he first came to De-
Pere township there were no roads for
wagons, and he had to carry flour
on his shoulder from Green Bay. One
night his sister and one of the younger
boys went after the cows, but dark-
ness coming on before she reached
home with them, she lost her way and was
compelled to remain in the woods all
night. Our subject remained on the farm
continuously until i860, in the fall of
which year he went to Pensaukee, Wis.,
and commenced to work in the lumber
regions, where he experienced hardships
and -privations which only the strongest
constitution could withstand. In the
spring he would return to the farm and
there remain during the summer, return-
294
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
ing to the lumber refjions in the winter.
He worked in Stiles, Oconto county, one
winter, and was also employed by a man
named Kaymen, in Denmark, for the Two
Rivers Company; for two winters he was
in the employ of Richie, from De Pere,
and together with this he also drove team
for sixteen winters.
On January 29, 1867, Mr. Schaden
was married to Miss Catherine Kohren,
and since then he has given his attention
e.\clusi\ely to farming. He first purchased
twenty acres of land, which he paid for
with the pine timber cut from the place,
and by the united efforts of himself and
wife the land was cleared and improved,
and later added to, until they now own
sixty-five acres of fertile, well-cultivated
land. The)' have had twelve children, as
follows: Casper, born October 21, 1869;
Joseph, born January 2, 1871 (deceased);
Kate, born March 18, 1872 (deceased);
Peter, born January 25, 1873; Joseph,
born May 24, 1874 (deceased); Kate,
born February 28, 1876; Nick, born
October 17, 1 877; Mary M., born Decem-
ber 12, 1879; Elizabeth, liorn -April 8,
1882; Gertrude, born March 10, 1884;
Ann A., born January 28, 1886; and John,
born October 28, 1889. Mr. and Mrs.
Schaden were originally members of the
Catholic Church in Green Bay, but now
belong to the church in New Denmark, in
which latter they celebrated their silver
wedding January 29, 1892, Rev. Father
Garus officiating. Politically our subject
is a Democrat, and has served his town-
ship as path master two years, and as
school director. He is an honest, upright
citizen, and has the esteem and respect of
all who know him.
PHILLIP FALCK (deceased), who,
in his lifetime, was one of the
leading pioneers and merchants
of Morrison township. Brown
county, was born August 9, i8i8, in the
village of Kondersheim, Hesse-Darmstadt,
Germany.
His father, George Falck, a tailor by
trade, was twice married in Germany,
and b}' his first wife, whose maiden name
was Hahn, he had three children — Phillip,
Margaret, and Elizabeth. In 1837 he
came to the United States with his family,
and landed in New York, whence he went
to Albany, N. Y. Here it was that Phil-
lip began business for himself by peddling
goods throughout the land from a pack on
his back. He made money in the East,
but finally determined to come to Wis-
consin, where homes were then cheap,
and he virtually walked from New York
to Milwaukee with his pack on his back
(excepting, of course, when he was obliged
to cross streams or lakes on vessels), sell-
ing goods on the way, and adding to his
stock of cash. In the early part of 1843
he reached his destination, and took up
some land at Germantown, Washington
county, at that time a wilderness. He
made a small clearing, built a log cabin,
and, with a comrade, Frank Snyder, kept
bachelor's hall until his marriage, which
took place in January, 1847, with Cath-
erine Hangen, who was born October 27,
1828, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, a
daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Balser)
Hangen. Of this family four sisters —
Apollonia, Christina, Catherine, and Eliz-
abeth— came from Germany in 1843,
and settled in Germantown, Washington
county. Mr. Falck lived in Washington
county until the fall of 1855, when he
settled in Morrison township. Brown
county, where he had previously bar-
gained for 200 acres of land with Mr.
Morrison, after whom the township
was named. He cleared up twelve acres
of his land, and for a year he and his
family lived in a little log house, when a
larger and more commodious dwelling was
built. As the tilled land hardly produced
enough for the support of the family, Mr.
Falck entered into merchandising, and
for some years he carried on the first store
in Morrison township in a part of his
dwelling house. His trade increased, and
he built an addition to his home, later,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
295
another addition, and still later, a de-
tached store, where the business has ever
since been carried on by his descendants.
Mr. Falck lived until September 27, 1889,
when, after a year's suffering of helpless-
ness from paralysis, he passed away, and
was buried in the Lutheran cemetery; he
was a Lutheran in his religious views, and
in politics was a Democrat. He had fil-
ially provided a home for his father and
mother, who died in Morrison, the father
at eighty-five and the mother at about
the same age.
The children born to Phillip and Cath-
erine Falck are Jacob, a liquor dealer of
De Pere; Phillip, a sketch of whom fol-
lows; Frank, a farmer of Seymour, Outa-
gamie county; George, a hotel-keeper at
Seymour, all born in Washington county;
Peter, a hotel and saloon keeper at Bril-
lion. Wis. ; Marks, a farmer in Morrison
township; Catherine, now Mrs. August
Seefeldt, of Morrison; John, a farmer of
Morrison township; Daniel, also of Mor-
rison, and Louis, a cheesemaker of the
same place, these six being all natives of
Morrison township. Since the death of
Mr. Falck, his widow, who is still a well-
preserved lad}' for her time of life, has re-
sided at the old home in Morrison, and
has with her her venerable mother, now
at the advanced age of ninety-four years.
PHILLIP FALCK, of Morrison
township. Brown county, was born
in Washington county. Wis. , No-
vember 10, 1850, and was but
four years of age when brought by his
parents to Brown county. He was
reared to farming in Morrison township,
and received a very fair education at the
district school. When old enough he
was placed in his father's store — the first
established in Morrison — and after a short
service was sent to Milwaukee; where he
took a thorough course in the Spencerian
Business College. In 1876, in partner-
ship with his brother Frank, he purchased
his father's store, and carried on the
business under the firm name of Phillip
Falck & Bro., until the fall of 1889, when
he became the sole proprietor.
In April, 1875, Mr. Falck married,
at Morrison, Miss Alvina Lemke, who
was born January 28, 1853, in Germany,
and came to the United States when
about fourteen years of age. The union
has been blessed with three children,
namely: William C, Frank P., and
Lydia B. C, the sons both assisting in
their father's store. For nearly twenty
years Mr. Falck has carried on this busi-
ness so early and successfully established
in the wilderness by his father, Phillip
Falck. Having been reared under the
careful and watchful eye of his wise and
prudent father, and having been apt and
ready at all times to oblige his patrons
and customers, Phillip Falck has secured
a long list of friends, whom he has "grap-
pled to his soul with hooks of steel," and
no other proprietor of a country store in
Brown county can boast of a larger pat-
ronage. In politics Mr. Falck is a Demo-
crat, and in November, 1S93, was ap-
pointed postmaster of Morrison.
CHRIST HANSEN, one of the
well-known business men and
farmers of Preble township.
Brown county, is a native of
Denmark, born September 25, 1846, son
of Hans Hansen, who was a brickmaker
and wagon wright by occupation.
Our subject received his education in
the common schools of his native land,
and when a mere youth commenced to
assist his father in the brickyard, continu-
ing thus until he reached the age of seven-
teen, when he commenced to learn the
brickmaker's trade. He served a three-
years' apprenticeship, during which period
he received only his board, his parents
being obliged to clothe him; subsequently
he worked for a time as journeyman.
Being a natural mechanic, he was also
able to do blacksmith work, and for two
years conducted a shop of his own for all
296
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
kinds of repair work, at the end of which
time he sold out. Mr. Hansen was mar-
ried in Denmark to Miss Mary Yorgensen,
a native of the same locaht)', and in that
country one child, Hans, was born to
them. In 1872, concluding to seek a
home for himself and family in the
United States, our subject sailed from
Copenhagen on an Anchor Line steamer,
and on April 8 landed in New York with
a light purse but bright prospects. In
Perth Amboy, N. J., he worked a short
time, making fire-brick, and then com-
menced blacksmithing at that place, con-
tinuing in the same for two years; shortly
after his arrival he had sent for his wife
and child, who reached America in July,
1872. From Perth Amboy, N. J., the
family removed to Woodbridge, same
State, and there remained six months,
during which time Mr. Hansen conducted
a saloon; but, being dissatisfied, he discon-
tinued the business, and for one summer
worked on a farm; then, during the fol-
lowing winter, went back to his old home
in Denmark, where he remained from
December until March. Returning to
New Jersey Mr. Hansen did not remain
long, but came westward to Green Bay,
Wis., arriving April i, 1S75, and here
commencing to follow his trade at a saw-
mill, doing repair work, etc., for two
years. Removing thence to Humboldt
township. Brown county, he purchased a
piece of land, and here engaged in black-
smithing for four and a half years, at the
end of that time coming to Preble town-
ship, where he has ever since resided.
After settling here he followed farming
and blacksmith work for many years, and
for the last eight seasons has conducted a
brickyard on his farm, in which time he
has turned out ever one million five hun-
dred thousand brick, all made by hand.
His life has been one of constant toil, but
he has succeeded in making for himself a
comfortable home, and has won and re-
tained the respect of all who know him
for his honesty and square dealing. He
is well known in his township, and has
served as school clerk and treasurer with
credit to himself and satisfaction to his
constituency, being faithful and efficient
in the discharge of all his duties. Until
the office was abolished at Weisert he was
postmaster there, ha\ing the office in the
brick storeroom on his farm, where, since
Julj', 1892, he has carried on a saloon
business. In political connection he is a
Republican. When he landed in the
United States he had four dollars; but, not
allowing himself to become discouraged,
he set to work with a will, and has met
with well-merited success.
To Mr. Hansen's first marriage were
born three children: Hans, who died in
New Jersey; a daughter that died in in-
fancy in Green Bay; and Christina, now
living at home. The mother of these
died in 1890, and was buried at Green
Bay; in January, 1891, Mr. Hansen mar-
ried Miss Caroline Neilson, who is a na-
tive of New Denmark, Brown county,
and to this union has come one child,
Carl Christ.
JH. LEONARD, life insurance agent
at No. 105 North Washington street.
Green Bay, was born in Brooklyn,
N. Y. , in 1843, ^ SO" of Stephen
and Mary (Howard) Leonard, natives of
England. Stephen Leonard was a sea-
captain, plying between Liverpool and
New York, and early took up his residence
in the latter city, where he died in 1845,
his widow surviving until 1859.
J. H. Leonard was reared in that part
of Brooklyn then known as Williamsburg,
and at the age of sixteen came to Wis-
consin and first engaged in clerking in
Manitowoc. In 1860-61 he attended
school in Madison, W'is. , and in April,
1 86 1, enlisted in the Manitowoc County
Guards, which company was later merged
with Company A, Fifth Wisconsin Infan-
try, enlisted for three years' service. This
regiment was assigned to the Sixth Army
Corps, Army of the Potomac, and partici-
pated in the battles of William.sburg,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
297
Gainesville, White Oak Swamp. Malvern
Hill, Antietani, Fredericksburg, Chancel-
lorsville, Gettj'sburg, Rappahannock Sta-
tion; through Gen. Grant's campaign, in-
cluding Spottsylvania, Petersburg and Cold
Harbor. He was wounded by a gunshot
at Rappahannock Station, but happily
soon recovered. From private he was
promoted to sergeant, and for meritorious
and gallant conduct was offered a com-
mission as first lieutenant. He received
his discharge July 27, 1864, and returned
to Manitowoc, where he, for a while, was
engaged in teaching, and afterward at
Kewaunee. In July, 1874, he came to
Green Bay, and was employed as book-
keeper by the L. M. Marshall Lumber
Company. In politics Mr. Leonard is a
Republican, and for six and a half years,
from January, 1878, to July, 1885, was
city superintendent of schools; from 1889
to August, 1893, he was internal revenue
collector, since when he has been engaged
in his present business. The marriage of
Mr. Leonard took place in 1867, in Mani-
towoc county, Wis., to Miss Martha
Gould, a native of Racine, and daughter
of Edwin and Hester Ann (Barnes) Gould,
natives, respectively, of New York and
Massachusetts. Mr. Gould was a pioneer
of Racine, was a tanner by vocation, and
died in Green Bay; Mrs. Gould died in
Racine. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard had born
to them two children: Mattie Alice, wife
of F. F. Jones, of Harvey, 111. (she is a
graduate of the Green Bay high school,
and Lawrence University, Appleton), and
C. J., who died at the age of three years.
Mr. Leonard is largely associated with
secret societies, being a member of Wash-
ington Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M. ; of
Warren Chapter No. 8; secretary of Pales-
tine Commandery, No. 20; member of
Pochequette Lodge, No. 26, K. of P. ;
Navarino Lodge, No. 1384, K. of H. ; of
T. O. Howe Post No. 124, G. A. R., of
which he is post commander, and is past
chancellor in the K. of P., a record which
proves his great popularity, and the ex-
tent of the affectionate hold he has upon
his fellow-men. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard
are members of the M. E. Church at
Green Bay, of which he is a steward and
trustee; he was also formerly superintend-
ent of the Sunday-school, and is still a
teacher. He has witnessed much of the
substantial growth of Green Bay, and has
always been, since his residence in the
city, an eager promoter of its prosperity
by all means within his power.
HERBERT F. CAMM, of the in-
surance and real-estate firm of
Camm & Erbe, Fort Howard,
commenced business in 1891, cor-
ner of Main and Broadway, the firm
doing a general insurance business, and
handling city property.
Mr. Camm was born in 1866, in Fort
Howard. His father, Thomas M. Camm,
was also born in Fort Howard, in 1828,
in the government fort (old Fort Howard)
at that place, in which his father, Orderly-
Sergeant John Camm (grandfather of our
subject) was stationed as a member of
the detachment from the United States
army then garrisoning the fort, and where
he had been since 1826. The worthy
Sergeant died in Michigan of cholera,
during the Black Hawk war of 1S32,
when so many of the soldiers fell victims
to the same disease. He was a native of
England, and his wife, Martha (Campbell),
was a descendant of the noted Clan
Campell (Duke of Argyle's clan) of
Scotland. Their son, Thomas M., was
reared in the neighborhood where he first
saw the light, and was educated in the
schools of Green Bay. He is one of the
oldest pioneer merchants in the Green
Bay region, beginning as a clerk and at
length engaging in business for himself.
In 1864 he was married, at Fort Howard,
to Miss Caroline Gray, who was born in
Canada, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John
Gray, the former of whom was a native
of the North of Ireland, the latter of Penn-
sylvania, being descended from the early
Pennsylvania-Dutch settlers. Thomas M.
298
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
Camm has been in acti\c business about
forty years. Politically a Republican, he
has been a member of the town board,
member of the school board, superin-
tendent of schools and postmaster at
Fort Howard, where he and his wife still
reside. Besides one son, Herbert F. ,
they had two daughters: Edith M., who
resides at home, and Ethel C, who died
at the age of twelve years.
Herbert F. Camm, like his father, was
reared and educated in Fort Howard.
When of proper age he began clerking in
his father's store, leaving there to take up
the study of architecture, while studying
which he was tendered a position in the
McCartney National Bank, which he ac-
cepted, filling same for three years, and
then resigning to enter the line of busi-
ness in which he is now engaged. He is
in direct line from one of the oldest resi-
dents of Fort Howard, and, in all re-
spects, is '• native here and to the manner
born." Politically he is independent,
voting for what he deems the best meas-
ures. By profession he is an architect,
and has done not a little in that line, as
many handsome structures testify, but
prefers the active life of business, hence
his present connection. He is a member
of the Y. M. C. A., having been one of
the founders of the local branch of that
sterlintf institution.
CHESTER G. WILCOX, post-
master at De Fere, Brown county,
and well known as a manufac-
turer of harness, saddles, etc.,
and albeit a politician of much shrewd-
ness and merit, was born May 29, 1848,
in Milford, Oakland Co., Mich., the day
on which the State of Wisconsin was ad-
mitted to the Union.
He is a son of Levi S. Wilco.x, whose
biography will be found in the closing
paragraphs of this sketch. Chester G.
Wilcox received an excellent literary
education at the Union Seminary of Cam-
den, N. Y. , and at Utica University,
Utica, Mich., which was supplemented
by a course of study in Bryant & Strat-
ton's Commercial College, of Utica, from
which he graduated in bookkeeping, and
later taught a class in this art at the same
college. While a student at Camden he
began to learn the trade of harness mak-
ing, and finished at Rome, N. Y. In
1865, on June 17, he arrived at Milwau-
kee, Wis., being at the time the happy
possessor of $ 1 7 in cash ; thence he went to
Wheeler Prairie, Dane Co., Wis., where
he found employment on a farm. His
next p>ermanent place of residence was
De Pere, where his uncle, E. I. \\'ilcox,
was principal of the high school. Here
he obtained a certificate as a school-
teacher, but never utilised it, as he found
a broader and more remunerative held in
the harness business in Green Bay, which
he followed three years, when he returned
to New York on account of the illness of
his father, and from there to the Utica
University, already alluded to. In 1870
he again came to De Pere, and formed a
partnership with John H. McDonald in
the harness business, their store being at
the corner of James street and Broad
way. For seventeen years the firm did a
prosperous business, and during that period
every other business house in De Pere
either failed, changed hands or dissolved.
In 1 87 I Mr. Wilcox entered into the real-
estate business on a small scale; but it has
continued to increase ever since — in fact,
from 1S85 to 1894 it was estimated that
his transactions in this line exceeded those
of any other dealer in Brown count}', and,
in the hundreds of real-estate deals he has
made, not a single deal or deed has been
questioned, nor has he ever foreclosed a
mortgage. He is now the owner of much
valuable propert\' in De Pere and the sur-
rounding country, including residences,
business houses and farms, and is also
owner of the " Broadway House " at Fort
Howard; but he nevertheless clings to the
harness business in De Pere.
In politics Mr. \\'ilcox is a Democrat.
In 1873 he was elected alderman of De-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
?oi
Pere against William P. Call, and served
three or four terms, resigning during his
last term; was elected to the school board,
was its president three terms, and is
president at the present time; was elected
to the county board in 1878, and, with
the exception of one year, served continu-
ously for fourteen years; in 1880 he was
elected to the State Assembly, and served
one term, being the youngest member of
that Legislature. He has been chairman
of the Brown County Central Democratic
Committee, and delegate time and again
to Democratic county and State Conven-
tions. Along with A. E. Decker, of
Fond du Lac, he was a State delegate to
the National Convention of the Knights of
Labor held at Richmond, Va., in 1886.
At three different times he was appointed,
by the circuit judges of as many districts,
commissioner for the equalization of
ta.xes, and revised the tax lists of Outa-
gamie, Door and Oconto counties. On
December 12, 1893, he was appointed
postmaster of De Pere, and is now filling
the office to the entire satisfaction of the
public and the department, and with
credit to himself. As a citizen Mr. Wil-
cox has been more than ordinarily active
and useful. He was one of the project-
ors and organizers of the Brown County
Agricultural & Mechanical Association,
has been a member thirteen years, and
for three years filled the chair as presi-
dent; he has also been its treasurer and
superintendent. In 1871 he was one of
the organizers of the first fire company in
De Pere, drew up its first by-laws, and
has been a member ever since. No mem-
ber of the company ever beat him in
"running with the machine." Indeed,
Mr. Wilcox excels as a runner, has been
in many running matches of one hundred
yards, and has made the distance in ten
and one-quarter seconds, when he beat
John Gray, ex-champion of Canada, in
Oneida county, N. Y. In 1876 he was
captain and catcher in the De Pere Base
Ball Club, and won the championship
of Brown county. He has served as
17
president of the Business Men's Associa-
tion of De Pere, and is now treasurer;
is also the treasurer of the De Pere Elec-
tric Light & Power Company, which he
originated. He helped to organize the
Artesian Water Supply Company, and is
one of the largest stockholders therein; is
vice-president of the State Agricultural
Society, and superintendent of one of its
seven departments; he also helped in se-
curing the water-power for the paper-mill
at De Pere, and has been quite prominent
in forwarding numerous other enterprises
of great benefit to the city. He engineered
the deal resulting in the purchase of 1,200
acres of land for $120, 000, for the Allouez
Land & Improvement Company, in 1893,
and also secured the land at Little Rapids,
abutting the dam, for Davis Bros., besides
conducting many other important real-
estate transactions, too numerous to be
mentioned within the scope of this bio-
graphical sketch.
The marriage of Mr. Wilcox took place
June 15, 1 87 1, with Miss Sarah J. Miller,
daughter of Godfrey Miller, a wealthy
farmer of Brown county, who died in No-
vember, 1893, and whose widow, Caro-
line (Stuart) Miller, now resides in De-
Pere. To this union four children have
been born, two of whom: Levi S. and
Chester G., aged twenty years and one
year, respectively, are living. Frater-
nally, Mr. Wilcox is a Freemason. His
rectitude and abstemiousness are remark-
able. He has never used tobacco in any
form, has never tasted a drop of beer or
liquor, except as medicine, has never
played a game of cards or any other
game of chance, has never been arrested,
and has never had a law-suit for himself.
He is not connected with an}' Church.
Levi S. Wilcox, father of Chester G.
Wilcox, was born December 3, 1818, in
the town of Pompey, Onondaga Co., N.
Y. , and was a son of Chester Wilcox, a
farmer and live-stock dealer, who married
Lorelia Sperry.a native of Oneida county.
New York.
Levi S. Wilcox was reared to farming
302
COMMEMORATIVE BWORAPUICAL RECORD.
on the north side of Oneida Lake, N. Y. ,
and at twenty-one years of age migrated
to Ohio, then considered to be in the
" Far West. " Here he worked a j'ear
and a half at coopering and farming, and
then returned to New York State and
worked four years for Carter Bros.,
farmers, tanners and merchants of Oswego
county. On April 20, 1846, he married
Isabella Lambie, who was born April 3,
1825, in Scotland, and at the age of six
years was brought to this country by her
parents, John and Jane (Allen) Lambie.
The father, John Lambie, was in failing
health when he left Scotland, and came
to America with the hope of recovery, but
he gradually declined, and died March
28, 1834, his remains being interred at
Camden, Oneida Co., N. Y. His widow
died at the home of her son-in-law, Levi
S. Wilco.x, April 22, 1869, and her re-
mains now rest beside those of her hus-
band. She was the mother of ten chil-
dren, of whom two only survive — Mrs.
Wilco.x and Jcannette, the wife of John
Carter, of Pleasant Valley, Oakland Co.,
Mich. Soon after his marriage Mr. Wil-
cox bought eighty acres of land in the
town of Highland, Oakland Co., Mich.,
and on this land he lived five years, when
he returned to Camden, N. Y. , and for
sometime worked for a furniture company
as deliverer, etc. , using the identical team
that hauled him and his family back from
Michigan — going via Canada. He then
followed the livery and stage business for
eight or ten years, and also dealt in
horses, using New York City as a market.
Later, in company with John Lambie, he
built a gristmill, but, in a short time there-
after, he disposed of this property and re-
engaged in the livery business for three or
four years, and then moved to Lowville,
Lewis Co., N. Y., and followed the livery
business until the fall of 1881, when he
came to Brown county. Wis. , and for a
year resided in De Pere, undisturbed by
business cares. About 1S83 he purchased
the farm in Brown county on which he
now resides, and which he has converted
into one of the prettiest homes on the
Fox river. The children born to Mr.
and Mrs. L. S. Wilcox were named as
follows: Chester G., whose sketch ap-
pears above; Jane M., who was born in
Michigan, and is now the widow of A. S.
Fifield, of De Pere; John, born in Oneida
county, N. Y., now a harness maker at
Fort Howard, Wis. ; Lilly, now Mrs.
Dennis B. Foster, of Fairchild, Wis. ;
William, twin of Lilly, who died at the
age of eight months. Mr. Wilcox is a
Democrat in politics, and in religion is
Presbyterian.
GODFREY MILLER (deceased),
was born October 8, 1813, in
Warren county, N. Y., and was
married November 5, 1840, to
Caroline Margaret Stewart, daughter of
Robert D. Stewart. Mrs. Miller was
born June 4, 1817, and bore her husband
three daughters, as follows: Emma Cot-
ten, who was born June 25, 1843, was
married to Jerome Tyler, and is now a
widow, residing at De Pere; Anna Rose-
bery, born January 29, 1847, was mar-
ried to George Woodward, of Kaukauna,
in June, 1870; Sarah Jane, married to
Chester G. W^ilcox in June, 1870.
Godfrey Miller was a wheelwright by
trade, and for seven years worked at his
vocation in Easton, Penn., having charge
of the shop most of the time. In 1837
he came to De Pere, Brown Co., Wis.,
and in the summer of the same year built
a sawmill in Fond du Lac, there being
but two white families in the place at
that time. He then returned to De Pere
and continued to work at his trade until
1839, when he bought a farm of eighty
acres, one mile south of West De Pere.
The only gristmill was then at "Cocoa-
low," or Little Chute, and from De Pere
a skiff-load of grist would be taken down
one da}', be ground, and returned the
next. In 1842 he moved into his house
on this farm, and there resided the re-
mainder of his davs. Under the direc-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
303
tion of Mr. Miller the first dam, a spar
dam, was built across the Fox river at De-
Pere. Many sawmills in the neighbor-
hood were also built under his direction.
In politics Mr. Miller was a Republican.
He was the first treasurer of Lawrence
township, which he had helped to organ-
ize, and filled the office many years; he
also served on the school board with much
efficiency. He was an active member of
the Presbyterian Church — first at Green
Bay; later, a member and trustee at De-
Pere. His death took place suddenly on
the night of November 2, 1893, his corpse
being found by his wife at seven o'clock
the ne.xt morning. Mr. Miller was one of
the most respected of the early settlers of
De Pere, honored for his sterling quali-
ties of both head and heart. He was
thoroughly versed in the topics of the day
and the affairs of the world, being a
studious reader. His widow now resides
at De Pere, aged seventy-six years, and
is still bright and active.
WILLIAM COOK, one of the most
prosperous agriculturists and
lumbermen of Suamico town-
ship. Brown county, is a native
of New York State, born in Chazy town-
ship, Clinton county, October 12, 1S41, a
son of John and Anna Cook.
John Cook, father of our subject, was
born in the city of York, England, whence,
at the age of fifteen years, he emigrated
to this continent, for some five years mak-
ing his home in Canada, then moving to
New York State (probably St. Lawrence
county), where he met and married Miss
Ann Leger, a native of Canada. She is
a daughter of Francis and Margaret
(Lorette) Leger, French Canadians by
birth, respectable farming people, who
moved from Canada to New York State,
later to Wisconsin, where they passed
the remainder of their lives, dying at
the home of our subject's mother, he at
the great age of one hundred and three
years, she when seventy years old.
They were the parents of ten chil-
dren. John Cook was a day laborer until
coming to the United States; then, in St.
Lawrence county, N. Y. , he bought a
farm, and conducted same until 1856,
when he came west to Wisconsin, and
purchased the property still occupied by
his widow, in Suamico township. Brown
county, where he conducted a tavern.
Mr. Cook died on the homestead, in the
fall of 1890, at the ripe age of seventy-
eight years, and, when he was no more,
the community in which he had lived
felt that there had departed from their
midst a grand, good man. He and his
faithful wife accumulated several acres of
wild land, which, by honest toil and untir-
ing energy, they converted into fertile
fields, and here she is yet living, in the
old-time tavern that for over thirty-five
years has been known as one of the best
hostelries in this section of the country.
William Cook, the subject proper of
these lines, received a liberal education
at the schools of his native township, and
was reared to farming pursuits under the
tuition of his father. In 1856 he came to
Wisconsin with the rest of the family,
and in Suamico township. Brown county,
has since remained, actively engaged in
agricultural and lumbering pursuits, now
owning over 900 acres of prime farming
land. His success in life may be said to
have had its commencement, or at any
rate considerable impetus, in this way.
One day he set out to hunt up the cows,
and found them on land covered with
pine timber. He brought them home,
and that same night proceeded to Chicago,
where he bought two "forties" of land
here, paying for same the sum of two
thousand dollars. Attorney Robert Lin-
coln, son of Abraham Lincoln, making out
the deed. Two weeks afterward William
Cook sold his purchase for two thousand
dollars per "forty," to A. Weed, who, at
that time, had a sawmill three miles from
Flintville, on the Suamico river. William
Cook is considerably interested in real
estate, owning, in the village of Flintville^
304
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
several choice buildiiij,' lots, as well as some
2,800 acres of timber landelsewere; and in
all respects is one of the leading, progres-
sive and affluent citizens of Brown county.
He is a representative self-made man, a
typical American hustler, in spite of his
impaired eyesight. In the first winter
after his marriage he commenced lumber-
ing, and his indefatigable, clever wife did
all the cooking for the camp, three long
winters, sometimes providing for as many
as from twenty-five to thirty men, in ad-
dition to which she kept the men's time
and her husband's accounts. After they
had succeeded in making sufficient clear-
ing, which took two or three years,
they commenced cultivating their present
fertile farm, situated a few miles from
their present home. At the present time
he owns and operates a large sawmill
ninety miles north of Green Bay on the
Milwaukee & Northern railroad, and he
expects to cut three million feet this
winter.
On November 27, 1865, Mr. Cook
was married to Mrs. Eliza Douglas (^iice
Millington), widow of G. Stephen Doug-
las, an Englishman by birth, to whom
she was married May 3, 1856, and who
died, during the Civil war, at Antietam,
Md., September 16, 1862. Mrs. Eliza
Cook is a very refined and highly accom-
plished lady, and for some time was a
successful school teacher, first in the
academy where she was receiving instruc-
tion, afterward teaching in the town of
Vienna, Oneida Co., N. Y., in the same
schoolhouse she used to attend when a
child; and, still later, a school in the
village of Cleveland, Oswego county, the
last of her teaching in New York State.
In Flintville, Wis., she taught four years,
during which time she also tended the
little store that will be spoken of farther
on. To Mr. and Mrs. Cook came two
children — William E. and Jay — both
born in the house where the family are
j'et residing, the former August 15, 1872,
the later October 3, 1875. Of these,
William E. was educated at the district
schools and Green Bay Business College,
after which he kept books two years for
Cook & Boulet, merchants and lumber-
men. Jay was married in the fall of
1894 to Miss Myrtle A. Huntington, who
was but seventeen jears old on the 24th
of last September, and whom he had
known from childhood. The entire family
are identified with the Congregational
Church, in which Mrs. Cook is an active
worker; in his political proclivities our
subject has always been a Democrat.
Mrs. Eliza Cook is a native of New
York State, born in Oneida county, to
Thomas R. and Betsy (Hall) Millington,
the father also a native of Oneida county,
N. Y. (he has been blind for the past
fifty years of his life, and at the age of
ninety is yet living at the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Cook), the mother born in
Rochester, Mass., and died in New York
State, at the age of thirty-two; they had
one son and two daughters. The first of
the Millington family to come to this
country from Wales (where, by the way,
the name was spelled Myllington) was
Peter, in 1740, accompanied by his wife
(who had with her a two-year-old son,
named Peter), and his brother Isaac.
Peter was an officer in the French and
Indian war, stationed at Fort Wang,
where is now the city of Albany, N. Y. ;
Isaac was killed by the Indians. Their
father, David Millington, died in Wales
in 1745, leaving for his heirs in America
an estate that is now worth half a million
dollars, besides a considerable sum of
money in the bank. His son Peter mar-
ried an English lady named Anna Roberts,
and by her had seven children — three
sons, Peter, H. Gates and Asa, and four
daughters, Polly, Hester, Betsy and Millie.
His home was at Bennington, \'t. , and he
owned a farm on the banks of the Hoosac
river. He served in the Revolutionary
war, in the Green Mountain Rangers, and,
though he participated in many battles,
was never wounded; was taken prisoner
twice, however, but on each occasion
effected his escape, the second time
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHICAL RECORD.
305
through the bravery and cleverness of a
Miss Hannah Wright, who will again be
referred to. After the war he sold his
farm in Vermont, and moving to Nevv
York State, located in Springfield town-
ship, Otsego county, near the head of
Lake Otsego, later making his home in
Vienna township, on the banks of Lake
Oneida, where he died in 1809, leaving
his widow well provided for.
H. Gates Millington, second son of
Peter and Anna (Roberts) Millington, was
Mrs. Eliza Cook's grandfather. He was
born June 20, 1777, and died May 26,
1849; married Miss Mary Roberts, who
was born February 25, 1782, married at
the age of seventeen, and died February
14, 1 871; she was a daughter of Samuel
and Hannah (Wright) Roberts (the mother
being the heroine who in her girlhood
was the means of Peter Millington's es-
caping from Burgoyne's soldiers, as al-
ready referred to). Samuel Roberts and
several brothers served in the war of the
Revolution, all escaping wounds or cap-
ture; he being a brother to Mrs. Peter
Millington, it shows that Mrs. Eliza
Cook's grandfather and grandmother were
first cousins. Samuel Roberts was killed
by a falling tree while he was clearing a
site at Crown Point, N. Y. , near the
Vermont border line. H. Gates Milling-
ton had three sons and one daughter,
their names and dates of birth being as
follows: Thomas Ransom, November 4,
1804; Moremus, September 10, 1806;
Samuel, April 16, 1808, and Julia Ann,
March 3, 1812.
Thomas R. Millington, the eldest of
these, was Mrs. Eliza Cook's father. He
was married March 2, 1828, at the home
of the bride in Hastings township, Os-
wego county, N. Y. , to Miss Betsy Hall,
who was born October 9, 1804, daughter
of Jonathan and Abigail Hall, the former
a native of Vermont, born of English an-
cestry who came from England in the
"Mayflower" in 1620 (two brothers,
were Jonathan and William Hall). They
were married October 24, 1784, and had
nine children — five sons: Heman, Hosea,
Hopestill, Josiah, and John ; and four
daughters : Irene, Betsy, Abigail, and
Harriet. The father died in the town of
Hastings, Oswego county, N. Y. , at the
age of seventy-two years ; in the war for
Independence he served as a wagon-mas-
ter. Mrs. Eliza Cook's grandmother,
Abigail (Bisbee) Hall, was born October
21, 1767, in Massachusetts, the eldest
child of Hopestill and Abigail (Churchill)
Bisbee, the latter of whom was in some
way related to Lord Churchill, of Lon-
don, England. Mrs. Jonathan Hall's
father was the first to erect a furnace in
Massachusetts for the making of pew-
ter and Britannia metal dishes, etc. ; it
was built in North Rochester, but was
long ago converted into a saw and grist
mill, and the farm on which it stood has
never gone out of the Bisbee family, hav-
ing been handed down from father to son.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
R. Millington commenced housekeeping
in a neat, comfortable log house on the
shore of Lake Oneida, Oneida county, N.
Y. , and here were born one son and
two daughters, their names and dates of
birth being as follows : Marcus, Octo-
ber 25, 1829; Eliza (Mrs. William Cook),
November 6, 1834; and Betsy J., July
22, 1836. On February 19, 1838, the
mother died, of consumption, leaving the
three little children to the care of the
bereaved father, whose affliction was in-
tensified by his being nearly blind, the
result of an attack of measles he suffered
soon after marriage, on which account he
had subsequently to enter the Eye Infirm-
ary at Rochester. She was a faithful
wife, the kindest of mothers, and a true
friend to all ; in her housekeeping affairs
she was ever neat, tidy and industrious,
while no woman could be more clever
with the needle ; and her call from earth
was mourned not only by the husband,
children and other relatives, but also by a
wide circle of sorrowing friends. The
children, after the death of their mother,
were taken to the home of their grand-
3o6
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.
parents, with whom they lived five years,
enjoying every comfort and attention, the
grandfather especially, who was a devout
Christian man, being exceedinglj' kind to
them. But, alas ! the pleasant, peaceful
home was destined to be broken up in an
unexpected and dire manner, the cosy
house and all its contents being burned to
the ground in a bright afternoon in the
fall of 1843, while all the inmates were
temporarily absent. After this Mr. Mil-
lington again took charge of his daughter
Eliza, and went to housekeeping, renting
part of a house occupied by a Quaker
family, who were very kind to her, one
and all taking an unselfish interest in her
welfare. After a time she went to live
with a married uncle (her mother's eldest
brother) in Onondaga Valley, and she
then went to district school and acad-
emy several terms, intending to qual-
ify for the profession of school teacher,
which vocation she commenced at the age
of seventeen, continuing in same with
eminent success until her marriage with
G. S. Douglas, as already recorded.
He was a native of the cit}' of York,
England, born May 9, 1830, of Scotch
descent on his father's side. In the
fall of 1856 her father set out for
Wisconsin, bought land, then returned
to New York State, sold his property
and once more, in the fall of 1861,
came to Wisconsin, his daughter, Mrs.
Douglas (at that time), and her little
daughter accompanying him, Mr. Douglas
having gone to the war, and, having saved
some money, bought land in Oconto
county, near the Brown county line,
which he held several years and then sold.
On November 17, 1858, a little girl was
born to Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, but was
carried off by scarlet fever in 1864, a most
interesting, lovable child, gone to mingle
with the angelic throng. In 1862, at this
place, which afterward came to be known
as Flintville, in Suamico township,
Thomas R. Millington and his daughter,
Mrs. Eliza Douglas, opened out a general
store, buying their stock of groceries in
Fort Howard, and their dry goods in Green
Bay, from which time, up to her marriage
with Mr. Cook, she assisted in her father's
store in Flintville, also teaching school,
as above stated.
When Mrs. Cook came to this part of
Wisconsin, she traveled by water from
Buffalo to Green Bay, to the place now
called Flintville, where she has always
resided since coming west, and she found
things in a very primitive condition.
There was no railroad, the nearest post-
office (Fort Howard) was twelve miles dis-
tant, and the only span of horses in the
township was owned by John Cook, her
present father-in-law, so that ox-teams
may be said to have been the only mode
of transportation. The first Sunday-
school in Flintville was organized in 1863
by a Mr. Lepard, of which school Mrs.
Douglas was made first superintendent.
Her father is well known and greatly
esteemed for his industry and thorough
business habits, and as one who has made
his way in the world b}' laudable ambi-
tion. In his political preferences he was
a Democrat till 1856, when he changed
his views, becoming a stanch Republican,
and has since remained a solid member
of that party.
JOHN GRATZA was born February 3.
1856, in Upper Silesia, Germany,
son of John and Caroline (Kuczera)
Gratza, the former of whom was a
successful farmer. They were the par-
ents of thirteen children: Frank, Johanna,
Geneva, Mary, John, Frank and Joseph,
and six who died in infancy. The mother
of this family died in Germany, February
17, 1872, and in 1878 the father came to
America, settling in Clover Bottom, Mo.,
where he passed the remainder of his life,
dying March 3, 1886. At the time of his
decease he was the owner of 600 acres of
land.
John Gratza received all his education
in Germany, and then in 1877 entered
the priesthood. Three months later he
COMMEMORATIVE BWQRAPHWAL RECORD.
307
came to America, sailing from Bremen to
New York, and thence journeying; directly
to Alton, 111., where he remained until
July, 1893, at which time he entered
upon the duties of his charge in New Den-
mark, Brown county. This congregation
has been organized about ten years, and
now includes 120 families — one hundred
Polish, and twenty German. In his polit-
ical preferences Father Gratza is a Demo-
crat, and takes much interest in the suc-
cess of the party.
ESEIUS BEISSEL, a thoroughly
representative respected old set-
tler of New Denmark township.
Brown county, is a native of the
State of Pennsylvania, born August 27,
1824, in North Sunbury, Northumberland
county, son of Jacob and Mary (Adams)
Beissel, the former of whom was a farmer
by occupation, in which he was very suc-
cessful. There were ten children in his
family, of whom Rachel died when nine
years old; Hosanna, Mrs. Snavelly, died
at Watson, 111., in February, 1894; Eseius
is the subject of these lines; Levi lives in
Wenona, 111.; John is deceased; Priscilla
died at Tonica, 111. ; Aaron lives in Kansas;
Jacob went to Missouri; two died in in-
fancy. In 1838 the father of this family
sold his farm of 190 acres in Pennsyl-
vania, and removed with his family to the
then new State of Illinois, purchasing 360
acres of wild land in Roberts township,
Marshall Co., 111., on which place he
passed the remainder of his busy life.
Our subject was reared to farm life by
his father, and in 1838 came with the rest
of the family to Illinois. Here he was mar-
ried, January 7, 1853, to Miss Margaret
Kahren, who was born January 17, 1835,
in the village of Marsdorf, Rhein Province,
Prussia, the eldest of ten children born
to J. Peter and Margaret (Chimmer)
Kahren, as follows: Margaret; Jacob, who
was drowned in the East river, when thirty-
three years old; Catherine and Joseph,
who died in infancy; Joseph, who died at
the age of thirty-three in Oshkosh, Wis. ;
Elizabeth and Catherine, deceased; Anna;
Michael, deceased; and Catherine, now
Mrs. Sharky, of Green Bay, Wis. In 1852
this family sailed from Germany, and,
after a voyage of thirty-three days, landed
in New York, thence coming directly to
Milwaukee, Wis. , where they lived six
months, and then removed to Illinois.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Beissel
purchased eighty acres of land in Evans
township, Marshall Co., 111., where he
and his young wife commenced their mar-
ried life; but sometime later, owingto her
illness, he sold the place and worked out
by the month, being thus engaged two
years. Then, going to Wenona, 111., he
bought a house and lot, and they resided
there until 1862, when they came to New
Denmark township. Brown Co. , Wis. ,
where he purchased si.xty acres of land
still in its primitive condition, and here
made a permanent home; at the time of
his settlement the land was still wild, but
with years of earnest, unremitting toil he
has succeeded in converting it into a well-
improved property. For sixteen years
after coming to the county he was en-
gaged in teaming between Green Bay and
Pine Grove.
To Mr. and Mrs. Beissel were born
ten children, their names and dates of
birth being as follows: Mary, February
14, 1854; Amelia, January 14, 1857;
Charles, September 15, 1859; Louis,
March 30, 1862; Joseph, January 28,
1865; Barbara, August 4, 1867; John,
January 21, 1870; Catherine, September
13, 1872; Jacob, April 25,, 1875; and
Henry, January 7, 1878. Those deceased
are Mary, who died October 2, 1885;
Barbara, who died September 25, 1868;
the rest all live at home, except Amelia,
Mrs. Sampson, of Fort Howard, and
Charles, now in Coleman, Wis. The
family are all adherents of Holy Trinity
Catholic Church, New Denmark, and in
his political preferences Mr. Beissel is a
Republican, though not a strict partisan.
He is well known and highly respected in
3oS
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the community, with whose interests he
has been identified so many years, and
has served his township as justice of the
peace six years and school treasurer nine
years, proving a most reliable, faithful
official.
J
AMES HOBBINS, the oldest living
settler in Rockland township, Brown
county, is a native of the Emerald
Isle, born in i8i6, in County Tip-
perary, son of Thomas Hobbins, a farmer.
The latter had a family of ten children —
seven sons and three daughters — of whom
James is the eldest son.
James Hobbins was reared to farming
pursuits, which he followed in his native
country until 1846, when he decided to
immigrate to America. He had married
Miss Bridget Schooley, who bore him one
son, John, in Ireland, and in May, 1846,
the family took passage for New York
on a Black Star liner, landing after a
voyage of seventeen days. They pro-
ceeded at once to Philadelphia, where
they remained a short time, Mr. Hobbins
working in a stone quarry, also as over-
seer for a farmer, and then removed to
Oneida county, N. Y. Here the family
resided about four years, Mr. Hobbins en-
gaging in farm labor, and here two more
children were added to the family:
Thomas, who died in De Pere, Wis.,
where he was a justice of the peace; and
Patrick, who also died in De Pere, Wis.,
of which city he was marshal for seven
years. In May, 1850, attracted by the
cheap homes offered to settlers in Wis-
consin at that time, they came westward,
taking passage at Buffalo on the "A. D.
Patchen," and landing in Milwaukee,
thence coming to Green Bay, and losing
no time after their arrival in looking up
a good location. In Holland township.
Brown county, Mr. Hobbins purchased
160 acres of new land; but, being some-
what dissatisfied with that part of the
country, he invested, in the same year,
in eighty acres of land lying in Section i 5,
Rockland township, and here he has
ever since made his home. There were
but three families in the township at
that time, no roads of an\' kind were
laid out, and, in order to reach his
home, Mr. Hobbins had to cut a path
through the forest. He felled the first
tree ever cut down by a white man on the
place, and built the first dwelling, a log
cabin, about twenty rods from the site of
the present family residence. Game was
still plentiful, and deer were frequently
seen in the clearing. Mr. Hobbins ex-
perienced all the hardships and inconve-
niences incident to backwoods life and
the clearing and improving of a farm in a
new country. Even after the trees were
felled the stumps and roots remained, and
having no modern appliances for remov-
ing them, he could not use a plow suc-
cessful!)', and was obliged to do the best
he could with a grub-hoe. Money was
very scarce, so, in order to obtain enough
for their needs, our subject worked, dur-
ing the winter season for several years, in
the lumber camps of Brown county. But,
in spite of the dangers and privations, he
remained on the farm, laboring earl\- and
late to hew himself a comfortable home
from the dense forest, and he has lived to
see his place transformed from a wilder-
ness to a beautiful productive tract of
land, the result of long years of unrelent-
ing toil. As will be seen, he has resided
here continuously forty-four years, during
which period he has watched the progress
and development of his section, taking no
small part in the work himself. He is
now the oldest living settler of Rockland
township, where he is well known and
highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends
and acquaintances. He has served his
township in various positions of honor and
trust, having held the important office of
chairman several years, was school di-
rector eighteen years, and has also been
assessor. In political affiliation he is a
stanch Democrat. In religious faith he
is a Catholic, and was among the first to
take active steps in the formation of St.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
309
Francis Church at De Pere, of which he
is now the oldest Hving member, and
which at first was the place of worship
for all nationalities. Mrs. Hobbins passed
from earth February 1 1, 1886, at the age
of seventy-three years, and was laid to
rest in De Pere cemetery; since her de-
cease our subject has lived a compara-
tively retired life, making his home with
his eldest son, John (the only surviving
member of his family), who now conducts
the farm.
John Hobbins was born in April, 1845,
in County Tipperary, Ireland, whence,
when a year old, he was brought by his
parents to the United States, and was five
years of age when the family settled in
Rockland township. Here he was reared
to manhood on the pioneer farm, receiv-
ing a thorough training to agricultural
pursuits, and, at the same time, obtaining
such an education as the early district
schools afforded. In July, 1867, he was
united in marriage with Miss Bridget
Ryan, who was born in County Tipperary,
Ireland, in 1848. She is a daughter of
Patrick Ryan, who died in Ireland, leav-
ing a widow and seven children — four sons
and three daughters — and in 1853 this
family immigrated to the United States,
locating first in New York State, and sub-
sequently coming to Wisconsin. This
union has been blessed with the following-
named children: James, Thomas, Alice,
Nora, Mary, Ellen, Patrick, and Flossie,
all living at home. Mr. Hobbins, like
his father, is a stanch member of the
Democratic party, and has served as
school clerk for thirteen years. In relig-
ious connection he and his wife are mem-
bers of St. Francis Church, De Pere.
DR. WILLIAM BEAUPRE, the
well-known oculist and aurist,
whose skill in his profession has
gained for him a wide and envi-
able reputation, is a native of Canada,
born in what is now the Province of Que-
bec (Canada Bas) in 1830.
As his name indicates, the Doctor is
of French descent, his grandfather, who
was a military man, having been a native
of "La Belle France," whence in very
early times he emigrated to Canada, and
in the lower province (now Quebec) made
a settlement. There his son, H. N.,
father of subject, was born and educated,
in early manhood taking up the mercan-
tile business, which was his life work. He
married Mile. Argauge Bargeron, also a
native of Canada East, and children as
follows were born to this union: Mary,
who married Edward Pelicier, of Canada,
and died in 1864 ; Angeline, who became
the wife of Frank Pelicier, and died in
1878 ; Maxime, a merchant, living in St.
Michel's, Canada ; Joseph, a professor,
who was well known in Green Bay, Wis. ,
died in 1891 in Montreal, Canada ; Philip,
married, living in St. Cloud, Minn., where
he is a judge of the Probate Court ; Eliza-
beth, wife of John Geer, of Ford River,
Mich. ; Dr. Reauseau, a physician of Ford
River, Mich. ; Catherine, who died in
Canada, unmarried ; and William. The
father died of cholera, in 1832, in Quebec,
the mother passing away in St. Michel,
same province, in 1853.
The subject of this sketch was reared
and educated at his native place till the
age of fifteen (1845), at which time he
came to Wisconsin, landing in the then
village of Green Bay on November i.
Here for four years he served as clerk in
the store of John F. Lessey, after which
he sailed the lakes from the port of Green
Bay until the breaking out of the Civil
war, when his military ardor, inherited
from his grandfather, kindled into activity
by the youthful desire to "seek the bub-
ble reputation, e'en at the cannon's
mouth." In 1861 he assisted in raising
Company G(" French Mountaineers, " a
mounted company). Seventeenth Wiscon-
sin Infantry, which was attached to the
army of Tennessee. His command par-
ticipated in Sherman's march to the sea
and in the Carolina campaign. On March
1 1, 1862, he was commissioned first lieu-
310
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
tenant, and August 3 i following was pro-
moted to the captaincy of the same com-
pany. On June 6, 1864, he was wounded
by a grapeshot at Marietta, Ga., but de-
clined hospital service. At Pocotaiigo,
W. Va., he was honorably discharged,
January 19, 1865, and returned to his
home in Green Bay. In 1867 he com-
menced reading medicine under the pre-
ceptorship of Dr. H. A. Woodbridge,
studying until 1871, and making a spe-
cialty of the eye and ear. Immediately
commencing the practice of his profession,
he traveled a circuit, visiting, among
other places, in Wisconsin and Michigan,
Menomonee, Escanaba, Marquette, Han-
cock, Red Jacket, Lake Linden, Wausau,
Grand Rapids, Merrill, Antigo, Ironwood,
finally, after an absence of four years,
locating in Green Bay, where he has
since been in the continuous practice of
his profession, his office being established
on Cherry street, between Washington
and Adams.
Dr. Beauprc has been three times
married, each time in Green Bay, on first
occasion to Miss Jane Matilda Beaudoin,
a native of France, daughter of Francis
Beaudoin, of the same nativity, who emi-
grated to the United States, taking up
his residence in St. Ignace, Mich. ; in
1840 moving to Green Bay, and making
his final home in Shantytown, where he
died. This wife was called from earth in
185 I, the mother of two daughters: Jane,
wife of S. B. Cornish, of Antigo, Wis.,
and Emily, wife of H. H. Raiche. of
Menominee, Mich. In 1854 the Doctor
married Miss I. Raiche, who was born in
Green Bay, a daughter of Theodore
Raiche, a native of Canada, whence, in
T840, he came to Green Bay, dying there
in 1886. By this union there were two
sons: William A., who died in St. Louis,
Mo., in 1888, and James, now a resident
of Drummond, Wis. The mother of these
was called from earth July 2, 1862, and
for his third wife, our subject, in 1866,
wedded Miss Olive Trudell, born in Green
Bay, a daughter of Theodore Trudell, of
Canadian birth, coming, in 1S45, to Green
Bay, where he was engaged in the grocery
business; he now resides in South Bend,
Wash. By his last marriage the Doctor
had six children, all girls, a brief record
of whom is as follows: Mary married
Frank Duchateau, and died October i i ,
1892; Lydia Ann, born January 26, 1869,
died September 22, 1891, wife of S. W.
Lieblien; Rose Delenia, born January 24,
1871, died May 24, 1873; Lucy Martha,
born May 26, 1873, is the wife of Theo-
dore Remington, of Menominee, Mich. ;
Eva Lottie, born November 17, 1875,
resides in Menominee; Minnie Matilda,
born April 27, 1878, died July 2, 1S79.
Dr. Beaupre, in his political associa-
tions, was a Democrat till 1886, when he
changed his views and his colors, becom-
ing as zealous a Republican as he had
been a Democrat. He is a member of
the Catholic Church, and a highly re-
spected, useful citizen of Green Bay,
which, since his first arrival in the place,
fifty years ago, he has seen transformed
from a village of a few houses to a fine
city with a grand future yet before it, and
toward whose prosperity he has con-
tributed a goodly share.
CORNELIUS LEARY, prominent
among the prosperous agricultur-
ists and early pioneers of Glen-
more township. Brown county, is
a native of County Kerry, Ireland, born
in 1 8,24, a son of James and Margaret
(Catler) Leary, who had eight children —
four sons and four daughters.
When Cornelius was nine years of
age the family came to America, sailing
in the month of August from Cork on the
"Thomas Hanford," which arrived, after
a voyage of seven weeks, at St. John, New
Brunswick, where they lived five years.
They then moved to Boston, Mass., later
to Springfield, and resided in various parts
of the State until the spring of 1850,
when the father concluded to try his for-
tune in Wisconsin. In the month of
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
31'
April they traveled by rail to Buffalo, and
one week later emtarked on a vessel
bound for Milwaukee, thence continuing
their journey by stage and boat to Green
Bay, via Fond du Lac, Menasha, etc.
In Glenmore township, Brown county,
Mr. Leary purchased one-half of Section
22, and shortly afterward a quarter of
Section 15. At that time but three
other families — the Pattons, Ryans and
Caseys — lived in the township; no roads
had been laid out, and Cornelius and his
brother John cut a road from their farm
to De Pere. Mr. Leary built the first
house in Section 22, a cabin of logs
covered with boards, which stood a short
distance from the present residence. Wild
animals were numerous, and no clearing
whatever had been done, the trees being
so thick that a space had to be made for
the dwelling. Mrs. Leary died shortly
after the location in Glenmore, and Mr.
Leary passed away on his farm in 1880.
Cornelius Leary received but a limited
education, and in early boyhood com-
menced to work in the cotton mills in
New England. He was in the very prime
of life when he came with his parents to
Wisconsin, and, being the eldest son,
found plenty of work ready for him on the
land which his father had undertaken to
clear. About 1854 he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Julia Brennan, a native
of County Kerry, Ireland, daughter of
Frank Brennan. This union was blessed
by children as follows: Margaret, living
at home with her parents; James, who
died when five years old; Julia (Mrs.
James Dougherty), of Escanaba, Mich. ;
Catherine, deceased at the age of twenty-
three years; John, who died when twenty-
four years old; Morris, deceased when
one year old; Alice, of Escanaba, Mich.;
Annie, living at home; Hattie, Mrs. John
Clune, of Escanaba, Mich. ; and Theresa,
at home.
Mr. Leary has been a successful
farmer, and now owns 160 acres of good
land, all of which he has seen trans-
formed from a wilderness to a highly cul-
tivated farm, a work in which he has
taken no small part. He is well known
and highly respected throughout his sec-
tion, for his industry and straightforward,
honest methods have placed him in an
enviable position among his fellow citi-
zens. Though now past three-score and
ten, he is well-preserved and hearty, and
still continues to direct the affairs of his
farm, though he does little of the active
work. In his party affiliations he is a
Democrat, and has served as roadmaster;
but he has given little attention to poli-
tics, preferring to devote his time e.xclu-
sively to his private affairs. In religious
faith he is a member of St. Mary's Catho-
lic Church, at Glenmore.
ALBERT WILLIAMS, a promi-
nent and influential citizen of Fort
Howard, is a native of Belgium,
and is a son of John B. and
Rosalie (Vandeborne) Williams, natives
of the same country, where they lived
and died.
Our subject was reared and educated
in his native land, where he learned the
trade of a bricklayer and worked at same
until his removal, in 1871, to the United
States. In that year he located at Fort
Howard, subsequently purchasing forty
acres of land in Wrightstown. After two
years he settled permanently at Fort
Howard, where he has since been engaged
in farming and market gardening, at
which occupations he has been very suc-
cessful. His present veneered brick resi-
dence was erected in 1873. Mr. Will-
iams, who is an independent reasoner in
political matters, has been the recipient
of certain official favors at the hands of
his constituents, and for a number of
years has served them as supervisor from
the Second ward of the city. He is
recognized as a valuable, upright citizen,
and commands the respect of all. In
1864, while yet a resident of Belgium, he
married Miss Rosa Vandeborne, and to
these worthy parents have been born six
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
children: William, foreman of the Mil-
waukee & Northern shops; Bernard;
Lewis; Felix; Mary, wife of Albert
Brunette, of the town of Howard; Nettie,
wife of Jack Osterman, of Green Bay.
Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of
St. Willibrord's Church, Green Bay.
They came to Fort Howard at a time
when it lacked very much of being the
flourishing city it is at present, and have
witnessed its steady development.
JOHN SHAUGHNESSY, one of the
well-to-do and highly-respected old
citizens of Glenmore township,
Brown county, was born in 1824
in County Limerick, Ireland. His parents,
George and Hannah (Murphy) Shaugh-
nessy, were farming people, who worked
industriously to support their large family,
which consisted of fourteen children —
eight sons and si.\ daughters.
John Shaughnessy attended the com-
mon schools until fifteen years of age, and
then assisted his father on the farm until
he reached his majority. At this time,
receiving money from his parents to pay
his way to America, he bid his early home
and friends farewell, and took passage at
Cork on the "Louisiana," bound for
Quebec, where he landed in the month of
August, after a voyage of six weeks and
three days. He first found employment
with farmers, harvesting, and afterward
came to Milwaukee, Wis., taking the
water route, via Oswego, N. Y. Mr.
Shaughnessy purchased a horse and
wagon, and commenced the draying busi-
ness in Milwaukee, continued in that un-
til 1850, in the meantime saving some
money. Several railroads were then in
course of construction in New York State,
and he went to Buffalo, where he obtained
employment as a laborer on the New York
& Erie railway.
On May 29, 1850, Mr. Shaughnessy
was married in Buffalo to Miss Catherine
Flaherty, who was born June 24, 1828,
in County Kerry, Ireland. [These facts
have been taken from an authentic record
in the possession of Mrs. Shaughnessy].
She is a daughter of Thomas and Mary
(Lynch) Flaherty, farming people of Ire-
land, and she came to the United States
when twenty years old, with friends, sail-
ing from Cork on the " Lady Elgin," and
landing in Quebec, after a voyage of five
weeks and five days. She subsequently
came to Milwaukee, where she met Mr.
Shaughnessy. After their marriage they
kept boarders for about two years, and
then returned to Milwaukee, ^^'is. , where
he again took up draying for two years.
In 1854 he came to Brown county, and
purchased eighty acres of wild land in
Section 21, Glenmore township, for eighty
dollars, and when they moved to their
new home there were still no roads to it,
and their nearest neighbor was three
miles distant. The forest was so dense
that a site had to be cleared for their
cabin, which was the first house in Sec-
tion 21, and, as he himself says, his hogs
to-day have a better house than the one
he first lived in. Wild animals were
numerous, deer were frequently seen near
the house, and bears and wolves played
havoc with the stock of the early settlers.
With an axe and a grub-hoe (the latter
made by "Old Newton," the blacksmith
of De Perc, who made many tools for the
pioneer farmers), the work of clearing was
begun and persevered in until a comfort-
able property had been taken from the
woods. When they had butter or eggs
to sell they carried them to Green Bay,
sixteen miles distant, making the entire
journey on foot. On April 14, 1865, they
removed to Section 32, Glenmore town-
ship, where he had purchased a tract of
forty acres, and here lived in a shanty
until the completion of their log cabin, in
the erection of which the neighbors for
miles around assisted. Here Mr. Shaugh-
nessy has since continued to reside, and
was actively engaged in agriculture until
1 89 1, when he disposed of his property
and retired. The farm at one time con-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
313
tained 160 acres, eighty of which he gave
to his sons.
Mr. and Mrs. Shaughnes.sy have had
nine children, of whom three sons and
two daughters died young: George, born
in New York, is a farmer of Glenmore
township; Thomas, born in Milwaukee,
is a butcher of Escanaba, Wis. ; William,
born in Glenmore, is a resident of De-
Pere township; John, born in Glenmore,
lives in Milwaukee. Mr. Shaughnessy has
always been a stanch Democrat in poli-
tics, and held the office of roadmaster,
but has never been an aspirant for office.
In religious connection he and his family
are members of St. John's Church, in
Morrison township. Mr. and Mrs.
Shaughnessy are among the few old
pioneers left in Glenmore township, who
have seen the country converted from a
forest wild into smiling, productive farms.
They are well known and much respected
in their section. [Since the above was
written, we have been notified of the
death of Mr. John Shaughnessy, which
occurred October 3, 1894. — Ed.
ANDREW SIMONS, a thrifty, well-
to-do farmer of Humboldt town-
ship. Brown county, is a native
of same, born April 5, 1850, on
the farm where he yet resides, which was
then included in Scott township.
His parents Christoph and Anna M.
(Muller) Simons, early pioneers of this
section, were natives of Prussia, Germany,
and the father was a carpenter by trade.
They were married in their native coun-
try, and three children were there born
to them : Catherine, and Charles and
Seraphim (twins), with whom, in 1 843, they
came to the United States. From the
port of landing they pushed westward at
once to their destination. Duck Creek,
Brown Co., Wis., during which journey
the twins, Charles and Seraphim, died of
small-pox. After their arrival at Duck
Creek the father was taken sick with the
ague, then so prevalent, and as soon as
possible moved to Preble township, where
he took up forty acres of government
land, on which they lived three years.
Owing to the dampness of that locality
Mrs. Simons suffered greatly from rheu-
matism, and accordingly they removed to
Humboldt township, where they took up
another forty acres of land and thereon
made a permanent home. Mr. Simons
died on this farm November 5, 1871, and
here his widow, now aged eighty years,
still makes her home, living with her son,
Andrew.
Andrew Simons was born on his pres-
ent farm, and here received a thorough
knowledge of farming, commencing work
early in life, faithfully remaining at home
and assisting his parents. After the death
of his father the place came into his pos-
session, and by hard labor and good man-
agement he has improved and added to it,
now owning ninety acres of highly culti-
vated land. On November 26, 1878, he
was united in marriage with Miss Hattie
Heim, daughter of Lawrence and Hattie
Heim, which union has been blessed with
nine children, viz.: Andrew W. , Law-
rence C, Louis P., Agnes A., Mary N.,
KillianH., Joseph (deceased), Harriet B.,
and Lena K. (deceased). During his
youth Mr. Simons had rather limited edu-
cational opportunities, and, appreciating
the value of a good literary training, he is
endeavoring to give his children all the
advantages possible in that line. In re-
ligious connection the family are members
of the Catholic Church.
DR. ALBERT HAYDEN ELLS-
WORTH comes of one of the old
New England families which was
founded at a very early day in the
history of this country by three brothers
who settled in Connecticut. They were
farming people, but many of their de-
scendants were well-educated men, be-
coming prominent in professional circles
throughout the State.
The Doctor was born July 14, 1823,
314
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn., and
acquired his education in the public
schools of his native town. He also took
the high-school course, and afterward at-
tended school in Suffield, Conn., for one
year, and also in Ellington, Conn. He
then engaged in teaching school, being
thus employed for one year in the State
of his nativity, and for one year in Nfon-
mouth, N. J., after which betook up the
study of dentistry under Dr. Sherwood, a
prominent dentist and highly-respected
citizen of Cincinnati, Ohio. He applied
himself assiduously in his new field of la-
bor, and, after a year of thorough and sys-
tematic study, located in Milwaukee, Wis.,
in November, 1848. He was one of the
first dentists of that city, and met with
most flattering success, doing a large and
lucrative business, which kept constantly
increasing until failing health caused him
to retire. He was doing an excellent
business, having probably the best prac-
tice in the State, and to-day, in years of
continuous labor, he is the oldest prac-
ticing dentist in Wisconsin.
Dr. Ellsworth was a prominent mem-
ber of the Plymouth Congregational
Church of Milwaukee, knd took a very
active part in its work and everything
pertaining to its growth and upbuilding.
He was also an honored member of the
I. O. O. F. , belonging to Menomonee
Lodge. In social circles he and his fam-
ily occupied an enviable position, and he
is well remembered by the pioneers and
early settlers of MihVaukee.
In July, 1852, Dr. Ellsworth came to
Green Bay to spend his few remaining
months, as he supposed, for his life was
despaired of by his physicians, and he
thought that his days were numbered;
but the vigorous and bracing atmosphere
soon brought new life and strength to him,
and he is to-day one of the hale and
hearty old gentlemen of Green Bay, pos-
sessed of the vigor of many a younger
man, his three-score-and-ten years rest-
ing lightly upon him. As soon as his
health permitted he began the practice of
his profession in Green Bay, and his skill
and ability soon again won recognition in
a large and lucrative patronage. He has
ever been a thorough student along the
line of his profession, and as a result has
been very successful. As his financial re-
sources increased the Doctor made sev-
eral judicious investments, which have
proved to him quite profitable, and gained
him a comfortable competence.
Since coming to Green Bay Dr. Ells-
worth has been identified with the Pres-
byterian Church. In his political views
he is a Democrat, but has never sought
or desired official preferment, giving his
entire time and attention to business and
otlier interests. He is a warm friend of
the cause of education, and, when the of-
fice of city superintendent of schools was
created, he was elected to that position,
which he has filled fourteen years. His
unselfish devotion and his untiring labors
have been productive of much good in the
educational field, and the present gener-
ation and the young people of the future
will have cause to hold him in grateful
remembrance for his earnest labors.
CHARLES J. LUCIA, a prosper-
ous farmer of Suamico township.
Brown county, was born July 15,
1836, in Clinton county, N. Y., of
French descent on the paternal side.
His parents, Alexanderand Phebe (Bessie)
Lucia, natives of New York, had a family
of two sons and four daughters, of whom
the sons and two of the daughters are
still living. The family were all reared
on the farm, and the parents both lived
to advanced ages, the father dying when
eighty years old, and the mother when
seventj'-five.
Charles J. Lucia left the home place
when fourteen years old and worked out
by the month until 1854, went he came
west, and located first in Suamico town-
ship, Brovvn county, laboring in the
woods by the month. He also worked
in a sawmill in the same township, then
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
315
for a jear or more was employed in
Oconto, in draying, sawing, and as wood-
man, after whiich he returned to Suamico.
On April i, 1858, he married Miss Caro-
line Cook, who was born February 28,
1839, in Clinton county, N. Y., a
daughter of John and Ann Cook, and to
this union have been born six children,
as follows: Irving J., born May i, 1859,
married in August, 1883, to Miss Cora
Barker, and they have one son and one
daughter; he is now a merchant of Bes-
semer, Mich. William H., born Septem-
ber 12, i860, was married June 28, 1882,
to Sarah Allen, who has borne him two
sons; he is now a merchant at Hurley.
Ella J., born January 19, 1867, was mar-
ried July 29, 1890, to Lawrence Head,
of Ashland, and has two sons. AnnaE.,
Dorn January 4, 1869, was married July
29, 1 891, to Ed. A. Dunham, a farmer
of Minnesota. Charles C, born Octo-
ber I, 1876, and George O. , born March
12, 1882.
After his marriage Mr. Lucia was em-
ployed in logging, etc., then bought
seventy-seven and a half acres, of which
fifteen were cleared, and settled on his
place in 1865; to this land he has added
until he now owns about two hundred
acres, all purchased from his own earn-
ings, which were at the first $10 per
month. He is a Republican in his poli-
tical proclivities, but in local affairs votes
for the best man, regardless of party.
The family are all attendants of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
LARS JENSEN, prominent among
the agricultural citizens of New
Denmark township. Brown county,
was born August 12, 1843, in Den-
mark, son of Jens Hemmengson and Anna
(Nelson) Jensen, thrifty farming people
of that country. They had a family of
seven children: Lars, Anna (deceased),
Peter, Hemmeng, Anna, Margaret and
Nels.
Our subject remained at home with
his parents until he reached the age of
fourteen years, receiving in the common
schools a somewhat limited education.
The next two years he worked on a farm,
and then commenced to learn carpentry,
serving an apprenticeship of three years
at the trade, which he subsequently fol-
lowed six years. In his early manhood
he served two years in the army. On
June 28, 1868, he was united in marriage
with Miss Ellen M. Gerhardson, daughter
of Gerhard Nelson and Anna M. (Jensen)
Gerhardson, who were the parents of
seven children, viz. : Karen, Ellen, Stine,
Margaretta, two that died in infancy un-
named, and Wilhelmina. Shortly after
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Jensen came to
the United States, crossing to New York
in sixteen days, where they landed with a
capital of ninety-nine dollars, with which
to commence life in the Western World.
Journeying by rail to Green Bay, Wis.,
via Chicago, they came thence to their
present place in New Denmark township,
Mr. Jensen purchasing thirty-four acres in
the midst of the forest, from which they
have made a comfortable home. For
about a year they lived with an uncle of
our subject, who followed his trade dur-
ing that time, and then set about the
erection of a log house on his land. But,
while engaged in hewing the timbers, a
falling log struck his limb and fractured
the bone, making it necessary for him to
stop work for several weeks, and the
money he had saved to pay on the land
went to the doctor. After his recovery
he completed the house, and made his
home therein for twelve years, during
which time he was busily engaged in clear-
ing and improving his land, from time to
time making other purchases, his farm
now containing 104 acres of highly-im-
proved land. He is truly a self-made
man, his present prosperity being due
solely to his own unceasing labor, and he
has won the respect of all who know him
by his square, honest methods in all his
dealings with his fellow men. Politically
he is a Democrat, and has held various
3i6
COMMEMOIiATIVE DIOGRAPniCAL RECORD.
local offices of trust, serviog his town-
ship faithfiill}- as supervisor and school
treasurer.
To Mr. and Mrs. Jensen have been
born twelve children, as follows: Gerhard
H., James C, Nels C, Toiirwal A.,
Charles Edwin, Lawrence N., Anna C,
Toilette M., and four that died in infancy;
of these, Gerhard H. and Nels C., at-
tend the Normal School at Oshkosh;
James is a miner in Montana; Tourwal
lives in Green Ba\'; and the remaining
fonr live at home with their parents.
PETER JOSEPH BECKER, a
prosperous farmer of Green Bay
township. Brown county, is a
German by birth, born November
2 1, 1839, in the Kingdom of Prussia.
He is a son of Bartholomew and Maria
Eva (SchnciderjBecker, well-to-do farm-
ing people, who had four children, as fol-
lows: Peter Joseph, whose name opens
this sketch; Mary, Mrs. Burkhart, of
Green Bay; Barbara, who married, and
died at the age of twenty-eight years,
leaving a husband and two children —
Eva and Marj' — to mourn her early
death; and Eva, wife of Dr. Rhode, of
Green Baj'.
In 1843 Bartholomew Becker sold his
property in Germany and came with his
family to America, arriving in New York
after a voyage of fort\'-nine dajs, and
immediately pushing westward to Akron,
Ohio, where he found employment on
the canal for about a year. Part of this
time the family lived in a blacksmith
shop, but later purchasing an old log
house (for which they paid twelve
dollars) made that their home, and
they also cleared a small piece of
land near Akron. After a residence of
six and a half years in Ohio, they came to
Wisconsin, where for three years they
lived on a rented farm near Milwaukee.
Here the father died in 1852, and in the
spring of 1853 the widowed mother came
with her family to Green Bay township,
Brown county, the journey, which occu-
pied seven days, being made in a wagon
drawn by oxen. In Green Bay township
they purchased eighty acres of timber
land, all in its primitive state, but which
has since been cleared and improved by
our subject. Mrs. Becker died here in
1888, aged eighty-three years.
Peter J. Becker received an ordinary
common-school training in Germany, and
was reared to farming, in which vocation
he has been engaged the greater part of
his life. On June 9, 1861, he was mar-
ried to Miss Rosaline Aussloss, daughter
of Xavier and Johanna (Labus) Aussloss,
and to this union have been born nine
children, namely: Peter, Henry, Eva,
Anton, Mary, Catherine, Joseph, Anna,
and John. Since his settlement in Green
Bay township in 1853, Mr. Becker has
made his home continuously on his pres-
ent farm, except from 1870 to 1873, dur-
ing which period he lived in the city of
Green Bay. He has added forty acres to
the original purchase, having at present
120 acres of fine land, highly improved
and cultivated, where he successfully con-
ducts a general farming business. Our
subject takes a lively interest in the wel-
fare of his township, of which he was the
first chairman, and he also served two
years as assessor, discharging the duties
of his office faithfully and satisfactorily.
In political affiliation he is a Democrat,
and in religious faith he and his family
are members of the German Catholic
Church at New Franken.
WILLIAM BASSETT WOOL-
FORD, general yardmaster for
the Chicago, Minneapolis & St.
Paul railroad, at Green Bay,
enjoys the enviable distinction of having
a record second to none as an efficient
railroad official, careful, faithful and
trustworthy.
He is a native of Ohio, born in Day-
ton, June 18, 1853, of English ancestry,
his grandfather having been a prosperous
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
319
farmer in England. William Woolford,
father of our subject, was one of a family
of six children born on the farm, and the
first few years of his life were divided be-
tween attending the parish school and
helping his father in his agricultural pur-
suits. When old enough, he learned a
trade, and in after years turned his
attention to railroad contracting, becom-
ing successful. But, while still young,
seeing a wider field in America for a man
of his broad caliber, he emigrated, and
after landing on the shores of the New
World at once proceeded westward to
Ohio, where, for a time, he assisted on the
construction of a railroad and the build-
ing of a bridge over the Susquehanna
river. His next venture was in Illinois,
where he had contracts on the North-
western railroad, then in course of con-
struction, and he proved to be one of the
most successful operators in his line of
business. Possessed of a great amount of
natural ability, he was a good business
manager and a close calculator on plans
and specifications. He also conducted a
farm in Illinois. Now, at the age of sev-
enty-eight years, hale and hearty, he is
living retired with his faithful wife, at
Rockford, Wright Co., Minn., in the full
enjoyment of the esteem of all who know
him. In religious faith he is a member
of the Methodist Church. His wife,
Eunice (Smithj, is a native of Point
Albino, and is the mother of ten children,
seven of whom — three sons and four
daughters — lived to maturity.
William B. Woolford, the subject
proper of these lines, received his educa-
tion at the schools of Palatine, 111., and
at the age of sixteen commenced to assist
his father on the farm. A year after-
ward, however, he took to railroading,
entering the service of the Chicago &
Northwestern Railroad Company as brake-
man, at which he continued four years,
when he was promoted to conductor.
In the latter capacity he served un-
til 1888 a period of fourteen years,
and then resigned in order to accept the
18
position of trainmaster for the Wisconsin
Central railroad. In 1890 he was ap-
pointed to his present incumbency, and
removed to Green Bay.
On July 6, 1872, Mr. Woolford was
united in marriage in Janesville, Wis.,
with Miss Alice McCaffrey, daughter of
James and Mary (Burns) McCaffrey, na-
tives of County Fermanagh, Ireland, of
Scotch descent. Five children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Woolford, named
as follows: Mary A., Eunice B., William
B., Isabella A. and Henry E. Our sub-
ject has been a prominent member of the
F. & A. M. since uniting with the
fraternity in Milwaukee; he is associated
with Wisconsin Blue Lodge No. 13,
Chapter No. 7, Commandery No. i, and
the Consistory, having attained the thir-
ty-second degree. Mrs. Woolford is a
member of the Catholic Church.
GS. LAWRENCE, a pioneer
farmer of Pittsfield township,
Brown county, was born in Jeffer-
son county, N. Y., August 4,
1837, ^ son of Charles and Lucy (Wals-
worth) Lawrence, and grandson of Elijah
Walsworth. There were seven children
in the family of Charles Lawrence, viz. :
Charles, who died at the age of twenty-
four; Harriet, wife of Oliver Crumb, of
Marshalltown, Iowa; Alpheus, a carpen-
ter, of Milwaukee, Wis., now in the
Soldiers Home; Alvin, who died at the
age of twenty; G. S., our subject; John,
who died at the age of thirteen; and Mor-
timer, of Marshalltown, Iowa. The father
of this family died in 1841, of heart
disease, and was buried at Clayton,
New York.
At the age of twelve G. S. Lawrence
was given to Eber Stevens; but, before he
had been with him a year, his mother had
moved to Chicago, and had there mar-
ried Peltier Barter, a sailor and ship car-
penter, and our subject was brought to
his mother and stepfather. Soon after
his marriage Mr. Barter bought forty
320
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGEAPHICAL RECORD.
acres of land at Beaver Island and went
to farming; but had lived there only five
years when he was drowned. Left a
widow the second time, the mother sold
the farm a year later, and moved to Green
Bay, living with Mrs. Oliver Crumb two
years, and thence going to Oconto, where
she made her home with her son, Al-
pheus, about three years. She then re-
turned with her son to Chicago, and died
therein i860. After his mother's death,
our subject returned to Oconto, and
worked in sawmills, etc. , about two years,
when he came to Pittsfield and purchased
fort}' acres of timber land, on which he
had to clear a space large enough to per-
mit the eretion of a log cabin about 12x18
feet in dimensions, in which he li\ed alone
for about a year. On January 27, 1863,
he married Miss Mary Jane Tripp, daugh-
ter of Robert and Sarah (Ledger) Tripp,
who had a family of nine children, viz. :
Alvira, Sarah Ann, Mary Jane, Willard
B., Anna, Emeline, James W. , Ellen A.
and Harriet M., of whom seven are still
living. The father, who was a carpenter,
came from New York to Wisconsin in
1855, first taking up a piece of land in
Suamico township, where he remained
one year; was then taken sick, sold out
and bought forty acres in Pittsfield; on this
he lived si.\ years, sold again, went to
Fond du Lac county, remained there a
year, then came back to Pittsfield and
bought another piece of land, on which
he resided fifteen years, and finally moved
to Stephenson, Mich., where he and his
family still reside.
After his marriage Mr. Lawrence set
himself steadily to work at clearing up
his land, enduring every hardship of pio-
neer life, but adding to its comforts every
year, until, at the end of five years, he be-
came the proud possessor of a team. He
had had, however, a small pony, and when
he was in need of provisions he would
fell a pine tree, shave it into shingles, and
set off for Green Bay to make his pur-
chases with the proceeds, the round trip
requiring two days, as the roads were
bad. When he had cleared sufficient
ground, potatoes and corn were the first
crop planted among the stumps, and the
first wheat was sown by Francis Ledger,
Mrs. Lawrence's grandfather, who was
ninct\'-nine years old at this time. Mr.
Lawrence prospered with his toil, until
to-day he owns 120 acres of well-im-
proved land. To Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence
have been born three children: James
Mortimer, born January 31, 1S64; Charles
Lee, born February 14, 1866; and Emme-
line, born October 7, 1880; Annie, an
adopted daughter, born January i, 1873,
has lived with them all her life. Mr. and
Mrs. Lawrence are Seventh-Da\' Advent-
ists; politically he is a Republican, which
fact, however, is only made manifest by
his punctual atendance at the polls. [Since
the above was written Mr. Lawrence
passed from earth, and a notice of his
death, given at the time, is as follows:
"G. S. Lawrence, of the town of Pitts-
field, died shortly after midnight, Decem-
ber 10, 1894. Through his death Brown
county loses a man of sterling character,
much perseverance and loyalty to his
friends and country. He was one of the
few remaining pioneers, and will be missed
by a large circle of friends."
REV. WILLIAM ROWBOTHAM,
of West De Pere, Brown county,
is a native of the city of Sheffield,
England, and was born November
10, 1 8 19, a son of Amos and Lucy
(Hutchinson) Rowbotham. The former
was a cutler by trade, and when the son
William was nine months old, moved to
the village of Horncastle, Lincolnshire,
where he followed his trade, also keeping
a store for the sale of cutlery, and here
both he and his wife passed the remainder
of their lives.
At the age of twelve our subject was
apprenticed for six years to a tailor in
Horncastle, and, after serving his appren-
ticeship, worked for some years as a jour-
neyman; then, for two years, was engaged
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
321
on his own account as a merchant tailor
at Wrangle, in the same county. On
April 15, 1 84 1, he married, at Boston,
Lincolnshire, Mary Aisthorpe, and in
1844 came to America, his family then
consisting of his wife and two children —
Amos and Naomi. Landing at New
York City, he there worked at his trade
nine months, and then, in July, 1845,
moved to Milwaukee, Wis., where, after
working as a journeyman for a while, he
established a merchant tailor's store op-
posite the present site of the " Plankinton
House, ''in which business he continued
ten years. In the fall of 1855 he moved
to Green Bay, where for ten 3'ears he
conducted a clothing house, and then, for
nine years — 1865 to 1874 — was overseer
of the Brown County Poor House; next
he occupied the adjoining farm for sev-
eral years.
Mr. Rowbotham began his ministerial
labors when but eighteen years of age,
having been then licensed as a local
preacher in the Wesleyan Methodist
Church at Horncastle, England, where
he was in constant service until his coming
to America; he was ordained a deacon
at Kenosha, Wis. (then Southport), in
1848, by Bishop Morris, and as an
elder by Bishop Wile}', at the Division
Street M. E. Church, Fond du Lac,
October i, 1882. He had served the M.
E. Church at Sturgeon Bay during the
year 1880, and in the years 1882 and
1883 served at West Pensaukee ; then
three years at Seymour, four years at
Amherst, and was retired in 1890. The
first wife of Rev. Rowbotham died at
Amherst April 28, 1888, having borne
him three children after arriving in Amer-
ica, viz. : Lucy Jane, Mary Sophia, and
Martha Elizabeth. His second marriage
took place December 31, 1889, to Mrs.
Martha Phelps, widow of Henry Phelps,
of De Pere, and since 1890 Mr. and Mrs.
Rowbotham have resided in West De-
Pere, highly honored and beloved by all
all who know them. [Since the above
was written we have received information
of the death of Rev. Rowbotham late in
the fall of 1894. — Ed.]
Henry Phelps, the deceased husband
of the present Mrs. Rowbotham, was a
native of Jefferson county, N. Y. On
January i, 1844, he married Martha S.
Wright (now Mrs. Rowbotham) at the
town of Henderson, in his native county.
This lady was born February 15, 1824, in
Herkimer county, N. Y., a daughter of
Eli and Nancy (Kellogg) Wright, but was
reared by an uncle, Peter N. Cushman,
from the age of four years to fifteen, and
first came to Waukesha, Wis., in 1838,
where Mr. Cushman ended his days.
When Mr. Cushman settled in Waukesha
there were only three buildings in the
place, but he purchased 600 acres one
mile south of the village, and lived to see
the village become a populous town.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Phelps
located in Milwaukee, where Mr. Phelps
worked at his trade of ship-carpenter, and
later at Janesville, but permanently set-
tled in De Pere in 1855, where, for about
fourteen years he lived on his farm of
ninety-six acres, but still followed his
trade of carpenter and joiner until his
death, which occurred in De Pere Octo-
ber 11, 1888. He left no children. Mrs.
Rowbotham has been a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church since 1850,
but in youth had been reared within the
pale of the Congregational denomina-
tion.
DFLATLEY.whoisone of the most
obliging liverymen in Green Bay,
was born in County Sligo, Ireland,
in 1836, a son of Patrick and
Catherine (Flinn) Flatley, both of whom
died in Ireland, leaving five children:
Mary, D. (our subject), Anna, Ellen and
Sarah. Of these Mary was the first to
come to America, and about the year
1 849 was followed by our subject, who
landed in Quebec, being then thirteen
years of age.
After some experience as a coachman
322
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he reached Green Baj- in 1855, and for
six years was employed at lumbering for
J. Ingalls; was next an assistant engineer
for a year at Fort Howard; then clerked
for two years for a half-brother, and was
next street superintendent for two years
untler Mayor Klaus of Green Bay. In
1869 he went into partnership in the liv-
ery business with Don Harrison, on Pine
street, Green Bay, but bought out his
partner's interest a year later. He met
with much success, and about the year
1884 built his present commodious barns,
where fourteen horses are stabled, for the
accommodation of his prosperous trade.
In 1862 Mr. Flatley was married to
Miss Anna Redmon, daughter of Edward
Redmon, and to this union were born five
children: Edward, Catherine, E. W. ,
George, and Idah (now Mrs. Hemnitz).
Mrs. Flatley was called to her last resting
place July 4, 1884, dying in the Roman
Catholic faith. Mr. Flatley is a devout
Catholic, and is a member of the Order
of Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. He
is fair and square in all his business trans-
actions, and has won for himself a repu-
tation of which any man might well feel
proud.
ANDREW A. EISENMAN, a pros-
perous young citizen of Bellevue
township. Brown county, is a son
of John and Apollonia (Barth)
Eisenman, early settlers of that county.
They had ten children who grew to ma-
turity-— four sons and six daughters — of
whom Andrew A., the second son, was
born in Eaton township. Brown county,
November 1 1, 1867.
He received a good common-school
training in the district .schools of the home
neighborhood, and intended to finish his
education in a college, but he was obliged
to abandon study on account of failing
eyesight. He was reared to farming pur-
suits, and, his father dying March i, 1882,
he remained on the home farm until his
marriage, assisting his widowed mother.
except for one winter, which he spent in
the lumber regions of northern Wiscon-
sin. For three years he and his brother
John also operated a steam threshing
machine. Mr. Eisenman was married,
October 18, 1888, in Green Bay, to Miss
Annie Peterson, who was born in New
Denmark township. Brown count3% daugh-
ter of Erasmus Peterson, who came to
the United States from Denmark. For
a short time the young couple li\ed on
the Eisenman homestead, and then for a
year made their home in Pine Grove,
where he had purchased a saloon busi-
ness. He then purchased his present
place in Lot 16, Bellevue township, and
here they have resided since May i, 1891,
Mr. Eisenman conducting a saloon busi-
ness. In his political preferences he is a
Republican, and now serves as treasurer
of School District No. 2. In religious
connection he and his wife are members
of the Lutheran Church at Pine Grove.
They have one child, Henrietta, born No-
vember 18, 1892.
JOHN C. EISENMAN, a prosperous
farmer of De Pere township, Brown
county, where he is well known and
highly respected as an honest, up-
right citizen, is a member of one of the early
pioneer families of the section. He was
born September 11, 1855, in Eaton
township. Brown county, eldest in the
family of John and Apollonia (Barth)
Eisenman.
Our subject received his education in
the common district schools of the period,
proving an apt scholar; but work being
plentiful on the farm, and he being the
eldest son, there was but little time to give
to his literary training. The home farm
was not yet cleared, and he spent many
days in the woods, faithfully assisting in
the arduous task of transforming the forest-
covered land to a fertile farm, and re-
ceiving a thorough training to pioneer farm
life. On October 25, 1879, he was mar-
ried in Green Bay to Miss Caroline Schoen,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
323
who was born in Humboldt township,
Brown county, daughter of Frederick
Schoen, a native of Germany, and an
early settler of Humboldt township. After
his marriage Mr. Eisenman came to the
farm he yet owns and resides upon, in
Section 25, De Pere, but five acres of
which were at that time cleared, the re-
mainder being still in its primitive state,
and contained no improvements of any
kind, and he built the first house on the
place. But he set to work courageously,
and by industry and persevering toil has
cultivated and developed the farm, until at
present he has a productive fertile tract,
comprising ninety broad acres. In ad-
dition to general agriculture, he has, for
the past eighteen years, been engaged in
threshing, in the pursuit of which occu-
pation he has become unusually well ac-
quainted throughout the county. Mr. Eisen-
man has been a life-long resident of his sec-
tion of the county, and has always done
everything in his power to encourage and
promote the advancement and improve-
ment of same, and, being much esteemed
for his sterling worth, he wields consider-
able influence for good. In politics he
was formerly a Republican, but of late
years he has identified himself with no
party, preferring to vote according to the
fitness of the candidate and the dictates
of his own conscience; he is not an aspir-
ant to office; but has served his town-
ship as path master and clerk of the
school board.
Mr. and Mrs. Eisenman have had born
to them children as follows: Louis,
Arthur, Edward, John, Jr. , Fred, George,
and Charles, all living. The family are
all members of the Lutheran Church at
Pine Grove.
REV. MATTHEW BONGERS,
rector of the Church of the Holy
Martyrs of Gorcum, in Preble
township. Brown county, is a na-
tive of Holland, born December 27, 1832,
at Arnhem, in the Province of Gelderland.
His classical studies and his philo-
sophical course were completed under the
Jesuit Fathers at the seminary in Culen-
burg, and he studied theology at the
seminary of the Archdiocese of Utrecht.
In May, 1861, he accompanied Bishop
Kistemaker to the West Indies, and was
ordained to the priesthood June 25, same
year, at St. Joseph's Church, Curacoa,
by the above-named bishop. He was
appointed the bishop's secretary, also had
charge of the Sisters of Charity, and at-
tended the lepers for one year. After-
ward he labored earnestly as a missionary
in six different islands belonging to the
Netherlands until 1885, when, on account
of failing health, he was compelled to
leave the tropics for a cooler and more
congenial climate. Accordingly he came
to America, ostensibly to visit his sister,
Mrs. A. L. de France, Oconto, Wis., ar-
riving there June 5. On September i,
same year, owing to the ill health of Rev.
Father Brown, our subject was appointed
assistant to the latter at St. Patrick's
Church, Fort Howard, Brown Co., Wis.,
and in December following the death of
Father Brown, he received the appoint-
ment of rector of the same church. In
October, 1886, he was removed to Green
Bay, Wis., to take charge of St. Willi-
brord's Church, with which congregation
he continued three years and three
months — during which time he procured
a free school for 200 children — and on
February 6, 1890, he assumed his present
charge.
He had much experience during his
twenty-four years of missionary life, and
found some time for literary work as well.
He published a work on the education of
children (entitled "Virtue and Duty of
Parents "), in the West Indies language
(" Papiamentoe"). He was the first in
the Diocese of Green Bay to establish the
free-school system, and he is known as
an able speaker.
During the thirty-three years of his
priesthood Father Bongers has, by his
tireless industry, zeal and devotion to his
324
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
work, won the love and respect of all
with whom he has come in contact, and
he still receives a pension from the Hol-
land Government, in recognition of the
good work done b}' him in the cause of
the Church.
AHREND S. BUCKMANN (de-
ceased), who, during his lifetime,
ranked with the most prosperous
and influential farmers of New
Denmark township. Brown county, was a
native of Oldenburg, Germany, born Oc-
tober 5, 1816.
Mr. Buckmann was married in Ger-
many, October 17, 1843, to Miss Henri-
etta Bartels, who was born there July 22,
18 1 3, daughter of Diedrich and Matie
(Maiborn) Bartels, the former of whom )
was a saloonkeeper, and whose family
consisted of ti\e children, namely: Jo-
hanna, Matie, Herman, Henrietta (who
remained at home until her marriage), and
Margaret. Mr. Buckmaim carried on a
saloon, and was also engaged in farming,
on rented land, continuing thus until
1 860, when he came to America with his
wife and family of four children, all of
whom were born in Germany, their names
and dates of birth being as follows:
Catherine, June 28, 1844; Diedrich, De-
cember 13, 1846; Metta, March 2, 1853;
H. F. , March 24, 1855; (one son Henry,
born November 10, 1850, died in Ger-
many when one year old). They em-
barked at Bremen and landed at Balti-
more, Md., thence coming direct to New-
Denmark township. Brown Co., Wis.,
where Mr. Buckmann purchased eighty
acres of partly improved land, whereon
stood a log house, in which the family
lived for eleven years, when it was re-
placed by the beautiful frame dwelling in
which they now reside. Mr. Buckmann
was one of the most industrious of men,
and, by giving his undivided attention to
his business interests, increased the area
of his farm to 240 acres, all of which he
improved and brought to a high state of
cultivation. He also took great interest
in the welfare and advancement of his
township, and tilled several positions of
trust, serving as supervisor (five years),
pathmaster, and for twenty-seven con-
secutive years as school-treasurer, winning
for himself an enviable position among
his fellowmen for his integrity and ster-
ling worth. On October 17, 1893, he and
his wife celebrated the golden anniversary
of their wedding, and three weeks later,
on November 6, he passed from earth,
aged seventy-seven years; his remains
now rest in New Denmark cemetery.
Since his decease his widow has continued
to reside on the farm, making her home
with her son H. F., who now owns the
place and successfully carries on the agri-
cultural work.
H. F. BUCKMANN was five years
old when he came with his parents to
America, and received his education in
the common district schools of New Den-
mark township. On May 25, 1881, he
was united in marriage with Miss Adeline
Lange, daughter of Herman and Anna
(Meyer) Lange, and they immediately
took up their residence with his parents
on the farm. Like his father before him,
Mr. Buckmann is a stanch member of the
Democratic party.
CORNELIUS DOUGHERTY.
Prominent among the early set-
tlers and leading progressive citi-
zens of Brown county is found
this gentleman, who is a native of the
Emerald Isle, born about 1825 near the
town of Killarney, County Kerry, son of
James Dougherty, who was a weaver by
occupation. The mother of our subject,
who was a Sullivan, died when he was
eighteen months old, leaving a family of
five children — four sons and one daughter
— of whom Cornelius is the youngest.
Our subject was reared by the older
members of the family, and, during his
youth, received a common-school edu-
cation. In April, 1847, having received
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
325
money from his brother Daniel, who had
immigrated the year previous, he con-
cluded to come to America, and, bidding
the home of his boyhood farewell, he
proceeded from Cork -to Liverpool, from
which port he set sail April 15, and, on
May 15, arrived in Boston, where he was
obliged to remain in quarantine five da3'S.
A few days later his brother sent him
money to come to Chicopee, Mass., and
here he obtained employment as clerk for
a large merchant, John Haley, with whom
he remained two years. He then went
to Brookfield, Mass. , where he learned
the trade of shoemaker, but, tiring of
that, removed to Holyoke, and later to
Springfield. In the latter city he was
united in marriage, in 1854, with Miss
Ellen Wrin, also a native of County
Kerry, Ireland, and, shortly afterward,
they set out for Wisconsin, coming to
Green Bay on the "Old Michigan." On
their arrival in that cit\- they had but
twenty-five cents, so they walked from
Green Bay to De Pere, and thence to Glen-
more township, Brown county, where she
remained at the home of his brother
Daniel. Mr. Dougherty found work on
the Kaukauna canal, then in course of
construction, and, being strong and active,
he made a good workman.
Mr. Dougherty finally managed to save
thirty dollars from his hard-earned wages,
which he invested in forty acres of
land in Section 22, Glenmore town-
ship, locating thereon about 1856, and
here he has ever since resided. The
land was entirely new, the trees being
so thick they had to clear a space for
a cabin, and he was the first one to
do any clearing on the tract. Having
but few implements, the work at first
progressed slowly, but he persevered,
and soon the place began to assume a
cultivated appearance. For a long time,
however, the wolves played sad havoc with
his stock, and he well remembers one
night when these animals attacked a large
steer, the only one he had. The noise
drew him to the scene, and he succeeded
in frightening the wolves away, but the
animal died. However, the wild beasts
were gradually driven out, and, with the
influx of civilization, the forests gradually
gave way to beautiful, well-kept farms.
To Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty were born
children as follows: James, now a resi-
dent of Ortonville, Minn. ; John, a
farmer, who is postmaster at Glenmore;
Mary, Mrs. Michael J. Clark, of Wau-
saukee, Wis. ; Catherine, wife of Robert
Wilson, a barber, of Crystal Falls, Mich. ;
Josephine, Mrs. Mathias Matzke, of Glen-
more; and three children that died young.
The mother of these passed from earth
in May, 1867, and was buried in the
Catholic cemetery at De Pere. In Feb-
ruary, 1868, Mr. Dougherty wedded, for
his second spouse, Mrs. Julia Murphy
(widow of Daniel Murphy), nee Donohue,
who was also a native of County Kerry,
Ireland, where Mr. Dougherty knew her
before his emigration.
Since his settlement in Glenmore town-
ship our subject has continued to follow
agriculture, and at one time had 120
acres under cultivation. He has given
each of his sons eighty acres, having
bought eighty acres more in Section 7,
Glenmore township, which he had deeded
to his son James. All his property has
been accumulated by years of toil and
persevering industry, and too much credit
can not be given to these old settlers for
the part they have taken in the develop-
ment of the country. In his dealings
with his fellow men he has been straight-
forward and honest, and he is respected
by all who know him for his integrit}' and
upright bearing. Though now nearly
seventy years of age, he is still active and
well-preserved, and few men in the vicin-
ity are better or more favorably known
than "Con Dougherty," as he is famil-
iarly called. He is foremost in every
movement of benefit and interest to his
community, and has been selected to fill
numerous offices of trust, serving for
thirty-two years as chairman of Glen-
more township, was township superin-
326
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
tendent of schools, and for years a justice
of the peace. PoHtically he has always
been a Democrat and a leader of the
party in his section. In religious con-
nection he and his wife are members of
St. Mary's Church, Glenmore, in which
he served as trustee five or six years, and
also as treasurer.
On October 4, 1864, Mr. Dougherty
enlisted at Green Bay, Wis., in the
Twenty-second Wis. V. I., and served as
clerk for Col. Chapman at Camp Randall.
He was honorably discharged May 18,
1865, and returned at once to Glenmore.
JOHN BROEREN, one of the repre-
sentative well-to-do farmer citizens
and mechanics of Holland township,
Brown county, deserves, because of
the lessons presented in his busy life, more
than a passing notice in the pages of this
volume. He is a native of Holland, born
March 16, 1828, youngest in the family
of eight children — four sons and four
daughters — born to Peter Broeren, who
was by occupation a farmer and maker of
straw thatching.
Our subject was reared on his father's
farm, receiving in his boyhood a meager
education at the schools of the neighbor-
hood of his home. He also learned the
trades of wooden shoe and thatch making,
which, in company with his brother
Mathias, he followed after the death of
their father, and in this wa)' was enabled
to make a few dollars over and above what
he required for living expenses, for he was
always industrious and frugal. In 1856,
then twenty-eight years old, being de-
sirous of bettering himself, and casting
longing eyes in the direction of the West-
ern World, whither many of his country-
men had already betaken themselves, he
decided to emigrate and try his fortune
under new skies, where homes are cheaper
and wages higher. At Rotterdam he
boarded the American ship ' ' South Caro-
lina," bound for New York, which port
she reached after a somewhat lengthy
passage of fifty-seven days, during which
he suffered much from sea-sickness. From
New York he came directly to Chicago,
and in some part of Illinois he found work,
cutting grass on the prairie. While so
engaged he attended church regularly each
Sunday, the nearest Catholic one being
seven miles distant. In the fall of the
same year he came to Green Bay by boat
from Chicago, and being a natural me-
chanic, and having with him his tools used
in making wooden shoes, he found some
carpenter work to do until winter, receiv-
ing in wages about ten dollars per month.
One day, meeting some farmers from
Calumet county, he was induced by them
to return with them to their part of the
State, in order that he might there
make wooden shoes for the country peo-
ple; and at this sort of employment he
was engaged all winter. The following
spring (1857) he again came to Green
Bay, where, for the three following years,
he worked at carpentry. In the fall of
i860, trade in his line being dull, and
having saved a few dollars, he thought it
would be a good opportunity to revisit his
native land; so, in company with three
other Hollanders, he set out on the journey
via New York, where the party took
steamer for Southampton, landing there
in thirteen days from time of sailing.
From that port they proceeded by rail to
London, thence down the Thames and
across the North Sea to Rotterdam, Hol-
land, and from there our subject soon
reached his old home and friends. In the
following spring he returned to the United
States by steamer, via Rotterdam and
New York, thence by rail to Chicago and
Appleton, at which latter point (the rail-
road terminating there at that time) he
took boat down the Fox river to Green
Bay, where, after a few weeks rest, he re-
commenced carpentry work with his old
employer. Soon after coming to Green
Bay Mr. Broeren built himself a small
boat — sixteen feet in length, with a wheel
paddle- in the rear — the craft, which was
propelled by a crank turned by hand, being
^irmA ^^r^ti^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
329
quite a curiosity at the time and attracting
much attention. He passed many pleas-
ant hours with it on the waters of Green
Bay, and a perfect model of the boat —
wheel-paddle and all — now surmounts
his barn.
On February 17, 1862, Mr. Broeren
was united in marriage, at Little Chute,
Wis., with Mrs. Hannah Goerkes, («cV
Siemons), widow of John Goerkes, who
was drowned in the canal lock at Kau-
kauna, where he was lock-keeper at the
time. She is a native of Prussia, born
September 16, 1834, a daughter of Rine-
hart Siemons, a Hollander, who came to
the United States in 1848, and was one of
those who first settled Holland township.
Brown county, in that year. After mar-
riage Mr. Broeren continued to work in
Appleton at carpentry and pattern-making
until the spring of 1865, when, in com-
pany with Cornelius Gerrits, having pur-
chased of Hoel S. Wright, of Wrights-
town, a farm of forty acres, with a water-
power sawmill thereon, he moved thither
with his family. Soon afterward he
bought out his partner's interest, and in
about two years converted the water-
power of the sawmill into steam-power.
To these forty acres he subsequently added
forty more, and in Woodville township,
Calmuet county, he also purchased land,
now owning in all 140 acres. When he
first came to his farm it was completely
covered with timber and underbrush, but,
by indefatigable industry, heroic work,
and tireless energy, he has made the
quondam howling wilderness to blossom
as the rose. In connection with agricul-
ture, he has continued to conduct the
sawmill, to which he has added a plan-
ing-mill.
Mr. Broeren, in his political prefer-
ences, is a stanch Democrat, and served
his township as supervisor one year; he
and his wife are members of St. Francis
Catholic Church, and are held in the highest
esteem in the community. Their chil-
dren, eight in number, were: Peter, in
California; George, a farmer in Holland
township. Brown county; Francis W. ,
who died December 10, 1869; Anna M.,
organist of St. Francis Church; Cecilia
B., at home; Theodore, in Portland, Ore. ;
and Wilhelmina and William, both at
home. By her first husband Mrs. Broe-
ren had three children — Henry, John and
Mary — of whom the last named married
Martin Vandezagt, and died leaving no
children. Henry went to the Pacific coast
in 1882, soon afterward making a trip to
Australia; but, not liking the country, he
returned after a short stay, after which
time his home was, for the most part, in
Tulare county, Cal., until 1893, when he
removed to Alaska, and is now engaged
in mining along the Yukon river. John
went to the Pacific coast four years later
than Henry, and in the spring of 1894 also
went to Alaska, where he is now engaged
in mining with his brother. After Henry's
arrival in that country it was six months
before he reached the mines, being de-
tained on account of the snow. The
brothers are both practical mechanics,
with the ability to turn their hands to
almost any kind of work, a fact which
accounts in a great measure for their suc-
cess in all their undertakings.
Gifted, as he is, with more than aver-
age natural ability and intellect, yet de-
nied in his boyhood and youth aught but
the most limited school advantages, there
is to be found in the career of Mr. Broeren
a potent lesson to the youth of this or any
other land, who, commencing life as he
did, an uneducated, penniless lad, is
striving to hew out for himself an honest
competence and honored name. Mr.
Broeren is never idle; whether in the field
among his crops, in his mills listening to the
hum of the machinery, or by his domestic
fireside in the bosom of his family, his
hand and mind are ever employed — his
hand in labor, his mind in perusing Eng-
lish literature or the current events of the
day; and now his homestead is spoken of
by the newspapers of Outagamie and
Brown counties as the "model farm of
Holland township."
33°
COMMEMORATIVE DIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
THOMAS DUFFY, one of the pros-
perous farmers and representa-
tive citizens of Holland township,
Brown county, is a native of Berk-
shire county, Mass., born July 28, 1852,
son of James and Margaret (Martin) Duffy.
James Duffy was born in County Mon-
aghan, Ireland, where he learned the
trade of weaver, and when a young man
came to the United States, first locating
in Massachusetts. He was married in
that State, for his second wife, to Miss
Margaret Martin, a native of County Gal-
way, Ireland, and they remained there
until 1858, Mr. Duffy working in the
paper mills. Mr. Duffy had several chil-
dren by his first marriage, and in 1858,
with his entire family, which then con-
sisted of ten children, he came to Wis-
consin, land being cheap in that then new
country. They located in Brown county,
purchasing forty acres in Section 27, Hol-
land township, the tract having no im-
provements whatever except a small log
house, in which the family made their
home. The task of clearing was a great
one, for, having no improved machinery —
an axe and a hoe being almost the only
implements used — it took many years of
toil to make the land tillable. He passed
through all the vicissitudes of pioneer life,
and lived to see his farm converted from
the woods into a fertile tract. In later
years he purchased another forty acres.
Mr. and Mrs. Duffy spent the remainder
of their days on the farm where they first
located, he passing away in July, 1887,
and his wife following him to the grave
in September, same year; their remains
now rest in Holland cemetery. They
were devout members of the Catholic
Church, and were everywhere respected.
In politics Mr. Duffy was a stanch mem-
ber of the Democratic party, and served
creditably in several positions of trust;
in 1863-64, and again in 1874, he served
as township treasurer, and he also held
offices in his school district.
Thomas Duffy was the third son of
James and Margaret (Martin) Duffy.
When six years old he came with his par-
ents to Wisconsin, and, having never at-
tended school up to that time, he received
all his educational training in the district
schools of Holland township, his first
teachers being Martin Finnerty and
Michael Vandenberg. But in those earl}'
dajs the schools were far from thorough,
and the education acquired, even when
attending regularly, was somewhat limited.
But work at home was the first con-
sideration, and he received a thorough
training to agriculture under his father
on the home farm, which he now resides
upon. On November 23, 1880, he was
united in marriage, in East Holland, to
Miss Ellen Clancey, who was born in
Holland township, Februarj' 17, i860, a
daughter of \^'illiam Clancey, who came
from County Limerick, Ireland. The
}oung couple took up their, residence on
the homestead which he now owns, as.
well as eighty acres across the road, and
here he has always resided, excepting for
a few months when he lived in Kaukauna.
To this union children have been born as
follows: John, August 17, 1 881; Maggie
Ellen, June 16, 1883; Mamie A., Septem-
ber 6, 1884; James. October 8, 1886;
Willie, June 19, 1889; Jennie Elizabeth,
July 22, 1891; and Florence L., July
19, 1893.
Mr. Duffy is a progressive, go-ahead
farmer, and has, to a great degree, been
the architect of his own fortune, for, being
one of a large family, he had to do for
himself. He is very popular in his locality,
where he has many friends and is well
known. In political connection he is a
Democrat, and one of the local leaders
of the party, being stanch in the support
of its principles. He has served as treas-
urer of his township for a longer term
than an}' other one man, having held the
office continuously since 1881, with the
exception of a year, discharging the duties
of his position in a highly satisfactory
manner. In religious connection he and
his family are members of St. Francis
Church, of Holland.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
331
JOSEPH LEITERMANN, a success-
ful farmer of Glenmore township,
Brown county, was born February
28, 1847, in Bohemia. Austria, son
of Peter Leitermann, a farmer. The latter
had nine children — four sons and five
daughters — Joseph being the eighth in the
order of birth and the third son.
When si.\ years old our subject com-
menced to attend school, continuing until
he reached the age of twelve or thirteen
years. He then began the trade of
wagon-maker, following that about eight
years, or until the spring of 1867, when
he concluded to emigrate and seek his
fortune in America. His father gave
him money to pay the expenses of the
journey, and, sailing from Bremen he
landed in New York after a voyage of
nineteen days, immediately after arrival
proceeding to Manitowoc, Wis. Having
found work near that city as a farmhand,
he resided there a year and a half, when
he came to Brown county, and purchased
forty acres in Section 25, Glenmore town-
ship, going in debt for same. The only
improvement on this place was a log
shanty, which stood five or si.x rods
southeast of his present residence, and
the land was entirely new. In Novem-
ber, 1869, Mr. Leitermann was married,
in Glenmore, to Miss Mary Hebel, also a
native of Austria, who was born May 10,
1844, daughter of Mathias Hebel, and
the young couple at once commenced
housekeeping in the log house above
mentioned, where they made their home
until the erection of their present com-
fortable dwelling. Here their children
were all born, as follows: Barbara, born
December 20, 1870, now Mrs. Xavier
Rank, of Kewaunee county, Wis. ; Peter
J., born April 6, 1873; Joseph, born
April 7, 1874; Mary, born July 19, 1875;
John, born October 8, 1876; Annie, born
February 4, 1879; Louis, born June 4,
1884, all residing at home; and one that
died in infancy unnamed.
It required many years of stern toil
to clear and improve the farm, and Mr.
Leitermann not only did that, but from
time to time added to his original pur-
chase, and now has a fine farm of 120
acres, thoroughly equipped with substan-
tial outbuildings. His family have as-
sisted him greatly with the general farm
work, and he has also been a hard worker,
by good management and systematic meth-
ods making a success of his life work. In
connection with general farming he is also
engaged in stock-raising to some extent.
He has been a Democrat in politics, but
not an active party man, preferring to
give all his time to his farm. In religion
he and his family are members of St.
Mary's Catholic Church, at Glenmore,
and they are highly respected throughout
their communitv.
IVI
ATHEW RIPP, an industrious
young farmer of Green Bay
township. Brown county, is a
son of Peter and Christina (Van-
hatten) Ripp. Christina Vanhatten was
born February 14, 1844, in Germany,
and in 1853 came to America with her
parents, Peter and Elizabeth Vanhatten,
whose family at this time consisted of four
children: Christina, Elizabeth, Catherine
and Mary. One child, Margaret, was
born in America. The family landed in
New York after a remarkably pleasant
voyage of twenty-three days, and imme-
diately after arrival proceeded to a place
about thirty miles distant from Rochester,
N. Y. , where they purchased sixty-one
acres of wild land, which they cultivated,
and made their home there for thirteen
years. They then migrated westward to
Wisconsin, and took up their residence
about thirty miles from Milwaukee, re-
maining there seven years, or until 1873,
when they came to Brown county, settling
on a farm in Green Bay township, where
the parents passed the remainder of their
lives.
In 1862 Christina Vanhatten was
united in marriage with Peter Ripp, and
their union was blessed with six children.
332
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
viz. : Elizabeth, Katie, Mathew (who
married Miss Blundy), Mary (Mrs. Blundy),
Anna, and Margaret (deceased). Mr. and
Mrs. Ripp came to Green Bay township
with the Vanhatten family in 1873, and
here he died about six weeks later. Mrs.
Ripp purchased a tract of eighty acres in
Green Bay township, which her son
Mathew has cleared and cultivated, and
on which they make their home; in ad-
dition to this place he owns and cultivates
a piece of land in Humboldt township.
Since his father's death he has been the
principal support of his widowed mother,
proving a faithful and devoted son in every
respect.
SYLVESTER BOEHM, now living
retired in the township of Belle-
vue. Brown county, with whose
agricultural interests he has been
actively identified for nearly forty years,
is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born De-
cember 30, 1828. His father, George
Boehm, a hard-working, thrifty farmer in
the Fatherland, had a family of eight
children — four sons and four daughters —
of whom our subject is the seventh in the
order of birth.
Sylvester Boehm attended the schools
of his native place, receiving a liberal
common-school education. When seven-
teen years old he commenced to learn the
stone-mason's trade, at which he served
an apprenticeship of three years, and then
embarked in the business for himself, his
earnings being all turned over to his par-
ents. In the spring of 1853 he proceeded
to Liverpool, from which port he sailed
for America, landing in Philadelphia after
a voyage of fifty days. Going at once to
New York he obtained employment as a
mechanic (his wages being fifty cents per
day), continuing thus but a short time,
however, for he went to Detroit, Mich.,
where he worked at his trade. In 1857
he was married in New Baltimore, Mich.,
to Miss Theresa Wygal, who was born
September 8, 1830, in Prussia, daughter
of Joseph Wygal, who came to the United
States in 1854, and located near Detroit.
Shortly after his marriage Mr. Boehm
came to Green Bay, Wis., and for one
summer followed his trade; then, in 1859,
purchased forty acres of heavily wooded
land in Bellevue township, going into
debt for same, and on this tract, in a
log cabin 12 .\ 12, he and his wife took up
their residence. He has since devoted
his attention exclusively to agriculture, in
which he has met with most encouraging
success, the just reward of industry and
thrift. On that farm he remained until
1892, in which year he came to his pres-
ent home, a pleasant farm of twenty-eight
acres, where he now lives a partly re-
tired life. He has been a self-made man,
for, when he landed in the United States,
he had a capital of only five dollars with
which to commence life in the New World,
and from this small beginning he has ac-
cumulated a comfortable property. He
and his wife are known as good, kind-
hearted neighbors, and their hospitality is
almost proverbial. They had seven chil-
dren: Louis, now a resident of Florida;
Catherine, Mrs. Frank Rinehart, of Duck
Creek, Wis. ; Margarette, Mrs. Ferdinand
Ellinger, of Bellevue township; Caroline,
Mrs. Frank Nachtwey, of Bellevue town-
ship; and three children — one son and two
daughters — that died young. Mr. Boehm
is an adherent of the principles of the
Democratic party, but in voting he usually
selects the best man, regardless of politics.
He and his wife are members of the
Catholic Church.
HUGH FINNEGAN, an influential
farmer-citizen of Holland town-
ship, Brown county, is a worthy
representative of one of its early
pioneer families.
Patrick Finnegan, his father, was born
in 1 8 19 in County Sligo, Ireland, where
he married Margaret Graham, and in
their native country one child was born —
Andrew. Mr. Finnegan was a tenant
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
333
farmer, and, though a hard-working man,
he could barely make a comfortable liv-
, ing. In the spring of 1848 he concluded
to immigrate to the United States, where
the workingman had a chance to better
himself, and, gathering together what
capital he could — a few dollars realized
from the sale of his effects and a small
sum he had saved — he left his home, and
proceeded with his little family, via Dub-
lin, to Liverpool. Here they took pas-
sage on a sailing vessel bound for New
York City, where they landed after a
weary voyage occupying several weeks.
Their first home in the New World was
made at Schenectady, N. Y. , where Mr.
Finnegan found employment as laborer
on the canal, and there they resided a
few years, or until about 1S51, when, at-
tracted no doubt by the cheap homes of-
fered to early settlers, he decided to set-
tle in the then new State of Wisconsin.
They took passage at Buffalo on the ' ' Old
Michigan," then plying on the lakes be-
tween that city and Green Bay, and, after
arriving at the latter city, came up the
Fox river to Kaukauna, where they re-
mained several years, Mr. Finnegan work-
ing as a laborer on the canal. He then
purchased 160 acres of new land in Sec-
tion 22, Holland township. Brown county,
totally unimproved, and he built the first
house thereon — a small log structure,
which stood a short distance east of the
present family residence. Not a stick
had been cut from the land, and, although
he set about the clearing of the farm at
once, it yielded no support for himself and
his family for several years, and he con-
tinued to work in Kaukauna during the
summer time. Having but a limited sup-
ply of farming implements, and no im-
proved machinery, the work of improving
and cultivating progressed slowly; but he
persevered, keeping ever before him the
prospect of one day having a comfortable
property which he could call his own.
With constant care and industry his quar-
ter-section of land finally was converted
into a smiling, productive farm, to which.
in later years, he added an adjoining forty
acres, the whole making a fine tract. The
log cabin was in time supplanted by a
substantial farm residence, in which he
passed the remainder of his life, dying in
November, 1878, and he was laid to rest
in Holland township. His first wife passed
from earth in 1858, and was buried in
Holland township, and Mr. Finnegan
subsequently married Miss Ellen McBride,
a native of Ireland, who survives him.
The children born in the United States to
his first marriage were: Bridget, now
Mrs. Joseph Redline, of Green Bay; Mi-
chael, a resident of Ingalls, Mich. ; Hugh,
a sketch of whom follows, and Thomas,
of Menomonee, Wis. Andrew, the eldest
of this family, who was born in Ireland,
also resides in Menomonee. To the sec-
ond marriage came children as follows:
Mary, Mrs. Peter Golden, of Wrights-
town; and Maggie, Mrs. John Cox, of
Holland township.
In politics Mr. Finnegan was a strong
supporter of the principles of the Demo-
cratic party, but he never aspired to office,
preferring to give all his attention to his
farm. In religious faith he was a mem-
ber of St. Francis Church, De Pere. One
of the earliest settlers in Holland town-
ship, he lived to see his farm and the sur-
rounding country converted from a dense
forest to a productive tract of land,
changes which those pioneers effected by
many years of stern toil. He was a self-
made man, for, though in comfortable cir-
cumstances at the time of his death, he
began life with nothing but a willing
heart and hands, and won success by in-
dustry and good business management,
and his honesty and fair dealing won him
the respect of all who knew him.
Hugh Finnegan, son of this old
pioneer, was born July 13, 1855, in Hol-
land township, on the farm where he yet
makes his home. He received such an
education as could be obtained at the
common district schools of his time, his
attendance being somewhat irregular, for
he was reared to farm life, and, as the
334
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
home place was still in its primitive con-
dition, there was plenty of work at home
to f)ccupy his time. F"rom the time of
his mother's death, up to the age of thir-
teen, he was reared by his grandmother
Finnegan, who then lived in Holland
township, after which he made his home
with his father. On November 9, 1887,
he was married in Holland township, to
Miss Ellen Finerty, who was born there
January 13, 1859, daughter of Thomas
and Catherine (Keaton) Finert}'. After
their marriage the young couple immedi-
ately came to the home farm, where they
have ever since resided, and which Mr.
Finnegan now owns; it comprises 200
acres of prime land, all in Holland town-
ship. This union has been blessed with
three children, viz.: Carrie M., born
September 17, 1889; Thomas A., born
April I, 1 891; and Robert P., born De-
cember 15, 1893. Mr. Finnegan has
been very successful in his farming opera-
tions, and to-day ranks among the most
prosperous citizens in his township. He
takes an interest in every movement which
tends to promote the welfare of his local-
ity, and is foremost in the rank of pro-
gressive farmers Politically he is a
Democrat, but, though stanch in his sup-
port of the party, gives no time to politics,
being fully occupied with his business af-
fairs. In religious connection the family
are members of St. Francis Catholic
Church, De Pere.
PETER CALLAHAN, a well-
known farmer citizen cf Glen-
more township. Brown county,
was born in November, 1837, in
County Monaghan, Ireland, son of James
Callahan. When Peter was but a boy
his ]iarents immigrated to Canada with
their family of eight children — four sons
and four daughters — and here he was
reared. His mother died when he was
about fifteen years old, and, this event
breaking up the home, he then com-
menced sailing on the lakes, a business in
which he continued, "off and on," for
some years. His father conducted a
livery stable and hack line, and during
the winter season Peter assisted him.
In 1863 our subject came to Brown
county. Wis., sailing from Buffalo to
Green Bay, and here obtained work as
wheelsman and fireman on the "Arrow"
and the "Van Epps. " He remained on
the " Arrow " until she gave out, and in-
tended to continue his work on the
" Dunlap, " to which vessel the machinery
from the "Arrow" was being transferred;
but, in the fall of 1863, he enlisted at
Green Bay, in Company H, Thirty-fifth
Wis. \'. I., and went to Camp \\'ash-
burn, Milwaukee. The command \Nas
sent to Louisiana, and they engaged in
various skirmishes, but their first regular
engagement was at Spanish Fort. Then
followed the engagements at Fort Blakely,
whence they were sent to Mobile, and
later to Brownsville, Texas, protecting
the frontier from the encroachments of
the Mexicans during the disturbances in
that country. Mr. Callahan was dis-
charged in Brownsville, Texas, in March,
1866, and returned to Madison, Wis.,
thence to De Pere, where he made his
home for about a year; while in the
service he had suffered from exposure,
and returned with his health seriously
impaired. During his residence in De-
Pere he worked in the stave mills, and
in 1867 he came to Glenmore township,
where he was employed in the sawmill of
Bowen, Thompson & Hulburt, who were
getting out lumber. In i 868 he removed
to his present farm, in the N. W'. |,
Section 14, Glenmore township, which,
at that time, was an eighty-acre tract of
new land (with the timber thereon re-
served by others), and here he built the
first house, and made all the improve-
ments on the place. The work of clear-
ing this farm involved a great deal of
hard work, but, by continued industry,
he has reduced it to a fertile condition.
In 1892 he built a store on the northwest
corner of his farm, where he now con-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGIIAPHICAL RECORD.
335
ducts a saloon, in addition to carrying on
his ac;;ricultural work. In politics he is a
Democrat, and always supports the prin-
ciples of that party in State and National
elections, but in local affairs he votes in-
variably for the best man. He is a close
reader, and keeps himself well informed on
general topics and the issues of his party, j
In the fall of 1863 Mr. Callahan was
married, in Green Bay, to Miss Johanna
Dwyer, a native of County Tipperary,
Ireland, daughter of John Dwyer, and to
this union were born two children: Mary
E., now Mrs. Warner, of Montana, and
James E., of Michigan. Mr. and Mrs.
Callahan are members of St. Mary's
Catholic Church, of Glenmore.
LAMBERT WELLENS. Many of
the thrifty, industrious, well-to-do
citizens of Brown county can
boast of Holland birth, and promi-
nent among these ranks the subject of
these lines, who is a resident of Bellevue
township. He was born December 6,
1836, in the village of Schaijk, near the
city of Grave, Holland, son of John H.
Wellens, a farmer, and the youngest of
eight children — all sons — four of whom
grew to maturity.
Lambert Wellens received a good
common-school education in the schools
of his neighborhood, was reared a farmer
boy, and remained at home until he
reached the age of twenty, at which time
he decided to seek his fortune in America.
His father had died, and having the
money received from the estate to pay his
expenses, he set sail from Antwerp, land-
ing in New York after an ocean voyage
of twenty-one days. It was his original
intention to go to De Pere, Wis., but
being influenced by an acquaintance he
went instead to Grant county, that State,
where he arrived with but five dollars, and
immediately hired out as a farm hand, con-
tinuing to follow agricultural pursuits for
two years, during five months of which time
he worked with his two brothers, Seeman
and Albert, who had come to the United
States a few months after him. In the
spring of 1859 these three brothers were
seized with the "western fever," and
taking a team of o.xen to haul provisions,
they set out across the plains for Pike's
Peak, the journey occupying six weeks.
But not being satisfied with the prospects
there, they remained only ten days, and
then pushed on farther westward to Cali-
fornia with the same team, taking five
months and ten days to make the trip.
They prospected in Shasta county, Cal. ,
remaining there four and a half years, and
then went to Idaho Territory, where they
sojourned four years, prospecting and
mining the greater part of the time, and
making about $5,000 apiece. In the fall
of 1867 they returned by stage to Sacra-
mento, Cal., thence by water to San
Francisco, and from there, via the Nicar-
agua canal route, to New York, where
they took passage for Liverpool, and in
October, 1867, arrived at their old home
in Holland.
In January, 1868, our subject was
married at his old home in Holland, to
Miss Barbara Johnson, who was born
October 25, 1840, in the same neighbor-
hood, daughter of John Johnson, a farmer,
and to this union have been born six chil-
dren, viz. : John, Mary, William, Albert,
Theodore and Nettie, all living but Theo-
dore, who died on the present farm in
Wisconsin in March, 1888. After return-
ing to his native land, Mr. Wellens took
up farming, and at the same time con-
ducted a grocery and a mercantile busi-
ness, continuing in this until 1883, when
he again concluded to come to America.
In the spring of that year he and his
family sailed from Rotterdam on the
" P. Caland," arriving in New York after
a voyage of eighteen days, and, their des-
tination being De Pere, Wis., they im-
mediately proceeded thither. In Bellevue
township. Brown county, Mr. Wellens
purchased eighty-four acres of partly im-
proved land, where he has ever since made
his home, devoting his attention pricipally
336
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to the cultivation and improvement of his
farm. The place has undergone many
chanj^es since he has had charge, and it
is now one of the best improved farms in
the township; he has also added sixty
acres adjoining, and is engaged extensively
in general agriculture, his remarkable suc-
cess in this hne being directly due to his
good business management and shrewd
financiering, for which he is well known.
He is a representative self-made man,
active and intelligent, having accumulated
a goodly share of this world's goods by
hard work and perseverance. He has
traveled considerably, more than the
average farmer, having crossed this coun-
try from New York to San Francisco,
visited Central America, and, in 1 893, took
a six-weeks' pleasure trip to his native
country; he has crossed the Atlantic four
times. Politically he is a Democrat, but
he gives little attention to party affairs,
preferring to devote his time to his busi-
ness interests. The family are all mem-
bers of the Catholic Church at De Pere.
JOSEPH E. DUAfME, a representa-
tive thorough-going agriculturist, of
Lawrence township. Brown county,
was born May 16, 1841, in St.
Francis, Canada, and is of French descent.
Our subject received the greater part
of his education from his mother, who
was a French scholar, and had been a
school teacher. His father, Bruno Du-
aime, was a ship carpenter, and among
other boats built the "Fanny Fisk." On
July 15, 1850, the family came to Green
Bay, Wis., and, the parents being in only
moderate circumstances, Joseph com-
menced to work at an early age, for when
fifteen years old we find him in the lum-
ber camps of northern Michigan, where
he earned from twelve to fifteen dollars
per month. At the breaking out of the
Civil war he was working on a farm near
Fond du Lac, Wis., and he enlisted at
once in the Union army, but his father
succeeded in obtaining his release. Later,
however, he went to Brown count}', and
in the spring of 1864 again enlisted, this
time in Company C, Twelfth Wis. V. I.,
with which he went south to Cairo, 111.,
soon afterward joining Sherman at Big
Shanty, Ga. Their first regular engage-
ment was at Kenesaw Mountain, thence
following the campaign to the coast. On
July 28, 1864, near Israel's Chapel, to
the right of Atlanta, Mr. Duaime was
wounded, receiving a ball in the neck,
and was sent to Marietta Hospital, where
he remained thirty da\s. He then came
home on furlough, and. Green Ba}' sur-
geons failing to extract the ball, he went
to Harvey's Hospital, at Madison, Wis. ,
where it was removed by Dr. Culverson.
In March, 1865, he went by rail to New
York, and thence by boat to Morehead
City, N. C, where he joined his com-
mand about two weeks before Lee's sur-
render. He was present at the Grand
Review in Washington, D. C. ; was mus-
tered out July 15, 1865, at Louisville,
Ky., received an honorable discharge at
Madison, Wis., and immediately returned
to Brown county.
On September 11, 1865, Mr. Duaime
was married to Miss Mary Boyea, who
was born April 5, 1844, in New York,
daughter of August Boyea, who came to
De Pere in 1855. At this time our sub-
ject had saved some two hundred and fifty
dollars, and with this money he purchased
a lot in Green Bay, on which he built a
house, and lived there two years. He
obtained employment in the lumber mills
of Marshall, Speer & Co., at Sturgeon
Bay, and his former experience in this
line, coupled with natural ability as a
mechanic, which he possessed to a marked
degree, made him so competent a work-
man that for eight years he was foreman
and filer for this firm. Being thrifty and
economical, as well as a steady worker,
he saved a considerable sum, and in a few
years was able to purchase a farm in
Lawrence township, for which he paid
two thousand dollars cash. Here he made
his home for ten or twelve jears, follow-
ef'. ^.&^Uy^
f^^^'7'7^ZJ2,^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
339
ing fanning, and in the spring of 1882
purchased the tract of ninety acres, where
he now hves, and removed thereon.
Since then he has improved the tract in
many ways, erecting new buildings, re-
pairing old ones, and systematically cul-
tivating the land, to which he has also
added forty-seven and one-half acres,
now owning a fertile, productive farm of
1 37^ acres. Though not a lifelong farmer,
Mr. Duaime has proven himself the equal
of any in his township, and has made a
complete success of his vocation. He and
his wife have had five children born to
them, namely: Joseph E. (who is a
teacher, and a correspondent for the De-
Pere Dciiiocra t),]o?,e^\\me (a dressmaker),
William (a carpenter), Emma (a teacher),
and Sophie (also engaged in teaching).
In his political preferences Mr. Duaime
was former!}' a Republican, but since
1884 he has supported the principles of
the Democratic party, though in voting he
usually considers the fitness of candi-
dates, especially in township and county
elections. He has been elected to vari-
ous offices of trust; served with credit as
•chairman, and, for ten or twelve years,
as supervisor of the township board. He
was repeatedly elected to the office of
clerk of the school board, by which the
school profited by his untiring efforts to
make it a pleasant and progressive place.
After the northwestern fire of 1 871, he
was chosen commander of a small army
■of twenty men got together to bury the
dead in Williamsonville, Door county.
The horror of the time is indescribable.
As a sailor he has filled the place of cap-
tain on a sailing vessel. In religious con-
nections he is a member of the Roman
•Catholic Church.
A
land,
NTON VAN DYKE, a respected
well-to-do farmer of Rockland
township, Brown county, was
born November 30, 1853, in Hol-
son of John Van Dyke, a farmer.
19
The latter died when Anton was twelve
years old, and, his mother having passed
from earth si.\ years before, our subject
lived with his older brothers until he was
twenty-two years of age, principally en-
gaged in farm work. He had received
his education in the common schools of
his birthplace, which he attended up to
the age of eleven years.
In the spring of 1881, having managed
to save a small sum from his hard-earned
wages, Mr. Van Dyke left his native
country, and, going to Liverpool, took pas-
sage on a vessel bound for New York,
arriving in that city July 4. He imme-
diately came westward, via Chicago and
Milwaukee, to De Pere, Wis., where he
had. a cousin, Martin Van Dyke, and
shortly afterward commenced to work for
John Coenen, with whom he remained
some time. He then came to Rockland
township to work for Martin Hubers, one
of the early settlers of this locality, who,
coming to Wisconsin from Holland a poor
boy, had settled on the farm our subject
now owns, and by industry and thrift rose
to an enviable position among the farmers
of his township, where he was highly
respected. He had but one child, Mary
Hubers, born November 28, 1861, on the
farm where she yet resides, and on De-
cember 28, 1882, she and Anton Van-
Dyke were united in marriage. To this
union have come children as follows:
Mary, Annie, George and Martine, living,
and John, who died in infancy. Since
his marriage Mr. Van Dyke has always
remained on the farm, which he now
owns. It comprises fifty-seven acres of
prime farming land, to the cultivation of
which he gives his exclusive attention.
He is a hard worker and a self-made
man in the strictest sense of the word,
and by his honesty and fairness he has
won for himself the respect of all who
know him. Politically he is a Democrat,
but not active in party affairs, and in
religious connection he and his wife are
members of St. Mary's Catholic Church,
De Pere.
34°
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
THOMAS McLEAN. The " North
of Ireland!" What a wonderful
race of men has been sent to all
parts of the civilized world from
the region to the northward of a line
drawn through the baj's of Dublin and
Galway, and more especially from the
district embraced in the Province of Ulster.
How familiar are the names Donegal,
Londonderry, Antrim, Down, Tyrone,
Armagh, Fermanagh, Monaghan and
Cavan, counties comprising the province
named. The sturdy, Scotch-Irish ele-
ment, which has peopled numerous locali-
ties in the United States, has proved the
loyalty of its blood through many a con-
flict where the right was assailed, and al-
most without exception has arrayed itself
on the side which readers of its history
might be led to expect. The Scotch-Irish
are a proud race, and they have earned
the privilege.
Thomas McLean was born November
20, 1 816, in the Parish of Finway, town
of Darragh, County Antrim, Ireland, and
when not yet twelve and a half years of
age, sailed with the family of his father.
Hector McLean, for America, the party
consisting of the father, mother and four
children — Nail, Mary, Thomas and Alex-
ander. They started April 14, 1829,
from Belfast, the trip being made on the
ship "Helen,'' of Aberdeen, bound for
Quebec. John, Elizabeth and Ann, the
other children, had crossed the previous
fall. The elder McLean was a poor man,
and was obliged to start in the humblest
manner. He settled upon and cleared a
farm in York township, twenty miles from
the city of Toronto, Canada, he and his
wife residing there until 1842, when they
joined their son Thomas, at Milwaukee,
Wis. Here the mother died at the age of
sixty-eight, the father's death occurring
subsequently at the home of the same
son in Stockbridge, Calumet Co., Wis.,
when he was aged seventy-two.
Thomas McLean, a worthy son of a
worthy sire, was enabled to have but six
month's schooling, but it may be imagined
he made the most of his opportunities
during that time. He continued to re-
side with his parents until 1841, when he
removed to Milwaukee, Wis., then a vil-
lage of but 900 people. With money he
had succeeded in saving from his earnings
in America he purchased a farm four miles
northwest of the place, partly cleared,
together with some village propert)'. The
fourth brick house in Milwaukee was
erected by Mr. McLean, at the corner of
Fifth and Chestnut streets. On May 25,
1843, in the then insignificant "Cream
City," Mr. McLean was united in mar-
ried with Catharine Flood, who was born
May 9, 1822, in the Parish of Killellen,
Pickettstown, County Meath, Ireland,
daughter of Patrick and Bridget (O'Keiley)
Flood. Mrs. McLean sailed from Liver-
pool for the United States in 1834, on
the " Chesapeake," the voyage occupying
about four weeks, and landed at New
York, proceeding thence to her destina-
tion, the city of Rochester, N. Y. At a
later date she removed with a married sis-
ter to Wisconsin.
For ten 3ears Mr. McLean and his
family resided in their brick dwelling in
Milwaukee, removing thence to Calumet
county and locating on a farm in the
village of Stockbridge. Twenty years
later, in 1873, they removed to Brown
county and located on a farm of 125
acres near Green Bay, which has since
been their home, the present homestead
consisting of twenty-five acres adjoining
the corporation of Green Bay; a fine
brick residence was erected the year of
their removal. The children of this
couple are: Catharine, now Mrs. Pat.
McCool, of Chilton, Wis. ; Patrick, a
farmer of Allouez township; Jane, who
married Hugh Dougherty, and died at
Green Bay; Harriet, now Mrs. Daniel
Lynch, of Oakes, S. Dak. ; Mary, de-
ceased in infancy; Eliza, who became
Mrs. Frank Robinson, and died at Chil-
ton; Josephine, now Mrs. James Dough-
erty, of Oakes, S. Dak. ; Mary, now Mrs.
Joseph O'Callihan, of Sagola, Mich. ;
COMMEMOUATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
341
and John, residing at home. Mr. Mc-
Lean, during his residence in Milwaukee,
was engaged in merchandising on Chest-
nut street. He has also at different
periods followed the occupation of
a wagon-maker, a brickmason and a
farmer, and for a time conducted a mill
at Stockbridge, Wis. He has ever been
a citizen of undisputed public spirit, and
has contributed liberally of his time and
means toward the furtherance of various
enterprises. He has been able to assist
his children to some extent, and the
needy have always found in him a friend
and helper. That his generosity may
have been at times taken advantage of
by unscrupulous people is possible, as few
men of his disposition will live to old age
without in some instances incurring e.x-
pensive experiences along such lines, but
he has everywhere won the respect of his
fellow-citizens, and in his old age is able
to look back upon a life well spent. Politi-
cally he is a Democrat, and in 1864 was
elected by his party to the State Legis-
lature, as representative from Calumet
county, fn religious faith he and his
wife are earnest and consistent Catholics,
and the Church has more than once felt
its obligations to him for substantial
favors extended. He was a member of
the committee that built St. John's
Cathedral in Milwaukee, and is the sole
survivor of that committee. At one time
he was the owner of i, 100 acres of land
in Calumet county, and was interested in
various industries. He built a church at
Stockbridge and donated it to the Catho-
lics, presented the priest with a sleigh,
and boarded him for nearly a year. His
zeal in behalf of his church has always
been marked, and no enterprise tending
to its benefit ever lacked his support.
When a half century of wedded life had
been rounded out, the children at home,
in May, 1893, planned a golden wedding
for their parents. Notwithstanding the fact
that the latter were both sick when the
eventful day arrived and the festivities
were interrupted in consequence, the oc-
casion was not without its pleasures.
With the best wishes of all who know
them, they approach the sunset time in
the calm enjoyment of the fruits of a cor-
rect and happy life, and their people will
at the end rise up and call them blessed.
PATRICK BAILEY, a leading rep-
resentative self-made farmer of
Glenmore township. Brown coun-
ty, was born about 1821 in Coun-
ty Kerry, Ireland, son of John and Nellie
(Bresnehen) Bailey, who had three sons,
of whom Patrick is the only one living.
The mother died when he was three
years old, and about a year later the
father remarried.
Patrick Bailey had fair educational
advantages in his youth, and was reared
from boyhood to farming, remaining at
home until he reached the age of nine-
teen years. Wages were low in Ireland,
so when Patrick determined to come to
America his father supplied him with
means to pay his way, and in the spring
of 1843 he sailed from his native town,
Blennerville, on the "Joan." landing in
Quebec after a voyage of six weeks.
Here he was given employment helping
to unload the vessel and then to reload
her with lumber, and, after this, went to
Montreal, where he worked for some
time on the Lachine canal. He next
went to New York City, thence after a
few days to Boston, Mass., and thence to
Lowell, where he found employment as a
laborer between Lowell and Andover for
a few weeks, working on improvements
along the Merrimac river. His next move
was to Fitchburg, same State, where he
worked on the Fitchburg & Massachusetts
railroad, and he subsequently worked in
various places in Massachusetts, in almost
every part of the State; thence went to
Keene, N. H. , working there as laborer
on a railroad, and later engaged in the same
line of work at Brattleboro, Vt., after
which he again came to Massachusetts,
and worked in South Hadlev.
342
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
On January 8, 1848, Mr. Bailey was
married, in Cabotville, Mass., to Bridget
Moran, who was born about 1830 in
South Boston, daughter of John and Kate
(Donohue) Moran, both natives of Ire-
land. In the summer of 1848 our subject
went to Buffalo, N. Y., and there worked
on citj' improvements for a while; thence
removed to Springfield, Ohio, where he
was employed on a railroad to Cincin-
nati, then in course of construction, and
subsequently lived for a time in Sidney,
Ohio. The ague being prevalent here,
another move was made, this time to
Chillicothe, Ohio, where Mr. Bailej' also
worked on railroads, and he next worked
on the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern
railroad, near Marietta, Ohio, and partly
bargained for a farm in Washington coun-
t}', but hearing of the cheap land offered
to settlers in the then new State of Wis-
consin, he concluded to abandon railroad
work and commence farming on his own
account. Three children had been born
to them in Ohio — John, in Sidney; Ellen,
in Chillicothe; and Mary A., in Wash-
ington county; and, with his wife and
family, Mr. Bailey came to Wisconsin in
the summer of 1854, journeying via Co-
lumbus to Cleveland, where they took
the boat for Green Bay, landing in that
city in Jul}-. Leaving the family in Green
Bay, Mr. Bailey went to Kaukauna, where
he obtained employment on the canal
then building, and shortly afterward pur-
chased eighty acres, at $2. 50 per acre, in
Section 7, Glenmore township. Brown
county, which tract was totally unim-
proved, and the family li\-ed with a neigh-
bor, Thomas Lawlor, while their log cabin
Was being built. The forest was so dense
that a space had to be cleared even for
the small dwelling, into which they moved
October 10, 1854, and at this time there
was no road to this farm, only a path
through the woods. They had hired a
man to bring out their few household
goods, but the driver, finding it difficult to
proceed with the horse and wagon the
latter part of the way, the goods were
left in the road, where Mr. Bailey found
them, and it took him several days to
get them to the house, one of the
neighbors, "Con" Leary, loaning him
an ox-team for the purpose. The work
of clearing was begun at once, but it
was man}- jears before the farm became
productive, and Mr. Bailey worked at
lumbering during the winter season to
earn enough to support his family. A
large amount of lumber was cut, but as
there was scarcely any demand for it
then, they had to burn many thousand
feet of valuable beech and maple to rid
the land of it. Those pioneers endured
many trials and privations in improving
and cultivating their tract, but they suc-
ceeded in converting the dense forest into
a comfortable farm, and Mr. Bailej' has,
by his own unaided efforts, risen to a
position among the respected, prosperous
agriculturists of this section, his life show-
ing what may be accomplished by energy
and determination, coupled with perse-
verance and honesty. He now owns 160
acres of excellent land, on which he con-
ducts a successful farming business. He
has served two terms as supervisor in his
township, giving satisfaction to all; but
he prefers to give his attention to his pri-
vate affairs, and is not an active partisan,
voting for the man he considers best
qualified for the office. In religious faith
he is a member of St. Francis Church,
De Pere.
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have had four-
teen children, three of whom were born
in Ohio, as above recorded, and the others
in Wisconsin, a brief record of them be-
ing as follows : John is a resident of
Minneapolis, Minn. ; Ellen is the wife of
Mila.n Smith, of Fond du Lac, Wis. ;
Mary A. is the wife of John Sloan, of
De Pere ; Kate is living in Ashland, Wis. ;
James died when eighteen months old ;
Bridget is the wife of James Jennings, of
Scott township, Brown county; Agnes is
the wife of John Rutnmel, of Ashland,
Wis. ; Lizzie is the wife of James Mills,
of Ashland ; Alice is living at home ;
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
343
Thomas is a resident of Montana; George
is living in Washington; Steven lives in
Glenmore township; Patrick is at home;
and one child died in infancy.
On March 13, 1S65, Mr. Bailey en-
listed in Company F, Fiftieth Wis. V. I.,
and did duty through northern Missouri,
at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., and Fort
Rice, Dak., during his service contracting
rheumatism, from which he has ever since
suffered. He was discharged in July,
1866, and returned at once to his home
and family. Our subject is well and
favorably known throughout his section,
and stands prominent among Glenmore
township's most respected citizens.
JOHN BARTELME. one of the prom-
inent, influential farmer citizens of
New Denmark township. Brown
county, was born November 25,
1810, in France, of German descent. His
parents, George and Mary (Schneider)
Bartelme, were well-to-do farming people
of Germany, who reared a family of nine
children (of whom our subject is the eld-
est), as follows: John, Peter, Johanna,
Nicholas, Michael, Christoph, George,
Frank, and Belthasar.
John Bartelme remained in his native
land until twenty-five years of age, work-
ing principally in a nail factory from early
boyhood. In the spring of 1836, receiv-
ing help from friends, he came with sev-
eral others to America, landing in New
York in July, after a weary voyage lasting
seven weeks. He obtained employment
at once in a nail factory, and worked thus
some time, but the factory closing, he lost
one hundred and two dollars, and found
himself with but a dollar in money. Again
borrowing from his friends he proceeded
to Albany, N. Y. , and for live years worked
on a farm near that city, receiving one
hundred dollars a year for his services,
out of which he managed to save and pay
back all the money he had borrowed.
Then, in company with two other men,
he invested three hundred dollars in a
canal-boat, but the venture proved a fail-
ure, and he lost all but a hundred dollars.
His younger brother, Belthasar, having
come from Germany, Mr. Bartelme now
went to New York to meet him, and, after
remaining another nine months in that
city, set out for the then "Far West,"
coming first to Two Rivers, Wis., where
he remained about a year. At the end
of that time he came to De Pere and
purchased forty acres of new land in New
Denmark township, the nucleus of his
present fine well-improved farm of 180
acres, which he has acquired by unceasing"
labor and good management. The first
dwelling on this place was a rude log
house, which in later years was supplanted
by the fine stone dwelling in which the
family now reside, this being but one of
the many improvements which had been
made on the place.
When our subject came to this place
the old Manitowoc road was the only one
which passed through the town, and he
was actively interested in building the
roads to De Pere and Cooperstown, tak-
ing a prominent part in that, as well as all
other movements for the benefit of his
locality. He was the first postmaster at
Denmark, and held the office for thirty-
six years from the time of his appoinment,
in 1854. For twelve years he filled the
important office of chairman of his town-
ship, and for six years was township
treasurer, invariably giving satisfastion to
all concerned by his ability and efficiency
in every capacity.
Mr. Bartelme was married at Two
Rivers, Wis. , to Miss Almenia Ench, and
their union has been blessed with five
children, viz. : John (who is sheriff of
Brown county), Balthasar, Catherine,
Frank, and Michael, of whom Balthasar
lives on the homestead, caring for his aged
parents; his mother has been totally blind
for the last eighteen years.
Balthasar Bartelme has been twice
married: his first wife died leaving two
children, Jacob and Catherine, and he
wedded for his second wife. Miss Lizzie
344
COMMEMORATH'E BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.
Machtel, to which marriage have come
five children, namely: Minnie, George,
\J\zz\e, Nettie, and Frank. In religious
faith the family are all Catholics.
JOSEPH BOEHM. This getleman,
who is now living retired in the city
of De Pere, has for many years been
prominently identified with the agri-
cultural interests of Brown county, where
he is still an extensive landowner.
Mr. Boehm was born March 13, 1833,
in Bavaria, Germany, son of John George
Boehm, a farmer. Joseph received his
education in the common schools of his
native place, and was reared to farm life,
which he continued to follow in Germany-
till he was about twenty-four years of age,
working for small wages. Being hard-
working and economical, he had managed
to save a little from his hard-earned
wages, and, concluding he could find bet-
ter opportunity for advancement in the
United States, he bid farewell to his home
and friends, and in May, 1857, set sail
from Bremen, on the "Gungson," this
being her second trip. They crossed the
Atlantic in thirty-five days, and on June
30, 1857, our subject landed in New
York, with just seventy-five cents in his
pocket. His ticket carried him to De-
troit, Mich., where he' arrived almost
penniless, a total stranger, but honest and
willing to work. In the course of three
or four weeks he had earned enough to
bring him to Green Bay, Wis., where he
arrived in the latter part of July, 1857,
making the trip from Detroit on the old
steamer " Michigan." He came to De-
Pere, and first worked on the " Old Stone
Schoolhouse," which was then in course
of construction, after which he went to
Kaukauna, where he found employment
on the canal. We next find him in Belle-
vue township, chopping cordwood for
three shillings a cord, and boarding him-
self, and, although the work was hard and
the wages small, he did it rather than re-
main idle. At the age of twenty-five he
recei\ed but ten dollars a month for his
services as a farm hand, and found it was
useless to expect more. In 1859 he went
to the Lake Superior country, and there,
for three and a half years, followed
mining. While here he was married to
Miss Marcella Boyle, a native of Ireland,
and to this union were born six children,
viz. : Christ, a farmer of Bellevue town-
ship; Anna C, widow of Joseph Long, of
Green Bay; John, a farmer of Bellevue
township; Theresa, now Mrs. Joseph
Vandermost, of Rockland township; Mary,
who died young, and one that died in in-
fancy, unnamed. The mother of these
died in Bellevue and was buried in De-
Pere.
In 1862 Mr. Boehm removed to Belle-
vue township. Brown Co., Wis., where
he had purchased forty acres of entirely
new land, upon which, at that time, there
was not even a house. He set to work at
once to clear and improve the place, and
by dint of incessant toil and perseverance
succeeded in converting it into a good
farm, from time to time he also making
additions to his first purchase, until he
now owns over 300 acres of prime land
in Bellevue and Rockland townships. He
continued to follow farming until 1889,
when he moved into the town of De Pere,
and here he has since lived a retired life.
He is strictly a self-made man, having
from a start of nothing accumulated a
comfortable property and a snug compe-
tence. In connection with agriculture he
was for many years engaged in cattle
dealing, and during his long experience in
that line became an excellent judge of
stock. He has seen great changes in his
section of the country, and has taken
an active part in its development and
progress. He has held various township
of fices, having served as school clerk,
supervisor, path-master, etc., with sat-
isfaction to all. In his political prefer-
ences he is a Democrat, and in religious
connection he and his wife are members
of St. Francis Catholic Church, De Pere.
On January 29, 1889, our subject was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
345
married, in De Pere, for his second wife,
to Mrs. Margaret Raster, widow of Peter
J. Raster. She was born February 2,
1836, in Prussia, daughter of Francis
George and Anna (Pies) Wentling, who
came to the United States in 1852, going
first to Liverpool, whence they sailed for
New York. In Utica, N. Y., Mr. Went-
Hng was taken sick, and the family re-
mained there two months, after which
they went to Milwaukee, Wis. , where
they lived two years, thence coming to
Green Bay, where they made a perma-
nent home.
EDWARD BAUMGART. This gen-
tleman, who is ranked among the
public-spirited progressive farmer
citizens of Bellevue township,
Brown county, is a native of Schlesien,
Germany, born July 5, 1851, son of
August and Gertrude Baumgart.
August Baumgart was by trade a
butcher, and he also owned a farm and
•engaged in the manufacture of bricks,
having often as many as fifty or sixty men in
his employ. He had considerable prop-
erty in Germany, but in 1868 he disposed
•of all his interests and came to America,
bringing his family. They sailed from
Bremen on the "Schiller," and, after a
voyage of eight weeks and three days,
landed at Baltimore, Md., from which city
they immediately proceeded to Brown
•county. Wis., coming over the B. & O.
R. R. via Columbus, Ohio, where they
were on July 4. Mr. Baumgart purchased
seventy-two acres of new land in Bellevue
township, on which at that time there was
not even a dwelling, and resided there
until 1883, when he removed to his
present farm in the same township.
Here he and his wife are yet living,
and, though now seventy-five years old,
he is still an active man. To them
were born seven children, as follows:
Charles, who died young, in Germany;
Joseph and August, of Glenmore town-
ship; Edward, our subject; John, of Mani-
towoc county. Wis. ; Paul, a farmer of
Bellevue township; and Caroline, Mrs.
Joseph Landmer, of Duck Creek, Wis-
consin.
Edward Baumgart attended the schools
of his native place until he reached the
age of thirteen, and was seventeen years
old when he came with his parents to
America. He remained under the pa-
rental roof until he was twenty-four years
old, doing farm work, or anything else
at which he could earn an honest dollar,
and turning his wages over to his parents.
On February 22, 1876, he was united in
marriage with Miss Annie Hutter, who
was born August 7, 1845, '" Manitowoc
county, Wis., daughter of Joseph Hutter,
a native of Bavaria, Germany. After his
marriage Mr. Baumgart located on a new
farm, which he at once began to clear and
improve, and there made his home until
1880, when he came to his present farm
in Bellevue township, which contains one
hundred acres. Though now a well-cul-
tivated tract, it was then all in the woods,
and he has done all the clearing and made
all the improvements himself. To Mr.
and Mrs. 13aumgart have come children
as follows: Joseph, Edward, Caroline,
Annie, Henry, John, Mary, Rosa, Anton,
and one that died in infancy. Mr. Baum-
gart is not identified with any political
party, but votes independently, selecting
the man best qualified for office, regardless
of politics. He has served his township
as roadmaster, supervisor, and for two
years as chairman, and he is recognized
as a thoroughly progressive citizen, al-
ways ready to assist in any enterprise for
the benefit of his township and county.
He and his wife are members of the Ger-
man Catholic Church at Green Bay.
M
ARTIN BARTH, who, for the
past forty years, has been a
farmer of Glenmore township.
Brown county, is a native of
the Fatherland, born June 18, 1825, in
Wurtemberg, son of Jacob and Lena
346
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(Schenauer) Barth, who were the parents
of nine children. The father, who was a
tailor by trade, died when Martin was
five years old.
Our subject was reared and educated
in the land of his birth, and there learned
the weaver's trade. In his early man-
hood he served three years and seven
months in the German army, and shortly
afterward came to America, landing in
New York, July i6, 1854, after an ocean
voyage of forty-seven days. He imme-
diately came to Wisconsin, arriving in
Green Bay, August 3, with $1 1.75 in his
pocket, and thence went toNew Franken,
where he remained with an uncle ten
days. For three weeks he worked for a
Mr. Eisenman in De Pere, and then went
to Oconto, where he was employed three
months in a mill, after which he returned
to New Franken. Again coming to
Oconto, he worked here ten months raft-
ing lumber, and then returned once more
to his uncle, with whom he made his
home until he bought land of his own.
His first purchase was eighty acres of
totally wild land, on which the timber
was so dense that a space had to be
cleared for the 14 .\ 18 log cabin which
he built himself. At this early date the
Indians had not all left the countrj', and
wild animals were numerous and trouble-
some, especially the wolves, who made
night hideous with their howling. There
were no roads, and Mr. Barth has made
many a trip on foot to Green Bay, over
an Indian trail through the woods. In
order to earn a living he had to do various
kinds of work, as the farm yielded no
support the first few years, and the work
of clearing progressed slowly, for he had
only a few rude implements, and it was
twelve years after his settlement here be-
fore he owned a yoke of oxen. One year
he worked forty-seven days on the road
for nothing.
On February 22, 1865, Mr. Barth en-
listed in Company F, Fiftieth Wis. V. I.,
served sixteen months in Missouri, Kansas
and Dakota, and was honorably discharged
June 17, 1866, returning to his home in
Brown count)'. Mr. Barth was united
in marriage January 29, 1867, with Miss
Emma Kahren, daughter of Peter and
Maggie (Zimmer) Kahren, farming people,
who were the parents of ten children,
vi2. : Maggie, Jacob, Lizzie, Kate, Joseph,
Joseph, Kate, Emma, Kate and Michael.
When Mrs. Barth was three years old they
came to America, landing in New York
City, thence coming to Milwaukee, Wis.,
and thence to Illinois, where they lived for
some time. They then returned to Mil-
waukee, and later, about three years after
their landing in this country, came to
New Denmark township. Brown county,
where they invested in i 20 acres of land.
Here Mr. Kahren passed the remainder
of his days, dying July 8, 1862; his wife
survived until July 19, 1880. They were
well-known among the early settlers in
their locality, and were highly respected
for their sterling worth.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Barth lived a year in the small log house
he had first built, and then moved into a
more commodious dwelling, also of logs,
in which they remained until the present
comfortable residence was erected. Their
union has been blessed with eight chil-
dren, named as follows: Lena, Mary,
Martin, Jacob, John, Louis, Andrew and
Henry. Mr. Barth is a Republican in his
political affiliations, but takes no interest
in politics except as a regular attendant
at the polls. He and his wife are, in
religious connection, members of the
Lutheran Church, in which he has been
director.
ANDREW ANDERSON, a repre-
sentative farmer of New Denmark
township. Brown county, is a
native of the Kingdom of Den-
mark, born May 24, 1828, son of Andrew
and Karen (Anderson) Hansen, farming
people, the former of whom died when
our subject was thirteen weeks old. He
left a family of eight children, viz. : Peter,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
347
James, Lars, Elizabeth, Kersten, Hans,
and Andrew and Karen (twins).
The mother, having thus to provide
for a large family, the children were obliged
to assist as soon as they were old enough,
and our subject commenced to work at
the early age of seven years, herding
sheep, in which occupation he engaged
until he reached the age of fourteen
years, receiving only his clothing for his
services. He remained in his native land
until he was twenty-eight years old, when,
having saved enough to bring him to the
United States, he decided to seek his
fortune in the New World. He sailed
from Hamburg, and, crossing the ocean in
si.\ weeks, landed at New York, coming
thence without delay to Brown county,
Wis., where in New Denmark township
he invested in forty acres of new land,
which he at once commenced to clear and
improve. Ten years later he purchased
another forty acres, which he also cleared
himself, and has since added sixty acres
more, now having a fine farm of 140
acres, all highh' improved and under cul-
tivation. This property has all been ac-
quired by his own honest toil, for he
commenced with no capital but a pair of
willing hands, and he is everywhere re-
spected for his honesty and industry.
In i860 Mr. Anderson was married, in
New Denmark township, to Miss Mary
Hansen, a daughter of Hans Paulson and
Karen Hansen, who reared a family of
five children, as follows: Maren Sophia,
Andrews, Mary, Anna C, and Peter.
When thirty-four years of age she came
to America with a brother and sister, and
ten years after her marriage her parents
also came to Wisconsin, making their
home with her as long as they lived. To
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been born
six children, namely: Aldrich, Tine (Mrs.
Anderson, of Marinette, Wis.), Laura,
Olof, Peter, and Hans, of whom Olof
lives at home, and has the principal care
of the farm work. The family are mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church, in which
Mr. Anderson takes an active interest
and has served as treasurer and trustee;
in his political preferences he is a Repub-
lican, and he takes a deep interest in all
movements tending to promote the wel-
fare of his community.
JOHN SULLIVAN, who tor many
years has been well-known in Brown
county, and especially in Lawrence
township, as a prosperous, system-
atic agriculturist, is a native of the
"Emerald Isle," born December 24,
1830, in Kenmare, County Kerry. His
parents, James and Ellen Sullivan, had a
family of seven children — six sons and
one daughter — of whom John is the eldest.
At an early age our subject commenced
to attend the common schools, and at the
same time was reared to agricultural pur-
suits under his father's tuition, the latter
being a well-to-do landowner and farmer.
However, the father died when John was
yet a lad, and the mother subsequently
married, for her second husband, Jere-
miah Sullivan. In 1845, disposing of the
property, the entire family immigrated to
America, first taking passage on the
" Ajax " from Cork to Liverpool, where
they remained a few days at ' ' Sheflin's
Hotel." They then embarked on the
" Moses Wheeler," Capt. King, bound for
Boston, in which city they landed after a
voyage of twenty-two days, strangers in
a strange land. They located in the town
of Winchendon, Worcester Co., Mass.,
and John commenced to learn the trade
of tanner and currier, at which he served
an apprenticeship of seven years, receiv-
ing at the very beginning one dollar a
day, which materially assisted his mother.
A brief record of her family is as follows:
John is the subject proper of this sketch;
Patrick is a resident of Winchendon,
Mass. ; Daniel lives in Melbourne, Aus-
tralia; Dennis lives in Winchendon,
Mass. ; Mortimer resides near Winchen-
don; Bartholomew died in this country
when young; Mary is the wife of William
Devins, of New Hampshire. By her
348
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
second marriage Mrs. Sullivan had one
child, Patrick, now a barber of Fitchburg,
Mass. The mother is yet living at an
advanced age. Her husband died some
years ago.
John Sullivan remained in Winchen-
don, following his trade, for over fourteen
years, his wages, up to the time of his
marriage, all going to his mother, and on
his wedding day she gave him two hun-
dred dollars in gold. On October i,
1854, he was married in South Boston,
Mass., by Rev. Father Linden, to Miss
Ellen Harris, who was born in County
Kerry, Ireland, daughter of Gerald and
Ellen (Lynch) Harris, and came to the
United States when a young girl to live
with her sister in Boston. The young
couple commenced housekeeping in Win-
chendon, where he had purchased a home,
and there he continued to follow his trade
imtil failing health compelled him to
abandon it. His employer, Ephraim
Murdock, at one time the most extensive
wooden-ware manufacturer in the world,
was a large land-owner, and Mr. Sullivan
located on one of his farms, a change
which proved beneficial to his health, and
he remained three years, succeeding well
in agriculture. He had been correspond-
ing with an old school teacher of his,
whom he had known in Ireland, and who
then lived in Leavenworth, Kans. , and our
subject concluded to emigrate to that
State. His family at this time consisted
of three children, all of whom were born
in Winchendon, namely : Ellen, now Mrs.
Charles Davis, of Lawrence township.
Brown county; Mary, Mrs. Michael Eagan,
of De Pere, Brown county: and James, a
farmer of Lawrence township, who lives
with his father (he married Geneva Mc-
Abee, and they have one child, Ellen,
born March 3, 1892).
On August I. 1864, Mr. Sullivan and
his family started for the then "Far
West," going to Chicago, 111., via the N.
Y. C. &. H., and the Lake Shore rail-
roads, thence by the Burlington and the
Hannibal & St. Jo railroads to St.
Joseph, Mo., thence to Weston, Mo.,
and thence to Leavenworth, Kans. , by
boat, as there was no railroad to the city
at that time, although it was the largest
in Kansas. There he conducted a hotel
for about a year, when he entered the em-
ploy of the St. Jo Railway Co., keeping
boarders and acting as overseer of a num-
ber of men. Subsequently he was em-
ployed on the Atchison & Pike's Peak
railroad, then in course of construction,
as overseer, his family meantime residing
in Weston, Mo., whither he returned
later, owing to a suspension of work
caused by an absconding paymaster.
One day, while talking with a Wisconsin
soldier in Weston, he accidental!}' heard
of a sister of his wife, living in Ue Pere,
Wis., who had come to the United States
many years before, and of whom they
had lost all trace. A correspondence was
at once opened, which eventually led to
their emigrating to Wisconsin in about
1866, the family taking up their home in
De Pere, Brown county, with Mrs. Sulli-
van's sister, while Mr. Sullivan went to
look for work. He found employment at
his trade in Two Rivers, Manitowoc Co.,
Wis., with the Wisconsin Leather Co.,
and after remaining with them ten months
returned to De Pere, where for a short
time he worked for the Chicago Tight
Stave Co. He then purchased eighty
acres of land at five dollars per acre, all
of which was still in the woods — not a
stick having been cut — and was without
improvements of any kind, and on the site
of his present residence he built a log
house which served as a home for the
family for several years, until in 1880 the
comfortable dwelling they now occupy
was erected. Under Mr. Sullivan's man-
agement, this place has been gradually
cleared and improved, and has also been
added to, till it now consists of 1 20 acres
of excellent farming land. He has met
with success in his farming operations;
but it is only the just reward of years of
thrift and persevering toil, for he has been
a hard worker, and, though now over sixty
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
349
years of age, is yet active, and able to
perform a good day's work.
Mr. Sullivan is well known in his com-
munity, and has for the past twenty-three
years held various offices of trust in his
township, invariably discharging the du-
ties of his position with satisfaction to all;
he has also served as deputy sheriff of
Brown county. In his political faith he
is a stanch adherent of the principles of
the Democratic party, to which he gives
his unfailing support. In religious con-
nection he and his wife are members of
St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Wrights-
town, in which he is trustee. One child
has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan
on their present farm, John M., a bright
intelligent lad, who was given good edu-
cational advantages, and intended to study
law, but on May, i, 1887, he passed from
earth, deeply mourned by the bereaved
family. He was buried in Snider cemetery.
M
ARK ENGLISH, who, in every
respect, is an admirable speci-
men of the self-made men of
whom this country is so proud,
often modestly declares that he owes his
success to the greatness of his friends,
but on the other hand it is confidently
affirmed that he owes his friends to his
own grit, energy and integrity.
Mr. English is an Ohioan by birth, a
native of Cuyahoga county, having been
born November 20, 1837, ^o Mark and
Christina C. (Collins) English, natives of
Connecticut and Ohio, respectively. They
came from Ohio to Michigan in 1839, and
in the town of Jackson he carried on a
dry-goods business for several years, dying
there January 28, 1854; his widow re-
turned to Ohio, where on September 24,
1873, she, too, passed away. Children
were born to them as follows: Dorlisca
Marilla, born June 22, 1832, is the wife
of Edson Herrington, of Ionia, Mich. ;
Christina Grace, born July 30, 1834, is
the wife of Thomas Newsom; Mark is the
subject of this sketch; George Q., born
March 6, 1843, is married and resides in
Escanaba, Michigan.
Mark English was but a small boy
when his parents brought him to Jackson,
Mich., where he was reared and educated
and also learned the mason's trade. In
the spring of 1853, being then si.xteen
years old, he went to Marquette, Mich. ;
where he first engaged in the fishery
business, afterward in contracting, taking
the contract for and erecting the Union
school building, which was the first brick
building erected in Marquette. In Octo-
ber, 1865, he came to Green Bay and or-
ganized the Lake Superior Stage Co., of
which he was made president and super-
intendent, establishing a stage route from
Green Bay to Escanaba (Mich.) by way
of Oconto, Marinette and Menomonee.
It was a daily line, employing 120 horses
in all, each Concord coach, in summer,
or sleigh, as the case might be, being
drawn by four horses, which were changed
every ten miles. At Escanaba the line
connected with the upper peninsular
division of the Chicago & North Western
railroad. In addition to the American
E.xpress it carried the United States mail
for the entire upper peninsula, the aver-
age weight of which alone was over
1 500 pounds. This important under-
taking Mr. English carried on from 1869
to 1877, at which time, the railroad hav-
ing been completed to Monomonee, he
sold out and turned his attention to other
affairs. He soon became one of the or-
ganizers of the "Green Bay Iron Co. ,"
and was one of its board of directors for
a short time. In 1885 he interested him-
self in vessel property, becoming the
owner of the schooner "Cascade" and
afterward of the propeller "Union,"
which vessels plied on the lakes and were
principally engaged in the carrying of
freight. He also became quite extensively
interested in contracting and building — a
vocation which still claims his attention.
He is also the owner of a stone quarry at
Kewaunee, from which he ships stone to
all points on the lakes.
35°
COMMEMOHA TI 1 'A' BIO GRA PHICA L llECORD.
It may with propriety be said that
Mr. EngHsh is one of the best known men
in northern Wisconsin, and his entire
career has been one of action and enter-
prise. Coming to Marquette in his early
manhood, when but about twenty-four
years of age, he was from the start a
prominent figure and factor in its busi-
ness, social and political life. In 1861
he was made city marshal of Marquette,
a position that required, at that time,
a man of courage and resolution, as
the city was filled with a floating popula-
tion of 6,000 or 7,000, consisting princi-
pally of miners and sailors of an unruly
and roistering disposition. He held the
office four years, during the war also
serving as United States enrolling of-
ficer, and was a United States deputy
marshal four years. He was elected and
served two years as high sheriff of the
county, thus serving as a public officer
for eight consecutive years as incumbent
of some one of the above-named posi-
tions, during which time he made a repu-
tation highly honorable to himself, and
was an actor in many stirring scenes while
in the discharge of his official duties. He
was the first city marshal of Marquette,
and the only one while he resided in that
city, with the exception of about three
months when he was recovering from in-
juries received while discharging his duties,
after which he was again induced to take
the office for $1,000 a year and one-half
the fines. When the locks were built on
the Fox river at Appleton, Wis., he was
appointed United States Government In-
spector, and the lock at that point, known
as No. 2, was built under his supervision.
Mr. English has passed through many
experiences, and doubtless realizes, in a
keener degree than many, the vast changes
that have taken place in the past thirty-
five years in the means of transportation
from one distant point to another. Pre-
vious to his organization of the stage line,
during one winter in the early "sixties,"
he conveyed the United States mail from
Marquette to Houghton (Mich.) on a
sled drawn by dogs. In politics Mr.
English is a Republican, and he and his
wife are members of the M. E. Church.
He is also a member of the Knights of
Honor, Navarino Lodge, No. 1,384.
On June 25, 1859, Mr. English was
married, at Port Sarnia, Canada, to Miss
Mary Amivilla Hall, a daughter of Horace
and Lavina (Porter) Hall, all nati\es of
Whitby, Canada, but at that time resi-
dents of Port Sarnia. The parents moved
to Marquette, Mich., and later to Green
Bay, Wis., where they both died in
March, 1882, and were buried the same
day. To Mr. and Mrs. English have
come two children — Nettie C. , born July
6, 1864, and Lester A., born March 19,
1877. Since 1867 Mr. English has mad^
his home continuously in Green Bay,
where he has a commodious and pleasant
residence.
M
ICHAEL MARTIN (deceased),
who, during his lifetime, was a
well-known farmer of Rockland
township. Brown county, was a
native of County Carlow, Ireland. He
was born in 182S. son of Bernard and
Mary (McCabe) Martin, farming people
who had a family of seven children — five
sons and two daughters.
Our subject received a common-school
education and was reared to farming pur-
suits. In early manhood he emigrated
from his native land to the United States,
and coming to Herkimer county, N. Y. ,
remained there four years, in the vicinity
of West Winfield, working for Lorenzo
Brown, a farmer. In 1854 he was mar-
ried, in Utica, N. Y. , to Miss Mary Foley,
a native of County Carlow, Ireland, born
in 1832, daughter of James Foley, who
died in 1840. In 1850 she left her birth-
place, and proceeding to Liverpool took
passage on the *' Columbus," bound for
New York, in which city she landed after
a voyage of six weeks, thence continuing
her journey to Utica, near which city she
worked until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPMICAL RECORD.
35'
Martin resided in Utica for two years, and
then, in about 1856, came westward to
Wisconsin, leaving their only child, Mary
Ann, in New York with Mr. Martin's
mother. They came to Milwaukee by
rail, thence to De Pere, and shortly after-
ward purchased eighty acres in Section 9,
Rockland township, the price of the tract
being two hundred and forty dollars, two
hundred of which he paid down. It was
all new land, covered with timber, and a
small log house, built by Mr. Martin
himself, was the first dwelling on the
place. The clearing of the place was com-
menced at once, but, being equipped with
only the rude tools of those early days, the
task was a long and difficult one. But
those years, though full of hardship and
privation, were hapyy ones, for the pros-
pect of having a comfortable home and
farm which they could call their own was
everbefore them and cheered them through
the hardest trials. In a few years a more
substantial residence supplanted the log
cabin, the land became productive and
fertile as a result of their perseverance
and unremitting care, and prosperity re-
warded their early years of toil.
On this farm the remainder of their
children were born, as follows: Ellen,
Mrs. William Michaud, of Talbot, Mich. ;
Edward, living on the home farm, which
he works; James, at home; Michael, a
school-teacher; John, living at home, who
is one of the leading Democrats in the
township, and has served as chairman;
William (twin of John), who died when
si.\ years old; and Bridget E. and Anna
C, at home. Mary Ann, the oldest child,
is the wife of John Milan, of Pound,
Wis. The father of this family was ac-
cidentally killed January 13, 1874, by a
falling limb, and his lifeless body was
found by his wife when she went to call
him to his mid-day meal. He was buried
in the Catholic cemetery at De Pere, and
his funeral, which was attended by a great
number of people from the surrounding
country, was one of the largest ever seen
here up to that time. He was a member
of St. Francis Church, De Pere. In his
party preferences he was a Democrat,
and, though not particularly active in
politics, held several offices of trust, serv-
ing on the school board and as pathmaster
of the township. A kind, indulgent
father and an accommodating neighbor,
he was very popular, and was respected
by all who knew him, for his industry and
sterling integrity. At the time of his de-
cease he was the owner of 160 acres of
good land, all of which had been accumu-
lated by hard work, for when he landed
in this country he had no capital but a
pair of willing hands. After his death
his widow took charge of the farm,- and
continued in the management until her
sons became competent to relieve her.
In 1 891 a comfortable residence was
erected, in which the family now live.
They are all members of St. Francis
Church, De Pere, and are highly esteemed
in the community in which they reside.
NIELS PETERSON. Among the
respected self-made farmer citi-
zens of New Denmark township,
Brown county, none is more de-
ser\-ing of mention than this gentleman.
He was born October 2, 1832, near Mar-
ibo, Denmark, a son of Peter and Mary
(Jensen) Peterson, the former of whom
was a farmer by occupation. There were
six children in the family, of whom two
are deceased ; of the others, Stine still
lives in Denmark, while Jens, Niels (our
subject), and Rasmus are in New Den-
mark township, Brown Co., Wisconsin.
Our subject lost his parents by death
when he was but eight years of age, and
from that time on was in the employ of
farmers in the neighborhood of his birth-
place. At the age of twenty-seven years
he immigrated to America, proceeding
from his native land to Hamburg, whence
he sailed to New York, the voyage occu-
pying forty-nine days. After landing he
came at once to Brown countv. Wis. , and
35^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in New Denmark township engaged in
farm labor for two and a half years fol-
lowing, or until his enlistment, May 2,
1S62, in Company K, Thirty-third Wis.
V. I. He was in active service until the
close of the war, participating in many
important engagements, among which
were Cold Water, Vicksburg, Jackson,
Meridian, Pleasant Hill, Centerville,
Marksville, Yellow Bayou, Tupelo, Nash-
ville, Spanish Fort and Fort du Russy.
His record for bravery and gallantry is
one of which he may well feel proud, and
in recognition of his noble conduct the
government presented him with a silver
medal, on which are inscribed the names
of the battles in which he took an active
part. He was twice injured, on one oc-
casion receiving a bullet wound in the
left side, and at another time having his
hearing forever destroyed by a blow upon
the right ear ; he now receives a pension.
On August 9, 1865, Mr. Peterson was
honorably discharged at Vicksburg, and,
returning to New Denmark township,
once more resumed the pursuits of peace,
for almost ten years working at the shoe-
maker's trade.
On March i i , 1 867, our subject was
united in marriage with Miss Marline Jen-
sen, daughter of Hans and Maren (Ras-
mussen) Jensen, and about that time pur-
chased the forty acres of land where he
yet resides. He constructed a small log
house, in which they lived for the first
year, and then erected another dwelling
(now occupied by his nephew), which in
turn was supplanted by the commodious
residence they now occupy. The farm is
equipped with all necessary outbuildings,
put up by Mr. Peterson himself, and is
well improved in every way, and under a
high state of cultivation, yielding the
owner a comfortable income. His success
has been the result of honesty and in-
dustry, and he has won the esteem of all
who know him. by his upright methods in
all his dealings with his fellowmen. He
is a Republican in political preferences,
but takes no active interest in party affairs.
PETER MARCUSSEN, farmer of
New Denmark township, Brown
county, was born Jul)' 9, 1854,
in Denmark, son of Marks Peter-
son, a laborer. The latter married Mary
Peterson, and they reared a family of four
children, as follows: Peter, whose name
opens this sketch; Charles, now a resident
of New Denmark township, Brown Co.,
Wis.; Sophia, living in Washington; and
August, of New Denmark township.
In 1858 this family immigrated to
America, embarking at Liverpool and
landing in New York after a voyage of
six weeks. From there they came to
Manitowoc, Wis., and thence directly to
New Denmark, in which township the
father purchased twenty acres of land
and cleared a space large enough for a
log house, wherein the family resided for
some time, and which is still standing,
near Fontenoy postoffice. There the
father passed the remainder of his days,
dying in July, 1865. The year following
the widow married Fred Mogland, and to
this union were born two children, both
of whom died in infancy. After a short
residence in New Denmark township Mr.
and Mrs. Mogland removed to Franklin.
Wis., where he owned a farm, and there
made their home until Mrs. Mogland's
death, after which her husband sold the
place and came again to New Denmark
township. Brown county, where he is
now living.
When about twenty years of age Peter
Marcussen went to Pensaukee, Wis.,
where he was employed in a sawmill for
three summers. For six winters he
worked for the Two Rivers Company in
New Denmark township, logging, and
then, during the spring, engaged in driving
logs, continuing in this vocation up to
the time of his marriage. On October
16, 1875, he wedded Miss Minnie John-
son, daughter of John and Carrie (Nelson)
Peterson, and, for the first two years
thereafter, the young couple lived in a
rented house near Fontenoy, Mr. Mar-
cussen working for D. Benkle in the sum-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPBICAL RECORD.
353
mer and in the woods during the winter,
until he bought the farm of forty acres in
New Denmark township, where he now
makes his home. He erected the present
dwelHng house, and the}' immediately re-
moved to the farm, which was then yet
in its primitive condition, not a tree having
been cut from the place: but he has since
been busily engaged in clearing and im-
proving it, and, in addition, has worked
to some extent at the carpenter's trade.
To Mr. and Mrs. Marcussen have been
born seven children, as follows: John,
Josie, Agnes, Arthur, Emma, Louis and
Tony, all of whom are living at home.
Mr. Marcussen, having been given but
little opportunity during his youth to ob-
tain a good education, is a hearty sup-
porter of the common schools and takes
great interest in their advancement and
improvement in his section. Politically
he is a Democrat, has served his township
faithfully as assessor for four years, 1887-
91, and in the spring of 1894 was elected
supervisor.
HE. MOWERS, of Pittsf^eld town-
ship. Brown count}', was born
January 20, 1844, in Schwarz-
burg-Rudolstadt, Germany. His
parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Rust)
Mowers, had but two children, H. E.,
our subject, and Frederick, the latter of
whom died at the age of about six and a
half years.
In 1853 Henry Mowers, with his wife
and son, came to Wisconsin, for about
one year living in Green Bay, and then
went to Stiles, later movingback to Green
Bay and remaining two years. He then
went to Bellevue township. Brown coun-
ty, where he pre-empted eighty acres of
wild land, on which the family lived five
years, and had cleared about twenty acres,
when, ;n 1861, the land was sold for a
very small price, and the family moved to
Scott township and rented a farm for
two 3'ears. The father then went to work
in a sawmill for about three years,
next engaged in teaming for Willard
Lamb's mill two years, and moved into
a house on the mill grounds and continued
in its employ another year. He then
went to Suamico township, and worked
for Lamb, Watson & Co. for seven years
with his team, and then for five years
with our subject. After this he went to
various places, returning twice, and died
in 1893, at the age of seventy-six years.
On March 4, 1865, H. E. Mowers en-
listed in Company D, Fifty-second Wis.
V. L, served in Missouri and Kansas, and
was discharged at Fort Leavenworth
July 28, 1865. Returning to Green Ba},
he made a neat sum in a speculation in
standing pine timber; then, the follow-
ing spring, teamed for Willard Lamb on
the dock, and in the fall bought a thresh-
ing machine for $725 in company with
Milo Burkert, and worked through the
countr}'. The winter following he bought
more standing timber and one team of
horses and one team of oxen, but did not
succeed well, and sold the threshing ma-
chine. In the spring of 1867 he worked
around a mill, and in the fall went to
Flintville and teamed two years, then
sold the team and worked in the mill un-
til 1870, when he was made foreman in a
sawmill on Section 23, 'n the town of
Pittsfield, where he had charge of forty-
five men, five pairs of horses and seven
A'oke of cattle; the next spring he had
charge of the drive; he then worked two
}-ears on the river, flooding logs : and
next for two years drove a supply team
for his old employers, Lamb, Watson &
Company.
On March 15, 1874, Mr. Mowers mar-
ried Miss Amelia, daughter of Frederick
and Minnie (Schultz) Gothe. Mr. and
Mrs. Gothe were born in Germany, and
were the parents of eight children, viz. :
Hannah, Ferdinand, Amelia, Caroline,
Earnestine, August, Louise, and Herman.
The parents came to the United States
in 1853, lived temporarily at Duck Creek,
where the father worked for twenty-five
cents a day, and then settled in Pittsfield,
354
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
where he made a homestead, on which
he hved until 1890, when he went to
Marinette county, returninj^ thence in
1894. When Mr. Mowers married he
bought eighty acres of land at $4. 50 per
acre, and for eleven years lived in a
log shanty that stood on the farm, which
has been replaced by a fine modern frame
dwelling. For seven years he continued
working for others, and then commenced
to clear his own farm, now in fine con-
dition. Four children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Mowers, viz.: George W.,
born December 18, 1874, deceased Janu-
ary 30, 1893; Frederick H., born June
20, 1876, deceased June 8, 1877; Edward
E. , born July i, 1878, and Lewis O.,
born July 30, 1880. The parents are
members of the Methodist Church, in
which Mr. Mowers is class leader, trustee
and Sunday-school superintendent. Po-
litically he is a Republican. He was a
member of the town board in 1876, and
served as town clerk from 1883 to 1890,
inclusive, and was re-elected in 1894.
He is a self-made man in every respect,
and as such is honored and esteemed by
all who know him or know of him.
CAPTAIN JOHN W. JOHANN,
proprietor of an extensive sash,
blind and door factory in West
De Pere, was born June 17, 1837,
near the city of Homburg, Ivhenish l^a-
varia, on the road usually taken by trav-
elers through central Germany to and
from Prussia, and made historic by the
fact that the great Napoleon sent the
larger part of his army over it on the ad-
vance to Moscow, and later by the fact
that the first battle of the Franco-Prus-
sian war was fought in its vicinity. John
W. Johann is a son of Nicholas Johann,
a coal miner, who married Elizabeth
Nieder. On March 2, 1846, Nicholas
Johann, with his wife and three sons —
Peter, Nicholas, and John W. — left the
old country, landing in Milwaukee, Wis.,
the following May. Of the sons, Peter
married Catharine Witmann, and died in
1889, his widow now residing in Port
Washington, Wis. Nicholas died, un-
married, in 1 866.
John W. Johann attended school in
Germany from the age of five until the
date of his leaving for America, a period
of three years, and this comprised the
whole of his scholastic studies. In the
year of his arrival, 1846, the father,
Nicholas Johann, entered eighty acres of
wild timbered land, near Port W'ashing-
ton. Wis., which land he subsequently
subdued and developed from it a fine
farm, the three sons materially assisting
in the work. In 1862 John W. Johann
enlisted in Company C, Thirty-fourth
Wis. V. I., and soon after was commis-
sioned second lieutenant. Nine months
later he received an honorable discharge,
and almost immediately re-enlisted, on
this occasion entering Company F, Thirt}'-
fifth Wis. \. I., and from the organi-
zation served as first lieutenant — com-
manding his compan}' until 1865, \\'hen
he was promoted to the captaincy and
served in that capacity until his final dis-
charge at Madison, Wis., April 15, 1866.
Of his active duty during this long period
of devotion to the protection of the in-
tegrity and freedom of his adopted coun-
try, we can give only this brief record:
After a running skirmish near Memphis,
Tenn., he fought near Morganza, La.;
then at St. Charles, Ark. ; Brownsville,
Ark. ; Spanish Fort, Ala. ; Whistle Sta-
tion, six miles from Mobile, Ala., this
being among the last fights of the Re-
bellion. On his return to Wisconsin he
opened a general store at Port Washing-
ton in 1866, but sold out in 1869 and
bought an interest in the woolen mill at
Cedarburg, Wis., and was secretary of
the company until 18S0, when he bought
an interest in the Hilgen Sash & Door
Manufacturing Co. At Cedarburg he also
served as . postmaster from 1869 until
1884, acting in the meanwhile as secre-
tar\' for the Hilgen Companj' until the
5 ^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
357
latter part of 1883. In 1884 he moved to
De Pere and bought the larger part of E.
W. Person's sash, door antl blind mill,
which business he later organized as a
joint-stock company, denominated the
Nicolet Sash, Door & Blind Co., of which
he served as president until 1891, when
he bought the entire plant. The mill is
of brick, with a capacity of one hun-
dred doors per day, in addition to sash
and moldings, and when running on full
time Mr. Johann employs some thirty-five
hands.
On August 7, 1866, Mr. Johann was
united in marriage, at Cedarburg, Wis. ,
with Miss Eliza F. Hilgen, daughter of
Fred Hilgen, the manufacturer, and to
this union three children have been born,
viz.: Albert H., who married Emma
Davis, and is living in De Pere; J. Emil
and Nellie, both still at home with their
parents. Fraternally Mr. Johann has
been a Freemason since 1858, having
joined the lodge at Port Washington in
that year; he is also a member of Chapter
No. 20, Green Bay, and Sir Knight of
Palestine Commandery, No. 18, at the
same place; also a member of the Blue
Lodge (Master Mason, third degree), No.
85, at De Pere; and of Harrison Post
No. 91, G. A. R., of De Pere, in which
he has held the offices of senior vice-
commander, junior vice-commander, and
quartermaster. In politics Mr. Johann
is a stanch Republican, has served as
delegate to State and Congressional con-
ventions si.x different times, and was
chairman of the county committee of
Ozaukee county for twelve years. At
one time he was prominently mentioned
for State treasurer, but declined a nomi-
nation. At Cedarburg, in 1880, he had
the pleasure of shaking the hand of Gen.
Grant, and also had the honor of intro-
ducing several of his acquaintances.
Prior to this he had seen all the more
distinguished generals of the Civil war,
and has met every governor of Wisconsin
since he has lived in the State, Gov.
Rusk having been an especial friend.
20
OSEPH CORMIER, one of the
prosperous, respected agriculturists
^ f and business men of Howard town-
ship. Brown county, is a native of
Wisconsin, born October 8, i 841, in Green
Bay.
He is a son of David and Adeline
(Goodchild) Cormier, the father a native
of Three Rivers, Canada, the mother of
Montreal; she died when our subject was
but two years of age. David Cormier
married, for his second wife, a Mrs. Mal-
let, by whom were born two children —
both sons, and both now deceased. David
Cormier was a blacksmith, and in 1837
located in Green Bay, where he followed
his trade for a considerable time, and for
two years was in the government employ;
then engaged in the fish business until
1850, when he moved to a place near the
present home of his son, Joseph, on which
he died in 1888, aged seventy-one years.
David was a son of Fabian and Geneve
Cormier, Canadians, who came to Wis-
consin and also located in Green Bay in
1837. but subsequently removed to near
our subject's home in Howard township,
where Fabian Cormier died at the age of
sixty, and his wife at about the age of
eighty years. They were the parents of
eight children — four sons and four daugh-
ters.
Joseph Cormier passed his years on
the farm of his father until his marriage
in 1864 with Miss Mary Lonzo, a native
of Fort Howard, who was born April 30,
1 84 1, daughter of Joseph and Judah
(Greenwood) Lonzo, who came to Green
Bay, Wis., about 1837, and in 1848 set-
tled on a farm in Duck Creek, where they
passed the remainder of their days, both
dying at the age of seventy-five years.
They had a family of five children, of
whom four are still living. To the mar-
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cormier
have come two children, viz. : Delia, born
June 25, 1876, and George, born June 8,
1878. Joseph Cormier and his young
wife began their married life in a little
log home on a forty-acre tract belonging
358
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
to Mr. Cormier's father, and lived in this
house for two years, when they built their
present comfortable residence and added
forty acres to their farm. Mr. Cormier
also became interested in a stone quarry
his father sold to the Chicago & North
Western Railway Company, and was en-
gaged in running scows on the lakes for
ten years; his father conducted the Bru-
nette quarry for ten years. Afr. Cormier
is a man of most generous impulses, and
is withal a first-class business man, al-
though of domestic proclivities. With
his wife he is a member of the Catholic
Church, as were his forefathers in Can-
ada, and he lives faithfully up to its
teachings. His benevolent disposition
has been manifested by the adoption, at
the age of nine years, of a lad named S.
E. Marcotte, who is now grown to man-
hood, and is employed as a commercial
traveler.
JOSEPH NORTON. Among the
leading farmers and extensive land-
owners of Rockland township, Brown
county, none holds a more enviable
position in the esteem of his fellow citi-
zens than this gentleman, who has been
prominently identified with the interests
of his section for the past forty 3ears.
He is a native of Ireland, born January
20, 1824, in County Wicklow, eldest son
of James and Catherine (Kelly) Norton,
the former of whom was an industrious
farmer in his native country, cultivating
a rented farm. There were fourteen chil-
dren in the family — four sons and ten
daughters — of whom our subject was the
second in order of birth.
Joseph Norton attended the common
schools of Ireland up to the age of fifteen
years, when he commenced farming, re-
ceiving his first instruction in this voca-
tion under his father. He continued farm-
ing there until 1850, when he concluded
to try his fortune in America, and, receiv-
ing some assistance from his father, he left
his home on March 17 of that year, pro-
ceeding to Liverpool, where he took pas-
sage on the "Kossuth," a sailing vessel
which had been recently fitted up and
was then one of the largest \essels afloat,
carrying 700 passengers. Mr. Norton
landed in New York after a voyage of
thirty-three days, and, finding himself
short of funds, abandoned his original in-
tention to proceed west at once and
commenced to work as a farm hanil in
Onondaga county, N. Y. His employer,
Caleb Brown, was one of the leading
farmers of that section of the State, and
during the five years he remained there
Mr. Norton gathered some very useful
ideas on agriculture. In October, 1855,
our subject came to Dc Pere, Brown Co.,
Wis., and, with his savings, purchased
eighty acres of wild land in Section 15,
Rockland township, to which he added
another eighty acres the following year,
this being the farm of 160 acres where
he now makes his home. Finding that
he could make more money at sawmilling,
for the first five years he obtained em-
ployment with Mr. Ritchie in the sawmills
near De Pere, and being industrious and
steady was able to save considerable from
his earnings.
On July 24, 1858, Mr. Norton was
married, in Green Bay, to Miss Bridget
Forestal, a nati\'e of County Kilkenny,
Ireland, whose father, Thomas Forestal,
died before she was born, and she came
to America with her mother and two
brothers, Thomas and Edward; their voy-
age across the .Atlantic occupied six weeks
and three daj's. After his marriage Mr.
Norton settled on his farm, on which a
few improvements had been made, a
house and barn built, etc. ; bat the land
was still for the most part in its primitive
condition, and wild animals abounded.
After years of tireless, unremitting in-
dustry he found himself the possessor of
the highly productive, well-improved farm
where the family yet reside, and which
has supplanted the unbroken forest which
stood there when he first came to this
section. Mr. and Mrs. Norton have had
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
359
the following children: Katie C, who
lives at home; Mary A., Mrs. William
Powers, of Nahma, Mich. , who was a
school-teacher for some time; Sarah,
Mrs. John Shaughnessy, of Fort Howard;
James, Timothy and Anna S., at home.
Mr. Norton has given agriculture his
principal attention, and has few, if any,
equals in that line in Brown county. He
is now the owner of 600 acres in Wrights-
town and Rockland townships, which he
has accumulated through industry and
hard work, and his success in his life-
work shows what a young man may
accomplish if persevering and diligent.
Forty-four years ago he landed in New
York with but ten dollars in money, to-
day he is ranked among the successful
self-made men of his community. His
energy, economical habits and physical
strength have been important factors in
his success, but his business sagacity and
good judgment have also proved of no
small value. Honest and trustworthy,
he has always enjoyed the confidence of
all who have had dealings with him in
any way. He has li\ed to see the sur-
rounding country transformed from a for-
est, and has himself taken an active part
in the advancement and improvement of
the region, especially in his own neigh-
borhood.
Politically he is a Democrat, and has
always been stanch in supporting the
principles of his party, invariably voting
that ticket in National and State af-
fairs, in local elections, however, giv-
ing his support to the candidate whom
he considers best fitted for the office.
He has never aspired to political honors
himself, his own extensive interests de-
manding the greater share of his time and
attention, but he served as school director
in his district. In religious connection
he and his wife are members of St. Francis
Catholic Church, of De Pere. Though
now over seventy years of age, Mr. Nor-
ton is in good health, and can perform a
a day's work that would be a credit to a
man many years his junior. On Febru-
ary I, 1865, Mr. Norton enlisted at Green
Bay in Company A, Fifty-second Wis.
V. I., and was sent to St. Louis, but saw
no service, as he was taken ill with small-
po.x, and received his discharge.
GEORGE W. SENSIBA, a retired
business man and farmer of Su-
amico, Brown county, was born
January 14, 1824, in Delaware
county, N. Y., a son of Alfred Sensiba,
who was a son of Samuel and Mary
(Taylor) Sensiba. Samuel was a native
of Germany, and died in Utica, N. Y. ,
an exile from his native land on account
of his father's activity in the patriot army
during the German war. Mary (Taylor)
Sensiba was of English descent, and died
in Onondaga county, N. Y., at the age of
seventy years.
Alfred Sensiba was one of a family of
seven children, and was born in Massa-
chusetts. When a boy he hired out as a
farm hand, but sustained a permanent
injury to his health by contracting a cold,
and abandoned farming for canal-boating,
running on the Erie canal three or four
years. At the end of that time he went
to Jordan, N. Y. , and established a soap
and candle business, later moving to
Seneca Falls, N. Y. , where he engaged
in the same business a while; then, in
1842, he went to Indiana, where he con-
tinued to make soap and candles until his
removal to St. Joseph, Mich. Here he
bought a farm, but finally sold out and
came to Suamico, Brown Co., Wis.,
where he died at the age of seventy-seven.
Alfred Sensiba was married, when twenty-
three years old, to Miss Nancy Houghtal-
ing, who was born in Delaware county,
N. Y. , and is still living at the home of
our subject, George W., who is her only
child.
George W. Sensiba worked at various
employments until 1844, when he came
West, worked in Chicago one year, and
then went to Lockport, N. Y., with a
stock of goods. The next year he re-
360
COMMEMORATIVE DIOGRAPniCAL RECORD.
turned to Chicago and enlisted, in 1 846,
in the Mexican war, but was prevented
from going by an attack of measels. In the
fall of the same year he came to Brown
county. Wis., and for two or three years
carried on a cooper shop at Green Bay,
following which he was engaged in the
fish trade on the lakes six or seven years.
On August 26, 1850, he wedded Miss
Maria Wiltsey, who was born in London,
Canada, and during the Mexican war
came to the United States with her par-
ents, Hiram and Susan Wiltsej", farming
people, vvho died in Michigan; the}' were
the parents of seven children. To Mr.
and Mrs. George W. Sensiba have been
born eleven children, of whom ten are
living, viz. : Amanda, who married and
had three children, two of whom are
married and have two children ; Georgi-
ana ; Arvilla, married ; Alfred, married
and has four children ; Frank ; William ;
Effie ; George C. ; Burgess ; and Irving.
Mr. Sensiba resumed the fish trade
for several years after his marriage, and
then went on the farm where he now
lives, and, after cultivating it for several
years, went north, again entering the fish
trade. For several \'ears following he
handled cedar posts, and about i860 re-
turned to his old farm. In 1864 he
shipped in the navy, serving until August
22, 1865, when he again returned to his
farm for a time, and next removed to
Fort Howard, there following the grocery
and fish trade until 1S70, in which vear
he sold out and retired to live in peace
and ease on his homestead in Suamico.
Mr. Sensiba is a Republican in his politi-
cal affiliations, and was originally an
old-line Whig, casting his first vote for
Gen. Zachary Taxlor. He has been
quite active in local politics, and is now
serving as a justice of the peace. He and
his family are consistent members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, in which
congregation Mrs. Sensiba is especially
active, and for which she acts as Sunday-
school superintendent. Mr. Sensiba's in-
dustrious business career has won for him
the admiration of his fellow citizens,
while his persevering economy has se-
cured for him a competency that enables
him to enjoy his declining years, bereft of
the cares that so long engaged his atten-
tion. He is regarded as an upright, char-
itable gentleman, at all times ready to
aid, with his time and purse, any move-
ment calculated to advance the well-being
of his township and county and enhance
the happiness of his neighbors, young and
old, and in consequence enjoys their un-
feigned esteem.
JOHN CRAANEN, farmer and stock
raiser, and owner of a fine farm of
200 acres in Scott township, Brown
count}', is a nati\e of same, born
January 30, i860, youngest child of Chris-
tian and Theodora (Hooken) Craanen.
Oar subject received his early educa-
tion in the then primiti\e log cabin schools
of Scott township, and subsequentl}' for
three years attended the parochial schools'
at Calvary, Wis. He was reared to agri-
cultural life, and, after his school days
were over, commenced to assist his father
on the home farm, where he always re-
mained up to the time of his marriage.
On April 26, 1892, he was married, at
Bay Settlement, to Miss Jennie Noonyen,
who was born in Scott township in
1872, daughter of Leonard Noonyen,
a native of Holland, and this union has
been blessed with one child, Frank, born
May II, 1893. -After marriage Mr.
Craanen located in his present home, and
here conducts a successful general farm-
ing and stock-raising business. As before
mentioned, he has a prime farm of 200
acres, and is without an equal in his town-
ship among the farmers of his age. He
is thoroughly conversant with every depart-
ment of his chosen vocation, having been
engaged in agriculture from his early boy-
hood, and to-day he ranks among the
most prosperous of the agriculturists of
his locality. Diligent and thorough, he
has shown himself fully competent to sue-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
361
cessfully manage his extensive interests,
to which he gives his undivided attention.
In reHgious connection he and his wife
are menabers of the CathoHc Church at
Bay Settlement, and in pohtics he is a
Democrat, but gives Httle time to party
affairs.
JARED D. MASON, farmer of Pitts-
field township. Brown county, was
born June 13, 1830, in Grafton,
Rensselaer Co., N. Y. , and is de-
scended from Revolutionary stock, his
great-grandfather, Capt. John Mason, an
Englishman, having been burned at the
stake by the Indians during that patriotic
but fearful struggle for American inde-
pendence. Jared D. Mason is the eldest
of seven children born to John and Doro-
thy Mason, who died on their farm of 160
acres in their native State, New York,
and were interred at Sand Lake (or Pres-
ton Hill), Rensselaer county.
Jared D. Mason was reared on the
home farm, on which he remained until
about twenty-three years of age, when
he married. May 31, 1853, Catherine
Lawlor, daughter of Edward and Mary
(Fitzpatrick) Lawlor, of Irish descent.
Mr. Mason now bought sixty acres of land
from his father at five dollars per acre,
on which farm some few improvements
had been made, and here he and his wife
lived until 1865, when they came to Wis-
consin, stopping at Green Bay, because
the railway stopped there, and thence
being drawn to the woods by Henry
Howard with a team of horses. Here
Mr. Mason rented a log cabin, 16x20
feet, in which he lived one year, working
for Brown & Evins, lumbermen, for two
dollars per day. He then bought 160
acres of timbered land, but let a brother-
in-law, Mr. Lynch, have eighty acres of
the tract. All the vicissitudes of pioneer
life were here gone through; the cabin of
18 X 26 feet is now a comfortable dwelling,
and the forest changed to a fertile farm,
but all this required years of unceasing
and patient toil by himself, his wife and
his sons, when the latter became old
enough to lend their aid. The children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Jared D. Mason
were ten in number, viz. : An infant, born
April 8, 1854, who died unnamed; Albert
L. , born April 8, 1855, who died August
8, 1858; Marcus J., born January 11,
1857; Mary, born February i, 1859;
Sarah C, born March 17, 1861, who
died February 9, 1862; Martha A., born
April 25, 1863, who died May 3, 1865;
George B., born June 23, 1865; Minnie
J., born March 26, 1866; Cora B., born
April 26, 1870, and Bertie C, born Octo-
ber 14, 1875. Mrs. Mason is a devout
member of the Methodist Church. In
politics Mr. Mason is a Democrat, and
has served his fellow citizens with much
credit as member of the side board for
three years, and as town clerk for one year.
AG. KURZ, a prominent photogra-
pher, of Green Bay, having a fine
studio located at Nos. 210 and
212 Cherry street, is the only
child of G. and Minnie (Donner) Kurz,
both natives of Germany. The father
came at an early date to Ripon, Wis.,
was later married in Chicago, and finally,
in 1866, settled upon a new farm in Win-
nebago county. About 1871 he removed
with his family to Green Bay, established
a marble yard, and engaged at his old
trade of marble cutting. After a number
of years he retired from business, and he
and his wife are both yet living.
Our subject was born in 1867, in Eu-
reka, Winnebago Co., Wis., and when
about four years of age came with his
parents to Green Bay. Here he received
his education in the public schools, and
fitted himself for commercial pursuits by
attending business college under Prof. J.
N. McCunn. At the age of fourteen years
he began to learn the art of photography,
and four years later, in the fall of 1885,
launched out in business at De Pere. His
original preceptor in the artist's line was
362
COMMEMORAriVE UIOGBAPIIICAL RECORD.
T. W. Schneider, and the lessons were
■well learned. He formed a partnership
with Mr. Nuss, under the firm name of
Kurz & Nuss, with a studio on Washing-
ton street, which was continued until
1892. Upon the dissolution of this part-
nership Mr. Kurz engaged in business in
Milwaukee, but in February, 1894, located
in Green Bay. At this place, in 1890, he
married Miss Augusta Straubel, daughter
of Ernest Straubel, an early settler of
Brown county, who now resides in Green
Bay. Two children have come to grace
their home. Mr. Kurz is a member of
Green Bay Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F. ;
Pochequette Lodge, No. 26, K. of P. ;
also of the Royal Arcanum and the Order
of the Maccabees. In politics he is an
earnest I^epublican.
REV. P. J. CAUTEREELS, the
worthy and much-belo\'ed pastor
of the Church of the Holy Cross,
in Bay Settlement, Brown count}',
is a native of Belgium, born in the city of
Antwerp, January 3, 1833.
His elementary education was received
at the parish schools of Antwerp, after
leaving which he studied the classics,
philosophy and theology in the seminary
of Malines, in which institution he was
appointed professor of Latin after his con-
secration to the priesthood, at Malines
•(or Mechlin), in December, 1857. In
1862 he resigned this incumbency, and,
returning to Antwerp, was given the posi-
tion of chaplain to Ste. Elizabeth Hos-
pital, which he filled with characteristic
diligence and Christian zeal until 1872, in
which year he was given charge, as priest,
of the church at the village of Hemi.xem,
Antwerp. At the end of ten years, in 1 882,
he resigned his charge, and having ex-
pressed a desire, and received permission
from his superiors, to engage in the labor
of love among his countrymen and others
in the Far West of America, he was
saluted with many a hearty ' ' bon voyage "
on leaving Antwerp on the 25th of June,
that year, on board the Red Star Line
steamship " Westerland," for New York,
where he arrived July 10 following. From
there he came direct to Wisconsin, and
in the township of Humboldt, Brown
county, he was stationed as priest, hav-
ing charge, in all of four congregations up
to the year 1892, when he came to the
Church of the Holy Cross, at Ba\' Settle-
ment, his present benefice. Mr. Caute-
reels is also rector of St. Francis Convent,
where are employed twenty-two teachers,
and here, as in his congregation, he is
held in the highest regard as a pious
Christian servant of the ^faster.
JOSEPH HUSSIN, farmer and hotel-
keeper in the village of Duck Creek,
Brown county, is one of eight chil-
dren— three sons and five daughters —
still living of a very large family born to
Joseph and Florence (Toussaint) Hussin,
natives of Belgium, the former of whom
was born in the Province of Liege in 1 8 1 2,
and the latter in the Province of Namur
in 18 16.
Joseph Hussin, our subject, was born
in the Province of Liege, and on June 20,
1856, sailed with the family from Ant-
werp for New York, at which port they
arrived after a passage of six weeks, and
next day proceeded on their way to Green
Bay, Wis. The father at once engaged
at his trade of stone-cutting, working at
same until October, when he moved to
Duck Creek and built a log cabin, 20 x 20
feet, in the dense woods which at that
early day still covered the country, and
here his family resided for two years. He
then rented a farm, on which he lived
three or four years, and then bought his
present farm, following his trade in the
meantime about five years. Joseph Hus-
sin, whose name opens this sketch, worked
on the home farm, and at intervals hired
out by the month until his marriage, Feb-
ruary 8, 1869, to Miss Octavie Lumay,
a native of the Province of Brabant, Bel-
gium, and daughter of John J. and Fran-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
363
ces Lumay. The Lumay family came to
the United States about the same year in
which the Hussin family immigrated.
The father was a tailor, a trade he fol-
lowed all his life, but on his arrival in
America he rented a farm in Door county,
Wis. , on which he died at the age of si.Kt}'-
six 3'ears, and his wife at the age of sixty-
two. The}' were the parents of several
children, four of whom are living; the
others died in infancy.
To our subject and wife have been
born eleven children, of whom ten are
yet living; the eldest son is married and
has three sons. After his marriage Mr.
Hussin settled on a farm in the vicinity of
his father's place; but, after a residence
there of four years, sold out and bought
his present property in the village, open-
ing a hotel and saloon, where his accom-
modating disposition and pleasing man-
ners have won him hosts of friends. His
surplus earnings have been invested in
farm property, and he is the owner of one
•or two choice tracts of land in the neigh-
borhood. Politically he is a Democrat,
and cast his first Presidential vote for
Samuel J. Tilden; but he is a man who
thinks for himself and is capable of form-
ing his own opinions. For four years he
served as township treasurer, having been
elected on the Independent ticket — a fact
which gives evidence of his great popu-
larity with the people — and for seven or
eight years he has served as assessor, be-
ing the present incumbent of that office.
He is secretary of the Grange, and is
recognized everywhere as a man of ability.
The familv are all devout Catholics.
JOHN G. FINDEISEN, who for over
forty years has been indentified with
the interests of Scott township. Brown
county, as a farmer and landowner,
is a native of Wittenberg, Germany, born
August s, 1814, son of Gottlieb Findeisen,
a farmer, who had three children — one
son and two daughters — of whom the son,
John G. , is the eldest.
Our subject received his education in
the common schools of his native coun-
try, which he attended from the time he
was six years old until he reached the age
of fourteen, also attending the Sabbath-
school four years, as required by law.
He was reared to farm life; but his father's
place being a small one, he usually worked
for others, his earnings being very meager,
never exceeding twenty-five dollars a
year. Yet, in three years, he had saved
enough to pay his way to America, where
he hoped to find better opportunities for
advancement, and, leaving Germany, he
proceeded to England, where he em-
barked, at London, on the sailing vessel
"Maggie Evans," bound for New York,
the voyage lasting from May 13 to June
19 (1S48). His destination being Green
Bay, Wis., he journeyed from New York
to Albany by boat, thence by rail to
Buffalo, from there coming by water to
Milwaukee, where he remained a week,
waiting for another boat. To Peshtigo
he came on a lumber vessel, thence by a
smaller one to Green Bay, where he
landed July 20. Here he found work
cutting cordwood for a merchant, and
subsequently came to New Franken,
which at that time was included in Bay
Settlement. In Green Bay township he
purchased a tract of forty acres (for which
h* paid $1.25 per acre), directly opposite
his present farm, the place at that time
being all in the woods and totally un-
improved, not a stick having been cut
or a habitation of any kind erected.
He set to work and built a log cabin,
20x28, and also commenced the clear-
ing of the land, which for a long time
yielded scarcely anything; but he ob-
tained a small income by the manufac-
ture of shingles by hand, for which he re-
ceived one dollar a thousand. On this
farm he remained twenty-nine years, and
then removed across the road into the
township of Scott, erecting another log
house on the site of his present substan-
tial residence, which was built in 1885.
Mr. Findeisen now owns 155 acres of
364
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
prime farming land, lying in Scott and
Green Bay townships, all accumulated
from the nucleus of forty acres of wilder-
ness and timber land that he owned in
1848. His success has been achieved by
ceaseless industry and unremitting toil.
He has seen his land transformed from a
dense forest abountling with wild animals
to a well-culti\ ated productive farm,
which he and his children now enjoy, the
trials, privations and hardships of those
early days being forever past. Mr. I'in-
deisen was actively engaged in general
farming and stock-raising until about
1 880, when he practically retired from
the work, his farm now being conducted
by his sons, John, Andrew and George,
whtj have shown themselves fully com-
petent to manage the affairs of the place.
Few farmers in the township have met
with more gratifying success, and Mrs.
Findeisen also deserves her share of
credit, for, by her economy and thrift,
she has been of no small assistance in
the accumulation of the property. During
the first winter of their marriage Mr.
Findeisen was employed in Green Bay,
cutting wood at si.\ shillings a cord (and
boarding himself), and during that time
his wife remained alone in their cabin in
the forest
many inconveniences endured
early days.
Mr. Findeisen was married in Green
Bay to Miss Margaret Hoffman, who was
born July 13, 1824, in Wittenberg, Ger-
many, and came to America with her
future husband, their marriage taking
place July 21, 1848. This union was
blessed with children as follows: Sophia
(now deceased), who married Henry Senn,
and had four children; Louis W., a
hardware merchant of Green Bay, who
is married and has two children; Leonard,
a member of the firm of Findeisen Bros.,
hardware merchants of Green Bay, who
is married and has one child; Conrad,
Andrew, George and John, all living on the
home farm; Henry, a general merchant of
Antigo, Wis. ; Caroline, deceased at the age
but a single illustration cf the
those
of nine years; Edward, deceased at the age
of five; and ILmma, living at home. Of
these ANDREW, GEORGE and JOHN
are engaged in conducting the home farm,
and they are recognized as intelligent, in-
dustrious young men, successful in their
chosen vocation, in which they rank
second to none. Two of the other sons,
Louis W. and Leonard, carry on one of
the most extensive and profitable hard-
ware businesses in Green Bay.
John G. Findeisen cast his ballot for
.Abraham Lincoln in 1864, and since that
time has been a stanch Republican, taking
no active part in politics, however, though
he is deeply interested in the success of
his party. His seven sons are also mem-
bers of that party, and keep themselves
well informed in its movements. In re-
ligious connection he and his wife are
members of the German M. E. Church,
in which he has been trustee, and the
other members of the family at home are
also identified with the same society.
JACOB F.\LCK, a progressive busi-
ness man of De Pere, Brown coun-
ty, is a native of Wisconsin, born
December 13, 1848, in Milwaukee
county, Wis. , the eldest son of Philip
and Catherine (Hanger) Falck.
Our subject was but seven years of
age when his parents came to Brown
county, settling in Morrison township,
where the\- purchased 290 acres in Section
7, and also 160 acres in Section 22. On
the first-named property Jacob was reared
to manhood, receiving such education as
the meager school facilities of the day
afforded. As the eldest boy in the fam-
ily, the greater portion of the work in
assisting on the farm fell to his lot, and
he was but fifteen or sixteen years old
when a team was placed in his hands,
with which to help the hired man. He
labored hard and faithfully until nearly
twenty-six years of age, and acquired
those steady habits which have so much
benefited him in his subsequent business
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
367
career. In August, 1874, he established
himself in a saloon in the basement of
Wheeler's drug store in De Pere, where
he made many friends and prospered for
two years; his increasing trade caused his
removal to a building owned by C. G.
Wilcox in the business part of the city,
which building, with fort}--eight feet fron-
tage, he subsequently purchased, but in
April, 1888, these premises were de-
stroyed by fire. With his usual energy,
however, he erected at once a more sub-
stantial structure, which forms one of the
best business blocks in the city, and here
he is doing a better trade than ever.
On August 28, 1878, in Manitowoc
county. Wis., Mr. Falck married Miss
Mary Meyer, a native of that county, born
April 16, 1859, a daughter of Frederick
and Sophia (Kasten) Meyer. The chil-
dren resulting from this marriage were
named George E., born June 14, 1879,
and died July 10 of the same year; Alma
E. \\., born August 6, 1880; Walter R.,
born November 6, 1882; Elsa C. S.,
born December 17, 1884; and Erven J.,
born February i, 1894. In National and
State politics Mr. Falck usually supports
the Democratic nominees, but in county
and municipal matters he votes for the
candidate he considers l)est fitted for
office. He has himself served creditably
two terms on the board of aldermen, but
has declined further nomination. He
and his wife are consistent members of
the Lutheran Church, and both stand well
in the esteem of the public. In 1893 Mr.
Falck built one of the most modern resi-
dences in De Pere. He has the reputation
of conducting "the most orderly saloon
in the city," and is a very popular citizen,
is quiet and unassuming, makes friends
with all who meet him, and retains them.
IVI
Erie
ILO AMES, a successful farmer
and lumberman of Pittsfield
township. Brown county, was
born January 14, 1842, in
county, Penn., son of Nathaniel
and Miranda (Madison) Ames, the former
a successful carpenter and farmer; he was
twice married, first to Miranda Madison,
and had eleven children.
On September 10, 1861, Milo Ames
enlisted in Company K, Eighty-third P.
V. I., in response to the call for 75,000
men, and served until February 2, 1863,
when he re-enlisted and served until July
3, 1864. He was in every battle in which
the army of the Potomac was engaged
during this period, and was wounded at
Gaines' Mills. After his recovery and
discharge from the hospital he was ap-
pointed dispatch courier, and served in
this capacity until his discharge at Harris-
burg, when he returned to his home and
passed some time in the oil country. On
Februar}' 22, 1S66, he was united in mar-
riage with Loisa Baker, one of the thir-
teen children born to William H. and
Loisa (Stowell) Baker, the former a native
of New York, and the latter of Vermont;
the father is a successful farmer, and is
still living in Erie county, Penn. , where
he owns 500 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs.
Ames were school children together, and
were married in Erie county, where they
remained nearly four years after their
union, he being employed in lumbering on
the Allegheny river in the meanwhile. In
1869 they came b_v rail to Green Bay,
Wis., and thence directly to Pittsfield,
where for si.x years Mr. Ames was em-
ployed by Oscar Gray in the lumber busi-
ness. He then bought eighty acres of
timber land, on which stood a log house,
and he cleared this land by his own labor,
and added to it until he at one time owned
120 acres; but of this he sold forty acres,
leaving him a well-improved tract of eighty
acres. Mr. and Mrs. Ames have been
blessed with three children, viz. : Rose,
born July 11, 1869, now the wife of
Charles Huntington, of Pittsfield; Emma
M., born February 3, 1876; and Harry,
born April 30, 1882. The parents are
members of the Congregational Church, in
which Mr. Ames was a deacon, and of
which he is now trustee. Politically he
368
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.
was a Republican until last year, when
he gave his franchise to the Prohibitionists.
He has served as chairman of the town
one year, andasmernber of the sideboard
two terms, and is very highly respected
.by all who know hini.
WILLIAM CONEN. an upright
citizen and successful farmer,
of Dc Pare township. Brown
county, is a native of Holland,
born June i8, 1844, son of Theodore
Conen. When four years of age he was
brought by his parents to America, and to
Brown county. Wis., where, in the prim-
itive scho'^lsof that early day, ha received
all his education. Early in life he was
put to work on the farm, as the country
was new, and the farmers of that period
had to work hard to earn a living from
their land; besides, wages were low, and
if a boy earned his board he was doing
well. When William was twenty years
old his father died, and for some years
afterward he and his brothers were in
partnership. When the property was di-
vided he received fort\' acres in De Pere
township, part of his present farm, which
at that time was all new land, without-
a single improvement, and he himself
built the first house on the place.
In April. 1870, Mr. Conen was mar-
ried in De Pere to Anna Stylties, who was
bornAugust 22, 1840, in Germany, daugh-
ter of Anton Stylties, a farmer, and the
young couple immediately commenced
housekeeping on the new farm. To their
union have been born children as follows:
Theodore, Anton, Anna, John, Hattie,
and Mary, all living, and two that died
young. Mr. Conen has all his life been
a hard-working farmer, and his present
prosperity is all the result of toil and in-
dustry. He has increased the area of his
farm from forty to 140 acres, all in De-
Pere township, and has transformed it
from a stumpy, brush-covered piece of
ground to a well-cultivated and fertile
tract. This has only been accomplished
by years of unceasing toil, but his chil-
dren have been of great help to him, the
sons all remaining on the farm and as-
sisting much with the agricultural work.
Mr. Conen has, during his long residence
in the count)', acquired an enviable repu-
tation for honesty and fair dealing, and
he is universally respected for his many
good qualities. In religious connection
he and his family are members of St.
Mary's Catholic Church, De Pere; in po-
litical preferences Mr. Conen is a stanch
supporter of the principles of the Demo-
cratic part)'.
JAMES SHERLOCK, a systematic
progressive farmer citizen of De Pere
township. Brown county, is a native
of the same, born April i, 1854.
Our subject received a fair common-
school education, and was reared to practi-
cal farm life on the home place until sixteen
years of age, after which he commenced to
follow other pursuits. He spent si.xteen
winters in the lumber camps of northern
Wisconsin and Michigan, enduring all the
vicissitudes and hardships of camp life in
the winter, and also becoming familiar with
the hazardous work of " driving logs" in
the spring. On October 28, 1886, Mr.
Sherlock was married in St. Francis
Church, De Pere, by Father Rine, to Miss
Anna Hughes, who was born in i860,
along the Canadian and lower Michigan
line, daughter of Hugh and Margaret
(Dalton) Hughes, natives of Ireland, who
settled in 1869 in Glenmore township.
Brown Co., Wisconsin.
Immediately after his marriage Mr.
Sherlock settled on his present farm,
where he has since continuously resided,
and on which he has made many improve-
ments. It is one of the oldest farms in
East River valley, and consists of 115
acres of excellent land. In State and
National affairs Mr. Sherlock votes the
Democratic ticket, but in local matters he
pays more attention to the fitness of the
candidate than to party connection. In
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGMAPUICAL RECORD.
369
1 89 1 he was elected chairman of the
township, in which office he has since
served with credit to himself and satisfac-
tion to his constituents. He is a reader,
and well informed on general topics. In
religious connection he and his wife are
both members of St. Francis Catholic
Church at De Pere. Thej' have had five
children, namely: Ralph J., Maggie V.,
Annie V., Mary E. and Philip E.
HERMANN RAYMAKERS, than
whom there is no more success-
ful or progressive citizen in Preble
township, Brown county, is a na-
tive of Holland, born December 24, 1829,
in the village of Venraij, Province of Lim-
burg, son of Leonard Raymakers,who was
a laborer in his native land.
Hermann Raymakers received a com-
mon-school education, and then learned
the carpenter's trade, which he com-
menced to follow when eighteen years old,
working around at various places, and,
being industrious and ambitious, he pros-
pered. While engaged in this he invested
in si.K acres of land (going into debt for
same), the cultivation of which he carried
on in connection with his trade. On
April 2 8, 1856, he was united in mar-
riage, in Holland, with Miss Alliegonde
Vullengs, also a native of Venraij, and six
children were born to them in Holland,
as follows: Leonard, who is now a mer-
chant of Green Bay, Wis. ; Christian, of
Oakland, Cal., and Martin, Andrew,
Catharine, and Helena, living at home.
After carrying on his trade some years in
his native country, \[r. Raymakers con-
cluded he could better his condition by
coming to the United States, and in June,
1868, he and his family sailed from Liver-
pool on the vessel "Nestorian," landing
at Quebec after a voyage of nine days,
and thence proceeding to Green Bay,
Wis. , where they arrived sixteen days
after leaving Liverpool. In Preble town-
ship. Brown county, Mr. Raymakers pur-
vchased forty acres of new land, entirely
unimproved, on which, in a day and a
half afterward, a rude home had been
constructed, and in this house, which had
not even a window, his wife and six chil-
dren lived for a short time, until a better
one could be built. Mr. Raymakers
worked around at various kinds of labor,
but could get no money, the first cur-
rency he ever received in the United
States coming from the sale of three loads
of hay, which brought him eleven dollars.
Some time after locating on the forty
acres of land he removed to Green Bay,
but later came back to the farm and built
thereon a house from a twentj-five-dol
lar pile of lumber, which was the resi-
dence of the family until 1893, when the
present magnificent home, the finest farm
house in the township, was erected. The
sons, Leonard, Martin, Henry, John,
William, Peter, and Gerard, are all with
their father in the business of the firm of
H. Raymakers & Sons, which comprises
a market garden in Preble, three miles
from the city of Green Bay, and a gen-
eral produce store in the city. The store
is in charge of Leonard and Henry, while
Mr. Raymakers operates the garden. All
the children of our subject live at home
with the exception of Henry, who resides
in the city, being married, and Christian,
who is settled in California. The entire
farhily are members of the Catholic
Church.
Mr. Raymakers lived " in the woods,"
as he expresses it, and literally converted
his farm from its primitive state to its
present fertile condition, toiling early and
late for sixteen years to free his home
from debt, during which time he and his
family endured their full share of the
hardships incident to pioneer farm life.
But success has rewarded his untiring en-
ergy, as his beautiful farm and home now
testify. When Mr. Raymakers bought the
place the land was quite swampy, the east
half being covered with deep muck, and,
knowing this to be an excellent fertilizer,
he set himself to work to make the most
of it. Alwavs a reader, he obtained an
37°
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
idea from the 0/tio Farmer on the subject
he was so greatly interested in, and his
plans were no sooner formed than he pro-
ceeded to carr)' them out. Digging; out
the muck from the eastern part of the
farm, which rises above the western part,
he hauled it away to fertilize the rest of
the land, thus leaving a reser\oir for the
water to gather in, which is fed b\' springs
and drains, and provides irrigation for the
land, besides affording a constant supply
of running water for his house, barns,
hothouses, stock, etc. ; over ten thousand
feet of drainage and tiling have been laid
on the farm. The reservoir, which has
been well stocked with German carp, is
ninety feet wide and 600 feet long, and
the excellent arrangements make it pos-
sible to distribute water to the most dis-
tant parts of the farm, in carts or hose,
when necessary. With such facilities the
land is excepitionally well-adapted for
profitable gardening, and thirty acres are
devoted to that branch alone, supplying
various markets, especially Green Bay,
whither a load of vegetables is sent daily,
he and his sons conducting a prosperous
produce business in the city; the celery
beds on the farm are unusually fine.
Mr. Raymakers has spared neither
money nor pains to make an ideal farm
and home out of what was once a dense
wilderness, his fine residence, barn and
other buildings are all in keeping with the
other improvements, and he is regarded
as one of the most enterprising, substan-
tial farmers in Preble township. He
takes an active interest in political mat-
ters, studying carefully the leading ques-
tions of the day. Formerly a I^epublican
and Protectionist, he changed his ideas
after much study and thought on the sub-
ject, and is now an advocate of the Free-
trade system. He is very fond of reading,
keeping himself well informed on general
topics and public issues, and his home
contains a well-selected library. He is
an earnest advocate of thorough educa-
tion, and believes a country school should
possess the same advantages and as com-
plete an ecjuipment as a city school for
the instruction of the young. In 1890
Mr. Raymakers paid a short visit to his
native country, but returned convinced
that though Holland is good, America is
better.
HENRY LANCASTER, a system-
atic, skillful farmer of Howard
township. Brown county, was
born in January, 1832, in Man-
chester, England, son of Joseph and
Catherine (Burke) Lancaster, and was
a lad about twelve years of age when
he came alone to this country. His
! father was the son of a coal dealer in
England, and was a veteran of Waterloo,
and a pensioner ; he died when Henry,
our subject, was still a mere lad of seven
I or eight years. Mrs. Catherine Lancas-
ter subsequently' remarried, and came
with her husband to the United States
j about 1841, Henry following in about
j three years.
On reaching America our subject went
to Oswego, N. Y. , where he passed two
or three years with his mother and step-
father, and then worked at various places
until 1850, when he came to Wisconsin,
to which State his mother had removed
about a year previous. Here she died
at an advanced age, the mother of eight
children, of whom but three are now liv-
ing. Mr. Lancaster for the first two
years after his arrival in W^isconsin, rent-
ed land from his stepfather in Pittsfield
township. Brown county, and then moved
to Duck Creek, where he worked in a
mill until his enlistment, on January 25,
1862, in the Seventeenth Wis. V. L
This regiment being full, however, he
was transferred to Company L, of an
Illinois Light Artillery regiment, and took
part in every battle in which the com-
mand was engaged, and in all of its
marches, until the close of the war, with
the exception of three months, during
which he was confined in Libby Prison as
a prisoner of war, and another three
COMMEMORATrVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
months when he was in hospital on ac-
count of a wound received in the Shen-
andoah Valley, while fifi;htin<^ against the
Confederate, Gen. Early. He was hon-
orably discharged in April, 1865, and is
now receiving a pension for his services.
After his return to Duck Creek Mr. Lan-
caster again worked in the mill for a
time, and also cleared off forty acres of
his land and bought forty acres addi-
tional. In November, 1869, he married
Miss Catherine Maher, who was born
in Green Ba}-, a daughter of Edmund
and Hannah (Handerhan) Maher, natives
of Ireland. This union has been blessed
with seven children, named as follows:
Joseph, Ella, Maggie (wife of Louis
Jagers, of Kiel, Alanitowoc Co., Wis.),
Hannah, John, Agnes, and Nora.
Mr. Lancaster, after his marriage,
brought his bride to his present farm,
which, under his skillful management, is
now in a state of luxuriant cultivation,
and here the}' have lived ever since, with
the exception of one year, when they re-
sided in Fort Howard. He raises mixed
crops, and the general appearance of his
fields and the air of comfort and neatness
surrounding his dwelling and farm build-
ings give indication of the watchful eye and
trained industry of the master, and the
willing, tasteful and deft employment of
the hand of his helpmeet, who is known
to all as a most industrious, cheerful
woman, a good wife and a thoughtful
mother. Socially Mr. Lancaster is an
honored member of T. O. Howe Post,
No. 124, G. A. R. , and he and his family
are regarded as most desirable neighbors
in Howard township.
HENRY B O R M A N, one of the
leading agriculturists of De Pere
township, Brown county, was born
March 18, 1846, in Belgium, son
of Gregorie Borman, who was a farmer
in comfortable circumstances.
Conluding he could better his condi-
tion by coming to America, the father of
our subject in 1857 sold his property and
set out with his family for the United
States, landing in New York City. Thence
they at once journeyed westward to Green
Bay, Wis., and, shortly after their arrival,
located in AUouez township, where Mr.
Borman was for two years employed in a
brickyard. They then came to De Pere,
at that time but a small village, and for
seven years made their home on a farm
(now included in the town of De Pere)
which they rented from John Lace}'.
Then, in the fall of 1866, they purchased
and removed upon the farm of seventy
acres now owned by our subject, which
at that time was covered with a dense
forest. They immediately cleared a spot
for a house, and erected a frame dwelling,
which in later years was supplanted by a
neat brick cottage, and here Mr. Bor-
man passed the remainder of his days,
dying in 1883; his wife survived him eight
years, and their remains now rest in De-
Pere cemetery. They were both mem-
bers of the Catholic Church, and in poli-
tics he was a Democrat.
Henry Borman attended school in Bel-
gium until the family came to the United
States, after which he completed his edu-
cation in the then primitive schools of
Allouez and De Pere townships. On
June 21, 1873, he was married, in De-
Pere, to Hortense Lhost, a native of Bel-
gium, born March 8, 1856, daughter of
John Lhost, who came to the United
States in 1869 with his family of seven
children and settled in Brown county.
Wis. Immediately after his marriage
Mr. Borman took up his residence on the
farm where he yet lives, and here he has
been engaged in general farming, of which,
by good management and untiring energy,
he has made a success. His farm com-
prises seventy acres of excellent farming
land, all of which has been taken from
the woods, involving many years of un-
relenting toil before the place was reduced
to its present fertile condition. Mr. Bor-
man is one of the best-known men in
De Pere township, where he is highly re-
.■>/-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.
spected. He is a leader in all enterprises
which promise to benefit his township or
county, and is regarded as a public-spirited,
progressive citizen. Politically he is a
Democrat, is a stanch supporter of the
principles ol that party, antl in 1893 was
elected treasurer of his township, for ten
or eleven years previous to which he had
served as supervisor, giving complete sat-
isfaction in that office: He and his wife
are members of St. Francis Catholic
Church at De Pere. They have had chil-
dren as follows: Mary, John E., Victor J.,
Victoria, Emily, Constant, Julia, Celia,
Willie, living, and others who died in
infancy.
w
S. WHITCOMB, a long-estab-
lished contractor and builder of
Green Bay, was born in Ann
Arbor, Washtenaw Co., Mich.,
August 31, 1832, a son of Levi and
Roxalana (Putnamj Whitcomb, the former
a nati\e of Pennsylvania, the latter of
Connecticut. The father was accident-
ally killed, in 1869, in Howard township.
Brown Co., Wis., and the mother, who
was a great-granddaughter of Gen. Israel
Putnam, the Revolutionary hero, died in
1865. Mr. and Mrs. Levi Whitcomb
were the parents of six children, namely:
Sarah, who died at the age of four; Joseph,
who died in Brown county. Wis. , in the
fall of 1865; Lucius, who died in Michi-
gan; W. S., the subject of this sketch;
Lucretia, wife of Christian Johnson, of
Graham county, Kans., and Levi, who
resides in McPherson count}', Michigan.
Our subject remained in Michigan un-
til May, 1844, when he came to Green
Bay, and here served three years at the
carpenter's trade, also three years at
coopering, working twentj'-eight years in
Green Bay at the latter business with D.
W. Britton. In 1861 he enlisted in Com-
pany H, Twelfth Wis. V. I., for three
years; was assigned to the army of the
West, and fought at Jackson, Tenn.,
Port Gibson, Raymond Hill, siege of
Vicksburg, and at Natchez. He then re-
enlisted in the same company and regi-
ment for another period of three years,
and was with Sherman on his march to
the sea, was in the Carolina campaign,
and in the Grand Review at Washington,
D. C. He received an honorable dis-
charge at Louisville, Ky., in July, 1865,
and, returning to Green Bay, worked for
a time at laboring, and then opened up a
farm in Howard township.
Mr. Whitcomb was married May 12,
1861, to Miss Martha D. Athey, a native
of Green Bay, and a daughter of Charles
W. and Sarah (Gibson) Athey, the former
of whom, a native of Virginia, when
twenty-one years of age. or about 1839,
came to Green Bay, worked at lumber-
ing, and was married on Washington
street. Green Bay. He lost his wife in
1869, and he followed her to the grave in
1889. To Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb were
born nine children, viz. : George, of Ash-
land, Wis. ; Charlotte, who died at the
age of twelve years; Martha, wife of
Gustave Waters, of Fort Howard; Anna,
wife of Emil Ammerman, of Iron River,
Mich. ; Edward, residing at Pound, Wis. ;
Lillian, Nona and Mabel, at home, and
Maggie, who died at the age of four
years. Mr. Whitcomb is a stanch Re-
publican, and for nine years was town
clerk of Howard township. He is a
member of the Royal Arcanum, Iron Gate
Lodge, No. 546, and he and his wife are
consistent members of the Presbyterian
Church. Mr. Whitcomb has ever mani-
fested a lively interest in the progress of
Brown county, and is never backward in
lending his aid to any project calculated
to advance its growth and prosperity. The
family enjoy the utmost respect of the
community.
J
ACQUES DUCAT, an energetic,
hard-working farmer of De Pere
township. Brown county, where he
is highly respected for his honest,
worth.
straightford methods and sterlin
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
373
is a native of Belgium, born August lo,
1 83 1. He is a son of Lombard Ducat,
a farmer, who had fifteen children, of
whom our subject was the eldest son, and
the youngest of three children by his first
wife. Four of this large family died in
Belgium, and in 1855, the parents, with
the remaining children, came to America,
sailing from Antwerp, and after a voyage
of forty-eight days arrived in New York,
thence immediately proceeding to Green
Bay, Wis. Here, in Green Bay town-
ship. Brown county, the father purchased
forty acres of land, and on this farm he
passed the remainder of his life; Mrs.
Ducat also died in Green Bay township,
and their remains now rest in Bay Set-
tlement cemetery.
Jacques Ducat was reared from boy-
hood to farm life, at which he was en-
gaged in his native land; but, after coming
to Wisconsin, he found work principally
in lumber camps, loading vessels with lum-
ber, and as a general laborer around saw-
mills. On August II, 1859, he was mar-
ried to Miss Margaret Henrigillis, who
was born June 24, 1834, in Belgium,
daughter of Hubert H. Henrigillis, and
the young couple commenced housekeep-
ing in Peshtigo, Wis. For a few years
he continued to work in lumber mills and
camps, and then, in 1864, came to De-
Pere township. Brown county, to the
farm where he yet resides. He first pur-
chased forty-six and a half acres (on
which "there was not a stick amiss "),
and here erected a log house, which still
stands. During his residence of twenty-
eight years on this farm he has cleared
and improved it, and added thereto, until
it now comprises sixty-two and a half acres
of fertile land, and, in 1892, he erected
a new residence on the place. All this
has been accomplished by years of econ-
omy and thrift, and unceasing industry,
and Mr. Ducat is recognized as one of the
hardest workers in his section. He is
self-made in every respect, and from a
start of nothing has prospered, having
now a comfortable home and well-culti-
vated farm. In politics our subject is a
stanch Republican, and in religious con-
nection he and his wife are members of
St. Francis Catholic Church. To Mr.
and Mrs. Ducat have been born children
as follows: Alphonse J., who died at the
age of sixteen years; Mary, who died at
the age of ten years; Lucy, deceased in
infancy; Eugene, a cigarmaker, of Sioux
City, Iowa; Bernardine, now Mrs. Louis
Evrard, of De Pere township; John, who
died when five years old; Josephine, of
Chicago, 111.; Eliza, of Green Bay; and
Leona, Peter Joseph and David J., at
home.
PATRICK E. AND JOHN DOL-
LARD, well-known progressive
farmers of De Pere township.
Brown county, were born on the
farm where they yet make their home,
the former in August, 1851, the latter in
August, 1854.
Their father, John Dollard, was born
June 5, 1 80 1, in County Kilkenny, Ire-
land, where he married Bridget Heffer-
nan, and while in Ireland two children
were born to them, viz. : Kate, now the
wife of Joseph Whalen, postmaster at
South Milwaukee, Wis., and Ellen, Mrs.
Michael Murray, of St. Paul, Minn.
About 1850 John Dollard set out, with
his family, for America, and, sailing from
Waterford, landed at Quebec after a
long voyage. His brother Patrick was a
priest in Kingston, Canada, and there the
family remained while John proceeded
farther west, seeking a home for them.
After journeying over the State of Michi-
gan, he crossed Lake Michigan to Mani-
towoc, Wis., and thence came on foot to
Green Bay, a distance of thirty-five
miles, through the woods, during which
trip he met the first wolves he had ever
seen, and other wild animals were also
numerous. The only road was the one
over which the United States mail was
carried, and frequently there was nothing
to guide him and point out the way except
374
COMMEMORATIVE DIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
blazed trees. After looking over the
land around Green Bay, Mr. Dollard
selected a tract of i6o acres, in Section
31, De Pere township, Brown county, for
which he paid five hundred dollars. The
place was uncleared and totally unim-
proved, and Mr. Dollard made a few rude
preparations for his famil}' before return-
ing to Canada and bringing them to their
new home in the initlst of the forest.
The first cabin stood about twenty rods
from the spot where the present substan-
tial brick residence was built in 1885.
The father commenced the work of clear-
ing the farm, an arduous task, and more
especially so as during the first 3'ear he
had no beasts of burden, and he hauled
100,000 feet of lumber to a point on East
river, with a hired team of cattle, before he
became the owner of a pair of oxen. The
first crops raised on the farm consisted of
oats and potatoes, and for some time
their only farming implement was a hoe.
On this place ^fr. Dollard ]:)assed the re-
mainder of his life, dying January 30,
1888; he was buried in De Pere cem-
etery.
In his political afliliutions he was a
Stanch Democrat, and he held almost
every office in the gift of the township.
He was chairman of the township, and of
the county board; was the first township
superintendent of schools elected under
the new school laws, and continued to
hold the office until it was abolished,
being thus the only man to serve in that
position in De Pere township. In what-
ever capacity he acted, his service was
ever marked by the highest ability and
integrity and satisfactoiy discharge of his
duties. He was a self-made man in the
strictest sense, having won abundant suc-
cess from a small beginning, by hard
work and energy and application to his
business. In his early life he had re-
ceived a thorough education, attending
school until he was twenty-four years old,
and few, if any, farmers of his time and
section were his equals in this respect.
From the time of his settlement he re-
sided continuously on the same farm,
and saw it transformed from a wilderness
abounding with wild animals to the fertile
and productive tract it now is, taking, also,
an active and prominent part in every
mo\'ement of interest or benefit to his
township generally, and was always ready
and willing to assist any worthy enter-
prise. He was widely and favorably
known all over the county, and had con-
siderable influence in his connnunitw his
advice being sought on many questions.
He also took a leading interest in Church
matters, and was treasurer and trustee of
St. Francis Catholic Church, of which he
and his wife were both members. Mrs.
Dollard survived her husband until April
22, i8gi, when she was laid by his side
in De Pere cemetery.
Patrick E. and John Dollard were
reared on the home farm, and received
an education in the common schools of
the home district. They have alwaj's re-
mained on the homestead, which they
now own, and where they carry on a
general farming and stock-rairing business,
in connection with the latter branch being
extensive breeders of sheep. In their
political affiliations thej' follow in the foot-
steps of their father, manifesting great
interest in the welfare of the Democratic
party, but having no aspirations for office,
as they devote their time exclusively to
the farm. They are systematic, indus-
trious and prosperous agriculturists, and
quiet, unassuming men. Both are un-
married.
FERDINAND QUATSOE, a pros-
perous farmer of De Pere town-
ship. Brown county, is a native of
Belgium, born December 8, 1847,
son of Peter Quatsoe, and is the fourth
in a family of five children, named re-
spectively: Angeline, Albert, John, Ferdi-
nand and Deziria.
Peter Quatsoe was a farmer is his na-
ti\'e land, in comfortable circumstances.
XA.
ciaS^^>^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
377
About 1S55 he sold all his property, and
came with his family to the United
States, the voyage from Antwerp to New
York, which was made on a sailing \essel,
occupying sixty daj's. On his arrival in
New York, Peter Ouatsoe exchanged a
considerable amount of foreign money,
which he had, for x\merican gold, and, in
so doing, was observed by some truck-
men, who, it was afterward evident, im-
mediately planned to rob him. By mis-
representation they induced Mr. Quatsoe
to let them convey the family and their
baggage to the cars, which left in two
hours, instead of which, however, they
took them to an obscure hotel. The
family, becoming alarmed, refused to enter
the hotel, and the truckmen, in trying to
compel them, attracted the attention of a
Belgian gentleman who lived in New
York, and spoke both the English and Bel-
gian languages. He stopped to ask Mr.
Quatsoe what the trouble was, and, receiv-
ing an explanation of the affair, called a
policeman, who compelled the truckmen
to carry the family to the steam ferry
boat, which landed them at the railroad
station, and, boarding the cars, they once
more joined the party of countrymen with
whom they had crossed the ocean. Their
■destination was Green Bay, Wis., whither
they came by rail and water, and shortly
after their arrival Mr. Quatsoe purchased,
in Allouez township. Brown county, forty
acres of land along the Fox river, the
greater part of which was heavily wooded,
and it required no small amount of hard
labor to clear it and reduce it to a fertile
■condition. In connection with farming
he also engaged in lumbering until his
■death, which occurred in 1871. He was
buried in Shantytown cemetery. Mrs.
Quatsoe, who has now reached the ad-
vanced age of eight\'-four. makes her
home with her son Albert, in Lawrence
township. She, as was also her husband,
is a member of the Catholic Church.
After the death of the father the sons
took his real and personal property, pav-
ang their sisters for their share. Several
21
j'ears previously they had embarked in
the threshing business, operating the first
horse-power threshing-machine in this
section of the county; and they were also
extensively engaged in the lumber busi-
ness, completing several very large con-
tracts in this line which had been secured
b\' their father.
Ferdinand Ouatsoe was but seven or
eight years old when he came with the
rest of the family to America, and such
education as he received was obtained in
the primitive schools which flourished in
the neighborhood at that early day. At
an early age he was put to work on the
farm, assisting in the clearing of the
same, and he resided at home, helping
his parents, until the death of his father,
when he commenced life on his own ac-
count. On January i, 1880, he was
united in marriage, in Duck Creek, to
Miss Lizzie Ver Hulst, a native of that
town, born July 22, 1858, daughter of
John B. and Catherine Ver Hulst, who
came to the United States from Belgium
in 1854, and located in Duck Creek (now
in Suamico township). Brown Co., Wis.
Their voyage consumed sixty-two days,
during which time the provisions of most
of the emigrants were exhausted, and
Mr. and Mrs. Ver Hulst, having plenty,
divided with those who were less for-
tunate.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ouatsoe have come
three children, namely: Fred, Peter,
and Louisa. Immediately after marriage
they settled on their present farm, where
his widowed mother made her home with
them for several years. The place now
contains i r i acres, which, by patient toil
and constant attention to the details of
his work, he has reduced to a fertile con-
dition. He is now fully engaged with his
agricultural interests, to which he gives
his undivided attention, and has won the
respect of the entire community for his in-
dustry, his honesty and his sterling worth.
Mr. and Mrs. Quatsoe are members of
St. Francis Catholic Church in De Pere;
in politics he is a Democrat.
378
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
JAMES T. MORAN, register of deeds
at Green Bay, was born in Glen-
more, Brown Co. , Wis , March 20,
1856, a son of Michael and Cath-
erine (Shea) Moran, the former a native
of Vermont, the latter of Ireland. The
father came to Brown county in the year
1853, and settled on a farm in Glenmore
township, where he has ever since made
his home. Mr. and Mrs. Moran reared a
family of six children, named as follows :
Daniel, who resides in Athens, Wis. ;
James T., the subject proper of this
sketch; John, who lives on the old home-
stead; Minnie, wife of H. Asselstine, of
Ashland, Wis. ; Patrick, a resident of
Mineral Lake, Wis., and Thomas H., who
died December 23, 1893.
The subject of this sketch was edu-
cated in the sohools of Glenmore town-
ship and Green Bay, and for fourteen
years taught school in Brown county. In
1890 he settled in the city of Green Bay
and entered, as a student, the law office of
Hood & McGruere. He was thus en-
gaged in study, when, in 1892, he was
elected by the Democratic party, of which
he is a stanch member, register of deeds,
and entered upon the performance of his
duties in January, 1893. Mr. Moran is a
member of the Catholic Order of Fores-
ters, and also of the Young Men's Colum-
bian Club. By his upright and manly
bearing he has made for himself a host of
friends.
A A. L. ADKIAENSSEN. This
well-known citizen of Green Bay,
who was born September 10,
1859, in Belgium, is a son of
Anton and Sedonie (Gelbert) Adriaenssen,
also natives of Belgium, who came to
New York in 1872, and removed to Green
Bay in 1874. The father was a pattern
maker by trade, and followed same until
his death in 1876; his widow resides with
her son, above named, on Harvey street
in Green Bay. But three of her nine
children are now living: F. H., a car-
penter by trade, residing at Kewaunee,
Wis. ; Desire, now the wife of Jule
Polain, and still a resident of Belgium;
and A. A. L. , the subject of this sketch.
A. A. L. Adriaenssen, who was thirteen
years of age when he accompanied his
parents to the United States, received a
partial education in his native country,
completing it in the schools of New "\'ork
and Green Bay. He speaks five lan-
guages, a fact showing that his oppcjr-
tunities for learning were not neglected.
Upon his arrival at Green Bay in 1874 he
found employment as a machinist, but
having learned the jeweler's trade he was,
later, for some time engaged in that line
of business on Main street. In 1891 he
decided to change his pursuit, and ac-
cordingly became interested in the saloon
business, at No. 1347 Main street. In
1883 he took to himself a wife in the
person of Flora M. Biemeret, born at
Peshtigo, Wis., in 1864, and daughter of
Gregain and Bertime (Vander Vest)
Biemeret, natives of Belgium who came
at an early date to Wisconsin. Her
father, who is yet living, was a member
of the Green Bay police force for fourteen
years. Her mother is deceased. To-
Mr. and Mrs. Adriaenssen have been born
three children: Pearl Irene, Felix Chase,
and Alta.
Mr. Adriaenssen is a member of Po-
chequette Lodge, No. 126, K. of P. He
has always taken an active interest in
politics, and since attaining his majority
has been identified with political move-
ments in his county, always, to the best
of his judgment, for the good of his con-
stituents and their public affairs. An
ardent Republican, he has been secretary
of the county conventions of that party
for the past ten years. He was a mem-
ber of the city council from 1889 to 1893,
serving four years on the finance com-
mittee, also for the same period as chair-
man of the committee on taverns and
groceries, as well as for a time on the
committee on public buildings. As alder-
man from the Fifth ward his services have
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPUICAL RECORD.
379
been of undoubted value to the city. With
an earnest desire for the advancement of
his city in all respects, looking to its
welfare and prosperity, this public-spirited
gentleman will in the nature of things
continue to be a useful citizen.
ORIN S. IvITTELL. This gentle-
man, one of the prosperous agri-
culturists of De Pere township,
Brown county, was born Novem-
ber I, 1836, in Binghamton, Broome
Co., N. Y., and is descended from sturdy
New England ancestry. Grandfather Kit-
tell was a soldier in the Revolutionary war,
during which struggle he was wounded
and was obliged to use crutches the re-
mainder of his life. By trade he was a
weaver.
William F. I\ittell, father of our sub-
ject, was born in Massachusetts, where he
learned tanning and glove-making. From
here he removed to Binghamton, N. Y.,
where he followed his trades until 1848 or
1849, when he took up his residence on a
farm near Colesville,for which he had trad-
ed. He had married, in Massachusetts, Miss
Eliza Collins, who was also born in that
State, daughter of John Collins, and to
their union came children as follows :
Juliette, who died when eleven years old;
Amasa D., a resident of Sheboygan Falls,
Wis.; John H., who died at Sheboygan
Falls, in 1893, aged sixty-four years;
Nancy A., who married Samuel Rouns-
ville, and died at Sheboygan Falls in
1892; Harriet, wife of Norman F. Pierce,
justice of the peace and government
guager at Sheboygan Falls; Edgar, who
died in 1859 at Meeme, Manitowoc Co.,
Wis. ; Ethan, a mechanic, of La Crosse,
Wis., where he is foreman in a carriage
factory; Orin S.. whose name introduces
this sketch; Jennie, now the wife of Capt.
A. J. Lumsden, of Sheboygan Falls; and
Augusta, deceased in infancy. Mr. Kit-
tell resided on the farm until 1853, in the
early summer of which year he disposed
of all his property, and came west to
Wisconsin, bringing his wife and the two
children who were yet living at home —
Orin S. and Jennie. He had been per-
suaded to come hither by his son-in-law,
Samuel Rounsville, an Indian trader and
extensive landowner, who, with his brother
Albert, made the first permanent settle-
ment in Sheboygan Falls; Albert Rouns-
ville built the first sawmill in Sheboygan
count}-. The family journeyed by rail to
Buffalo, thence by boat to Sheboygan,
Wis., where they landed in July, 1853.
At Sheboygan Falls Mr. Kittell purchased
several lots and ten acres of improved
land, and here commenced to follow the
carpenter's trade, a knowledge oi which
he had acquired, though he never served
an apprenticeship at same; but he was a
natural mechanic, and for many years
even made his own shoes. In Sheboygan
Falls he followed carpentry until his death,
which occurred in 1882; his wife survived
him three years, and their remains now
rest in the cemetery at that place. Both
were members of the Baptist Church, Mr.
Kittell for over fifty years; in his political
preferences he was originallj' a Whig,
later a Republican, but he took little or
no interest in politics, giving his attention
exclusively to his business interests.
Orin S. Kittell received a common-
school education in the schools of Bing-
hamton, N. Y. , and later attended high
school. When seventeen years old he
came with his father to Sheboygan Falls,
Wis. , where he commenced to learn the
blacksmith trade under Mark Brainerd,
serving an apprenticeship of ten months.
He then went to Chicago with his brother
Amasa to work on the Chicago & North
Western railroad, and, through the influ-
ence of a relative, Orin obtained a situa-
tion as fireman, continuing thus for four
months, and then for a time worked with
the construction crew between Fox River
(111.) and Silver Lake (Wis.). Returning
to Sheboygan Falls, he commenced driv-
ing the stage running from that town to
Fond du Lac (a distance of forty-two
miles), his drive being to Plymouth (fif-
38o
COMMEMOIIATIVE BIOUnAPIIICAI. UECORD.
teen miles), but healso covered the whole
distance by r'jlaj's. He was engaged in
this for two years, and next obtained em-
ployment in the livery stable of John De-
Bass, of Sheboygan, for about a year and
a half, after which he went to Manitowoc
county, and for one winter worked in the
lumber regions for his brother-in-law,
Samuel Kounsville.
On April 13, 1.S5S, Mr. Kittell was
married, in St. Nazianz, Wis., to Miss
Catherine Tracy, who was born Februar\-
3, 1841, in Kings county, Ireland, daugh-
ter of Patrick and Mary (Malloy) Tracy.
They came to the United States in 1851,
sailing from Liverpool on the " \\'illiam
Rathbone," a Black Star liner, and, after
a voyage of eight weeks, landed in New
York City. From there they proceeded
to Buffalo, N. Y. , where they remained
one year, and in 1854 came to Liberty
township, Manitowoc Co., Wis., locating
on an unimproved farm, where Mrs. Kit-
tell resided until her marriage. After
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kittell lived
in a log house at Meeme, Manitowoc
county, where he was employed in saw-
mills as a saw filer, and in various other
capacities, for several years. In 1864 he
enlisted at Fond du Lac in the Fourth
Wisconsin Cavalry, was sent to Baton
Rouge, La., and participated in his first
engagement under Col. Moore. He next
went to Mobile, and was present at the
fall of that city; marched through Ala-
bama and Georgia; returned to Mont-
gomery, Ala., thence to Vicksburg, thence
to Shreveport, and from there to Browns-
ville, Texas. He returned sick to Baton
Rouge, and after his recovery was de-
tailed as orderly to the colonel of the
Eighth Cavalry, carrying discharges to
hospitals. In 1865 he was discharged at
St. Louis, and came back to his home
with his health much impaired by ex-
posure and hardship.
Some time after his return from the
army Mr. Kittell resumed work as a saw
filer, and followed same until 1871, when
he removed to Green Ba\-, and in the fall
of the same year located on a farm in
Glenmore township. Brown county, in
addition to his agricultural work engaging
in saw-milling and hauling coal. In the
fall of 1882 he purchased and removed
upon his present farm in De Pere town-
ship (situated in Sections 32 and 33), then
comprising fifty-three acres, which he has
since added to until it now contains
ninety-five acres. Since Mr. Kittell has
resided here V.e has greatly improved the
home and farm, and he conducts a suc-
cessful general farming business. He has
also been engaged in charcoal-burning,
and has done no small amount of work in
this line for the National Furnace Com-
pany, of De Pere. In his political pref-
erences our subject is a staunch Repub-
lican, and takes great interest in the suc-
cess of the party, of whose movements
he keeps himself well informed.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kittell have been
born children as follows: William O. , a
liveryman, of De Pere, who is married
and has two children; Lawrence, who is
an engineer on the Lake Shore & West-
ern railroad; Mary E. , Mrs. John Dun-
bar, of Liberty, Manitowoc county; Ed-
ward, of Kaukauna, a fireman on the
Lake Shore & Western railroad; Cather-
ine, Mrs. Albert Handeyside, of Menasha,
Wis. ; John E., who is attending the State
University at Madison, Wis. ; E. Jennie,
at home, who attends the De Pere high
school; Charles C, at home, and Daniel
E., who died when five years and seven
months old. Mrs. Kittell is a member of
St. Francis Catholic Church at De Pere.
The entire family are highly respected in
the community in which they reside,
where they are leaders in every enter-
prise for ad\'ancement or improvement.
FRANK SNYDER has been en-
gaged in the livery business in
Green Bay since 1886, and is one
of the leading men of his calling
in the city and county.
He was born in Washington county,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
381
N. Y. , May 2. 1852, one of the family of
nine children of Levi and Helner Louise
Snyder, the other eight being George and
Washington, both of Idaho; Adeline,
Mrs. H. Humphrey, of Iowa; Marion;
John; Emma; Fred, now in Minnesota,
and Lewis, who died in infancy. Frank
Snyder was but fifteen years of age when
he left the parental roof to seek his for-
tune. He first went to Michigan, and
was engaged in railroading until 1886,
when he came to Green Bay and estab-
lished his present livery business, in which
he has been so successful — owning at the
present moment the best stables, prob-
ably, to be found in the city.
Mr. Sn3'der was married, December
29, 1879, to Miss Mary A., daughter of
Barney McLaughlin, and the eldest in a
family of five children, who lost their
mother when they were little more than
infants. Margaret, Catherine and Eliza-
beth are the names of her sisters; her
only brother is deceased. The father of
Mrs. Snyder was a hotel-keeper, and for
years had been a railroad man. To Mr.
and Mrs. Snyder have been born five
children, namely: Bernard G., Freder-
ick, Earl, May R. and Franklin, of whom
four are attending school. The family
are Catholic in religion, while fraternally
Mr. Snyder is a member of Washington
Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M. ; Warren
Chapter, No. 8, R. A. M. ; and Palestine
Consistory, No. 20. The business suc-
cess of Mr. Snyder is a result of his own
individual attention to his affairs, and his
urbanity and straightforward treatment
of his patrons, who have never known
him to misrepresent the quality, conduct
or performance of his stock under any
circumstances.
JOHN EISENMAN, who during his
lifetime was one of the well-known
farmers and extensive land-owners
of De Pere township. Brown county,
was born April 10, 1817, in Bavaria, Ger-
many. He received an education in the
common schools, and learned the butch-
er's trade, at which he worked in Leipsic
for ten years.
About 1845 Mr. Eiscnman emigrated
from his native country to the United
States, and, finding employment at his
trade in New York, remained there one
winter. Having saved some money, he
removed farther west, but work was
scarce and he could earn but eight dollars
per month at his trade, although he was
an adept. However, he was willing to do
any honest labor, and, obtaining employ-
ment on a canal in western Pennsylvania,
then in course of construction, received
one dollar a day, boarding himself. He
ne.xt went to Illinois, and for a short
time worked in slaughter houses at Chi-
cago and Peoria. About 1847 he came to
Green Bay, Wis., and, with a few dollars,
left of his hard-earned savings, formed a
partnership with Frank Hagemeister in
the butcher business on Washington
street, in which he continued two years.
About 1850 he purchased from his brother
Michael 160 acres in Eaton township,
which the latter had received for his serv-
ices in the Mexican war. There was not
even a house on this place, which was
yet in its primitive state, not a tree hav-
ing been felled at that time, and wild
animals still abounded in the forests, such
game as bears, deer, wolves, etc., being^
very plentiful. Mr. Eisenman spent two
summers on the place, clearing and im-
proving it, during the winter seasons go-
ing to Chicago and Peoria, 111., where he
followed his trade, for being a most in-
dustrious man, he took every opportunity
to earn money to pay for his land.
On April 10, 1853, he was married, in
Green Bav, to Miss Apollonia Barth,
born April 20, 1837. in Bavaria, Ger-
many, daughter of Christoph and Mag-
dalena Barth, who came to the United
States in 1849, sailing from Havre, on the
"Oregon," and landing in New York
after a voyage of four weeks. Their
destination was Green Bay, Wis., so they
38^
com.^kmohativp: vioouai'hical record.
proceeded b}' way of the Erie canal
to Buffalo, N. v., from there by the
steamer " Michigan " to Milwaukee, Wis.,
and thence by propeller to Green Bay.
They located in Scott township. Brown
count}-. Mr. and Mrs. Eiseninan first com-
menced housekeeping in Eaton township
in a log house he had built before his
marriage, and which is still standing. In
December, 1869. he removed to the farm
where he died March i, 1882, at which
time he was the owner of 270 acres of
land. Fur thirteen years before his death
he was postmaster at Pine Grove, and he
also conducted a hotel and saloon for the
accommodation of travelers along the
Manitowoc road. He was buried in the
cemetery in the southeast corner of De-
Pere township. In religious connection
he was a member of the Lutheran Church
at Green Bay; politically he was a Re-
publican, and held the office of township
clerk for si.xteen years. To Mr. and Mrs.
Eisenman were born children as follows:
Christoph, deceased in infancy; John C. ,
a farmer of De Pere township; Lena, now
Mrs. Andrew Eisenman, of North Dakota;
Maggie, wife of Louis Schone, of Hum-
boldt township; Mary, wife of Richard
Schone, of Humboldt; Amelia. Mrs. Otto
Langosch, of Glenmore; Andrew A., of
Bellevue; Henry E. and Fred A., at
home; Emma, of Chicago; and Lessetta,
at home.
Mr. Eisenman came to the United
States a poor boy, with no capital but
health and energy and a determination
to succeed. But he was honest, and ever
ready to work, and his success shows
what may be accomplished by energy and
perseverance. He became one of the
most extensive landowners in his town-
ship, and he was much esteemed by all
who knew him, becoming one of the
leading German citizens of his section.
His widow, who has continued to make
her home on the farm since his death, is
also held in high respect; her careful and
economical management of the household
affairs was no small factor in her husband'^
success, and she deserves great credit for
the part she has taken in the accumulation
of their property. She is a member of
the Lutheran Church. The farm is now
conducted by her two youngest sons,
Henr\' E. and Fred A.
FRANK C. SMITH, of Green Bay,
was born in Fort Howard, Brown
Co., Wis. , in 1852,3 son of Michael
B. and Josephine (Forsyth) Smith,
the former of whom was born in Ger-
many, but in early life came to America
and took part in the war with Mexico,
winning a medal for meritorious service
on the field of Chapultepec.
Michael B. Smith married in Fort
Howard, and engaged in the grocery,
liquor and fur trade. In 1856 or 1857
he moved to Sugar Creek, Door Co.,
Wis. , and embarked in general merchan-
dising, which he continued until 1867 or
1868, when he settled in Green Bay, and
here bought what is now the "Adams
Hou.se," but retired in 1872. While at
Sugar Creek he was postmaster and town-
ship trustee, also a justice of the peace
of Door county. His death took place at
Fort Howard in December, 1877, that of
his widow in December, 1891. Mrs.
Josephine (Forsyth) Smith first came to
Brown county in 1832, was married to
John Snavely, who located on the site of
the "Bay City House ; " after his death
she was married to Michael B. Smith.
By the first marriage there were born
George A., proprietor of the "Adams
House; " Louisa, wife of David Coffin, of
Gardner, Door Co., Wis. ; Lewis C, who
enlisted in the Seventeenth Wis. V. I.,
and died in Memphis, Tenn. To the
second marriage were born Frank C. ,
Nsllie, wife of Louis Bender, of the Red
Banks, Wis., and O. W. Smith, purchas-
ingagent for Valentine Clark Co., Chicago.
Frank C. Smith was reared and edu-
cated in Green Bay, and began business
in the employ of the Manufacturers' &
Builders' Supply Co. In 1873 he went
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
383
to Michagamme, Mich., where he en-
gaged in the Hquor business with George
A. Snavely; in 1874 he returned to Green
Bay, and was employed as clerk at the
"Adams House" until 1879; then went
west, and was employed as first pantry-
man on the "Dakota," plying between
Bismarck, D. T. ,and Fort Benton, Mont.
Returning to Green Bay he was engaged
by Hon. D. M. Kelly to act under T. P.
Bingham, private secretary for D. M.
Kelly, general manager of the Green Bay,
Winona & St. Paul railroad. After the
<ieath of T. P. Bingham in 1884. Mr.
Smith took up the liquor business in
Green Bay, and is now proprietor of ' ' The
Office," No. 123 Washington street.
AB. GONION, dealer in farming
implements, and one of the best-
known farmers of Scott township.
Brown county, is a native of the
county, born February 20, 1847, in
Green Bay.
John B. Gonion, his father, was born
in St. Francis, Canada, and was of French
descent, his father having been born in
France. He engaged in farming in his
native country until 1834, in which year
he came to Green Bay, Wis., and here
married Miss Mary Brunnett, who was
also of French extraction. To their union
were born children as follows: A. B.,
who is mentioned farther on; Dominick,
■of Iron Mountain, Wis. ; Samuel, of Rhine-
lander, Wis. ; Mary, Mrs. Theodore Cham-
pou, of Wallace, Mich. ; Louisa, Mrs.
Abraham LaClare, of Menominee, Mich. ;
Joseph, of Rhinelander, Wis. ; Kate, Mrs.
John Burkhardt, of Kaukauna, Wis. ;
Edward, a farmer of Scott township.
Brown county; and others who are de-
ceased. In an early day John B. Gonion
removed to Scott township, and he and
his wife are now living in Bay Settle-
ment, he at the age of eighty years. In
religion he is a Catholic, and in politics a
Democrat.
A. B. Gonion received a somewhat
limited education in his youth, and when
but nine years of age commenced to work,
driving team and hauling lime to Green
Bay, remaining at home and turning all
his earnings over to his parents. On May
20, 1864, then but little over seventeen
years of age, he enlisted at Bay Settle-
ment in Company G. Forty-first Wis. V.
I., was sent to Milwaukee, and thence to
the seat of war, the first engagement he
participated in being at Memphis, Tenn.
The command proceeded from there to
Old Spring, Tenn., thence to La Grange,
and then back to Memphis, where Mr.
Gonion was discharged from the service
January 25, 1865, being mustered out in
Milwaukee, and retm-ning to the parental
roof, where he remained until his marriage.
On June 9, 1866, he wedded Miss
Emily Champou. who was born in Bay
Settlement, daughter of Philip Champou,
a French Canadian, and to this marriage
were born eight children, viz. : Napoleon
H., Hubert, Joseph, Mary, Emily, differ,
Rosa, and Robert, all living. The mother
of these was called from earth August 6,
1887, and Mr. Gonion subsequently mar-
ried Miss Emily Crevier, who is a native
of Scott township, daughter of Francis
Crevier. To this union have come four
children: Mamie (living), and three that
died voung. After his marriage our sub-
ject commenced farming, and followed
that exclusively until 1880, when he also
engaged in the sale of farming imple-
ments, establishing his store on Main
street, in the city of Green Bay. He has
continued in this business ever since,
meeting with gratifying success, and is
now agent for the Osborne reapers and
other farm machinery; for fourteen years
he handled the "Minnesota Chief"
thresher, and the "Chamberlain Stump
Puller," as well as many other leading
makes in the same line. Politically a
Republican, Mr. Gonion has for the past
seven years been the efficient chairman of
Scott township, and he is widely and
favorably known throughout his section
of Brown county, having also an exten-
3B4
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sive acquaintance in other counties. So-
cially he is a member of the G. A. R.,
T. O. Howe Post, No. 124, Green Ha}-.
In religious faith he is a member of the
Bay Settlement Catholic Church.
DMDKICK OTTO ANDERSEN,
farmer and butcher of New Den-
mark township. Brown county,
was born April 13, 1844, in the
Kingdom of Denmark. His parents, An-
drus and Paulina (Nelson) Carlsen, had
seven children, viz. : John, Peter, Christ,
Catherine, Olof, Lars and Dedrick Otto.
The father, who was a successful fisher-
man, died when our subject was but a
year and a half old.
Dedrick Otto Andersen engaged in
sailing, fishing and hunting from the time
he was seventeen jears old until he
reached the age of twenty-two, when
he came to America. Sailing from
Liverpool, he landed at Ouebec and
immediately came to New Denmark
township, Brown Co. , Wis. , after a
few days going to Fort Howard, where
he was employed in a sawmill one
month. From there he went to Oconto,
where he worked si.\ months in sawmills,
and then, after spending two weeks in
Ripon, Wis., went to Pensaukee to work
in the lumber woods. He remained there
three years, in the employ of Mr. Thomp-
son, and at the end of that time came to
New Denmark and invested in eighty acres
of wild land, shortly afterward disposing
of half of this tract. After clearing part
of his land he exchanged it for property
on the De Pere road, and opened a butcher
business, which he has conducted ever
since. In 1876 he purchased the forty
acres of cleared land in New Denmark
township, on which he has ever since re-
sided, engaging in farming as 'well as
butchering. In 1892 he slaughtered 200
head of cattle, besides other stock, and
has been very successful in all his busi-
ness operations.
Mr. Andersen was married in New
Denmark township, to Miss Anna C.
Paulsen, daughter of Paul and Sarah
(Olesonj Nelson, the former of whom was
a butcher; he had four children, Peter,
Ole, Anna C. and Nels, of whom Anna C.
crossed the ocean in 1869, landing in Que-
bec; she came to Green Bay, where she
remained about one year, and then passed a
year in Eaton, Brown county. To Mr. and
Mrs. Andersen have been born seven chil-
dren, as follows : Sofus. Charles, Sarah,
Almine, Mary, Olof and Emma. Politi-
cally Mr. Andersen was originally a Re-
publican, but has supported the Prohibi-
tion party since its organization. Though
not an office seeker, he has been elected to
various positions of trust, has served his
township faithfully as supervisor, and is
now a member of the school board.
FH. FULLER, the popular and
trusted agent of the United States
Express Co., at Green Bay, was
born in Peoria, 111., in 1865. His
father, Marvin O. Fuller, is a native of
New York, and was married in Peoria,
111., to Miss Emma C. Evans, a native of
Pennsylvania, and whose father is a mem-
ber of the Peoria (111.) Candy Companj'.
Our subject, after receiving a very
good education in the public schools of
his native city, entered the emplo}' of the
United States Express Co. in 1880, as
clerk, and for thirteen years has been
constant in the performance of his duties
in various capacities, not having lost even
one day from illness. In December, 1887,
he came to Green Bay as messenger on
the route between this city and Winona,
Minn., but a few months later was ap-
pointed route agent for the company, and
then (1888), express agent at Green Bay,
on the lines of the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul, the Green Bay, Winona & St.
Paul, and the Kewaunee, Green Bay &
Western, winning in each position the
confidence of the company, and each
year advancing in the esteem of its patrons.
Mr. Fuller was married, in Mitchell,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3S5
Iowa, August 26, 1892, to Miss Emma C.
Vanderpool, a daughter of C. A. Vander-
pool, of that place. In poHtics our sub-
ject is a stanch Repubhcan, and frater-
nally he is a member of Twin City Lodge,
No. 25, K. O. T. M. He is universally
recognized as being one of the foremost
of the young and promising residents of
Green Bay, and as being made of that
stuff which constitutes the best materials
for aiding in the building up of a moral
and progressive community.
HM. HITTNER, M. D., the well-
known physician and surgeon, of
Green Bay, was born in Cincin-
nati, Ohio, in 1868, a son of Dr.
H. M. and Margaret (Doherty) Hittner.
The father was a native of Germany,
was educated at Munich, and at twenty
years of age located in Cincinnati, Ohio,
where he began practice. Through the
Civil war he was assistant surgeon to
Prof. Kepler, and after its close resumed
his residence in Cincinnati, where he was
for several years chief clinical assistant to
Prof. Bartholow. He moved to Milwau-
kee, Wis., in 1877, whence he moved to
Two Rivers, Wis., where he died in 1892,
and where his widow, a native of Ohio,
still resides. They were the parents of
six children, as follows: Lizzie, wife of
H. W. Luckon, of St. Paul, Minn.; Dr.
James, residing in Sej'mour, Outagamie
Co., Wis. ; Maggie, married to J. R. Zet-
tleman, of Chicago, 111. ; Dr. H. M., sub-
ject of this sketch; Kate and Bertha.
Our subject was nine years of age
when taken by his parents to Milwaukee,
and twelve years old when the}' moved to
Two Rivers, in 1880. His early educa-
tion was received at Milwaukee, and in
1882 he graduated from the high school
at Two Rivers; he next attended Cincin-
nati Business College, from which he
graduated in 1884. He then read medi-
cine with his father until prepared to
enter Bellevue Hospital Medical College,
New York, in which he took one course,
1889-90, and this was followed by three
consecutive courses at Rush Medical
College, Chicago, 111. , from which he
was graduated with the class of 1893, im-
mediately after which he became the asso-
ciate of Dr. Minahan, devoting his fore-
noons to practice at St. Vincent's Hopital„
and his afternoons to office practice. The
Doctor has built up a lucrative practice at
Green Bay, making a specialty of surgery
in connection with general routine duties.
He is equally popular with his fellow-
professionals as with the public, and is a
member of the Fox River Medical Society.
M
RS. ELSIE JORGENSEN was
born December 15, 1852, in
Denmark, daughter of Christ
and Anna (Nelson) Jensen, the
former of whom was a successful farmer.
The\' had a family of nine children, viz. :
Niels, James, Christ, Jens C, Dorothea,
Elsie, Angeline, Anna and Mary. Elsie
received all her education in Denmark,
and when seventeen years old came to
America, joining her parents in New Den-
mark township. Brown Co., Wis., whither
they had preceded her. About a year
later she was united in marriage with
Hans Jorgensen, a farmer of New Den-
mark township, and took up her resi-
dence on the farm where she has ever
since resided, consisting of 120 acres of
excellent land. At that time it was only
partly cleared, but Mr. Jorgensen labored
earnestly to reduce the place to a condi-
tion of fertilit}', and successfully con-
ducted a general farming business up to
the time of his death, which occurred
December 15, 1892. He left a family of
eight children, namely: Arthur, Walter,
Elsie (Mrs. Herman Lange) Emma, Dag-
mar, Alexander, Alvina and Jurgena, of
whom Arthur, the eldest, now attends to
the affairs on the home place. The en-
entire family are held in the highest es-
teem among their fellow citizens in New
Denmark township. In religious faith
they are Lutherans.
386
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.
CHARLES MEISTER has been
superintendent of the Park at
(ireen Bay since June 3, 1890,
but is a carpenter and contractor
"by occupation. He was born in Germany
in 1852, and is a son of Christoph and
Dorothea (Morlagj Meister, who came to
Green Bay in 1853, the father being now
the oldest contractor in the city.
Charles Meister was reared and edu-
cated in Green Bay, and here served an
apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade,
which, in connection with contracting, he
followed until appointed to his present
position. This park comprises tifty-eight
acres, and contains an exhibition building,
a club house, a grand stand, and one of
the best half-mile tracks in the State, as
well as quite a number of animals; it is
al.so contemplated to build, in addition, a
$10,000 club house. Mr. Meister is a
Republican in politics, is a member of the
Royal Arcanum, Order of Tonti, German
Benevolent Society, and of the Turn-
verein. His marriage took place in Green
Bay, in 1881, to Miss Frances Peters, a
native of Kewaunee county. Wis., and a
daughter of John Peters. Five children
were born to this union, as follows: Lillie,
Clare, Louis and Flora, still living, and
Carl, deceased. As will be seen, Mr.
Meister is a member of one of the early
families of the county, and he has himself
seen many changes take place since his
childhood. He has always taken great
interest in the welfare of the city and
county, and his life has been such as to
win the respect of all who know him, as
well as a fine reputation with the general
public.
ARNOLD CORSTENS. Amongthe
many industrious, loyal citizens
which the little Kingdom of Hol-
land has given to Brown county,
may be mentioned this gentleman, who
is a thrifty, well-to-do farmer of Scott
township.
John Corstens, father of Arnold, was
born in Holland, September 10, 18 10,
and there learned the trades of shoemaker
and tanner. He was married in his na-
tive country to Dora Steegs, who was
born there in August, 181 5, and they be-
came the parents of the following named
children: Arnold (whose name opens this
sketch), Peter (a farmer of Scott town-
ship), Catherine (Mrs. Joseph Lernuzen,
of De Pere), all three born in Holland,
and Hendrika, born in America, now
Mrs. Joseph Allorn, of Door county,
Wis. ; there were other children, who died
when young. At the time of his mar-
riage John Corstens was engaged in a
prosperous business, but, in 1854, be-
lieving that the New World offered bet-
ter advantages to himself and family, he
disposed of his interests and emigrated.
They proceeded to Liverpool, England,
in the spring of that year, sailing from
that port on a vessel bound for New York,
where they arrived after a voyage of si.x
or seven weeks, and immediately after land-
ing came to Wisconsin, passing their first
winter in Milwaukee, where the father
found employment at his trade. They
then came to Green Bay, Brown countj',
for about a 3'ear living on rented property,
at the end of which time they removed
to Bav Settlement, Scott township, where
Mr. Corstens purchased six acres of land,
on which there was a small log dwelling.
In this house the family resided for some
time, and he also engaged in shoemaking
there to some extent, in connection con-
ducting a small tannery until within a
short time before his death. In later
years he purchased more land, and with
the help of his sons gathered a property
of eighty-three acres. He was laid to
rest in August, 1876, in Bay Settlement
cemeterv, where his wife also rests, she
following him to the grave December 18,
1889. Both were members of the Cath-
olic Church, and in politics he was a
Democrat, taking but little active interest,
however, in such matters.
Arnold Corstens was born January i,
1847, ^if^ was but a child when he came
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGHAFUWAL RECORD.
38/
with his parents to Wisconsin. He
commenced tr
oing
to school in Scott
township, and received all his education
in the primitive institutions of learning in
vogue in those pioneer days, attending
until he reached the age of about fifteen
years, when he began to work on the
home farm. In addition to his agricul-
tural duties he learned the trade of shoe-
maker under his father, and also engaged
in tanning in the old way. Being the
eldest son, he had much to do, and he
faithfully assisted his parents, always re-
maining on the home farm, the manage-
ment of which devolved upon , him after
the death of his father, and he carried it
on for his mother during her lifetime.
Since her decease he and his brother
Peter have been working together, and
the present fertile condition of the place,
which now comprises 230 broad acres, is
principally due to their industry and un-
ceasing attention to all the details of
their work.
On June 19, 1876, Mr. Corstens was
marriei to Miss Cornelia Busch, who was
born in Green Bay, February 6, 1856,
daughter of Herman J. Busch, a native
of Germany. To this union have been
born children as follows: John, Her-
man, Dora, Rosa, Henry, Mary, Lena,
George, and Andrew, all living, and
Peter and Joseph, who died in infancy.
In his political preferences Mr. Corstens
is a member of the Democratic party,
but gives no time to politics, being fully
occupied with his business affairs. In
religion he and his wife are members of
the Bay Settlement Catholic Church.
REV. JACOBUS BOZMACK was
born May i, 1848, in Austria, son
of Valentine and Constantia Boz-
mack, who had a family of eight
■children, all of whom are deceased ex-
cept our subject. The parents both died
in their native country.
Jarobus Bozmack received his early
education in the common-schools of the
land of his birth, and, at the age of
twenty-seven years, entered the priest-
hood. In 1893 he came to America,
and after a very rough voyage landed in
New York City, thence coming directly
to his charge in Eaton township. Brown
County, Wisconsin.
JOSEPH HEBERT, vice-president
and general manager of the Green
Bay Carriage Co., is a native of
Quebec, Canada, born in 1850, of
French ancestry. His parents, Julian
and Sophia (Jarard) Hebert, also natives
of Canada, died in Cohoes, New York.
Our subject first came to Green Bay,
Wis., in 1869, thence moved to Missouri
and learned carriage-making; in 1872
he went to New York, thence to Chicago;
then again took up his residence in New
York and other eastern cities, where he
worked in car shops, etc , until 1877, the
}'ear of his coming to Green Bay, with
which city he has been identified ever
since — a period now of some eighteen
years. In 1877 he commenced work in
the repair shops, and in 1879 entered the
manufacturing department of the firm of
Wagner, Chartrand & Co., on Pine street;
in 1883 the firm style was changed to
Wagner, Suavely & Co.; in 1886 Mr.
Snavely sold his interest to Wagner &
Hebert, and under this name the business
was conducted until the organization of
the Green Bay Carriage Co., which took
place in 1890, with A. Weise as president,
H. B. Baker as secretary and treasurer,
and Joseph Hebert as vice-president and
manager, the object being to manufacture
all kinds of carriage work. They have
an extraordinarily fine plant, it being a
two-story brick building, i 26 feet frontage
on Adams street and 160 feet frontage on
Cedar street, giving employment to fifty
hands. This extensive establishment is
considered to be one of the conspicuous
industrial plants of the city, and is looked
upon with much pride.
Mr. Hebert was married in Cohoes,
38S
COMMEMOUAriVE BIOGRAPUICAL liECORD.
N. Y., in 1871, to Matilda Manviile, a
native of Quebec, Canada, and this uniun
has been blessed with six children, viz.:
Rosa, Henry, Lydia, Eva, Liz/ic and
Philemon. Fraternall)' Mr. Hebert is a
member of Washinfjtoii Lodge, \o. 21,
F. & A. M., and of the Modern Wood-
men; in politics he is a Republican, but
is by no means an office-seeker. Having
been for many years a resident of Green
Bay, he has, of course, witnessed its
giant strides in the march of improve-
ment, and not one of its citizens takes
greater delight than he in its progress.
The family is recognized for its refine-
ment and gracious manners, and is highly
esteemed.
WILLI.VM KENNEDY, chief of
the Fire Department of Green
Bay, was born, in 1862. in
Canada. His parents, Henry
and Mary fFitz Gibbons) Kennedy, also
natives of the Dominion, came, in 1872,
to Wisconsin, and settled on a farm in
Forestville township, Door county, the
tract comprising 800 acres, of which, only
fifteen acres were cleared. On this farm
the parents still reside. They had born
to them nine children, viz. : Ann, de-
ceased; Sarah, deceased; Mary; Ella;
Cornelius; James, deceased; William, our
subject; Henry, deceased; and Michael.
William Kennedy rendered consider-
able assistance to his father in making
the Door county farm habitable and
profitable, and, at about the time of his
majority, went to Sturgeon Bay, Wis.,
shortly afterward, in 1887, moving to
Menominee, Mich., where he was con-
nected with the Fire Department five
years. From that point he came to
Green Bay, and here organized the paid
Fire Department. From his exhaustive
report to the common coimcil for the
year ending December 31, 1893, the fol-
lowing extracts are made as showing the
effective equipment of the Department:
Twelve active members, besides the chief;
seven horses; one Amoskeag fire engine;
three hose carts, to be drawn by two
horses; one hook and ladder truck; two
sleighs, for winter use; one set of truck
bobs; two hand hose carts; 3,500 feet of
two and one-half inch cotton lead hose,
in first-class condition; 1,500 feet of two
and one-half inch rubber lead hose, in
good condition; two exercise wagons; two
six-gallon extinguishers; two three-gallon
extinguishers.
In commenting on the service ren-
dered by the Department, the chief re-
marks: "I take pleasure in congratu-
lating the citizens of Green Bay on the
fact that they have escaped serious loss
by fires during the past year. This goes
to show the value of a Paid Department,
by their prompt action in responding to
the several alarms, and the successful
way in which fires were handled. Al-
though the Department has responded to
thirty-se\en alarms of fire, the total loss
paid by insurance companies aggregate
only $14,855.65; a fact which shows the
great value of a well-equipped Depart-
ment." It is to be regretted that the
scope of this sketch affords no room for
further extracts from this valuable re-
port.
The marriage of \\'illiam Kennedy
took place in Menominee, Mich., in 1891,
to Miss Eliza Hayes, who was born in
Saginaw county, Mich., a daughter of
Martin and Mary (Waters) Hayes, natives
of Canada. The two children born to
\\'il]iain Kennedy and his wife are named
Gladdics and Martin Joseph. In his
fraternal relations Mr. Kennedy belongs
to the Royal Arcanum; in religion he
and his wife are members of St. John's
Catholic Church.
JOHN VAN VONDEREN, one of
the self-made prosperous agricultur-
ists of Rockland township, Brown
county, is a native of Holland, born
July 9, 1835, son of John Van Vonderen,
a farmer, who died when our subject was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPniCAL RECORD.
3S9
nine years old. He was twice married,
and left seven small children, two sons by
his first wife, and four sons and a daugh-
ter by his second, John being the eldest
chi -d born to the second marriage.
The family lived on a rented farm, and
the children commenced to work as soon
as they could be of assistance, so that
John had very limited opportunities for
an education, attending school but little
after his father's death. In 1862 he
married Miss Joanna De Groot, who was
born June 3, 1835, in Holland, and in
that country three children were born to
them: John, who is now a farmer of Rock-
land township; Barney, of De Pere, and
Catherine, Mrs. Peter De Hoble, of De-
Pere. In 1867 Mr. \'an Vonderen sold
what property he had in Holland, and
sailed with his family from Rotterdam to
Glasgow, where they embarked on a vessel
bound for New York, in which city they
arrived after a stormy voyage of twenty-
three days. They immediately set out
for Wisconsin, and on May 6 arrived at
Little Chute, Outagamie county, where
they rented land and made their home
for two years. On March 12, 1869, they
came to Rockland township, Brown
county, and purchased (on credit) a tract
of eighty acres, thirty of which had been
cleared. Here the family lived in a
small log house, and Mr. Van Vonderen
labored diligentl}' to clear and improve
his farm, an arduous task, but one in
which he has met with unbounded suc-
cess. He has also increased the area of
the place, which now comprises 120 acres
of prime land acquired by years of
earnest, unremitting toil, and he has won
the respect of all who know him for in-
dustry and honesty. On this farm chil-
dren as follo\\'S have been born: Chris-
tina, who died young; Christina (2), Mrs.
Henry Ver Straten; Annie, Frank and
Mary, at home; and Hattie. William and
William (2), all three deceased. One
child was born at Little Chute, nameh'
Andrew, who is now a resident of De-
Pere township. Our subject is a Demo-
crat in his political preferences, and has
served as treasurer of the school board
for twelve years. In religious connection
the family are members of St. Mary's
Church, at De Pere.
H
ANS HANSEN, dealer in farm
implements. New Denmark town-
ship. Brown county, is a native
of the Kingdom of Denmark, born
August 28, 1840. He is a son of Rasmus
and Anna C. (Olson) Hansen, who were
the parents of eleven children, viz.:
Catherine, Hans, Mary, Niels, Jens,
Peter, Christ and Stine, and three that
died in infancy. The father was a fisher-
man by occupation, and, as the family
was a large one, the children were obliged
to assist as soon as they were old enough
to work.
Hans Hansen served as a soldier in
his native country under Frederick VII
and Christian IX, and subsequently was
in the government employ as a stage
driver. He continued thus until 1867,
when he decided to seek his fortune in
America, and leaving Denmark he pro-
ceeded to Liverpool, England, and em-
barked on an outward-bound vessel, land-
ing in Quebec after a pleasant and com-
parativeh' short voyage. He came
thence to Green Bay, Wis. , and thence
to Oconto, where he commenced work in
a sawmill, and, after engaging in that oc-
cupation for two years, went to Fond du
Lac, where he was employed on a farm
for about a year. Coming from there
directly to New Denmark township. Brown
county, he purchased a tract of eighty
acres, totally unimproved, and commenced
at once to clear it and prepare the land
for cultivation, but as he had little ex-
perience in this line, the work at first
progressed very slowly. On June 16,
1870, he was united in marriage with
Mary (Van Seggern) Asterloh, and they
immediately came to the farm, where they
shared all the hardships and privations of
those early years in the wilderness. Their
39°
COAtMEMORATI\'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
union has been blessed with eight chil-
dren, as follows: Rasmus P., Henry
William, Herman H., Anna C, M. C,
Fred M., Christ H., and Charles X. T. .
who died in infanc}'.
Mr. and Mrs. Hansen lived in a log
house on the farm for twenty-two years,
at the end of which time he disposed of
his farm and built a saloon; subsequently
he commenced to deal in farm imple-
ments, and now carries on both businesses,
meeting with gratifying success. In polit-
ical connection Mr. Hansen has always
been identified with the Republican party,
and has served in various official positions
in his township and county, as follows:
As deputy sheriff, four \ears; town as-
sessor, two years; constable, eight years;
and justice of the peace, five years, giving
satisfaction to all concerned, and winning
the respect of all who have had dealings
with him. In religious faith he and his
wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
JOHN CALMAN, who, during his life-
time, was a well-known farmer of
De Pere town.ship, Brown county,
was a native of County Cork, Ire-
land, born January 7, 1822. His father,
Dennis Caiman, was a farmer, and for a
number of years rented land in County
Cork, but later the family took up their
residence in the city of Cork, where John
spent a portion of his boyhood da\s.
When a young man our subject came
to the United States, and for some time
worked in a type foundry in Boston,
Mass. His father had died, and after
John secured employment he sent for his
widowed mother, who came to the home
he had provided, accompanied by his
brother, William, and sister, Hannah.
In 1S52 John, with his brothers, Dennis
and William, came westward to Wiscon-
sin, and located on a farm in De Pere
township. Brown county, where he passed
the remainder of his life. \i that time it
was all in the woods, an Indian trail be-
ing the only road from De Pere, and here
they built a small log shanty for them-
selves, their mother and sister residing, in
the meanwhile, in De Pere, which was
then but a small village. After a resi-
dence of four years on this farm John
Caiman returned to Boston, where he was
shortly afterward united in marriage with
Miss Kate Heffernan, also a native of the
Emeral Isle, born in 182S in the Parish
of Glenmore. County Kilkenny, daughter
of John Heffernan, who died in Ireland.
Kate Heffernan came to the United
States in 1850 with her brother-in-law,
Thomas Fanning, crossing the Atlantic in
four weeks, and locating in Boston, where
she was yet living at the time of her mar-
riage.
After their union Mr. and Mrs. Cai-
man spent a j'ear and a half in Boston,
where he was again employed in a tj'pe
foundr\-, and here one child, Mary H.,
now Mrs. Thomas Connelly, of De Pere
township, was born. He then brought
his wife and child to De Pere township,
Brown Co. , Wis. , and they took up their
home on the farm, where his mother and
brother, Dennis, also resided. The other
brother, William, had gone to California,
where he is jet living, and John and
Dennis Caiman farmed together until the
latter's death, when John took entire
charge of the place. He cleared and
improved it, and added thereto, until at
the time of his death he had a fertile,
highly-cultivated tract of two hundred
acres. This was the direct result of years
of patient industry and unrelenting toil,
for when he purchased the place it was a
veritable wilderness. He was a thor-
oughly self-made man, having, from a
start of nothing but a strong will and de-
termination to succeed, become a pros-
perous farmer and a highly-respected
citizen. He passed from earth October
31. 1890, and was buried in De Pere
cemetery. In religious connection he
was a member of St. Francis Catholic
Church, of which he was trustee for
years. Politically he was a strong sup-
porter of the principles of the Democratic
COMMEMORATIVE BWORAPEICAL RECORD.
391
party, and as such was elected chairman
of the township for two years, discharg-
ing the duties of his office with abiHty and
credit and to the complete satisfaction of
his constituents, but he declined re-elec-
tion on account of failing health. To
Mr. and Mrs. Caiman were born children
as follows: Dennis, now a farmer of
South Dakota; Ellen, now a resident of
Denver, Colo. ; Kate, also in Denver,
Colo. ; Esther, William, and John, at
home; and Alice, a school teacher, of
Seymour, Wis. Since Mr. Caiman's
decease his widow has continued to make
her home on the farm, which is now
conducted by the younger sons, William
and John. She is a member of St.
Francis Church, De Pere, and is highly
respected in the community in which she
resides.
GEORGE W. HAYDEN, farmer
and ex-soldier, of Pittsfield town-
ship. Brown county, was born in
Fitzwilliam, N. H., May i, 1839.
His parents were Silas and Betsey Hay-
den, who reared a family of thirteen chil-
dren, of whom, however, our subject is
the only one living.
George W. Hayden was but thirteen
years of age when his parents sold their
farm in the East and came to Wisconsin,
settling on a tract of forty acres of wild
woodland in Pittsfield township. Brown
county, among the Indians, bears and
wolves. They were a hardy couple, and
the mother, on one occasion, walked to
and returned from Green Bay in one day,
after her sixtieth birthday, bearing a bur-
den of twenty pounds. Of their large
family only four of the children lived to
come West to aid their parents in carving
out a home from the wilderness. When
our subject was but fourteen years old an
axe was placed in his hands, and from
that time onward he has earned his own
living. The first winter he worked in the
woods at twelve dollars per month, but
later on his pay was increased to twenty
dollars, the highest price then paid to
woodsmen. The father kept steadily at
work clearing up his land, and added six
acres to his original forty. Mrs. Hayden
died in 1869, and her remains are in-
terred in the Rural Cemetery at Flintville.
George W^ Hayden remained with his
parents until 1861, when he responded to
his country's call and enlisted in Company
H, Twelfth Wis. V. I., being assigned to
the army of the Tennessee, under Sher-
man. He obtained a furlough of thirty
days, however, came home and married
Alice E. Brown, daughter of James and
Abigail fTillbrook) Brown, of the State of
Maine, where the father had been a fish-
erman. They came to Wisconsin about
the year 1855 and settled at Mills Center,
Pittsfield township, on land purchased by
Mr. Brown, on which they lived until
1863, when they sold out and moved to
the northern part of the township, where
the father died, after which the mother
lived with her daughter, Mrs. Hayden.
His thirty-days' furlough having expired,
Mr. Hayden rejoined his regiment and
took part in all its marches and engage-
ments until his discharge, at Louisville,
Ky., July 16, 1865. He had fought at
the siege of Vicksburg, at Chattanooga
and at Atlanta, and had followed Sher-
man to the sea, experiencing hardships
and privations that very few could endure,
but during all his long service was in hos-
pital only two weeks. When he returned
home he took possession of a forty-acre
tract of land he had purchased from the
Fox River Improvement Company, on
which no tree had yet been felled. He
cleared a space large enough for the frame
dwelling, in which he still lives, and the
work of clearing was prosecuted with vigor
until the wilderness was conquered. He
has increased his possessions to 160 acres,
and is altogether prosperous, his elder
sons of late years having assisted him
materially. He has had born to him
eight children, viz. : Clare (deceased in
infancy), William, Charles, George,
Frank, Carrie, and Harvey and Harry
392
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(twins). Mr. and Mrs. Hayden are mem-
bers of the Congregational Church, and
in pohtics Mr. Hayden is a Republican,
and cast his first vote for Abraham
Lincoln.
PETER KOLB, postmaster at Kolb,
and one of the well-known citizens
of De Pere township. Brown
county, is a native of the village
of Bruttig, Rhenish Prussia, born June
24, 1828. His father, Gottfried Kolb,
who was a boatman on the river Moselle,
was twice married, and became the father
of twenty-one children, of whom our sub-
ject was the third son and the sixth child
in order of birth.
Peter Kolb attended .school until he
was fourteen years of age, after which he
worked with his father as ferryman.
Peter's mother died when he was six vears
old. Having received some money from
her estate, he, in the spring of 1852, bade
farewell to his home and friends, and set
out for the United States. He first pro-
ceeded to Antwerp, from which port he
sailed, landing, after an ocean voyasre of
two months, in New York Citv, April 10,
1852. His destination was Green Bay,
Wis., where some of his schoolmates had
previously located, and thither he jour-
neyed, going by rail to Buffalo. N. Y.,
where, after a delay of two or three weeks,
waiting for navigation to open, he took
passage on the steamer "Michigan," and
arrived in Green Bay about Mav 10. He
immediately went to Peshtigo, Wis., and
for four years was employed in the mills at
that place. He also spent a winter at
Meeme, Manitowoc county, where his
sister, Gertrude fwho had come to the
United States a short time after him), was
residing, and it was here he met the ladv
who soon afterward became his wife, Miss
Margaret Adolff. She was born in 1831,
in Munster Mayfeld, Coblentz. Germany,
daughter of Rhinearous Adolff, who came
to the United States in i8!;4 The voune
couple were married March 31. 1857, and
shortly afterward took up their residence
on Main street, in Green Bay, where Mr.
Kolb, having saved some money, had pur-
chased a home of his own. Being a skill-
ful mechanic, he erected his own house,
and they resided there one year, when he
sold the place and moved to Meeme,
Manitowoc county, where for six years
they lived on rented land. During this
time he was also engaged in clearing land.
In July, 1863, he came to the farm in De-
Pere township. Brown county, where he
has ever since made his home, situated in
Section 33, Township 23, Range 2 1- He
first purchased forty acres, but half of
which was cleared, and an old log house
was the only residence the place afforded;
but he added to the farm until at one time
it comprised 236 acres, and he now has
186 acres. In addition to his agricultural
labors he also conducts a saloon on the
farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Kolb have been
born children as follows: Jacob, a farmer,
of De Pere; Peter, residing in Green Bay;
Margaret, now Mrs. Michael Coregan. of
De Pere township; Elizabeth, living at
home; Anna, Mrs. Nicholas Meyer, of
Menasha, Wis. ; Joseph, a farmer of De-
Pere township; and Anton, of Seymour,
Outagamie county.
Mr. Kolb's life presents a striking ex-
ample of what maj' be accomplished b\'
industry, preservance and a strong, willing
pair of hands. On landing in Green Bay
in the spring of 1852, he found himself
four dollars in debt ; but not allowing
himself to become discouraged, he set to
work, engaging at any honest labor he
could find, and always working with the de-
termination to succeed. He was anxious to
have a comfortable home of his own, and
after purchasing his land he spent many
years of hard, unrelenting toil in its culti-
vation and impriivement. He is one of
the few old settlers in De Pere township,
now living, who have endured the trials
and hardships of those early times, and,
though now over sixty-six years of age, he
is still hale and hearty. He is well known
in his community, and is highly respected
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
395
by all who know him. In his political
affiliations Mr. Kolb is a stanch member
of the Democratic party, always support-
ing its principles in State and National
elections, but in local affairs he votes in-
dependently, selecting;; the best man, re-
gardless of politics. He has filled various
offices in his township; for twelve jears
he served satisfactorily as chairman, de-
clining further re-election; for five years
he was supervisor, an office which came to
him unsolicited ; and since 1887 he has
been postmaster at Kolb, Brown county,
which office was named after him. In
religious connection he and his wife are
members of the Cathedral Church at
■Green Bay.
NICHOLAS WEBER, a well-known
resident of the township of De-
Pere, Brown Co. , was born in
1840, in Luxemburg, Germany.
He came with his parents to America,
locating with the family in New Denmark
township. Brown Co., Wis., where they
shared the hardships and privations inci-
dent to pioneer life. For many winters
our subject worked in the lumber regions,
and he specially remembers one winter
spent at Pensaukee, when he experienced
trials and dangers that few would be able
to withstand. He also worked for sev-
eral firms in New Denmark township,
and his work was invariabl)' so satisfactory
that he could always find employment
with the same c^^mpany a second time.
In 1865 he enlisted in Company F. Fif-
tieth Wis. \'. I., and served until the fall
of the same year, when he was discharged,
returning home at once.
In 1866 Mr. Weber was married to
Miss Catherine Daniels, whose father,
Mathias Daniels, and mother died when
she was an infant. Our subject purchased
eighty acres of new land in De Pere town-
ship, which he cleared and improved, re-
siding thereon until 1893, when he sold it,
and now makes his home with his chil-
dren. To Mr. and Mrs. ^^'eber were
born nine children, \'\/..: Hubbard, Nich-
olas, Mathias, Annie, Catherine, Josie,
Joseph, Mary and George, all of whom
have received good educational advan-
tages. The mother of this family was
called from earth February 7, 1891,
deeply mourned by her family and friends.
She was a member of the Catholic Church
at Pine Grove, as is also her husband.
Politically he is a Democrat, and takes
much interest in the welfare of his party.
ABBOTT WILLIAM SLAUGH-
TER, M. D., was born December
1 , 1 860, at Westport, Mo. (a
suburb of Kansas City), son of
Alfred and Laura (Abbott) Slaughter.
The Slaughters come of an old Virginia
family of English and Scotch ancestry,
who came to America during Colonial
times. The proverbial three brothers
figure in the family, and the progenitor of
this present family settled in Virginia,
where they became prosperous, well-to-do
planters, representing one of the old aris-
tocratic families of that State. According
to the customs of the country they held
slaves, to whose interests they were as de-
voted as if they belonged to the family,
the slaves being well fed, well clothed,
housed and provided for. Grandfather Wil-
liam Slaughter owned 1,800 acres of land
in Culpeper county; his father, William,
lived in Rappahannock county. The
grandfather was a large-hearted man, hav-
ing a big, robust frame, and well built.
He was a strong believer in Democratic
principles and State Sovereignty, a leader
in his neighborhood in all matters pertain-
ing to literary and political matters and
local government, was well educated, and
a lawyer by profession. He was chosen
judge of the people, led a noble life, es-
teemed and beloved by all, reached a good
old age, and quietly passed away one day
while sitting in a chair. He was the
father of a large family, of whom on y
Daniel F. Slaughter, of Virginia, and A -
fred Slaughtc" -^f Green Bay, are yet liv-
396
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.
ing. The latter was born in Culpeper
county, Va., where he received his pri-
mary education, and, making teaching his
profession, taught about forty-three years,
during which time he was principal of
Lexington (Mo.) High School about nine
years, of the Prairie Home Institute also
nine years, and principal of the McCune
College, Louisiana, Mo., five 3'ears. He
also taught as principal in the Glenville
(Ky. ) school two years, but receiving a
stroke of paralysis was disabled from fol-
lowing his chosen profession longer.
Chiolly self-educated, he was at the same
time well educated, and was a typical gen-
tleman of the old Southern school of chiv-
alry; he now resides with his son in Green
Ba\'. He married Miss Laura Abbott,
of West Virginia, who is yet living, and
their marriage was blessed with three
children : Louisa Frances, Laura Slaugh-
ter, and Abbott William, our subject.
Dr. Slaughter received his literary edu-
cation principally from his father, and his
boyhood dream being to relieve pain and
help the sick and afflicted, he entered the
office of Dr. S. B. Avers, of Louisiana,
Mo., a prosperous, prominent physician.
In 1 88 1 he entered St. Louis Medical
College, where he studied faithfully dur-
ing a three-years' term, graduating in
1884. The young Doctor at once located
in Silex, Mo., where in three years he
built up a large practice; thence moved
to Whiteside, where he also practiced
three years, and later, in 1888, attend-
ed the Louisville (Ky.) Post - Graduate
School. That spring he returned to
Whiteside, where he continued practice
until 1892. He was then induced to come
to Green Bay in order to enter into part-
nership \\ith Dr. F. L. Louis, which part-
nership continued about one year. He
has built up a good practice and enjoys
the confidence and esteem of the people
to an eminent degree.
The Doctor was married in Carson,
Mo., at the old homestead of his wife's
grandparents, to Ruth Reeds, who was
educated at the Montgomery High School.
She is the mother of three children : Al-
fred (who died at the age of six years),
Laura Louisa, and Delias. Dr. and Mrs.
Slaughter are both active members of the
Baptist Church. He is affiliated with the
F. & A. M. and K. O. T. M., is a mem-
ber of the Fox River Valley Medical So-
ciety, and the American Medical Socie-
ty, the latter being a national associa-
tion. Politicalh' he is identified with the
Democratic party.
JAMES SMITH, a prominent citi/en
of De Pere township, Brow n county,
where, in partnership with his
brother, Alexander, he is success-
fully engaged in general farming, is a
native of Banffshire, Scotland, born Ma}'
I, 1855, son of George and Isabell Smith,
who both died in their native land. They
had nine children, namely: Isabella,
John, George, Helen, James, Adam.
Margaret, Alexander, and Christina.
The first of this familj- to leave Scot-
land was the son George, who immi-
grated to the United States in 1S72, and
coming to Wisconsin, settled in Brown
county, where he passed the remainder of
his life. He followed farming, renting
land in different parts of the count}-,
mostly in Rockland township, and died
March 27, 1891, in De Pere township, on
the farm now owned by his brothers
James and Alexander. George Smith
was for many jears a sufferer from pa-
ralysis, which rendered him helpless, and it
was principally on this account that his
brother James came to America.
James Smith was educated in the
common schools of his place of birth,
and lived with his parents until he reached
the age of fifteen, when he commenced tO'
work as a farm hand. When twenty
years old he commenced to learn garden-
ing, and served a three-years' apprentice-
ship at Hatton Castle, at the conclusion
of which he became head gardener for a
Scotch gentleman Watson, of Blackford,
in which position he remained one year..
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
397
In June, 1881, Mr. Smith decided to
come to the United States to care for his
invahd brother, George, and accordingly
took passage at Liverpool, England, on
the "City of Montreal," for New York,
whence he immediately proceeded to his
destination, De Pere, Wis., arriving June
27. He came here with money he had
earned and saved himself, and soon after his
arrival he became interested, in company
with his brother, in general agriculture
and stock-buying. In 1887 he purchased
his present farm of seventy-six acres, and
shortly afterward moved thereon. In
connection with this farm he now owns
another tract of eighty acres, and on this
land he and his brother Alexander conduct
a profitable general farming business.
Alexander Smith was born July 29,
1863, in Banffshire, Scotland, received a
public-school education, and was reared
to farming. In 1886 he sailed from Glas-
gow on the "State of Nebraska," and
came directly to Wisconsin, where he and
his brother James are now engaged in ag-
ricultural pursuits. For several years
after coming to Wisconsin the brothers
spent the winter months in the lumber
camps, and both are thoroughly familiar
with the hardships and dangers of lum-
bering. As agriculturists they are thor-
oughly progressive, and, being full of de-
termination and energy, have made a
complete success. James Smith is a nat-
ural mechanic, and has fitted up a black-
smith shop on the farm, where he attends
to all work in that line needed by a farmer,
shoeing his own horses, etc. He and his
brother are self-made in every respect,
and, though they have not resided in the
township for any great number of years,
are highly esteemed for their industrious
habits and sterling worth. They have won
and kept an enviable reputation for up-
rightness and fair dealing, and are every-
where regarded as substantial business
men and model citizens. The brothers
are both members of the Republican
party, and ardent advocates of the prin-
ciples of Protection; in religious faith
they are members of the Presbyterian
Church. They are both unmarried, Mrs.
George Smith, their brother's widow,
keeping house for them.
WILLIAM HOFFMAN. While
transmitting to posterity the
memory of such men as is the
subject of this sketch, it will
instill in the minds of our children the im-
portant lesson that honor and station are
the sure reward of continual exertion; and
that, compared to a good education,
abundant experience, coupled with habits
of honest industry and judicious economy,
the greatest fortune would be but a poor
inheritance.
Mr. Hoffman is a native of Germany,
born December 14, 1831, in Neustadt-on-
the-Warthe, in the Province of Posen.
In that town, as far back as the history
of the family can be traced, the Hoffmans
were merchants of high standing. Dr.
Wolf Hoffman, grandfather of our subject,
was an educated man and occupied a
prominent position among his fellow-citi-
zens. He died at an advanced age, leav-
ing an honorable record as a useful, con-
scientious man and a true Christian gen-
tleman. He had a large family, of whom
one son, Louis, learned mercantile busi-
ness, but while yet a young man he was
pressed into the army of Napoleon I, who
had just overrun Prussia on his triumph-
ant march on Russia. Young Louis Hoff-
man participated in this memorable cam-
paign, and marched as far as Moscow,
the burning of which magnificent city, by
the Russians themselves, he witnessed;
and then, in the depth of a terrible winter,
the French commenced that fatal and
fearful retreat southward that disorgan-
ized and destroyed the grandest army that
ever followed the banners of Napoleon.
When the Prussian contingent neared
their native land, they deserted the French
eagles, uniting with the German troops,
and in turn fought against Napoleon.
At the close of his service, Louis Hoffman
398
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
returned to his home in Neustadt, and
became a prosperous general merchant,
well known and highly respected. By
his first wife, who was also a native of
Neustadt-on-theW'arthe, he had four chil-
dren, as follows: Michael, Augusta, Ida,
and Minnie. For his second wife he
wedded Hannah Neuman, and they had
eight children, viz. : Rosalie, Bertha,
Rebecca, Fredericka, William, Adolph,
Hanchen and Isidor. The father died at
the age of seventy-eight years, the mother
when eighty-two.
The ninth in the order of birth of all
the children above named is William, the
subject of this sketch. He was educated
at the public schools of his native town,
and, when in his fifteenth year, started out
into the world to seek his fortune on his
own individual merits. Proceeding to
London, England, he there found em-
ployment at various kinds of work, and,
after a sojourn of one year in the me-
tropolis of the world, journeyed to Liver-
pool, where he took passage for America.
The good ship "West Point" arrived at
New York in February, 184S, after a
pleasant voyage, and here our subject
found employment as clerk in a general
store, where he remained till Januar}-,
1852. At this time he turned his eyes
westward, and, determining to trj' his for-
tune in California, set out with bright
hopes and stern resolutions, his route
being via the Isthmus of Panama direct
to San Francisco, where, after clerking
about one year, he opened a clothing store
on his own account. In this enterprise
he met with well-merited success, al-
though he had the misfortune to be burned
out twice. After the first fire he engaged
in mining in the "gold diggings," but
this not being so congenial to his nature
as merchandising, he soon returned to
San Francisco, and again opened a gen-
eral store. In 1857 he sold out, and,
coming north to Chicago, 111., embarked
in the Hour and feed business, which in
turn he sold out the following year ("1858),
and, attracted by the promising outlook
in Wisconsin, came "with business in-
tent " to the town of Sharon, near where
he had some friends living. Here he opened
a store, which at the end of about a jear
he left in charge of his brother-in-law,
Henry Mitchell, and for the benefit of his
health took a trip to Clayborn, Ala.
There he clerked during the first winter
and following spring, selling his establish-
ment in Sharon, Wis. (whither he re-
turned for that purpose), again went south,
and for another winter clerked in a store
in Alabama. At this time, the Civil war
having broken out, he was pressed into
the Confederate army, but took the first
opportunity to escape, leaving behind all
his possessions. Coming north with com-
mendable speed, he arrived in Chicago,
111., in May, 1 86 1, and here he remained
until the following September, when he
once more turned his steps in the direc-
tion of Wisconsin.
At Jane.sville, on the 17th of that
month, he was married to Miss Malinet
A. Pease, daughter of Enos and Lucy
(Finley) Pease, of Marengo, 111. , and
shortly afterward the young couple came
to Green Bay. Here, in partnership with
Mr. Philip Lewin, Mr. Hoffman opened
a clothing store, the firm name being
Hoffman & Lewin, which .so continued
until 1 868, when Mr. Lewin sold out his
interest to his partner and moved to
Philadelphia. Since then our subject has
conducted the business in part alone, and
in part asssociated with his sons Louis
and George, with unbounded success — a
success in every sense well merited, as
his stock is at all times thoroughly replete
in all departments, whilst the proprietor
himself, for courteous and gentlemanly
bearing, consummate business tact, un-
flagging enterprise and tireless energy,
has established for himself an enviable
and wide popularity.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman have been
born six children, to wit : Bertha is the
wife of Frank Topliff, a merchant of
Oshkosh, Wis. ; Louis Wolf and George
P. are associated with their father in
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
599
business, Louis traveling in the interest
of the merchant tailoring department;
Ada B. died in infancy ; Elmer A. died
in his nineteenth year; Harold W. , the
youngest, is at home with his parents.
Mr. Hoffman, in politics is a Democrat ;
he was elected alderman of the First
ward, and has served as such, in all, the
long period of eighteen years, a fact that
in itself testifies to his popularity as well
as the esteem in which he is held. For
about fifteen years he was a member,
and for a considerable time foreman, of
the old Green Bay Fire Compan\',
"Guardian No. 2." Socially he is a
member of the F. & A. M., I. O. O. F.,
and K. of P., Green Bay, of which latter
order he is a charter member.
M
AJOR LEVI HOWLAND, real
estate and lumber dealer. Fort
Howard, and member of the
Vermillion Range Lumber Com-
pany of Minnesota, is descended from
sturdy New England ancestry. He is one
of nine children born to Thomas and
Elizabeth (Davis) Howland, the former
of whom was a native of New Bedford,
Massachusetts.
When sixteen years of age Thomas
Howland came with his parents, John
Howland and wife, from Massachusetts,
and settled on a farm in Brown county,
Ohio, which borders on the Ohio river
and is also noted as having been for a
number of years the home of the Grant
family. Gen. Grant himself having been
appointed to West Point from that county.
John Howland died in that locality. His
son, Thomas, married a daughter of Vir-
ginia, who was at that time a resident of
Kentucky, and in 1831 removed to Cook
county, 111., then on the border of west-
ern settlements. In 1835 he took up a
farm in Kenosha county. Wis., and lived
in that State for many years. While a
resident of Illinois, in 1832, he served as
a soldier in the memorable Black Hawk
war, a short-lived conflict which terrorized
the few inhabitants then in the region
and retarded settlement greatly, but which
put an effectual end to Indian depreda-
tions east of the Mississippi. Mr. How-
land died at Fort Howard, Wis. , about
1877, his excellent wife having preceded
him to the shadowy land in 1862. Besides
our subject, they had children as follows:
Lewis, who was killed in Kansas in 1S56,
during the border ruffian warfare; Mere-
dith, who died at Kenosha, Wis., in 1869;
Lorinda S., wife of Thomas Dyke, re-
siding in Missouri; Seth, a resident of
California, whitherhe went in 1850; Ruby
E., wife of John Sauber, also of Cali-
fornia; Wiltshire, who enlisted in Cali-
fornia early in the war of the Rebellion,
in Col. Baker's regiment, and, like his
lamented commander, was missing and
supposed to be killed at Ball's Bluff;
Ichabod, twin brother of Levi, who en-
listed in April, 1861, at Kenosha, Wis.,
for three months in Company G, First
Wis. V. I., re-enlisted at the expiration of
his term of service in the First Wisconsin
Cavalry, served in the army of the Cum-
berland, and was killed at Varnell Station,
Ga. , May 9, 1864; Alfred, who enlisted
in the same regiment with Ichabod in
1 86 1, for three months, re-enlisted in the
First Wisconsin Cavalry and served three
years, and now resides in California.
Levi Howland was born in 1840, in
Kenosha county. Wis., and was reared
on his father's farm, one mile from Keno-
sha, receiving his education in the high
school of that city. Like his two brothers,
he enlisted, in April, 1861, in Company
G, First Wis. V. I , for a period of three
months. After a lively term of service
in the Shenandoah Valley under Gen.
Patterson, the young soldier, who had
been a second lieutenant in the infantry,
re-enlisted as a private in Company A;
First Wisconsin Cavalry for three 3'ears,
on September 2, 1861, receiving a first
lieutenant's commission in that arm of the
service. He was subsequently, Novem-
ber 20, 1862, commissioned captain of
Company C, and major of his regiment
400
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPBICAL RECORD.
January 6, 1865. He saw active and
arduous service, participating in the bat-
tles at Chickamauga, Dandridge, Tenn. ;
Anderson Cross Roads, Cape Girardeau.
Mo. ; Chalk Bluffs, and later, after trans-
fer to the army of the Cumberland, at
Resaca, Cassville, Burnt Hickory (Ga.),
Barnesville, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta,
Campbelltown (Ga.j, Franklin (Tenn.j,
Hopkinsville, Nashville, Selma (Ala.),
the skirmishes between Montgomery and
Tuskegee, and West Point (Ga.). The
Major was mustered out at Nashville,
Tenn., in July, 1865, and returned to
Kenosha. He next went west, and passed
two years as contractor on the Kansas
Pacific railroad, finally, in 1867, locating
in Fort Howard, since when he has been
a continuous resident of that city. Upon
his arrival he entered the lumber trade
as a member of the firm of Clinton. Laird
& Co., afterward J. P. Laird & Co.,
which relation continued a number of
years, and he is now the only member of
this old firm residing in Fort Howard.
Maj. Howland is a familiar figure in
political, educational and society circles.
By virtue of his honorable service in de-
fense of his country, he is a member of
T. O. Howe Post, 'g. A. R., and holds
membership also in the Loyal Legion.
Sociallj' he is a member of Washington
Lodge, No. 21, F. Sc A. M. ; Warren
Chapter, No. 8, R. A. M. ; Palestine
Commandery, No. 20, K. T. ; and Wis-
•consin Consistory. An active Repub-
lican in politics, he has served his fellow
citizens as county supervisor, and as a
member of the school board, and takes a
lively interest in all public affairs, exert-
ing his infiuence toward the furtherance
of all plans for the benefit of his city and
county. During his twenty-seven years'
residence in Fort Howard he has wit-
nessed the accomplishment of great and
beneficial changes, to which he has per-
sonally contributed in no small degree.
Recognizing the truth of the adage
that "it is not good for man to live
alone," Maj. Howland was married in
Kenosha, in 1 8C7, to Edith L. Sykes, a
native of New York, and daughter of
Byron and Antoinette (Torrey) Sykes,
early settlers in the county named. Mrs.
Howland's mother is deceased, but her
father is yet living, and resides with his
daughter at Fort Howard. Major and
Mrs. Howland have two living children :
Eben \\'., a graduate in the class of 1894
from the Wisconsin State University at
Madison, and Maud A., attending St.
Marguerite College at Chicago.
ROBERT JACKSON, merchant, of
De Pere, was born February 2,
1826, in Fifeshire, Scotland. His
father, Henrj' Jackson, who was a
blacksmith by trade, was married to An-
nie White, who bore him the following
children: Margaret; Henry, who died in
Marquette in 1S93; Robert, our subject;
Elspet, now Mrs. William Michie, of
West Superior; Walter, of Buffalo county,
Wis.; Thomas, of West De Pere; Alex-
ander, of Winona, Minn., and Peter, of
Milwaukee. The parents of this family
died in Scotland, and later all the chil-
dren came to America, Robert being the
first to make the voyage. When a lad of
fourteen, Robert entered upon an appren-
ticeship of four years to a blacksmith in
Scotland named David Lyle, and also
became a machinist, and later worked as
a smith for his father.
On June i, 1848, bidding farewell to
his native land, he sailed from Greenock
on the "Charlotte Harrison," and, after
a voyage of six weeks, landed in New York
with but a few dollars in his pocket.
From New York he proceeded to Albany,
and thence over the old "strap road"
to Buffalo, N. Y. , thence via the lakes,
to Kenosha, Wis., where he found work
and remained two years; from there he
went to Oconto county (then a part of
Brown county). Wis., where for two years
heactedasengineer for a sawmill. In 1852
he came to De Pere and bought out a
blacksmith shop, which he carried on for
COMMEMORATIVE BWORAPHICAL RECORD.
401
several years, and then took charge of a
sawmill for Ritchie, Reed & Ritchie, of
the same city, with whom he remained
fourteen years, or until the firm dissolved.
About this time the citizens of the East
side formed a stock company and erected
a furnace, in the construction of which
Mr. Jackson acted as master mechanic,
putting in all the machinery; he was then
sent to Menomonee, where he superin-
tended the erection of another furnace and
also conducted it for several years. He
then engaged with Ivirby, Carpenter &
Co., at that time the most extensive lum-
bermen of the Northwest, and for four
years was an engineer in one of their large
mills at Menomonee. He ne.xt contracted
for the building of a furnace at Charlevoix,
Mich. , and after its completion built a fur-
nace at Florence, Wis. ; then at Marcel-
lone, Mich., he commenced to build an-
other furnace, but left before its comple-
tion, returning to De Pere, where he was
instrumental in having erected, near by, a
large sawmill, known as the Potts mill,
the construction of which he superin-
tended. In company with Andrew Reed,
Mr. Jackson built the first tug-boat owned
in De Pere, which boat was used in the
towing of logs, doing good service for sev-
eral years, and was then rebuilt and re-
fitted under the superintendency of Mr.
Jackson, who was probably without an
•equal at that time in mechanical skill, and
who, even now, though nearing his seven-
tieth year, is often consulted in regard to
intricate portions of disabled machinery.
Mr. Jackson has been identified, beyond
•doubt, with more enterprises than any
other individual now living in De Pere,
and was especially active in the agitation
•of the waterworks question. He is a great
lover of athletics, and still indulges with
great zest in curling, at which he is an
expert.
In the spring of 1849 Mr. Jackson
married, in Kenosha, Wis., Miss Elizabeth
Heggie, a native of the same part of
Scotland whence he came. The result of
this union has been the birth of the fol-
lowing children: Henry, a machinist;
and Charles W. , Robert, and Frank (all
three merchants), all of De Pere. W^ith
his two sons, Charles and Robert, Mr.
Jackson now conducts the most extensive
general store in De Pere. Although at
one time a Democrat in his political
affinities, he is now a Republican, and
cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham
Lincoln. He is strong in his belief in the
principles of the party, and is one of its
most stanch supporters. Under its au-
spices he has, at different times, been
called upon to serve as alderman, and no
one has filled that office with greater
credit and ability, nor given greater satis-
faction to the citizens. He and his wife
are conscientious members of the Presby-
terian Church, to the support of which he
is a most liberal contributor, and of
which he is a trustee and substantial
pillar. Although coming to the United
States a poor boy, Mr. Jackson has
reached wealth and prominence through
the exercising of those sterling principles
of integrity, industry and perseverance,
which seem to be inherent in the race to
which he belongs. His career is worthy
the close study of young men who have
yet to make their way in the world, and
his nobility of character well worthy their
emulation. His amiable wife also de-
serves great credit for her share in the
good work that has been done toward the
accumulation of the worldly wealth that is
now making their declining years com-
paratively days of rest, and assuredly of
solid comfort; and the respect in which
the family is held gives evidence that
their many virtues are fully appreciated
by their fellow citizens.
AUGUST THIELE, the partner of
William Handeyside in the most
popular livery establishment of
the city of De Pere, was born
September 29, 1848, in Brandenburg,
near Berlin, Germany, son of Gottlieb
402
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and Hannah (Pfeiffer) Thiele, who both
died in that country. They were the
parents of Karl, August, Hannah, (nista
and WilHaui, of whom WilHani and Au-
gust are the only ones living in America.
August Thiele was reared as a day la-
borer, beginning at the age of nine as a
driver of cattle, and afterward working as
a farm hand. He was industrious and
saving, and by 1872 had accumulated
money sufficient to bring him to America.
Landing at New York, he at once took his
departure for Wisconsin, and here worked
at Waukesha, in the lime kilns and at
other work, until he had earned money
enough to take him to Morrison, Brown
Co., Wis., where he worked in all for ten
years in Morrison town and in the town
of Glenmorc,in Fenton's sawmill, and also
in Evans' sawmill. He then made a trip
to Dakota, worked a year, after which he
came to De Pere, where he worked a year
for his brother-in-law, Mark Snyder, then
engaged in the livery business. \\. the
end of the year he bought Mr. Snyder
out. .\t that time the barn contained
only nine horses; now the stables contain
sixteen. Soon after his return from Da-
kota Mr. Thiele was married, April 24,
1882, to Mrs. Christine (Snyder), widow
of Adam Kammern (to whom she was
married May 11, 1869) and daughter of
Frank and Appolonia (Hangan) Snyder,
who were the parents of si.\ children :
Philip, Christine, Mark, Libbie, William
and Mary. The father of this family was
a mason and also a tanner, and at the age
of twenty came to America, and for a
while lived in Jackson, Washington Co.,
Wis.; thence he moved to Town 10, about
twenty miles from Milwaukee, where he
was married at about the age of thirty,
and finally came to Brown county, where
he owned a sawmill. Here he died after
a residence of thirty years in the township.
His widow died in De Pere, while residing
with Mr. Thiele. Mrs. August Thiele
had, by her first husband, one daughter
named Abbie ^[. Kammern, born in Mil-
waukee, Wis., June 23, 1872, who now
makes her home with her mother, but at
the present time is teaching school.
For five years after coming to De Pere
Mr. Thiele carried on the livery business
on his sole account, making, in the inter-
val, many improvements in the stock and
stable ; then joined .Mr. Handeyside, and
has since enjoyed a most successful busi-
ness. The children born to Mr. Thiele,
two in number, are Frank and Philip, who
are attending school at De Pere. Mr.
and Mrs. Thiele are members of the Ger-
man Evangelical Church. In politics he
is a Republican, and fraternally he is an
Odd Fellow. As a business man he is
recogni;;ed as one of the foremost in De-
Pere, all being conscious of the fact that
he has raised himself, by his industry and
enterprise, from comparative ob'scurity to
his present prosperit}-.
E
DWAKD FLVXX (deceased).
This gentleman, who, tluring his
lifetime, was well-known among
the farmers of Holland township.
Brown county, was a native of Ireland,
born in March, 1827.
His parents, Eugene and Alice (Mc-
Guren) Flynn, who were farming people
of Ireland, lived and died in their native
country. They had a family of three
children, namely: James, Bridget, and
Edward, of whom Edward was the only
one who came to America. He was
reared to farming, which he followed in
Ireland until 1848, when he came to the
New World, landing at Quebec. He
subsequently came to Wisconsin, and in
Holland township. Brown county, pur-
chased 160 acres of new land, where he
made a permanent home. After coming
to America he was married, and by this
union had two children, John and James.
The mother of these died, and on April
29. 1872, he wedded, for his second wife.
Miss Bridget Finnegan, who was born
in May, 1833. in Ireland, daughter of
Charles and Bridget (Golden) Finnegan,
who were the parents of the following
COMMEMORATIVE BTOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
403
named nine children: Mary, Patrick,
John, Ceha, Sarah, Thomas, Margaret,
Bridget, and Hannah, of whom but two
are now hving, Bridget and Patrick. Mr.
and Mrs. Finnegan never came to the
United States, but three of their children
emigrated at different times. Mrs. Flynn
left Ireland in the spring of 1852, and
landed in New York City on the sixth of
May, after a rough voyage of thirty-six
days. She remained in the city a few
days and then continued her journey to
Schenectady, N. Y. , where her two
sisters. Sarah and Margaret, were living,
and after a three-years' residence there
she went to Buffalo, N. Y. , where she
kept house for Bishop Ryan about six-
teen years When she came to Holland
township the farm was still partly un-
cleared, and for a time they lived in a log
cabin, which was the first building erected
on the place, and it is still standing. Mr.
Flynn devoted his time exclusively to his
farm, and met with encouraging success
in his vocation, continuing to follow same
up to the time of his death, which oc-
curred November 7, 1882, the result of
kidney disease; his remains were interred
in Holland cemetery. He was a self-
made man in the truest sense, for he
had amassed a comfortable competence
by persevering industry, and he was re-
spected by all who knew him for his
honesty and fair dealing. His widow-
continues to reside upon the homestead,
the management of which is now in the
hands of the son John.
JOHN FLYNN was born November
25, 1864, in Holland township, Brown
Co., Wis., and was reared to farm life on
the homestead under the direction of his
father. At the latter's death he and his
brother James, who now conducts a sa-
loon business in Chicago, became o\\ners
of the farm, eighty acres of which are
highly cultivated. On June 26, 1891,
John Flynn was united in marriage with
Miss Catherine Finnegan, daughter of
Michael and Sarah Finnegan, natives of
Ireland, who immigrated to America in
1848, and settled in Woodville township,
Calumet county, where Mrs. Flynn lived
until her marriage. To this union has
come one child, Angeline, born October
II, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Flynn are de-
vout members of the Catholic Church,
and they are highly esteemed throughout
their section, Mr. Flynn -being regarded
as one of the substantial, progressive
young men in his township. In his po-
litical preferences he is a Democrat, but
he takes no part in politics except as a.
regular attendant at the polls.
CHARLES CLEEREMANS, gar-
dener and farmer. Fort Howard,
came to the place in 1S82 and set-
tled on a ten-acre tract purchased
on the Wolf creek road. This he sold
later and purchased the twenty-acre prop-
erty he now owns on the line between
Fort Howard and Ashwaubenon. He is
also owner of a lot on Wolf creek, and
has this year (1894) erected a residence.
Mr. Cleeremans was born in 1841, in
■Belgium, and came to the Bay Settlement
April I, 1867, with his parents, Frank and
Mary (De Long) Cleeremans, the family
locating upon and clearing up a farm in
Scott township. The father died in 1877,
the mother in 1872. Our subject was
educated thoroughly in the schools of
Belgium, spending twehe years in those
educational institutions. He was mar-
ried in 1870, and the same year settled
upon a farm in Kewaunee county, Wis.,
selling out and remo\ing to Fort Howard,
after clearing forty acres. His ^\•ife, Miss
Caroline Arkins, was born in Belgium,
and came, in 1856, to Kewaunee county
with her parents, John Bertis and Mary
E. (Randall) Arkins, both of whom are
now deceased. Twelve children ha\e been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Cleeremans: John
B., Jennie, Mary, Joe, Frank, Aleck,
Peter, Julia, Felix, Rosa, Anton, and
Susan. The parents are members of St.
\\'illibrord's Church, at Green Bay, Mr.
Cleeremans being also a member of the
|04
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Catholic Knights at that place, and of the
Catholic Order of Foresters. Green Bay
and Fort Howard have undergone won-
drous changes in the thirty years since Mr.
Cleeremans came to the locality, and he
has, to a considerable degree, contributed
personall)' to this development.
BP. SWEENEY. This gentleman
ranks among the leading success-
ful farmers of Glenmore township,
Brown county, where he is highly
esteemed and well known, having been a
resident of same for almost forty years.
His father, Peter Sweeney, \\as born
in County Kerr\-, Ireland, and there mar-
ried Ellen Brennan, who bore him three
children in Ireland, Patrick, Catherine and
Ann. About 1840 they came to the.
United States, and for a time lived in the
Eastern States, where two more children
were born to them, B. P. (our subject)
and Jeremiah. In 1854 the family came
westward to Wisconsin, where, the coun-
try being then new, cheap homes could
be had. Mr. Sweeney found employ-
ment on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul railroad as a day laborer, his family
living along the road near Horicon, Wis.,
for two years, where they kept boarders.
Then, in 1857, they came to De Pere, at
that time a small village, containing but
one store, and here the father worked
as a laborer until the fall of the year, when
he came to Section 14, Glenmore town-
ship, purchasing forty acres for one hun-
dred and twenty dollars cash. The place
was then literally a " howling wilderness,"
wild animals were numerous, and the only
signs of civilization were the trails which
led through the forest. Not a tree had
been felled, and Mr. Sweeney erected the
first house on the place, a log one, and
commenced the task of clearing at once.
He was hard-working and persevering, and
the farm soon began to put on a cultivated
appearance and to afford its owner an in-
come. Those days of toil and hardship
are no more, and, as the old pioneers are
one by one rapidl}' passing awaj\ the story
of their lives is all that is left to coming
generations of the trials and hardships
which they endured. Mr. Sweene)- con-
tinued to reside on the farm in Glenmore
township until his death, which occurred
in August, 1892, when he was at the ad-
vanced age of ninety years. His wife
preceded him to the grave in March,
1882, and they now rest side by side in
Glenmore cemeter)'. Both were members
of St. Mary's Church, at Glenmore. For
several years prior to his decease Mr.
Sweeney led a retired life, making his
home with our subject.
B. P. Sweeney, whose name intro-
duces this sketch, was born August 23,
1849, in Springfield, Mass., came west-
ward with his parents to Wisconsin, and
is now the onl}' member of the family re-
maining in Brown county. Here he was
reared to manhood, and at the early age
of eight years commenced to assist his
father in the clearing up of the farm he
now owns and resides upon, where he re-
ceived a thorough training to agricultural
life. He received his literary education
in the common schools of the period
the first school he attended being in
District No. 2, Glenmore township, and
Maurice Casey was his first teacher.
At that time lumbering was the most
popular pursuit for young men in that
region, and he also worked in the lumber
camps.
On July 4, 1872, Mr. Sweeney was
married, in Cedarburg, Wis., to Miss
Johanna Sullivan, who was born in that
town, daughter of Michael Sullivan, and
the young couple took up their home on
their present farm, living with his parents
during their lifetime. Shortly after his
marriage he purchased eighty acres of the
farm, following agriculture thereon, any
in later years added the other eightd
acres to the place. In 1890 he erected
the comfortable dwelling in which the
family now live, which is the third resi-
dence built on the farm. To Mr. and Mrs.
Sweeney were born eight children, viz. :
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
405
Nellie, John, Mary, Catherine. Julia,
William, Celia and Frances, all li\ing.
The mother was called from earth in the
fall of 1894. Our subject has given his
farming interests the closest attention,
and has become one of the foremost agri-
culturists in his section, taking a lively
interest in every movement for its benefit
or improvement. He has held every
office in the gift of the township, and is
now serving as clerk, to which office he
was appointed in 1890, and has been
elected each time since; he was treasurer
five years, chairman of the township four
years, as well as assessor and supervisor,
and for years justice of the peace; and in
every capacity he has shown himself an
earnest, efficient worker, fn his party
preferences he is a Democrat, and he is
a member of St. Mary's Church, as was
also his wife. He is highly respected for
the part he has taken in the opening up
and development of his section, where he
is widely known.
OTTO N. OLDENBURG, of the
firm of G. Oldenburg & Co. , fur-
niture dealers and undertakers,
was born in i860, at Fort Howard,
where he now lives, and is a son of Ger-
hard and Margaret (Berner) Oldenburg.
The former, a native of Schleswig-Hol-
stein, Germany, came to Fort Howard
when a young man, with the family of his
father, Anton Oldenburg, whose wife had
died in Germany. Anton Oldenburg died
in Madison, Wis., during the war of the
Rebellion.
Gerhard Oldenburg, who was a cabi-
net-maker and millwright by trade, was
married at Fort Howard, in 1853, to Miss
Margaret Berner, who was born in Ger-
many, and had come in an early day to
Green Bay, Wis. Mr. Oldenburg fol-
lowed his trade until the breaking out of
the war, when he was appointed State
carpenter and stationed at Madison, where
he remained during the war. Returning
to Fort Howard in 1865, he established
himself in the furniture business. He
was a Republican in politics, serving as
supervisor from the Fifth ward. He held
membership in Washington Lodge, No.
21, F. & A. M., and was an excellent citi-
zen. His death occured June 9, 1890,
he having lived to see remarkable changes
and developments in the region he had
chosen for his home so many years before.
His widow yet resides in Fort Howard.
Their children were : Sophia, wife of
Rev. A. H. Kopplin, West Bend, Wis.;
Anton, married and residing in Fort How-
ard ; Henry, married and located in the
practice of law at Carlton, Minn. ; Otto
N. ; Amelia, unmarried ; Margaret, de-
ceased when but four years old ; and
Lewis.
Otto N. Oldenburg recei\ed his edu-
cation in the public schools of Fort How-
ard, and attended the Green Bay Busi-
ness College, under Prof. Blackman. He
has since been engaged in business as first
noted, the firm dating its establishment
to 1865. As a decendant of a pioneer
family, and himself a native of Fort How-
ard, Mr. Oldenburg, although yet a
young man, has grown up with his city
and seen its development. He was
married January 3, 1894, to Miss Joseph-
ine Anderson, who was born in Sturgeon
Bay, Wis., where her father, Charley
Anderson, was an early settler ; he is now
deceased. Politically Mr. Oldenburg is
a Republican, and in religious connection
a member of the Moravian Church. He
belongs also to Washington Lodge, No.
21, F. & A. M., and to Warren Chapter,
No. 8, R. A. M.
HENRY A. STRAUBEL, retired
citizen of Green Bay, was well
known in the city eighteen years
as the senior member of the firm
of Straubel & Eberling, millers. He is a
native of Germany, born May 11, 1841,
in the village of Blankenburg, Schwarz-
burg-Rudolstadt.
His parents, Frederick and Caroline
4o6
COMMExVOUATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(Lenke) Straubel, also natives of Ger-
many, immigrated with their family to Wis-
consin in 1846, settling in Green Bay,
where the father followed his trade,
biacksmithing, until retiring from active
work. He died in 1885, the mother in
1872. They were the parents of six chil-
dren, a brief record of whom is as follows:
Carl was drowned about the year 18 50;
Dorothea married Lewis Loher, and re-
sides at Calumet, Wis. ; Minnie married
A. Friedman, moved to New York, and
died there in 1872 ; Ernest followed black-
smithing for a time in Green Bay, and
since 1873 fias been engaged in the manu-
facture of brick ; Henry A. is the subject
of this sketch ; Adoph died in the United
States at the age of three and a half years.
Henry A. Straubel was five years old
when the family immigrated to the Western
World and took up their new home in the
town of Green Bay. Here, at the com-
mon schools, he received a somewhat limit-
ed education, and learning the trade of
wagon-maker, followed same from the
time he was twelve years of age until
1873, when he embarked in the milling
business, continuing therein successfully
for eighteen years ; he retired from active
business life March i, 1894. Between
the years 18 59 and 1861 Mr. Straubel was
traveling throughout the South and West,
and in the latter year he enlisted in Com-
pany H, Ninth .Wis., V. I., for three
years' service, being mustered in at Mil-
waukee. His regiment was attached to
the army of the \\'est, and participated
in the Missouri and Arkansas campaigns,
and at the battle of Newtonia our subject
was taken prisoner, remainmg in the hands
of the Confederates, for three months.
In 1863 he received an honorable dis-
charge, and returning to Green Bay com-
menced the carriage and wagon making
business, subsequently, in 1873, embark-
ing in the milling business, in which, in
1877, he formed a partnership with J. H.
Eberling, . The mill is a fine brick build-
ing, erected by Straubel & Eberling on
the site of the former's wagon shop, and
is thoroughly equipped, having a capacity
of 300 barrels per day. Mr. Straubel also
owns a half interest in "Cook's Hotel,"
a four-storj', seventy-room brick building,
located on the corner of Washington and
Cherry streets. Green Bay ; is a stock-
holder in the Columbia Bakery, Green
Bay, in the Brown County Fair and Park
Association, in the Green Bay Flaning-
mill. Electric Light Plant, etc., and since
1 884 has been a director of the Citizens
National Bank, of which he was one of
the organizers.
On November 17, 1868, Henry A.
Straubel and Miss Minnie Altman were
united in marriage. She is a native of
Wisconsin, born in Manitowoc county, a
daughter of early settlers of that section,
now deceased. To this union two chil-
dren have been born, viz. : Carl, who was
bookkeeper for the Citizens National Bank
for five years, and Arthur. In politics
our subject is a Republican, and has served
as a member of the city council some six
years. Socially he is a member of Her-
man Lodge, No. Ill, I. O. O. F. (in
which he has passed all the chairs), and of
T. O. Howe Post, No. 124, G. A. R.
Mr. Straubel is the owner of real estate
in Green Bay and a productive farm of
seventy-eight acres in Allouez township ;
he has won his position in the world by
his own energy, industry and good man-
agement, and is a deservedl}' success-
ful man.
JAMES DRAKE, proprietor of the
Green Bay Nursery, and a promi-
nent, enterprising citizen, is by birth
an Englishman, born September i,
1826, in the village of Prelerton, War-
wickshire, a son of Isaac and Elizabeth
f Punn ) Drake, also natives of England.
In I 840 the family came to the United
States, first locating in Monroe county, N.
Y. , on a farm, but some time later, about
1855, moving to Wisconsin, opening up a
farm in Sheboygan county, where the
father died May 4, 1894, the mother about
COMMEMOnATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
407
the year 1S59. They \\ere the parents of
eight children, of whom the following is a
brief record: Mary is the widow of Simeon
Pond, who was a member of Company F,
Twenty-seventh Wis. V. I., and died in
1864, at Helena, Ark., from disease con-
tracted in the service; James is the subject
of this sketch; George, a farmer, resides
in Minnesota; John enlisted in Sheboygan
county in Company F, Twenty-seventh
Wis. V. I., and died in 1864 at Memphis,
Tenn. ; Eliza and William both died in
Sheboygan county, the former in 1859,
the latter in 1868; Jennie died of con-
sumption in 18 — ; Isaac P. lives in Min-
nesota, where he is an extensive stock
raiser.
James Drake, whose name opens this
sketch, was fourteen years old when he
left his native Warwickshire — the county
that gave birth to the greatest of all
poets — and consequently received all his
education there. In this country he
worked on farms till soon after the break-
ing out of the Civil war, when, fired with
military ardor, he enlisted in August,
1862, in Company F, Twenty-seventh
Wis. V. I., for three years, and was
mustered in at Milwaukee the following
October. He participated in the battle of
Cape Girardeau, Mo., and the siege of
Vicksburg, after which he was taken sick
and confined to hospital at Helena, Ark.
In May, 1865, he was honorably dis-
charged at Memphis, Tenn. , for disability,
and returned home. In 1866 he com-
menced in the nursery business, in which
he has since continued with the most sat-
isfactory results, having met with un-
bounded success; in 1879 he permanently
located in Green Bay. In 1855 he was
married, in New York, to Miss Roxana
Davis, by which union there is one child,
James H., now a resident of Milwaukee,
W'is. , proprietor of a livery stable there,
and a dealer in horses. This wife dying,
Mr. Drake, in 1870, was married, in
Fond du Lac, Wis. , to Miss Jennie E.
Prink, daughter of Rev. Peter and Eu-
retta P. (Collins) Prink, all natives of
New York City, who came, in 1844, to
Oshkosh, Wis., where Mr. Prink erected
the third frame house. He was a Bap-
tist missionary, and resided there three
years, or until 1847, when he moved to
Weyauwega, Waupaca county, where he
passed the rest of his useful life, dying in
1865; his wife died in Green Bay, March
25, 1885. He was widely known as a
zealous and faithful divine, and he organ-
ized churches of the Baptist denomina-
tion in Appleton, Neenah, etc. Twelve
children were born to him, as follows:
Laura, who married Matthew Crinell, of
Albany, N. Y. , and died in 1886; Edwin,
who was one of the first settlers of Med-
ford. Wis., and the first judge of Taylor
county, died in 1885 (he served during
the Civil war in a New York regiment);
Collins, who died in Wisconsin in Feb-
ruary, 1874 (he served in the Civil war as
a member of the First Wisconsin Cav-
alry); Amanda, who married William
Graves, of New York City, and died De-
cember 20, 1893 (Mr. Graves served in
the regular army); Ruth, wife of Lindall
H. Crosby, of Walnut Grove, Mo. ; Sarah
Ermetta, residing at Oshkosh; Oscar
Henry, who served three years in the
First W'isconsin Cavalry, now residing in
Gilman, Iowa; Jennie E., Mrs. Drake;
Eugene, who also served three years in
the First Wisconsin Cavalry, and now re-
sides at Eau Claire, Wis., where he is a
gardener and proprietor of a meat market;
William, now a resident of Gilman, Iowa,
who served two years in the First Wis-
consin Cavalry; Elijah, a lumberman;
and Emma H., wife of E. A. Williams, a
survej'or, both o'' Stevens Point, Wis.
When the younge.:.. ' these was thirty-
two years old, all tiio members of the
family were alive.
In his political views Mr. Drake is in-
dependent, always supporting men and
measures that he considers best for the
general good; socially, he is a member of
T. O. Howe Post, No. 124, G. A. R. He
and Mrs. Drake are members of the Pres-
byterian Church. She is identified with
4o8
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
many beneficent works; was one of the
organizers of the Woman's ReHef Corps,
was president durinj,' the first three terms,
and was an officer of the Department in
1892. She is also superintendent of the
Children's Home Society of Green Bay.
AUGUST F. RADOE (deceased),
for many years a much esteemed
citizen of Eaton township, Brown
county, was a native of the F"atiier-
land, born March 26, 1820, in the village
of Arnswalde, Prussia. His parents, Daniel
and Sophia (Leipsite) Radoe, had a family
of five children, as follows: August F.,
the subject of this sketch; Christian F.,
who lives in Africa, where he owns 1,020
acres of land; John, who died leaving a
wife and several children; Ernest, who
lives in Russia; and Henrietta, Mrs. Velse,
who resides in Germany. The parents
were only in moderate circumstances, and
consequenth' the children commenced to
earn a li\ing early in life.
When our subject was fifteen years
old he hired out as a shepherd boy, and
continued in that occupation two years,
receiving ten dollars a year for his services.
For the ne.xt two years he served as
coachman to a private family, and then
commenced to learn the trade of wagon-
maker, at which he served an apprentice-
ship of three years, and for which his
parents paid twentj'-five dollars. After
completing his apprenticeship he worked
as journeyman at various places in Ger-
many until NS43, when he married Miss
Henrietta Ctjldeme, who died eight years
after, leaving five children. In 1854 Mr.
Radoe wedded Miss Augusta Harder, and
the following year the\' emigrated to Amer-
ica, landing in Ouebec after an eight-weeks'
voyage, thence coming directly to Mil-
waukee by boat, and from there to Water-
town, Wis., where Mr. Radoe entered the
employ of a wagonmaker. After working
for his employer tw(j months, our subject
rented the shop and conducted it on his own
account two vcars, at the end of which
time he came to Eaton township, and
purchased eighty acres of land, where he
passed the rest of his days. At that early
date there were but four or five other set-
tlers in the town, and their nearest trading
point was Green Bay, a trip to the mill and
back occupying three days; and, as there
was but one ox-team in the town, all the
neighbors would arrange to send their grist
at the same time. Mr. Radoe cleared and
cultivated his land, converting it into a
highly improved tract, where he and his son
conducted a profitable farming business.
He died July 2, 1 894, universally respected
in Eaton township, where he was recog-
nized as a kind-hearted neighbor and loyal
citizen.
Mr. and Mrs. Radoe had a famil\- of
nine children, their names and dates of
birth being as follows: Maria P., August
31, 1855; Albertina A., December 28.
1857; William D., January 19, i860; Carl
R. , February 9, 1862; Gustave A., March
6, 1864 (deceased July 28, 1865); Ann
R. and Herman T. (twins), April 13,
1866; Augusta L. , December 9, 1869; and
Louis M., December 22, 1873. The
mother of this family passed from earth
November 22, 1888. Mr. Radoe was a
Methodist in religious belief, and, though
there is no church of that denomination
in Eaton township, he was much inter-
ested in all church work; he donated the
land for the cemetery in Eaton township,
and gave a ready support to all beneficial
movements of interest to the community
in general. In 1891 he made a trip to
his native country, returning after a pleas-
ant visit of about four months.
JOHN MEEHAN, a well-known agri-
culturist of New Denmark township,
Brown county, is a native of Ire-
land, born July 19, 1836, son of
Thomas and Mary (Jordan) Meehan. who
were farming people of that country.
They had children as follows: John,
Ellen, Kate, Ann, Mary, and Christopher,
of whom John is the subject of this sketch ;
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
409
Ellen became Mrs. John Moore, of Den-
mark, Brown Co., Wis.; Kate is the wife
of P. Fagan, of Denmark; Ann died in
infancy, and Mary keeps house for her
brother John.
In 1849 the parents disposed of their
belongings in Ireland, and, proceeding to
Liverpool, embarked on an American-
bound vessel, landing in New York City.
Going at once to Troy, N. Y. , they lived
in that city one year, and then removed
to Lanesboro, Mass., where they made
their home about three years, Mr. Meehan
finding employment at the iron works.
From there the family removed westward
to Brown county. Wis., and settled on
160 acres of wild land which they had
purchased in New Denmark township
(the farm now occupied by our subject),
making their home for several years in a
log house, which is still standing. The
surrounding country was still unimproved,
and wild beasts and Indians were yet
numerous in the neighborhood. They
lived here about a year before they could
afford to buy a team, in the meantime
borrowing the o.\-team that belonged to
their neighbor, Mr. Bradley paying for
its use in work. Their trading was gen-
erally done in Manitowoc. On this farm
the parents passed the remainder of their
days, the father dying in 1870, the
mother in 1892, at the ripe old age of
ninety-two years.
John Meehan, being the eldest in the
famil}', commenced to work at an early
age, and he had his full share of the pri-
vations and hardships of pioneer farm
life. He and his brother gave valuable
assistance to their father in the clearing
of the farm, which was no small task, as
the land had to be literally taken from the
forest. Work being so abundant at home,
he had but little opportunity to attend
even the schools that flourished in the
neighborhood in those early days, but he
has acquired a practical business training.
In 1862 he went to Coles county, 111.,
where he entered the service of the gov-
ernment, being employed to care for
horses for the army; and after remaining
there three years came home. Six
months later he went to Winona, Minn.,
where he commenced railroading and
continued in that occupation six months,
since which time he has lived on the
homestead in New Denmark township.
His sister Mary has also remained on the
farm, and, as above mentioned, keeps
house for him. Mr. Meehan is an indus-
trious, progressive farmer, and is profit-
ably engaged in general agriculture. Po-
litically he is a Republican, and takes
great interest in the affairs of his party;
he has filled several minor offices, such as
supervisor and school director of his
township, with credit to himself and sat-
isfaction to all concerned, and is a di-
rector in the Farmers Insurance Com-
pany, of which he also served one year
as president.
CHRISTIAN KUNTZ, who, for the
past ten years, has been living re-
tired in Glenmore township, Brown
county, was born November 14,
181 3, in the village of Ottweiler, Rhine
Province, Prussia, son of Christian and
Sophia (Walsinger) Kuntz. They had
four sons — Christian, Jacob, Lewis and
Conrad — all of whom are now deceased,
except our subject. The mother died
when Christian was six years old, and his
father subsequently remarried. He died
in Germany, where he was a life-long
farmer.
Christian Kuntz attended the schools
of the Fatherland, was reared to farming,
which he continued to follow, and in his
early manhood, as is the custom in Ger-
many, served three years in the army,
from 1833 to 1837. I" the latter year,
his father having provided him with
money to come to the United States, he
proceeded to Havre, there embarking on
a vessel bound for New York, where he
landed after a voyage of twenty-eight
days. For two years he worked for a
farmer near Rochester, N. Y., and while
4IO
COMMKMOliATJVK BIOGRAl'IIICAL UECOIID.
in that State was married, in 1S38, to
Miss Caroline Conrad, also a native of
Germany. In the spring of 1843 they
came by water to \\'isconsin, landing at
Milwankee, whence Mr. Kunt;^ went to
Washington (now Ozaukee) county, and
purchased a piece of new land. The
county had not yet been divided into town-
ships, and he was the first settler in his
section. Clearing up his farm he resided
thereon until 1858, when he came to
Brown county, and here purchased 320
acres of wild land in Section 9, Morrison
township, on which tract he built the first
lu)use and made the first improvements,
having his home there until 1884, when
he came to Glenmore township. Here
he has since lived, retired from active
work, residing with his son-in-law, Adolph
Glawe. He was \ery successful in his
farming operations, being an industrious
worker and a good manager, and has also
been fortunate in his real estate invest-
ments.
Mrs. Caroline Knnt/; died in 1857, in
Ozaukee county, where she was buried, and
Mr. Kuntz subsequently married in that
county Miss Elizabeth Khigg, a native of
Germany, to which union have come three
children : Henrietta, now Mrs. Adolph
Glawe, of Glenmore township ; Albert, a
farmer of Clark county. Wis. ; and Emma,
Mrs. Josejih Rank, of Chippewa county.
Wis. By his first wife there were chil-
dren as follows : Philip, who died young ;
Charles, who died in Brown county (he
served in the Civil war) ; Louis, who died
in New York State at the age of twenty-
three ; Caroline, Mrs. Powell Probstfeld,
of Missouri ; Henry, of Chippewa Falls,
Wis. ; Christian, of Marshfield, Wis. ;
Sojihia, Mrs. Ernest Hafer, of Superior,
Wis. ; William, of Grand Rapids, Wis. ;
and Anna, also of Grand Rapids.
Mr. Kuntz has, until recent years, been
one of the most active men in his local-
ity, public-spirited, enterprising and ever
ready to encourage any measure of benefit
or interest to the community. He is an
adlierent of the principles of tiie Demo-
cratic party, but uses his own judgment
in voting, always supporting the best
man. He was seven times elected chair-
man of Morrison township, and also
served as supervisor, and for three terms
as assessor. In religious faith he is a
member of the Evangelical Church. He
has traveled more than the average
farmer. In 1841 he paid a visit to his
nati\'e land, spending a month there, and
again went to Europe in 1884, this time
remaining four months in France, Hol-
land and Germany ; he has also journeyed
extensively over Canada and the United
States, visiting almost every State in the
Union, and in all has traveled over twen-
ty-five thousand miles, some seventeen
thousand by water. Mr. Kuntz is well
preserved, has a good memory, and was
extremely robust until 1S92, when an
attack of "la grippe" somewhat im-
paired his health. [Since the above was
written we have received intimation of the
death of Mr. Christian Kuntz. — Editor.
JOHN B. HEYRMAN, senior mem-
ber of the popular printing firm of
Heyrman & Kuypers, proprietors of
the Brown County Democrat, and
the /)(■ I'olksstcvi, is one of the most
prominent of all the pioneers who came
to northern Wisconsin, conspicuous not
only as such, but as one of the best-known
and most widely respected citizens in this
portion of the State.
Mr. Heyrman is a native of Belgium,
born in the town of . Bornhem, Province
of Antwerpen, a son of John and Anna
Catherine (De Jonghe) Heyrman, also of
Belgian nativity, born respectively at
Basele, Province of East Flanders, and
at Bornhem, Province of Antwerpen. In
1856 the parents, accompanied by their
eldest son, Charles Louis, took second-
class passage on a sailing vessel for
America, and after an uneventful voyage
landed at New York — that is, the father
and son did, for the mother was fated
never to see land again, ha\ing. after a
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
4'3
brief illness, died on mid-ocean, finding a
grave in the deep bosom of the Atlantic
Ocean. From New York the bereaved
father and motherless son proceeded by
rail to Detroit, Mich., where two other
sons, John B. and Joseph, joined them,
they having arrived in the country the
previous year, as will be presently related.
The quartette then at once came to Wis-
consin, landing in Green Bay in 1856.
Here, in the town of Preble, they bought
a half section of timberland which they
immediately began clearing with a view
to making a permanent stay. The father
•died on this farm in 1874. The son,
Charles Louis, continued to reside there-
on, and cultivated it, until his decease in
1 89 1, after a prosperous career as an
agriculturist; he married, and had a family
of three sons and three daughters; and
when he died he left a widow and two
sons and two daughters.
John B. Heyrman, the subject proper
of this sketch, received a liberal education
at the common schools of his birthplace,
his instruction being in both the Flemish
and French languages, and in 1855, ac-
companied by his brother, Joseph, board-
•ed a sailing ship as passenger for the
United States, landing at New York.
From there they traveled to Philadelphia,
at which city they made an arrangement
with an American firm, owners of a large
tract of land in Luzerne county, Penn.,to
begin the clearing up of a portion of this
land for a Belgian colony, our subject be-
ing appointed superintendent of the work.
Accordingly, he and his brother, Joseph,
assisted by two other Belgians, com-
menced the work of clearing up a passage
to said land through a densely-timbered
wilderness. Arrived at their destination,
the first thing the party did was to put
up a log shanty, which, thanks to the
kindl}^ assistance of the far-distant neigh-
bors, was ready to shelter them in a few
weeks. The nearest neighbor, an Amer-
ican, was a true friend to the little pioneer
party of foreigners, and would willingly
Tiave given his last crust of bread and
23
sacrificed his life in their defense; but
there was no danger, for there was plenty
of game to be had for the killing, and
nothing worthy of apprehension more
dangerous than an occasional visit from a
vagabond bear or wolf, themselves hunt-
ing for the necessaries of life. The near-
est tavern to this embryo colony was sit-
uated somewhere at the foot of the Alle-
ghany Mountains, on the Bloomsburg and
Towanda pike, the most popular hostelry
between these two points, and was kept
by a German named Keizer; while the
nearest store, at which they could pro-
cure their provisions, etc., was no less
than thirty-five miles distant, a good day's
journey for a few pounds of tea or tobac-
co. On this wild piece of land these
four intrepid Belgians continued to live,
keeping a sort of "Bachelor's Hall,"
hewing down the trees and clearing away
the brush, until the following spring, when
they "broke camp." The brothers Heyr-
man, having learned of the arrival of their
parents in the country, then set out for
Detroit, Mich., where they awaited them;
and, on the reunion of the family, the
party came direct to Wisconsin, as above
related.
During the first twelve years of his
residence in Wisconsin, John B. Heyr-
man lived on the farm with his father and
brothers, and then, having married, he
kept a general store at Ba}' Settlement,
Brown county, but at the end of two
years, owing to failures and fire, he lost
his all. At this time he hired out as a log
scaler to a lumberman for one winter, and
during the ensuing summer worked as
filer in the sawmill at New Franken, in
the town of Scott, Brown county. In
the fall of 1 87 1, having removed with his
family to De Pere, he recommenced mer-
cantile business, opening a general store
in that city, which he successfully con-
ducted seven years: then selling out in
order to be better at liberty to give his
attention to journalism, for which he had
a natural penchant. The paper he estab-
lished was the De Pere Staftdani, at that
4'4
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
time the only Catholic newspaper in the
United States published in the HolJiuui
language, and for twelve years he and his
associate conducted it with eminent abil-
ity and careful management. Mr. Heyr-
man then sold out his interest in the
S/aiidard to his partner, and in January,
1890, in company with John Anton Kuy-
pers, purchased the Brown County Deni-
ocrat (established m 1877), a weekly
paper printed in the English language,
and shortly afterward they commenced
the publication of a new Holland weekly,
De I'o/ksstiiii. in connection with which
they conduct a general printing estab-
lishment, equipped with all modern im-
provements and facilities to be found in a
first-class office. The business is carried
on under the firm name of Heyrman &
Kuypers, and is steadily expanding.
On May 6, 1867, Mr. Heyrman was
united in marriage with Miss Barbara
Isabella De Both, also a native of Belgium,
born at Ottenburg, Province of Brabant,
and ten children — five sons and five
daughters — were born to them, of whom
two sons and two daughters died in in-
fancy; the survivors are Henry, Anna
Catherine, Mary Magdeline, Peter, Julia,
and Ale.xander, all grown to manhood
and womanhood. In his political sympa-
thies Mr. Heyrman has been a consistent
Democrat from the day he cast his first
vote, in 1856, to the present time; in
1875 he was elected a justice of the peace,
but resigned the office before the close of
two years. For two successive years
he served as alderman of De Pere, since
when, in 1894, he was elected a member
of the county board of supervisors for
three years. Since 1872 he has been a
member of St. Joseph's Catholic Society
in De Pere.
Daily engaged in the details of his
prosperous business, faithful in the dis-
charge of all social and other obligations,
Mr. Heyrman yet finds time to make a
cordial and practical response to the calls
of philanthropy, and to join with his fel-
low citizens in measures that tend to pro-
mote good government. He is honored
and respected by all who know him, and
enjoys a reputation for unflinching adher-
ence to the principles of right, justice and
freedom, which any man might covet.
JOHN G. GROSS, farmer, dairyman
and lumberman of Morrison town-
ship, Brown county, was born in
1829, in Bavaria, Germany, where
he was reared and received his education.
He immigrated to America at the age of
twenty-one, and after remaining three
years in New York came to Wisconsin,
first to Germantown, Washington county,
and thence to Morrison township. Brown
county, where he owns about 320 acres of
land, a portion of which has been cleared
and developed by his individual labor. In
1867 he commenced lumbering, a busi-
ness in which he met with such success that
in 1875 he purchased the mill which he now
manages. He also became a stockholder
in the first cheese factory established in
the town, an enterprise which proved
very profitable to the people. For twenty-
five years he has assisted in the local civil
government, serving in various count}' and
town offices, representing his town on the
county board for eight years, and has also
taken a lively interest in educational af-
fairs. In 1853 Mr. Gross married Mar-
garet Moschel, and to their union have
come nine children — four sons anrl five
daughters.
CHARLES PRUST, of Morrison
township. Brown county, was
born March 8, 1846, in Germany,
a son of John and Charlotte
(Combis) Prust, who were the parents of
nine children, viz. : Frederick, Austine,
William, Charles, August, Johanna, and
Henry, all living; and Mary and Anna,
deceased. Charles Prust served a three
years' apprenticeship at wagonmaking in
Germany, receiving for his last year's labor
fifteen dollars. The familv then came to
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
41S
America, sailing from Hamburg and land-
ing in Quebec, whence they came to
Wrightstown, Brown Co., Wis., where
the father bought a tract of forty acres of
cleared land. They remained at Wrights-
town until 1888, then removed to Marsh-
field, Wis., where the father also bought
forty acres of land, and there lived until
his death. May 12, 1890.
After his arrival in Brown county our
subject went to Glenmore, and worked at
carpentering for two years, continuing to
work at that trade, for the most part, until
1887, when he started in the machine
business in De Pere, moving thence to
Morrison, where he engaged in the same
line of business until May, 1893; he had
bought eighty acres of land, mostly wild,
but in May, 1893, he sold his farm
and businesss and started a saloon. Mr.
Prust was united in marriage, December
5, 1869, with Augusta Conrad, daughter
of Ludwig and Caroline (Prust) Conrad,
and they have had nine children, as follows:
Minnie, Mary, Augusta, Ann, William,
Bertha, John, Harrison, and .
In religious connection they are members
of the Evangelical Association, of which
Mr. Prust has been a trustee fifteen years,
treasurer thirteen years, and for four years
he was preacher. In politics he is a Re-
publican, and has served as supervisor,
assessor, and for two years as chairman.
Mr. Prust has made many friends in Mor-
rison, is popular in his business as well as
in his political relationship, and his family
are all highly respected as honest and
peaceable neighbors.
JH. TAYLER, cashier of the McCart-
ney National Bank at Fort Howard,
Brown county, was born here in
1859, and is a descendant of a very
ancient English family. He is a son of
Joseph and M. V. (Kennan) Tayler, the
former of whom came from England to
Neenah, Wis., in 1S52, soon after remov-
ing to Green Bay, where he engaged in
the commission business until 1857, the
year of his removal to Fort Howard ;
here he was engaged in mercantile busi-
ness for some years, but is now acting as
insurance agent. For about twenty years
he was postmaster at Fort Howard, and
for a number of years has been city treas-
urer, being always recognized as a first-
class business man and a model gentleman.
J. H. Tayler was reared and educated
in Fort Howard, and after leaving school
began his business life as assistant post-
master, holding the position with credit
for ten years ; he was city treasurer two
years, and since his connection with the
McCartney National Bank has also held
the office of mayor of Fort Howard. His
banking experience began with the or-
ganization of the Exchange Bank in 1881,
of which David McCartney was the presi-
dent and Mr. Tayler the cashier ; in 1892
the McCartney National Bank was organ-
ized, with the same officials. During
this period of fourteen years Mr. Tayler
has maintained his position as cashier to
the entire satisfaction of the business pub-
lic, and his uniformly pleasant method of
performing his duties has made him a
favorite with the bank's customers and the
citizens generally. He is also a director
of the Green Bay and Fort Howard Water
Works Company.
Mr. Tayler was married, in 1889, to
Miss Eleanor J. Richardson, who was
born in Wisconsin, daughter of George
and Susan Richardson, the former a na-
tive of England who settled in Fort How-
ard about the year 1865. The only child
born to Mr. and Mrs. Tayler, named
George R., was taken from them in his
earliest childhood, causing a void in their
otherwise happy home that is felt most
keenly. Mr. Tayler is in politics a Re-
publican, believing that the principles pro-
mulgated by that party are the best adapt-
ed to the good of the people of the State
and Nation. In the social circles of Fort
Howard he and his wife are shining lights
and recognized ornaments, and in the
sterner and more serious conduct of local
4t6
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
progress Mr. Tayler's advice is eap;erly
soufjht and is freely given, while he him-
self never fails to bear his full share of the
labor and cost of public improvements
— material, religious and educational.
M
J. CORBETT, wholesale and
retail grocer, Fort Howard,
Brown county. This gentle-
man, who is one of the promi-
nent business men and stanch citizens of
Fort Howard, has had an interesting and
varied experience. He was born in Ot-
tawa City, Canada, son of Lawrence
Corbctt, a native of Ennis, County Clare,
Ireland, who died in Ottawa, Canada;
the mother of our subject died when he
was an infant.
M. J. Corbett was educated in a pri-
vate school in his native city. At the
age (jf fifteen years he went to Buffalo,
N. Y. , where he worked in a stone-yard
one season, and in the fall of 1866 shipped
as a boat hand and came to Fort How-
ard, Wis., here engaging in boating on
Green Bay, first on the ' ' Sarah Van
Epps, " when she ran on the east shore,
later on the steamer "Ozaukee," and
afterward on the "Katie Reed." After a
few years' service on the Bay he entered
the boiler works of D. M. Burns, and
after remaining there some time served a
three or four years' apprenticeship as a
machinist in the Monitor Iron Works.
He next worked as a journeyman in the
Green Bay & Winona shops until 1877,
going thence to Lake City, Colo., on a
jirospecting tour, and later to Texas and
Alabama, where he followed his trade.
He was in the employ of the I. & G. N.
R. R. at Houston, Texas, as a machinist,
and later worked in the same capacity in
the H. & T. C. shops at Galveston, re-
maining in the South until about 1880,
when he returned to Fort Howard and
commenced business for himself in a small
building now occupied as a boot and shoe
store, buying and shipping potatoes. He
purchased and impro\ed his present two-
story brick veneered building in 1884,
and, from the small beginning made in
1 880, has grown the extensive business
which he now enjoys. Mr. Corbett is at
this time the leading merchant of Fort
Howard, carrying a complete line of
groceries, crockery and glassware, flour
and feed, giving employment to six clerks
and enjoying an extensive custom in
northeastern Wisconsin and northern
Michigan. The wholesale branch of this
business was established about 1890,
and his large tlouble store on Main street,
80 X 60 feet in dimensions, is a busy center
of trade.
In addition to his mercantile affairs,
Mr. Corbett finds time also to devote
to social and public matters, and is a
thoroughly public-spirited citizen. Po-
litically he votes with the Republican
party, and has served as alderman at large
for his city. He is a member of Poche-
quette Lodge, K. of P., of the A. O. U.
W. at Fort Howard, and is a director and
manager of the Fort Howard Building
and Loan Association. He is fully identi-
fied with the interests of the city, and in
all respects is a valuable citizen.
EPHRAIM CROCKER, ex-sheriff
of Brown county. Wis. , farmer
and liveryman, was born July 16,
1 8 19, in Colerain, Mass., a son of
William Crocker, who was a native of
Washington county, N. Y. , born near
Crocker's Falls, named after the grand-
father of our subject.
William Crocker, who was a farmer,
settled in 1833 in Ohio, where he died at
the age of forty-eight years. He had
married Miss Elizabeth Potter, also a
native of Washington county, N. Y. , who
became the mother of ten children, all
but two of whom grew to maturity, She
died in Ashtabula, Ohio, at the age of
about seventy years. As far as Mr.
Crocker knows, he has one brother, Will-
iam H., living in Australia; another,
Charles, in Arizona; and one, Levi, in
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
417
Wisconsin, all engaged in mercantile trade.
Old-time war reminiscences are plen-
tiful in the Crocker family, and, among
others, it is related that Ephraim's father
was on Lake Champlain, September 11,
1 8 14, when the famous battle was raging,
and could distinctly hear the roar of the
cannon. Both grandfathers were officers
under Washington in the Revolution; a
granduncle.
in the same struggle, was
taken prisoner and consigned to Canada,
and while crossing a river was set to row-
ing a boat; but, pretending he could not
row, he fell behind, and, by diverging
from the proper course, escaped; after
reaching the shore he applied to a house
for something to eat; the lady told him
her husband was a Tory, but she was true
blue, and concealed him under the floor
in the cellar until an opportunity offered
for his escape, thus saving his life.
Ephraim Crocker lived on the home
farm until the death of his father, which
occurred when he was about sixteen years
of age. Times being hard and his mother
poor, he then started out in life for him-
self, and his meanderings were varied and
long. He made a start for Columbus,
Ohio, but before reaching his destination
found employment in a hotel; he next
drove team at Zanesville, where he re-
mained awhile, and then went back again
to his last employer and cared for horses
two years. Going next to Wheeling, W.
Va. , he engaged in teaming, and for about
three years was a driver on the National
road for Stockton, Falls & Co., after
which he bound himself as an apprentice
to a millwright in Cumberland, Md. Ac-
companying his employer to Harrisburg,
Penn., he helped to build a sawmill, and
worked six moths in same, thence going
to Smithland, Ky. , where he built a
steam tannery and a gristmill. His ap-
prenticeship expired there eighteen months
later, and he returned to Ashtabula, Ohio.
After working for a time on a vessel he
went to Buffalo, and then to New York
City, where for three years he worked at
shipbuilding for William Webb; then went
to St. Louis, Alo. , and worked one winter
on a large steamer; then reached Chicago,
where he worked in a shipyard, and while
there helped to build the Hrst boat that
passed through the Illinois canal.
Mr. Crocker now returned to Ohio,
and November 20, 1848, was married ta
Miss Hannah S. Hewitt, who was born in
New York State, a daughter of David and
Sally Hewitt, natives of New York, who
early settled in Ohio, dying in Ashta-
bula. To this marriage were born seven
children, two of whom are yet living,
viz. : Sarah C. , who is the wife of Rob-
ert Henderson, and has three sons; and
Frank G. , who married Miss Irwin, and
has a son and a daughter (he is a resident
of Iron Mountain, Mich., and is register
of deeds there). After his marriage Mr.
Crocker returned to Chicago for a year,
and in 1850 came to Fort Howard, where
he has ever since remained, with the ex-
ception of the time occupied in making a
trip to California. Here he first engaged
in general building, which he followed
until 1854, when he started a livery stable
which he has conducted, with the excep-
tion of two years, until the present time,
owning, besides, a large tract of valuable
land quite near the city. In 1873 and
1874 he was sheriff of Brown county, and
his career was a most exciting one in that
capacity; three-card monte men infested
the region and held officers, attorneys and
the populace under intimidation; but
Sheriff Crocker proved to be a match for
them. The great trouble was that indi-
viduals who were swindled by them were
terrorized and dare not appear against
them when arrested. But Sheriff Crock-
er, as it were, took the law in his own
hands, and on one occasion entered the
courtroom, took out the thief, and forced
him to disgorge $40 of his ill-gotten gains,
and on another occasion compelled the
culprit to surrender over $200. The
sheriff's name became a terror to the
desperadoes, and, despite all threats of
personal violence against himself, he
tenaciously clung to his duty and extermi-
4iS
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPIIWAL RECORD.
nated the evil-doers from the refjion.
Sheriff Crocker was possessed of j^reat
nerve, and at one time captured four
desperadoes single-handed, ' his only
weapon being a revolver that was utterl\-
unfit for use. He is a man of strict
honor, and one the people have always
implicitly relied upon for uprightness. In
politics he was formerly an Old-line
Whig, and cast his first vote for Gen. Will-
iam Henry Harrison; he now affiliates
with the Republicans, and was chairman
of the first Republican caucus held in
Fort Howard, which met in 1856 in the
office of his present livery barn. He and
his family are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which for seven
years he was Sunday-school superintend-
ent. His standing socially is very high,
and as a business man he is without
reproach.
WH. PETERSON, liverjinan,
Main street, Fort Howard, was
born at Stowe, Lamoille Co.,
Vt., in 1850, and is a son of A.
iind Mary Ann (Somers) Peterson, na-
tives of the same State, in which the)'
lived and died. The senior Peterson was
a farmer by occupation, and died in 1885,
his wife preceding him in 1866 to the
mysterious beyond. Their four children
were : Edward, who resides in Green
Bay, and is engaged in the milling busi-
ness at Cooperstown, Wis. ; Gustie, who
is married, and resides at Nashua, Iowa ;
W. H., of Fort Howard, and Alfred, who
died in Stowe, Vt., about 1890. The
grandfather of Mr. Peterson was also a
native of the Green Mountain State, born
of Scotch ancestry, and was a soldier in
the Revolutionary war.
W. H. Peterson, who was reared and
educated among the rugged mountains of
his native State, early became interested
in the trotting-horse business in eastern
Vermont, and continued until his ramoval
to F"ort Howard in 1870. He had mar-
ried, the previous year, Eunice Kimball,
daughter of Luke Kimball, .both Ver-
monters. Death parted the youthful
couple in 1872, and the wife's remains
now rest beneath the soil of her native
State. Mr. Peterson was again married,
in 1874, at Milwaukee, this time to Mrs.
Anna Rice, a widow with one daughter,
who is now Mrs. Nellie Wheeler, of Mil-
waukee. Upon coming to Fort Howard
Mr. Peterson engaged in teaming for some
time. When the Milwaukee & Northern
railroad was constructed to this point he
became its transfer agent, continuing un-
til 1876, when he became interested in
milling in Eaton township. Fire destroyed
the property in 1880, and he again turned
to his first love, trotting horses, finally
establishing himself in the livery business.
He has taken pride in handling fine stock,
getting fancy prices when making sales.
In poHtics Mr. Peterson is a Republican ;
socially he is a member of the K. O. T.
M., and was one of the originators of the
Fair and Park Association, at whose fairs
he has always served as marshal. He
has witnessed very many changes since
coming to Fort Howard, and has always
been interested, as a true American citi-
zen should be, in all that would enhance
the prosperity of his home, city and county.
PH. CARLIN, one of the prosper-
ous business men of Green I^ay,
Brown county, where he conducts
a flourishing livery establishment,
is a native of Kingston, Canada, born
January 6, 1856.
William Carlin, father of subject, was
a native of Ireland, and by trade a mill-
wright, also engaging in lumbering. He
married Ann Nefcy, and their union was
blessed with fourteen children — eight sons
and si.\ daughters — eleven of whom are
yet living. In 1867 William Carlin came
to Green Bay, bringing his wife and
family, which then consisted of seven
children, and after a short residence here
removed to Oconto, Wis., living in that
vicinity the remainder of his life. He
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
419
was a man of means, and owned a good
farm, being also engaged to a consider-
able extent in lumber dealing. During
his youth he had received but a limited
education, but he acquired a practical
business training, and was altogether a
self-made man. He passed from earth
October 3, 1877, and was buried at
Oconto, at which place his widow, now
aged sixty-two years, still makes her
home. In politics he was a Democrat,
and in religious faith a member of the
Catholic Church.
P. H. Carlin attended the common
schools in Canada until his twelfth year,
when he came with his parents to Wis-
consin, and here finished his education in
the schools of the time. When eighteen
years of age he went out with a surveying
corps as helper and compassman, prior to
which he had assisted his father, at the
age of sixteen having charge of a camp of
eighty-five men in the lumber regions.
He continued as helper to surveyors until
he became competent to work for him-
self, and in following this business he has
been over a considerable portion of Lower
Canada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Min-
nesota, having continued in the pursuit of
the profession more or less for the last
twenty years. He has also engaged in
the lumber business for his own account,
and for five or six years was superin-
tendent for the Murphy Lumber Co. He
has also bought lumber for others, his
competence and sound judgment being
everywhere recognized and fully appreci-
ated, and in this capacity has probably
purchased over ten million dollars' worth
of lumber. On July 6, 1892, Mr. Carlin
purchased from J. A. Cusick the profit-
able livery business, in the conducting of
which he is now engaged, having one of
the largest and best establishments in that
line in Green Baj', where he is well known
as a substantial business man; he also
owns two farms in Oconto county, and
several tracts of timber land in northern
Wisconsin, which are carefully looked
after. He has been a self-made man in
every way, and besides making his own
way in the world has faithfully assisted
his parents, and for several years after
the death of his father was the head of
the family.
On February 4, 1894, Mr. Carlin and
Miss Margaret Runnel were united in
marriage in Green Bay, in which city she
was born, daughter of Adam Runnel.
Our subject cast his first vote for James
A. Garfield, and has always been a stanch
Republican and Protectionist; though tak-
ing a lively interest in the success of his
partv, he is no aspirant for office and
has declined nomination on various occa-
sions. In religious faith he and his wife
are both members of the Catholic Church.
THOMAS LAWLOR, a retired
farmer, now residing in De Pere,
Brown county, was born in No-
vember, 1822, in County Kerry,
Ireland, son of John and Ellen (Bahan)
Lawlor. He lost his father in 1832,
and his mother being thus rendered un-
able to keep her family together, our sub-
ject commenced work at the age of fif-
teen. His first place was with Rev.
Father Thomas Fitzgerald, with whom
he remained two years, afterward finding
employment with the farmers of his
county, where he worked hard and saved
all the money he earned.
In 1845 Mr. Lawlor married Mary
Connor, who was born in 1828 in County
Kerry, daughter of Timothy and Mary
(Murphy) Connor, and for two years
thereafter worked as a farm hand, at low
wages. To this marriage one child was
born in Ireland, named Patrick, who
died in Glenmore township. Brown Co.,
Wis. , at the age of eighteen. Mr. Lawlor
having decided to come to America, he
set sail from Liverpool, February 12,
1847, embarking with his family on the
sailing vessel "Siddons," and arriving
April I, of the same year, in New York,
went thence to Greenfield, Franklin,
Co., Mass., and for five years worked for
420
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the farmers of the neif^hborhood. Here
were born two daufjhters, Ellen and
Mary, the former of whom is married to
Robert Wilson, and the latter to William
Patten, a farmer. By this time our sub-
ject had saved $600, and in the fall of
1852 he came with his little family to
Wisconsin. Reaching Green Bay in
September, he located his family in West
De Pere and went to work on the canal
at Kaukauna, Outagamie county, for a
month or more, after which he returned
to Brown county and bought eight}' acres
of wild land in Glenmore township. Not
a road was on or near the place, and he
blazed the trees to mark his path. He
found shelter for his famih' in a neighbor's
cabin until he could clear a space for
building a cabin of his own, a task which
was soon accomplished, and here the
family lived very happily. Wolves were
numerous, their howling being heard at all
hours in the night, and game was also
plentiful, Mr. Lawlor on one occasion
killing a bear on his own farm, and the
animal served for many good meals. But
what was then a wilderness is now a broad
expanse of well-tilled fields, occupied by
well-to-do farmers After many years of
labor devoted to clearing up and develop-
ing his farm — now one of the finest in
Glenmore township — Mr. Lawlor built a
hewn log house and, later, a substantial
brick dwelling, which still stands and is
likely to stand for many years yet to
come; he also erected three fine barns.
After thirty-six years of good hard work
on this farm, he sold all his real estate,
and in August, uS88, came to De Pere,
where he has since passed his days in re-
tirement, respected for his many virtues
by all who know him.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Lawlor in Wisconsin were named John,
Sarah, Thomas and Maggie (twins), Fan-
nie, Michael and William, of whom two
sons and three daughters yet survive. In
politics Mr. Lawlor is a stanch Democrat,
but has never sought office. His dealings
with his fellow men have always been
straightforward and honest; he owes no
man anything, neither has he ever bor-
rowed money from any man. In religious
connection he and his faithful wife are
members of St. Francis Church, De Pere,
and they are most sincere in their faith.
Few people have lived together as hap-
pily and contentedly as this honored
couple, and there are few in Brown county
who have made more friends. They are
esteemed by all who know them for their
many good qualities of head and heart,
and their lives have been an example
worthy of imitation by the young people
of the Fox River Vallev.
JASPER STEPHEN CHASE, the ex-
tensive lumberer and fiour-mill pro-
prietor, of De Pere, Brown county,
was born at Port Huron, Mich., Sep-
tember 17, 1853, a son of Nathan B. and
Ann M. (McClure) Chase, who were of
English and Scotch ancestry, respectively.
The paternal grandfather, Stephen Chase,
came from England to Woodstock, Can-
ada, about the year i 800, and by vocation
was a farmer. His son, Nathan B.
Chase, became a prosperous lum.ber
dealer and proprietor of t\\o sawmills at
Port Huron, which he sold out in 1854,
and next engaged in mercantile trade at
Green Bay, Wis. , where, through the
trickery of a partner, he lost over forty
thousand dollars. In 1856 he re-engaged
in the milling business, which for eight
years he carried on at Wrightstown, and
then moved his mill to Oconto county,
where he continued the business until
1870, when his son, Jasper S., in com-
pany with Isaac Dickey, purchased the
mill property, and Nathan B. Chase re-
turned to his farm in the vicinity of Green
Ba\', where he passed the remainder of
his days, dying in February, 1884.
Jasper S. Chase acquired a very good
education in the schools of De Pere and at
the Green Ba}' Business College; he next
clerked for L. Day, a wholesale grocer at
Green Bay, for three years, then bought
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
421
his interest in the milHng business in
Oconto county, in which he continued
seventeen years, during which time he
cut from sixty milhon to seventy milhon
feet of lumber. Mr. Chase became
very influential in the region of the mill,
and the township in which it was located
was named "Chase, " in his honor. For
eight years he was a member of the
county board of commissioners, and for
an equal length of time was chairman of
of the township board of trustees. Since
settling in De Pere, in 1889, he has served
as supervisor one year, also as county
treasurer one year, and is now serving as
city alderman. His social and business
relations are extensive and complex. He
is president of the De Pere Lumber & Fuel
Company, which handles all kinds of lum-
ber that grows in this climate, as
well as pine and other lumber indi-
genous to the south, and does a busi-
ness averaging fifty thousand dollars per
annum; he is secretary of the John P.
Dousman Milling Company; secretary of
of the De Pere Light & Power Company,
all of which companies he took an active
part in organizing, and is also a member
of the board of directors of the Artesian
Water Supply Company. His business
activity and enterprise are universally rec-
ognized, and his interest in the material
advancement of De Pere is equally well
conceded. Socially he is a member of
the Knights of Pythias. The marriage of
Mr. Chase took place, in 1879, to Flora
Call, daughter of W. P. Call, a retired
business man, the result of the union
being three children, named Rena, Mor-
ris and Hazel.
THEODORE COLBURN, a well-
known and highly-respected citi-
zen of De Pere, Brown county,
was born December 9, 1830, near
the city of Quebec, Canada, son of Fran-
cis and Angeline (Thomas) Colburn.
Francis Colburn was a son of Jean
Colburn, who was a native of France.
Francis was a farmer in Canada, also near
Plattsburgh, N. Y., and of his fifteen chil-
dren ten were sons. He lost his wife in
New York State, and later moved to
Michigan, thence coming to De Pere,
where he passed the remainder of his
days. Theodore Colburn received but
one week's schooling, and was reared to
hard labor on the farm. He was married
at Plattsbnrgh, N. Y. , February 3, 1851,
to Miss Celia Demro, who was born April
3, 1835, i'l Canada. He was at that time
a poor young man, but self-reliant and
strong. He rented a farm eighteen miles
from Plattsburgh, worked hard for nearly
two and a half years, made some money,
and in the fall of 1853 disposed of his
personal effects and started for Wisconsin
with his wife and surviving child, Mar-
shall (now of Stiles, Wis.), having lost
one child in New York State. In Novem-
ber, 1853, he landed in Green Bay, and
shortly afterward came to De Pere,
where he rented a house, and for three
years worked in the woods for James
Ritchie. In 1854 he went in debt for
five acres of land at that time in the
woods, but now a part of the city,
and built the first house erected on
the tract, the whole costing $150.
He lived on this place until a short time
before the breaking out of the Rebellion,
and then bought sixty acres on the East
river, in De Pere township. This was
also a wilderness, in which he built the
first house. He next moved to Rockland
township, where he burned charcoal
for a time, then lived in the cityof De Pere
for a while, returning thence to his
East river farm, which he soon sold,
going to Black Creek, Outagamie county,
where he bought a steam sawmill, but
within a year and a half lost $10,000;
then bought forty acres near. De Pere;
next removed to Dakota, and for three
years and a half lived near Big Stone
City, where he owned 700 acres; then
returned to Wisconsin and built a hotel
at Marinette (then known as "Pound"),
which he conducted, and also kept a saloon ;
422
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
■then moved to Green Bay, and about
1882 settled in De Pere, where he has
since made his home.
Mr. Colburn had a short war experi-
ence. In March. 1865, he enhsted at
Green Bay in a Wisconsin infantry regi-
ment, his avoirdupois being then 204
pounds; he served in Missouri, doing pa-
trol and guard duty until July, 1865,
when he was discharged on account of
sickness, his weight being at that time
I 60 pounds, and he has been an invalid
ever since. The children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Colburn were named as follows:
Louis, now of De Pere: Celia, now Mrs.
J. H. Kosell, of Plainfield, Wis. ; John,
of Ingalls. Mich. ; Sophia, at home with
her parents; Frank, who died at the age
of five years; Mary, who died at the age
of two and one half-years; Virginia, who
also died young; Ida. now Mrs. Michael
Lawlor, of De Pere; and Xavier and
Clara, who both died young. Mr. Col-
burn is a Democrat, and has always
voted with that party; he and his wife are
members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church
CHARLES L. DAVIS, farmer and
stock raiser, and one of the pro-
gressive, public-spirited citizens
of Lawrence township, Brown
county, was born Julv 25, 1848, in the
town of Royalton, Niagara county. New
York.
His father, E. B. Davis, was a native
of Schenectady county, N. Y. , where he
married Polly Schadd," and while living in
New York they had children as follows-
John, a member of Company I, Third
Wisconsin Cavalry, who died at Madison
Wis. ; George, who died in Elyria, Ohio';
and Charles L. , whose name introduces
this sketch. Mr. Davis was a farmer in
New York State, and in 1849 he removed
to Lonan county, Ohio, and purchased a
farm in Carlisle township, where he con-
tinued to follow agricultural pursuits, and
here he also dealt extensively in lumber
principally the purchasing of staves for a
Buffalo firm. In Lorian county was born
another child, Jane C, who married
Bruce Lindsley, and died in Flintville
Brown Co., Wis. Mrs. Polly Davis died
m Lorian county, January 17, 1857, and
was buried in Elyria, same county, and
Mr. Davis then married Miss Susan Oak-
ley, who died in Lorian county July, 1 1,
1858. In 1859 he wedded, in Lock'port,'
N. Y., for his third wife. Miss Mary Bar-
rett. In i860, the lumber business hav-
ing gradually declined with the clearing
away of the forests, Mr. Davis concluded
to remove farther west, and brought his
family to Brown county. Wis. , traveling
by rail to Oshkosh, and from there by
stage to Wrightstown, Brown county
where they located. Mr. Davis again
engaged in the stave business, buying
timber from farmers, and he put consider-
able money into circulation here, as his
trade was an extensive one. He invested
in a large amount of land in Brown
county, and pre-empted over 300 acres
of government land. He was a well-built
man, of splendid physique, and was well
known and highly respected in his com-
munity. At the time of his death, which
occurred March u, 1S78, he was com-
fortably situated. In his political belief
he was a Democrat, and a stanch sup-
porter of the party, but was not an active
politician. He lies buried in Wrights-
town cemetery.
Charles L. Davis received his first
school training in Carlisle township,
Lorain Co., Ohio. After the death of
his mother he returned to Niagara county,
N. Y. , and for two years made his home
with his grandfather, then, in i860, com-
ing to Wisconsin. In October, 1864,
then but a little over sixteen years of
age, he enlisted at Green Bay, Wis., in
Company H, Twelfth Wisconsin In-
fantry, was sent South, and, joining the
regiment at Marietta, Ga., participated
in the entire campaign through the Caro-
linas. He took part in the Grand Review
at Washington, D. C. , was mustered out
at Louisville, Ky. ; and received an hon-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
423
orable discharge at Madison, Wis.
When he first came to Wisconsin, the
schools were very poor and he did not
attend much, as he assisted his father in
the latter's extensive lumber business,
becoming familiar with the details of
same when yet a mere boy. After the
war he became partner with his father in
the business and continued to hold an in-
terest in same until 1879.
On April 9, 1877, at Wrightstown,
Wis., by Rev. Father De Wilt, Mr.
Davis was united in marriage with Miss
Ellen Sullivan, who was born January
22, 1857, in Winchendon, Worcester
Co., Mass., eldest child of John and
Ellen (Harris) Sullivan. For five years
previous to her marriage she followed the
profession of school teaching, in the
meantime having her residence in Law-
rence. In 1882 Mr. Davis purchased
his present farm in Lawrence township,
and moved thereon, at the same time
severing completely his connection with
the lumber business. Since that time he
has been e.xclusively engaged in general
farming and stock-raising, and he now
has a fertile, well-improved farm of
ninety-nine acres. In politics he is one
of the leaders of the Democratic party in
his section, and for three years has been
chairman of the Democratic committee.
He is always among the foremost men in
the township in any enterprise tending to
benefit the community in general. To
him and his wife have come children as
follows: Jennie E. , born August 2,
1879; Mamie L. , born February 4, 1881,
died February 7, 1882; John E., born
June 18, 1882; Harriet C, born May 24,
1886, died May 7, 1887; and Charles F.,
born April i, i88q.
JOHN G. GROSS, chief of the Fort
Howard Fire Department since Janu-
ary, 1S94, and for three years a
member of that organization, takes
pride in the fact that he is at the head of
a thoroughly equipped volunteer depart-
ment, having one engine and all the neces-
sary au.xiliaries. There is but one paid
man in the department.
John G. Gross, father of our subject,
was born in Bavaria, and came to New
York in 1850. Pushing westward in 1852
to Milwaukee, Wis. , he there married Mar-
garet Moschel, and settled, six months after
arriving in Milwaukee, on a farm in Mor-
rison township. Brown Co., Wis., which
he cleared and improved. Later he en-
gaged in the lumber and milling business,
and he and his wife still reside on the
farm on which they originally settled.
Their children were nine in number:
August resides in Morrison township,
where he is engaged in sawmilling and
conducts a cheese factory; Caroline, wife
of Frank Falck, resides in Seymour, Wis. ;
John G. is the subject of this sketch;
Louisa is the wife of Joseph Leonard, of
Medford, Taylor Co. , Wis. ; Fred P. re-
sides in Fort Howard; Maggie, wife of
Daniel Schunk, resides on the old farm;
Sophia is the wife of William Peters, of
Brillion, Calmuet Co., Wis.; Christina is
the wife of Charley Furstenburg, of Bril-
lion; Gottfried, unmarried, resides with
his brother, John.
Our subject was born January 21,1858,
on the home farm in Morrison town-
ship, Brown Co., Wis., and when he was
fourteen years of age went to work at
teaming, milling and farming, continuing
until his removal to Fort Howard in 1883.
In the latter year he established a saloon
and billiard parlor at the corner of Main
and Pearl streets, which he still conducts.
In 1S82 he was married, in Morrison
township, to Miss Bertha Schultz, who
came to the township in 1 866 from Prussia,
with her parents, Ferdinand and Anna
(Timm) Schultz, the family locating upon
a new farm, which -they improved. Mr.
Schultz died in 1890; his widow still re-
sides on the old homestead. Their other
children are: August, married and re-
siding on the old farm; Albert, married
and living in Morrison township; Hannah,
wife of Albert Sorwald, of Brillion, Wis.
424
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. and Mrs. Gross are the parents of
two children, William and Clarence. Mr.
Gross was reared in the Lutheran faith.
He is a member of Green Bay Lodge, No.
119, I. O. O. F. , and of the American
Legion of Honor at Fort Howard. For-
merly a Democrat in politics, he has found
reason to change his political belief, and
now casts his vote with the Republican
party. Since his boyhood, although that
period is not remote, he has witnessed
great changes in the region around
his home.
M
RS. OLIVE I. SHERWOOD,
of Howard township, Brown
county, was born April 2, 1S22,
in Oneida county, N. Y. , and
is the widow of the lamented Edison
Sherwood, who was born May 21, 181 3,
in Fairfield, Conn., a son of Wakeman
Sherwood.
Edison Sherwood was a gentleman of
considerable prominence in the early days
of Green Bay, having migrated hither as
early as 1835. He had been reared a
farmer, and on coming here went to the
Mission building in the capacity of an
agriculturist. In 1843 he married Miss
Olive I. Holmes, and then engaged in
general stock business in partnership with
her brother, A. G. E. Holmes, conduct-
ing same for almost forty years with un-
varying success, and with unswerving
adherence to the principles of mercantile
integrity. His death took place January
25, t88o, in Green Bay, and was most
deeply mourned by all who had ever been
associated with him in any of the trans-
actions of life — domestic, social or com-
mercial. After his decease his widow
lived with her brother, A. G. E. Holmes,
until thirteen years ago, when she moved
to the home of her sister, Mrs. A. B.
Oatley, with whom she has ever since re-
sided. Mrs. Sherwood adopted two chil-
dren, whom she reared with affectionate
attention and care, viz. : Carrie L. , who
was born October 9, 1858, and died in
Milwaukee, February 17, 1893, leaving a
daughter thirteen years old; and Fannie
E., who was born December i, 1873,
married Dr. Gilbert, and is now a resi-
dent of Fond du Lac (she has one daugh-
ter). Mrs. Sherwood was always promi-
nent in social circles until her husband's
death, and has always been an active
member of Christ's Episcopal Church,
Green Bay, of which he was also a
member. Of the seven children born
to her parents, Alvah and Sophronia
(Ellis) Holmes, four sons and two daugh-
ters still survive. [Since the above was
written Mrs. Olive I. Sherwood was taken
sick, which sickness terminated in her
death, September 10, 1894, at the age of
seventy-two years; her remains were laid
to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, beside
those of her beloved husband].
Albert B. O.^ti.ev was born Octo-
ber 12, 1832, in Burlington, N. Y., a son
of Benedict and Rosanna (Green) Oat-
ley, the former of whom was a native of
Rhode Island.
His father, Benedict Oatlej-, Sr. , was
also a native of Rhode Island, and died
in Onedia county, N. Y. , at the age
of seventy, his wife at the age of sixty;
he had been a soldier in the Revolution-
ary war. Benedict Oatley, Jr. , who was
the eldest in a family of eight children —
five sons and three daughters — was reared
to farm life in Oneida county, N. Y., and
there died at the age of sixty-two. His
wife, Rosanna, who was born in New
York, was a daughter of Simeon and
Rosanna (Budlong) Green, natives of
Connecticut, the former of whom was a
soldier in the Revolution, at the close of
which struggle he settled in Bridgewater,
Oneida county, N. Y. , and built a hotel
or tavern, which is still standing, and
which he conducted many years, after-
ward purchasing a farm which he culti-
vated about five years and then retiring to
Bridgewater, where he died at the age of
eighty, his wife at about the same age.
They were the parents of eleven chil-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
425
dren — six sons and five daughters — of
whom one son and one daughter are yet
hving. Mrs. Rosanna (Green) Oatley
died in Utica, N. Y. , at the age of fifty-
five.
Albert B. Oatley is a member of a
family of ten children, seven of whom
are still living — farmers and business men.
He was reared a farmer, and has practi-
cally followed that vocation until the
present time. On January 27, 1850, he
married Lavantia C. Holmes, who was
born April 17, 1832, in Bridgewater, N.
Y. , a daughter of Alvah and Sophronia
Holmes, and to this union have come
five children, as follows: Ella S., born
March 12, 1851, who is married to Wil-
liam Finnegan ; Alva H. , born February
14, 1853, deceased when two and a half
years of age ; Nettie H., born September
6, 1859, and married to H. B. Havland,
now of Horton, Kans., engaged in rail-
roading (they have had five sons and one
daughter, the latter of whom died at the
age of two and a half years); Edison S.,
born November 20, 1864, married to Nel-
lie Mead, and has charge of the old home-
stead; and Olive R., born September 10,
1869, wife of Robert Delaney. After his
m arriage Mr. Oatley bought a farm
of 1 20 acres in the town of Suamico,
Brown county. Wis. , and erected a block
or hewed-log house, 16 x 20 feet, in which
he lived twelve years, after which he
came to the town of Howard, Brown
county, Wis., and bought the farm where
he now resides, in the winter of 1874
erecting his present dwelling. In politics
Mr. Oatley is a Democrat, and voted for
James Buchanan. He has served as jus-
tice of the peace several years, and is
regarded with great respect in the com-
munity. Several members of his family
served through the Civil war, including
three brothers, one of whom was wounded
in battle and died in Washington. Mr.
and Mrs. Oatley are members of the
Presbyterian Church, and are among
the most respected people of the town-
ship.
REV. ELSEAR de WILT is a na-
tive of Holland, born July 8, 1 827,
at Uden, North Brabant, in which
province the name of de Wilt is
an old one, the family having resided
there for many generations, some being
farmers, others business men.
Grandfather Francis de Wilt was a
man of considerable ability, also a fine
hunter and a very courageous man. Dur-
ing the French revolution a party of
French soldiers and sympathizers at-
tempted to tear down a large statue of St.
Peter in the gable of the church at Uden,
and he was just returning from hunting,
accompanied by his dogs, when he dis-
covered their designs. To these vandals
he announced that if thej' persisted a
Frenchman would come to ground sooner
than St. Peter, and it is needless to say
the statue remained standing. At another
time he saved the same church from being
burned down. The steeple had been
struck by lightning, and, the sacristan re-
fusing to give up the keys, Mr. de Wilt
pitched him out of the window, took the
keys from him, and climbed the tower,
where already the rafters were on fire.
He stamped out the fire, and thus saved
thechurch, although himself badly burned.
The sacristan sued him for damages, but
lost the suit, and Grandfather de Wilt was
rewarded for his bravery by a permanent
seat in the church which descended to his
children. He was a man of commanding
appearance, and of great influence in his
town. He reached the great age of four-
score years, and at the age of seventy was
still a great hunter. He reared a family
of seven children, of whom the second
son, Martinus, afterward inherited the old
homestead and resided there till his death.
He was more of a business man, became
one of considerable consequence, took an
interest in church matters, and lived a
good Christian life. He was born May
29, 1797, and died January 28, i860. In
the prime of life he married Maria Anna
Van Den Broek, born at Uden, Holland,
May 9, 1 804, who became the mother of
426
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.
six children, of whom our subject is the
eldest child.
Rev. Father de Wilt received his
primary education in his native town,
and later on studied in Bruges, West
Flanders, Belgium, where he made his
noviciate in the Order of St. Francis, and
afterward was ordained a priest by the
bishop of Tournay. He soon after be-
came professor of philosophy, and later
professor of theology at Enghien; taught
for about eight years, and was then sent
to England to assist the bishop of
Shrewsbury, where he presided as pastor
of the parish at the city of Flint, Flint-
shire, Wales. After two and a half years
he was recalled to Antwerp, where a
monastery was erected, and from there
served as a missionary through Belgium,
Holland and France. Finally he was
placed in Brussels, his work remaining
the same, until he got permission from
Rome to proceed to America, which he
did in 1868, when the diocese of Green
Bay was organised by Bishop Melcher.
He first took charge at Duck Creek,
where he brought the congregation to-
gether, and where they have had a priest
ever since. In 1869 he moved to Little
Chute, and here resided about five years;
then was placed at Montcllo, where he
remained till he came to Wrightstown, in
1876, and began the erection of a resi-
dence. He changed the church into a
parochial school, and in 1885, with his
own money, began a new church edifice
in the name of the congregation. It is a
large brick structure, and is as fine a
church building as can be found in the
Fox River \'alley; the interior of it was
recently (1894) finely painted and decor-
ated at an expense of about six hundred
dollars.
AUGUST HOCHGREVE,
("deceased), was born October it;,
1832, in Herzberg, Hanover, Ger-
many, the eldest in a family of
eight children — three sons and five daugh-
ters--and, like his father, who bore the
same name, became in his younger years
a proficient brewer and cooper, trades
which he learned in his father's establish-
ment in Germany.
Having received an excellent educa-
tion, learned his trades, and fitted him-
self for the struggles of life, Mr. Hoch-
greve left his German home at the age of
twenty years, and, sailing from Hamburg,
arrived at length at New York City. Af-
ter remaining there for one year, working
as a cooper, he removed to Manitowoc,
Wis., and engaged in the same business.
In the summer of 1861 he located in
Allouez township. Brown county, and in
company with Henry Rahr, who had
worked in the same establishment with
him at Manitowoc, founded the brewery
which is now conducted by his familj-,
and which has become one of the princi-
pal institutions of Brown county. After
eight or nine years, the firm having
greatly prospered, they built another
plant, now the H. Rahr's Sons' Brewery,
and for some time conducted both estab-
lishments; but the partnership was finally
dissolved, Mr. Hochgreve taking the orig-
inal plant and Mr. Rahr the one on East
River, Green Bay. The former's business
increased to such proportions that in 1874
he built the present substantial brick
structure, where the business is now car-
ried on by Mrs. Hochgreve and her sons.
A new and handsome dwelling has also
been erected, and prosperity continues to
smile upon the family.
On October 20, 1862, Mr. Hochgreve
was married at Manitowoc, to Caroline
Kiel, who was born June 18. 1842, in
Lippe-Detmold, Germany. Her father.
Christian Kiel, was a farmer, who came
with his family to the United States in
the spring of 1851, landing at New York
at the end of a seven-weeks' voyage from
Bremen, and removing thence to Manito-
woc. The children of Mr. and Mrs.
Hochgreve are: August, residing in Green
Bay, Wis. ; Lena, widow of Henry Freck-
man, now residing in Milwaukee; Augusta,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
V-1
Adolph, Louisa, Etta, Christian and
Mamie, at home; of these, Adolph is
superintendent of the brewery, Christian
being bookkeeper. Mr. Hochgreve died
February 23, 1877, and his remains rest
in Woodland cemetery. During life he
was an upright citizen, a stanch Republi-
can in politics, and a prominent Odd
Fellow. His widow is a member of the
Lutheran Church. The family is num-
bered among the leading ones of Brown
county, and the memory of its founder is
respected by all who knew him.
ANDREW C. MAILER, M. D.,
one of the leading practitioners of
medicine of Brown county, Wis.,
was born April 4, 1853, at De-
Pere. His parents, Andrew and Barbara
(Caldwell) Mailer, were natives, respect-
ively, of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scot-
land, and in 1849, came to the United
States, locating first in Milwaukee, Wis.,
whence they shortly afterward removed to
De Pere, same State. The father engaged
in various business enterprises in the city
up to the time of his death, which occurred
in 1878; Mrs. Barbara Mailer now resides
with a daughter in Portland, Oregon.
Dr. A. C. Mailer was educated in the
public schools of his native city, at Law-
rence University, Appleton, Wis. , and in
the University of Michigan, after which
he taught school for a few terms and then
engaged in the drug business at De Pere
for four or five years, reading medicine
while thus employed. He next attended
medical lectures at the University of
Michigan at Ann Arbor during the ses-
sions of 1874 and 1875. In 1877 and
1878 he took a course at Rush Medical
College, Chicago, from which he gradu-
ated in the spring of 1878, and soon after
began practice at De Pere in partnership
with his former preceptor. Dr. Fisk, a
connection which lasted eleven years,
since the expiration of which time he has
been in business on his own account.
After his first three years' practice the
Doctor supplemented his studies by a
course at Bellevue Hospital Medical Col-
lege, New York, receiving an ad ciindoii
degree from this institution in the spring
of 1S82.
In politics Dr. Mailer is an ardent Re-
publican, and has served in different ca-
pacities under the auspices of that party.
He has been for six years a member of
the board of education, of which he acted
as president for two years. He has twice
been elected mayor of the city, a position
he still holds. The Doctor is a member
of the American Medical Association,
State Medical Societ}', and Fox River
Valley Medical Society, and is surgeon to
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul rail-
road. He is associated with several fra-
ternal and social societies, among which
are the Masons, Knights of Pythias, etc.
His professional standing is of the high-
est.
Dr. Mailer was united in matrimony,
at De Pere, on June i, 1887, to Miss
Alice Belle Winegard, a native of De-
Pere and a daughter of a Union soldier
who died in the army during the war for
the preservation of the Union. One child,
Katharine, adds sunshine to their pleasant
home. The Doctor is by birthright a
Presbyterian, and Mrs. Mailer is an Epis-
copalian, and their walk through life has
won for them the respect of all their neigh-
bors and the citizens in general.
REV. FATHER CHARLES J.GAL-
LAGHER, of St. Francis Xavier
Church, De Pere, Brown county,
was born July 8, 1851, at No. 74
Sands street, Brooklyn, N. Y., within two
blocks of the site of the present renowned
Brooklyn bridge. His parents were Mi-
chael and Jane (Stephens) Gallagher, and
were natives, respectively, of Sligo and
Ballyshannon, Ireland. Michael Galla-
gher was a journalist, and some of his
sons followed the same profession — one,
especially, Barclay Gallagher, having been
city editor of the New York Tribune un-
428
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
der Horace Greeley, and being connected
with the Associated Press down to the
present time.
Father Gallagher received his prepar-
atory education at the Jesuit College,
of Fordham, N. Y., from which he
graduated in 1870, taking a collegiate
course at that institution, and afterward
taking a theological course at Mount St.
Mary's, Eiiiniittsburg, Md. In I1S75 he
was ordained priest at St. James' Cathe-
dral, Brookljn, N. Y. , by Bishop Laugh-
lin, and for twelve years was assistant to
the vicar general of the diocese of Brook-
lyn. In 1888 he was given charge of St.
Thomas Church at Poygan, Wis., the
church property at which place was much
improved under his earnest efforts; at
Omro, Wis., he entirely rebuilt St. Mary's
Church, and also rebuilt the church at
Winncconne, Wis. In June, 1893, Father
Gallagher was given charge of St. Francis
Xavier Church at De Fere — the first
Catholic Church erected in the place. The
congregation of this Church comprised
175 families, and its parish school has
accommodation for 200 scholars. Father
Gallagher is very popular with and is
greatly beloved by his people, and his
well-known energy and wisdom will doubt-
less soon result in greater improvement to
his flock and to the parish.
JOHN ANTON KUYPERS. It would
be hard to find a better illustration
of the facility with which, under the
liberal institutions of this great coun-
try— be they Republican or be they Dem-
ocratic— a man of ability and integrity,
whether native-born or of foreign birth
and impressions, may rise to any station,
perhaps among the most e.xalted, than
is afforded in the history of the gentle-
man whose name here appears, and who
is fast ascending the ladder of public
fame.
Mr. Kuypers is a native of Holland,
born in the village of Oeffelt, North Bra-
bant, March 2, 1869, a son of Michael
and Joanna (Emons) Kujpers, both also
of North Brabant nativity, the father
born in Oeffelt, the mother in St. Hubert.
Until the age of eleven years he attended
the common school of his native village,
and then took a regular high-school course
at Bo.xmeer, at the same time studying
French and German, as well as, for a
few months, the English language. At
the age of fourteen he entered the Nor-
mal School in the same town, in order to
prepare himself for the profession of
teacher; but his plans in this regard were
interrupted, before he had finished his
course, by the emigration of the famil)'^
his parents and their children (two broth-
ers and three sisters — Theodore, Arnold,
Algonda, Antonia and Bertha, the hitter
now dead) — to the United States. Land-
ing, after an ocean voyage of three weeks,
at New York, January 25, 1886, they at
once proceeded westward to Wisconsin,
settling in the thriving city of De Pere,
Brown county, and here stoically com-
menced a new home in a new country,
with but little knowledge, if any, of its
language, laws and customs.
On the first day of Februar}', 1886, the
subject of these lines, with a determination
to succeed, a determination not to be ob-
structed by any obstacle, precipitated him-
self into the arena of journalism by
entering the employ of the Standard
Printing Co., in the role of "devil."
From this Arcadian, though somewhat
nondescript position, he soon rose to the
more dignified one of "typo," his natural
ability and perseverance soon manifesting
itself, quickly observed by his employers
and his associates. With this firm our
subject remained till December, 1889;
and so rapidl)' had he mastered the de-
tails of the profession and fathomed its
mysteries, that, during the last two years
he was in the emplo\" of the Standard
Printing Co., he acted in the capacity of
one of the editors of the De Pere Stand-
ard, a newspaper published by them in
the Holland language. In January, 1890,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
431
in company with Jolm B. Heyrman, lie
purcliased the Brown County Democrat
(established in 1877), a weekly paper
printed in the English language, and
shortly afterward they commenced the
publication of a new Holland weekly,
Dc Volksstcui, conducting, in connection,
a general printing establishment, equipped
with all modern improxements and facili-
ties for turning out good work. The
business is carried on under the firm
name of Heyrman & Kuypers. The
Democrat has a circulation of i , 300, the
Volksstciii, of 1,250, and both are influ-
ential papers. The Democrat, true to its
name, is an able exponent of Democratic
principles, while the I'olksstcin is more of
a newspaper in the literal sense of the
word, being confined to religious and
secular matters of interest, and is read by
Holland and Flemish Catholics in every
State of the Union. Both are eight-page
papers, 15x22, and are both edited by
Mr. Kuypers, whose untiring efforts and
hard work have largely contributed to the
bringing of them to their present standard
of excellence. He is a charter member
of Columbus Court, No. 315, Catholic
Order of Foresters, and its recording sec-
retary'; is also a member of Branch No.
46, Catholic Knights of Wisconsin; direc-
tor of the De Pere Business Men's Asso-
ciation; member of the city council; and
secretary of the Fire Department.
When Mr. Kuypers came to this coun-
try nine years ago, a rosy-cheeked lad of
seventeen summers, he knew but little of
the English language — merely the rudi-
ments— and never attended school here;
yet, by assiduous and most persevering
home study, he has succeeded in making
himself master of it in a comparatively
short time. By attending strictly to
business, and using all his leisure time to
advantage, he has succeeded in attaining
his present position, and securing a well-
earned popularity with all classes. He
takes an active part in public matters,
and is recognized as one of De Pere's
most enterprising young men.
24
PHILIP SHERLOCK. This gen-
tleman, an influential well-to-do
farmer citizen of De Pere town-
ship. Brown county, is a member
of one of the oldest pioneer families of
same.
Andrew Sherlock (father of Philip)
was a native of County Wexford, Ireland,
where he was born in 18 13, son of Philip
Sherlock. Andrew learned the carpen-
ter's trade, and also engaged in merchan-
dising, dealing in coal, etc. He was mar-
ried in 1843 to Anne Sinnot, who was
born in Count}- Wexford in December,
1 8 16, daughter of James and Catherine
fBrown) Sinnot, and two children were
born to this union in Ireland, namely:
Margaret, who died unmarried in De Pere
township, when aged twenty-nine; and
Anne, who died in De Pere at the age of
eighteen years. In 1849, Mr. Sherlock
having managed to save a small sum of
money, the family left Ireland, sailing
from New Ross in " The Jane," and after
a voyage of ten weeks and three days
landing at Quebec, where they were de-
tained ten days in quarantine, as cholera
had broken out on board the vessel and
many died. From Quebec they pro-
ceeded westward, coming via Buffalo and
Detroit to Milwaukee, Wis., where they
resided for about a twelvemonth, during
which time Mr. Sherlock followed his
trade, carpentry. Here one child, Philip
(subject proper of this sketch), was born
to them December 15, 1850. In May,
1 85 1, they came to De Pere, Brown
county, at that time but a small village,
making the trip from Milwaukee by water,
via Sturgeon Bay to Green Bay, thence
by wagon to their destination, and shortly
after his arrival here Mr. Sherlock pur-
chased a house and lot. In the summer
of 1850 he took up a tract of 200 acres
in De Pere township, along the East river
(the tract whereon his sons Philip and
James now reside), removing his family
thither in the fall of 1852. The previous
spring he had erected a temporary abode,
which later was replaced by a frame
432
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
house. The land was all in the woods,
and although some of the timber was cut,
no clearing had been done, and the stumps
and brush remained. Here the following
children were added to the family: An-
drew, a farmer of Dakota; James, a farmer
of De Pere township; Catherine, who died
when ten years, two months and eleven days
old; John, residing in the State of Wash-
ington; Ambrose, who died at the age of
thirty-one years in Colorado; and Raphael,
of Dakota. After locating on this land
Mr. Sherlock labored diligently to clear
and improve it, and by the time of his
death had transformed it into a fertile
farm. He was a self-made man in every
way, and was much respected for his in-
dustry and sterling worth. On January
27, 1885, he passed from earth, and was
buried in De Pere cemetery. After his
decease his widow resided on the home
farm with her son Philip until December,
1893. when she took up her residence at
the Home of the Sisters of the Good
Shepherd, in Green Bay, where she yet
remains.
Philip Sherlock received his elemen-
tary education in the early schools of De-
Pere township, and afterward attended
the "Old Stone School" in De Pere a
short time, the first school in that city.
He was reared to farm life, and being the
eldest son was put to work as soon as he
was old enough, remaining on the farm
altogether until he was about seventeen
years old. He then commenced to fol-
low lumbering in the winter seasons in
the lumber regions of northern Wisconsin
and Michigan, and continued therein for
sixteen or seventeen winters, enduring all
the vicissitudes and hardships of camp
life. He was engaged during the spring
for fifteen years in the hazardous work of
driving logs. In thore days lumbering,
though arduous and dangerous work, was
very profitable, and during his long ex-
perience in the business our subject be-
came familiar with all its details.
On July 7, 1892, Mr. Sherlock was
united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann
Hughes, daughter of Hugh and Margaret
(Dalton) Hughes, who came to the United
States when Mary A. was an infant. Mr.
Sherlock has resided on his present farm
ever since coming to Brown county, with
the exception of the time he was away
lumbering. He has taken several pleasure
trips, and in 1S91 made a tour of the
Northwest, going over the Canadian
Pacific railroad and returning over the
Northern Pacific railroad, and during his
trip he visited the leading cities in the
Northwest along the Pacific coast and in
the State of Washington, and also Vic-
toria, British Columbia. Mr. Sherlock,
having come here when the country was
almost entirely new, has seen his entire
neighborhood transformed from its primi-
tive condition into productive farms. His
own place now consists of 145 acres of
fertile land, on which he conducts a profit-
able farming business. In local political
affairs our subject votes independently,
caring more for the fitness of a candidate
than for party lines, but in state and na-
tional elections he supports the principles
of the Democratic party. He is no
aspirant for office, his time being fully
occupied in looking after his private in-
terests. In religious connection he and
his wife are members of St. Francis
Catholic Church at De Pere.
FLORENTINE FRISQUE. the
well-known enterprising merchant
tailor of Green Bay, is a native
of Belgium, born August 27, 1849,
in the town of Grez-Doiceau, Province of
Brabant.
He comes of a long line of talented
musicians, performers upon various in-
struments, including the church organ, his
grandfather being an especially highly
educated musician, and excelling as a
teacher. He, the grandfather, led an
honorable, temperate life to a good old
age, dying in his ninety-third year, and
retaining his faculties to the last. In
Belgium, his native country, he married
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
433
Miss Marie Delvaux, a lady of education
and culture, who lived to be seventy-five
years old, and their family numbered five
sons and three daughters, of whom one
daughter, Mrs. Bernardine Maireese, is
yet living, her age being eighty-nine
years.
One of the sons, by name Florentine,
father of our subject, was a graduate of
the Conservatory of Music at Brussels, on
church organ, and was an exceptionally
able musician, master of several instru-
ments. He died in Belgium of typhoid
fever at the age of thirty-seven years, and
his early taking away with all the brilliant
prospects before him was a source of the
very deepest regret to his manj' relatives,
friends and admirers. His wife was Miss
Rosalie Van Drisse, a Belgian lady, daugh-
ter of Joseph Van Drisse, a well-known
surgeon who had a diploma from Napo-
leon Bonaparte for valuable services ren-
dered on the field of Waterloo. After
the death of Mr. Frisque she married, in
1856, George La Marre, of Grez-Doi-
ceau, farmer at Bay Settlement, Brown
county, by whom she has four children,
as follows: Jule, Desire, Matilda and Mary.
By her first husband, Mr. Frisque, Mrs.
La Marre had also four children, viz. :
Rosalie, Florentine (our subject), Leo-
cadie and Zelia. They are all living ex-
cept Zelia (the youngest of the first fami-
ly), are all married, and have families.
Florentine Frisque, whose name in-
troduces this sketch, received his educa-
tion in his native land, and learned the
trade of tailor, which he followed there
till February, 1871, when, in company
with his mother and the rest of the family,
he emigrated to the United States, and
made a settlement in Brown county. Wis.
In 1876 he came to Green Bay,
and established his present prosperous
business. In 1873 Mr. Frisque was mar-
ried in Brown county to ^liss Josephine
Grossell, daughter of Louis Grossell, a
native of Belgium, and seven children
have been born to them, viz. : Zelie, John,
George, William, Mary, Louis and Charles.
In his political preferences our subject has
been identified with the Republican party.
In social affairs he is a member of the I.
O. O. F. , Order of Tonti, and Knights of
Honor. In 1889 he took an extended
trip to Europe, visiting England, Scot-
land, Ireland, Belgium, Germany and
France, visiting the Paris Exposition of
that j-ear. In 1893, along with his family,
he visited the World's Fair at Chicago.
Painstaking, and honorable in all his deal-
ings, Mr. Frisque well merits the esteem
in which he is held by the community at
large.
DANIEL H. MARTIN, the genial
and courteous county clerk of
Brown county, is a n£.tive of
Waukesha county. Wis., born
June 10, 1846.
Patrick and Bridget (Cain) Martin,
parents of our subject, were natives of
Ireland, born in County Meath, whence
in 1844 they migrated to this country and
to Wisconsin, making their first home, in
the Western World, in Milwaukee. From
there shortly afterward they proceeded to
Waukesha county, where the father, who
was an agriculturist, conducted a farm
during the remainder of his days. He
died there in 1845; his widow now resides
in Fond du Lac county. Wis. Their
family numbered two children: T. C,
county judge of Waukesha county. Wis.,
and Daniel H., the subject proper of this
sketch.
Daniel H. Martin received his educa-
tion at the schools of Waukesha county
and Carroll College. In 186S he came
to Brown county, locating in Morrison
township, where he was engaged in the
dual vocations of farming and teaching,
in which he continued until January, 1 893,
when he took office as county clerk, hav-
ing been elected in 1892. In 1873 he was
married in Morrison township. Brown
county, to Miss Mary Josephine Gibbons,
a native of the county, daughter of Pat-
rick and Hannah (Clancy) Gibbons, early
434
COMMEMORATIVE DIOORAPIIICAL RECORD.
settlers of Morrison township, where they
yet reside. Three children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin, viz. : Mary,
Tessie and John. The family are mem-
bers of St. John's Catholic Church,
Green Bay.
In his political predilections our sub-
ject is a Democrat. In 1878 he was
elected a member of the county board,
and was a member of same at the time of
his election to the county clerkship. He
served as a justice of the peace many
years, and, taking him all in all he is one
of the most popular and useful of Brown
county's much esteemed citizens.
WE. FAIRFIELD. M. D., has
been identified with Brown
county for the past seven years,
as one of the ablest and most
successful physicians and surgeons in
northern Wisconsin, though one of the
youngest.
The Doctor is a native of Clarence-
ville. Province of Quebec, Canada, born
in 1 86 1, a son of David and Eliza
(Mosher) Fairfield, also natives of Can-
ada. James Fairfield, grandfather of
subject, was a native of England, whence
in an early day he emigrated to Canada,
being among the first settlers in Missisquoi
county, Lower Canada ("Canada Bas"),
now known as the Province of Quebec.
The subject of these lines received his
elementary education at the public schools
of the neighborhood of his place of birth,
and in 1882, having matriculated in arts
in Ontario, commenced reading medicine
at Montreal, Canada. In the same year
he entered the University of Bishop's
College, Faculty of Medicine, where he
graduated with the class of '86. He was
then appointed house surgeon to the
Woman's Hospital in Montreal, serving
in that capacity some eighteen months.
At the end of that time, in 1887, he came
to Wisconsin, taking up his residence in
Scott township, Brown county, where he
commenced the practice of his profession.
In July, 1893, he moved to Green Bay,
and here has since continued in the prac-
tice of medicine and surgery, having met
with eminent success.
In 1889 Dr. Fairfield was married in
Noyan, Canada, to Miss Winifred Der-
rick, a native of that country, and a mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church. The Doctor
is a "gold medalist" of the University of
Bishop's College, Montreal, having re-
ceived two medals — one for having passed
the best examination in surgery, the other
for having passed the highest examination
in all the subjects of examination. He is
a licentiate of the College of Physicians
and Surgeons of the Province of Quebec;
a member of the Fox River Valley Medi-
cal Society, and of the Brown County Medi-
cal Society; also a member of the Board
of Pension Examiners. Socially he is a
member and noble grand of Green Bay
Lodge No. 19, I. O. O. F. ; politically he
is a Democrat.
ALBERT WEISE is a son of Mar-
tin and Caroline (Lincke) Weise,
natives of Blankenburg, Schwarz-
burg-Rudolstadt, Germany. Mar-
tin Weise, who was a cooper by occupa-
tion, died of typhoid fever October 15,
1822, in Blankenburg, when his son, John
Henry William Albert Weise, our subject,
was not quite two years old. His widow
subsequently married Christoph Frederick
Straubel, of Blankenburg, a blacksmith,
and in September, 1846, they came to
Green Bay, Wis., where Mr. Straubel
followed his trade till his death; Mrs.
Straubel also died in Green V>a.y. She
was the mother of seven children by her
last husband, viz. : Dorothea, Wilhel-
mina and Charley (deceased), a son that
died in Germany, Ernest, Adolph (de-
ceased), and August H., who is a wide-
awake business man of Green Baj', a
miller by occupation.
Albert Weise. our subject, received a
good common-school education in his
native country. Before reaching the age
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
435
of fourteen he was apprenticed to learn
wagonmaking, and after serving a three-
years' apprenticeship traveled three years
in Germany, perfecting himself in his
trade, and visiting the cities of Dresden,
Leipsic, Hamburg and Bremen. Return-
ing to his native town in 1840, he was
sent to the army, and the next year, on
June 3, 1 84 1, left his German home and
embarked on a sailing vessel for New
York, where he arrived August 9. He
tried to get work in New York City, but,
failing, went to Newark, N. J., where he
obtained employment in a carriage fac-
tory, making carriage wheels, and was
paid six shillings per day (a "shilling"
being twelve-and-a-half cents in the East
in those days), two-thirds of which
amount he was obliged to spend in the
company's store, and his board cost
him eighteen shillings per week. The
foreman of the factory received but eight
shillings a day. However, small as these
wages may seem, they were much bet-
ter than what was paid in Germany, where
he received but forty cents a week and
his board, the best wages he could earn
there, working fourteen hours a day.
What a lesson this is to the workingnien
of to-day, with their eight hours a day
and good wages! But these stern exper-
iences only served to bring out the better
qualities of the young German lad, who
steadily worked on, and saved money from
his meager earnings. In the spring of
1842, a machine for making spokes hav-
ing been manufactured, he and five others
were thrown out of employment. Later
he made a dollar a day, and saved money
enough to come to Green Bay (also giving
ten dollars to another man to come here),
arriving October 4, 1842. In that spring
the citizens of the town had raised one
thousand dollars, with which, and another
thousand contributed by the Astor Com-
pany of New York, they sent Hamil-
ton Arndt to New York to secure emi-
grants for Green Bay. He advertised
in the German papers of that city,
one of which fell into Mr. Weise's
hands, and being promised ten to
twelve shillings a day and a shop to go to
work in, he was persuaded to come hither.
He found neither, but was induced by John
B. Arndt to commence for himself, and
Mr. Arndt furnishing the shop and lumber
Mr. Weise, having his own tools, went to
work. He paid $2.25 for board and shop
rent, which was taken out in work. Mon-
ey was not to be seen every day, but
nevertheless Mr. Weise prospered, taking
his pay in store goods and lumber. Part
of the time he worked as ship and house
carpenter at ten shillings a day, store pay or
trade, working twelve hours a day. He also
made cradles and other implements, and
was in all respects a useful man to the
new community. He was connected with
railroad enterprises, the first being the
Lake Shore from Manitowoc to Green
Bay. The sum of three hundred thousand
dollars was voted, and grants for depot
secured. In addition to this enterprise,
he always took an active part in getting
a railroad to Green Bay. He assisted in
starting the Green Bay & Madison rail-
road, for which the city voted seventy-
five thousand dollars. The citizens of
Green Bay held a " v^'orking bee" to as-
sist in the building of the road between
that city and De Pere, and he became a
director of the road, taking two thousand
dollars worth of stock; and his enthusiasm
in the scheme was so great that he was
very nearly induced to morgage his farm,
but did not. He worked hard for the
Green Bay and Minnesota road.
On July 9, 1844, Mr. Weise married
Maria Holtzknecht, a native of Ellar,
Prussia, on the Mosel, born August 12,
1823. She was a true type of the thrifty
German housewife, who could turn her
attention to almost any kind of housework
successfully, and the young couple com-
menced keeping house immediately.
Green Bay being the land office, they
concluded to keep boarders, charging a
shilling a meal, and one-half a shilling for
lodging, thus making some money. Mr.
Weise, who had his wagon shop and a
436
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.
number of men workinj^ for him, soon be-
gan to manufacture finer grades of work,
and called his shop " Weise's Carriage
Factory." He conducted the business un-
til 1876, meeting with great success, and
then gave it over to his son, George
Albert Weise. Much of his work he
traded for lumber, brick and stone. In
1846 he built a house, which is still stand-
ing, on which a half dozen carpenters
labored, each working out a score they
owed Mr. Weise for work done. Since
then he has put up many buildings in
Green Bay. He also owns a table fact-
ory in Green Bay, which gives employ-
ment to fifty hands. To Albert and
Maria Weise were born children as fol-
lows: Peter E. ; George A. ; Mary, wife
of Rev. G. C. Reim, of La Crosse, Wis. ;
Carrie, wife of William Snelflohn, of
Marinette, Wis. ; Herman F. ; Charles
W. ; Augusta, wife of F. A. Hollman;
Dorothea, who died at the age of two
years; Lena, wife of F. F. Jeffrey, of
Leadville, Colo. ; and Amanda, wife of
F. H. Straubel; all yet li\ing except Doro-
thea. The mother of these died Decem-
ber 3, 1887, at the age of si.xty-three
years, four months, and for his second
wife Mr. Weise married, February 16,
1888, Mrs. Amelia Miller, mother of
Frank Miller.
Mr. Weise got his first good start in
1845, at which time he inherited three
hundred dollars which was sent him from
Germany. He bought a lot on Cherry
street on which he built a shop, and from
this small beginning his large business
grew. In 1849 he bought another lot, on
which he moved his old shop, adding
thereto a blacksmith and paint shop. His
stepfather, who came to Green Bay in
1846, carried on the blacksmithing until
1849, when he too engaged in the wagon
business. In 1870 our subject, in part-
nership with James Poole, embarked in
the china and crockery business, after one
year becoming sole proprietor of same,
which he and his son, Herman F. con-
ducted for many years, or until the latter
moved to Winona, Minn., where he also
carried on a crockery store; he is now in
the State of Washington. At present Mr.
Weise's partners are his two sons-in-law,
F. A. Hollman and Frederick H. Strau-
bel, the firm, which is known as Weise,
Hollman & Co. .doing an extensive whole-
sale and retail business through the north-
ern part of Wisconsin and Michigan. Mr.
Weise is president of the Green Bay Carri-
age Company. He was formerly president
of the Green Bay Savings Bank, and he has
identified himself with almost every in-
terest tending to benefit the town; has
been one of the leading spirits in various
enterprises, some disastrous to him finan-
cially, but many of which benefited the
town, as they furnished employment for
several men and brought comfort to not a
few homes. He has been interested in
starting a furnace, was in the oil business
in Pennsyhania, and in the iron-mining
business in northern Michigan. He has
always been enterprising, and even at the
opening of the Kaukauna plank road, poor
as he then was, he donated a new wagon,
thereby showing his public spirit.
In religious faith he is a member of
the German Lutheran Church, in which
he has always taken an active interest.
He assisted in the organization of the
Moravian Society, and helped to erect the
church building; later on, when a Luth-
eran missionary came to Green Bay, he
assisted in the building of the German
Lutheran Church, and has ever since
contributed liberall}' toward its support.
He was also actively interested in the or-
ganization, January i, 1850, of the Ger-
man Benevolent Socie*^y of Green Bay,
he being one of the original thirteen char-
ter members, and to-day, with the ex-
ception of one other, is the only survivor.
This society, which has been of vast ben-
efit in German circles, was started by Mr.
Weise and George Oldenburg, the latter
of whom was its first treasurer, Mr. \\'^eise
being its president for twenty years from
its incipiency. In his political prefer-
ments he has alwajs been a strong pro-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
437
tective-tariff Republican in national af-
fairs, but in civic matters he usually casts
his ballot for the man he considers best
adapted to the office, whatever it may be.
He has served on the city council board,
and as chairman of the same, as well as
alderman, having been elected against his
will. In fact, there is no more useful
citizen in Green Bay than Albert Weise,
and he is held in the highest esteem by all
who know him.
DH. GRIGNON, justice of the
peace at Green Bay, is a native
of that city, born Februarj- 17,
1843, a son of Peter Bernard and
Rachel (Lawe) Grignon.
Peter Grignon was born in Green
Bay, Wis., June 12, 1806, a son of Pierre
Antoine Grignon, also a native of Wis-
consin. He was a son of Pierre Grignon,
in the long ago a merchant in Montreal,
Canada, who married a daughter of
Charles DeLanglade. Together they —
Mr. and Mrs. Grignon and Mr. DeLang-
lade— came in an early day to Green Bay,
being among the first settlers of the place.
Pierre Grignon was engaged in the Green
Bay fur trade, as well as in merchandis-
ing, and passed the rest of his days in
that place. Pierre Antoine Grignon,
grandfather of our subject, and the eldest
son of Pierre Grignon, by his marriage
with Domitille DeLanglade, continued
the store business, established by his
father, for twenty-eight years, that being
the only store at Green Bay prior to the
war of 18 12. Peter Bernard Grignon,
son of Pierre Antoine, received his edu-
cation in Green Bay, and in after life
filled various public positions of trust, such
as clerk of the district court; first sheriff of
Brown county; deputy United States mar-
shal; contractor for carrying the mail
both on foot and on horseback to Mani-
towoc, Sheboygan, Milwaukee, Chicago
and Fort Snelling. Politically he was a
Democrat. He married Miss Rachel
Lawe, a daughter of Judge John Lawe,
an early pioneer of Brown county, who
with his wife died in Green Bay. To
this union were born four children, as
follows: D. H., subject of this sketch;
Maria Jane, who died single; Cynthia
Anna, wife of Jerome G. Vieau; and
Martin L. , who died in 1870. The
father was called from earth in June, 1888,
the mother February 16, 1876. Pierre
A. Grignon owned a considerable amount
of real estate in Wisconsin, a portion of
it being whereon the city of Green Bay
now stands.
D. H. Grignon, the subject proper of
these lines, received a liberal education
at the schools of Green Bay. After leav-
ing school he read law, and in 1866 was
admitted to the bar. In 1875 he was in-
stalled in his present position as justice of
the peace.
On October 15, 1870, Mr. Grignon
was united in marriage with Miss Louise
C. Hamilton, a native of Green Bay,
daughter of Finley Fisher and Catherine
(Boyd) Hamilton, early settlers of Green
Bay (both now deceased), the latter of
whom was the daughter of Col. George
Boyd, Indian agent. To this union have
been born three children, viz. : Rachel
Maria and Catherine A. (twins), and
Quincy, who died November 13, 1S93.
Rachel M. is a teacher in Freedom, Wis.
Politically Mr. Grignon is a Democrat; in
religious faith he is a member of the
Catholic Church.
WILLIAM GOW, one of the re-
spected citizens of De Pere,
Wis., was born at Cairney Hill,
F"ifeshire, Scotland, September
10, 1 8 19.
His father, William Gow, Sr., was a
native of the city of Perth, and his mother,
Martha (Brough) Gow, was born in the
village of Pittencrief, Fifeshire. William
Gow, Sr. , was a plasterer by trade, and
expired in the city of Glasgow. William
Gow, the subject proper of this sketch,
was educated in the parochial schools of
438
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his native place, and at the age of sixteen
began an apprenticeship at wagon mak-
ing, which apprenticeship was completed
after a service of four years. The fol-
lowing three years he acted as foreman of
the shop, and then for three and a half
years was employed in a foundry at Ren-
frew in the manufacture of derricks and
their erection through Scotland and En-
gland. On March 12, 1847, at Dumbar-
ton, near Glasgow, Mr. Gow married Miss
Mary McKinley, daughter of Duncan and
Agnes (Irving) McKinley. The McKin-
leys were an ancient clan of Highlanders
from Argyleshire, and the Irvings were of
an equally ancient family from near Car-
lisle, on the border of England, where
numerous members of the family still re-
side. Three years, three months and
three days after marriage Mr. Gow set
sail on the "Three Bells" for Canada,
and after a voyage of nine weeks arrived
at Quebec, whence he soon after went
about two hundred miles southwest, to the
village of Metis, Canada, where he pur-
chased eighty acres of wild land and en-
gaged in farming; but the farm not
proving to be a profitable in\estment, he
relinquished its cultivation at the end of
that period and came to De Pere, Wis.,
arriving the Saturday before the Fourth
of July, 1853. The first work in which
he here engaged was on a dam across the
Fox river, but subsequently was employed
at wagon making by O. W. Kingsley. On
October i, 1855, Mr. Gow bought out
the business of Mr. Kingsley, and the
same day his wife, Mrs. Mary (McKinley)
Gow, reached De Pere from Scotland,
having landed at New York after a pass-
age of six weeks from Liverpool on a
sailing vessel.
Mr. and Mrs. Gow have been devout
members of the First Presbyterian Church
of De Pere for the past twenty-five years,
and enjoy the respect of the entire com-
munity. Mrs. Gow has been a faithful
member of the denomination for fifty-five
years, having originally united with the
Wall Park Presbyterian Church, on Lady
Well street, Glasgow, Scotland, in Oc-
tober, 1839. Mrs. Gow has always taken
an active part in Church work and Church
societies. In politics, Mr. Gow is a Re-
publican, and has served as member of
the city council of De Pere for two terms
and as city assessor for two years. He
is a member of Lodge No. 85, F. & A. M.
at De Pere. and also of Brown County
St. Andrew's Society. Although Mr.
Gow did not bear arms in the Civil war
for the integrity of the Union, his sympa-
thies were strongly in favor (jf the govern-
ment, which he aided by e\ery means in
his power, being particularly active in rais-
ing supplies for the sanitary commission
and for the support of the army hospitals.
CHARLES A. COTTON, engineer
of the Chicago & North Western
railway, and stationed at Fort
Howard, was born in Green Bay,
I \\'is. (then known as Astoria), in 1845, a
I son of John Winslovv and Mary B. (Arndt)
Cotton, who were among the early set-
tlers of Brown county.
1 John Winslow Cotton was born in
I 1800, in Plymouth, Mass., of old Puritan
I stock. He was graduated from the
United States Military Academy at West
Point, N. Y., July 4, 1823; commissioned
second lieutenant Third Infantry, July
I, 1823, commission signed by James
Monroe; promoted to first lieutenant
same regiment, October 4, 1827, signed
by J. O. Adams; promoted to captain
November 15, 1836, signed by Andrew
Jackson. As early as 1S24 he was
stationed at Fort Howard, being after-
ward transferred to Jefferson Barracks,
Mo. He was married in Green Bay, in
1825, to Mary B. Arndt, and on his
resignation from the regular service lo-
cated on a farm in Allouez township,
Brown county, where he became a promi-
nent citizen, serving as town clerk and
school superintendent of the township.
He was a Mason, and for a number of
years was a leader of the choir in the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
439
Episcopal Church. On the loth day of
September, 1878, he passed from life,
leaving behind an honored and respected
name.
Mrs. Mary B. Cotton was born in the
Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania, and was
a daughter of John P. and Elizabeth (Car-
penter) Arndt. The father was a native
of the Keystone State, of German descent,
was a ship carpenter by trade, and early
came to Green Bay, where he built the
first vessel on Fox river. He was a much
respected gentleman, and for some time
filled the position of judge. He lost his
wife in i860, and followed her to the
grave in 1S61. The children born to
John P. and Elizabeth Arndt were: Mary
B. (Mrs. Cotton); John Wallace, of De-
Pere; Mrs. Elizabeth Eastman, of Benton
Harbor, Mich. ; Charles, who was shot
and killed by James R. Vineyard, of
Grant county, in the Senate chamber at
Madison, Wis., February 11, 1842, and
Hamilton. To John Winslow and Mary
B. Cotton were born five children, as fol-
lows: John R., a native of Plymouth,
Mass. , and now a resident of Chicago,
111. ; Elizabeth, wife of Charles R. Tyler,
died in 188S; Priscilla, the wife of Hon.
J. H. Howe, died in Allouez township.
Brown Co., Wis., July 4, 1857; Mary
Gordon, also married to Hon. J. H. Howe,
died in I\enosha, Wis.,in September 1887,
and Charles A., our subject. On July 6,
1 86 1, Mrs. Mary B. Cotton was mustered
into the service as nurse, at Racine, Wis.,
and served one year, during which time
she was stationed in Baltimore, Md. (the
old ' ' Relay House " ), and Newport News,
Va. , until the regiment was ordered to
New Orleans.
Charles A. Cotton was educated in
the public schools of Green Bay, and at
the early age of sixteen, July 6, 1861, en-
listed in Company H, Fourth Wis. V. C,
for three years or during the war. He
was mustered into the service at Racine,
Wis., and assigned to duty, at first, in
the Army of the Potomac, and later saw
active service at New Orleans, Baton
Rouge and Port Hudson, La., Vicksburg,
Miss., and in the Red River campaign.
On February 9, 1865, he received an
honorable discharge at Baton Rouge, and
on his return to Green Bay was employed
by the Chicago & North Western Railway
Company, with \\'hich he has been ever
since. At Chicago, December 25, 1867,
he was married to Miss Mary J. Whit-
field; his second marriage in 1877, also
at Chicago, was to Miss Alline Ivennedy,
a native of Ireland, who bore him four
children, to wit. : Elizabeth S. ; John
Rossiter and James K. , both of whom
were drowned No\'ember 25, 1892, at the
respective ages of twelve and ten years,
and Priscilla Augusta. In politics Mr.
Cotton is a stanch Republican, and soci-
ally he is a member of Washington Lodge,
No. 21, F. & A. M., at Green Bay. Mrs.
Cotton is a pious lady, a faithful adher-
ent of the Church of Rome, and is a
member of St. John's Congregation of
Green Bav.
JAMES KERR, editor and proprietor
of the Fort Howard Rcviczl', was
born in Montrose, Forfarshire, Scot-
land, November 4, 1830, and when
five years of age came to this country
with his parents and two brothers, Rob-
ert and Andrew, arriving in Charleston,
S. C. The family remained only about
two years in that city, when they returned
to Montrose, Scotland.
The subject of this sketch received a
common education. During many of his
spare hours he was fond of visiting one of
the printing offices in the city of his birth,
and gained the esteem of the foreman.
He was a studious lad, and a great reader,
and his ambition was to be a printer. To
this his father was a little opposed, but
found favor with his mother, consequently,
on February 8, 1844, he entered the
Standard printing office as an appren-
tice. He proved to be such an excellent
"devil" that he was promoted over two
apprentices who were in the office before
44°
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
him, and "got a case" on the newspaper.
He became a good compositor, not a fast
one, but accurate, and always had a
"clean proof." Not having a great
liking for newspaper work at setting type,
he during spare hours would be in the
border case, and even changing lines in
standing jobs and advertisements. This
attracted the attention of the foreman,
and he was promoted to hold the "Adv.
Case " — -or rather he got all the adver-
tisements to "set up." From this he
was placed in the job-room, and long be-
fore his seven-years' apprenticeship was
finished had charge of the job depart-
ment.
During the term of his apprenticeship
he attended night school, and was also a
pupil of Isaac Pitman, who was then
traveling through Scotland, giving lessons
in /lis "Shorthand." Although not in
love with newspaper work at the case, he
nevertheless was local correspondent for
two outside newspapers, as well as doing
a little home work, and ultimately be-
came connected in the management of the
Montrose Citizen.
After entering on the last year of his
apprenticeship, he was offered a position,
to take charge of a new printing office to
be started in the city by a Mr. Rodgers.
The position to a young man not out of
his apprenticeship was a flattering one,
as well as a lucrative one, compared to
the wages of an apprentice in the last
year of his "time," and as a matter of
course James accepted the position.
From Mr. Rodger's office was issued The
Montrose Citizen, previously spoken of,
and Mr. Kerr held his position in that
office up to the time he left for the United
States.
The writer of this sketch obtained his
information from Mr. Kerr, in conversa-
tion, he not dreaming that it would ever
appear in "cold type" or printed. He
also gave some facts in regard to ' ' patent
insides " now in so general use by news-
papers in this country. "They talk
about these ' patent insides ' being first
used in this country; they were in use in
the old country many years before they
appeared here. Why, the Montrose Citi-
zen, with which I was connected," said
Mr. Kerr, "was printed on so-called
' patent insides,' a.r\.d full j' illustrated, too;
and what is more, news plates were fur-
nished, similar to those now in use — but
not to such perfection, I allow. I have a
file of the Montrose Citizen, and proofs
of the plates in my possession, so you see
that the bottom is knocked out of the
claim that the so-called 'patent insides'
and plates were first used in this coun-
try." Speaking, also, of all-brass galleys,
on which Hoe, of New York, claimed a
patent, Mr. Kerr says: " All-brass gallejs
were in use when I was a boy serving my
apprenticeship."
Mr. Kerr left the "land of heather"
August 26, 1854, leaving Montrose on
the sailing vessel "Helen," bound for
Quebec, Canada. Two days before his
departure, August 24, he was married by
Rev. Colin McCulloch, of the Estab-
lished Church of Scotland, to Miss Eliza-
beth Birnie Dickie, daughter of George
Dickie, shipbuilder, Mfjntrose, and before
leaving they were the recipients of valua-
ble gifts from their many friends. The
voyage was a tedious and stormy one,
and their travel by rail was greatly de-
layed, so that it was the 20th of October
before they reached the point of their
destination — Milwaukee, Wis. Here they
met Andrew Murison, formerly of Mont-
rose, a schoolmate and a "chum"
printer of Mr. Kerr's, and who had left
Scotland some few years before. Mr.
Kerr's youngest brother, Andrew Brand
I\err, was also one of the party which
left with them August 26, 1854. He
died (at Milwaukee) April 23, 1886. He
was married to Miss Harriet Travers,
daughter of an early partner of the late
John Flankinton, of Milwaukee. He
left a widow, two sons and a daughter.
Robert, the eldest son, is a widower
with one daughter, who resides with her
grandmother in New York Cit}-; Andrew,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
441
the other son, is unmarried; the daughter,
Henrietta, is married, and resides in Aber-
deen, Washington.
Mr. Murison, then in Milwaukee, was
a member of the firm of Chapman &
Murison, job printers. Mr. Cfiapman,
the well-known map publisher, being de-
sirous of selling out his interest in the
printing office, an arrangement was made
by which James Kerr purchased his inter-
est on November 4, his anniversary birth-
day, and the business firm became Muri-
son & Kerr. On the following year they
sold out their printing office, and both
entered the Daily News office in the job
department. A short time after Mr. Kerr
had taken a position in the A^cws office,
he was offered a situation in Port Wash-
ington, Ozaukee Co., Wis., to take charge
of the 0::aiikcc Comity Advertiser office,
which he accepted. C. F. Huntsman,
who was superintendent of the Nczvs,
greatly regretted the step he had taken,
as he desired his services in the job de-
partment; but Mr. Huntsman informed
Mr. Kerr that if the position did not suit
him, or if he desired to return to Mil-
waukee at any time, he would find a situ-
ation open for him in the Ncivs office —
which was very flattering to Mr. Kerr, as
well as evidence of Mr. Huntsman's ap-
preciation of his services.
Tlie Ozaukee County Advertiser was
owned by R. L. Gove, who was post-
master, and Mr. Kerr attended to the
management of the office.
During that
year Seymour G. Wait and Mr. Kerr pur-
chased the office, and enlarged and other-
wise improved the paper, greatly to the
satisfaction of the business community.
But Mr. Gove was ill at ease; the paper
was not run according to his political
standard; his editorials were rejected; and
he found his influence fading. He held
a chattel mortgage on the office, with an
"iron-clad" condition, which he ulti-
mately foreclosed without an hour's warn-
ing. This as a matter of course led to a
lawsuit. Sheriff Luetfringtook possession,
and Kerr & Wait employed Mr. Blair, an
able attorney, to look after their interest.
Many of the business men were indignant
at the course Mr. Gove had taken, and
agreed to secure funds enough to start a
new office and newspaper; but as Mr.
Wait preferred to go East and Mr. Kerr
returning to Milwaukee, nothing was done
toward starting a new paper. Suit was
commenced in the circuit court, but a
change of venue was taken to Racine
county. About one year afterward the
case of Kerr & Wait vs. R. L. Gove came
for trial at the city of Racine, and it was
settled by Mr. Gove paying a certain
amount of damages.
After leaving Port Washington Mr.
Kerr again held a position in the Alil-
tuaukee Nezus office, and remained on that
paper nearly seven years. During these
years many were the changes which took
place in the business and editorial man-
agement of that paper — Benton, Clason,
Huntsman, Hon. Beriah Brown, Joseph
Lathrop, Hon. John R. Sharpstein, Dr.
Orton, J. Lyon, Hon. George H. Paul,
etc. "I must relate to you, Sir," said
Mr. Kerr, as the writer was making his
notes, ' ' a circumstance which occurred,
and which elevated me considerablj'. It
was during the Buchanan campaign. Mil-
waukee was the headquarters, and the
election tickets were printed in the iVeit's
office, from where the different points
were supplied, especially north. These
tickets were being printed in several dif-
ferent languages, and there was a small
room almost filled with tickets, all cut
and packed ready for shipment. I spoke
to Mr. Huntsman one day about them,
stating that they would be worthless, and
that only tickets printed in the English
language could be used, no matter where
the election was held. He said I was a
good job printer, but a "greenhorn" in
these matters. However, Mr. Huntsman
spoke to one or two of the committee
about what the " green " Scotchman had
said in a sort of derision; the matter to
them had a more serious aspect; a com-
mittee meeting was called at once, and
442
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the result was that all the "foreign"
tickets were consigned to the flames and
the presses had to run night and da)' on
' Buck and Breck ' tickets in order to
get them out in time for election. " "To
this circumstance,"' continued Mr. Kerr,
"I owe my clcvatiun — in the AVrci office ;
for, a few weeks afterward, I was given
the position of foreman of the office and
my wages considerably increased."
In the spring of 1856 Mr. Kerr's
brother, Robert Laing Kerr, and wife
came to Milwaukee from Montrose, Scot-
land, and in the fall of the same year his
parents with three sisters also arrived
from Scotland in Milwaukee. Robert L.
Kerr now resides in Monmouth, 111. He
married Elizabeth Reoch at Brechin,
Scotland, and has a family of sons and
daughters — one son and daughter mar-
ried— Mrs. Frank Foster, tjf Beloit, Wis.,
and Andrew Kerr, of Duiuth, Minnesota.
On Augu.st 9. 1S57, George Dickie
Kerr, a son of James Kerr, died; and on
December 25, same year, his sister, Mary,
died; in the following year, on February
21, his infant daughter, Margaret Jane
Kerr, died; and on May 26, i860, his
mother, Margaret Taylor-Kerr, died. All
these deaths occurred in Milwaukee, and
the remains interred in the family grounds
in Forest Home Cemetery.
In 1863 Mr. Kerr's father and his two
sisters, Georgianna .\llarclice Kerr and
Elizabeth Clark Kerr, returned to Scot-
land and their native home.
In the same year Mr. Kerr left the
Nc'MS office, and for a time was in the
Wisconsin office. In the fall he made
his mind up to enlist in the army, with
which intent he went to the mustering and
disbursing office, desiring, however, to
enlist in the Twenty-fourth Wis. V. I.,
as many of his friends were members of
that regiment, and they were at that time
filling up the old regiments with new men
to keep the companies full. The Twenty-
fourth had been filled up; Mr. Kerr had a
friend in the mustering office, a Mr. Leach,
who was chief clerk, and he gave him a
position in the office. In the fall of the
following year Gen. Grant issued an order
for all men who had "soft snaps" at
home offices to get to the front, and Mr.
Kerr had "to get." The Forty-sixth
Wisconsin Regiment was then being
formed, and a recruiting officer was get-
ting up a company in Milwaukee. This
company — Company F — Mr. Kerr joined,
and was appointed first sergeant. The
regiment rendezvoused at Camp Randall,
Madison, and was organized under Col.
Fred S. Lovell. Henry B. Williams was
captain of Company F. The regiment
did not leave the State until the begin-
ning of March, when it proceeded to
Louisville, Ky., and thence to Athens,
Ala., where it was assigned to guard duty
against bushwhackers and guerrillas. The
regiment remained at Athens until called
to Wisconsin, being mustered out at
Nashville, Tenn., paid off in Madison,
and disbanded early in October.
When the regiment reached Chicago
Mr. Kerr received the sad intelligence of
the death of his four-year-old son, Albert
Edward Kerr, on the 24th of September,
but a few days before, and after the regi-
ment disbanded at Madison he made all
haste to his home of mourning at Milwau-
kee, which he had left less than a year
before, with hopes of returning joy and
happiness. "At the time I enlisted," said
Mr. Kerr, ' ' I was robust and hearty, and
weighed 198 pounds; but on my return
home I only weighed 1 14 pounds! " Dur-
ing the time Mr. Kerr was in the army he
wrote some very interesting letters for the
Wisconsiti.
After remaining at home a short time
Mr. Kerr accepted a position in Horton
& Leonard's office in Chicago. He re-
mained in Chicago about a year, when he
returned to Milwaukee to accept the
management of the book department in
Starr's printing establishment; he also
became foreman of the job department.
In Starr's office he remained for several
years. Mr. Kerr was offered a lucrative
position in the journal of Commerce
COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPUICAL RECORD.
443
printing establishment, which he ac-
cepted. This was a new office, and he
had the entire management of the con-
cern until it changed hands in 1874. Mr.
Kerr was interested with Mr. Bailey in
the publishing of directories in Milwau-
kee, as well as engaged in publishing sev-
eral meritorious advertising literature,
etc. During his long residence in Mil-
waukee— from 1854 to 1874 — he was
considered a first-class printer in all de-
tails, and authority in the settlement of
any disputes among the craft. He was a
valuable member of the Typographical
Union, and for many years president of
the organization, is a member of the In-
ternational Typographical Union, and
represented Milwaukee at its convention
in the city of Albany, N. Y. ; was a mem-
of the I. O. O. F., No. 20; was a charter
member of Sheridan Post No. 6, G. A.
R., and was adjutant of the post for sev-
eral terms and also vice-commander.
In 1 874 the proprietors of the foiirnai
of Commerce sold out their establishment
to practical printers, and Mr. Kerr being
offered a position in Green Bay, to take
charge of the job department of the State
Gazette, he at once accepted, and the
early days of the month of March, 1874,
found him on duty with Hoskinson
& Follett, the then proprietors.
Shortly afterward he assumed the
duties of local editor, and held that
position until April, 1884. During the
time he was "localizing" on the Daily
Ga::ette, he published and managed the
Fort Howard Rez'ie-io. The history of the
ups and downs of the lives of newspapers
in Fort Howard is so remarkable that the
city was named, by neighboring contem-
poraries, as the "newspaper cemetery,"
and from an article published on "The
Press of Brown County — past and pres-
ent," which appeared in August, 1886,
we glean the following facts:
The first paper published was the Ej-a,
on 20th April, 1855; the second number
was never published; the Fort Howard
Times was the next paper, but the office
was destroyed by fire October 22, 1872,
and publication was never resumed. In
the same year the Fort Howard Monitor
was started, and after going through many
changes in its management suspended in
March, 1877. The i'l/tiw/Zi;'/- had the con-
tract for city printing, and the proprietor
turned over the contract to the RcvieiK.'.
The Reviezu was then printed in Green
Bay, and ordinances, etc., had to be pub-
lished in a paper printed in the city. The
Fort Howard Herald was then printed in
Fort Howard, and the proprietor claimed
the contract ; but Mr. Kerr was sufficient
for the emergency. J. H. Tayler had an
amateur press, and Mr. Kerr had the or-
dinances and other official matter "set
up " in Green Bay and printed the matter
on the small press in P'ort Howard, which
covered the provision of the city charter,
and satisfied the city council, much to the
chagrin of the proprietor of the Herald.
The Herald was established in 1872, but
had a checkered life; it passed into other
hands in 1 877, and changed hands in 1878,
when the name was also changed to the
Broivit County Herald, and published but
a short time. In 1879 the Fort Howard
Journal appeared, but lived only a short
time ; then followed the Morning Journal,
and after its demise came the Broicii
County Democrat, which followed the
/;?//;-«rt/after a short life. In June, 1882,
the Fort Howard Sentinel made its ap-
pearance, and continued publication until
February, 1890, when it followed the fate
of those gone before. The Fort Howard
Reviezu was started by David M. Burns
as an advertising sheet for his own busi-
ness in September, 1875, and published
monthly. It was a small three-column
four-page publication. In November,
1876, Mr. Burns turned over the Rcviezv
to James Kerr, who enlarged the paper to
a five-column folio, and gave attention to
local matters. It was received by the
public with so much favor that on the
following January he commenced publish-
ing the Revieiv weekly, and enlarged it to
a six-column folio.
444
COMMEMORATIVE BI06RAPBICAL RECORD.
When Mr. Kerr left the Green Bay
Gazette to commence business in Fort
Howard, his son, Charles Stuart, became
partner, and shortly afterward the AV-
vieix.' was enlarged to a six-column quarto
— the standard size — and has been printed
and published continuously under their
management up to the present day. The
article on "The Press of Brown County,"
previously mentioned, in speaking of the
Review and its proprietors, says: "Con-
sidering the sad fate of so many attempts
at journalism in Fort Howard, and the
many disadvantages the Review has had
to contend with, its present position is
both a matter of pride and gratification to
its proprietors and originators."
In September, 1880, Mr. Kerr's
mother-in-law, Mrs. George Dickie, died,
and was consigned to the grave on the
memorable day of the Great Fire in Green
Bay. After her husband's death in Mil-
waukee, in i860, Mrs. Dickie became one
of the family circle, and resided at Mr.
Kerr's home for nearly twenty years. She
was a kind-hearted, cheerful and affec-
tionate woman, and her loss was keenly
felt by the entire family.
Mr. Kerr's father died on March 18,
1 88 1, at Montrose, in his native land,
after a long illness, where he was attended
with constant care and devotion, which
only two loving daughters could give.
After his death, all tender ties being
broken — lie being the last of the family
race in Scot/and — they left for America,
coming to Fort Howard in the fall of
1 88 1, and resided with their brother,
James Kerr, for over a year, when they
removed to Milwaukee to make that city
their home.
In the same \ear, and but little over
three months after the death of Mr.
Kerr's father, he lost a son. James Tay-
lor Kerr was aged about seventeen years
at the time of his death. He was a
bright and intelligent young lad, far above
his years, and gave promise of a brilliant
and useful life. His death was a heavy
blow to the parents, and a sorrowful one
to all his acquaintances and those who
came in close contact with him. The
Green Bay Globe of July 13, 1881, in
speaking of his death, said:
The unlooked-for death of Jjtnniie Kerr is
the occasion of profound sorrow in the printing'
offices, where he was well known, as it is among
all who knew him. He was one of the most g^en-
tlemanly unobtrusive and intelligent little fel-
lows we ever met with. It seemed to us, when-
ever he came to our sanctum, that his kind,
earnest, serious face was itself a prophecj- of a
life that would expand to greatness and useful-
ness as the years grew. But God plucks his
choicest flowers first. The prophecy may not
reach its fulfillment, unless the influence of his
life and aspirations shall inspire his compan-
ions with higher aims and better purposes. Jim-
mie was in his seventeenth year. He had been
suffering since the Fourth with an attack of
cholera morbus, which was not considered dan-
gerous; but it took an unfavorable turn on Mon-
day evening, and he died before midnight.
On the evening of October 21, 1884,
Death seemed for a time to hover o'er the
the family circle, but through the mercy
of Divine Providence took wings, and the
threshhold was not passed. But that
night was a sad and melancholy one with-
in their home, as well as a dark and dreary
one outside; the parents frantic with grief
and sorrowing and kind friends bestowing
all assistance and sympathy that bleeding
hearts could offer — when the almost life-
less body of their son, William Lowe
Kerr, of but fourteen years of age, was
carried to his home; and as Dr. Brett
stated to a friend — "it was one of the
most pitiful sights he ever saw." The
boy had met with an accident, and been
run over by the cars on the North West-
ern road. The accident was one which
aroused the sympathy of every one, for
the lad was well known, and was a favor-
ite with all who knew him. Of the sad
accident the local papers spoke in the
most feeling terms, and we make an ex-
tract from an extended account which ap-
peared in the Fort Howard Sentinel.
The unfortunate lad was the carrier of the
Milirniikii Journal for this citj'. He had gone to
the Milwaukee & Northern station, in Green
Bay. as was his custom, and returning boarded
the C. & N. W. incoming train to ride to the
lower part of the city, which was not customary
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
445
with him. It is supposed that he jumped from
the train when opposite the fire engine house,
as his hat and bundle of papers were subse-
quently found at that point, and had fallen in
such a manner as to cause one arm and one
hand to cross the track, and it is probable that
several wheels passed over them. He bore his
injuries with remarkable fortitude; after re-
ceiving- them, he rose and walked to the spot
where he was afterward discovered lying, and
where it is evident he tripped over a projecting-
board and fell to the ground, he seemingly
unconscious of the terrible character of his
injuries.
Doctors Bartran and Brett were summoned,
and it was found that it would be necessary to
amputate the right arm near the shoulder, and
the whole of the left hand, save the upper por-
tion and the thumb, and the operation was suc-
cessfully performed. The unfortunate lad is
doing as well as possible under the circum-
stances, but he will, of course, be helpless for
life, which is more particularly regretful since
he was a boy of much energy and activity, and
gave good promise of a life of much usefulness.
Contrary to expectation, and not-
withstanding the severity of his injuries,
the young man rapidly recovered, and in
the course of a few weeks was out again
and attending school as usual, the rapid-
ity of his recovery from such fearful injur-
ies being a matter of wonder to the com-
munity and the medical fraternity. He
soon learned to hold a pen or pencil with
his thumb and mutilated left hand, and
in a short time was enabled to write leg-
ibly in a flowing back-handed style of pen-
manship, which admitted of his keeping
books, and attending to ordinary matters
of business apparently without trouble or
inconvenience. He continued his studies
until he graduated from the High School,
with honors heaped upon him, and at the
" Commencement " was the recipient of
many valuable gifts from friends. Since
his graduation he has taught in the public
schools with satisfactory results to the
school board and pupils. He has twice
been elected city clerk, at present hold-
ing that position; is also secretary-treas-
urer of the local lodge of the K. O. T. M.
He is now twenty-four years of age, in
full and perfect enjoyment of health, and
every indication points to many years of
usefulness to the community and prosper-
ity for himself.
Again the Grim Reaper enters the
family, and cuts off Mr. Kerr's youngest
sister. Just as the city bells in Milwau-
kee were ringing out the hour of noon on
the 5th day of January, 1895, with a soft
and almost silent sigh, life departed — her
soul went out to meet the Maker — a ling-
ering and painful illness of nearly three
years was ended, endured with true Chris-
tian patience and fortitude, often deceiving
her friends by her cheery smile and jocular
remarks which were assumed to hide her
intense suffering. Elizabeth Clark Kerr at
the time of her death was fifty-two years
of age. She was a true tender-hearted wo-
man, naturally of a cheerful disposition,
which served her well during her long sick-
ness. Her remains were laid to rest along-
side the grave of her mother, in the family
grounds at Forest Home.
Mr. and Mrs. James Kerr reside in an
unpretentious residence on the corner of
Broadway and Hubbard streets, one of
the most prominent and pleasant street
corners in the city; he also owns some
valuable residence and business property,
has the most extensive private library in
the city, and is the possessor of many
rare and valuable articles of virtu. Their
surviving family consists of two sons and
one daughter.
Charles Stuart, their eldest son, is as-
sociated with his father in the steam job-
printing business, and the publishing of the
Fort Howard Rc7'icii.'. He is a member
of the Sons of Veterans, Modern Wood-
men of America, the Knights of the Mac-
cabees, the Green Lake Quartette — a lo-
cal musical organization of considerable
note — besides several social clubs in Fort
Howard and Green Bay. He is a young
man of good principle, and a hustler in
a business way. Socially, he is very
popular.
Their daughter, Harriet Ann Taylor,
is married to D. M. Hagerty, district
illuminating oil inspector, and an influen-
tial and prominent citizen of Green Bay.
She is an accomplished lady and a favorite
in society. She can set type or take
446
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.
charge of the editorial department of a
newspaper, both of which she has done in
her father's office. Thej' have one child,
Mildred.
William Lowe, the youngest son of
the family, I have alread\- spoken of in
detail. ,
Mrs. Kerr is a model wife and mother,
and possesses an exemplary Christian
character. She is a member of the Pres-
byterian Church, taking an active interest
in all that pertains to that society. In
appearance she is petite, of a pleasant
disposition, extremely social, making
friends easily, and holding their regard
and esteem. She has three sisters — Mrs.
Martin Durward (Isabella, twin sister), of
Milwaukee; Mrs. William S. Lowe (Mary),
of Spottsylvania, \'a. ; and Mrs. David
Dickie (Annj, of Dunedin, New Zealand.
Mrs. Lowe and Miss Isabella Dickie were
of the party that accompanied Mr. and
Mrs. Kerr to this countr\' in August,
1854.
James Kerr is in his sixty-fifth }ear,
and though the frosts of many winters have
limned his head as with a halo, he is still
as hale and hearty, genial and pleasant,
as when, forty years ago, he first left the
land of brown heath and shaggy woods.
Time has dealt gently with him, his portly
form and jovial, expressive face indicat-
ing a life well spent and the possession of
a contented mind. He has during his
residence in Fort Howard been a member
of the county board of supervisors, and
an officer in Green Bay Lodge, I. O. O.
F. , No. 19; is an active and valuable
member of Howard Lodge, A. O. U. W. ,
No. 72 ; and a member of the Grand Lodge
of the State, having been elected for three
terms to represent No. 72 in that body,
and is D. G. M. W. for the district. He
is also a member of T. O. Howe Post, G.
A. R. , an influential citizen and highly
respected in the community. He has one
brother and one sister living, namely:
Robert Laing Kerr, of Monmouth, 111.,
and Georgianna AUardice Kerr, of Mil-
waukee.
Mr. Kerr has resided in Fort Howard
since the first day of his arrival, and The
Rcvicii' has been continuously printed and
published under his charge. The paper
is Republican in politics, and being al-
ways watchful for the best interests of the
city, and enjoying a large circulation, it
has naturally a wide influence. The office
is well equipped with power presses run
by steam, and all modern material,
being one of the best appointed in north-
eastern Wisconsin. — J. W. S.
WELLINGTON B. COFFEEN,
M. D. Ever}' profession has its
prominent men, some made such
by long membership, others by
their proficiency in their calling. The
subject of this sketch is made conspicuous
among the ph\sicians of Brown county,
not so much by the length of time he has
devoted to the calling — for he is as yet a
young man — as by the eminent success
he has already made of it.
He is a native of Wisconsin, born
August 26, 1858, in Taycheedah, Fond
du Lac county. The progenitor of the
famil)' of which he is a member was a
young Irish lad who boarded a vessel in
Ireland and worked his passage across the
ocean, his labor being subsequently sold
out in Boston to pay the rest of his pass-
age. He prospered, married, and had
several sons who settled in different
States, one in New York State, probably
in Watertown, Jefferson county, where
his decendants became well-to-do farmers.
Grandfather David Coffeen, who was a
farmer of Watertown, N. Y., was a very
active man, and in middle life removed
with his family to Calumet county, Wis.,
where he resided till he was seventy-two
years of age, when, having always ex-
pressed a desire to die in his old home at
Watertown, he removed thither and died
a few weeks afterward. He was a stanch
Republican, taking a deep interest in
local and State politics, was a man of the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGMAPHWAL RECORD.
447
most positive character, and possessed of
great will power.- He married in Water-
town, and had a family of children named
respecti\ely: Curtis, David, Louis, Por-
ter and Emma. Of these, Louis was born
in Watertown, and was a young man
of about sixteen when he came to Wis-
consin, where he worked for eight dol-
lars per month until he was enabled to
buy a piece of land in Fond du Lac
county, afterward accumulating there con-
siderable property, including several fine
farms. He now resides in Vassar, Mich.
His wife, Lucy (Abner), died at the
age of forty-nine years, the mother of
five children, of whom our subject is the
second.
Dr. Coffeen is principally a self-made
and self-educated man, his earlier educa-
tion having been limited to the district
schools of Fond du Lac count}-, Wis. At
the age of eighteen years he entered the
State Normal School at Oshkosh, paying
his own waj' there, and also through the
medical course, later on. After a two-
years' course at the Normal, he entered
the office of Dr. Louis Grasnmck, a well-
known and successful physician of Men-
asha, who subsequently removed to Colo-
rado. .At an early age, even in childhood,
our subject had a great desire to become
a physician, which desire was probably
inherited from his mother, who was a
splendid nurse and a great blessing to the
sick in her family and neighborhood. She
had the gentle ways of the Sister of
Charity, and the hope that springs from
affection. After studying in the of^ce for
two years he proceeded to Ann Arbor,
Mich., and entered the Homeopathic
Medical Department of the University of
Michigan, where he labored diligently at
his books, and took his Freshman and
Junior studies in one year. From there
he went to the Homeopathic Medical
College, Chicae:o, 111., from which insti-
tution he graduated March 4, 1884, and
immediately located at Fort Howard and
Green Bay, where he has continued to
practice ever since. In 1889 he removed
25
his residence to Green Bay, and has built
up a good practice.
Dr. Coffeen was married, in Fort
Howard, September 29, 1886, to Miss
Nellie Camm, a native of that place,
daughter of Capt. James M. Camm and
Dr. Mary Bass Camm, the former of
whom was an officer in the Florida war,
Mexican war and the war of the Rebellion.
In the Mexican war Capt. Camm was
shot through the neck, the vocal cords
being severed, but is a hale and hearty
man to-day, now residing in Valentine,
Neb. The mother of Mrs. Dr. Coffeen
was a well-known Homeopathic physician,
with a lucrative practice in Fort Howard
and Green Bay, where she is held in
loving and kindly remembrance for her
many acts of charity and devotion to the
sick and afflicted. She died of pneumonia,
in March, 1889, at the house of her
daughter, at the age of fifty-five years.
Dr. Coffeen has two sons: James How-
ard and Lew Wallace. The Doctor has
been a member of the Royal Arcanum for
nine years, and was examining physician
of same for many years; is a past Regent,
having filled all the offices, and is a mem-
ber of the Grand Council of the State of
Wisconsin. He is also a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America, Green Bay
Lodge, and is its examining physician; is
also a member of the Knights of the Mac-
cabees of the World, is its examining
physician, and is now its commander. At
the last biennial session of the State con-
vention, held in Green Bay, April 3, 1895,
he was also elected representative to the
Supreme Tent from this State. He is a
member of the Brown County Medical
Association, the State Homeopathic Medi-
cal Association, and the American Insti-
tute of Homeopathy.
Dr. Coffeen is one of those men who
ma)' be said to have chosen well. Pos-
sessed of a kind, sympathetic nature, a
keen sense of discrimination, a natural
taste for the various branches of the medi-
cal profession, he has made a signal
success.
448
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
This gentleman
CA. NEWELL
has been a resident of Green Bay
for the past quarter of a century,
during which time he has earned
the respect of the community, both as a
private citizen and as a tradesman.
He is a native of New York State,
born in Delaware county, in 1825, a son
of Harry and Jerusha (Foot) Newell, both
of New York birth. The father was a
farmer in Delaware county, and on re-
tiring from active work made his home in
New York, dying there in 18 — ; his wife
passed away in 1S48. Grandfather Rob-
ert Newell was a native of New York, a
sea captain by occupation, and partici-
pated in the war of the Revolution.
After his school days were over,
which were passed in his native county,
our subject commenced to learn the trade
of carpenter, completing same in Wiscon-
sin, whither he came in 1845, arriving in
Milwaukee, and locating first in Dodge
county. After remaining there some
years engaged closely at his trade, he
moved to Waupun, Fond du Lac county,
and from there came in 1869 to Green Bay
which has since been his home. This
was not his first visit, however, to the
town, for in 1854 we find him working here
in the shipyards. He was also engaged
in shipbuilding in Pensaukee and Little
Sturgeon, and among the vessels he
helped to build may be mentioned the
schooner "Fannie Gardner," steamer
"Union," brig " F. B. Gardner," and
others, A. Gilson, of Oshkosh, Wis., his
brother-in-law, being the master ship-
builder. Our subject is now engaged chiefly
in contracting for residence buildings, and
in Green Bay, alone, there are to be seen
many evidences of his skill, such as the
" Kellogg House," the Orphan Asylum,
the "Albright House," the Pierce resi-
dence and many others, besides the Court
House for Ontonagon county, Mich. He
also owns three lots in Green Bay, and
has built thereon two residences. In ad-
dition to his other interests, he carries on
a cabinet shop, doing desk and fine cabi-
net work of all kinds, chiefly expert
work.
On November 11, 1851, Mr. Newell
was married in Winneconne, Winnebago
Co., Wis , to Miss Isabella Hall, daugh-
ter of Thomas and Isabella Hall, all na-
tives of Canada, whence they came to
Wisconsin in 1849. One child, a daugh-
ter, Imogene, was the result of this union,
born October 11, 1854, died No^\ember
7, 1855. On February 26, 1858, Mr.
Newell was married in Door county,
Wis., to Miss Mary Howlett, a school
teacher of Sturgeon Bay, daughter of
James and Alice (Finch) Howlett, all na-
tives of England, who about the year 1848
came to Wisconsin, settling on a farm in
Fond du Lac county, where the mother
died, the father subsequently remo\ing
into the town of \\'aupaca, where he died
in 1888. In his political preferences Mr.
Newell is a Republican, a zealous sup-
porter of the principles of the part}'. He
and his amiable life partner enjo\' the
highest esteem on the part of their many
friends, and they are useful members of
society.
REV. CHRISTIAN ANTON
FREDERICK POPP. Among
the pioneer ministers of Wiscon-
sin, who faithfully represented the
German Lutheran Church, we must men-
tion Rev. Popp, who was born August 5,
1825, in Bayreuth, Bavaria, Germany.
He comes from an old German family
who, in the time of the Duchess of Bran-
denburg, resided in Bayreuth, Anspach,
which was the home of his ancestors for
many generations. A great many of the
progenitors of Rev. Popp were teachers.
His grandfather, Stephen Popp, was a
soldier in Germany, and musical director
of the regimental band. In June, 1777,
he and three thousand fellow soldiers
were sold by the Markgrave Casimir of
Brandenburg, and when preparations were
made to ship them to America the regi-
ment rose in mutiny, at Marktbreit-on-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
449
the-Main. Markgrave Casimir, however,
had received an enormous sum for the
use of the troops, and he was bound to
fulfill his contract. He surrounded the
regiment with his body-guard, disarmed
the soldiers and put them in chains, nine
of the leaders being hanged. This inhu-
man act was witnessed by the remaining
soldiers of the regiment, who were then
taken to boats and shipped to Rotterdam,
Holland, where English frigates were in
readiness to receive them and bear them to
America, to swell the army of Lord Corn-
wallis. Stephen Popp participated in the
Revolutionary war, and was taken pris-
oner at Yorktown. After peace was de-
clared he settled in York, Penn., where
he married the daughter of a German
farmer by the name of Baumann, and by
.her had six children, all of whom they
lost by death. After the war he turned
his musical talents to account, and, be-
coming quite a prosperous man, in course
of time set out to return to Germany
with a small fortune, but the ship in
which he took passage was lost together
with all his valuables, he and his wife
barely escaping with their lives; and thus
they reached their home, poor in worldly
possessions, but rich in faith in God.
Soon after they settled in Neustadt-on-
the-Aesch, where a son, Johann George,
was born November 27, 1796. Thus,
after many adventures and much tribula-
tion, a life as varied as a romance, a
blessing in the birth of a son came to
them in the evening of life. The mother,
however, gave up her life in giving birth
to the son. The father of this child was
afflicted with blindness during the last
twenty years of his life, and died in
Neustadt in 1821, at the age of sixty-two.
The son, Johann George Popp, was
educated in Neustadt, and become a
teacher in the public schools in Bayreuth,
where he taught about twenty-five years.
He died. May 28, 1845, of grief at the
loss of his beloved wife, Johanna Kather-
ine (Kroher), whose death occurred Jan-
uary 22, 1838; she was born April 27,
1804. The couple were much devoted to
one another, and lived an ideal married
life. The marriage was blessed with six
children, viz: Christian Anton Frederick
Popp (our subject); a brother, now super-
intendent of the Lutheran church at
Wiesenbroun, Germany; Henrietta, who
died of croup at the age of four years;
Franz, deceased, who was procurist (con-
fidential clerk) in the Rothschild Bank at
Vienna; Carl, who became a wanderer,
led an adventurous life, and fought with
Kossuth in the Turkish service against
Russia (after peace was declared, he went
to England, where he married a banker's
daughter in Birmingham; he served a
number of years as Imperial German
Consul); andElenore, married to a teacher
named Lindner.
Rev. C. A. F. Popp studied first in
Bayreuth, and later in the University of
Erlangen, where he made a specialty of
theology from 1841 to 1845. He after-
ward became a private teacher in the
family of Baron Reinhardt, of Bavaria,
in which capacity he served for a year
and a half, at the end of which time he
received a call from the Consistory to the
ministry, which he obeyed. He was or-
dained May 5, 1848, and took charge as
administrator of the church Parochy at
Marktbenten, at the end of one year be-
coming assistant pastor at Mistlegau,
near Bayreuth. Later in the year 1849,
he emigrated to America (where many of
his friends and fellow students had pre-
ceded him), taking with him letters of
recommendation to the Lutheran Synod
of Pennsylvania, of which he became a
member, his membership continuing from
1850 to i860, during which time he had
charge of the Lutheran Church at Bir-
mingham, Penn. In 1855 he moved to
Quincy, 111., where he preached six years,
and then went to Warsaw, 111., remain-
ing six years as pastor of a Lutheran
Church of that place, and his next pas-
torage was in Bethlehem, III, where he
served two years. As a means of build-
ing up his health which, by reason of his
450
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
many years hard work liad become im-
paired, he in 1868 left Bethlehem for
Oshkosh, Wis., and in 1870 removed to
Kenosha. In 1881 he took up his abode
in Wrightstown, where he assumed charge
of the Lutheran Church. He has be-
come well known as an earnest and valu-
able worker, both in the Church and in
the parochial schools, which latter, under
his supervision, are scattered over four
townships and thirteen school districts,
and are limited to children from thirteen
to si.\teen years of aj,'e. He is held in
high esteem bj" his people, who value him
as a friend, and wherever he has been he
is remembered as a pastor who has the
welfare of his parishioners at heart. He
is a preacher of the old school, and has
the mien of a patriarch, his influence over
the people of his congregation being
abundantly felt throughout life. Rev.
Popp was married in Mistlegau, Germany,
June 16, 1849, to Miss Emeline Wilhcl-
niina Christiana Hagen, who was born
May 18, 1830, in Neudrossenfeld, daugh-
ter of Rev. Christian Hagen, a Lutheran
minister, and fourteen children were born
to this union, of whom the following are
now living: Anna Margaretha, Franz
Johannes, Sophia Maria E., Fred Peter
August, Godfrey George Ludwig, Rosa-
linda F. J. A. and Carl Jacob F. A. Of
these,
GonFRKV G. L. Popr was born May
28, 186S, in Bethlehem, 111., was edu-
cated in Kenosha and W'rightstown, stud-
ied pharmacy at Racine and Baraboo,
Wis. , and in September, 1 890, received a
license from the State of Wisconsin. He
opened a drug store in Wrightstown in
the fall of 1889, and has continued in
same ever since with eminent success.
He was married November 20, 1890, to
Miss Emma Rather, a native of W'rights-
town, daughter of Albert Rather, a hard-
ware merchant. Two children have
blessed this union, Viola Caroline E. and
Ida Nellie. Mr. and Mrs. Popp are mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church; politically he
is identified with the Democratic party.
CAPTAIN H. W. WEBSTER, ply-
ing on the lakes between Green
Bay and Chicago and intervening
ports, was born in De Pere, Wis.,
in 1847, and is a son of Levi and Mary
P. (Smith) Webster.
Levi Webster was a native of Ver-
mont, and in 1833 or 1834 came to Wis-
consin, locating in Green Bay, and then
settled at De Pere, and assisted in putting
in the locks. He later purchased and
moved to a farm near the city, and made
it his home till his death, which occurred
in October, 1862, being followed by his
wife in February, 1863; both were mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church at De-
Pere, of which she was a charter member.
They reared a family of four sons, viz. :
Lewis B., who resides in Rutland, Vt.,
was a three-years' volunteer in the Fifty-
eighth 111. V. I., but was discharged on
account of disability in 1862, probably
within a year after enlisting; he is now
employed at the Howe Scale Works.
Levi H., the second son, enlisted in the
Twentieth Wis. V. I. for three years;
took part in the battle of Pittsburg Land-
ing, and in the fights on the Gulf; he is
now a farmer in Minnesota. Edgar E. ,
the third son, served his full three years,
in the Civil war, in the Fourteenth Wis-
consin Infantry.
Capt. H. W. Webster, the fourth son,
was reared on his father's farm, and edu-
cated in Lawrence township, Brown
county. In 1869 he entered on his lake
life as a fireman on a steamer, and in 1871
reached a captaincy. He was married,
at Green Bay, to Miss Sarah N. Lewis, a
native of Montello, Marquette Co., Wis.,
and a daughter of Thomas and Asenath
(Buck) Lewis, natives of Ohio. This
union has been blessed with one child,
Herbert Lewis Webster. Mr. and Mrs.
Webster are conscientious members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church ; in poli-
tics the Captain is a Prohibitionist; social-
ly he is a member of the Royal Arcanum,
Lodge No. 546. Grandfather Smith was
a native of Vermont, and one of the pio-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
451
neers of Green Bay. Of Green Bay the
Captain has witnessed much of the re-
markable development, as well as of the
complete growth of Lawrence township.
His temperate and upright life has won
for him many sincere friends, as well as
the respect of his fellow citizens of Brown
county.
CHARLES L. DAVIS, farmer and
stock raiser, and one of the pro-
gressive, public-spirited citizens
of Lawrence township. Brown
county, was born July 25, 1848, in the
town of Rovalton, Niagara count}-, New
York.
His father, E. B. Davis, was a native
of Schenectady county, N. Y., where he
married Polly Schadd, and while living in
New York thev had children as follows:
John, a member of Company I, Third
Wisconsin Cavalr\-, who died at Madison,
Wis.; George, who died in Elyria, Ohio;
and Charles L. , whose name introduces
this sketch. Mr. Davis was a farmer in
New York State, and, in 1849, he removed
to Lorain county, Ohio, and purchased a
farm in Carlisle township, where he con-
tinued to follow agricultural pursuits, and
here he also dealt extensively in lumber,
principall}- the purchasing of staves for a
Buffalo firm. In Lorain county was born
another child, Jane C, who married
Bruce Lindsle}', and died in Flintville,
Brown Co., Wis. Mrs. Polly Davis died
in Lorain county January 17, 1857, and
was buried in Elyria, same county, and
Mr. Davis then married Miss Susan Oak-
ley, who died in Lorain county July 11,
1858. In 1859 he wedded, in Lockport,
N. Y., for his third wife. Miss Mary Bar-
rett. In i860, the lumber business hav-
ing gradually declined with the clearing
away of the forests, Mr. Davis concluded
to remove farther west, and brought his
family to Brown county, Wis. , traveling
by rail to Oshkosh, and from there by
stage to Wrightstown, Brown county,
where they located. Mr. Davis again
engaged in the stave business, buying
timber from farmers, and he put consid-
erable money into circulation here, as his
trade was an extensive one. He invested
in a large amount of land in Brown county,
and pre-empted over three hundred
acres of government land. He was a
well-built man, of splendid physique, and
was well-known and highly respected in
his community. At the time of his
death, which occurred March 11, 1878,
he was comfortably situated. In his polit-
ical belief he was a Democrat, and a
stanch supporter of the party, but was
not an active politician. He lies buried
in Wrightstown cemetery.
Charles L. Davis received his first
school training in Carlisle township, Lo-
rain Co., Ohio. After the death of his
mother he returned to Niagara county,
N. Y. , and for two years made his home
with his grandfather, then, in i860, com-
ing to Wisconsin. In October, 1864,
then but little over sixteen years of age,
he enlisted, at Green Bay, Wis., in Com-
pany H, Twelfth Wisconsin Infantry,
was sent South, and, joining the regiment
at Marietta, Ga. , participated in the en-
tire campaign through the Carolinas. He
took part in the Grand Review at Wash-
ington, D. C, was mustered out at
Louisville, Ky. , and received an honorable
discharge at Madison, Wis. When he
first came to W'isconsin, the schools were
very poor, and he did not attend much,
as he assisted his father in the latter's
extensive lumber business, becoming
familiar with the details of same when
j'et a mere boy. After the war he be-
came partner with his father in the
business, and continued to hold an inter-
est in same until 1879.
On April 9, 1877, at Wrightstown,
Wis. , by Rev. Father De Wilt, Mr. Davis
was united in marriage to Miss Ellen
Sullivan, who was born January 22, 1857,
in Winchendon, Worcester Co., Mass.,
eldest child of John and Ellen (Harris)
Sullivan. For five years previous to her
marriage, she followed the profession of
»
452
COMyrEMOIiATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
school teaching, in the meantime having
her residence in Lawrence. In 1882 Mr.
Davis purchased his present farm, in
Lawrence township, and moved thereon,
at the same time severing completely his
connection with the lumber business.
Since that time he has been exclusively
engaged in general farming and stock
raising, and he now has a fertile, well-
improved farm of ninety-nine acres. In
politics he is one of the leaders of the
Democratic party in his section, and for
three years has been chairman of the
Democratic committee. He is always
among the foremost men in the township
in any enterprise tending to benefit the
community in general. To him and his
wife have come children as follows: Jen-
nie E., born August 2, 1879; Mamie L. ,
born February 4, 1881, died February 7,
1882; John E., born June 18, 1882; Har-
riet C, born May 24, 1886, died May 7,
1887; and Charles F., born April i, 1889.
OJ. B. BKICE. The Kingdom of
Belgium has given to the United
States man}- of her industrious,
loyal and prosperous citizens,
among whom may be justly numbered the
gentleman whose name here appears — a
name in northern Wisconsin as "familiar
as household words."
Mr. Brice has the distinguished honor
of representing his native land as consul
for Wisconsin, Minnesota and the two
Dakotas, his appointment, over the sign-
manual of the King of the Belgians, dating
June 16, 1880, the United States being
at the time under the administration of
Gen. K. B. Hayes. In addition to his
consular duties Mr. Brice carries on exten-
sive real-estate and insurance businesses,
and is ticket agent for Ocean steamship
lines. He was born April 6, 1837, in the
city of Jodoigne, Province of Brabant,
Belgium, a son of John Louis and Mary
J. (Straele) Brice, also of Belgian nativ-
ity. They had a family of nine children,
of whom five died in infancy, and the
others (four brothers) came to Brown
county. Wis., viz.: Joseph, who settled
in the town of Scott, Brown county, in
1856; Louis and Albert, both house and
sign painters, and residing in Green Bay;
and our subject. The father died in Bel-
gium in 1849; the mother came to Green
Bay in 1859, and died here in 1861.
The subject proper of this memoir was
reared and educated in his native country
up to the age of eighteen years, at which
time, in the spring of 1855, he immi-
grated to the United States, locating at
first in Milwaukee, where he worked at
the trade of house and sign painter (which
he had learned in Belgium). In the fall
of the same year, he moved to West Troy,
Walworth Co., Wis., where he worked as
wagon and carriage painter, and whence,
in the early part of 1856, he moved to
Green Bay. His first work, after arriv-
ing at Green Bay, was on a farm in the
town of Green Bay, in said county, but
at the end of nine months he aban-
doned the plough (the a.xe and hoe,
rather) for the counter, engaging as
clerk in a grocery and provision store in
Green Bay. For some years thereafter
he followed his trade of house and sign
painter. In 1863 he was appointed dep-
uty sheriff under George Longton; in 1868
he was elected sheriff, and served in that
capacity till 1871. In 1871-72 he was
jailer, and in the fall of 1872 he engaged
in mercantile business, but on account of
ill-health sold out the same in 1874. In
1875 he was elected chief of police. In
1877 he was elected justice of the peace
for the term of two 3'ears; in 1879 he
was elected police justice, ser\'ing two
years, at the end of which time he was
again elected police justice, and again in
1883, an incumbency he filled up to the
spring of 1885. The capabilities of Mr.
Brice were now further substantially rec-
ognized by his election to the office of
citj' clerk, in which he served two years,
and was immediately re-elected to his old
position of police justice, holding same
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
453
this time for four years, or up to the spring
of 1893.
In 1857 Mr. Brice was united in mar-
riage in Green Bay with Miss Odile Fon-
taine, a native of Belgium, daughter of
John Remy and EHzabeth Fontaine, who
came to Brown county in 1855, where
they died. To Mr. and Mrs. Brice were
born four children, of whom one died in
infancy; the following is a brief record of
the other three: Jules R. is married,
and is a stenographer and typewriter in
the general freight offices of the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad at Chi-
cago; Alfred L. , married, is an attorney-
at-law'in Minneapolis, Minn.; Ella D. is
the wife of Louis Schimel, of Chicago,
111. The mother of these died in 1876,
and in 1879 Mr. Brice married Miss Mary
Rebecca Gray, a Philadelphia lady. They
attend the services of the Presbyterian
Church, in the choir of which Mr. Brice's
fine bass voice is heard each Sabbath of
the year. Socially he is a member and
past chancellor of Pochequette Lodge No.
26, Knights of Pythias; politically he is a
pronounced Republican.
H PORTER CAMPBELL, the well-
known nurseryman, and the pres-
ent city treasurer of Green Bay,
was born in Scott township. Bay
Settlement, Brown county, Wis., in 1840,
and is the son of John and Elizabeth
(Davenport) Campbell.
John Campbell, the father, was born
and reared in Scotland, whence when a
young man he emigrated to America, lo-
cating at Mackinac, Mich., later coming
to Brown county. Wis., where he settled
on a farm. About the year 1842 he re-
ceived the appointment of government
blacksmith at Grande Traverse, remain-
ing there about nineteen years, and then
returning to Brown county, where his
death occurred in July, 1864, his wife
surviving him until 1871. They were the
parents of eleven children, as follows:
Hiram, drowned at Green Bay; Robert,
died on the old homestead in Scott town-
ship in 1S69; John, still living at Bay
Settlement, Wis. ; Samuel, died in Michi-
gan; Sylvester, died at the age of seven;
William, who enlisted, in 1864, in the
Thirteenth Wis. V. I., and died in a hos-
pital in Te.xas; Hannah, died in Michigan;
Elizabeth and an infant unnamed, also
died in Michigan; Henry, of Two Rivers,
Wis., and H. Porter, the subject of this
sketch.
H. Porter Campbell was reared among
the Indians at Grande Traverse, and
learned the language of the Ottawa tribe,
living with them when there was only one
other white family among them, until
1845. In i860 he returned to Scott
township. Brown county, and settled on
a farm. In August, 1864, he enlisted in
Company B, Forty-fourth Wis. V. I., and
was assigned to the Western army. He
took part in the battle of Nashville, Tenn. ,
and was then placed on garrison duty at
Paducah, Ky. ; served as acting sergeant
until July 4, 1865, when he was promoted
to orderly sergeant and was honorably
discharged at Paducah in September of
the same }'ear. Returning home, he re-
sumed farming, which he followed until
1880, when he removed to Green Bay
and engaged in the dairy business; later
opened a restaurant, and finally engaged
in handling nursery stock.
Mr. Campbell was married in 1866, in
Winnebago county. Wis., to Miss Eliza-
beth Townsend, a native of that county,
and a daughter of Lucius B. and Lucy
(Bowker) Townsend, who came from Ver-
mont to Racine, Wis., at an early day,
and in 1846 to Winnebago county. The
father was a farmer, and 1867 removed
to Minnesota, then came to Bay Settle-
ment, Brown county. Wis., but again
went to Minnesota, and there died in
1892; the mother passed away in Winne-
bago county. Wis., in 1874. To the mar-
riage of H. P. Campbell and wife have
been born eight children, viz. : Lucius
T., of Fort Howard; Maud, living in
Green Bay; John, of Chicago; Nora, who
454
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
died in infancy; Samuel, in Chicago;
Frank, in Green Bay; Charles, died at
the ape of one year, and Harry, attend-
ing school. In politics Mr. Campbell is
a Republican; while on his farm he was
school district clerk in 1878; was also
elected chairman of the town of Scott,
and in the spring of 1894 was elected to
his 'present position of city treasurer of
Green Bay. Fraternally, he is a mem-
ber of F. b. Howe Post No. 1 24, G. A.
R., being its adjutant.
FJ. B. DUCHATEAU. This gen-
tleman, who is one of the most
enterprising business men of
Green Bay, is a native of that
city, born, in 1867, of French and Belgian
ancestry.
His father, Abelard Duchateau, by
birth a typical son of " La Belle France,"
came to the United States in 1856, and
for some years was engaged in the wine
and liquor trade as a traveling salesman.
About 1867 he came to Green Bay, and
at Shoemaker's Point established a grocery
and trading business, which he carried on
until 1870, when he opened in Green Baj'
a wholesale liquor concern. In 1874 he
and his brother, L. A. K. Duchateau,
built a commodious business block, two
stories high with basement. In 1888
the father died, and his widow and son,
F. J. B., have since conducted the busi-
ness. Abelard Duchateau was married
in Green Bay to Miss Felicite Delwiche,
a lady of Belgian birth, and five children
have blessed their union, viz.: Heloise,
wife of W. E. Duncan, of Westboro,
Wis. ; Arthur H. ; Lizzie, wife of C. D.
Brower, of Milwaukee, Wis.; F. J. B..
subject of sketch; and Rose, wife of
William Hope, with her mother, who is
still living in Green Bay.
The subject of this sketch was reared
and educated in his native town, and was
brought up to the business he is engaged
in. In 1890 he was married in Green
Bay to Miss Mar}' Beaupre, who was born
in that city, a daughter of Dr. William
Beaupre, who now resides at Merrill,
Wis. To this union were born two chil-
dren, one of whom, Olive Felicite, is liv-
ing. The mother of these died in 1892,
and in 1893 .Mr. Duchateau wedded Mrs.
Julia (Lucas) O'Leary, daughter of Abe
Lucas, an early settler of Green- Bay.
In politics our subject is a Republican;
has served as a member of the council
two years, and has been elected for two
more terms. He is associated with the
K. of P., \'igilant Lodge No. 120, Kewau-
nee, Wiscon.-^in.
M
J. McCORMICK,agent at Green
Hay for the Lackawanna and the
Goodrich Transportation lines,
is a natixe of Brown coimt)',
\\'is., born in 1 854.
His parents, John and Mar}- (Earley)
McCormick. who were born in Ireland,
came in 1850 to the United States, hrst
locating in New Jersey, but in 1852 moved
to Wisconsin and settled in Suamico
township. Brown county, where they
hewed a farm out of the wilderness.
John McCormick died in 1865 on the
home place, and his widow now resides
in Green Ba\'. They had born to their
marriage three children, viz. : Sarah,
Amelia and M. J., the two sisters now
making their home with our subject.
M. J. McCormick was reared in his
native township until 1870, when he came
to live in Green Hay. The two years of
1872 and 1873, however, he passed in
Escanaba, in the employ of Day & Mc-
Kenna, a grocery firm, and at the close
of 1873 returned to Green Bay, where he
became bookkeeper for the Monitor Iron
Works, of Fort Howard; later was book-
keeper with Pres. N. C. Foster, in a lum-
ber yard until 1876, when he engaged in
the grain and feed business, which in
1885 he relinquished. In 1878 he be-
came the agent for the Goodrich Trans-
portation Co., and in 1886 the agent for
the Lackawanna Co. In the winter of
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPSICAL RECORD.
455'
1892 he erected the large warehouse,
84 X 140 feet, at the foot of Pine street,
and here he conducts his present business.
Since 1885 he has also been agent for the
Northwestern Fuel Company.
In politics Mr. McCormick is a Demo-
crat, in religion he is a Catholic. He is
secretary of the Business Men's Associa-
tion, and has always been alive to and
identified with the promotion of the best
interests of Green Bay, of which he has
so long been a resident, and in which he
has seen so many changes for the better.
P.\TRicK Mccormick, of the
firm of McCormick & Flatley,
dealers in hay, oats, wood and
coal. Green Bay, was born April 3,
1848, in Ireland, and is a son of John and
Ann (Dunn) McCormick, who came to
America about 185 1, and located in Fond
du Lac county. Wis. , where they opened
up a farm in the woods, on which the
father still resides, and where the mother
died in 1863. They reared a family of
eight children, of whom the following six
still survive: Patrick, whose name opens
this sketch; Thomas, of Oregon, Wis.;
William, of Wausau, Wis. ; Bridget, wife
of John Mullin, of Fond du Lac county;
Anna, now Mrs. McCuUen, of the same
county, and Jane, married to Milton Kerr,
of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Patrick McCormick was reared in
Fond du Lac county until sixteen years
old, at which early age he enlisted, in
May, 1864, at Madison, Wis., in Com-
pany K, Thirty-seventh Wis. V. I., for
three years or during the war. He was
assigned to the army of Virginia, first met
the enemy at the battle of Mine Run,
and from that time on was with his regi-
ment in all its marches and engagements
until the close of the war; after passing
through the Grand Review at Washing-
ton, D. C, May 23-24, 1865, he was
honorably discharged at Madison, Wis. ,
in September, 1865, and returned to
Fond du Lac county. In 1867 he came
to Green Bay and worked for P. Flatley,
for four years. His marriage took place
in Green Bay, in 1872, to Mary Harram,
a native of Liverpool, England, and
daughter of John and Sarah (Flatley)
Harram, natives of Ireland and pioneers
of Green Bay. To this union have been
born eleven children, viz: John, William
(clerk in the Citizens Bank), Mary, Anna,
Sadie, Edward, Thomas, Jennie, James,
Charley and Rosaline. Mr. McCormick
started his present business in 1886 — first
in Paul Fox's block, Washington street,
Green Bay; in 1890 he bought the
George Cook dock, and in 1891 built an
elevator with a capacity of i 5,000 bushels,
besides several .storage sheds, and has
been successful from the start. Mr. and
Mrs. McCormick are devout members
of the Catholic Church. In his politics
he is independent, and gives his vote to
the best men and for the best measures,
as his judgment may dictate. He was
one of the promoters of the Brown
County Fair & Park Association, and is
one of the board of directors.
CAPT. GEORGE A. GAYLORD,
keeper of the Tail Point Light-
house, distant some seven miles
from Green Bay, Wisconsin, is a
shrewd, careful, weather-beaten, life-long
sea-faring man, having commenced sail-
ing the lakes in boyhood.
He. is a native of Ohio, born in Dela-
ware county in 1826, a son of Eleazer
and Anna (Earl) Gaylord, the mother
born in Clinton county, N. Y. , but reared
in Ohio. The father was born, in 1790,
in Luzerne county, Penn., a son of
Eleazer Gaylord, of Connecticut birth,
who came to Pennsylvania, and in 1800
moved to Delaware county, Ohio, where
he passed the rest of his days. Our sub-
ject's father was by trade a miller, which
he followed in Delaware county, in later
life moving to Sandusky, Erie county,
where he died in 1890, his wife in 18S7.
They had a family of seven children.
456
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
namely: George A., subject of sketch;
Earl, a resident of Livingston county,
111. (he was a sailor, spending four years
of his life at sea); William, drowned at
the age of three years; James, who died
in Delaware county, Ohio, when six
years old; Edwin; William, a physician
and surgeon, and Catherine, wife of Solon
Stanley, all three residents of Sandusky,
Ohio.
The subject of these lines was reared
and educated in Delaware county, Ohio,
and at the age of sixteen years commenced
the life of a sailor, making his first trips
between Sandusky and Buffalo. By close
application to his duties, and rapidly
making himself acquainted with the
science of navigation, he found speedy
promotion through the various grades up
to captain in 1852, from which time for-
ward he had command of vessels till re-
tiring from the vocation. In 1866 he
brought his family to Green Bay, between
which port and Buffalo he had captained
the steamer " Rocket" since 1862. In
1878 he made his last trip, retiring into
private life after a successful career of
thirty-five years on the lakes. In the
spring of 1 880 he was appointed to his
present position, in which, it is almost un-
necessary to say, he exercises the same
care and vigilance as he did while a
mariner, whose motto might well be
"eternal vigilance is the price of safety."
In 1855 Capt. Gaylord was married
to Miss Deborah Landsdowne, who was
born in Sandusky, Ohio, a daughter of
Samuel Landsdowne, a native of En-
gland, who with his wife Rachel emi-
grated to this countrj-, settling in
Sandusky, Ohio, where they died. To
our subject and wife were born four chil-
dren, viz. : George, single, in the cattle
business at Folsom, N. Mcx. ; Catherine,
a teacher in the public schools of Green
Baj'; Marion, at home with her parents;
and Edith, who died at the age of twenty-
three years. In his political preferences
Capt. Gaylord is a standi Republican;
socially he is a member of Washington
Lodge No. 21, F. & A. M., and of War-
ren Chapter No. 50; he received his
initiation in Science Lodge No. 30, San-
dusky. During the thirty-two years from
the first day he set foot in Green Bay he
has seen some marvelous changes in the
place, and has been identified with it as
an honored, upright citizen, well-known
and highly respected.
WILLIAM PERRY WAGNER.
This well-known gentleman, the
popular and esteemed cashier
of the Citizens National Bank
of Green Ba)', by virtue of his prominent
position in the commercial as well as
social world of northern Wisconsin, is de-
serving of more than a passing notice in
the pages of this \olume.
He was born March 5, 1859, in Mount
Morris, Ogle Co., 111., a son of Reuben
and Leah (Brubakcr) Wagner, natives
respecti\ely of ^^'ashington county, Md. ,
and Huntington county, Penn., and de-
scendants of the earl}' German settlers of
those States. Reuben Wagner is at pres-
ent in the stock business in Chicago, a
member of the firm of Wagner Bros. &
Co. The mother of our subject died in
Ogle county. 111., in 1876, aged forty-
three years.
William P. Wagner received his edu-
cation at the schools of Polo, Ogle Co.,
111., and having completed his studies, it
became necessary for him to select a pro-
fession, or to decide what occupation he
would pursue in future life. He was suc-
cessful in securing employment in the
Exchange National Bank of Polo, and
from that time pursued the even tenor of
his way, confidently anticipating the ar-
rival of the turning point which always
attends the promotion due to industry
and integrity. In this and other banking
institutions in that county he remained
until 1886, when he went to Chicago, and
for a short time was employed in the pri-
vate bank of S. A. Kean & Co., of that
city. In the summer of the same year,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
457
his services being sought by R. B. Kel-
logg, he came to Green Bay, and for the
following two years was employed in the
Kellogg National Bank, at the end of
which time he organized the Citizens
National Bank of Green Bay with a capi-
tal of $100,000. That this institution
has proven a financial success goes with-
out saying, and the deposit accounts now
average from $350,000 to $500,000, rep-
resenting about half of the business de-
posits of the city. A dividend of six per
cent, was declared in 1890, and seven per
cent, annual dividends have been de-
clared each year since then, besides accu-
mulating a surplus of over $20, 000, which
in itself speaks more than well of the
financial management of the concern.
In January, 1881, Mr. Wagner was
married to Miss Emma Whitcomb, of
Minneapolis, who died in December of
the same year in Ogle county. 111., leav-
ing an infant son, named Paul W. On
October 17, 18S8, Mr. Wagner, for his
second wife, was married in Polo, 111., to
Miss Anna Shumwaj', a daughter of R. G.
Shumwa}', a banker at that place, and to
this union have come two children: Perry,
born April 5, 1890, and Eugenia, born
August 9, 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner
are members of the Presbyterian Church,
and of the choir. In social organizations
he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
Still young, and with all the buoyancy of
)'outh, a host of friends and deserved
prosperity, he is certainly a man to be
contented — and to be envied. Politically
he is a Republican.
M
AGNUS JOHNSON. The
Scandinavian peninsula has sent
thousands of its sons and
daughters to the United States,
where they have become substantial,
thrifty and public-spirited citizens. The
gentleman for whom this sketch has been
prepared was born in 1837 in Gotten-
borg, Sweden, being one of a family of
four children reared by Johan Magnuson
and Angeline (Nelson), both natives of
the same country. The father died in
1868, the mother in 1872. Of their chil-
dren, Andrew yet resides in Sweden; John
lives in Colorado, and Loue in Minne-
sota.
Magnus Johnson was educated in the
schools of his native country, relying up-
on his own efforts to store his mind with
practical knowledge, of usefulness to a
man battling with the grave problems of
life. He early learned the trade of ship
carpenter, and was so proficient as to be
made foreman at the age of nineteen.
For twelve years he sailed the Atlantic,
between Sweden and the West Indies,
the Cape of Good Hope, Brazil and the
principal European ports, his knowledge
of ship carpentry more than once being
the means of saving his vessel. In
1858 his fortunes were united with those
of Miss Anna Helen Johnson, also of
Swedish parentage and nativity. Her
parents, John Bergenson and wife, lived
and died among the scenes of their nativ-
ity. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the par-
ents of children as follows: Angeline,
who died at Green Bay aged twenty
years; Charlotte, residing in Green Bay;
Maly, who married AUie Britton, and
died in Green Bay when but nineteen
years of age; John, a resident also of
Green Bay; Tene, now Mrs. Williams, of
Milwaukee; Henry, Laura and Jennie, at
home; another child, named Charlotte,
died young.
In 1866 Mr. Johnson immigrated with
his family to Green Bay, and for about
sixteen years was employed at the blast
furnace, working also for some years at
his old trade of ship carpenter. For the
past eight years he has been engaged in
the line of contracting and building, and
at the present time employs about twenty
men. Many of the city's residences and
business houses have been erected under
his supervision. He holds the position of
city plumber and inspector, and is super-
visor of the Fourth ward, which he also
represented one term in the city council.
458
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In politics Mr. Johnson is a Kepnblican.
Both he and his wife are members of
Christ Church. He is a prominent Odd
Fellow, having passed through the chairs
of both the Subordinate Lodge and En-
campment. For several years he has
been chairman of the board of trustees of
Green Bay Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F.,
and has also served the local branch of
the Royal Arcanum as a trustee. That
such a man should be ranked among the
stanch citizens of Green Bay is but just
in the lit:ht of his honorable record.
H.\. W OTTER, M. D. This
gentleuian, one of the leading
physicians and surgeons of north-
ern \\'isconsin, is a native of the
State, born August 21, 1855, in Green-
ville township, Outagamie county.
Frederick and Helen (Schaefer) Wot-
ter, parents of our subject, natives of
Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, immi-
grated to the United States in 1855, set-
ling on a farm in Greenville township,
Outagamie Co., Wis. Here the father
died in 1891; he was a Democrat in his
political associations, and held various
township oilfices. The mother is now a
resident of Appleton, Wis. Their family
numbered eight children, all residents of
Appleton e.xcept the Doctor, as follows:
B. C. is a dealer in farm machinery,
hardware, etc. ; H. A. is the subject of
this sketch; Frederick; Henry is a cigar
manufacturer; Otto; Dora is the wife of
J. L. Pringle: Lotta is the wife of Julius
Waite, and Helen is the wife of George
Hanchett.
H. A. Wotter was reared on his fath-
er's farm up to the age of sixteen, receiv-
ing his earlier education at the common
schools of the neighborhood, after which
he attended the high school at Appleton.
He then for a time taught school in Outa-
gamie county, in the evenings reading
medicine with Dr. Charles \'on Hiddeson,
of Appleton, after which, in 1878, he en-
tered Rush Medical College, Chicago,
where he graduated in the class of '81.
Dr. \\'otter commenced the practice of his
profession in Fountain City, W'is. ; from
there moved to Oconto, same State, thence
in 1891 coming to Green Bay, where he
has since been engaged in regular practice,
meeting with the most gratifying success.
In 1 884 he took a post-graduate course at
the College of Physicians and Surgeons,
New York.
Dr. Wotter is a member of the Fox
River Medical Society ; socially he is
affiliated with the I. O. O. F., and of the
Iron Gate Council, Royal Arcanum. He
is interested in the G. B. Hess Co. flour-
ing-mill, built in 1893, having a capacity
of 200 barrels per day, and he is recog-
nized as a useful, wide-awake, loyal
citizen.
REV. WILLIAM FRANCIS VAN-
ROOS.MALEN, pastor of St. Wil-
librord's Catholic Church at Green
Bay, is a native of Holland, born
February 13, 1857, in 's Hertogenbosch,
where his paternal ancestry had resided
for many generations.
The city of 's Hertogenbosch was
built in 1 1 13, and the old house erected
by the Duke of Brabant is still standing.
As far back as 1600 mention is made in
the Church records of the Van Roosmalen
family, who were then residents of that
city; they were descendants of a noble
house, and held offices of trust in 's
Hertogenbosch. Christianus Van Roos-
malen, paternal great-grandfather of the
subject of this sketch, was a merchant,
as was also the grandfather, whose busi-
ness is known to have been that of a
grocer. James Van Roosmalen, son of
the latter, and who still resides in Hol-
land, is an architect and contractor,
highly esteemed and beloved by many.
He married Miss Adriana Van de Ven,
who was born at Cromvoirt, Holland,
and is still living, the mother of two chil-
dren, William Francis four subject), and
Mary fwife of Henry Kitzlaar).
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
459
Belgium
Oil finishing
The subject proper of these Hnes at-
tended the schools of his native town,
later the gymnasium at Gemert, whence
after two years he proceeded to Bruges,
Belgium, where for four j'ears he read in
the classical course; the main object of
his going there, however, being to be-
come more familiar with the French lan-
guage, which the citizens of
speak almost exclusively
his course he returned to Holland, and
from there, after a sojourn of ten months,
emigrated to the United States with the
view of preparing himself for the priest-
hood in this country. Arriving in New
York December i, 1881, he proceeded to
Notre Dame, Ind. , where he studied
philosophy under Rev. Father Fitt until
June 16, 18S3, during which time he also
acted as assistant professor of the Latin
and French languages in the university.
On September 7, 1883, he moved to Mil-
waukee, and at St. Francis Theological
Seminary completed his course in
theology. On June 24, 1886, he was or-
dained a priest by the late Archbishop
Michael Heiss, and immediately after-
ward was appointed pastor of the Holy
Cross Church in Mishicot, Manitowoc
Co., Wis., of which he had charge three
years and five months. The congrega-
tion being composed of Germans and
French, and the children having no op-
portunity to learn those languages, he
found himself obliged to preach in three
different languages — German, French and
English. On P'ebruary 12, 1890, he was
appointed, by Bishop Katzer, to his pres-
ent charge of St. Willibrord's Church,
Green Bay, where he has ever since been
a faithful and earnest pastor, all his tem-
poral as well as spiritual relations having
been conducted in a meritorious manner.
The old church was presided over by the
Rev. Father Bongers, who laid the
foundation stone of the new church
building, the completion of which Bishop
Katzer entrusted to Father Van Roos-
malen. On May i, 1891, the first brick
was laid, and the church was completed
December 12, 1893; its dimensions are
136x50 feet, the steeple being 240 feet
high and containing one of the Howard
clocks and bell weighing 4,000 pounds.
The entire building will forever be a
monument to Father Roosmalen's in-
tegrity, and will speak of him when he is
no longer numbered among the living.
His people have come to understand his
good intentions, and are aiding him in
every way possible. His life is like a
poem in its far-reaching benefits. He
has a spmpathy for all afflictions and a
kind and encouraging word for those who
are downcast and careworn — in a word,
he represents the true shepherd that
guards well his tiock.
DR. COLONEL ORMAN GAGE,
who is successfully engaged in the
practice of dentistry in Green Bay,
is one of the natix'e sons of Wis-
consin, having been born near Fond du
Lac, June 11, 1861.
The Gage family is one of English
origin. The Doctor's father, Capt.
Nathaniel Gage, who was a native of
Rome, N. Y. , was one of a family of nine
children. He there obtained his educa-
tion, and afterward owned a packet and
passenger boat on the Erie canal, con-
tinuing his residence in the Empire State
until 1840, when with his famil}' he emi-
grated westward, taking up his residence
in Dodge county. Wis. There he en-
gaged in dealing in real estate, also buy-
ing and selling fine horses. He became
a well-known and prominent citizen of
Dodge county, a leader in political circles,
and was frequently called to positions of
honor and trust, serving for many years
as chairman of the board of supervisors
and in various other offices. He was an
active and earnest Republican, and dur-
ing the Rebellion strongly supported all
war measures; but on account of impaired
health was unable to enter service in the
field, so had to content himself with his
460
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
labors at home in behalf of the army. He
induced many to enter the service, acted
as enrolHng master in Dodge county, and
helped to raise the quota of troops.
He became well and favorably known
throughout this part of the State, and
wherever he went won friends who held
him in high regard. His death occurred
in October, 1866. Capt. Gage was mar-
ried in Utica, N. Y., to Miss Lodoska
Rose, daughter of Elisha Rose, and she
still survives her husband. In the family
were twelve children, five of whom are
yet living: Walter M., who is now a
resident of California; Jasper D., a dental
surgeon; Colonel Orman, subject of this
sketch; Mrs. Hattie Jones, of Seattle,
Wash. ; and Mrs. Nellie Gage, of De-
Pere, Wisconsin.
Dr. C. O. Gage, whose name opens
this sketch, obtained his primary ed-
ucation in the schools of his native
city, later pursuing his studies in De-
lavan. Wis. , and subsequently in the
Episcopal Parish School of Fond du Lac.
His first independent effort in life was in
the line oi railroad work, he entering the
employ of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail-
road Company; but his active mind soon
tiring of this, he sought a wider field of
usefulness. At the age of twenty he took
up the study of medicine in the office of
Dr. R. L. Moore, of Spring Valley, Minn.,
and after a year's preparation, went to
Austin, Minn., where he began the study
of dentistry in the office of Dr. H. A.
Avery, a well-known dentist of that place.
Having fitted himself for practice, he then
opened an office in Waupun, Wis., in the
spring of i<S83, and soon had all the busi-
ness that he could well attend to, for his
merit and abilit}' were recognized. Com-
ing to Green Bay, he was alike successful
in this place, in a very short period build-
ing up a fine business. He is especially
qualified to take up the constitutional
treatment of his patients, and has been
very successful in that line. The fine
quality of his work is indicated by his
constantly increasing patronage, and in
the high reputation which he bears among
his professional brethren.
On the i6th of June. 1886, at Oak-
field, Wis., Dr. Gage was united in mar-
riage with Miss Hattie R. Smith, daugh-
ter of L. S. Smith, and their union has
been blessed with one child, Bessie Ruth.
The Doctor and his wife are members of
the First Presbyterian Church; fraternally
he is connected with the Knights of P\th-
ias, in politics, with the Republican party,
the principles of which he warmly advo-
cates. In social circles he and his wife
hold an enviable position, and their home
is noted for its hospitality.
PJ. VAN DEUREN, engaged as a
general merchant at Green Bay,
\\'is. , was born in the Province of
Brabant, Belgium, in 1850, a son
of G. J. and Mary (Avant) Van Deuren,
also natives of Belgium, who left that
country in 1857, locating for a year in
Bellevue township. Brown county, and
then settled in Green Bay.
Here the father followed his trade of
tailoring until 1865, when he engaged in
the clothing business in partnership with
H. J. Bush until 1869, at which time the
latter sold his interest to H. Watermolen,
the style of the firm being changed to
Van Deuren & Watermolen, the firm
name so continuing until 1871, when Mr.
Van Deuren bought the entire interest,
and conducted the establishment under
his exclusive name until 1880, in which
3'ear his son, P. J. , was admitted to a part-
nership. Van Deuren & Son carried on
the business until January i, 1894, when
the son assumed the entire charge, the
father retiring in comfort. G. J. Van-
Deuren was twice married, first time to
Miss Mary Avant, by whom he had chil-
dren as follows: Elizabeth, widow of
Joseph Heyrman; P. J., our subject;
Henry, city treasurer; John B., a cigar
manufacturer, and August. The mother
of these died in 1866, and in 1868 Mr.
Van Deuren married Miss Caroline De-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUWAL RECORD.
461
Graff, a native of Belgium (daughter of
Anton DeGraff), wtio came to Brown
county, Wis., in 1852, and died some
years ago.
P. J. Van Deuren, who was but seven
years of age when he came to America,
received his education in Green Bay, and
his first employment was one year at the
tailoring business. He then carried a
general stock of goods on Adams street,
in 1873 erecting a two-story brick build-
ing, 22 X 80 feet, which he carried on until
he united in business with his father; in ad-
dition to this he also carries on an insur-
ance business. He was married in Green
Bay in 1875, to Adeline Motto, a native
of France, whose father was a pioneer of
Brown county. Wis., and an early hard-
ware merchant. The union of Mr. and
Mrs. Van Deuren has been blessed with
seven children, vi^. : W. L. , Caroline,
Emma, Mary, Lizzie, Mark and Lenore.
The family are devout members of St.
Willibrord's Catholic Church, and their
position in society is a most enviable one.
In politics Mr. Van Deuren is a thorough-
going Democrat, and has three times
served as alderman from the Third ward;
fraternally he is a member of the Modern
Woodmen. He is one of the old-time
business men of Green Bay, one worthy
of being intrusted with the management
of the city's public affairs
EDWARD ENGELS, of the firm
of Engels & Mohr, boot and shoe
dealers of Green Bay, was born
in the Province of Liege, Belgium,
September 28, 1839, a son of John B.
and Gertrude (Serron) Engels.
John B. Engels, who was a tailor,
brought his family to America in 1856,
sailing from Antwerp, and after a voyage
of forty-six days landed at Quebec, from
which point they reached Green Bay,
having in their possession only eighteen
Belgian francs. In the fall of 1856 Mr.
Engels purchased 120 acres in Humboldt
township, Brown county, of which twenty
acres were cleared, and began the manu-
facture of shingles. Here the mother
died April 26, 1878, and the husband in
1887, having cleared sixty acres of the
original one hundred and twenty, and
left a well-improved farm to his heirs.
The parents were pious Catholics, and
contributed to the erection of four differ-
ent church edifices in Brown county.
They reared a family of seven children,
viz.: Edward, subject of sketch; Peter,
who was in the lumber business in Brown
and Oconto counties, but went to Wash-
ington in 1874; Henry, on the homestead
in Humboldt township; William, proprie-
tor of the " Champion Hotel," Green Bay;
Rosa, who was married to a Mr. Koenen
in Belgium, but became a widow and re-
married, coming to the United States in
1882, the wife of Gerhart Schuurmans,
and now residing in Oconto county. Wis. ;
Julius, still in Belgium, on the maternal
homestead; and Nicholas, born in the
town of Humboldt, in 1859, and now re-
siding in Fort Howard, Wisconsin.
Edward Engels was educated in Bel-
gium, and on coming to Wisconsin assist-
ed in clearing up the farm, etc., until
1S67, and in cutting timber in Brown and
Oconto counties. In 1867 he married,
in Brown county, Mary V. Vincent, a
native of Belgium and daughter of John
B. and Anna (Bredaal) Vincent, who set-
tled in Humboldt township. Brown
county, in 1856, on a farm, but in 1869
moved to Green Bay and engaged in the
furniture business — owning two stores on
Main street. His death occurred in
1888. In 1867 Mr. Engels came to
Green Bay, erected a brick building on
Main street, carried on a grocery and
saloon business until 1889, and then en-
gaged in the boot and shoe trade on
Washington street, in which he has be-
come most popular and prosperous. In
politics he is a stanch Democrat, and in
1882 was a member of the city council;
he was city weighmaster for five or six
years, and in 1 890 was city treasurer.
In 1885 Mr. Engels was deprived by
462
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
death of his wife, who had borne him ten
children, viz.: Jolin H. ; Henry; W'iUiam,
a tailor of Ashland, Wis., of the firm of
Welch & Engels; Louis, a clerk; Edward
and August, attending school; Louis J.,
who died in 1874; Angeline, who died in
1884; Rosa, who died in 1883; and Anna,
who died in 1885 at the age of ten
months. Mr. Engels is a member of St.
Willibrord's Church, of which he was
treasurer nine y^ars. He is a member of
the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, and
in 1894 a delegate to the State conven-
tion of that Order; he is also a member
of the St. Joseph Society. He is a self-
made man, having begun business on a very
small capital, but he has never ceased his
contributions to the worthy public aid of
Green Bay and Brown county.
FRANK B. SEYMOUR, superin-
tendent of the Green Bay, Winona
& St. Paul, and the Kewaunee,
Green Baj' & Western railroads,
has a reputation second to none as a care-
ful, painstaking and vigilant railroad of-
ficial. He came to Green Bay in 1872,
and was engaged as brakeman on the
Green Bay & Lake Pepin railroad, first
on freights, later on passenger trains, and
from May, 1874, to August, 1878, as
freight conductor. At the latter date he
was promoted to passenger conductor, run-
ning passenger trains till January 1 8, 1 887,
when he was appointed assistant superin-
tendent of the roads of which he has been
superintendent since November i, 1890.
Born in Jefferson county, N. Y. , in
1856, Mr. Seymour is yet young, and has
in all human probability the best and
most important years of his life yet to
come. He is a son of Gilbert and Mary
(McDonald) Seymour, natives, the father
of France, the mother of County Clare,
Ireland. Gilbert Seymour immigrated to
this country with his father, who was also
of French birth, and about 1832 they
located in Plattsburg, N. Y. , where grand-
father Seymour died. Gilbert there mar-
ried Miss Mary McDonald, and in the fall
of 1863 they came to New London, Outa-
gamie Co., Wis. In August, 1864, he
joined Company A, Forty-second Regi-
ment Wis. V. I., and after the close of
the war worked at the carpenter trade
until 1883, when the family moved to
Green Bay to make their home with their
son, Frank B. Here the father died
July 23, 1892, and here the mother yet
resides. They had a family of five child-
ren, of whom the following is a brief
record: Frederick is a clerk in a railroad
freight ofBce at Ft. Howard; Frank B. is
the subject of this sketch; William H.
and Albert were both killed while in the
employ of the Chicago & Northwestern
railroad, William in December, 1879, at
St. Peter, Minn., and Albert in August,
1883, at Utica, Minn.; John J. is a pass-
enger conductor on the Green Bay, Win-
ona & St. Paul railroad, with residence
at Ft. Howard.
Frank B. Seymour, the subject proper
of these lines, was about seven jears of
age when the family moved to New Lon-
don, and he here received his education.
In May, 1S71, he commenced work, as a
day laborer, grading on the Green Bay,
Winona & St. Paul railroad, then laying
iron, after which he was a brakeman on
a construction train, e.\tra conductor on
freight, and finally as conductor on way
freight and passenger train until January
iS, 1887, the date of promotion, as al-
ready related. Mr. Seymour was mar-
ried at La Crosse. Wis., to Miss Delia
M. Vincent, a nati\e of that town, daugh-
ter of James Vincent, an early pioneer of
La Crosse and well-known lumber dealer.
By this union there is one child, Ida M.
A Republican in politics, our subject is
active in the interests of that party. He
is a member of Washington Lodge No.
21, F. & A. M., of Warren Chapter No.
8, of Palestine Commandery No. 20, and
of the \\'isconsin Consistory; is also a
member of the K. of P., No. 26, Green
Bay, and is a charter member of the
Lodge at La Crosse.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHIVAL RECORD.
463
D BRADLEY, proprietor of the
"Bradley House," Green Bay,
was born in the city of Brooklyn,
N. v., December 18, 1846, a son
of John and Mar\' (McKelver) Bradlej',
natives of Ireland, but who, when young,
came to America and located in New
York.
After marriage the elder Bradley
brought his family to the town of Lake,
near Milwaukee, Wis., and engaged in
farming until his death; his wife had died
in Brooklyn. He reared the following
family, born to this marriage: John, who
enlisted in Company E, First Wis. V. I.,
was appointed color bearer, served through
the war, and died in Chicago in 1S73;
Hugh, who joined the navy at New York,
and is now a barber in Chicago; William,
who enlisted in Beloit in the First Wis-
consin Heavy Artillery, served two and a
half years, and now lives in Chicago, and
D. Bradley, the subject of this sketch.
The children of John Bradley, b}' a sec-
ond marriage, are Burney, a farmer of
Oak Creek, Wis. ; James, born in the
town of Lake, and now in the mail ser-
vice at Milwaukee; Michael, also born in
the town of Lake, and also in the mail
service; Mary, wife of James Monohan,
of Lake county, 111. ; Ellen, wife of J.
Monohan, also in Lake county. 111., and
Catherine, who resides in Milwaukee.
D. Bradley was educated in the town
of Lake, Milwaukee Co, . Wis. , and was
reared a farmer. For a time he worked
at the "Nevvhall House" in Milwaukee,
and in 187 1 came to Green Bay as stew-
ard for the "Beaumont House"; from
1872 to 1883 he worked for Joannes
Bros., and in September, 1883, opened
the "Bradley House." In 1890 he
erected the building at the corner of
Crooks and Washington streets, where
he has since also run a saloon. In 1874
lie was married, at Menasha, Wis., to
Elizabeth Boyle, a native of New York,
whose parents, Michael and Mary (Mc-
Laughlin) Boyle, came to Green Bay in
1S82; here her father died in 1886, and
26-.^
here the mother resides with our subject.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bradley was born one
son that died when but one year old.
Mr. Bradley is a stanch Democrat; he is
supervisor from the Second ward of
Green Bay, and is also deputy collector
for the port of Green Bay. He is a
member of the French Catholic Church,
and is vice-president of the Catholic
Knights of Wisconsin, No. 21. He is a
self-made man, takes much interest in the
well-being of his adopted city and county,
and is respected both as a citizen and as
a business man.
JAMES BLACK, one of the most in-
telligent farmers of Suamico town-
ship, Brown county, was born Octo-
ber 14, 1826, in Kingston, Canada,
a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Kerr)
Black, natives of near Dundee, Scotland.
The father, who was a general trader,
came to America about the 3'ear 181 5, and
he and his wife died at Kingston, Canada,
he at the early age of thirty-eight, she
when sixty-six years old. They were the
parents of two children, James and
Matthew, the latter of whom served two
years in Company E, Twelfth Wis. V. I.,
was discharged for disability, and died,
unmarried, at the home of our subject,
when aged fifty-eight. The parents of
Adam Black were James and Elizabeth
Black, natives of Scotland, who came to
Canada about 1827, at advanced ages,
and settled on a farm near Toronto; they
had two sons and three daughters. Eliz-
abeth (Kerr) Black's parents were Scotch
people, and had a family of three chil-
dren— two sons and one daughter.
James Black was practically a resi-
dent of the home farm up to the age of sev-
enteen, when he began life as a lumber-
man on the Ottawa river. On May 21,
1861, at the call for 75,000 men, he en-
listed in a Pennsylvania regiment of vol-
unteers, but that State having filled her
quota, he was assigned to Company A,
Second W. Va. V. I. At the front he
464
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
was appointed sergeant, and soon after-
ward— in the early part of 1 862 — was
commissioned second lieutenant, serving
as such with his company in all its en-
gagements till May, 18C3. He was then
detailed to the quartermaster's depart-
ment in Nashville, Tenn., serving in this
department until the close of the war;
was never off duty except once, when he
lay in Libby Prison forty-six days, until
exchanged. While on scout duty one
day he was thrown over a precipice, by
which accident he lost an eye, sustained
a rupture, and received several flesh
wounds; but, being granted a furlough and
transportation to Pittsburg, Penn., he
soon afterward reached his home. It is
recorded of Mr. Black that he was among
the first to draw blood in the great war in
the West. After the war was over Mr.
Black, in 1865, came to Wisconsin and
settled where he now lives in Suamico
township, Brown county. For fourteen
years he was foreman in the logging camp
of Martin E. Trimble; then bought forty
acres of wild land, to which he subse-
quently added ninety-three acres, and is
now carrying on general farming, being
largely interested in dairying, at which he
is as successful as he formerly was at
logging, for which he was famous all over
the section, at one time receiving as much
as $10 per day for his services.
James Black was united in marriage
April I, 1873, with Mrs. Rhoda Salter,
widow of George H. Salter, who was
born in Dorchester, England, and died in
Chicago, 111., at the age of forty-six
years, leaving three children, two of
whom are still living: George H., and
Rosalind, wife of Thomas Gillingham, of
Oshkosh. Mrs. Rhoda Black is a native
of Somersetshire, England, and in her
earlier days passed nine years in a dry-
goods store in London, with her cousin,
Robert Cornish, coming to .the United
States when twenty-four j'ears old. She
is a highly accomplished lady, being a
graduate of one of the most fashionable
boarding schools of England, and is de-
scended from a very ancient family, the
Wyatts, who trace their lineage to King
Henry VIII, of which fact she holds his-
torical documents in proof. She is one
of nine children born to William and
Susanna (Gillett) Wyatt, the former of
whom was a builder by occupation in
early life, later becoming a lawyer of
note; he died in Somersetshire, England;
his wife also passed away in England,
aged fifty-two years. 0ne of Mrs. Black's
brothers was well known as a leading
barrister in Great Britian. After her first
husband's death Mrs. Black came to Wis-
consin and bought the farm on which she
was residing at the time of her union
with Mr. Black, enjoying to the full the
love and respect of all who knew her.
In politics Mr. Black is a thorough
Republican, and first voted for Abraham
Lincoln for President. He has filled sev-
eral local offices, is a member of T. O.
Howe Post No. 124, G. A. R., at Green
Bay, and is in receipt of a pension for his
gallant services during the Civil war.
He is a churchwarden in the Episcopal
Church, of which he and his first em-
ployer in Suamico were the founders, and
builders of the edifice; Mrs. Black is also
an Episcopalian, adhering to the faith of
her ancestors. She and her husband are
most sincere in their religious professions,
and their daily walk through life, their
works of charity and unswerving devotion
to duty, give full evidence of that sincer-
ity coming directly from the heart. No
family in the county is more highly re-
spected, and none fills a more prominent
position within its social circles.
ABRAUNS, insurance agent, civil
engineer for Green Bay, and
county surveyor for Brown county.
Wis., was born in the Province
of Hanover, Germany, August 4, 1842, a
son of Henry and Dora (Hotop) Brauns,
both af whom died in their native land,
the father in 1881, the mother in 1884.
They reared a family of four children:
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
465
Dora and Henry, still living in Hanover;
A., the subject of this sketch, and Caro-
line, wife of Henry Mueller, a furniture
manufacturer of Berlin, Germany.
Our subject was educated in the city
of Gifhorn, and later in the engineer's
department of the Military school at
Hanover, and then took a course in the
Polytechnic Institute. For five and a
half years he was in the army as a mem-
ber of the corps of engineers, and was in
the Danish and German war in 1863, and
in the Prussian and Austrian war of 1866.
In the fall of the latter year he came to
Green Bay, and engaged as clerk, then
as bookkeeper for A. Klaus; next he en-
tered upon the profession of architecture,
and while thus engaged furnished the
specifications for the Bishop's and other
buildings. He then opened a wholesale
grocery under the firm name of Klaus,
Lenz & Brauns, and, later, that of Lenz
& Brauns, which was continued until
1877, when he established himself in in-
surance, architecture and civil engineer-
ing, which have been his vocations ever
since. In politics Mr. Brauns is inde-
pendent; he has served as alderman, and
while filling that office introduced the
system of bookkeeping at present used
by the city; he was city treasurer from
1876 to 1877, and was elected county
surveyor in 1886. He is a member of
Navarino Lodge No. 1384, K. of H. ;
member of the Royal Arcanum, Iron
Gate Lodge No. 546; of the American
Legion of Honor, Northern Council No.
1170; of the Modern Woodmen, Navarino
Camp No. 534; and of the Turn Verein.
In religion he is a member of the Lutheran
Church.
Mr. Brauns was married in Green Bay,
in 1867, to Miss Magdalena Maria Barth,
of Bavaria, a daughter of Christopher
Barth, and who came to Green Bay in
1 85 1. To this union were born four
children: August E. ; Otto Henry, who
died May 20, 1874; Lydia, principal of
the high school of Edgerton, Wis. ; and
Otto Fred, who is studying dentistry.
Mr. Brauns is thoroughly acquainted with
the topography of Brown county, while
his residence of over twenty-seven years
in Green Bay has made him fully familiar
with the city, and he is equally identified
with the phenomenal growth of both. His
standing, socially and professionally, is
with the highest.
ARCHIBALD M. DUNCAN, of
Fort Howard, Brown county, is
of Scottish descent, as his name
indicates, but is a native of the
State of Wisconsin, having been born in
Milwaukee January 23, 1853. Hisparents,
John and Margaret (McCune) Duncan,
were natives of the land of Duncan of old,
of Bruce and Wallace, and were the
immediate founders of the famil)- in this
State.
John Duncan learned the trade of ma-
chinist and iron-founder in the old coun-
try, and learned it well, as his after
career in America gave full proof. He
there married Miss Margaret McCune, a
native of Glasgow, and when about
twenty-five years of age came to the
United States, sailing from Glasgow and
landing in New York after a voyage of
six weeks. Thence coming directly to
Milwaukee, Wis., Mr. Duncan followed
his trade in that city, working in the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul machine
shops for nearly fourteen years, and con-
structing the first locomotive ever turned
out of a machine shop in Wisconsin.
After leaving these shops Mr. Duncan
came, in about 1868, to Fort Howard,
and bought the foundry and machine shop
formerly operated by John Whitney in a
somewhat primitive manner, managing
this so successfully that, when burned
out, in 1878, he was able to erect a far
better frame structure, one and a half
stories high, 55 feet front, and 190 feet
deep. In this shop he employed from
ten to fifteen men, until it was burned
down in 1888; when, with unflagging
energy, he erected his present brick
466
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
foundry and machine shop, 55 x 190 feet,
complete with all modern improvements.
In the winter of 1890-91 he built two
steam barges for freigjht traffic on the
lakes, for the accommodation of his own
trade, but later sold one. At one time
Mr. Duncan made a specialty of saw-
milling, and in 1875-76 built a mill at
^^'estboro, Wis., which is now in charge
of his three sons. Being strictly a busi-
ness man, he has never mingled much in
politics, but has served his fellow citizens
more than once as alderman, feeling it to
be his duty to answer at their call. He
has been absorbed in his business, and
has invested at least $200,000 in his
foundry and boat-building in Fort Howard
alone, to say nothing of the mill at West-
boro, where he has a son as manager of
the store in connection with the same,
and another employed as bookkeeper.
His four sons are all married and have
families, and all learned their trade of
their father. John Duncan is to-day
worth a quarter of a million, every cent
of which he has made by his own labor,
and no man stands higher in the esteem
of the community, or is a more hofiored
member of the Presbyterian Church. He
has now withdrawn from the cares of
business and retired for the remainder of
his days, to live in ease and comfort on
his well-earned competency.
Archibald M. Duncan began his busi-
ness life, at the age of eleven, as a cash
boy in a dry -goods store, and was one of
the first to engage in this kind of employ-
ment. After two years' experience in this
line, he entered the railroad shops at
Watertown, Jefferson Co., Wis., of which
his father was then superintendent, and
since that time he has been identified with
his father's business. On October 6, 1876,
he married Miss Katie Eisman, a native
of Washington county. Wis., daughter of
John and Katie (Imig) Eisman, who had
a family of six children— two sons and
four daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Eisman
were born in Germany, and came to the
United States when quite young, Mr.
Eisman becoming a merchant of Fort
Howard, where he and his wife ended
their days, honored by all who knew them.
To the union of Archibald M. and Katie
(Eisman) Duncan have been born four
children, two of whom are deceased. The
survivors, Kate ^f. and Jessie, are receiv-
ing the best educations that money can
provide. Mr. Duncan has manifested ex-
traordinarj- capacity for business, to which
he has added diligence, which indeed may
be considered a component of business
capacity. He has risen from the position
of a cash boy to that of proprietor of one
of the most important foundries and ma-
chine shops of northern Wisconsin, hav-
ing had entire charge of his father's im-
mense plant for two years, and now, in
1894, succeeded to the ownership on the
virtual retirement of his honored father.
GEORGE O. SPEAR, a citizen of
whom any State might be proud,
a man whose presence would
benefit any community, and
whose name would reflect honor upon
any office or station, is one of the many
loyal and industrious men New England
has sent to the Western States.
He was born in Sagadahoc county,
Maine, in 1840, a son of Thomas and
Amanda (Preble) Spear, also natives of
Maine. The father, who was a ship-
builder by occupation, came in 1857 to
Wisconsin, bringing his family, and locat-
ing in Fort Howard, Brown county, con-
tinued his trade there with much success.
He built the "Permelia Flood," a fine
full-rigged barque, which was sent to the
Atlantic laden with oak staves. In i860
he went to St. Louis, Mo., but in 1861
returned to Wisconsin, and for two j'ears
resided at Peshtigo, Marinette county,
where he built lake vessels; thence pro-
ceeded to Red River, and there erected a
sawmill, which in 1S65 was destroyed by
fire, entailing a heavy loss. From Red
River he moved to Little Sturgeon, Door
county, where he rebuilt the " F. B.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.
467
Gardner" and the "Union." In 1866
he built the vessel now known as the
"James G. Blaine," also the tug "John
Spry," the schooners "Halsted." "Ellen
Spry," and "Doane," and in all these in-
dustries he was assisted by his son George
O. In 1887 the father returned to Green
Bay, and lived a retired life the remainder
of his davs, dying in 1891 ; his wife passed
awa}' in 1883, while residing at Sturgeon
Bay. They were the parents of two
children, George O., subject of sketch,
and Marshall, in Maryland. Great-grand-
father Robert Spear, who was an officer
in the Revolutionary army, built the first
house erected in Brunswick, Maine.
Grandfather Thomas Spear passed his
entire life in Maine, his native State.
George O. Spear received his educa-
tion at the public schools of the vicinity
of his place of birth, and at the age of
seventeen came to Green Bay, Wis.,
where he assisted his father in the ship-
yard. He accompanied him to Missouri,
Peshtigo, Red River and Little Sturgeon,
and in all these places was closely identi-
fied with him in the various enterprises
in which he was engaged. In 1879 our
subject removed to Sturgeon Bay, where
he purchased the McMaster property,
consisting of a complete sawmill plant,
besides about two thousand acres of land,
and immediately went into the manufac-
ture of lumber. He also operated a line
of tugs and several scows, known as the
"Dummy Line," employed in carrying
lumber to Chicago. This Mr. Spear con-
tinued in until 1885, when he commenced
the banking and brokerage business in
Sturgeon Bay, which in 1891 he trans-
ferred to Green Bay, where he now
resides.
In 1873 Mr. Spear was married to
Miss Louise Graves, who was born in
Green Bay, of which place her parents,
Orlo B. and Lucy Lessey Graves, were
early settlers. Mr. Graves, who was an
Indian trader, and for many years served
as sheriff and district attorney, died in
1 88 1, at Green Bay, where his widow is
yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Spear were
born four children, only one of whom is
now living, Clara; the deceased are
Thomas, who died at the age of six
months; Cordelia, in early infancy, and
Frank, when two years old. Mr. Spear
is prominent in social orders; he is a mem-
ber of Washington Lodge No. 21, F. &
A. M. ; Warren Chapter No. 8, and is a
Knight Templar of Palestine Commandery
No. 20; he is also a member of the I. O.
O. F. and Encampment; of the Order of
Rebekah, of the K. of P. and of the Elks.
In politics he is a Republican, but his
wife is a Democrat.
CAPTAIN CHARLES A. GRAVES,
commander of the propeller,
" Fountain City," ph'ing between
Chicago and lake ports, is a son
of Orlo and Lucy Ann (Lessey) Graves,
and was born in Green Bay in 1862.
Orlo Graves was born at Chagrin
Falls, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, October 23,
1819, and some time in the "thirties"
came to Green Ba}', where he was first
employed as a mechanic. Later he served
as deputy sheriff, and then as sheriff of
Brown county, Wis. ; later still, studied
law at Green Bay, was admitted to the
bar, and became prosecuting attorney,
which office he held for twenty years, and
also cit\- attorney for si.x or seven years.
He was married at Green Bay, March 14,
1 84 1, to Miss Lucy Ann Lesse}', who was
born in Litchfield, Conn., but reared in
New York; her father died in New York,
her mother in Green Bay. Orlo Graves
was a prominent Odd Fellow, being vice-
grand of Wisconsin; he died February 19,
1 879; his widow now resides with her son,
Capt. Graves. To Orlo Graves and his
wife were born five children, as follows:
Cornelia H., wife of A. M. Spear, of
Marshall Hall, Charles Co., Md. ; Orlo
J., who died at the age of thirty-seven, at
Fort Howard: Chester F., of Green Bay,
who died when forty-one; Louise, wife of
46S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
George O. Spear, a capitalist of Green
Bay, and Charles A., our subject.
Capt. Charles A. Graves was reared
and educated in his native city, and com-
menced life on the lakes at the age of
twenty as linesman, but soon worked his
way upward, receiving his commission as
captain in 1883, and as such has served
on the Bay and lakes ever since. He was
at one time foreman of Company No. 3,
of the Fire Department of Green Bay. In
politics he is a Democrat. His mother
had two brothers who were Indian traders
in the early history of Brown county, viz. :
John F. , who was a marble cutter by
trade, and also clerk of courts in an early
day, but who later kept a store and was a
successful trader (he died November 20,
1879), and Henry, who was also a trader,
and died in 1S50. The father of- Capt.
Graves also had an experience as an In-
dian trader in the early days. Our sub-
ject being a descendant of one of the
earliest families to locate in the county,
and having led an industrious and useful
life, enjoys to the full the esteem and con-
fidence of the inhabitants of Green Bay
and all the points to which he trades.
Mary
born
FW. BASCHE, the well-known and
gentlemanly merchant of Green
Bay, is a native of that city, born
June 8, 1844, son of Jacob and
(Smith) Basche, who were both
near the ancient and historic city
of Frankfort, Germany.
Jacob learned the trade of shoemak-
ing in his native country, remaining there
until 1 841, when he came with his wife
and family to America, and settling in
Green Bay, Wis., followed his trade there
until his decease, in 1846. He left five
children, as follows: Kate, who became
the wife of Jacob Juker, sergeant-major
at Ft. Howard, who went thence to Cali-
fornia, and died at Dallas, Oreg. ; An-
thon}', who has for the past twenty-five
years been a member of the firm of Du-
ville & Basche; Michael, a carpenter of
Green Bay; Peter, a resident of Baker
City, Oreg., where he has been engaged
in the hardware and agricultural imple-
ment business since 1868 or 1869; and F.
W. , subject of sketch. Mrs. Basche was
an honored resident of Green Baj' for
many years, surviving until June, 1894,
when she was called to her last resting-
place.
F. W. Basche was reared and edu-
cated in Green Bay. In i S64 he enlisted
at Green Bay in Company C, Forty-
seventh Wis. \'. I., for three years or
during the war, and for some time was
post quartermaster's clerk at Tullahoma,
Tenn., afterward serving as parole clerk,
signing thousands of passes. He was
stationed in Tennessee, on garrison duty,
and when peace was declared received an
honorable discharge at Nashville in 1865.
On returning to Green Bay he became a
traveling salesman, selling notions, sta-
tionery, etc., through northern Wisconsin
and Michigan, until 1868, when he com-
menced business in Green Bay, at the cor-
ner of Cherry and Adams streets. In Au-
gust, 1889, he bought his present place, at
No. 22 1 North Washington street, where he
has a large stock of wallpaper, toys, fancy
goods, etc. ; he has met with unusual suc-
cess, having always commanded a liberal
share of the public patronage through his
affability, fair dealing and moderate prices.
Mr. Basche in his business career has won
for himself the proud distinction of being
one of the few merchants of the city who
have pursued a continuous course of hon-
orable trade so many years without defal-
cation or failure or compromise. He is
entirely self-made in a business point of
view, having earned all he possesses by
his frugality, strict attention to the wants
of his customers, and the exercise of a
sense of strict justice in all his dealings.
Having continued in his line of trade for
so long a period, he has necessarily been
a witness of the great changes that have
taken place in his native city during the
interval, and he has ever taken an active
and ardent part in every change that has
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
469
tended to its moral and material progress.
He is fully recognized as one of the sub-
stantial citizens of Green Bay and Brown
county, and is deservedly entitled to the
high esteem in which he is held.
On October 4, 1871, Mr. Basche was
united in marriage, in Green Bay, with
Miss Elizabeth Moger, a native of New
York and daughter of Ezra Moger, an
honored pioneer of Green Bay and a
practical cooper. To this union have
been born four children, two of whom
died in infancy, of diphtheria, and two
are still living: Maud, now twenty years
of age, and Douglass, sixteen years old.
Politically Mr. Basche is a Republican;
fraternally he, is a member of the K. of
P., Uniform Rank; he was for some years
an Odd Fellow, is a member of the K. of
H., Lodge No. 1384, and was one of its
financial reporters. In religion Mr. and
Mrs. Basche are Presbyterians, and both
are consistent members of the Green Bay
Congregation.
THE LAU FAMILY have ever been
counted among the most indus-
trious and substantial citizens of
Preble township, Brown county.
Jacob Lau was born in Alsace (now a
portion of Germany), and in 1850 came
to the United States and to Green Bay,
Wis. Here, on July 28, 1853, he mar-
ried Miss Caroline Meister, who was born
February iS, 1834, in Sachsen-Meiningen,
Germany, daughter of George Henry
Meister, who came to the United States
in 1853 with his wife and three daugh-
ters. The family crossed the ocean in a
three-masted schooner, the voyage occu-
pying seven weeks, during which time the
masts were blown away, and it seemed at
times as if they would never reach port
safely. But their troubles did not end
here. Mr. Meister's circumstances were
limited, and by the time the family
reached Buffalo, N. Y. , on their way
westward, the funds gave out, and they
were obliged to remain in that city four
weeks, in order to earn the money to en-
able them to continue their journey to
Green Bay, Wis., their destination.
Soon after coming to Green Bay Jacob
Lau set out for Manitowoc, to look for
work, but he lost his way in the woods,
and had his feet so badly frozen that am-
putation of one-third of each foot was
found necessary, which proved a serious
drawback to him. In the spring of 1851
he embarked in the dairy business, begin-
ning at first with three cows, and carry-
ing the milk, but later he was able to
purchase a horse, and as his business in-
creased he became still better equipped.
Shortly after his marriage he located in
the east end of Green Bay, where he re-
mained until 1867, when he located on a
farm in the town of Preble, one mile east
of the city limits, which the family still
owns, and which is part of the present
farm. Here, in a log house, they resided
two years, or until 1870, when they re-
moved to their present place, on which
they have erected a very comfortable
home. Mr. and Mrs. Lau became the
parents of seven children, four of whom —
two sons and two daughters^died young.
Those living are (i) H. J., who married
Miss Annie Heller, and has two children,
Elmer and Benjamin H. ; he is a Repub-
lican in politics, and has been a member
of the school board in his township, at
present holding the office of director.
(2) Andrew H., who resides at home ; he
is a Republican in politics. (3) Lena,
also living at home.
The dairy business, in which they
have met with well-merited success, has
been the principal business of the family,
who are the pioneers in that industry
here. They have stood the test where
others failed, and by working together,
father and sons have made the business a
profitable one. The sons have assisted
ever since they were old enough, and no
small measure of the general success may
be attributed to their energy and good
management. They received in their
youth the education afforded by the com-
470
COMMEMORATIVh: BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
moil schools of the time, but their enter- i
prise and business sagacity fully make up
for any lack of educational advantages.
They have shown themselves capable of
conducting their affairs in a systematic
manner, and are owners of 200 acres of
land, nearly all under cultivation. The
farm of ninety acres, on which the family
now reside, while a very productive one,
has only been made so by a great deal of
labor and expense, having been practi-
cally redeemed from a swamp. Over
five miles of drain tile have been put in,
their outbuildings are equalled by none in
the township, and all the other details of
the farm work are equally well attended
to. They now have about thirty cows,
and own some of the finest Devon stock
in the county, to the rearing of which
strain they give no little attention; their
first stock was secured from A. E. liaker,
of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
In the economical management of the
household, and in the general success of
the family, Mrs. Lau has taken an im-
portant part. During her fort}" years of
married life she has ever been read}- and
willing to do anything to improve their
circumstances; and, though now nearh"
si.xty years of age, she is still an active
woman, notwithstanding the many years
of hard work through which she has
passed. In religious connection she is a
member of the Moravian Church, and is
highly respected and well-known in the
neighborhood.
JOSEPH KALB, retired, was born in
Hessia, Germany, in 1826, a son of
Melchor and Elizabeth (Schumm)
Kalb, of the same part of the country,
where they married. Melchor, who was
a merchant of prominence in his day, died
in 1828, his wife in 1838; they had but
one child by their marriage, Joseph, the
subject of this sketch, who has a half-
brother yet living.
Joseph Kalb received all his education
and learned his trade, that of butcher, in
Germany, being twent\-one years old
when he came to the United States and
to Wisconsin. He first located, in 1849,
in Manitowoc county, where he carried
on a harcfware business for some years, at
the end of which time he took up his res-
idence in the town of Two Rivers, and
here conducted a meat market till 1864,
the year of his coming to Green Bay, in
which city he carried on a butchering
business with considerable success, until
retiring from same in 1880, having sold
out to his son Louis.
During the Civil war, he assisted State-
officer Bates in raising Company F, T\\ en-
ty-sixth \Ms. \'. 1., and went with the
compan}- as sutler, his commission as such
dating from 1861 to 1864, three months
of which time he was in active service as
a regular soldier. He participated in the
battles of Chancellorsville and Gettys-
burg, at which latter all the officers of his
regiment were killed or wounded except
two. At the close of the war he returned
to Two Rivers, and same fall moved into
Green Bay. In 1852 he married Miss
Mary Hauser, a daughter of Frederic and
Mary (Dedenon) Hauser, the father a na-
tive of Germany, the mother and daugh-
ter natives of France, the latter educated
and reared in Germany. In 1845 they
came to ^^'isconsin, settling on a farm in
Manitowoc county, but in later years the
parents moved into the town of Two
Rivers, where they died, the father in
1866, the mother in 1884. To Mr. and
Mrs. Joseph Kalb were born five children,
to wit: William, married, and residing
in Idaho; Louis, a sketch of whom fol-
lows; Otto, who lives in Manitowoc;
Emma, who married Robert Kusterman,
and died in 18S9; and Nora, wife of Will-
iam Collett, of Menominee, Michigan.
In politics Mr. Kalb is a stanch Re-
publican, and he has served in various
offices of honor and trust with ability and
fidelity, among which may be mentioned:
County treasurer, two years, from 1887
to 1 889 (elected in a strongly Democratic
county); member of the council; mem-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
471
ber of the County Agricultural Society.
Of the Turn Verein in Green Bay he has
been a member ever since corning- to the
city, and for twelve years of the Society
in Two Rivers, their hall there being
built by him. He has done a large
amount of real-estate business, and for
the past fifteen years has given consider-
able attention to the cultivation of the
grape — making specialities of the Dela-
ware, Concord and Muscatel. After sup-
plying the home market, the balance of
fruit on hand he makes into choice wine,
pronounced by connoiseurs to be excel-
lent. In the summer of 1893 Mr. Kalb
visited Europe in order to see his old
home and such of his old acquaintances
and friends as were still living there.
Louis Kalb, proprietor of a meat-
market in Green Bay, and a leading en-
terprising citizen, is a native of Wiscon-
sin, born in the town of Two Rivers in
1862.
He received a liberal education at the
schools of Green Bay, whither the fam-
ily had come when he was about five
3'ears old, and then commenced to work
for his father in the butchering and meat-
market business, continuing with him
until buying him out in 1884. Since
then Mr. I-ialb has conducted the busi-
ness alone with eminent success, proving
himself in all his undertakings a worthy
son of a worthy father. He has two
places of business in Green Bay, one on
Washington street, which was opened in
1866, the other on the corner of Pine and
Adams streets, established about twenty
years ago. The Kalb meat-markets are
known as the oldest establishments of the
kind in Green Bay, and enjoy a high rep-
utation in all respects. Employment is
given to ten hands, besides the proprietor.
As a Republican Mr. Kalb takes a lively
interest in politics. He is a member of
the Royal Arcanum, also of the Brown
County Fair and Park Association, and
he is a wide-awake, liberal and loyal citi-
zen, enjoying the respect of all who
know him.
ERNST W. SERVOTTE, of the
firm of E. W. & J. H. Servotte,
the well-known contractors and
builders, Green Bay, is a native
of Belgium, and was born November 25,
1850.
His parents, Guillaume and Victoria
(Demaiffe) Servotte, were also natives of
Belgium, where the father followed the
trade of carpenter until 1856, in which
year he brought his family to America,
settling in Brussels township. Door county,
Wis., in the wild woods, and having for
his neighbors the Indians of the then un-
settled region. Here the family resided
until 1864, and then moved to Green
Bay, where the mother died October 25,
1865. The father, while living in Door
county, was a very popular citizen, and
was honored by election on the Repub-
lican ticket to several offices of trust. In
Green Bay he followed his trade until his
death, which occurred July 21, 1887. His
four children, who were brought by him
to Green Bay, were Ernst W. , whose
name opens this sketch; Julia, widow of
Emil Brosteau; Joseph H., partner of
Ernst W. , and Desire, who died at the
age of five years. One son, Frank, died
in Door county, Wisconsin.
Ernst W. Servotte had the advantages
of the schools of Door county and of
Green Bay until competent to enter an
apprenticeship under his father. Having
fully mastered his trade, he engaged in
partnership with his brother under the
title given above, and the young men
have been very successful. In 1875 our
subject was married in Green Ba}', to
Flora Piraux, a native of Belgium and
daughter of Peter and Angeline (Bradie)
Piraux, who came from Belgium to
America in 1856, locating in Milwaukee,
W'is., same year. In 1877 Mr. Servotte
built his present handsome residence in
Green Bay, and has here had born to
him three children, viz. : Frank, now at-
tending business college; Emily A. and
Edward J. In politics Mr. Servotte is a
Republican, but has never been an office-
472
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
seeker, although he has filled one or two
official positions, when he has felt it to be
his duty to do so as a good and faithful
citizen. Mr. Servotte is a devout Catholic,
and has reared his family in the same
faith. He has depicted in his daily walk
through life his earnestness in his religious
belief, and has always manifested a de-
cided interest in the progress of the city
which he has chosen as his home, and in
which he has seen many and rapid
changes for the better since he has been
a resident thereof. His business has been
profitable and consquently satisfactory,
and his social position is all that could be
desired.
JOSEPH H. SERVOTTE, member
of the widely-known firm of E. W.
& J. H. Servotte, contractors and
builders. Green Bay, is a native of
Wisconsin, born in Door county on March
17, 1862.
Guillaume Servotte, father of subject,
was a native of Belgium, where he mar-
ried Miss Victoria Demaiffe, of the same
country, and in 1856 they emigrated to
the United States, locating in Green Bay,
Wis., where the father followed his trade,
that of carpenter, until 1858, in which
3'ear the family moved to Door county,
same State, settling on a farm for eight
years, in 1864 returning to Green Bay,
where Mr. Servotte resumed his trade.
Here he died July 21. 1887, the mother
October 25, 1865. Five children were
born to them, viz: Frank, deceased in
Door county; Ernst W., in business
with our subject; Julia, widow of E.
Brosteau a resident of Green Bay; Desire,
who died in Green Bay at the age of five
years, and Joseph H.
The subject of this sketch received a
liberal education at the schools of Green
Bay, and afterward learned carpentry, a
trade he followed exclusively till 1888,
when he commenced contracting and
building in both Green Bay and Fort
Howard, in partnership with his brother
Ernst W., the firm confining themselves
chiefly to residence building, in which
they have met with well-merited success.
In 1 89 1 Mr. Servotte was united in mar-
riage, in Green Bay, with Miss Mary
Theresa Lefebvre, who was born in Brown
county. Wis. , January 21,1 867, a daughter
of John B. Lefebvre, an early settler of
Green Ba}-, who for several years owned
and operated a saw and grist mill com-
bined in the town of Green Bay. To
this union was born July 28, 1894, one
child, Agnes Albertina. Our subject, as
was his father before him, is a Republican,
and from 1889 to 1892 he served the
city as alderman from the First ward;-
in 1892 was elected supervisor, in 1893
re-elected, and is serving in that office at
the present time. Socially he is a mem-
ber of the Royal Arcanum, and enjoys the
respect, confidence and esteem of a wide
circle of friends and acquaintances.
REV. H. W. THOMPSON. The
experiences of a minister of the
Gospel in a comparatively unset-
tled region must of necessity be
full of interest, and the reverend gentle-
man whose name introduces this article
could furnish many chapters of such na-
ture from his years of life in the work of
his Master in the northern country. But,
more than this, the entire span of his ex-
istence has been within an atmosphere
out of which the thrilling events of his-
tory have come forth, and to an unusual
degree is he qualified to entertain those
who seek after substantial facts in the
history of a nation's progress.
Mr. Thompson conies of a pioneer
family. His parents, William and Ellen
M. (Browne) Thompson, natives respec-
tively of Seneca and Niagara counties, N.
Y. , removed in an early day to Michigan,
in which State they were united in mar-
riage. They originally located in Hills-
dale county, but later settled upon a farm
in Livingston county. The elder Thomp-
son died October 2, 1894, his wife having
COMMEMORATIVE BlOGBAPIllCAL RECORD.
473
preceded him to the grave in iS88. This
worthy couple reared a family of five
children: H. W. , the subject of this
sketch; Frederick William, of Fenton,
Mich. ; Frank Howard, of Rockford, 111. ;
Nellie, now Mrs. Fisher, of Reeseville,
Wis. ; and Charley, who resides at Sault
Ste. Marie.
H. W. Thompson, the eldest child,
was born in Brooklyn township, Jackson
Co., Mich., in 1847, and grew to young
manhood in Tyrone, Livingston county,
receiving his early education in the schools
of that period. His youthful blood was
stirred by patriotic impulses when the
tremendous wave of rebellion broke upon
the land, and in 1863 he tendered his
services to the government, enlisting in a
cavalry regiment. In the spring of 1864
he became a member of Company F,
Tenth Michigan Infantry, which formed
part of the First Brigade, Second
Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, and
served with great distinction under Gen.
W. T. Sherman. Mr. Thompson took
part with his command in the battles of
Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, Kenesaw
Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Rome and
the two-days' fight with Thomas at Nash-
ville, being wounded during the second
day's engagement at the latter place. He
was present at the memorable grand
review of the army at Washington in
May, 1865; was honorably discharged
soon after at Louisville, Ky., and finally
mustered out of the service at Jackson,
Mich. Returning to Livingston county
he engaged in farming until 1871, when
he entered the ministry of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, Detroit Conference.
In 1876 he was transferred to North
Michigan, laboring on the Manistique cir-
cuit, thirty-nine miles in extent, and
having few settlements. During two
terms of three years each he was sta-
tioned at Escanaba, and later one year
at De Pere, from which latter point he
came to Green Bay in 1890. He is now
pastor of the First M. E. Church in the
last named place. During his seventeen
years service in pastoral labor in this
northern country many changes have
come under his notice, and his experience
has been of a nature to ripen his judg-
ment and qualify him for even more effi-
cient work in the future.
The soldier who successfully with-
stood the ordeal of severe service in the
field during the great Civil war, and re-
turned to his home to pursue the voca-
tions of peace, was strongly impressed
with the necessity for being well-equipped
for the struggles of life, and the first act
of many a "boy in blue" was to take to
himself a helpmeet for the years to come.
Young Thompson, not yet of age when
the war closed, only awaited the year of
his majority to take the next great step
of his life. On May 24, 1868, in Oak-
land county, Mich., he married Miss Mary
J. House, a native of Hartland township,
Livingston county, and daughter of
Amasa and Cynthia (Durfee) House, na-
tives of New York and early pioneers of
Michigan, both now deceased. Three
children have been given these parents:
Minnie L. , wife of John Symmons, of
Escanaba, Mich.; Harry A., now freight
and ticket auditor of the Wisconsin &
Michigan railroad, with offices at 418 and
419 Western Union Building, Chicago,
111., and Berenice M.
Mr. Thompson has met the reward of
preferment at the hands of his fellows in
other lines than those of the ministry.
As a Republican in politics, he served
from the Delta District in the Michigan
Legislature in 1887. In Grand Army
circles he is also well known, having
served as chaplain of the Department of
Michigan in 1887, and been elected to a
similar position for the Department of
Wisconsin, April 28, 1894. He is a mem-
ber of T. O. Howe Post No. 124, G. A.
R. , and a past commander of the T. O.
Howe Post in the order. He is also
chaplain in Washington Lodge No. 21,
F. & A. M. ; Scribe in Warren Chapter
No. 8, R. A. M., and Prelate in Palestine
Commandery No. 20, K. T.
474
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
WW. NUSS, a photographic art-
ist of much merit and ability,
having his studio at No. 215
North Washington street. Green
Bay, was born in 1858 in Bucks county,
Penn., son of Michael and Matilda
(Wiedner) Nuss, natives of the same
county and State, where they were mar-
ried.
The father enlisted, in 1863, in a
Pennsylvania regiment, and served in the
Civil war as a snare drummer, and in
1865 came to Wisconsin and located in
De Pere, where he worked at his trade as
a mason until 1869, when he purchased a
farm of 140 acres; but in a short time re-
turned to De Pere, where he is now en-
gaged in tailoring, having learned that
among several other trades in his earlier
years. He was also a minister of the
Evangelical Association, and preached for
a long time after his arrival in Brown
county, \\'is. His wife left her earthly
cares in August, 1882, her remains find-
ing their last resting place in De Pere.
She had borne her husband fifteen chil-
dren, of whom eight sons and three
daughters still survive, viz. : Amelia,
living with her father; Elniina, w'ife of F.
W. Schneider, of Green Bay; M. W., of
St. Paul, Minn.; W. W. , our subject; P.
W. , of Minnesota; A. O., preaching at
Montello, ^^"is. ; James Franklin, of Ana-
conda, Mont. ; Edwin Michael, of Chilton,
Wis. ; Anderson K. , bookkeeper at Dous-
man's Mill, De Pere; Charles H., in the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad
office, De Pere; and Carrie, wife of Jules
Roels, of the same city.
W. W. Nuss, the accomplished pho-
tographer of whom this sketch pertains,
reached De Pere about 1865, and was
here reared, but learned his art in Green
Bay, where he has now the best gallerj'
in the city, and is also recognized as being
one of the city's best artists. In October,
1890, he married Miss Clara Rathman, a
native of Green Bay and a daughter of
one of its early pioneers. One child,
Verna W. , now adds sunshine to the
happy household. Mr. Nuss is a member
of Pochequette Lodge No. 26, K. P., and
also a member of the Koyal Arcanum at
Green Bay; in politics he is a Republican,
and socially fills a high position.
ASPRAGUE, veterinary surgeon.
Green Bay, also conducting a
horse infirmary and boarding barn,
is a native of Broome county, N.
Y. , born November 25, 1856, a son of
Milton and Jerusha E. (Elwood) Sprague,
natives of Delaware county, New York.
Milton Sprague when a young man
served in the United States Navy during
the Mexican war, being stationed along
the Pacific coast, and at the close of the
struggle returned to Delaware county,
where he married, shortly afterward
bringing his young wife to Wisconsin, for
a time settling in Calumet county, where
he carried on blacksmithing, later moving
to the town of Shawano, Shawanc county,
making their home with their son, our
subject. The mother died in 1881 at
Brothertown, Wis., and the father is now
living in Green Bay, with his son. They
were the parents of eleven children, four
of whom are j'et living, to wit: Milton,
married, in business with his brother A. ;
Catherine, wife of Andrew Moyes, of
Brothertown, Wis ; Dr. A. Sprague and
Mary, wife of Needham Richmond, of
Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Great-grandfather
Abram Sprague, and Grandfather Daniel
Sprague. were both natives of Delaware
county, N. Y. , and were in the Revolu-
tion and war of 181 2, respectively.
The subject of this sketch received his
elementary education at the common
schools of Calumet county, and learned
the trade of blacksmith. Being desirous
of following the profession of veterinary
surgeon, he attended Indiana College, In-
dianapolis, where he received a diploma,
and he also studied under Dr. R. W. Ea-
ton, of Fond du Lac. In 1881 he com-
menced practice in Calumet county, re-
maining there till November, 1890, when
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.
475
he came to Green Bay and opened an of-
fice on Cherry street, later moving to his
present place on the corner of Washing-
ton and Stuart streets.
In 1876 Dr. Sprague married Miss
Victoria Keliher, who was born in Calu-
met county, a daughter of John C. and
Bridget (Morrissey) I\eliher, the father a
native of London, England the latter of
Ireland, who emigrated many years ago
to America, settling in Wisconsin. To
Mr. and Mrs. Sprague have been born
five children, viz. : Walton, married and
living at Lake Geneva; and Ralph, Harry,
Olive and Lottie. Mr. Sprague in his
political associations is independent; he
is a member and past grand of Green
Bay Lodge No. 19, I. O. O. F. ; was
grand representative of Shawano Lodge
in June, 1890, and was noble grand of
Shawano Lodge at Eau Claire, Wis.
The Doctor, by his widely-known skill,
has succeeded in securing an excellent
practice, and he is now the city veterina-
rian of Green Bay.
IVI
y. CLAREY, an engineer of
some considerable note in the
employ of the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul Railway
Company, was born at Menasha, W^inne-
bago county. Wis., June i, 1857.
Maurice and Catherine (Scanlan)
Clarey, his parents, were natives of Ire-
land, but were married in America.
Maurice Clarey first located in Worcester,
Mass., and was there married. After fol-
lowing railroading at Worcester several
years he came to Menasha, Wis. , where
his death took place a few years after his
arrival; his widow still has her residence in
Menasha, and is venerated by all who
know her. She has reared a family of
five sons, the first of whom, Michael, an
engineer on the Milwaukee & Northern
railroad, died at Marinette; Garrett re-
sides in Everett, Wash; M. J. is the sub-
ject of this sketch; John is an engineer
at Menominee, Mich., in the employ of
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail-
way Company, and T. L. , passenger con-
ductor for the same company from Mil-
waukee, Wis., to Champion, Michigan.
M. J. Clarey was educated in the
schools of Menasha, began his railroad
life by firing on the Wisconsin Central,
working up to the position of engineer,
and is now the oldest engineer on the
Lake Superior Division of the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul railway. Since
1 878 his residence has been in Green Bay.
His marriage took place, in 1877, to Miss
Delia Scott, daughter of John Scott, a
native of Canada, and one of the oldest
settlers of Stevens Point, Portage county,
Wis., but now deceased. Two children
have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Clarey, and are named Katherine and
Willie G. Mr. Clarey and wife are mem-
bers of St. John's Catholic Church, and he
is affiliated with the Brotherhood of Loco-
motive Engineers, No. 297, at Green
Bay. In politics he is a Democrat, but
has never been an office seeker, his strict
attention to his duties having placed him
beyond the seeking of extraneous public
aid.
FE. DUBOIS, the congenial and
accommodating conductor on the
Chicago, Milw^aukee & St. Paul
railway, having his run between
Green Bay and Milwaukee, has punched
checks and tickets from 1882 until the
present time, and is now the oldest and
most popular passenger conductor running
into Green Bay. As a railroad man, his
apprenticeship began on the Wisconsin
Central, in 1873, as brakeman, and by
his faithful attendance to his duties he
has been advanced, degree by degree, to
his present responsible position.
Our subject first saw the light in 1856
in Fort Howard, Wis., and is a son of C.
E. and Augusta (Alexander) Dubois, who
were born in the State of New York,
were married there, and in 1855 came to
Wisconsin, stopping for a time at Kau-
476
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
kauna and settlinfj, within a year, at Fort
Howard. The father was one of the
early school-teachers at this point, follow-
ing the profession until 1866, when he
went to Menasha, Wis., and taught until
1883, the year he and his family came to
Green Bay. Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Dubois
reared four children, viz. : Charles, of
Chicago; F. E. ; Carrie, wife of W. E.
Smith, district carpenter on the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad; and J.
W. , engineer of a passenger train on the
same railroad, and residing in Green Bay.
Mr. Dubois is a Freemason of promi-
nence, being a member of Palestine Com-
mandery No. 20, having, of course,
passed through the various degrees; he is
also a member of Island City Chapter
No. 23, of Wisconsin Consistory, of
Tripoli Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and
still is an active member of the Blue
Lodge, Chilton No. 1 54. He is also a
member of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks; socially he enjoys the ad-
miration of a large and influential circle
of acquaintances.
CHARLES THEODORE KIM-
BALL, manager of the A. Kim-
ball wholesale and retail hardware
store. Green Bay, was born Oc-
tober 10, 1847, in Dalton, Berkshire
county, Mass., son of Alonzo and Sarah
(Weston) Kimball, who came to Green
Bay in 1849. The father was a highly-
educated gentleman, and in early life was
a school-teacher. These parents had a
family of six children, viz.: Mary C,
who is married to M. H. Walker, of
Green Bay; A. Weston, general agent
for the State of Illinois of the Northwest-
ern Life Insurance Company, of Milwau-
kee, and located at Chicago; Charles T. ,
the subject proper of this sketch; Mather
D., the literary manager of the North-
western Life Insurance Company, at Mil-
waukee; Sarah, widow of L. B. Sale,
who with his two sons, Richard and
Robert, was drowned in the Fox river;
and William Dwight, who died at the age
of two years.
Charles T. Kimball received his
primary education in the city schools of
Green Bay, and his commercial training
at a Milwaukee business college. Some
time after his graduation from the latter
(now over thirty years ago), he became
associated with his father in the hardware
trade — in 1870 — and is now general man-
ager of the business, his father having
retired some \ears since. The business
has always been a successful one, having
been at the start based on principles of
strict integrity and square dealing. On
September 5, 1872, C. T. Kimball was
united in the bonds of matrimony, in
Green Bay, with Miss Hannah Elizabeth
Cawthorne, a native of Canada, of English
descent, and daughter of \\'illiam B. and
Jane (Bell) Cawthorne, who came to
Green Bay about the year 1868. Here
Mrs. Cawthorne passed the remainder of
her life; William B. Cawthorne is a
jeweler by vocation, and is now a resi-
dent of Henry, S. D. To the happy
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Charles T.
Kimball have been born three children —
Mary Bell, Myra Weston and Charles
Theodore — and there are few families in
the city more highly respected.
Mr. Kimball is an active member of
the K. of P., affiliated with Pochequette
Lodge No. 26, and C. T. Kimball Di-
vision, Uniform Rank, and he is Past
Grand Chancellor of the State of Wis-
consin. He is an accomplished musician
and composer, and in connection with
Mr. Dorn has published a number of
meritorious and popular compositions, in-
cluding well-known church music and
temperance songs and band publications.
For many \'ears he was leader of Kim-
ball's Silver Cornet Band of Green Bay,
comprising eighteen pieces, and also for
a number of years choir leader and or-
ganist for the First Presbyterian Church.
He is highly respected as a business man,
and his social standing is equally high.
In all enterprises having a tendency to
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
477
improve the intellectual advancement of
his fellow citizens he has taken an active
part, and he has freely given of his means
to promote the material progress of the
city in which he has been reared, and of
the population of which he is so promi-
nent a factor.
FRANK B. DESNOYERS. This
gentleman, who is a member of
the well-known tirni of Desnoyers
& Duchateau, breeders of horses.
Green Bay, is a native of that city, born
in 1859.
Francis Desnoyers, father of our sub-
ject, was a native of Michigan, and came
from Detroit to Green Baj', where he was
engaged in mercantile pursuits some
years. On retiring from same he took
up the real-estate business, and among
other buildings he, about the year 1865,
erected what is known as " Uncle Frank's
Block," besides six stores on the west
side of Washington (which belong to the
family) and four on the east side. At
Green Bay he married Miss Louisa A.
Beard, a native of Philadelphia, and
daughter of Capt. Beard, who at one
time was a captain in the regular army,
and died in Pennsylvania; he was a
brother of judge Beard, of Green Bay.
She came to Green Bay with Mrs. Law-
ton. Three children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Francis Desnoj'ers, viz. : Marie
L. , Elizabeth and Frank B. The father
died in 1868; he was a Republican, and
at different times served as alderman and
mayor of Green Bay. His widow was
subsequently married to Dr. C. E. Crane,
and died in 1888.
Frank B. Desnoj'ers, the subject
proper of this sketch, received a liberal
education in the schools of Green Bay,
after which he proceeded to Milwaukee,
Wis., where for a time he clerked in the
dry-goods store of Skeeles cS: Best, and
returning to Green Bay continued clerk-
ing about two and one-half years in that
town. He then opened out for his own
account a gents' furnishing-goods estab-
lishment, which he successfully conducted
until 1 890, in which year he embarked in
his present line of business, in partner-
ship with Mr. Duchateau. In the same
year they built a commodious and well-
equipped barn on Monroe avenue, be-
tween Main and Pine streets.
In 1883, at Green Bay, Wis., Mr.
Desnoyers was united in marriage with
Felia A. Lindsley, a native of that city,
daughter of Myron P. and Frances F.
(Ingalls) Lindsley, who in an early day
came to Brown county from Lockport,
N. Y. Mr. Lindsley was an attorney at
law and dealer in real estate, and a promi-
nent member of the I. O. O. F., in which
Order he held the office of State Lec-
turer. He died in Madison, Wis., in
1882. To our subject and wife have
been born three children, viz. : Frank
L. , Mary Elizabeth and Henry B. In
politics Mr. Desnoyers is a Republican,
and for the past four years he has repre-
sented the Second ward in the council as
alderman, and was chairman of the
finance committee two years.
JULES C. NEVILLE. This wide-
awake young hustling business man
of Green Bay, member of the firm
of Delaporte & Neville, proprietors
of "The Hub," a leading clothing and
gents' furnishing store, is descended from
an upright, honored Belgian family.
Julian Neville, his father, was born in
May, 1842, in Belgium, a son of Josef
Neville, who had a family of four sons
and one daughter, and died in Belgium
when Julian was three }'ears old. His
widow and her little son, then, in 1855,
came to the United States, and from New
York, their port of debarkation, came
westward to Wisconsin, making their first
Western home in Green Bay. The de-
voted mother died at the home of her
son in Scott township. Brown county,
Wisconsin. Julian received a fair educa-
tion at the schools of Green Bay, and
478
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
then took up agricultural pursuits for his
life vocation. In Door county he cleared
a farm, also one near Sturgeon Bay, on
which he resided some seventeen j'ears.
In 1874 he came to his present home in
Green Bay, where in i>S83 he built a fine
brick residence and business room com-
bined, which latter he carries on, as well
as a hotel. In every sense of the word
he is a self-made man, a hard worker,
progressive and public-spirited, honest
and upright, one who has brought up his
family well, giving them all a good educa-
tion, and a fair start in life. He is a Re-
publican in politics; in religious faith a
member of the Holy Cross Church at Bay
Settlement, and enjoys-the respect of the
community as a well-to-do loyal citizen.
He has been twice married; first time at
Sturgeon Bay. Wis., to Miss Mary V.
Erlache, who bore him five children, viz. :
Josef E. (died when young), Jules C.
(subject proper of this sketch), and Henry,
Mary and Vina. The mother of these
died in 1880, and Mr. Neville subsequent-
ly married Miss Philomena Brice, by
whom there are six children: Josef,
Octavian, Louis. Vina, John and Albert.
Jules C. Neville, whose name intro-
duces this sketch, was born March 25,
1 87 1, in Door county, Wisconsin, where,
at the common schools, he received his
literary education, which was supple-
mented with an eighteen-months' course
at a business college, after which he en-
tered the employ of J. P. C. Schmidt,
wholesale liquor dealers, remaining with
them three years, part of the time having
charge of the government books. Later
he engaged as traveling salesman, and on
leaving the road he entered into a partner-
ship with C. H. E. Delaporte, at Fort
Howard; but after conducting the business
one year and four months, they opened
up their present place of business, "The
Hub," in Green Bay. In October, 1893,
Mr. Neville was married to Miss Bertha
Zerrener, daughter of Frederick Zerrener.
It his political proclivities our subject is
a straight Republican.
LOUIS C. VAN DYCKE (deceased),
for many years a prominent citi-
zen of Green Bay, was born in
Antwerp, Belgium, April 12, 1829,
and died in Green Bay, Wis., January 9,
1 88 1 .
The family were originally Holland-
Dutch, and were of noble origin, as is
shown by their coat of arms, now owned
by the Van Dyckes of Green Bay.
Grandfather Constante Van Dycke was a
seafaring man for many years as captain
of his own ship, and was remarkably
handsome and attractive. He married
MissCoUette Blankeman, a beautiful Bel-
gian girl, truly called "the rose of Ant-
werp," who lived to a ripe old age, re-
taining to the last much of her beaut}',
as proven by a portrait of her taken in
Paris, France, when she was sixty-five
years of age, and which is now in the
possession of her daughter-in-law, Mrs.
Louis Van Dycke; her husband died in
Ostend, Belgium.
Their only son, Louis C, was edu-
cated in Antwerp, and in his younger days
was a sea captain; he was a great linguist,
being able to read and write seven dif-
ferent languages. At the age of twenty-
seven, in 1855, he immigrated to the
United States, and for nearly one year
was a merchant in New York City. In
1857 he came to Wisconsin, making his
first Western home in Brown county, but
two years later moved Kewaunee county,
where he established a general store at a
point in Red River township, on Green
Bay, which came to be known as Dyckes-
ville, being named in his honor. He was
also postmaster there, and first district
attorney, and township treasurer ten
years. In 1868 he returned to Green
Bay, and was here engaged in mercantile
business, brewing, etc., up to his death.
In 1875, in connection with John M.
Shoemaker, he established the dry-goods
house of Shoemaker & Van Dycke, and
in all his enterprises he made a success,
becoming a man of great influence
throughout the country. On May 11,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHIOAL RECORD.
479
1857, Mr. Van Dycke was married to
Miss Octavia Cesar, a daughter of Lam-
bert Cesar, a native of Belgium, as is also
Mrs. Van Dycke, who was born August
4, 1840, in Bouvechen, near Louvain,
Belgium. Si.x children came to the union
of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Van Dycke,
namely: Erma (wife of Dr. H. M. Beck),
Emil C, Julius J., Constance F. , Alice
C. and Louis Paul. The mother is still
making her home in Green Bay.
Julius J. Van Dvcke, son of Louis
C. and Octavia Van Dycke, was born
August 14, 1868, in Red River township,
Kewaunee Co., Wis. His elementary
education was received at the public
schools of Green Bay, after which he
attended the Business College in that
cit}', graduating there in 1887. Becom-
ing interested in pharmac)-, he studied
the science t\\'o j'ears under the pre-
ceptorship of his brother-in-law. Dr. H.
M. Beck, and then attended the uni-
versity at Madison. Returning to Green
Bay, and having passed his examination
in Milwaukee before the State Iioard
of Pharmacy, in 1890, he, in part-
nership with Charles LeComte, opened a
drug store, the firm continuing about
three years, at the end of which time Mr.
Van Dycke sold out his interest, and be-
came associated in business with the O.
Van Dycke Brewing Company, of which
he is now the bookkeeper and financial
agent. As a druggist he was a pronounced
success, and he still maintains close re-
lations with the profession. In social
circles he holds prominent place, being
bright and intellectual, and in fraternal
associations he is a member of the Ro\'al
Arcanum.
GEORGE GROESSL, foreman of
the Van Dycke Brewery, Green
Bay, was born November 22,
185 I, near Furth, Bavaria, Ger-
many, on the confines of Bohemia, in the
Bohmer Wald. His ancestry for the
most part were industrious, plodding
27— .\
farming people in that part of the world,
living uneventful lives.
Ignatz Groessl, also a native of near
Furth, a farmer by occupation, came to
America some time after his son George,
the subject of sketch, had emigrated, and
making a settlement in Manitowoc county,
Wis., resumed agricultural pursuits. He
is now seventy-five years old, and is living
a retired life at Ahnapee, Kewaunee
county, hale and hearty, as is also his be-
loved wife, a German by birth, whose
maiden name was Barbara Pry. They
had a family of eight children.
The subject of this sketch was seven-
teen years old when he immigrated to
America, and on landing at New York
immediately came west to Indiana, where,
in the town of La Porte, he had relatives.
After a six-months' sojourn there he pro-
ceeded to Ahnapee, Wis. , and from there,
after a short stay, to Green Bay, where
he secured work in the brewery of Henry
Rahr, remaining some three years; then
went to Milwaukee, and in the brewery
of Frank Falk found employment for sev-
eral months. From the " Cream City "
he took a run up to Chicago, where in the
brewery of M. Gottfried he worked for a
time; from the "World's Fair City" he
went to Naperville, 111. , and in the brew-
ery of F. Stenger passed a few more
months — in all his experiences in these
various localities never losing sight of the
main object he had in view, namely,
making himself thoroughly acquainted
with all the details of the brewing busi-
ness, and perfecting himself in them.
Being recalled to Green Bay, he secured
the position of foreman in Rahr's brew-
ery, but at the end of two years he once
more moved to La Porte, Ind. , where he
served in a similar capacity another two
years, or until 1877, when he returned to
Green Bay and connected himself with
the Van Dycke brewery, since when he
has been mainly identified with the con-
cern as foreman; for five years he was
partner in the business with Mrs. O. Van-
Dvcke, widow of Louis Van Dycke, at
4^0
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
one tiine proprietor of the brewery. Mr.
Groessl is widely known as a thorough,
practical brewer, second to none in the
State, and no one has had better training
to the business or knows more about it.
Our subject was married in Green
Bay, Wis., to Miss Antonia Hollub, a
native of Wisconsin, and to this union
have been born six children, named, re-
spectively, Frank, George, Josephine,
Jacob, Clara and Lena. Mr. and Mrs.
Groessl are members of the Catholic
Church, aud are highly respected in the
community in which they live.
ERNEST BECKER, a well-known
citizen of F"ort Howard, Brown
county, is a son of Peter and
Elizabeth (Newfield) Becker, na-
tives of Germany, in which country they
were reared and married. They emi-
grated to New York in 1852, thence
moved to Savannah and finall}' to Oconto,
Wis., the same year, in which latter city
they are yet living. Their children were
Charley, now deceased; Mary, wife of A.
Watternich, of Oconto; Ernest, of Fort
Howard, and Anna, who died at the age
of four years.
Our subject was born at Oconto, W^is.,
in 1864, and in that place received his ed-
ucation. He learned the machinist's trade
in the shops of A. Halbach, working later
for D. C. Prescott, at Marinette; in the
shops at Florence; afterward for the Green
Bay, Winona & St. Paul Railroad Com-
pany two years, and in 1887 he located
at Fort Howard, where he has been in
in the employ of the Milwaukee & North-
ern Railroad Company six years and three
months. He was at one time engaged in
the hardware business on Broadway
street.
Mr. Becker was married January 31,
1888, at Fort Howard, to Miss Carrie
Schwarz, daughter of C. Schwarz, and
they had four children, of whom three
are now living: Erna, Carl Arthur and
Mark Harry; Walter died when but eight
months old. Socially Mr. Becker is a
member of the Modern W'oodmen at Fort
Howard, and like his wife belongs to St.
Paul's Lutheran Church. He is super-
visor from the Fourth ward. Fort Howard,
was elected to that position in 1893, and
has made a useful officer, serving on the
extra committee on printing and tax cer-
tificates. He is a substantial citizen, des-
tined to become prominent in his city
and count\'.
CE. CRANE, M. D. In this
gentleman the most noble, the
most humane and the most phil-
anthropic of all professions finds
an honored and worthy representative.
For fortj-three years he was in the active
practice of physic and surgery, in earlier
days making a specialty of the latter, but
for the past few years he has been living
retired.
Dr. Crane was born November 27,
1827, in that part of Huron county, Ohio,
that is now embodied in Erie county.
He is a son of Simeon and Eliza (In-
graham) Crane, natives of Connecticut
and Massachusetts, respectively, who in
181 5 came to Huron (now Erie) county,
Ohio, locating near the town of Florence,
later moving to Oberlin, same State.
Here the father, who was a farmer by
occupation, died in 1877; the mother
passed from earth when the subject of
this sketch was seven years old. They
were the parents of three children, all
sons, as follows: C. E. ; Samuel I., who
died in Erie county, Ohio, in 1868; and
George M., who during the Civil war
enlisted in the Eighth Missouri Infantry,
was wounded at Jonesboro, and died
three days after reaching his home in
Erie county, Ohio. Simeon married a
second time, and by this union had one
son, Joel, who joined the Union army in
Ohio.
C. E. Crane was reared and educated
in Erie county to the age of thirteen
years, at which time he moved to Nor-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
48 1
walk, where he remained until he was
twenty-one 3'ears old, receiving the chief
part of his education at the schools of
that town, including the reading of
medicine. In 1848-49 he attended the
Western Reserve College, where he
graduated in 1849, immediately there-
after, in May, same year, coming to
Green Bay, then but a small place with
bright prospects, and here continued in
the successful practice of his profession
until 1S92, a period of over forty years
(with the exception of the time, three
years, he served in the army), when he
retired. Dr. Crane was commissioned,
in 1 86 1, assistant-surgeon of the Fifth
Wisconsin Infantry, joining the regiment
in June of that year at Madison, Wis.
The Fifth was attached to the army of
the East, and participated in the battle
of Williamsburg; the Peninsular cam-
paign of 1862; the second battle of Bull
Run; the battles of Fredericksburg (under
Gen. Burnside), Chancellorsville (1863),
Gettysburg, Rappahannock Bridge (No-
vember, 1S63), and finally in the Wilder-
ness campaign. In 1S63 the Doctor was
promoted to surgeon. In 1864 the regi-
ment was mustered out and August 2,
same year, our subject was discharged at
Madison, Wis. He was recommissioned,
but on account of impaired health de-
clined the honor, and returned home,
resuming practice at Green Bay. He is
a member of the Brown County Medical
Society (of which he was one of the
organizers and president from 1868 to
1880), and of the Fox River Valley Medi-
cal Society.
In 1872 Dr. C. E. Crane was married
in Green Bay to Mrs. Louise Desnoyers,
a native of Penn.sylvania, daughter of
Capt. Beard, formerly of the United
States army, who died many years ago.
Mrs. Crane has three children by her first
husband, viz.: Marie L. , Catherine and
Frank B. In his political preferences he
is a Republican, and he served his town
as mayor five years, 1874-75-77-78 and
'79; as president of the school board six
years, and on the board of public health.
Socially he is a member of T. O. Howe
Post No. 124, G. A. R., Green Bay; of
Washington Lodge No. 21, F. & A. M.,
Warren Chapter No. 8, and of Philistine
Commandery No. 20, Green Bay.
JOHN L. McABEE, one of the well-
known successful agriculturists of
Lawrence township, is a native of
Brown county, born November i,
1842, in Fort Howard, son of Lambert
McAbee, an early resident of the county.
Lambert McAbee was born, about
1 8 18, in Detroit, Mich., of French and
Scotch extraction, and was a member of
one of the early families of his section of
Michigan. In an early day he came to
Green Bay, Wis., to trade with the In-
dians, with whose language he was quite
familiar, and this business, in which he
was very successful, was his principal vo-
cation. In about 1840 he married, in
Green Bay, Miss Sophia La Vigue, who
was born in that city in 1820, daughter of
John La Vigue, a native of Canada, of
French extraction. John La Vigue came
to Green Bay in early manhood, and there
married Elizabeth Huldrick, who was
born in Fort Howard, daughter of Peter
Huldrick, a native of Germany, who came
to the United States about the beginning
of the present century, arriving at Fort
Howard with the first English troops that
ever landed there.
To Lambert and Sophia McAbee were
born five children, namely: John L. ,
whose name introduces this memoir;
Catherine, Mrs. Augustus Gerarden, of
Outagamie county. Wis. ; Mary, unmar-
ried, of Lawrence township; Angeline, de-
ceased; and Josephine, unmarried, of
Lawrence township. In the spring of
1850 the father of this family died, and
was buried in Allouez cemetery, and the
widow was thus left with five small chil-
dren, our subject, the eldest, being not
yet eight years of age. The family at
that time were living on a small piece of
482
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
land along the Fox river, which Mr. Mc-
Abee had purchased of the Government;
but they were defrauded of this, and the
only home left to them was an old sugar-
house on Section 22, Lawrence township,
where Mr. McAbee had operated a sugar
camp. Never having been intended for
a dwelling-house, it was but a rude con-
struction, without even a floor; but with
the assistance of willing and kind-hearted
neighbors it was improved and made hab-
itable, and here they lived until 1861,
when a substantial log house was erected,
which is yet standing. They squatted
eighty acres of land, which they subse-
quently purchased from the Fox River
Land Company at $1.25 per acre, selling
the only horse they had to pay for it.
But one path led to or from their loca-
tion, and that was a "winter road " lead-
ing to the F"ox river, at a point one mile
from Little Kaukauna. The first space
cleared on the land was planted to corn
and potatoes, and each year, as the land
improved, and the children grew old
enough to help, the farm became more
and more productive, till it yielded them
a comfortable support.
John L. McAbee was about nineteen
years old at the breaking out of the Civil
war, and, like many other young men,
longed to take part in the suppression of
the Rebellion. Accordingly, in Decem-
ber, 1 86 1, he enlisted in Company K,
Seventeenth Wis. V. I., being sent to
Madison, Wis., whence, after a short
stay at Camp Randall, he was sent to
Camp Benton, St. Louis, and thence to
Tennessee, arriving at Shiloh shortly after
the engagement at that place. He partici-
pated in the fight at Corinth (his first
battle), and next in the engagement at
Holly Springs, from there going to Mem-
phis, where, in January, 1863, he was
discharged on account of illness, the
result of a cold he had contracted at
Madison, Wis. Mr. McAbee returned to
his home in Brown county. Wis., and
after recuperating his health re-enlisted,
in January, 1864, this time in Company
F, Fourteenth Wis. V. I., proceeding
with the command to \'icksburg, Miss.,
and thence to Eastport. He took part in
the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, and in
the march to Atlanta, participating in
seventeen engagements around that city,
and after its fall he was among those
who returned to Nashville with Hood.
From Nashville they were conveyed by
transports to New Orleans, near where
tiiey camped for three weeks, on Uauphin
Island. He was in the engagement that
followed at Spanish Fort, and in the land
forces around Mobile, and at the time of
Lee's surrender was on the march to
Montgomery, Ala. Mr. McAbee was
mustered out of the service at Mobile,
and October 29, 1865, received an hon-
orable discharge at Madison, Wis. ; during
his long term of service he was never
injured.
Immediately after receiving his dis-
charge our subject returned to Brown
county, and on November 14, 1865, he
was united in marriage with Miss Abigail
Garity, who was born October 7, 1848,
in Milwaukee, Wis. She was the daugh-
ter of George and Abigail (Childs) Garity,
natives, respective!}', of Ireland and New
York State, who came in an early day to
Milwaukee, and subsequently to Kau-
kauna, Outagamie county, where they
were residing at the time of Mrs. Mc-
Abee's marriage. Mr. Garity was at one
time an extensive landowner in Outaga-
mie county, where he ranked among the
leading men of his section. He died in
Kaukauna, and his widow now makes
her home in Wausau, Wisconsin.
After his marriage Mr. McAbee built
a log house on his present farm, and here
he and his family resided until the erec-
tion of the pleasant home they now oc-
cupy. They have had children as fol-
lows: Angeline, deceased in infancy;
Amos and Lambert, at home; Geneva,
Mrs. James Sullivan, of Lawrence town-
ship; Martha, deceased when two years
old; James, at home; Sophia, a well edu-
cated young lady, who has held a teach-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
4S3
er's certificate since her fifteenth year;
Henry, deceased in infancy; Henry, Hving
at home; Mary, deceased in infancy;
Gertrude, at home; Ellen, deceased in
infancy, and Louis and Maggie, at home.
Mr. McAbee has ninety-two acres of ex-
cellent farm land, all of which he himself
has taken from its primitive st:ite. He
has been successful in his chosen voca-
tion, and deserves great credit for what
he has accomplished, especially as it is
all the result of his own efTorts. By
reading and observation he has accjuired
a good practical education, in spite of his
lack of early literary training. In poli-
tics he is a stanch Republican, and has
served his township as supervisor, at
present holding the position of health
officer, and for fourteen consecutive years
he has been school director. He was se-
lected to act as juryman three times, and
served each time. In religious connec-
tion he and his wife are members of St.
Paul's Catholic Church at Wrightstown.
M
WEBER, a leading well-known
citizen of New Denmark town-
ship. Brown count}-, is a native
of Germany, born September
12, 1850, in Luxemburg, son of Hubbard
and Mary (Dewald) Weber, the former of
whom was a mason by trade. They had
five children, namely: William (deceased),
Anna (deceased), Nicholas, Paulina and
our subject.
In 1853 this family embarked at Ham-
burg in a sailing vessel bound for America,
landing in New York City after a long,
weary voyage of 146 days. Coming
directly to Milwaukee, Wis., they re-
mained in that city two weeks, and then
proceeded, via Green Bay, to New Den-
mark township, Brown county, where Mr.
Weber invested in eighty acres of wild
land, which at that time was all in the
woods and inhabited by wild beasts.
They commenced life on this place with
almost nothing, and soon commenced to
clear the land, Mr. Weber also working
27-B
in mills, as the farm at first did not yield
enough to support the family. By inces-
sant toil the whole tract was finally cleared
and cultivated, as well as an additional
forty acres, and at the time of his death
Mr. Weber was the owner of a highly im-
proved farm of 1 20 acres all acquired by
his own earnest labor. He was called
from earth November 5, 1888, since
which time his widow has made her home
with her son, Mathie, who now owns and
conducts the home farm. She has reached
the advanced age of ninety-one years.
Our subject was reared to manhood
on the pioneer farm, where he was
thoroughly trained by his father to agri-
cultural pursuits. On May 22, 1877, he
was united in marriage with Miss Catherine
Bartelme, and to their union have been
born eight children, viz. : Josephine,
John, Minnie, Mary, Lizzie, TiUie, Henry,
and one that died in infancy. On the
death of his father, Mr. Weber bought
the old homestead, where he carries on a
profitable farming business, and since
1890 he has also conducted a saloon. In
politics he has been actively identified
with the Democratic party, taking great
interest in its success, and he has held
various offices in his township, having
served as supervisor (two years), con-
stable (nine years), pathmaster and
school director nine years, discharging all
the duties connected with these offices in
a creditable and highly satisfactory man-
ner. Socially he is a member of the
Catholic Knights, Branch No. 10 1,
Cooperstown, and in religious connection
he and his wife are members of the
Catholic Church.
WILLIAM CASHMAN (deceased),
who in his lifetime was one of
the leading farmers of Rockland
township, Brown county, of
which he was a resident some forty years,
was a native of County Cork, Ireland,
born in November, 1818. His parents,
William and Mary (Leary) Cashman, who
484
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
were farming people, had a family of ten
children — six sons and four daughters.
Our subject was reared to agricultural
life, and during his youth received a
somewhat limited education in the com-
mon schools. In April, 1840, his father
having provided him with means to emi-
grate, he sailed from Cork on the brig
" John Wesle}-," and after a passage of
five weeks and three days landed in Bos-
ton, where his brother John resided.
Here he obtained employment, working
as deck-hand on boats plying along the
Atlantic coast between Boston and
Charleston, continuing in this until his
marriage, after which he worked in lum-
ber yards. But as he never received
more than si.xty cents a day, and had to
board himself, he could save nothing,
and finally concluded to come westward
to Wisconsin, where cheap homes were
then offered to settlers. In February,
1843, he was married, in Boston, to Miss
Hannah Corcoran, who was born in
County Cork, Ireland, in 1823, daughter
of William Corcoran, who brought his
family to the United States in 1836.
They sailed from Cork on the ship
"Palace," and after a six-weeks' voyage
landed at Bangor, Maine, thence in a
short time coming to Boston, where Mr.
Corcoran died the following year, when
his daughter Hannah was but fourteen
years old. Two children, Mary and
Ellen, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cash-
man in Boston, and in the fall of 1849
this little family migrated westward, going
by rail to Buffalo, thence by water to
Sheboygan, and thence to Menomonce.
At that time there was but one saw-
mill in that region, and Mr. Cash-
man, after remaining there a month in
the employ of Dr. Hall, came to Green
Bay, which city at that early day did not
contain a single brick house. Later he
removed to De Pere, and from there to
Kaukauna, where he remained six j'ears,
working on the canal then in course of
construction, during which time he dug
many of the lock-pits for the Fox River
Improvement Co. In those days Mr.
Cashman was capable of performing a
great deal of hard labor, and never "took
a back seat" for any of his fellow work-
men. Few of them could lift greater
weights than he could, for at one time he
was able to lift 1,080 pounds! In the six
years of hard work at Kaukauna he saved
four hundred dollars, and about 1852 he
invested in forty acres of totally unim-
proved land in Section 16, Rockland
township, shortly afterward removing
thereon, and making their home in the
frame shanty then standing. A few
years later he commenced to devote his
time exclusively to the cultivation and
improvement of his land, on which a vast
amount of clearing needed to be done,
and he labored early and late to reduce
it to a fertile condition, a task which he
saw accomplished after years of perse-
vering toil. In addition to clearing and
improving the original purchase, he added
to it from time to time, ultimately be-
coming owner of 200 acres of prime land,
all accumulated from the four hundred
dollars he saved while working as a day
laborer. Having risen by his own exer-
tions to such enviable position among
the leading farmers in Rockland town-
ship, he was trul}' a self-made man, and
one of the few remaining pioneers of this
section, who did so much toward opening
up and improving the country. During
their half century or more of wedded life
Mrs. Cashman had, by her thrifty man-
agement of the household affairs, assisted
her husband greatly in the gathering to-
gether of his property. Mr. Cashman
died October 12, 1894, aged seventy-six
years.
Politically William Cashman was for-
merly a Democrat, but though never a
strict partisan, he in the later years of
his life was altogether independent, in-
variably selecting the best man regard-
less of part}'. Though not a politician,
he was called upon to serve his township
as chairman, an office in which he gave
complete satisfaction. In religious connec-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.
485
tion he was a member of St. Francis Cath-
olic Church, De Pere, as is his widow, and
was highly respected wherever known.
After their removal to Wisconsin their
family was increased bj^ children as fol-
lows: William, who is now a resident of
Colorado; Thomas, deceased when six
years of age; Julia, Mrs. Patrick Curley,
of Stiles, Mich. ; Kate, Mrs. Martin Mc-
Donough, of Wausaukee, Wis. ; Edward,
a farmer of Rockland township; John, of
Washington, and Celia, who died at the
age of si.x years. Mary and Ellen, who
were born in Boston, are now deceased.
M
GAGNON, Green I^ay, Wis-
consin. This gentleman was
born in Louisville, Canada,
December 6, 1841, and leaving
his home before he was ten years old
went to Montreal with the intention of
attending school, instead of which he was
put to work. On discovering that he
was placed on his own responsibility, he
hired out to learn the trade of baker, at
which he worked eleven months, at the
end of which time he commenced to
learn the art of wig-making, and for
three months worked with a man who,
unfortunately, then died. Mr. Gagnon
then hired out as porter on the ' ' Riche-
lieu," of the mail boat line, which boat
ran between Montreal and Toronto.
When he got to the latter city he found
he liked the place so well that he hired
out as a bell-boy in the "Rossin House,"
and after working there some time got
acquainted with William Osborn, a wig-
maker and barber, with whom he re-
mained five years, part of the time
finishing his trade and part of the time in
partnership. From there he went to
Buffalo, N. Y. , thence to New York
City, where he worked in a wig establish-
ment about six months, and then pro-
ceeded to Boston, thence to Troy, from
the latter place returning to New York,
thence back to Toronto, Canada, where
he sojourned a few months. From
Toronto he went east as far as Quebec,
from there returned west to Montreal,
thence journeyed to Ottawa, and from
there to Peterboro. From Peterboro he
journeyed to Lindsay, thence to Port
Hope, from there to Belleville, then
northwest to Owen Sound, and from
there to Penetanguishene, thence to
Guelph, thence to London, and thence
to Hamilton — all in Ontario. From
Hamilton he once more went to Buffalo,
N. Y. , from there to Toledo, thence to
Detroit, thence to Muskegon, Mich., from
there to White Lake, thence to Chicago,
where he engaged in wig-making three
months. From Chicago he once more
went to Montreal, after which he viewed
a little of the country, and then, con-
cluding to embark in business for himself,
he bought out a place in Montreal and
remained there two months. Finding,
however, that it was too much of a
French city for him, he left there and
came back to Oconto, Wis., with fifty
cents in his pocket, which had to be
divided between three brothers, the price
of the cheapest meal that could be got
being fifty cents ! And he says he never
knew the value of a dollar until he struck
Oconto. After spending a year in this
town Mr. Gagnon moved to Muskegon,
Mich., but did not remain there any
length of time, as he came back to Wis-
consin, and locating in Green Bay has
lived here ever since. In the course of
his travels he was twice shipwrecked:
Once in 1863, on LakeErie, and again
in 1864 on the Georgian Bay, on which
latter occasion he was on the "Moun-
taineer," a three-masted sailing vessel.
In October, 1870, Mr. Gagnon was
married to Miss Emily Porier, who died
March 4, 1873, leaving two children:
Archie, who died in 1880, and Emily,
now Mrs. Harry Donville, of Green Bay.
On June 2, 1875, our subject married
Kate Malt, a native of County Kildare,
Ireland, who died July 29, 1884, leaving
no children; she had long been an invalid.
Since her death Mr. Gagnon has lived
486
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
alone. Politically he is a Democrat; in
rclif^ious connection a member of the
Catholic Church.
Joseph Gagntjn, grandfather of our
subject, was by occupation a farmer, and
a man of remarkable physical strength,
never knowing what sickness was until a
few hours before his death, which oc-
curred when he reached the great age of
one hundred and one years. He was
married when eighteen years of age, and
his wife lived ncarl)' as long a life as he,
lacking but two or three weeks of being
one hundred 3'ears old when she died.
They had a family of sixteen children.
George Gagnon, their son, father of
our subject, was born in France, and
when but a boy came with his parents to
America, the family residing at Wolf
River, Canada. During his youth he
learned the miller's trade, which he fol-
lowed all his life. In 1839 he married
Harriet Hibbard, who was a native of
England and daughter of Enis and Elsie
(Armstrong) Hibbard, at that time living
in Louisville, Canada, where Mr. Hibbard
was engagetl in the millwright business,
in which he met with gratifj'ing success,
continuing that line of work until his
death. In i iS69 George Gagnon came
with his family to Oconto, Wis., where
he remained until 1877, thence removing
to Marinette, where he yet resides, having
retired from business. The children of
this worthy couple were M. (our subject),
George, Edward, Amelia, Enis (deceased
at the age of twenty years), Elsie and
Alfred. George now lives with his father
in Marinette, the mother having died
December 29, 1886, at that place, where
her remains now rest.
WILHELM PAMPERIN, resident
of Howard township. Brown
county, was born November 4,
1835, in Mecklenburg, Germany,
a son of Henry and Margaret (Hallis)
Pamperin, who both died in Germany, the
mother at the age of forty and the father
at the age of sixty. They were the par-
ents of four sons.
Wilhelm Pamperin was taught the
trades of tailor and shoemaker, and in
1848 came to the United States in the
sailing vessel '"Howard," landing in New
York after a passage of forty days, a few
days later starting lor the West, via Buf-
falo and the lakes, and arriving at Mil-
waukee. For five months he was em-
ployed in clearing land in the vicinity, and
then went to Calumet, where he worked
as a shoemaker six months, and then, in
August, 1849, located in Green Bay,
where he worked at shoemaking until
1851. He was married, June 6, 1850, to
Miss Anna Klasson, who was born August
24, 1828, in Holland, daughter of John
and Christine Klasson, the former of
whom came to the United States in 1848
in the sailing vessel ' ' Liebenough," being
seven weeks on the voyage. He died in
Fort Howard, Wis., at the age of si.xt}-
eight years; his wife had died in Holland
at the age of fifty-two. He had been an
officer in the great Napoleon's army, and
the family was well connected. Anna
was the only daughter in his fainil\- of
three children.
To the union of Wilhelm and Anna
Pamperin have been born fourteen chil-
dren, of whom nine are still living, as
follows: Anna C. , who is married, and
has three children; William C, a farmer
of Howard township; Louisa, who is mar-
ried, and has seven children; Josephine,
who is married and has two children;
Theodore A. , who is married and has two
children; Fred, married; Rosa, a school
teacher; Emily, also a school teacher,
and Sophia, bookkeeper for her brother
at Oconto; they have all been highly ed-
ucated, either at Milwaukee or Green
Bay, or in the best schools of Oshkosh;
some of the sons are quite prominent as
business men or farmers.
In 1 85 1 Wilhelm Pamperin left Green
Bay and opened the first shoe shop in
Fort Howard, carrying it on with great
success until 1857, when he bought his
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPniCAL HE CORD.
487
present propert\-, li\ing for a number of
years in an old frame house and later
erecting his present handsome residence.
During the inteivai, however, he bought
several farms, which he disposed of at a
profit, and has been quite prosperous in
all his undertakings. He owes much of
his prosperity to his amiable helpmeet,
for together they have earned every cent
of their present fortune, on which they
are now living in peaceful retirement, in
the full enjoyment of the esteem of their
neighbors. In politics Mr. Pamperin has
always been a Democrat, having cast his
first Presidential vote for Franklin Pierce,
and he has been faithful in his party afiil-
iations ever since. The family ae up-
right in all their transactions, and Mr.
Pamperin is universally regarded as a use-
ful and valuable citizen.
M
ATTHIAS THORNTON (de-
ceased) was a son of Michael
and Mary (Conway) Thornton,
natives of Ireland, who came
to America in 1848, and for seven years
resided in Canada, thence coming to the
United States and settling in Cato, Mani-
towoc Co,, \\'is. Here they purchased
a farm in the wilderness, which they
cleared up, having gone through the
same tedious process in Canada. There
were five children in the family, viz.:
Thomas, Matthias (deceased), Mary (de-
ceased), Sarah (deceased) and John. The
parents died in Cato, and Thomas now
lives on part of the old homestead;
John is practicing medicine in Lansing,
Iowa.
On the marriage of Matthias Thornton
to Miss Catherine A. Peppard, May 9,
1859, his father gave him 120 acres of
good land, containing some improve-
ments. Matthias lived here until 1882,
when the entire estate was sold and di-
vided among the heirs, 240 acres being
bought in by Matthias, on which tract
his widow now makes her home. Mr.
Thornton passed through all the priva-
tions, vicissitudes and hardships of pio-
neer life, and had succeeded in bringing
his farm to a high state of cultivation
when he met his untimely death while
going to Church, December 5, 1890,
caused by a runaway horse. His remains
were interred at Duck Creek, and were
followed to their last resting-place by a
large number of friends. He died m the
Catholic faith, in which Church he had
held lay offices of trust and honor. In
politics he was a Democrat, and while
a resident of Cato held several public
offices, but declined public service after
becoming a citizen of Brown county.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mat-
thias Thornton were thirteen in number,
as follows: Mary Ann, born February 27,
i860; Michael, born February 14, 1862;
JohnH., born January i i, 1864; Thomas,
born February 19, 1866; Catherine, born
May 16, 1868; Walter, born June 5,
1S70; Matthias, born January 18, 1872;
Celia, born January 24, 1874; Alice,
born October 19, 1876; Ellen, born Jan-
uary 15, 1878; William, born November
10, 1880; Francis, born July 21, 1882;
and Edward, born February 22, 1884.
Of the above Michael died November 12,
1893, and left a widow with four children
— Sophia, Frederick. Daniel and Mary.
Catherine Anna Peppard, daughter of
John and Mary (Madigan) Peppard, was
born August 3, 1840, in County Clare,
Ireland. There were eight children in
this family, named as follows: Cath-
erine A., Patrick H., Michael (deceased),
Mary, John, Bridget (deceased), Thomas
and Daniel (the last named also deceased).
Of the survivors, Catherine A. will be
mentioned farther on; Patrick H. is a car-
penter in Chicago. 111., and has a family;
John is a farmer of Cato, Manitowoc coun-
ty. Wis. ; Thomas is a miner of Deadwood,
Dak., and Mary is the wife of John O'Con-
ner, a farmer.
Miss Catherine A. Peppard was about
nine years of age when she was brought
to America by her parents, who landed
in New Orleans; a few days later the fam-
488
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ily went to Louisville, Ky., where the
father was employed on a railwa\^ train
for some time; they then went to Jeffer-
sonville, Ind., and in 1854 came to Wis-
consin, where the father bought eighty
acres of land in a dense forest, inhabited
only by Indians and wild beasts. A clear-
ing was made, and a 14x16 cabin put
up, in which the family lived until a fine
farm was developed and better accommo-
dations afforded. There the father died
July I, T<S9i, and was buried; the mother
passed from earth October 28, 1892,
while on a visit to her daughter, Mrs.
Thornton, in Pittsfield township, Hrown
count)', being stricken with paralysis at
the age of seventy-six. Since the death of
her husband, Mrs. C. A.Thornton has most
successfully conducted the farm, and few
persons could have manifested a business
talent superior to that exhibited by her
since she has had the management of the
place.
HII^AM P. HAYDEN, one of the
oldest settlers of Pittsfield town-
ship, Brown county, was born in
Fitzwilliam, N. H., August i,
1 8 18, a son of Ezra and Elizabeth (Par-
mity) Hayden, who were the parents of
eight children, viz.: Sally, Caroline,
Israel, Otis, Ruth, Hiram P., Eli/a and
Harriet, of whom Hiram P. is the only
survivor.
At the age of seven years our subject
was bound out to a man named James
Blodget for eight years; but as he was
given nothing to eat, save bread and milk,
for five consecutive years, he ran away.
From that time on he worked at various
places and at different employments until
nearly twenty-four years of age, when he
returned to the home farm, and had con-
ducted the place for his father a year and
a half when the latter died. A short time
after that sad event the farm was sold
under foreclosure, and for two years more
Hiram worked the place on shares, caring
for his aged mother until 1852, when he
came to Flintville, Brown Co., Wis., his
mother remaining in the East with a
daughter. Here he found a half acre
cleared on the tract on which he settled,
occupied by a mill, but there was not a
dwelling for six miles back toward Green
Bay. He worked through the winter in
the mill, nntil January 4, and with others
was sleeping in the structure when it was
destroyed by fire, and all hands were
thrown out into the cold, without cloth-
ing, Mr. Hayden saving an overcoat only.
He worked all through the remainder of
the winter without even a pair of mittens.
At last he obtained an order from \^'illiam
Lamb on a man in Chicago for money
enough to go East. He had been mar-
ried there to Mary Prescott, daughter
of Eli and Rhoda (Record) Prescott,
and to this union had been born
three children — Amelia, Myra and Caro-
line. On his return West he brought
this family with him, and also W. D. Rice,
George Holden and his brother Silas.
On his arrival at Green Bay he had twelve
cents in his pocket and eight persons to
care for. But he had a friend, John
Tiernan, who settled the bill at the
"United States Hotel," and with him
they sta3'ed one day at his place across
the river. Mr. Hayden walked to Pitts-
field, secured an ox-team and returned
for his family next day. He went to
work at milling, and by the next winter
owned a yoke of oxen; in 1855 he bought
eighty acres of land, on which were a
small clearing and a frame dwelling, and
by hard and continuous work he suc-
ceeded in making a fortune.
David Page, Sr.. about the year 1855
or 1856, came to Pittsfield, Wis., from
Lower Canada. He was a widower, and
the father of seven children, viz. : Sam-
uel, George, Levi, Martha, Eliza, David
and John. He brought with him his son,
David, Jr., and for some time they lived
with Mr. Hayden. David Page, Jr.,
married a daughter of Mr. Hayden, and
there came to this unioii three children:
Hiram David, born March 4, 1859; James,
COMMEMORAtlVE BlOGMAPSlCAL UECORD.
4S9
who died in infancy, and Charles, who
died at the age of three years. David
Page, Jr., had purchased from Mr. Hay-
den sixty acres of wild land, but in 1863
he enlisted in the Thirty-second Wis. V.
I., and started for the front, only reach-
ing Oakland, however, when he was taken
sick, and on his return homeward died at
Green Bay. Mrs. Page and her son,
Hiram D., made their home with Mr.
Hayden about a year, when Mrs. Page
married Solomon Dean, and a few
months after this marriage She, too, was
called from earth, thus leaving her son,
Hiram D., an orphan. From that time
forward he lived with his grandfather,
Hiram P. Hayden, who was appointed
his guardian, until he became of age. He
then worked in the woods and on the
river through twelve winters. On Sep-
tember 6, 1887, he was united in mar-
riage with Cora Handeyside, daughter of
John and Amelia (Packard) Handeyside.
He was then the owner of fifty acres left
him by his father, and bought, besides,
thirty-si.\ acres from his grandfather, and
he is now the owner of i 39.^ acres. The
four children born to Hiram D. Page and
his wife are named Edith Blanche, Lola
B., Cathline B., and one whose name is
not given. In politics Mr. Page is a
stanch Republican.
WALTER E. GARDNER, editor
and proprietor of the Daily,
Sunday and Weekly Gazette,
Green Bay, is a native of New
York State, born August 7, 1 849, in
Watertown.
The first of the Gardner family, of
which Walter E. Gardner is an honored
member, came in 1680 from the shores
of Old England to those of New England,
settling in Rhode Island, where they re-
mained for many years, multiph'ing and
prospering. From there the immediate
progenitors of the subject of these lines
moved to New York State, where was
born at Saratoga Springs, Henry S.
Gardner, his father, and who was married
to Martha McCully, whose father, Robert
McCull}', was of New York nativity, and
a son of a well-to-do Scotch farmer who
emigrated from the land of shaggy heath
and mountain flood to America, settling
in New York State. When Walter E.
Gardner was a two-year-old child his
parents moved from Watertown, N. Y.,
to Oswego, in the same State, and he
was there reared, receiving a liberal edu-
cation at the public schools of that city,
afterward attending Rochester (N. Y.)
University, paying his way through that
institution with his boyhood earnings, for
at the early age of twelve years we
find him self-supporting, commencing his
future bright journalistic career in the
office of the Oswego Palladiuiii.
In 1876 Mr. Gardner, attracted by
the glowing accounts of the marvelous
growth and prosperity of Wisconsin,
turned his steps hitherward, and in the
city of Milwaukee accepted a position as
reporter on the Evening Wisconsin, his
salary at first being but eight dollars per
week; and with the exception of the four
years he was serving, under the adminis-
tration of President Harrison, in the
capacity of United States Consul for the
Netherlands (his residence during that
period being at Rotterdam), continued
with that newspaper some eighteen years,
serving at every desk on the editorial
floor, including those of city editor, tele-
graph editor, managing editor, associate
editor, and editor-in-charge during the
absence in Europe at various times of the
senior proprietor of the paper. As above
stated, Mr. Gardner himself was absent
in Europe four years on official business,
and on his return to Milwaukee in
October, 1893, he resumed his old posi-
tion on the E7<ening Wiseonsin, retaining
his connection therewith until August i,
1S94, when he bought the Green Bay
Gazette * which has since become one of
the newsiest and most readable of the
* A brief account of the e.irly history of this journal will
be found in the sketch o£ Mrs. Rosamond Follett, at Page 17.
490
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
daily papers in tiie State. He has re-
modeled the building, doubled the cajxic-
ity of the plant, placed the paper on the
list of members of the Associated Press,
and now receives and publishes daily (in-
cludin-^ Sunday, for a Sunday edition was
commenced at Easter, 1895) the admira-
ble reports of that organization — in fact
he has established the paper on thorough-
ly metropolitan lines, and not only the
city of Green Bay, but the entire county
and the State of Wisconsin at large, has
reason for congratulation that the (Jti:;ith-
is in such safe, sagacious and thoroughly
clean hands. In each of twelve towns
surrounding Green Bay Mr. Gardner has
placed carrier boys, thereby securing for
his patrons at these several points the
same service as is enjojed in metropoli-
tan cities, such as Chicago and New York.
The proprietor in his prospectus sa3s:
' ' The publisher of The Gazette is per-
suaded that this great north country is
entitled to have and will support a li\e,
clean, nji-to-date metropolitan paper of
its own. It is his purpose to furnish
such a paper, which shall give all the
news, all the time, and give it prompth'
and reliably. " The Gazette is abl}- edited
in every department; and is a credit alike
to its enterprising editor and proprietor,
and to the thriving prosperous city where
it now "sings its daily song," and under
Mr. Gardner's administration has easily
taken front rank among the leading news-
papers of the State of Wisconsin. Its
editor dedicates the influence of his paper
to the building up of the business inter-
ests of the city of his adoption, by all
proper methods, in which connection, at
this period of the history of both Green
Bay and Fort Howard, it is not inappro-
priate to record that Mr. Gardner was
prominently active in securing the recent
amalgamation of those two cities.
On January 20, 1874, Walter E.
Gardner and Miss Mary Dunbar, of Syra-
cuse, N. Y. , were imited in marriage, and
they live in a pleasant home in Green
Bay. In religious faith they are mem-
bers of Plymouth Congregational Church,
of Milwaukee; socially he is a member of
the F. & A. M., an(l in politics he is a
sterling Republican. .Mr. Gardner, in
addition to his ability as an editor, pos-
sesses the executive skill requisite to the
safe conducting of a first-class daily paper,
and with such men at the helm of the
ship of journalism we can not fail to find
that there is jet something in store for
our country ami the world even better
than aught they have seen, and that
there is a bright future before us that
will as far surpass the present as this
present itself rises above the meanest and
most distant past.
DR. CHARLES WACHEN-
REITER, of Pittsiield town-
ship. Brown county, a most ex-
perienced physician and surgeon,
was born in Paris, France, August 25,
1842. He is a son of Lawrence and
Dorothea Wachenreiter. the former of
whom was a ph\sician in the Bavarian
army, as well as a prominent citizen in
private life.
Our subject began his studies at the
age of nine, and followed them eight years
before he entered a university, in which
he remained six years; he then had two
years of hospital practice, after which he
practiced at home until 1872, when he
came to America, landing at Baltimore,
Md. Thence he went south as far as
Georgia; then northward to New York,
through Philadelphia and westward to St.
Louis; then through nearly all the cities
east of the Mississippi river to Chicago,
and thence to Menominee, Mich., and
throughout the Northwest, stopping for
some time at Stephenson, Mich. He
finally settled at Bagley, Mich., where he
opened a drug store and also engaged in
the practice of his profession. Three
years later he was burned out. He then
went to Daggett, Mich., and thence came
to Pittsfield, Wisconsin.
Dr. Wachenreiter was married Sep-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
491
tember 2, 1886, to the widow of Charles
White, who had died of consumption
three years previously. Mr. and Mrs.
White came to Pittsfield in 1874, where
he bougflit forty acres of land, now the
property of Mrs. Wachenreiter. He left
one child, Amanda May, now at home
and attending school. In 1889 the Doc-
tor and his wife settled in Flintville,
where he has ever since enjoyed a large
and increasing practice. In his politics
he is a Republican.
c
ONSTANT DAIX. Many of the
thrifty well-to-do citizens of
Brown county are natives of the
Kingdom of Belgium, and among
these we find the subject of this sketch,
who was born in that country February
19, 1838. His father, Anton Daix, who
was a farmer, died in 1847, leaving a
widow with nine children — six sons and
three daughters — and as soon as they
were old enough the children were obliged
to assist their mother, finding employ-
ment principally in the thread mill and
coal mines in the vicinity of their home.
In 1865 the entire family sailed from
Antwerp, and after a voyage of thirteen
days landed in New York, from where
they immediately came to Wisconsin, ar-
riving in Green Bay on the first of June.
A few weeks later they purchased forty
acres of wild land in Bellevue township,
and here the mother passed the remainder
of her life, dying in 1879. She was
buried in Shantytown cemetery. In re-
ligion she was a member of the Catholic
Church.
Constant Daix was but a small boy
when his father died, and being put to
work when very young, had but little op-
portunity for an education. In 1865 he
came with the rest of his family to Wis-
consin, and here in 1868 he was united
in marriage with Miss Desire Goffard, also
a native of Belgium, who bore him five
children, only one of whom is living,
28
namely: May, born January 21, 1869,
now at home. The mother died Decem-
ber 25, 1879, and was buried in Shanty-
town cemetery. On May 18, 1880, Mr.
Daix married, for his second wife. Miss
Mary L. Friepond, who was born April
17, 1848, in Belgium, daughter of Pros-
per Friepond, a farmer of that country.
They came to the United States in 1856,
sailing from Antwerp, and after an ocean
voyage of six weeks arrived in this coun-
try. On landing they came at once to
Green Bay, Wis., reaching here August
3, ahd shortly afterward settled in Kewau-
nee county.
Mr. Daix has always followed farming,
and has met with no small degree of suc-
cess in his chosen pursuit; he owns 140
acres of excellent land in Bellevue town-
ship. He is also the owner of seven
houses in Green Bay, which he rents, and
in 1893 he built a brick block where he
now makes his home. This property has
all been acquired by industry and econ-
omy, and Mr. Daix is respected through-
out the township for his honest, upright
methods. He and his wife are Spiritual-
ists in religious belief. In politics he is
independent, voting invariably for the
best man, regardless of party connection.
WING. The Wing family was
founded in America by one John
Wing, who came from England
and settled at Sandwich, Mass.,
in the year 1632. The family is one of
the oldest and largest which trace their
lineage to early Colonial settlements, and
have always preserved an elaborate gene-
alogical record which from time to time
has been rewritten and enlarged upon.
The family took a conspicuous part in the
war of the Revolution, no less than thir-
ty-two of its members bearing the name
of Wing serving actively in the field in
Massachusetts regiments alone, while two
members of the family served from Con-
necticut, two from New York and others
492
COMMEMORATIVE niOGRAPIIICAL RECORD.
from Rhode Island. The original farm,
located at Sandwich by old John Wing
two hundred and sixtj-throe years ago,
is still in the possession of the family, and
it is said that over five hundred <if his
descendants are buried upon it.
The Wing family has furnished sev-
eral distinguished names to the history of
the country, among whom may be men-
tioned Asa S. Wing, the friend and co-
laborer of Gerret Smith in the cause of
freeing the slaves, and to whose memory
the friends of Freedom erected a momi-
ment at Mexico, N. Y., in 1854, the ded-
ication address being delivered by Fred-
erick Douglas. Asa S. Wing was the
uncle of the late I^ufus I.. Wing, of Ke-
waunee county. Wis. .\nother distin-
guished member of the family was K.
Rumsey Wing, who at the age of twenty-
four years was made a foreign minister of
the United States to Ecuador, where he
died, and his remains were brought back
to his native land by a government war
vessel sent there for that purpose.
The ^^'ings of Kewaunee county are
descended directh' from one Josejih W ing,
who settled in l3artmonth, Mass., about
the year 1 720. Among his children was one
son named Jabez, who also lived at Dart-
mouth (now I'^air Haven), and reared a
large family of children. He had one son
named John, who married Margaret
Buffam, and removed from Massachusetts
to White Creek, Washington Co.. N. Y.,
about the the year 1770. jnlin \\'ing had
a large family of children, among whom
was William, who married Esther Follett,
and also lived at White Creek. He had
one son named James, who married Mary
Sweet, and about 1825 removed to Mar-
shall, Oneida Co., N. Y., later, in 1848,
to Brcthertown, Calumet Co., Wis., thus
founding the Wisconsin branch of the
family. He was the father of the late
Ixufus L. Wing, of Kewaunee, and the
grandfather of Judge Geo. W. \\'ing,
now residing at Kewaunee.
Ri'Fis I^. Wing. Perhaps no man
was more widely known throughout the
peninsular counties from the year of i860
up to the time of his death than the late
Rufus L. Wing, of Kewaunee. Mr. Wing
played a ver\' prominent part in every
movement for the betterment of the sec-
tion in which he lived, and his memory is
still held in great esteem by the people of
the two counties of Door and Kewaunee.
He came of hardy, sterling Quaker an-
cestry, not given much to show, liut im-
bued with the hard connnon sense of New
England logic
I'iufus E. \\'ing was born at Marshall,
Oneida Co., N. Y., August 20, 1832.
His early life was spent upon a farm, and
his education was such only as was pro-
vided by the public schools of the day.
Ill 1848 he came with his parents to W'is-
consin and located at Chilton, Calumet
county, where he learned the carpenter's
trade, which he followed for a number of
years. In September, 1855, he was mar-
ried at Gravesville, Wis., to Miss Mary
E., the eldest daughter of Hon. Geo. W.
Elliott, one of the pioneer settlers of
Fond du Lac county.
About this time Mr. Wing began the
study of law in the office of his cousin,
the late Gen. H. J. Sweet, at Chilton,
was admitted to the practice of law at
Chilton, December 21, i860, and imme-
diately thereafter took up his residence at
Ahnapee, where he had been preceded by
his father-in-law, Elliott, in 1857. Be-
fore his removal to Kewaunee county he
had served a term as ileputy county
clerk of Calumet county. In the sum-
mer of 1862 he first enlisted in the Twen-
ty-first Wis. \'. I., and raised part of a
company at Ahnapee for that regiment;
but before the regiment went to the front
he received a commission to raise a com-
pany for a lake-shore regiment which was
recruiting at Sheboygan under Judge
David Taylor. He was very^ active in
recruiting soldiers up to the sunnner of
1 864, when he finall\- went to the front
as first sergeant of Company I, Forty-
third Wis. \ . I. He was honorably dis-
charged with his regiment in July, 1865,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
493
and returned to his home in Ahnapee,
where he resumed the practice of his pro-
fession. On January i, i S69, he was ap-
pointed deputy county clerk of Kewaunee
county, and in March following removed
with his family to Kewaunee, where he
continued to reside up to his death, which
occurred March i, 1889. During the
period of his life at Kewaunee he held
many offices of public trust, having been
county clerk, district attorney and the
first president of the vilhige of Kewaunee,
when it was organized. He was a prom-
inent member of the F. & A. M., I. O.
O. F. , G. A. I\. and Temple of Honor,
and held the position of senior vice-com-
mander of the department of \\'isconsin
up to within five days of his decease. In
politics, he was a Republican, a vigorous
advocate of the cause of Temperance, and
in the fall of 1883 was nominated for
member of Congress by the Prohibition-
ists of the District. He died at Kewau-
nee, March i, 1889, after a brief illness
of three days. The funeral services held
over his remains brought together from
all parts of the peninsula one of the
largest assemblages of people ever con-
vened in these parts. No more striking
testimony to his zeal, honesty of purpose,
and worth as a man could be offered
than the fact that on the day of his
funeral, although he was known far and
wide as an advocate of the cause of Tem-
perance, every saloon in the city of Ke-
waunee was closed in honor of his mem-
ory. A special memorial service was
held by the bar of the county in open
court. The camp of Sons of \'eterans
at Kewaunee is named the I^. L.
Wing Camp, a tribute to his record as a
patriotic and worthy soldier of the Re-
public. His widow and only son. Judge
George W. Wing, are still living at Ke-
waunee.
Georgk W. Wing was born September
I, 1856, in Chilton, Calumet Co., Wis.,
and was consequently about four years
old when the family moved to Ahnapee,
at the common schools of which place he
received a liberal education, afterward, in
1 87 1, commencing a full literary and
classical course at Lawrence University,
Appleton. In 1873 he returned to
Ahnapee, and, although but a youth of
sixteen summers, he, in partnership, with
Charles W. Borgman, founded the A/ina-
/<iY Riron/. the first paper published in
that village, which they conducted about
two years and then sold to W. H. Sey-
mour. Mr. ^^'ing at this time entered his
father's law office, where he diligently ap-
plied all his energies to the study of
" Blackstone," "Coke upon Lyttleton,"-
and other eciually learned legal author-
ities, and was duly admitted to the bar
October 27, 1877, a few weeks after at-
taining his majority. He at once com-
menced the practice of his chosen pro-
fession in partnershij) with his father at
Kewaunee, and has pro\en himself in all
things a worthy successor to a worthy
father. His clientele is now one of the
largest in Kewaunee county, and repre-
sents the best class in the community.
Fr)r three years, from July i, 1881, to
July I, 1884, he was cashier of the Ke-
waunee Exchange Bank, at the same time
keeping up his law practice.
On June 20, 1883, Mr. Wing was
married at Kewaunee, to Miss Belle E.
Dikeman, daughter of C. W. Dikeman, of
West Kewaunee, now of Racine, Wis.,
and two children ha\e come to them:
George D., born January 8, 1887, and
GrSce W., born February 22. 1892. In
his political associations Mr. Wing has
always been a stanch Republican, and ii>
1888 he served as a delegate to the
National Republican Convention, held at
Chicago. On December \.[, 1885. he
was appointed county judge, an incumb-
ency he filled with acknowledged ability
till January i, 1890. From June. 1891,
till |une, 1893. he served as colonel of
the Division of ^^'isconsin Sons of Vet-
erans, and in all public enterprises he has
shown a spirit of progressiveness char-
acteristic of himself and worthy of the
honored name he bears.
494
COJ/MEMOBATirf; BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
THOMAS REYNOLDS. This gen-
tleman is a well-known and promi-
nent farmer citizen of Jacksonport
township, Door county, and none
enjo3s to a greater extent the confidence
and esteem of the community at large
than he, in whom is found one of the
best examples of safe conservative enter-
prise and indomitable perseverance.
He is a native of County Longford,
Ireland, born in 1841, a son of Michael
and Mary Ann Reynolds, respectable
farming people of that county, who were
the parents of nine children — seven sons
and two daughters. The mother died
in Ireland in 1855, and in the fall of
1865, six weeks after our subject's immi-
gration, the father came to Wiscon-
sin, settling on a farm in Dane county,
where he died in 1880. After leaving
school Thomas Reynolds worked on his
father's farm till he was twenty-four
years old, at which time (fall of 1865) he
emigrated to the United States, sailing
from Queenstown, Ireland, in company
with his sister Catherine, on the steam-
ship " Scotland " (which went to the bot-
tom of the ocean two months later), and
after a voyage of ten days and four hours
they landed at New York. From there,
after a six-weeks' visit among friends and
relatives in that city and Brooklyn, they
proceeded to their destination, Wisconsin,
and, locating in Dane county, Thomas
worked on a rented farm, whither his
father came as already recorded. Af the
end of a year, however, our subject
moved to Jacksonport township, Door
county, where his brother John was es-
tablished in an extensive lumber and
shipping business, in partnership with a
Mr. Harris, the style of the firm being
Reynolds & Harris Co. With them he
worked about twelve months, after which,
for four or five years, he was engaged in
getting out cedar and other lumber, for
railroad, telegraph and other purposes.
In the meanwhile, about two years after
commencing this industrj', he purchased
the estate of Harris, Reynolds & Co.,
who had failed, and continued the busi-
ness, which included mercantile, dock
and lumber traffic, until 1873, when the
financial panic of that year, and the ac-
companying crash, overwhelmed him. At
the time of his failure he was head of the
firm of Reynolds Bros., composed of
Thomas, Henry and Michael, and half
owner of the business. The creditors he
satisfied to the best of his ability, and in
an honorable manner. Having now to
commence business life again, Mr. Rey-
nolds purchased eighty acres of land in
Section 27, from which the timber had
been cut, but no improvements made, and
this he set to work to clear and cultivate,
struggling along with his customary
energy and perseverance until he once
more "got on top." All the improve-
ments (and it will be readily seen they
were not a few) were made by him, and
the transformation of a wild and to many
people discouraging scene into a fertile
farm equipped with all modern conven-
iences, buildings, etc., is due to his indi-
vidual care, industry and sound judg-
ment. To the original eighty acres he
has from time to time added until now he
is the owner of 180 acres, half of which
has been cleared and improved mainly
under his personal supervision, and it will
be seen that his natural ability and deter-
mination have fully asserted themselves.
In April, 1872, Mr. Reynolds was
married in Milwaukee, Wis., to Miss Jen-
nie Foley, daughter of John Foley, who
came frorn Ireland to this country in an
early day, and to this union have been
born children as follows: Anna, Mabel,
John and Thomas, all school teachers,
Anna in Oshkosh schools, and Mabel in
Sturgeon Bay high school; Paul, attend-
ing school, and Edith, Sydney, Lucille,
Jennie and Helen, all at home. The en-
tire family are members of the Catholic
Church; in politics Mr. Reynolds is a
stanch Republican, and although a strictly
anti-office-seeker was without his knowl-
edge elected to the position of chairman
of Jacksonport township, in which he
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
495
served two years with credit to himself
and satisfaction of his constituents. His
family are remarkable for their brightness
and intelligence, and are all enjoying the
benefits of a first-class education.
THOMAS H. SMITH, who has been
a resident of Wisconsin some
thirty years, and whose career has
been a most honorable one, well
worthy of emulation, is a native of Con-
necticut, born in the city of Norwich, June
21, 1842.
His grandfather, Thomas Smith, was
a native of England, whence, when a
young man, he came to this country,
making a settlement in Massachusetts,
where he followed his trade, that of dyer,
for many years, finally coming to New
York State, where he died. He was
married in Massachusetts to Miss Mary
Bidwell, a native of same, and by her had
three sons — John, Samuel and Thomas —
and one daughter — Marietta — the latter
of whom died young. The sons all learned
their father's trade, but during the gold
fever of 1849 Samuel and Thomas set
out for the new El Dorado, in search of
fortunes.
John Smith, father of our subject,
was born in 181 7, at Utica, N. Y. , where
he was reared and educated. Moving to
Connecticut he continued at his trade
there up to his death, which occurred in
1852. His wife, Mary B. (Whitney),
bore him three children, as follows:
Thomas H., Caroline (deceased at the
age of three years) and Marietta (wife of
George B. Merrick, of Madison, Wis.).
The mother of these died in 1856. She
was a daughter of George and ■ ■
(Brooks) Whitney, well-to-do farming
people, who had three children: Nathan,
Henry and Mary B. John W. Brooks (son
of Henr}'), who was a civil engineer, built
the first State lock on the Sault Ste.
Marie canal, and took a grant of land in
payment therefor. Another son, John,
was superintendent of the Chantucket
Company, manufacturers of cloth, which
is still in existence.
Thomas H. Smith, whose name ap-
pears at the opening of this sketch, was
ten years old when his father died, and
fourteen when his mother was called from
earth, so that at the very threshold of life
he was left an orphan. At Norwich,
Conn., he received the advantages of a
common-school education, no more, for
the lad had now to face the world with
no father's affection and no mother's love
to cheer his heart. On reaching his
seventeenth year he was bound out to the
trade of machinist at Norwich, at which
he continued until 1864, with the excep-
tion of the time he served in the Federal
army, which was in 1861, he having en-
listed, in response to the first call for
troops, in the Second Connecticut Vol-
unteer Infantry, ninety-days' service; he
participated in the first battle of Bull Run,
which was fought July 21, 1861. At the
expiration of his term of enlistment he
was honorably discharged and returned
home. In 1864 he turned his face toward
the setting sun, and coming to Wisconsin
made his first halt in Green Bay, where,
in partnership with John Leathern, he
embarked in the lumber business, in a
limited way at the start, their first saw-
mill, which was erected in Brown county,
being but a comparatively small affair.
But the days of small things are not to be
despised, and from this modest beginning
the members of the firm expanded their
business till they owned and still own
large mills in various places, besides vast
pine lands in Wisconsin and Michigan,
and a thirty-thousand-acre tract in Louis-
iana. In 1873, to their already fast-
growing interests, they added water-
transportation, at first building a steam
tug, and from time to time turning out
new vessels and increasing their traffic
until now they have a fleet of twelve
boats, consisting of tugs and steam-barges,
plying between Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay
and Chicago, and one wrecking tug. In
496
COMMEMOUATIVE BIOORAPUICAL liECORD.
1890 the firm organized a wrecking com-
pany with acapitalof $100,000, the busi-
ness being known as the Leathern & Smith
Towing (S: Wrecking Co., and in thespring
of 1894 was organized the Leathern &
Smith Lumber Co., their interests in this
connection being largely in pine and other
lands, as already spoken of. In 1886
they applied for and received a charter
from the United States Government to
construct a toll bridge across the bay at
Sturgeon Bay. In 1877 they built a mill
at Sturgeon Bay, to which city Mr. Smith
at once removed, and has since been a
prominent resident of the place.
In December, 1875, Mr. Smith was
married to Miss Anna Daley, who was
born at Peterborough, Ontario, daughter
of John and Anna Armstrong Daley, the
former a native of Canada, where he died,
the latter of the North of Ireland, coining
to Canada when eight years old. They
had a famil)' of five children, nainel}':
Mary, Margaret, Ellen, Anna and Denis.
The mother is now living with her daugh-
ter, Mrs. Smith. To our subject and wife
were born seven children, named, re-
spectively: Sidney T. , Leathern D.,
Maud, Winnifred, Marietta, Theresa and
Leoline, the last mentioned dying when
eight years old. In his political jirefer-
ences Mr. Smith is a Republican, and has
served as a member of the city council of
Sturgeon Bay. At his regular trade, that
of machinist, he is an expert, and has
found his e.xperience in this respect of
great assistance to him in his regular bus-
iness. He has also always been largely
interested in mercantile pursuits, having
a store at each of his mills, which are un-
der his personal superintendence. Mr.
Smith is known as one of the most suc-
cessful men of the peninsula. His excel-
lent and far-seeing judgment, added to
many years of practical experience in con-
nection with extensive financial enter-
prises, has made him one of the most
prominent citizens of the northern part
of Wisconsin. Being the architect of his
own success, having little or no assistance
at the beginning, his career may well be
emulated by the young men of the pres-
ent generation.
JUDGE FRANK KWAPIL, of the
county court, Kewaunee, is a native
of Bohemia, born August 15, 1839,
in the village of Zales, son of Joseph
Kwapil and Mary (Fikejs), his wife. Of
the four children in this family the Judge
is the only son and the youngest child;
one died in infancy; Mrs. \'. Mashek, of
Kewaunee, and Mrs. Mary Lenoch, of
Marion, Iowa, are his sisters.
Joseph Kwapil, who was a miller by
trade, came to Ameiica with his family in
1855, and landing at Quebec, Canada,
from there traveled by water to Montreal,
thence by rail to Windsor, Ontario, and
from there b\- the steamer " Lady Elgin"
to Milwaukee, Wis. From that point
they drove to Racine, and after remain-
ing there one year moved to Darien,
Walworth Co., Wis., where the father
died in 1856; the mother was called from
earth in 1887, while on a visit to her
daughter in Iowa. On the death of the
father the responsibilities of the family
fell upon F'rank, our subject, at that
time only a seventeen-year-old lad, he
being the only son, and the family re-
turned to Racine. Frank here con-
tracted to serve an apprenticeship of
three years with Huggins & W'ashburn at
the stone cutter's trade; but at the close
of two 3'ears and four months was seized
with a severe illness that compelled him
to relinquish the business. He then
learned the cigar maker's trade, and es-
tablished a factor}- of his own in Racine,
which he successfully managed until 1 862,
in which year he sold out and enlisted in
Company D, Twenty-sixth Wis. V. I.,
ser\ing as private until the close of the
war. He was wounded at the battle of
Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863, was
sent to the. hospital at Washington, I). C,
and then, being unable to endure field
service, was transferred to Company A,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
497
Eighteenth Regiment \'eteran Reserve
Corps, receiving his discharge in 1865.
He then came to Kewaunee county, and
engaged in business at Alaska under the
firm name of Hitchcock, Mashek & Kwapil,
dealers in general merchandise, wood,
railroad ties, tan bark, etc., so continu-
ing until 1876, when the firm dissolved
and Mr. Kwapil moved to Ahnapee, and
here established his present general store.
In 1892, after the death of Judge P.
J. Rooney, Mr. Kwapil was appointed by
Gov. Peck to fill the unexpired term, and
in the spring of 1893 was re-elected by
the people to the same office for the full
term of four years. He had always been
active as a Republican until the nomina-
tion of Greeley, when he became a Dem-
ocrat, and while in Alaska continually
held some office, such as postmaster,
chairman of his town, and other minor
offices; and at Ahnapee he was mayor and
court commissioner, and still holds his
appointment papers to the last office. On
July 7, 1868, the Judge was united in
marriage with Miss Fannie Jenista, daugh-
ter of George Jenista, who was one of
the early settlers of Racine county, hav-
ing taken up his abode there when Mrs.
Kwapil was an infant. To this congenial
union have been born five children — four
sons and one daughter — named respect-
ively: Frank, Milek, Vojta, Joseph and
Bozena. Of these, Frank and Milek
have charge of the business at Ahnapee,
Vojta is a druggist, while Joseph is still
at school. In his fraternal affiliations
the Judge is a Mason of high standing,
being Master of Key Lodge No. 1 74,
and a member of Warren Chapter No.
8, Palestine Commandery No. 20, and
Wisconsin Consistory, thirty-second de-
gree.
That Judge Kwapil is fully qualified
for the exalted office which he holds may
be deduced from the fact that when he
graduated in his earl}' days from the Bo-
hemian high school he stood second in a
class that numbered over four hundred,
and from the fact, also, that besides be-
ing a classical scholar he speaks fluently
three of the living languages — German,
Bohemian and English. His official con-
duct has never been impugned, and his
mercantile career has never been tar-
nished with even the breath of suspicion.
His social life has always been chaste,
and his standing before his fellow men is
an evidence that he possesses all those
sterling qualities that constitute the born
leader.
JUDGE FITZ JAMES HAMILTON.
As an able jurist, clear-headed law-
yer, one possessed of a cool, calm,
judicial mind, to which is added
sterling patriotism, the gentleman, whose
name here appears, is entitled to more
than a passing notice within the pages
of this volume.
He is a native of Genesee county, N.
Y. , born March 1 1, 1842, in the town of
Oakfield, at the common schools of which
place, and at the Gary Collegiate Insti-
tute, also in Oakfield, he was educated
up to the time he was nineteen years old,
when he commenced school teaching, a
vocation he followed some sixteen years
in Ohio, Michigan and Illinois, finally in
Wisconsin. From 1871 to 1878 he was
principal of the schools at Sturgeon Bay,
having come to the then village in May,
1871. While teaching he formed the
resolution of studying for the legal pro-
fession, and during his spare time he ap-
plied himself so sedulously that in Febru-
ary, 1876, he was admitted to the bar.
In 1879 he was appointed county judge of
Door county by the governor of the State,
William E. Smith, and served in that
capacity seven years. In the spring of
1 88 1 he was elected to this office, receiv-
ing the largest majority of votes of any
competitor. A Republican in politics, he
has from time to time been elected to
various civic offices of trust and honor,
among which may be mentioned those of
president of Sturgeon Bay while it was
yet a village; city attorney and city clerk,
498
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
several times, and is now serving in both
offices; president of the school board, as
well as clerk of the same. In Free-
masonry he has taken a very active part,
and it was he with others who organized
Henry S. Baird Lodge No. 211, Sturgeon
Ba}', becoming its first and present master;
is a member of Warren Chapter and
Palestine Commandery, at Green Bay.
He is also affiliated with the I. O. O. F.,
Peninsula Lodge, Sturgeon Bay. In 1869
Judge Hamilton was married at Sharon,
Walworth Co., Wis., to Miss Ellen A.
Raymond, a native of that county, born in
Spring Prairie township in 1843, a daugh-
ter of Isaac and Aurelia Raymond, Ohio-
ans by birth, who came to Walworth
county, Wis., in an early day. Five
children were born to this union, to wit:
One that died in infancy; Ami Leroy, de-
ceased when si.\ months old; and Flor-
ence, when four years old; and Carrie
Belle and Eva Maud, living.
Joseph Hamilton, father of our sub-
ject, was born, in 1796, in Weathersfield,
Vt., a son of Thomas Hamilton, who,
in company with two brothers, came from
their native country, the North of Ire-
land, to America, where Thomas fought all
through the Revolutionary war. Joseph,
father of the Judge, was by trade a mill-
wright, and during the war of 18 12 was a
soldier from Vermont. In his native town
he married Miss Miranda Grout, born in
the same town in 1797, daughter of Eiihu
and Judith (Spafford) Grout, the former
of whom was one of the first three set-
tlers of Vermont. Judith Spafford was a
daughter of Joseph Spafford, Sr. , and
they trace their ancestry back to one
John Spafford, who came to America
from England in 1638, and died in 1678.
The Grouts and Spaffords were very
prominent families in the settlement of
Vermont, whence in later years they
migrated to Massachusetts. To Joseph
and Miranda (Grout) Hamilton were born
twelve children, namely: Alonzo, Lorinda,
Adelaide, Maria, Caroline. George, Joseph
N., Cyren S., Fitz James, and three
that died in infancy. Of these, George
and Joseph N. served in the Union army
during the Civil war. The father of this
family moved from Vermont to New York
State in 1836, thence, in 1848, to Wal-
worth county, Wisconsin, but in 1851 re-
turned to New York, from there moving
to Ohio, and thence to Allegan county,
Michigan, where he died in 1873, as also
his wife, in 1874.
SAMUEL PERRY, one of the most
prosperous and influential citizens
of Kewaunee county, and for the
past forty years a resident of the
thriving city of Ahnapee, is a native of
Ireland, born April 12, 1835, at Rilbuy
Abbey, County Tipperary, where for many
generations, as far back as can be traced,
the family have resided.
The Perrys belonged to the better
class of the Irish gentry, and the old
Perry estate is yet in the possession of
the family, two brothers and one sister
of our subject yet residing on the prop-
erty. For generations the family have
borne a spotless reputation, and their
honor has never been challenged, their
good name being as sacred to them as
their lives. They held many high posi-
tions of honor and trust in County Tip-
perary, which they invariably filled with
credit and ability, and a granduncle of
our subject, Samuel Perry of Woodruff,
was high sheriff of the county, and al-
though a strict man in his official duties
was beloved by rich and poor alike —
moreover as a public officer he gave the
utmost satisfaction to both the local au-
thorities and the government-in-chief.
Grandfather Henr}^ Perry was an estated
man, a true type of the fine old Irish
gentleman, a man of commanding pres-
ence, and a strict Churchman of the
Episcopal denomination. He died at the
age of eightj-five years, his wife when
over seventy years of age. They had
eight children, ail of whom reached ma-
^-^^Z^.CX^'^ c/X
y
COMMEMOKATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
50 r
turity, of whom, two sons — Richard and
Thomas — and one daughter — Mrs. Mary
Thompson — crossed the Atlantic to Can-
ada.
John Perry, father of our subject, was
a cavalry officer in the British service, a
splendid looking cavalryman, six feet
in height, and broad in proportion, a
scion of the house of Perry who knew
how to uphold the dignity and honor
of the family name. He passed his
declining years at the old homestead in
Ireland, dying there at the age of eighty-
seven years. He managed the estate
with ability, and had hosts of friends all
over the country, where he and his wife
were held in high esteem by even the
Catholic portion of the community, who
as a rule were not inclined to be friendly
toward the Protestant Episcopal Church
element. John Perry married Miss Susan
Mintion, daughter of Col. Edward Min-
tion, of the British army, whose estates,
Foyle and Fanner, were only a short
distance from the Perry homestead.
Capt. William Mintion, son of Col. Min-
tion, fought at the battle of Waterloo in
the Thirteenth Light Dragoons. The
Mintions, like the Perrys, were an old and
honorable family, peers in all respects of
the Perrys, and as high-minded and jeal-
ous of their good name. Mrs. Susan
(Mintion) Perry died at the age of seven-
ty-five years, leaving behind the impress
of a woman of strong convictions and
beauty of mind and character. She was
well-born, and a true mother — at once
the foundation and keystone of all home
joys. Small tribute, unfortunately, has
been bestowed upon beautiful woman-
hood and noble motherhood, in the an-
nals of our histories; but the subject of
this biography, who has made much of
his opportunites, desires here to acknowl-
edge to the world, and to posterity, his
mother's good influence on his whole life.
Mr. and J Irs. John Perry were the
parents of eight sons and two daughters,
namely: Edward, Henry, Thomas, Will-
iam, John, Samuel, Mathew, Richard,
Anna (wife of Henry Sutliff), and Eliza-
beth; of these, John, Samuel, Mathew,
and Richard came to the United States,
settling, about the year 1856, inAhnapee,
Wis., where they have since remained,
Samuel traveling extensively in New
York, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky prior
to coming here. He joined his brothers
in Kewaunee, and they at first worked to-
gether in getting out all kinds of ties,
posts, poles and logs, cutting them chief-
ly on the banks of the Ahnapee river,
and floating them down to its mouth
formed them into rafts; later they were
put on scows and sent to Milwaukee and
Chicago markets. The brothers were
prosperous, even in this business, which
called for much exposure and hard work,
and each of them deserves credit for his
courage and will power in overcoming all
obstacles. They possessed stout hearts
as well as strong limbs, and no task ap-
peared too difficult for them to overcome.
Two of the brothers — Mathew and Rich-
ard— are now living in Forestville, Door
Co., Wisconsin.
Samuel Perry, whose name intro-
duces this sketch, received a good public-
school education in his native country,
and at the age of seventeen came to
America, settling in Ahnapee. Here,
about the year 1861, he opened a small
store wherein he soon built up a good
trade, and by perseverance, energy, hon-
esty and good business ability amassed an
honorable fortune. Eventually he be-
came the heaviest buyer, at that time, in
the lumber trade, dressing the rough ma-
terial and shipping it mostly to Chicago
and Milwaukee. From time to time he
expanded his business in Ahnapee until,
to-day, he is proprietor of the largest store
in the county. He is also heavily inter-
ested in real-estate business in and around
Ahnapee, where, like few other business
men, he is acquainted with the value of
every foot of ground; is also interested in
both the factories located at Ahnapee —
the Veneer & Seating Factory and the
Furniture Factory — in each of which he
502
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is a stockholder, and president of the first
named, his son Joiin heinj,' president of
the other. He has erected many hand-
some buildings in Ahnapee, and in every
\va\- has given his influence for the good
of the town and advancement of its in-
terests.
In January. 1 860, Samuel Perry was
married in Forestville, Door Co., Wis.,
to Miss Elizabeth McCormick, a lady of
Scotch descent, but whose immediate an-
cestry moved to County Antrim, Ireland,
and lived and died near the "Giants'
Causeway " in that county. Joseph Mc-
Cormick, her great-great-grandfather, died
there, and about the year \jCiO his widow
came to .America with her family of chil-
dren, settling in Chester county, Penn.
Their children were Henry, Alexander,
David, Margaret, Hannah and John;
of these, Henry died March 10, 181 2, at
Painted Post, N. Y., the father of John,
Abraham, David, Joseph, Euphias, Henry,
Jacob M., and Hannah; of these, Joseph
had five children, to-wit: Guy, John H.,
Marcus, Elizabeth M. and Hiram; of
whom, Marcus had two children: Eliza-
beth (Mrs. Samuel Perry) and Mary Vir-
ginia, and the former of these two, by her
marriage with Mr. Perry, became the
mother of two chiUhen; John (who will
be more fully spoken of presently) and
Alice (Mrs. Birdsel), of Ahnapee. In
1874 Mr. Perry, our subject, married, for
his second wife. Miss Bertha Klatt, who
has borne him six children, viz. : Lydia,
Clara, Jennie, Minnie, William and Maude.
Mr. Perry is a prominent member of the
Episcopal Church at Ahnapee, and is a
liberal contributor toward its support,
while his wife is prominently identified
with the Lutheran Church. In political
preferences he has for the most part been
a supporter of the principles of the Demo-
cratic party, in both State and local
issues, and he had the honor of being
elected the first mayor of Ahnapee, a
position he held for years, finally posi-
tively declining to serve longer. A most
successful man in every way, he to-day
occupies a position of influence and
honor in the community, which in
itself stands as a monument to his
character for all future generations. A
" chip of the old block," he has borne out
all the family tradition, and fulfilled all
the requirements of a useful career. In-
deed, the world is the better for such men
as Samuel Perry having lived, whose blame-
less life and business enterprise and activ-
ity leave valuable lessons, not onlj' to their
posterity, but to any and every youth of
a new and progressive generation. In
physical appearance Mr. Perry has in-
herited his father's stature and manly
bearing, which make him a conspicuous
personage in an}' gathering. He is pos-
sessed of a clear eye indicative of a keen
intelligence, and a clean conscience. His
kindness of heart is well known to every
inhabitant of his town and count}-, and
his entire life reflects credit on the hon-
orable name of Perry.
John Perry, eldest son of Samuel
Perry by his first wife, Elizabeth (McCor-
mick), was born April 12, 1863, at For-
estville, Door Co. , Wis. , and received his
education at the schools of Ahnapee. At
the age of eighteen years he commenced
a mercantile career in his father's store,
of which he has become, practically, the
general manager, as well as the book-
keeper. He has also been identified with
various business movements, and during
one year was secretary for the Ahnapee
Furniture Co., of which he is a stock-
holder, and at the present time president,
having been elected to that position in
July. 1893.
In April, 1884, he was married, in
Ahnapee, to Miss Frances Estella Ross,
a native of that town, daughter of Charles
Ross, for many years a resident of Ahna-
pee, where he held many offices of trust;
he is now sheriff of Santa Barbara county,
Cal., his present home; he is a veteran of
the Civil war, losing an arm in the service
of his country. Three children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. John Perry, named re-
spectively, Lottie E. , John and Howard.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
503
r""^REDERICK POSER (deceased)
1-^ was a native of Saxony, German}',
I born April 2, 1824, and was the
son of a blacksmith. His mother
passed away when he was quite young,
and he was but fourteen years old when
his father died. He was the youngest in
a family of five children — two sons and
three daughters — and after his father's
death learned the blacksmith trade,
worked in different European cities, came
to America in 1853, worked at his trade
in Milwaukee until 1855, and in May ville,
Dodge Co., Wis., until 1856, and then
settled on a farm two miles west of Ke-
waunee village. Here he left his family
and worked for Dean, Taylor & Borlin,
at Carlton, Kewaunee county, until 1865,
in which year he sold his farm and moved
to Kewaunee city, where he carried on
business for himself until 1882, when his
eldest son, John, joined him as partner
and they carried on the business together
until 1890. Then Charles, another son,
bought out the father's interest, and the
two brothers continued the trade under the
firm name of Poser Bros., adding wagon-
making to blacksmithing. In politics
Frederick Poser was a Democrat, and has
served as alderman and in a few minor
offices. He died July 4, 1891, lamented
by a large circle of friends, who recog-
nized in him an upright man, a useful citi-
zen, an affectionate husband and indul-
gent parent, and a warm friend.
The marriage of Frederick Poser took
place in Milwaukee, April 24, 1854, to
Miss Mary Anna Dishmaker, daughter of
Anton Dishmaker, a native of Bavaria,
where Mary Anna was born in 1835, the
family coming to America in 1853. To
this union were born eight children, of
whom Maggie died at the age of nine
years; John, Anna, Fred, Mary, Augusta,
and Charles are married; Edward, who is
still single, is a physician in Columbus,
Wis., and has an extensive practice. Of
the above, John and Charles have a large
blacksmith and wagon-making shop in
Kewaunee, and have been alluded to as
partners of their late father; Fred is a
member of the firmof Bach, Keiwig & Poser
Co., general merchants and owners of one
of the finest stores in Kewaunee; Anna is
married to Mr. J. Scheuerell, of Milwau-
kee; Mary is the wife of John M. Borg-
man, one of the leading citizens of Ke-
waunee, and Augusta is now the wife of
Prof. R. J. O. Hanlan, principal of the
Thirteenth Ward School in the city of
Milwaukee.
VOYTA MASHEK, who for many
years has been a leader among
and thinker for his countrymen,
is a native (?f Bohemia, born April
18. 1839, in Pohorovic, where for a period
of over two centuries the family have re-
sided, and in the same homestead have
religiously kept up their old-time tradi-
tions and customs. This estate, at first
known as the " Safranek " estate, came
into the possession of the Mashek family
either before or during the Thirty Years
War, conditional that they should keep it
in good repair, pay the taxes, etc., and
after a time, by the edict of the Emperor,
the entire estate reverted to the Masheks
as absolute owners thereof.
Martin Mashek, father of the subject
of this sketch, was also born in the old
homestead just referred to, and became a
man of considerable ability and literary
inclinations, well-read, especially in his-
tory. During his lifetime he composed
many songs commemorative of past and
passing events, chiefly of a religious and
patriotic character — songs that to this day
are sung in the sunny land of the Czechs.
He was twice married: first time to Miss
Mary Shema, who died leaving one child,
Mary, now living in Bohemia. Martin
Mashek subsequently married Miss Anna
Bisek, daughter of a well-to-do farmer in
Bohemia, and she became the mother of
children as follows: Mathias (now owner
of the old homestead at Pohorovic), John,
Joseph, Wentzel, Voyta, Anna and Katha-
rine, all of whom subsequently came to
504
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
America except Mathias, Anna and John.
The last named was head teacher and
director of the high school for girls in
Smichow, a suburb of the city of Prague;
was also editor of educational papers and
periodicals, wrote articles on Slavic litera-
ture, and edited a monthly containing ex-
tracts in both the Slavic and Bohemian
dialects. In addition to all this he edited
a weekly paper for children, and pub-
lished books for schools in both the Ger-
man and Bohemian languages, as well as
drawing books. He died in 1886, highly
esteemed and honored by the people, who
erected to his memory, as a champion of
education and enlightenment, a handsome
monument. His son Charles and Jarosh
were brought to America, and are now
living in Kewaunee, Wis., the former
being a business partner with our subject,
the latter a machinist. The father of this
family died in 1847, aged sixty years.
Two of his brothers, Albert and Joseph,
participated in the Napoleonic wars, serv-
ing as officers in one of the allied armies
that fought against the " Corsican ogre,"
and marched into Paris with the victorious
troops after the battle of Waterloo in
1815.
Voyta Mashek, the subject proper of
this sketch, secured a thorough education
in the city of Prague, Bohemia, in high
school (Realshnle), and at the Polytechnic
School. When attending school he was
employed on two local papers of that city
as writer and instructor. At the age of
twenty-one he secured an engagement as
private secretary to Prince Malinowsky, a
Russian nobleman, accompanying him on
his travels throughout Europe and else-
where. In August, 1 86 1, they visited the
United States, landing in Boston, whence
they proceeded to New York, the object
of the Prince being to view the first im-
migrant settlements, and by personal ob-
servation ascertain for himself what the
United States Government did for the im-
migrant, how colonies were organized,
etc., in order to report to the Russian
government, who were desirous of estab-
lishing similar colonies on the Amoor and
Ousuri rivers in Northeastern Asia. An-
other object of the Prince's mission was
also to inquire into the practicability or
advisability of getting a couple of hundred
Bohemian settlers in this country — who
had already some experience in coloniza-
tion— to move to the Russian territory in
Asia and form a colony there. Accord-
ingly meetings were organized among the
Bohemians in Wisconsin (Racine), Mis-
souri and Iowa, the result being that two
delegates were appointed to proceed to
Russian Asia, make enquiries, take ob-
servations, and report their experiences.
These delegates traveled to St. Peters-
burg, thence to and through Siberia and
eastern China, returning to the United
States by the way they had gone. In the
meantime the officers of the central Rus-
sian government had changed, the main
supporter (Prof. Hilferding) of the scheme
died, and the ^\■hole project collapsed,
Prince Malinowsky returning to his own
country, while Mr. Mashek remained in
Wisconsin, making his home for a time in
Racine. Here he established a Bohemian
newspaper called the " Slavic," which is
still in existence, for the past two \ears
edited and published by Lieut. -Gov.
Charles Jonas, an old schoolmate of Mr.
Mashek, who for a time was a resident of
London, England, where he was a corre-
spondent for Bohemian newspapers, and
Mr. Mashek brought him from there to
Racine to take charge of the "Slavic."
Our subject then came, in 1863, to Ke-
waunee, where for one year he kept
hotel, after which he purchased his pres-
ent general store, which includes dry
goods, groceries, drugs, etc., and in
course of time bought and rebuilt vessels
for lake navigation and trade, also pur-
chased timber lands and built sawmills in
Door count}', going extensively into the
lumber business in Mackinac (Mich.)
county, in all his undertakings prospering
and progressing. In 1886 he established
the Bank of Kewaunee, of which he was
president till January 4, 1894, when he
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGBAPHICAL RECORD.
505
resigned preparatory to taking a six-
months' trip to California. In the sum-
mer of 1892, accompanied by his son,
George M., he traveled considerably in
Europe and northern Africa, visiting the
Desert of Sahara, Sicily, southern and
northern Italy, etc., an account of his
travels being given by him to Bohemian
papers in both Europe and America.
On October 13, 1863, Voyta Mashek
and Miss Anna Kwapil, sister of Frank
Kvvapil, county judge of Kewaunee county,
were united in marriage, and to them
were born two sons and one daughter:
Voyta F. and George M., both graduates
of Cornell University, and Anna, attend-
ing a select school in Detroit, Mich., pre-
paring herself to enter the Madison State
University. Politically our subject has
been a promment Democrat for many
years, wielding a wide-felt influence, and
was a delegate to the Democratic Con-
vention that nominated General Hancock
for President. He was the first mayor of
Kewaunee, to which office he was elected
without opposition, and has been a busy,
useful and exemplary citizen, one who,
while engaged in the never-ceasing round
of cares that are incident to the carrying
on of immense extensive businesses, has
always found time in which to serve his
fellow citizens in public matters.
GEORGE PINNEY (deceased), who
was owner of one of the most ex-
tensive nursuries in this part of
Wisconsin, and who had been a
resident for some thirt}' years or more of
Sturgeon Bay township. Door county,
was in his lifetime a potent example of
what patient purpose, resolute working,
earnest endeavor and, withal, natural
ability of a high order can accomplish.
He was a native of Ohio, born August
23, 1834, in Mantua, Portage county, a
son of Silas and Olive (Jewett) Pinney, of
the same nativity, who were the parents
of nine children — five sons and four daugh-
ters— all of whom grew to maturity, our
subject being the eldest. When he was
three years old the family moved to
Geauga county, same State, where his
father and uncles built what was known
as "Pinney's Mills." Here in early boy-
hood he entered the common schools,
where he evinced wonderful precocious-
ness, particularly in mathematics, in
which science he manifested a mental
capability far in advance of his years, and
which remained to him all his life, for
there never was any straight mathemati-
cal problem he could not solve. He
finished his education at Hiram College,
Portage county, Ohio, and was a class-
mate of James A. Garfield, and also of
Miss Lucretia Randolph, afterward the
wife of Mr. Garfield. His parents being
poor, Mr. Pinney had to push his educa-
tion alone, and pay his own board, his
college expenses being defrayed chiefly
out of what money he received for work
done about the institution and elsewhere.
At the same time his bright intellectuality
and pronounced ability found him many
friends who willingly assisted him in his
efforts to secure a good education. At the
age of seventeen he compiled a calendar
which attracted much attention at the
time, and which was published by a
firm in Hudson, Ohio, who gave him
the sum of forty dollars by way of com-
pensation. At that same age he com-
menced teaching school, a profession he
followed in the winter months with ad-
mirable success for twenty-two terms in
Indiana, Lorain, Medina and Portage
counties, Ohio. After his marriage in
1857 he resided in Spencer, Medina Co.,
Ohio, till i860, and being a good stump
speaker took an active part in Lincoln's
campaign in that county, later removing
to Mantua, Portage county. Prior to
this Mr. Pinney, when a boy, having de-
veloped considerable mechanical ability,
and having a taste for mechanics, was put
to work in a rake factory, though he did
not continue there long; but years after-
ward, while living in Mantua, he, in
company with a brother (after trying
5o6
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fanning operations which proved unsuc-
cessful), opened out a machine shop
there, which in 18G3 they closed up, and
our subject came in that year to Wiscon-
sin, where, in \\'rif^htstown. Brown coimty,
his father was located, and in Cireen Bay
lived an uncle fhalf-brother of his mother 1.
The first work he was engaged in was to
act as foreman in a shinj^de mill in Hum-
boldt township, l^rown count}', for Whit-
ney Bros., which required some skill, and
although it was the first thing of the kind
he had put his hand to, he proved thor-
oughly equal to the task. An accident,
however, which happened to him nearly
proving fatal, he returned to Green Bay,
where on recovery he applied himself to
some work of a light nature, and after
about one year he came to Door county,
the circumstances that brought him here
being as follows: While a resident of
Ohio his natural ability and elocutionary
powers attracted no little attention, es-
pecially in Methodist circles, in which
Church he was all but licensed to preach,
and his fame in this respect was soon
conveyed to Wisconsin, by means of a let-
ter from the minister in Ohio to the one
in Green Bay, which authorized or en-
titled the family to membership of the
Church there. Accordingly Mr. Pinney
was prevailed upon to come to Door
county, which he accordingly did, jour-
neying overland from I)e Pere, where at
the time he was engaged in the construc-
tion of a flax factory. This was in the
fall of 1864, and after looking about him
for a suitable spot whereon to settle, he
selected Sturgeon Bay, then returned to
Green Bay for his family, consisting of
his wife and three children, whom he
brought to their new home by sailing ves-
sel, the trip being made by way of the
Fox river and Green Ba\'. The first time
the vessel, which was a small one, started
with them, a violent gale drove her back
to Green Bay, but the second effort was
more successful. In Portage county.
Wis., with some little means he had
saved prior to closing up his machine
shop in Mantua, Ohio, he bought a |)iece
of land he never as nmch as cast his eyes
on, and after coming to Door county he
traded it to Dr. Taylor, of Cleveland,
Ohio, for a quantity of fruit trees which
were shipped to him. These he sold to
different parties in Door county, Joseph
Zettel, the extensive fruit-grower of Se-
vastopol township, purchasing his first
trees from this lot sent to Mr. Pinney.
They were the first trees sold in the
county, and the greater part of them
died, certain varieties thriving. I'rom
that day forth he bought consign-
ments of trees into the county, and as
he was from early youth a cripple
from rheumatism, and not able to per-
form arduous labor, that line of busi-
ness well suited him. For three years
after coming to Door county he followed
the life of a pioneer preacher, enduring
all the hardships and sufferings incident
to pioneer life, for which he received but
small compensation, and having a family
to support he was reluctantly compelled
to resign and confine himself exclusively
to horticulture. In 1875 he purchased in
Section 11, Sturgeon Bay township. 160
acres of wild land, which he intended to
clear and convert into a nursery, known
far and wide as the " Evergreen Nursery,"
and of this there were at the time of his
death one hundred acres under cultiva-
tion, half being devoted to his nursery,
where he chiefly reared evergreens. Prior
to this he had purchased land at various
times on speculation, but found none
suited to the purpose. He did a large
business, some seasons having sold as
high as six million trees, employed many
hands, himself superintending the entire
industry, and the magnitude of the con-
cern can be more full}' appreciated when
it is considered that he found a market
for his seeds, plants, etc., in everj- part
of the civilized globe. His beautiful dis-
play at the World's Fair held in Chicago,
1893, attracted great attention from not
only horticulturists, botanists and nur-
serymen, but also from the public at large.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
507
On June 16, 1857, at Wellington,
Lorain Co., Ohio, Mr. Finney was mar-
ried to Charity C. Steadnian, who was
born August 26, 1834, in Charleston,
Portage Co. , Ohio, daughter of Rev. E.
P. Steadnian. To this union have been
born children as follows: Olive, who was
twice married, first time to Henry Young,
of Sturgeon Bay township, after whose
death she wedded Walter Scott ("they are
now living on the old homestead); Flora,
at home; John J., proprietor of the Door
County Dcjiiocrat, published at Sturgeon
Bay; Bessie, now Mrs. George Green-
wood, at home; and Silas E, on the home-
stead. Of these, Olive, Flora and John
J., were born in Ohio, Bessie and Silas
E. in Sturgeon Ba}'. Since 1875 the
famii}' have lived on the farm bought in
Sturgeon Bay township. In his political
predilections Mr. Pinney was a I^epubli-
can till 1872, then taking part in the Hor-
ace Greeley campaign, from which time he
was an equally zealous Democrat. For
many years he was school clerk of Stur-
geon Bay, giving unqualified satisfaction.
In 1887 he was appointed, by President
Cleveland, postmaster at E\'ergreen, Door
county, which office was opened on account
of the mass of correspondence his own
business produced — nineteen-twentieths
of the gross amount. In 1873 he founded
the Expositor at Sturgeon Bay, the first
Democratic newspaper issued in the
county, and he conducted same three and
one-half years, during which time he fear-
lessl}- upheld the principles of the party,
at the same time jealously guarding the
interests of the public at large, independ-
ent of party. He was the prime mover
of the investigation into the alleged cor-
ruption in county offices, whereby a deficit
was said to have been unearthed — six
thousand dollars in one office, and three
thousand dollars in another — for the ex-
posure of which he was assaulted and
even fired upon. He was a pioneer
preacher, and brought about the erection
of the first Methodist church building at
Sturgeon Bay.
Mr. Pinney was remarkably success-
ful in his business, which year by year in-
creased, and no one in the county was
more deserving of tlie prosperity he en-
joyed. He died at the homestead No-
vember 2, 1894, of cancer in the stomach,
only a few weeks prior to vvtiich sad event
his business was organized into a joint-
stock compan\', which was incorporated,
and went into effect December 11, 1894.
It was capitalized at one hundred thous-
and dollars, and its present officers are as
follows: John |. Pinne}', Pres. ; Silas E.
Pinney, Supt. ; Flora C. Pinney, Sec. and
Treas. The stock is nearly all held by
the family.
DE WAYNE STEBBINS, cashier
of the Bank of Ahnapee, Kewau-
nee county, is a native of New
"York State, born .\pril 5, 1835,
in the city of Clinton, of Enghsh and
Scotch ancestry.
Great-grandfather Stebbins, who was
a resident of Massachusetts, was a soldier
in the Revolutionary war, and his son,
William Stebbins, grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a native of the same State,
but from the time he was a young man,
resided in Clinton, Oneida Co., N. Y.,
near Utica. He there became a man of
consequence, and being industrious and
frugal soon amassed a comfortable com-
petence, dying at the advanced age of
eighty years, honored and beloved by his
neighbors for his many good qualities of
head and heart, anti for his temperate
life. In politics he was a life-long Demo-
crat. He married in Massachusetts, and
had a large family of children, the mother
of whom also reached a good old age.
Amaziah Stebbins, son of William
Stebbins, and father of our subject, was
born in Pompey Hill, near Clinton, N. Y.
There he received his education, and
in early life learned the trade of tanner
and currier, an occupation he followed
some years, but later in life became a
contractor. He was an active, energetic
5oS
COMMEMORATIVE BTOGRAPRICAL RECORD.
man, and did a great deal of heavy work
on the Chenango canal, which runs from
Utica to Clinton. Being less fortunate in
his last occupation, he came west in June,
1S34, settling in Racine, Wis., Novem-
ber 21, 1835, where he followed various
occupations, kept the first hotel in the
place, and later was appointed the first
lighthouse keeper by the United States
Government. In his old age he was in-
duced to come to Ahnapee, where he pass-
ed the rest of his days at the home of
his son, De Wayne, dying at the age
of seventy-nine years, September 5, 1874,
the daj' after the decease of his wife,
Amanda (Anderson). She was a native
of Westfield, Mass. , daughter of a promi-
nent and prosperous New England farmer;
a woman of strong traits of character,
a great reader and very intelligent, one of
the most patient of sufferers during the
twelve years she was an invalid; and
many of her best traits of character, de-
cision and will-power were inherited dy
her son De Wayne. She and her hus-
band were a verj' devoted, loving couple,
each respecting the qualitiesof the other,
and they lived a blameless life, leaving a
spotless name and record to posterity.
They died within twenty-two hours of
each other, and were buried together at
Racine, Wis., where they had lived hap-
pily for thirty years surrounded by hosts
of friends. Their family numbered nine
children, named as follows: Wealthy A.,
Jane M., John A., Alexander H., Emery
E., Albert C, Elizabeth E., William and
De Wayne.
The subject proper of these lines re-
ceived his elementary education at Racine,
Wis., after which he took rather more
than a three-years' course at the Naval
Academy, Annapolis, Md., which institu-
tion he entered at the age of sixteen
years, through the influence of Senator
Charles Durkee, of Wisconsin. On his
return to Wisconsin in 1856, he settled
in Ahnapee, where at first he found em-
ployment in the pier, mercantile and for-
warding business, chiefly for the firm
of D. Young. Soon, however, he became
a member of the firm of Boalt & Steb-
bins, in the conducting of a forwarding
business, in which they continued some
fifteen years, meeting with encouraging
success.
During this time Mr. Stebbins enlist-
ed, August 13, 1862, at Ahnapee, Wis. , in
Company A, Twenty-first Wis. V. I.,Capt.
C. H. Walker, which regiment was sent to
Louisville, Ky., and then, on account
of his having been educated at the
Naval Academy, Annapolis, Mr. Steb-
bins was given a commission in the United
States navy as master's mate. He was
first attached to the United States steam-
ship " Corondolet," of the Mississippi
squadron, and participated in all the fight-
ing on the river around Island No. 10,
besides in many other engagements.
Some time afterward he was transferred
to the United States steamer " Mound
City," and with her proceeded to Vicks-
burg where she joined the fleet in the
siege of that city, having previously cap-
tured Arkansas Post, after which latter
engagement he was promoted to ensign.
On the night of April 17, 1863, the
" Mound City " ran the gauntlet past the
batteries at Vicksburg, and proceeding
down the river engaged the Grand Gulf,
and participated in several attacks on that
post. After running the batteries, Mr.
Stebbins helped to transfer Gen. Grant's
army across the river. Returning once
more to Vicksburg, he assisted in the
siege of that Confederate stronghold until
it surrendered, and then participated in
the Red River expedition (1864) under
Gen. Banks, ascending the river a dis-
tance of 450 miles, a trip that occupied
four months, during which they expe-
rienced continual fighting. After this
expedition Mr. Stebbins was promoted to
master and transferred to the United
States steamer " Kickapoo," a double-
turreted monitor, which was ordered to
Mound City and New Orleans, after
which she was sent to join Farragut's
fleet stationed at Mobile. After some
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
509
service there Mr. Stebbins was retrans-
ferred, this time to the "Portsmouth,"
stationed at New Orleans. On July 4,
1865, he was transferred to the United
States steamer "Michigan," stationed at
Buffalo, N. Y. , where he remained till
January 6, 1866, when he received an
honorable discharge from the United
States service. Returning to Ahnapee,
he again entered upon the duties of his
old calling — forwarding and shipping —
and so remained until 1881, when he re-
ceived the appointment as cashier of the
Bank of Ahnapee, which he has since
filled with great ability. In this capacity he
soon became well known for his careful,
conscientious and safe business methods,
qualities that have brought him to the
notice of the able financiers all over the
State. He has been closely identified
with all enterprises tending to promote
the prosperity of his adopted city, where
he is held in such high esteem as seldom
falls to the lot of man. He is one of the
promoters of and a stockholder in the
Ahnapee Veneer & Seating Co., and has
been its treasurer from its inception.
On September 5, 1862, Mr. Stebbins
was married in Oshkosh, Wis., to a
daughter of Hon. G. W. Elliott, of Ahna-
pee, a brief sketch of whom follows.
Politically our subject is a pronounced
Republican, and in 1873 was nominated
by that party and elected by the people
to the office of assemblj'man; was ap-
pointed postmaster, at Ahnapee, and
served twelve years in succession, or until
a change of administration caused a change
of postmastership. He made an envia-
ble record as a public officer, discharging
his duties with great fidelity to the public.
Socially he is a F. & A. M., and has been
master of the Lodge at Ahnapee twelve
years; also a member of the Loyal Legion
and the G. A. R., and has been com-
mander of the Post at Ahnapee. He has
an honorable war record, and served his
country to the best of his ability. In
physical appearance Mr. Stebbins retains
the fine soldierly bearing so seldom seen
29
by men of his age in the United States,
and which attracts attention in any gath-
ering. Though naturall}- one of the most
peaceful of men, he yet impresses all by a
decided presence of nerve force that com-
mands respect everywhere. Such men
are rare in any community, and their
lives are lessons of usefulness to a new
and thinking generation. In November,
1894, he was elected State senator as a
Republican in a Democratic District by a
majority of 1800.
HON. GEORGE W. ELLIOTT,
one of the prominent and hon-
ored pioneers of Ahnapee and the
State of Wisconsin, is a native of
New York State, born February 13, 1804,
in Martinsburg, Lewis county.
His grandfather, Joseph Elliott, who
was a native of Massachusetts, born of
English parentage, became a Baptist
preacher of no little renown. He died
near Utica, N. Y. , when over eighty years
of age, the father of a large family by his
wife whom he married in Massachusetts.
Of his sons, Chester, the eldest, was born
in that State, whence he came to Lewis
county, N. Y. , where he followed farm-
ing, and was highly honored and esteem-
ed; he died of cholera, in 1832, at the
home of his son Joseph in Canada. His
wife, Betsy, who was a daughter of Jesse
Benjamin, died at the residence of her
son George W. , in Fond du Lac, Wis.,
aged sixty-five years, the mother of nine
children — four sons and five daughters —
eight of whom reached maturity, and of
the four sons three came to Fond du Lac,
Wis., George W. being one of them.
The subject of these lines in early life
was a surveyor, his first work being on a
public road running from Martinsburg, his
native town, in a direct line to Albany,
receiving his appointment from Anson
Beach; his next surveying work was on
the old "John Brown tract," in New
York State. In 1836 he came to Wis-
consin, and engaged in the dairy business
5>o
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.
for a sh(jrt time in Foiul dii Lac (being
induced to go there by (iov. Dot\'), but
he soon returned to his old business, sur-
veying. Even in 1 836 he surveyed the
ground wheie now the State capitol
stands, which he did at the solicitation of
Judge Doty, and the governor of Michi-
gan, \vh(j at the time was interested in
real estate at Madison, Wis. Mr. lilliott
also surveyed much timber hind for vari-
ous lumbermen, including Philetus Saw-
yer. In ii^^SS he moved to .\hnapee,
where he surveyed some lands for Judge
Doty, and being pleased with the appear-
ance of the surroimdings decided to re-
main, and make the place his future
home.
On October 11, iS,:;j. Mr. Mlliottwas
married in New York State to Miss Juli-
ana Crofoot. who died in I'onti du Lac,
Wisconsin, the mother (jf se\en children,
as follows: Mrs. Mary E. Wing, Mrs.
De Wavne Stebbins, David, Charles,
Park, Irvin and Mrs. Ella McDonald. On
June 22, 1862, our subject was married
at Madison, Wis., while sor\ing as a
member of the State Legislature, to Miss
Charlotte, daughter of John and Char-
lotte (Rowley) Torrey, and born in Mar-
cellus, N. Y., by which union there is one
child: Carrie Eva. A Democrat in poli-
tics, Mr. Elliott has tilled many positions
of honor and trust, including all the town
offices; for fifty-seven years he served as
justice of the peace, but on the occasion
of the last election he positively declined
to qualify. He is one of the most hon-
ored and respected men in the county,
and all public offices with which he has
been entrusted he has filled with tact and
ability.
CHARLES BRANDES. bank presi-
dent and financier, of Kewaunee,
was born in Kewaunee village
May 10, 1864, and is the eldest
son of Charles Brandes, Sr. , a sketch of
whom will be found in another part of
this work.
Mr. Brandes has passed his entire life
within the limits of Kewaunee, with the ex-
ception, only, of two years spent at school
in Milwaukee — one year in the high school
and one year at a business college. Here
his scholastic course terminated, and here
he had his first business experience,
which consisted of six months' service in
a wholesale drug house in the same city.
On his return to Kewaunee he engaged as
clerk to Mr. Mashck, in the Bank of Ke-
waunee, and since then he has filled all
the official positions, seeming to possess
a natural aptitude for finance. At the
age of twenty he had become assistant
cashier, then filled all the duties of cash-
ier, and now, before reaching his thirtieth
\ear, stands at the head of the institution
as its president. But the interests of Mr.
Brandes are not altogether confined to
banking: He is the secretary and man-
ager of the Ivcwaunee Milling Co., which
was organized some four years ago, and
in which he holds considerable stock. He
has always taken an active part in aiding
the various industrial enterprises of Ke-
waunee, whether or no he had any pe-
cuniary interest in them, and has shown
his public spirit and liberal it}' on all
proper occasions whenever questions
touching the building up and the improve-
ment of the rit\' lia\c been brought to
the front.
Mr. Brantles was most propitiously
united in marriage, Octol)er 21, 1890,
with Miss Kate Hoadley, of Niles, Mich.,
the accomplished daughter of Jerad Hoad-
ley, who was one of the early and most
prominent business men of Niles, al-
though for the past twenty years he has
devoted himself to farming. In politics
Mr. Brandes has always voted with the
Demcjcratic party, but has never taken
any great interest in office-holding or
office-seekers. He has held one or two
minor offices, perhaps, but with the con-
viction that he was of more use to the
office than the office was to him. So-
cially, he is a member of the Royal Ar-
canum; in religious faith, he was reared
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5"
under the influences of the Lutheran
Church, but is Hberal in his views in that
respect.
GEORGE SENFT, Sr., who has
been a resident of Nasewaupee
township, Door county, for near-
ly forty years, was born in Hesse,
Germany, February 22, 1823, a son of
Caspar and Margaret (Gottleman) Senft,
natives of the same place. The father
was a farmer in Germany, and died there
in 1874 at the age of seventy-six years;
the mother died at the same age in 1 876.
They had a famih' of thirteen children,
of whom four are now living: George,
subject of this sketch; Caspar, who re-
sides in Germany; I\atie, wife of George
Barwind, of Washington Co., Wis., and
Elizabeth, wife of Henrj- Heinbel, also of
Washington Co., Wisconsin.
Our subject recived a common-school
education in the public schools of Ger-
many, and remained with his father on
the farm until he was twenty-four years
old. He then worked for others as a
common laborer for si.x years, hence he
was thirt)- \-ears old when, in 1853, he
set sail for the United States, reaching
New York after a voyage of forty-si.x
days, and coming west at once to Wash-
ington Co. . Wis. , he here hired out for
seven dollars per month. During the
year he was married to Miss Philomena
Heilmann, who was born in Germany,
daughter of Michael and Wilhelmina
(Goettleman) Heilmann, who came to
Washington county from Germany at an
early daj', both dying there, the mother
at the age of eighty-six years, in Septem-
ber, 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Senft have
three cliildren: Ivatie, wife of Jacob
Senft, a farmer in Xasewaupee township;
George, who is married anci lives in the
same township; and John, who also re-
sides in Nasewaupee township. Mrs.
Senft died in 1865, and the following
year Mr. Senft was married to Miss Mary
Knuth, daughter of John and Anna
Knuth, who were early pioneers in New
Denmark township. Brown county; both
parents are dead. Nine children came to
Mr. Senft from this union, only two of
whom survive: Charley, and Willie, the
latter married and making his home in
Iowa; during the diphtheria epidemic in
1878, the other seven children by this
marriage were taken away, their names
being as follows: .\ugust (at thirteen
years of age), Mary (at twelve years of
age), Amelia, Freddie, Lizzie, Minnie,
and Henry.
In T855 Mr. Senft moved from Wash-
ington county to Door county, making
the trip with an ox team, and located on
160 acres which he bought in Nasewaupee
township. Later he sold this property
and purchased 120 acres of forest, which
he now has all cleared and under cultiva-
tion. When it came into his possession
not a tree had been cut, and he was
obliged to make a road through to where
he subsequently built a log house. He
has witnessed the rapid growth of this
portion of the countr_\', and has experi-
enced all the hardships and privations
which the new comers in those early days
were obliged to bear. Thrift and industry
combined with careful management pro-
duce success in the end, although few
men %\ould be willing to work so hard in
order to secure the same results. In ad-
dition to the arduous labor, Mr. Senft
has had many other burdens to bear,
some of which are already related in this
sketch: His first wife died in 1865; he
was burned out in 1871, losing nearly all
of his household furniture and clothing,
and the following year seven children
died of diphtheria within a few weeks of
each other. He is now (1895) seventy-
two years old, and despite his bitter ex-
periences, is a well-preserved man. He
and his wife are honored members of the
M. E. Church, of which he has served as
trustee, and he has done much to build
up the society, and keep up the interest
of the Sunday-school, of which he is
superintendent. In politics he is a stanch
512
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Republican, taking much interest in the
elections. For many years he held the
office of supervisor, performing the duties
of the office in an impartial and satisfac-
tory manner.
HENRY CHEEVER SIBREE, M.
D., is a medical practitioner of
considerable prominence in Stur-
geon Bay, Door county, one who,
outside of the esteem in which he is held
for his scientific attainments, enjoys the
admiration and respect of all for his'kind-
liness of disposition and amiability of
heart.
The Sibree family, of which the sub-
ject of these lines is a descendant, sprang
from the Danes who in early dajs in-
vaded both England and Scotland, and in
the latter country originated the Sibree
family under consideration, the first of
whom to come to America being Charles
Sibree, grandfather of Dr. H. C. Sibree.
This Charles was born on the Clyde,
about three miles from Dumbarton Cas-
tle, Scotland, where he married. Leav-
ing his family behind, to follow him when
he was settled, he emigrated to America,
a brother at the same time locating in
England, where he died leaving a large
estate. Charles was by vocation a block
printer, a trade he followed many years,
and, when far advanced in life, died in
Kossuth township, Manitowoc Co. , Wis. ,
where at the time he was staying with
his daughter, Mrs. Gilbert W. Burnett.
His wife and children in course of time
had rejoined him, and the mother pre-
ceded him to the grave. Of their family
of three sons and three daughters, Henry,
who was born on the old homestead near
Dumbarton, in Scotland, was a block
printer and dyer, trades he followed after
coming to this country, first in Paterson,
N. J., later in New York, where after-
ward he was engaged in the City Express
business. From there he came to Wis-
consin, and in Kossuth township, Mani-
towoc county, was engaged in farming
four years, after which he commenced
the study of law in Manitowoc under the
preceptorship of J. D. Markham, an
able law\er of that place. Being ad-
mitted to the bar, Mr. Sibree commenced
the practice of his profession in Mani-
towoc, which he continued until his death
m 1881. In addition to his law practice,
which was an excellent one, he unfor-
tunately embarked in wheat speculations
that proved disastrous, he losing every-
thmg. In political associations he was
first a Whig, afterward a Republican, and
at one time was elected district attorney.
He was a lawyer of considerable ability,
and was highly respected both as an at-
torney and as a private citizen; a man of
deep humanity and generous impulses —
generous even to a fault— he surrounded
himself with hosts of warm and sincere
friends. He was married in Paterson,
N. J., to Miss Maria Vreeland, who was
of Holland descent, a woman of strong
character and loving disposition, whose
home was her kingdom. The children
born to this union were Henry Cheever,
Gertrude (who died aged twenty-five)i
Sarah, Lottie C, Anna (wife of Henry
Bush, of Fond du Lac), and three daugh-
ters that died in infancy. The parents
attended the services of the Congrega-
tional Church.
Henry C. Sibree, the subject proper
of this sketch, received his literary edu-
cation at the schools of Manitowoc, and,
having decided on the medical profession
for his life work, commenced the study of
medicine in the office of Dr. Oakley, at
Manitowoc; then proceeded to Chicago,
and, taking a course at the Chicago Med-
ical College, graduated from there March
5, 1878. The Doctor first commenced
the practice of his profession in Peshtigo,
Wis. , whence at the end of five years he
came to Sturgeon Bay, and has since re-
mained in the enjoyment of a first-class
practice. So wide spread has his reputa-
tion as a skillful and successful physician
and surgeon become that he has been
offered many inducements to change his
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
513
location, one of which came in 1883
(while he was residing in Peshtigo) from
Tacoma, Wash., an offer being made to
him to take charge of a railroad corpora-
tion hospital there, his salary to be $3000
per annum; but sickness in the family
prevented him from accepting, and it was
then that he came to Sturgeon Bay. The
Doctor's professional career, especially in
surgery, has been signalized by almost
phenomenal success, due in a great meas-
ure to his unceasing study of the science
and prompt adaptation of modern im-
provements in both branches, his pro-
gressiveness ever keeping up with the en-
lightenment of the age.
On November 27, 1878, at Dover,
Ohio, Dr. Sibree was married to Miss
Cora A. French, daughter of A. L. and
Anna French, and three children were
born to them: two daughters, Gertrude
and Lucy, and one son, Harry, the latter
of whom died at the age of seventeen
months. Socially the Doctor is a mem-
ber of the F. & A. M., and is a charter
member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge organ-
ized at Peshtigo. Politically he is a Re-
publican, and while a resident of Marin-
ette county was appointed superintendent
of the county schools; on the organization
of the county he was nominated and
elected to the same position, without any
effort on his part, but at the end of one
year resigned.
PHILIP JACOB DEHOS, city treas-
urer of the city of Sturgeon Bay,
and notary public at Sturgeon
Bay, Door county, first saw the
light August 1, 1 848, in Flonheim, Province
of Rhein-Hessen, Grand Duchy of Hessen-
Darmstadt, where, as far back as can be
traced, were born his ancestors before
him.
Philip Jacob Dehos, his father, was a
stone cutter by trade, which he followed
all his life in the Fatherland. In 1845 he
married Miss Philopena Schaefer, who
bore him seven children, named respect-
ively: Elizabeth, Philip Jacob, Mary,
Philip, Andrew Martin, Adam and John.
The father died in Germany January 28,
1 86 1, and in 1864 the widowed mother
came to the United States with her chil-
dren, landing in New York August 13,
same year. From that point they pro-
ceeded by rail westward, their destination
being Wisconsin, but at Salamanca, N.
Y. , an accident happened to their train
which delayed them four days; ultimately,
however, they arrived in safety in Door
county, where an uncle of our subject was
living. On their settling in Nasewaupee
township they bought forty acres of wild
land, which they succeeded in clearing
and converting into a fertile farm. In
1868 the mother married Christopher
Stephan, by whom she had one child,
named John, and she is again a widow.
Philip Jacob Dehos, of whom this
sketch more particularly relates, was six-
teen years old when he accompanied his
mother to this country, and consequently
received all his education in Germany.
He learned the trade of shoemaker, and
at the time of his mother's second mar-
riage commenced business for his own ac-
count in Sturgeon Bay, continuing in
same until 1871, when he went to Kan-
sas City with his family (he having mar-
ried in 1869), and there worked at his
trade as a journeyman till 1873, when he
opened a shop of his own; but in July of
the same year he returned to Sturgeon
Bay, in the ensuing fall opening out a
well-equipped boot and shoe shop, which
he conducted some twelve years, or until
1886.
In November, 1869, Mr. Dehos was
united in marriage with Miss Anna C. M.
Bottelson, who was born in the city of
Bergen, Norway, daughter of Arne and
Elizabeth Bottelson, the latter of whom
died in Norway in 1861. In 1864 the
bereaved father came to the United States
and to Wisconsin, making his New-World
home in Sturgeon Bay; he is a shoemaker
by trade, and is now residing with Mr.
and Mrs. Philip Jacob Dehos. He had
514
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
three children: Anna C. M. (Mrs. Dehos),
Oliif and Bernhard. To our subject and
wife were born ten children, as follows:
Eva E., Agatha, John, Celia, Mary and
Edith, living, and Augusta, Louisa, Philip
and Celia, who died in childhood. In
his political predilections Mr. Dehos is an
ardent Republican, and has been honored
by election to various offices of responsi-
bility and trust: In 1S75 he was elected
supervisor of the town, ser\ing one jear,
and when Sturgeon Bay was incorporated
as a village served one year as a member
of the village board: in 1 880 he was elected
a justice of the peace, which office he
held eight years, when he resigned; was
again elected justice in 1893, re-elected,
and is still serving in that office; in 1886
he was elected city clerk (Sturgeon Bay
having become acit\'), serving three years;
in the fall of 1888 he was elected register
of deeds, which incunibencj- he held for
six years, having been re-elected in 1890,
and again in 1893. Socially he is affili-
ated with the Royal Arcanum, was first
regent of that society in Sturgeon Bay,
and its secretary three years; has been a
member of the Sons of Hermann since
1877, and was the first secretary of Stur-
geon Bay Lodge, No. 3, which office he
held for nine years in succession. Mr.
Dehos is now doing a general real-estate
business, the handling of city lots and
county real estate being a specialty.
FRANK J. STANGEL, sheriff of
Kewaunee county, was born in
Manitowoc county. Wis., Janu-
ary 8, 1866. His father, John
Stangel, a native of Bohemia, a merchant
by occupation, was born in 1831, and in
1853 married Dorothea Pelnar, who bore
him eight children, the eldest of whom
was born in Bohemia. The father of
John Stangel, who was of Bavarian de-
scent, and also a merchant, came to
America in 1852, settling in Manitowoc
county, Wis. , where his days were ended
in 1869, the mother dying in 1872. John
Stangel, on coming to America, re-
linquished mercantile pursuits, and in 1854
settled on his present farm in Manitowoc
county, becoming one of the most suc-
cessful farmers of the count}'.
The early life of Frank J. Stangel was
passed on the farm where he was born,
and where he was inured to the toil that
fills up the farm-boy's earlier years, work-
ing industriously in the summer seasons.
He had the advantage of good schooling,
however, during the winters, attending
the district educational institution until
prepared for the high school at Mani-
towoc, which he entered in 1880. At
the age of si.xteen he began teaching, in
which he continued until 1888, but in
this interval he further improved himself
by attending, in 1886 and 1887, the Nor-
mal Universit}' at \'alparaiso, Ind. The
marriage of Mr. Stangel took place in
September, 1889, to Miss Josephine Fichta,
daughter of Matthias Fichta. and the re-
sult of this happy union has been the
birth of three children, of whom two are
living — Caroline and \'ictor — the eldest,
Benjamin, having died in October, 1891.
Mr. Stangel is a thorough Democrat, and
has always been active in his services
toward advancing the interests of his
part}-. In 18SS Stangelvillc postoffice
was established, he being appointed post-
master, and the same year, in company
with his brother, John J., he opened a
general store at Stangelvillc, but, on be-
coming sheriff, sold his interest to his
brother. In 1890 he was elected chair-
man of the Democratic Senatorial Com-
mittee of the Fifteenth Senatorial District
of Wisconsin, and in 1891 and 1892 was
chairman of the town board of the town
of Franklin.
In August, 1893, Mr. Stangel united
with J. Bitzen in the wholesale liquor
business in Kewaunee, but, owing to his
duties as sheriff, he can devote but little
attention to it. He is a faithful officer,
well deserving the approbation of his
constituents, which is freel}' accorded him,
aOMMEMORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
515
and his scholarly accomplishments fully
qualify him for any office within the gift
of his fellow citizens.
JOHN FRANK MULLEN, M. D.,
although one among the compara-
tively young men in professional life,
has reached an eminence for scien-
tific attainments as well as thorough
scholarship that is attained by few even
of those who have devoted a long life of
patient toil in the work of their profes-
sion.
The Doctor is a nati\e of New York
State, born July 2, 1848, in Lansingburg,
Rensselaer county, of good old Irish stock,
his grandfather, Brian Mullen, a drover
and cattle dealer by occupation, having
been born in the city of Sligo, Province
of Connaught, Ireland, where he was
also engaged in farming, and where he
died. His wife, whose maiden name was
Hannah Mullaney, after her husband's
death came to America with her family
of six children, and settled in Lansing-
burg, N. Y. , where she died at the age of
one hundred and four years. Thomas
Mullen, father of our subject, on account
of his prominent connection with the
"Ribbonmen," a revolutionary element
in Ireland, had to flee to America along
with other refugees. Settling in Troy,
N. Y. , he there embarked in the grain
business, chiefly as buyer, and having re-
ceived a good education in his native land
soon made a success of life in the New
World, becoming a useful and progressive
citizen. He had married Miss Hannah
Burke (a niece of Father Tom Burke, the
celebrated temperance orator, for whom
she at one time kept house in Ireland),
and to this marriage were born children
as follows: Anna, James, William, Mich-
ael, Thomas, John Frank, Mary and
Minnie. The parents both died in Lan-
singburg, the father when ninety-four and
the mother when fifty-two years old. Of
the children, Anna went to California in
1S49 with a family of friends, and there
married William McNeil, a wealthy
Scotchman, whose home in this country
was St. Louis, Mo., but who was
drowned on the Pacific coast, while at
route from San Francisco to New York
on the steamer " Centra) America," many
others also being lost, the vessel having
been wrecked (his widow then returned to
her old home, and being well off was en-
abled to give her brothers and sisters good
educational advantages); James and Will-
iam were both educated for the bar, grad-
uating at Williams College, and the latter
is now an attorney in New York City;
Michael graduated from the Christian
Brothers University, of Troy, N. Y., and
is also practicing in New York; Thomas
is a lawyer in California. The three eld-
est sons served to the close of the Civil
war in the United States navy, on board
the frigate " Powhattan. "
John F. Mullen, whose name mtro-
duces this sketch, was born July 2, 1848,
in Lansingburg, N. Y. , received his ele-
mentar\' education at the public schools
of his native place, and commenced a
course at the Christian Brothers Univer-
sity', Troy. At the age of si.xteen, how-
ever, in 1864, being fired with the spirit
of patriotism, he left his studies to take
up the rifle in defense of the Union, en-
listing in Company K, Third Battalion,
Thirteenth United States Infantry (Sher-
man's old regiment), which was attached
to the Army of the West, Department of
the Missouri, under Gen. Hancock; dur-
ing the last two years of his service he
was acting hospital steward. From the
fall of 1865 to summer of 1867 he served
at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., and Fort
Totten, Dak., and on the expiration of
his term of service, July 18, 1867, was
honorably discharged at Fort Stephenson,
on the Upper Missouri river. Mr. Mul-
len for the next two years carried the
mail between Devil's Lake and the Mis-
souri river, in Dakota; afterward from
Fort Stephenson to Fort Rice, and from
Fort Stephenson to Fort Beauford, dur-
ing which time he learned to speak five
5i6
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGIiAPUICAL liECOIiD.
different Indian dialects. On one of his
trips he met with Carleton, the poet, and
presented him with many Indian reHcs,
which are now on exhibition in some
museum in Boston. As his services as
U. S. mail carrier were required only
about twice a month, he employed the in-
tervals with others in escorting trains,
and in other frontier work. In 1869 he
served all through the Red River Rebel-
lion in British America as a patriot, as-
sisting in the capture of Fort Garry, and
after the suppression of this rising in the
spring of 1870, he, in partnership with
George Folsom, went into the hardware
and fur business with headquarters at
Redwood Falls, Minn., which was con-
tinued one and one half years, and then
abandoned, owing to hailstorms and grass-
hoppers, which had destroyed the crops
and nearly ruined the farmers of that sec-
tion. Mr. Mullen then, in 1872, returned
to Wisconsin, locating at Appleton (where
his relatives now reside), and took up an
altogether new line — canvassing for books,
chiefly Mark Twain's works and the
"American Encyclopedia," in which it is
safe to say he met with eminent success.
In the meantime, commencing with the
year 1868, he had been studying medicine
as opportunity offered, intending to make
it his life profession.
On February 14, 1873, the Doctor
married Miss Mary E. Parker, of Steph-
ensville, Outagamie Co., Wis., and the
young couple at once made their home in
Amherst, Portage county, same State,
where the Doctor practiced medicine till
1876, in which year he came to Sturgeon
Bay, where he continued the practice till
entering, in 1877, Keokuk (Iowa) College,
where he graduated in 1878. He then
resumed his profession in Sturgeon Bay,
successfully practicing till 1883, at which
time he was appointed assistant-surgeon
in the Chamber Street Hospital, New
York, it being the accident department of
the New York Hospital. The summer of
1883 he spent there, and he also attended
the Polyclinic, deriving incalculable ad-
vantages from his experiences and studies
in both these institutions. Returning to
Sturgeon Bay, he resumed his practice,
which has grown to be one of the most
extensive and lucrative in the peninsula.
To Dr. and Mrs. Mullen were born eight
children, four of whom are yet living,
named respectively: Alice E., May F.,
Patricia A. and Bernard; Willie died at
the age of seven, and Blanche, John and
Thomas when infants. The entire family
are active members of St. Joseph's Roman
Catholic Church, Sturgeon Bay. In
politics the Doctor is a leading and in-
fluential Democrat; has served as chair-
man of the county committee five terms;
as member of the Democratic State Cen-
tral Committee two years, including the
last Cleveland campaign, and as an altern-
ate to the National Convention held at Chi-
cago when Grover Cleveland was second
time nominated. He has twice served as
mayor of the city of Sturgeon Bay.
Socially he is chief ranger of Columbus
Court, No. 341, Catholic Order of For-
esters; is president of the Door County
Medical Society, and for four years United
States pension examiner.
JOHN ELLIS was born in the County
of Kent, England, February 19, iSig,
and is a son of John Ellis, a farmer
by occupation, who married Sarah
Adams, by whom he had children, as fol-
lows: William, Jane, Robert, John, Amy,
Elizabeth, Jabez, Sarah and Thomas.
The subject of this sketch was a lad
of only seven summers, when with the
family he came to the United States.
They sailed from London, and after a
voyage of seven weeks and three days
they landed on American soil. Thence
they proceeded to Schenectady, N. Y.,
where the father worked as a day laborer
for $1. 50 per day until a year had passed,
when he rented a farm, continuing its cul-
tivation four years. He then removed to
Saratoga, N. Y., where he again oper-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
517
ated a rented farm, and at the end of five
years sought a home in Chautauqua coun-
ty, N. Y. There he purchased land,
making it his place of residence some six
years, when he cast his lot with the early
settlers of Grant county. Wis. , and en-
gaged in mining four years, when death
ended his labors in 1834.
John Ellis accompanied his parents on
their various removals, and when quite
young began work, for the limited cir-
cumstances of the family forced him to
provide for his own support. On May
23, 1S42, he married Miss Louise Rachel,
daughter of William and Sophia (Boor-
man) Carpenter, people of English de-
scent. The young couple remained in
Chautauqua county, N. Y. , for about two
years, and then removed with his father
to Grant county. Wis., where our subject
also embarked in mining; but that enter-
prise proving unsuccessful, he after seven
years returned to the Empire State. Not
having money enough wherewith to pur-
chase a farm, he rented land and there
carried on agricultural pursuits until t 866,
which year witnessed his arrival in Clay
Banks township, Door county. Here he
became owner of a wild and uncultivated
tract of 160 acres, and in a log cabin, 14
X 20 feet, they began life in true pioneer
style, which home about three years later
was replaced with a more commodious
frame residence, and the other accessories
and conveniences of a model farm were
added. After twenty years, Mr. Ellis
sold his first purchase to his sons, and
became the owner of his present farm, a
tract of eighty acres, on which stands a
comfortable brick residence. His land is
operated by his sons. In the family were
ten children: Elizabeth, Amy, Norman,
Adelaide, Frank, Fred, Helen, Mary,
Ellsworth G. and George. The parents
are members of the Baptist Church, and
have lived consistent lives, which have
won them the confidence and high regard
of all with whom they have been brought
in contact. Mr. Ellis votes with the Re-
publican party, and has ever been a pro-
gressive and public-spirited citizen, a val-
ued addition to any community.
On September 22, 1861, he man-
ifested his loyalty by offering his services
to the government in defense of the
Union, and was assigned to Company E,
Ninth N. Y. V. C. The regiment was
sent to Washington, and for one month
participated in the siege of Yorktown,
after which Mr. Ellis spent two weeks on
an ammunition vessel, returning then to
his company. He later received an hon-
orable discharge on account of sickness,
and his case was pronounced incurable;
but in a great measure he regained his
health, although he is still a sufferer, and
in consequence receives a pension. One
of the faithful "boys in blue," the coun-
try owes to him a debt of gratitude for
valiant service.
RICHARD ASH (deceased) was
born in Devonshire, England, July
22, 1 82 1, and was a son of Will-
iam Ash, a gardener, whose em-
ployer was a member of Parliament.
In his native land our subject was
reared and educated, though his school
privileges were somewhat limited. After
he had reached mature years he was mar-
ried, February 7, 1848, in Devonshire,
the lady of his choice being Miss Mary
Veal, who was born in that county Janu-
ary 23, 1828. They began their domes-
tic life in England, where Mr. Ash fol-
lowed farming and teaming for about five
years, and then, in 1853, emigrated alone
to the New World. Landing in Canada in
the month of August, he located about a
mile and three quarters from St. Thomas,
Ontario, where he operated a farm on
shares, and in the following spring was
joined by his wife and their daughter,
Mary J., who died August 2, 1854. Five
children had been born to them in Eng-
land, but three died ere the emigration of
the father, and one after he had left the
old home. Mrs. Ash had joined her hus-
band at St. Thomas, Canada, and they
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
remained in tliat ]ilace until tiie autumn
of 1859, when they came to ^^'isconsin.
The severe winter weather caused them to
pause temporarily near Fond du Lac, al-
though their destination was Door county,
they being in search of some of the land
of this locality of which they had heard
from fishermen who lived near them in
Canada, and who spent the summer sea-
sons fishing in White Fish Bay, Door
county. During the winter of 1859-60,
Mr. Ash chopped wood at twenty-five
•cents per cord, and in the spring of the
latter year came to Door county, where
he purchased from the government eighty
acres of land in Section 7, Sevastopol
township. It was all new land, entirely
unimpro\ed, and he erected thereon the
first house and turned the first furrow, he
and his family living with a neighbor until
a cabin was built. (lamc of all kinds was
plenty, including deer, while wolves were
often heard howling at night, and only a
trail led from Sturgeon Bay to this part
of the county, no public roads having
been made. Mr. Ash at once begaii to
clear his land, and also had to work else-
where in order to get money to support
his family, being employed by Mr. Clark
of Detroit, Mich., who conducted fishing
along the lake.
On August 16, 1862, Mr. Ash en-
listed in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., in defense
of the Union, was assigned to Compan}'
F, Thirty-secontl Wis. \'. I., and served
until the close of the war. He was never
wounded, but was sick for some time in
hospital and during his absence the wife
and children passed through untold hard-
ships, Mrs. Ash supporting her family by
her own labor for one year and two
months. In the fall of 1865, in order to
give their children better school privi-
leges, Mr. and Mrs. Ash removed to a
farm on Section 4, Sevastopol township,
he securing eighty acres of land under the
Homestead Act. This was also an un-
developed tract; but under his able man-
agement it did not continue in that
condition long, being transformed into
rich and fertile fields. Mr. Ash's health
was never the same after he left the army,
and on April 16, 1891, he departed this
life, and he was laid to rest in Bay Side
Cemetery. He attended the Methodist
Church, in politics was a stalwart Repub-
lican, and served both as justice of the
peace and supervisor, in which positions
he proved a capable official, although he
accepted them against his will.
After coming to the New World, the
following children came to Mr. and Mrs.
Ash, all born in the United States, save
Charlotte E. , whose birth occurred in
Canada: Charlotte E., now the wife of
William Bassford, of Rapid River, Mich. ;
Eliza Ann, who died at the age of nine
years and eleven months; Richard, a
farmer, living near White Fish bay;
Mary J., wife of Martin Simons, a resi-
dent of Sevastopol township; Hannah,
wife of John Walker, who operates the
Ash homestead; and William, who carried
on agricultural pursuits in Sevastopol
township. After her husband's death,
Mrs. Ash conducted the farm of eighty
acres and successfully managed her busi-
ness interests until 1893, when she leased
her land. She is a member of the Wo-
man's Relief Corps; an earnest worker in
its ranks, and is a most estimable lady,
one who has won many warm friends in
the community.
HON. JOHN FETZER. of Forest-
ville. Door county, is not only a
leading and influential citizen of
the county, but is widely and
favorably known throughout the entire
Slate as one of her most distinguished
men, and is now serving in the General
Assembly as State Senator from the
First District of Wisconsin. The com-
mercial interests of the community in
which he lives find in him a worthy rep-
resentative, and the history of his adopted
county would be incomplete without the
record of his life.
Mr. Fetzer was born in Hesse-Darm-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
519
stadt, Germany, July 8, 1840, and is a
son of Peter and Margaret fPitz) Fetzer,
natives of the same country, who in 1850
took passage on a sailing vessel at Ant-
werp— the " Edwina " — which after a
voyage of twenty-one days dropped an-
chor in the harbor of New York. Our
travelers thence proceeded to Albany, N.
Y. , from there by rail to Buffalo, and by
boat from that lake port to Manitowoc,
Wis., where they arrived in June, 1850,
just one month after landing on the
shores of the New World. They located
upon a farm, and the father, who was in
well-to-do circumstances, brought from
Germany four men and one woman. He
built the first frame residence and barn
in Manitowoc county, and si.K weeks after
reaching his destination he had forty
acres of his land cleared. He brought
from Milwaukee on two different occasions
seventy-five cows, which he sold to the
settlers, who paid him in farm labor, and
in this way he improved his land, making
of it a valuable farm. On the ist of April,
I 85 I, he had an opportunity of becoming
an American citizen; but as this was not
in accordance with the laws of the land
he declined to accept the ofTer, and on
the 22d of September, 1856, he legally
obtained the right of franchise, and from
that time on was a true and loyal citizen
of the United States. His death oc-
curred in Forestville, Wis., in 1878, while
visiting his son John, and his wife died
on the old homested farm in 1882. Our
subject is the eldest of their living chil-
dren; Frank, the second, was reared in
Manitowoc county, and in 1863, removed
to Cleveland, Ohio, where he now re-
sides; Jacob remained in Manitowoc
county until sixteen years of age, when
he enlisted in Company B, First Heavy
Artillery, for three years, and did service
in Tennessee and Kentucky, after which
he acted as a scout for four years in the
M'est, and then went to Louisiana, where
his death occurred; Anna is the wife of
Conrad Jackel, proprietor of the "Co-
lumbian House," one of the leading hotels
I
of Manitowoc, Wis. ; Emma became the
wife of John Stundt, proprietor of the
"Stundt House," also of Manitowoc, and
died in 1890 at the age of thirty years.
John Fetzer was a lad of nine sum-
mers when he came with his parents to
America. He was educated in the com-
mon schools of Manitowoc county, and
for one year attended the high school
in Manitowoc, after which he worked
upon a farm until the breaking out of the
Civil war. In June, 1861, he responded
to the country's call for 300,000 volun-
teers by enlisting in the Ninth Wis. V. I.,
three-years' service, was mustered in at
Milwaukee, Wis., October 9, and with
his regiment, which was assigned to the
Western army, under command of Gen.
Sigel, went to Missouri, where they re-
ceived their arms in January, 1S62.
They then proceeded to Leavenworth,
I-vansas City and Fort Scott, Kans; thence
on the Indian e.xpedition, returning to
Fort Scott, in July, 1862. They met
the enemy in battle at Newtonia, Sep-
tember 29, 1862, subsequently took part
in the Price campaign; then went to Ten-
nessee and Mississippi, and, later, to
Arkansas, participating in the battle of
Camden. At the battle of Saline Bot-
tom, Mr. Fetzer was wounded by a gun
shot in the right breast and arm, and
when he had sufficiently recovered re-
turned to his home in Manitowoc county,
being honorably discharged in Milwaukee
in December, 1864. He had been pro-
moted on the battle field at Sabine Cross
Roads to captain, and in April, 1866, re-
ceived his commission, signed by Gov.
Lucius Fairchild, and given for meritori-
ous conduct on the field of battle.
In Manitowoc county, in 1866, Mr.
Fetzer married Miss Anna Fetzer, who
was born in Hesse-Darmstadt as were
also her parents, Frank and Eliza (Fifer)
Fetzer, who in March, 1866, became res-
idents of Manitowoc county. Wis. , where
they spent their remaining days, the father
dying in 1888, the mother in 1893. They
reared a family of three children, namely:
520
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Henry, who is married and resides in
Sturfjeon Bay, where he is serving as
cashier in a bank; Laura, and Anna. In
April, 1867, Mr. Fetzer removed with his
wife to Ahnapee, Wis., where he estab-
lished a foundry and machine shop, but in
August of the same year he sold out and
came to Forestville, locating on the farm
which has since been his home. Here he
embarked in general merchandising and
soon built up a ^ood business. He also
engaged in buying posts and ties, and in
1872 established a sawmill which proved
a very profitable investment. The busi-
ness steadily increased, employment was
furnished to some fifty men, and the daily
output rose to 25,000 feet of lumber and
150,000 shingles. He carried on that
business until 1878, and is now interested
in the lumber business, as a member of
the firm of Young & Fetzer, engaged in
the manufacture of lumber at Jackson-
port, Egg Harbor and Horse Shoe Bay,
Wis. In T877 he built a flouring-mill on
Wolf river, which he enlarged in 1887,
supplying it with all modern machinery.
The main building is 28 .\ 64, 35 feet high;
the anne.x is 26 x 26 feet, 16 feet in
height, and the mill has a capacity of
about 75 barrels per day. The flour is
made bj' the roller process, and being of
a most excellent quality finds a ready sale
on the market.
In his political views, Mr. Fetzer is
a prominent member of the Democratic
party. With exception of one year he
served as chairman of the town board of
Forestville township twenty-seven years;
was chairman of the county board three
years, and has been school clerk for a
quarter of a century. He is also justice
of the peace, an incumbency he has filled
twenty-seven years, and in 1 880 he was
appointed postmaster of Forestville, which
office he held continuously until July,
1889, when he resigned; in July, 1894,
however, he was re-established in the
office, and is now filling the position. In
1884 he was elected to the Legislature by
a vote of fifty-two when the Republican
majority was Soo, and in 1 890 he was
elected to the State Senate by a vote of
120, a fact which indicates his personal
popularity, and the confidence which was
reposed in him by his fellow townsmen
and all who know him.
Socially Mr. Fetzer is a member, and
for ten years served as commander, of
William A. Nelson Post, No. 97, G. .\.
R., Forestville, and was a member of the
staff of National Commander Warner, of
Missouri. He belongs to Key Lodge,
No. 272, A. F. & A. M., of Ahnapee.
Wis. ; is a member of the Sons of Her-
mann, and served as grand president of
that order for two years. He is a director
of the Ahnapee & W'estern railroad; sec-
retary and director of the Frankfort Land
Company of Frankfort, Tcnn., of which
G. W. Young, of Ahnapee, is president,
Victor Schlitz, of Milwaukee, Wis., vice-
president, and F. S. Anderson, of Chi-
cago, treasurer. Mr. Fetzer is one of the
representative men of Door county, promi-
nent in all public affairs, and his political
career and private life are alike above re-
proach. He has been an important fac-
tor in the upbuilding of his locality, and
the life and success of Forestville is due
in no small degree to his efforts.
CHARLES H. BRANDES (de-
ceased). Among the best known
citizens of Kewaunee county none,
perhaps, enjoyed more populari-
ty, or was more highly esteemed for his
kindness of heart and genuine unselfish
benevolence, than the subject of this
sketch.
Mr. Brandes was born December 19,
1830, in Kleinhofen, Hanover, Prussia,
near the Braunschweig line, a son of
Herman Brandes, a gardener of Klein-
hofen. Our subject being left an orphan
at the early age of ten years, he was
reared at the home of an uncle, after-
ward proceeding to Berlin, Germany,
whence, in 1847, at the age of sixteen
years, he came to the United States along
COJdMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
521
with Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lorenz, with
whom he was intimately acquainted.
Landing in New York, the little party
journeyed to Albany, where Mr. Brandes
learned the trade of engineer, which he
subsequently followed for some years on
the Hudson river and, later, on the great
lakes, passing his unemployed time, es-
pecially winters, at the home of the Lor-
enzes, in Albany, In 1856 he came to
Kewaunee, Wis., and built the "Steam-
boat Hotel," now known as the "Erich-
sen Hotel," conducting same about ten
years, at the end of which time he sold
out, and, engaging in the brewing busi-
ness, carried on a brewery in Kewaunee
until 1880, when, on account of impaired
health, he sold out and retired to his farm
of forty acres, within the city limits.
Having always led an active life, how-
ever, he was not long content to remain
passive; so purchasing the " Read Hotel "
property in Kewaunee, he improved it at
a considerable outlay, making it a first-
class hostelry, and conducted same up to
his death, which occurred May 16, 1893.
He was an honest, upright citizen, ever a
friend to the poor and needy, and those
who were in his employ always felt that
he had their interest at heart as well as
his own, and he was recognized by all as
in every sense a man whose thoughts and
actions were for others, not for himself
alone.
In October, 1858, at Kewaunee, Mr.
Brandes was married to Miss Augusta
Lorenz, the younger of the two daugh-
ters born to his old friends Mr. and Mrs.
Lorenz, whose elder daughter, Bertha,
was married in i860 to George Grimmer,
the capitalist, of Kewaunee. To Mr.
and Mrs. Brandes were born five chil-
dren, as follows: Bertha, now Mrs. Mc-
Mahon; Augusta, now Mrs. Cowell ;
Charles; Edward; and Martha, who was
summoned from earth in the heydey of
her girlhood, but nineteen summers hav-
ing passed lightly over her head. Mr.
Brandes was an active member of the
I. O. O. P., and assisted in the organiza-
tion of the lodge at Kewaunee. Politically
he was a Democrat, but never a partisan,
and for many years was a member of
the city council, which position he was
holding at the time of his death. His
widow is still a resident of Kewaunee, en-
joying in an eminent degree the highest
esteem and respect of the entire com-
munity, among whom she has lived so
many years, well-known for her many
virtues and acts of charity.
EDWARD BRANDES (deceased),
late proprietor of the "Read
House," Kewaunee, was born in
that city Pebruary 12, 1866, son
of Charles Brandes, Senior.
In 1883, in the month of June, he
graduated from the city high school, and
the excellent education there acquired
was supplemented by a course in the
Spencerian College at Milwaukee. On
his return to Kewaunee he went into the
drug business, in which he prospered for
about five years, taking, during this per-
iod, a course in pharmacy at the State
University at Madison. When he re-
linquished the drug trade it was for the
purpose of assisting his father in his hotel,
a very popular hostelry of Kewaunee, in
which he became as popular as the house
itself was. In this capacity he remained
until the death of his father, in May,
1893, when the entire management of the
house fell to his hands, and he remained
the congenial, affable and accommodating
proprietor up to the time of his decease,
March 3, 1895. Pleasant and obliging
as he was as a druggist, he excelled as a
host. No comfort for his guests was
overlooked, and, once lodged in his house,
the visitor felt himself at home, and his
appetite provoked by the excellence of
the viands. In fact. Nature made him a
host. Mr. Brandes found time, however,
to aid in the industrial progress of his
native city, and became vice-president of
and a director in the Kewaunee Purni-
ture Co. In politics he was a Democrat,
522
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
though not at all a bitter partisan, and
fraternally he was a member of the Royal
Arcanum.
On November i8, 1890, Mr. Brandes
was married to Miss Frances Flentje, a
natixe of Manitowoc count}-. Wis., and
a daughter of one of its earliest settlers,
and she still resides at Kewaunee, though
she does not conduct the hotel.
M
A Y N AND T I L L O T S O N
P A R K E R, senior member of
the distinguished law firm of
Parker & Decker, Ahnapee, and
the genial mayor of that wide-awake city,
is a native of New Hampshire, born in the
village of Roxbury, Cheshire county,
October 30, 1850.
James M. L. Parker, father of our
subject, was of Massachusetts birth, in
that State being educated and taught the
trade of carpenter and joiner, which he
followed there successfully, later in New
Hampshire. He was married in the
East to Miss Polly H. Kidder, by whom
he had five children, namely: James A. ;
Amine C, living, wife of George Fowler,
of Forestville fshe taught the first school
in Ahnapee, and her marriage was the
first one celebrated in that then village);
Nancy; Roselle, and Maynard T.. our
subject being the only member of the
family now living, except his sister
Amine C. James A., the eldest, was lost
in a whaling expedition to the Arctic seas,
the vessel on which he set out never hav-
ing been heard of since. About the year
1854, James M. L. Parker, accompanied
by his wife and children, came to Wiscon-
sin, and locating in Racine, during the
following winter worked as machinist. In
the spring of 1855 he moved to Wolf River
(now in the city of Ahnapeej, Kewau-
nee county, and here for some years fol-
lowed his regular trade, that of carpenter
and builder, among other works of im-
jirovement constructing the bridge pier.
Jn 1 86 1 he removed to Forestville, Door
county, where he became interested in a
sawmill, forming a partnership with David
Youngs, an old settler, in this industrw
and conducting same successfully until
1873, in which year Mr. Parker sold
his interest in the mill, and retired
into private life in Ahnapee. He died in
Forestville, Wis., at the home of his
daughter Amine C, in the fall of 1879 at
the age of sixty-seven years, esteemed
and respected by all who knew him, as
an honorable and trustworthy man, quiet
and unassuming, yet one who made him-
self felt in the community, and did much
toward the upbuilding of the city of his
adoption. He was one of the first harbor
commissioners of Ahnapee, to which body
the city is indebted for its fine harbor,
the si in- qtia iioii of any lake port; while
a resident of Forestville, Door count}-,
he served as town clerk. In religious
faith he and his wife were members of
the Baptish Church. She was a true
type oi a noble New England woman,
with an influence for good over all she
came in contact with. She was called to
her long home in 1867 at the age of fift\-
seven years, leaving the impress of her
beautiful character on her sur\-iving chil-
dren, her youngest son, Maynard, espec-
ially, having in a marked degree inher-
ited many of her amiable traits.
The subject proper of 'these lines was
about four years old when the family
came from New Hamjishire to Wisconsin,
and his boyhood years were necessarily
passed at Ahnapee and Forestville, at the
public schools of which then villages he
received a fairh- liberal literary education,
enjoying also the advantage of being
strongly encouraged in his efforts at school
by a well-read, thinking father, in addition
to which he was abl\- assisted in his stud-
ies by his highlj'-educated sister Amine.
To her he was indebted in a great meas-
ure for his ability to enter the arena of
school teaching, which he did at an early
age, teaching some thirteen terms in all
in various districts in Kewaunee and Door
counties, at the same time finding an op-
portunity of attending Ripon College a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
523-
couple of terms. While engaged at his
scholastic duties he commenced the study
of law, borrowing some books on the sub-
ject, and from time to time receiving wise
counsel from his friend Judge Rufus L.
Wing, of Kewaunee. In October, 1879,
he was admitted to the bar, his examina-
tion being held by Judge McLean, at Ke-
waunee, and he has since practiced his
chosen profession.
In I 88 1 Mr. Parker, being induced to
take an interest in the Ahnapee Record, a
Republican weekly newspaper published
in that city, he became its editor and
proprietor, and as such conducted same
until 1884, when he sold out to D. W.
Stebbins, and has since then exclusively
devoted himself to his law practice, in
which he enjoys a lucrative clientage. In
1890 the present firm of Parker & Decker
was established, and in addition to their
regular law business they are solicitors
for the Ahnapee & Western Railway
Compan}'. Mr. Parker is also identified
with several business enterprises, among
which may be mentioned the Ahnapee
Veneer & Seating Co. , of which he is a
stockholder and present secretary; is also
engaged in insurance and real-estate busi-
ness, his many and diverse interests all
reflecting the highest credit on his ad-
ministrative ability, acumen and sound
judgment. He has been a \ery impor-
tant factor in the building up of the
thriving and bustling little city where he
has established his home, and has held
several offices of trust and honor; for
many years he was clerk of Ahnapee
while it was a village and city, I'espec-
tively; was also a justice of the peace,
and has been chief of the Ahnapee Fire
Department ever since the present organ-
ization was effected, in which he materi-
ally assisted, and was a member of the
first fire company of the place. For two
terms he served as city attorney; also
held the office of district attorney by ap-
pointment from Gov. Rusk, and he is
now serving his seventh term as mayor of
the city of Ahnapee. In his political pref-
erences he is a stanch Republican, socially
a member of the F. & A. M., and K. of P.
On July I, 1880, Maynard T. Parker
was united in marriage with Miss Mary
A. Overbeck, daughter of Rev. H. Over-
beck, Sr. , of Ahnapee, an honored pio-
neer minister of the Gospel. To this
union have been born three children, to
wit; Mabel C. , Edgar J. and lone L.
The branch of the Parker family to
which the subject of this sketch belongs
is lineally descended from Capt. John
Parker, who was a Minute man in com-
mand of a company of militia at the bat-
tle of Lexington, the first battle of the
Revolutionary war. It is recorded in his-
torv that in his company a cousin, also
named Parker, was killed in this battle,
and that his was the first life lost and first
blood shed in that struggle.
HENRY B. STEPHENSON, one
of the enterprising and progressive
citizens of Door county, and who
is also numbered among her hon-
ored pioneer settlers, was born September
28, 1830, in Hull, England, a son of
Henry and Mary Ann (Sanderson) Steph-
enson. When onl\' four years of age he
was brought to America by his parents,
who first located in Canada, subsequently
removing to Ontario county, N. Y. ,
where our subject made his home until
1856. In the meantime, in September,
1852. in Canandaigua, N. Y. , he married
Jane Orr, who was born in Londonderry,
Ireland, a daughter of Andrew and Jane
(Mason) Orr. When a bright maiden
of fifteen she crossed the Atlantic alone,
and went to make her home with relatives
in Canandaigua, N. Y., where she met
and married Mr. Stephenson.
At the time our subject owned a small
tract of land in the Empire State, but
worked most of the time for others. In
the fall of 1856, with his family, consist-
ing of his wife and their two daughters,
Mary and Ellen, he came to the West, lo-
cating in Wisconsin, then a new State
524
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
offering many opportunities to a man of
limited means. Histiiree brothers, John,
Robert and Septimus, were located in
Sturgeon Bay, Door county. He came
by steamer from Collingwood to Sheboy-
gan, Wis., thence by stage to Fond du
Lac, then by steamer to Menasha, where
he hired a team and drove to Green Bay,
and then took a sailing vessel for Sturgeon
Bay, this circuitous route consuming
nearly two weeks. Mr. Stephenson ar-
rived in Sturgeon Bay with no capital
save a strong determination to succeed,
and he at once secured work with Robert
Graham in getting out pine lumber
through the winter, and in the following
spring found employment in a sawmill.
His wife during that winter kept a board-
ing house for the lumbermen, and thus
aided in the support of the family. In the
fall of 1857 Mr. Stephenson purchased
eighty acres of land in Section 26, Sevas-
topol township — a wild tract, upon which
not a furrow had been turned or an im-
provement made, but with characteristic
energy he began its development, and
soon transformed it into rich and fertile
fields. He erected the first abode on the
farm occupied by a white man, the struc-
ture, however, being little more than a
shanty. He worked his farm as he could,
but during much of the time in tho.se
early da3s he was abliged to be away
from home to earn money to provide for
the maintenance of his family. In 1865
the first house was replaced by a more
substantial one and the work of improve-
ment and development was carried on, so
that in course of time the richly cul-
tivated farm bore little resemblance to
the timbered tract he had pre-empted.
One-half of it is under cultivation, and
the buildings upon the place are monu-
ments to his own thrift and enterprise.
In 1 892 he erected a new residence, doing
most all of the work himself, and the
other buildings are in keeping with the
pleasant home. To Mr. and Mrs. Steph-
enson have been born children as follows,
Ellen, who became the wife of Frank
Kimber, and died in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. ;
Mary, wife of Ole Faulk, who died in
Sturgeon Bay; Lewis, a farmer of Sevas-
topol township; May, wife or John Daly,
of Menominee, Mich. ; Effie, who became
the wife of Herman Landon, and died at
Thompson, Mich. ; and Herbert and Dora,
both at home.
Mr. Stephenson supported the Re-
publican party until 1876, since which
time he has been bound b}' no party ties,
although he is now in hearty sympathy
with the Populist movement. He has
served as chairman of the town board of
supervisors, was town treasurer, served
for twelve years as town clerk, and is
now school clerk, a position he filled
for some time, and then resigned; but the
people again called him to that office.
He is now serving his second year as
treasurer of the Mutual Insurance Com-
pan}' of Sevastopol, and for several years
has acted as agent for that company.
He has a wide acquaintance throughout
the town and county, for he has not only
held the offices above mentioned, but for
twenty years was justice of the peace,
and for ten years was postmaster in
charge of Malakoff postoffice, which was
in his own home. He and his wife are
highly respected people, holding an envi-
able position in social circles, and in the
historj' of their adopted county they well
deserve mention.
ON. JOHN WATTAWA. In look-
ing around for men of vigorous
u
I I and forcible caliber who have taken
important and prominent part in
the affairs of men. the biographer is not
expected to deal only with valiant and
martial heroes, for in the world of science
and arts, the professions and politics of
the present day, are found men of action,
capable and earnest, whose talents, enter-
prise and energy command the respect of
their fellow men, and whose lives are
worthy examples and objects^ of emula-
tion. That the life of such a person
ui/^2l-c/dZ.4^^^n^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
527
should have its pubhc record is pecuHarly
proper, because a knowledge of men
whose substantial fame rests upon their
attainments, character and success, must
necessarily exert a wholesome influence
on the rising generation of the American
people. In this connection it is appro-
priate to review in this volume the cir-
cumstances of the life of John Wattawa,
of Kewaunee.
A native of Wisconsin, he was born
April 3, i860, in the city of Milwaukee,
a son of Matthias and Josephine (Havra-
nek) Wattawa, natives of Bohemia, the
father born in Milin, in 1818, the mother
in the village of Postezof, in 1820. They
were married in Bohemia in 1837, and
came to the United States about the year
1855, making their first New-World home
in Milwaukee. In i860, just after the
birth of their son John, they moved to
Kewaunee, where the family have since
made their home, the only death being
that of the much-beloved wife and mother,
who passed from earth in 1892, leaving
eight children: two sons — John, our sub-
ject, and Charles Wattawa, an attorney
at Kewaunee — and six daughters.
John Wattawa is pre-eminently a self-
made man, one who in early boyhood
commenced life at the bottom round of
the ladder, and, unaided, worked his way
step by step to his present enviable posi-
tion. At the age of ten j^ears we find
him working in saw and shingle mills in
the summer seasons, and investing his
earnings and savings in an education at
the common schools of the locality. His
taste for reading in spare hours also
proved a strong motor in his after ac-
quirements, and at this day he stands
securely in the ranks of men whose hearts
are their books, events their tutors, and
great actions their eloquence. At the
age of sixteen years he succeeded in ac-
quiring an academic education, at which
time he commenced teaching, and for
several years thereafter he was principal
of the Ahnapee High School. When
twenty-one vears old he was elected
30
county superintendent of the schools of
Kewaunee county, a position he filled
with eminent ability five years, during
which time he studied law, and in 1887
he was admitted to the bar, at once com-
mencing the practice of his profession
in Kewaunee, where he soon became
prominent in the annals of the legal pro-
fession of the county. His legal business
has grown steadily, and he now enjoys the
most lucrative practice of any in the
county. Having come to Kewaunee in his
very infancy, Mr. Wattaw-a has grown up
with the city, and delights and prides him-
self in her growth and prosperit}'. As a
Democrat he has also always taken a deep
interest in the politics of both city and
county, each of which he has served in
various capacities, such as mayor of Ke-
waunee (1893-94), city attorney, member
of the council, county board (of which he
was chairman), etc. In the last Presi-
dential election he was a Presidential
elector, and, same election, was most
favorably considered before the conven-
tion, nominating the candidate for sena-
tor from his District, only lacking one
vote of securing the nomination. He
was president of the Young Mens' Dem-
ocratic Club of Kewaunee during the
campaign of 1888; was chairman of
the Democratic County Committee in
1886; a delegate to the State Con-
vention in 1888, and member of the
Democratic State Central Committee in
1 894. He is recognized as an astute and
able leader of his party in Kewaunee
county, working faithfully for its success,
and, gifted as he is with a more than or-
dinary degree of energy and vigor, both
of mind and body, instinctive sagacity,
indomitable perseverance, great mental
resources and entire self command, he is
admirably constituted by nature to be a
leader of men, as is well exemplified by
his eminent success as a lawyer, public
speaker, legislator, and public official.
Of a generous, social and affable dispo-
sition, possessed of marked ability, and
physically of goodly proportions and com-
528
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD.
nmnding presence, he is one of the most
popular men in his part of tlie State, one
for whom, being yet a comparatively
young man, the future holds high honors
in store. His career in Kewaunee has
brought him in close contact and intimate
relations with the leading men of this
State, and it is safe to say that but few
men in I-Cewaunee retain the respect and
confidence of his fellow citizens in an
equal degree.
In the advancement of the commercial
and industrial interests of Kewaunee our
svibject has been an earnest worker, and
was one of the organizers and the first
president of the Advancement Association,
the Kewaunee I""urniture Company, and
Bohemian Printing Company. In Sep-
teml)er, 1893, l^^' ^\'<i^ appointed deputy
collector of United States Customs, and
is still serving in that office. Socially he
is a member of the I. O. O. F.. Covenant
Lodge, No. 26^, Kewaunee, and of the
C. S. P. s.
On January S, 1887, at Manitowoc,
Wis., Hon. John Wattawa and Miss
Catherine Walsh, an amiable, talented
and highly educated lady, were united in
marriage. She was lH)rn April 24. 1861,
at Two Rivers, Manitowoc, Co., Wis.,
daughter of Feli.v and IJridget (Comer)
\\'alsh, nati\es of Ireland, the father
born in County .\rmagh, the mother at
Castlebar, Count}- Mayo; they were mar-
ried, in 1853, at Manitowoc Kapids.Wis. ,
and had a family of nine children, eight
of whom were educated to become teach-
ers— in which jirofession Mrs. Wattawa,
as an educator of great superiorit\', held
prominent place some five years — three of
the sons subse(iuentl\' taking uj) law:
Henry C, now practicing in Kedfield, S.
Dak.; Thomas J. in Helena, Mont., and
John in Kewaunee. I'-eli.x Walsh was one
of the earliest settlers of Two Rivers, hav-
ing removed thither about the \ear 1845,
then but a bo)-, becoming a prominent
business man and one of the most influ-
ential and highlv honored citizens of the
place, and dying there in 1891. He was
a strong advocate of the public-school
system, and did nnich toward the building
up of Two Rivers, and the furthering of
all enterprises tending to the advance-
ment and prosperity of the community at
large. His widow is still residing at Two
Rivers. To Mr. and Mrs. Wattawa have
come four children, to wit: Virginia, born
August 12, 1888; John H.,born May 31,
1 891; Katherine 1*2., born December 21,
1892, and Esther, born December 29,
I 894.
In 1894 Mr. Wattawa built his ele-
gant and commodious modern residence
in Kewaunee, which in its entirety, to-
gether with the surroundings, presents a
most pleasing and fascinating scene to the
eye. It is a model of good taste, both
within and without, and is situated on one
of the most picturesque locations in the
city, connnanding as it does an enchant-
ing view of the harbor and Lake Michi-
gan— without doubt one of the grandest
sites on the lake shore for a home. The
grounds, which extend to the very edge
of the lake, are tastefully kept and orna-
mented with lawns, pathways and shrub-
ber)', in every respect presenting the re-
flex of the cultivated minds of the owners.
Here, released from the cares of business,
Mr. Wattawa retires to find a solace in
the companionship of his amiable and ac-
complished wife and four interesting little
oli\e branches. True to his family, faith-
ful to his friends, generous to his oppo-
nents, Hon. John Wattawa justly enjo\s
the distinction of being esteemed by all
alike as an honorable, upright citizen.
CHARLES GRISWOLD BOALT.
Among the prominent representa-
tive citiziMis of Kewaunee c(Hnity,
who by their activity and influence
have done so much to aiivance the inter-
ests of the city of Ahnapee, is the gentle-
man whose name we here record. He
was born .\pril 19. 1835, in Korwalk,
Ohio. The flrst ancestors of the family
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
529
in America came from England and set-
tled in Norwalk, Conn. , before the Revo-
lutionary war.
Grandfather John Boalt was born in
Norwalk, Conn., where he was a farmer
by occupation. In 1817 he moved to
Huron county, Ohio, where with other
families from Norwalk, Conn. , he made a
settlement, they naming the town Nor-
walk in honor of their native town in
Connecticut. A few years later he re-
moved to Sandusky, Ohio, where he
opened a hotel and made a permanent
home, dying there. His wife passed away
a few years before him. They had twelve
children, most of whom reached maturity.
Of these, Charles I^eicester Boalt was born
in 1803 in Norwalk, Conn., and removed
with his parents to Norwalk, Ohio, where
he experienced the numerous hardships
and inconveniences of pioneer life, among
other things being obliged to go for the
family's milling to Cleveland, a distance
of sixty miles. He was a man of great
perseverance, and of studious habits, fol-
lowed the profession of a teacher for a
time, and eventually studied law with
Ebene^er (later Chief Justice) Lane, of
Ohio. He was admitted to the bar in
Ohio, and practiced law a number of
)'ears, his circuit comprising the northern
part of the State, and he was connected
with man\- cases of importance. From
1830 till 1845 he was actively en-
gaged in the duties of his profession, and
then busied himself in settling up his own
real-estate business and that of his clients.
In 1850 he became one of the promoters
of the Cleveland, Toledo & Norwalk rail-
way, was made president, and was the
leading spirit in the l)uilding of the road,
negotiating its bonds in England and buy-
ing the iron in Wales. An opposition
road was built by the Sandusky City con-
tingent, headed by Judge Lane; but the
two roads were after\\ard consolidated.
When the road passed into the hands of
Wall street he resigned. Later on he
was president of the Sandusky, Mansfield
& Newark railroad, which he also man-
aged several years. This was one of the
first railroads in the United States, and
the first section was built about 1832. At
first the cars were hauled by horses, but
later on the company procured engines,
one of which, called the "Sandusky,"
was among the Baltimore & Ohio railroad
exhibits at the World's Columbian Ex-
position, Chicago, 1893; the first car on
the road was fashioned after the Concord
stages, hung on thorough-braces. The
road was eventually leased to the Balti-
more & Ohio railroad.
Mr. Boalt died August 10, 1870, in
Sandusky, Ohio, aged sixty-eight years,
leaving an unsullied reputation, and a
record in the ainials of railroad historj'
which is a credit to his name and an
honor to his posteritj-. He was a practi-
cal business man, thoroughly competent
to manipulate large business concerns,
and was very successful in every vvay.
In politics he was originally a Whig, later
a Republican; he was very active during
the Civil war in raising troops, and had
two sons in the army. His wife, Eliza-
beth Woodbridge Griswold, was a daugh-
ter of Roger Griswold, governor of Con-
necticut, whose father, Mathew Griswold,
was governor of Connecticut in Colonial
times. Esquire CTris\\'old was the first
of the Griswold family to come over and
settle in Connecticut, and he was the
progenitor of the family in America. His
ancestral home was near Oxford, En-
gland. Coming to America about the
year 1630, he settled at Black Hall,
opposite Saybrook, at the mouth of the
Connecticut river; Black Hall was so
named because of being in charge of
a black man; it is still in the possession of
the Griswold family. Mrs. Elizabeth Boalt
was educated in Hartford, Conn., and
in New York City, and was a woman
of great ability and high literary at-
tainment. She was the mother of
seven children: Cornelia E. , Charles G.,
John Henry (a prominent attorney in San
Francisco), Mrs. Frances Lane, Moss,
Frederick Harper (deceased), and Dr.
530
COMMEMORATIVE BTOORAPEWAL RECORD.
William Leicester (now of Gratz, Austria,
a student of medicine).
Charles Griswold Boalt received his
early education in Farmington, Conn.,
and later attended Kenyon College. In
1850, at the age of fifteen years, he en-
tered the employ of the Illinois Central
railroad, as civil engineer, on preliminary
survey through the State, being stationed
at Champaign City, and surveying north
and south. He was with the survey for
two and a half years, and drove the stakes
that started the first grading. For about
eighteen months he was engaged as civil
engineer on the Fremont & Indiana rail-
road, in Ohio, now a part of the Lake
Erie & Western railroad, and was also an
engineer for a new road which was never
built. In 1854 he came to Mayville,
Dodge Co. , Wis. , where he and his father
bought an interest in an iron company, of
which the father was made president, and
the son afterward became secretary, fill-
ing that position until 1859, when he
came to Ahnapee, Wis. Having a large
business experience, he was a welcome
addition to the young city, of which he
soon became one of the leading and pros-
perous business men. He was one of the
first general merchants in the town, meet-
ing with success from the beginning, and
he continued in this business up to 1868.
In 1864 he bought one-half of the town
plat and other real-estate property ad-
jacent, and also an undivided half of the
pier extending into the lake, purchasing
this from George Steele & Co., of Chi-
cago, who with David Young had built
the pier and laid out the town. Mr. Boalt
was associated with Mr. Young in the for-
warding business until 1872, in which
year he bought his partner's interest, and
then conducted the business alone until
January i, 1892, when he sold out to
Edward Decker. Mr. Boalt has been
identified with nearly every interest for
the advancement and prosperity of Ahna-
pee: He was instrumental in organiz-
ing the Veneer & Seating Co., and the
Ahnapee Furniture Co., of which he is
now secretary and financial manager, and
under his able management it has become
a prosperous institution, which, by giving
employment to many hands, brings cheer
and comfort to many homes.
On August 10, 1857, at Painesville,
Ohio, Mr. Boalt was married to Miss
Agnes Gillet, daughter of Isaac Gillet,
for many years a pioneer and prosperous
merchant of Painesville. The union was
blessed with three children, two of whom
are now living: Elizabeth G., and
Charles G., now connected with the Cal-
umet Iron & Steel Co., at Irondale, near
Chicago. Mrs. Boalt was educated in.
the young ladies' seminaries at Willough-
by, Ohio, and Pittsfield, Mass. Mr.
Boalt is a Republican in politics, and dur-
ing the war of the Rebellion performed
much valuable work for the North by en-
couraging the cause of the Union at
home.
GEORGE BEYER. That a review
of the life of such an energetic
and enterprising individual, as the
subject of this sketch undoubtedly
is, should have prominent place in the
pages of a work of this kind is peculiarly
proper; because a knowledge of men,
whose substantial record rests upon their
attainments, character and success, must
at all times exert a wholesome influence
on the rising generation of the American
people, and can not fail to be more or
less interesting to those of maturer years.
Mr. Beyer is a native of Bavaria,
Germany, born December 19, 1830, a
son of John and Margaret Beyer, who
in 1846 came to this country with their
family (consisting of one son, George, and
two daughters) settling in Washington
county. Wis., on a piece of nearly all
wild land, which they cleared and culti-
vated. The parents, who had brought
some money from Europe with them,
were honest and industrious, and when
they were called from earth in the midst
of their labors on this farm they left a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
531
goodly name as an heritage to their chil-
dren. The mother died in 1863, the
father in 1864. As will be seen, our sub-
ject was a lad of sixteen summers when
the family crossed the ocean to the New
World, and he consequently well remem-
bers the voyage, which occupied fifty-
three days, and the subsequent overland
journey to Buffalo, thence by boat to
Milwaukee, and from there by wagon to
Washington county. All his education had
been received in Germany, so the first
thing he applied himself to in this coun-
try was the felling of trees on his father's
farm, and otherwise assisting in the con-
verting of a wilderness into fields of wav-
ing grain. In 1854 he married Miss Mar-
garet Flasch, also a native of Germany,
who immigrated to the United States in
the spring of 1847, making her first New-
World home in Fond du Lac county. Wis.
After marriage Mr. Beyer conducted a
farm in Germantown township, Washing-
ton county, nineteen years, at the same
time for fourteen years operated a thresh-
ing machine, dealing also in agricultural
implements, such as reapers and mowers,
and for si.x years he kept a store in the
village of Richfield, same county.
In 1879, his family having considera-
bly increased, and being desirous of mak-
ing a settlement in an even newer coun-
tr\^ than what he found in Washington
county, he came to Door county, arriving
August 31, that year, and in Section 34,
Sevastopol township, took up a tract of
nearly all wild land, whereon there was
no building whatever save a small shanty
so leaky that the first night the family
slept in it, the wind came through the
cracks in the walls strong enough to blow
out the light. But that was a small affair
to fearless pioneers, and it was not loijg
before all such inconveniences were reme-
died, and all obstacles toward having a
comfortable home removed, vast im-
provements of all kinds being made on the
homestead. In 1880 Mr. Beyer erected
his present comfortable and substantial
residence, also commodious outhouses,
and he has still 400 acres of land left after
disposing of 120 acres.
A brief record of the children born to
our subject and wife is as follows: Mar-
garet is a school teacher in A'linncsota;
George K. is a Roman Catholic priest at
La Crosse, Wis. ; John is a carpenter,
and lives in Sturgeon Bay; Lconhardt has
his home in Fond du Lac county; Theo-
dore and Alois are at home; Otilia P. is a
school teacher in Chicago; George is at
home; Anton J. is a carpenter, and now
works in a machine shop in Menominee,
Mich. ; Josephine P. is a school teacher in
W^aterloo county, Ontario (Canada) ;
Frank G. is in Menominee, Mich. ; Mar}'
died at the age of eight years; Kunigunda
Mary lives at home; Adam E. is a student
at St. Francis Seminar)', near Milwaukee.
Mr. and Mrs. Beyer and all the fainilj' are
members of the Roman Catholic Church,
and for eight years he was secretary of
St. Joseph's congregation at Sturgeon
Bay. Politically he is a sound Demo-
crat, and while a resident of Germantown
township, Washington county, he served
as chairman of the township eight con-
secutive years, and as justice of the peace
and notary public, ten years each; was
postmaster of Richfield postoffice five
years, or until the time of his leaving for
Sevastopol township, when he resigned;
of the latter township he was chairman
eight consecutive years. Although when
starting in life for himself he received
some assistance from his father, Mr.
Beyer is deservedly classified among the
self-made pioneer citizens of our country,
who by virtue of their occupations are
ever in the van of civilization, just as in a
regiment of foot the pioneer company
maches in advance of the main body. As
success never fails to attend industry, per-
severance and judicious thrift, so success
has been his cheery and cheerful com-
panion through the many years of ard-
uous toil which ha\-e brought him a well-
earned, comfortable competence. In point
of intelligence and keeping abreast of the
times, he is above the average farmer.
532
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and the superior class of buildings he has
placed on his pnjperty are in themselves
witnesses to the progressiveness, industry
and skill of the owner. By nature he is
quiet and unobtrusive, honorable almost
to a fault, and is able to say triumphantly
that in all his forty-years' experience in
various lines of business he has never had
a lawsuit, and never sought one.
WfLLI.\M HELMHOLZ, a pros-
perous farmer and well-known
citizen of Claybanks township.
Door county, has been a resi-
dent of this section of Wisconsin since
1.S55, having come hither from his native
land, Germany, where he was born Au-
gust 26, 1827, in the Duchy of Braun-
schweig.
Fred W. Helmholz, father of the gen-
tleman whose name opens this sketch,
was also born in Germany, receiving his
education in the common schools, and
when a boy served an apprenticeship at
the tailor's trade, which he followed a
short time. Afterward engaging in agri-
cultural pursuits, he continued to farm
until about se\en years previous to his
death, when he retired. He married
Hannah Gerlock, who bore him five chil-
dren, as follows; Henry, the eldest, be-
came quite a prominent man, serving the
German Government as a soldier, and
later as secretary of a railroad until sev-
enty years of age; he died December 7,
1 893, at the advanced age of seventy-five.
Fred is engaged in mercantile business in
Hanover, Germany. William is the sub-
ject of this sketch. The two daughters
died in infancy. The entire family were
Lutherans in religious sentiment. Mr.
Helmhol.^ died in 1 870 at the age of seven-
ty-five j-ears, preceded to the grave by his
wife, who passed away at the age of fifty-
two. In early manhood he was a soldier
in the German army, and during his serv-
ice participated in the famous battle of
Waterloo.
William Helmholz obtained a good
education in the schools of his native
land, attending up to his seventeenth
year, when he entered the army, serving
ten years and six months, during which
time he was promoted from the ranks to
corporal (1848J, and in 1832 to orderlj-
sergeant. On August 24, 1854, at his
own request, he was honorably discharged
from the service, and on September 4, fol-
lowing, he embarked on a \essel bound
from Hamburg to New York, arriving at
that city after a voyage of thirty-three
days. Coming to Two Rivers, Manito-
woc Co., Wis., he remained here one
year, working in a mill, receiving nothing
but his board for his services, and in
1855 removed to Ahnapee, where he
worked in the woods a short time. The
following spring, in partnership with Ru-
dolph Klcinsmith, he purchased 120
acres of land, on which he built a log
cabin, and then commenced to fell the
timber and clear the place for cultivation,
engaging in farming as soon as the land
was ready. He also took up 1 20 acres
just south of this, but lost it as it had
been previously homesteaded. After re-
maining on his first purchase for about
two years, he sold his interest to his part-
ner and removed to the town of Clay-
banks, where he worked for about one
year in the mill, later making posts and
working in the woods until i860, when
he purchased and settled upon an eighty-
acre tract of land in Claybanks township,
which forms part of his present farm.
Cioing to work with his usual industry, he
soon saw the forest give way to well-cul-
tivated fields, and also bought more land,
now owning 170 acres, the greater part
of which is cleared and well-improved.
Mr. Helmholz is one of the pioneers of
this section, and as such has taken an ac-
tive part in the opening up and develop-
ment of the country, especially its agri-
cultural resources. A stanch member of
the Republican party, he has taken a
prominent part in local politics, and
has been honored with election to
several positions of trust, holding the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
533
treasurership for some seven years, and
serving a number of years as member of
the school board.
Before leaving Germany Mr. Helm-
ho!^ married Matilda Lohmann, a native
of that country, and their union was
blessed wfth eight children, as follows:
Otto, of Sturgeon Bay; Annie, who mar-
ried Albert Trust, and lives in the town
of Pierce, Kewaunee county; Matilda,
living in Chicago; Helen, married, resid-
ing in the State of Washington; William,
Frank and Henry, of Chicago; and Gus-
tav, at home. The mother of these died
in Claybanks February i8, 1872, at the
age of forty-five. In November, 1872,
Mr. Helmholz married, for his second
wife, Mrs. Louisa (Breitgam) Guht, a
widow, who was born in 1840 in East
Prussia, and to this marriage have been
born five children, namely: Louisa (who
is married to Harry Bradford, and lives in
Chicago), Ida, Emit, Charles and John.
On August 26, 1 864, Mr. Helmholz
enlisted, for one year, in the Union
army, and served eleven months in Com-
pany I, Forty-third Wis. V. I., under
Capt. Jackson, receiving an honorable
discharge at Nashville June 27, 1865.
He now receives a pension for his serv-
ices. He is a member of Henry Schuy-
ler Post No. 126, G. A. R. , of Sturgeon
Bay, and in religious connection is a
member of the M. E. Church.
GEORGE BASSFORD. This gen-
tleman, by efficient labor, dili-
gence and ability, coupled with
tireless energy and assiduous toil,
has well earned the enviable distinction
of being regarded as one of the leading
agriculturists, ablest financiers and most
thorough business men uf Sevastopol
township, Door county.
He is a native of England, born Feb-
ruary 8, 1828, in Nottinghamshire, j-oung-
est in the family of six children — two
sons and four daughters — born to Will-
iam Bassford, who was by trade a stock-
ing manufacturer. Our subject received
but a very meager education at the
schools of his native place, which
he was enabled to attend but six
months in all, the sum total of his boy-
hood training in that line, unless, per-
haps, we except such instruction as he
received at the parish church Sunday-
school — good and sound and of lasting
influence; but the lad possessed great
energy, vitality and resolution, and was
beyond his years in intelligence. At the
age of fourteen he began life in earnest,
his first work being on railroad construc-
tion, in which line he rapidly obtained a
thorough knowledge and insight, so much
so that at the age of seventeen years he
became foreman of a working gang. In
this line he continued in his native coun-
try until 1852, in which year, accompan-
ied by his wife and child, he emigrated to
the United States, they coming as second-
class passengers on a sailing vessel bound
from Liverpool to New York, the sum
paid for their passage being ^"3. 10 (about
$17.00), they furnishing their own pro-
visions. After a voyage of six weeks
they landed at New York, where, or,
rather, in Brooklyn, resided Thomas Cox,
a friend of Mr. Bassford. After a sojourn
of six weeks here, occupied in looking
about him, our subject took a run up to
Albany, N. Y. , where he found temporary
employment in superintending the build-
ing of a railway turntable, something he
already had some experience in. From
there he proceeded to Hamilton, Canada,
at which time the construction of the
Great Western railway was in progress,
and here Mr. Bassford secured employ-
ment with Case & Fairwell, contractors,
his duties being to lay track between
Dundas and Copetown. In the mean-
time he was joined by his wife and child,
whom he had left behind in Brooklyn at
the time of his going to Albany. From
Case & Fairwell's employ he entered that
of Flowers & Jackson, contractors on the
Grand Trunk railway, in Canada, also in
course of construction, being hired by a
534
COMMEMORA TI VE BIOGRA PHICA L RECORD.
construction superintendent, who was
afterward removed, our subject taking his
place. For this firm he worked three
j'ears and three months, meetinj; with
considerable success. His work on the
Grand Trunk, under Flowers & Jackson,
lay between Berlin and Stratford, on the
main line, and, near New Hamburj^, his
predecessor and others had a good deal
of trouble with the 1 500 laborers em-
ployed, who for some cause or another
became dissatisfied and threatening in
their attitude. Mr. Bassford, however,
took charge of the section, carrj'ing the
work through to completion without any
trouble, and this closed his railroad build-
ing experiences.
Coming to Wisconsin, making a tem-
porary home in the then village of Fond
du Lac, and leaving his wife and child
there, he in company with others set out
on a prospecting tour through the west-
ern part of the State. They went on foot
from Green Bay to Sturgeon Bay, the
journey through the woods occupying
three days and three nights, and in Sevas-
topol township Mr. Bassford was so well
pleased with the appearance of the coun-
try that he bought a tract of 240 acres of
wild woodland, paying cash for same.
About this time he passed the nights in
the woods, sleeping near where now stands
his fine residence. Bringing his family on
from Fond du Lac, they made their tem-
porary home near the shore on Sturgeon
Bay inlet, and bravely he set to work to
clear a spot somewhere in his new pur-
chase whereon to make his future perma-
nent home. He had not only to do this,
but had to hew out a road to the nearest
county highway, and it was not long be-
fore he had a substantial log shanty erect-
ed, and a clearing commenced. Now he
has one of the finest farms in Sevastopol
township, if not the finest, well-equipped
with all modern impro\ements, the old
log shanty supplanted by a palatial resi-
dence furnished with every requisite for
comfort and contentment. For over
thirtj' years he was extensively engaged
in the lumber business, at one time own-
ing thousands of acres of land, now re-
duced by sales to some 500 acres; at one
time he was two-thirds owner of a steam-
boat ferry at Sturgeon Bay; and at pres-
ent he is operating a cheese factor}'.
Mr. Bassford has been twice married:
first time, in England, in September, 1849,
to Miss Sarah Seton, a native of Hunt-
ingdonshire, and to this union were born
in the Mother country, one child, named
William (now a lumber contractor of
Rapid River, Mich.), and in this country
two children: John, a merchant of Stur-
geon Bay; and Eliza, wife of Charles
Mann, of Baileys Harbor, Door county.
The mother of these died December 8,
1857, and in 1858 Mr. Bassford wedded,
in Door county. Miss Elida Joanna Res-
sing, a native of Prussia, whence after
her mother's death she came to the United
States with her father when she was thir-
teen j'ears old. The children of this mar-
riage were as follows: George, deceased
at the age of twenty-nine years; Henry, a
merchant in Greeley, Neb. ; Charles, at
home; Emma, deceased wife of John Mc-
Donald; Amelia, who died at the age of
sixteen years; and Augusta, wife of By-
ron Baker, of Rapid River, Mich. In
religious faith our subject and wife are
Episcopalians, and he was foremost in
the building of the church of that denom-
ination in Sturgeon Bay that was burned.
Politically he is a leading Republican in
the county and township, and he has
served in numerous offices of honor and
trust. At present he is chairman of Se-
vastopol township, and, in fact, has filled
every public position excepting that of
justice of the peace; for six years he was
county commissioner, and all the incum-
bencies held by him he has proven him-
self pre-eminently well qualified to fill.
He has all the attributes of a good Eng-
lishman and a good American. His man-
ner inspires full confidence in the integri-
ty of his heart; and an acquaintance at
once desires to become a friend. When
that relation is e^ablished, he compre-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.
535
hends its duties in the largest extent, and
satisfies its demands with a ready, per-
haps unnecessary, generosity.
SIMON THIBAUDEAU. The
sturdy French-Canadian element
which has peopled numerous lo-
calities in the United States, either
as farmers, merchants or mechanics, has
proved the loyalty of its blood through
many a conflict where the right was
assailed, and almost without exception
has arrayed itself on the side which readers
of its history might be led to expect. Of
such class the subject of this sketch is an
honored and respected representative.
Mr. Thibaudeau was born January 6,
1830, in the Three Rivers District, Prov-
ince of Quebec, Canada, and is a son of
Alexander H. and Margaret (Dupuri) Thi-
baudeau, and grandson of Frank Thibau-
deau, all French-Canadians by birth. To
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander H. Thilbaudeau
were born nine children, viz.: Margaret,
Mack, Torsul, Matilda, Simon, Louise,
John B., Adelle, and one that died in in-
fancy. Of these, our subject received but a
very limited education, as in his part of the
country where his boyhood was passed
there were no regular schools; the farmers,
or "habitans," would club together, rent
a room in some commodious house, hire
a teacher, and in such a way joung
Simon received about eight months' tui-
tion. The family being numerous, and
the homestead farm a large one of 200
acres, he was, at the early age of eleven
years, put to work to assist in its cultiva-
tion. His father dying of dropsy in 1 85 i ,
our subject conducted the farm for about
a year afterward, and then commenced
learning the trade of shoemaker, serving
a regular apprenticeship. This com-
pleted, he followed the trade in Canada,
eleven years, or until 1851, when he emi-
grated to the United States, sojourning
for a time in Chicago. 111., whence he
came to Wisconsin, and, at the town of
Two Rivers, Manitowoc county, found a
livelihood at fishing; but at the end of a
3'ear moved to Kewaunee. Here for a
couple of years he continued the vocation
of St. Peter, and then for the next two
3'ears worked in the lumber woods. In
1856 he came to Kewaunee county,
where, in Luxemburg township, he bought
160 acres of land covered with primeval
forest in which roamed bears, panthers
and wolves, seeking after their prey,
while game of all kinds, including deer,
turkeys, partridge, etc., was numerous.
Our subject had many an encounter with
fierce and hungry animals, at one time
being chased three miles by five ravenous
wolves, who would have made short work
of him had they succeeded in running
him down. In course of time he estab-
lished a lumber camp on his place, erected
a log building, employment being given
to as many as thirty hands, and as soon
as a clearing was effected he set to work
to cultivate the soil, planting oats, pota-
toes and corn, all the tools or implements
he had being an axe, a grub hoe and an
old drag. The yield, nevertheless, from
his crops was good, the first bushel of
wheat he sowed producing thirty-two
bushels; it was cut with a cradle, then
threshed with a flail and the grain carried
to the nearest mill, which was at De
Pere, the journey, which was made with
an ox-team, occupying two days, the road
through the bush to the township line be-
ing made by himself and assistants.
Everything prospered and flourished, and
to such an extent had his farm grown
that he had to keep a force of help both
summer and winter. Of course, everj'-
thing was high, feed for stock in itself
costing no little by the end of a year; hay,
alone, being as high as forty dollars per
ton. From time to time he added to
his original purchase of 160 acres till he
owned 320 acres, 200 of which are cleared
and for the most part under cultivation.
On September 13, 1857, Mr. Thi-
baudeau was married to Miss Adella
Fontaine, daughter of Raymond and
Elizabeth (Van Des Ras) Fontaine, of
536
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL liECORD.
Robinson, Brown Co., Wis., who had
thirteen children born to them, named
respectively, Aiif^ust, Alphonse, \'irginia,
Hubert, Victoire, Cordelia, Apauline,
Leopold, Theresa, Benjamin, Anthony,
Adella and Delia. To Mr. and Mrs.
Thibaudeau have been born fifteen chil-
dren, their names and dates of birth be-
ing as follows: Raphael, October 28,
1858; Simon, December 31, 1859; Alex-
ander, November 6, 1861; Mary, October
2, 1863; Oswald, August 9, 1865; Joseph,
March 21, 1867; Cordelia, October 30,
1868; Emil, October 11,
phile, December 10, 1872
tember 7, 1874; Joseph,
1876; Ella, December 24,
and Angeline (twins). May 5
May
ried.
1S70; Theo-
Albina, Sep-
October 14,
1878; Albert
1881 ; Leo,
I, 1884. (^f these, three are mar-
viz. : Raphael to Miss Addie Tru-
dell on November 24, 1886; Mary to
Richard Schinnick on November 27, 1889;
and Oswald, to Miss Anna Pokorny on
June 25, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Thibaudeau
and all the family are members of the
Roman Catholic Church. Politically he
is a stanch Democrat, and has served his
township as chairman, two years; assessor,
one year; and as treasurer of the school
board, giving eminent satisfaction to all
concerned.
HENRY MARTIN. To the North
of Ireland this country is in-
debted for a great number of her
most solid, stalwart, industrious
and loyal citi.zens, many of them being
represented in the agricultural class, of
which our subject is a worthy and promi-
nent member.
He was born August 18, 1830, in
County Down, Ireland, the seventh child
and fourth son in the family of eight chil-
dren of Henry and Nancy Martin, the
former of whom was a laborer by voca-
tion. He was reared a farmer boy, re-
ceiving but a meager education, and re-
mained about his boyhood home until
1851, being then twenty-one years old.
when he decided to come to the United
States, here to try his fortune. Having
succeeded in saving sufficient money out
of his meager wages, some thirty dollars
per annum, he bade farewell to his rela-
tives, friends and native country, crossed
from Belfast, in Ireland, to Troon, a sea-
port town in Ayrshire, Scotland, and
there took passage on the sailing vessel
' ' Tay, " of Glasgow, bound for New York.
This was in May, 185 1, and after a voy-
age of nine weeks the good ship arrived
at her destination. Philadelphia being
his objective point, Mr. Martin, suppos-
ing he had a sister living there, imme-
diately proceeded thither to be doomed,
however, to disappointment, as he found
on arrival that she had removed to New
York. Retracing his steps, he again
found himself in New York, his return
journey being varied with some work he
secured cii route at unloading limestone.
In Long Island he secured employment
with a Scotchman named David McCrea,
a farmer, and from there after a time he
moved to Williamsburg, same State, but
finding nothing to do in that city he
migrated to northern Michigan, having
an acquaintance living in the town of
Cedar River, Menominee comity. Here he
at once found work in sawmills, in which
line of business he continued from March,
1855, till July 5, 1857, when he came to
Sturgeon Bay, and in Bradley's " Island
Mills" immediately went to work. Here
for two years he remained, industriously
toiling and saving money, which he in-
vested in eighty acres of totally unim-
proved land in Town 28, Section 21,
Range 26 (Sevastopol township), where
he at once commenced to effect a clear-
ing and build a log cabin which in after
years gave place to his present commo-
dious and comfortable brick residence, of
which kind of dwelling there are only two
in the township. He has now one of the
finest and best cultivated farms in this
part of Door county, brought to its pres-
ent state of perfection by his indomitable
perseverance, untiring industr\' and sound
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
537
judgment. In addition to his farming
operations he was considerably interested,
up to 1862, in hnnbering, getting out logs
at various times.
On November 12, 1.S62, Mr. Martin
was united in marriage, at Sturgeon Bay,
with Mrs. Eliza (Hutchinson) Peters,
widow of Martin Peters, and a native of
Niagara county, Ontario, Canada, and
children as follows were born to them;
Henry L., at home; David W., now in
Marinette, Wis.; Eliphalet, at home; and
Mary A. , James W. and Ann J. , deceased,
the first named at the age of three
months, the other two when twenty years
old. The mother of these died iu Sep-
tember, 1884, and was buried in the Bay-
side Cemetery. In his political sympa-
thies our subject is a Republican, his first
Presidential vote being cast for Lincoln
in 1S60, and has served his township in
various offices of trust and honor: Was
the first treasurer, and is filling that in-
cumbency at the present time; is also a
justice of the peace, and in 1890 he was
census taker. In Church affiliations he
was reared in the Presbyterian faith, but
attends different churches.
HERMANN SCHMAH, principal of
the German Lutheran schools at
Stanton, Neb., and late principal
of the German Lutheran schools
of Kewaunee, Wis. , was born in Ger-
many September 16, 1864. The father
of our subject, William Schrnah, died in
April, 1883. The mother, whose maiden
name was Henrietta Lerfelt, died in
October, 1881. They had a family of
ten children, of whom Hermann is the
youngest, and of whom seven are still
living — three dying when quite young.
One son has for twenty years been a
merchant in South Africa.
(3ur subject attended school under his
father until nine years of age, and then
for three years the high school at Berlin,
which was followed by an attendance at
the Berlin Gymnasium until he reached
his seventeenth year. After leaving
school Mr. Schmah worked in a seed
store three years, when he joined the army
in which he served one year; then worked
another year in the seed store, till he
came to America, landing in New York
City. Thence he proceeded directly to
Pueblo, Colo. , where he passed a year
and a half. In January, 1892, he en-
tered the Northwestern University at
Watertown, Wis. , and a year and a half
were devoted to study; three months
were then spent in a visit to his brothers
and sisters in Germany, at the end of
which time he returned to America and
assumed charge of the German Lutheran
schools of Kewaunee. The professor is
a faithful member of the German Luth-
eran Church, and in politics is a Demo-
crat. Since the first preparing of this
sketch he has received a call to Stanton,
Neb., by the German Lutheran congre-
gation of that place, and he is now prin-
cipal of the schools of that denomination
in Stanton.
CHARLES REYNOLDS. In
transmitting to posterity the
memory of such men as is the
subject of this sketch, it will in-
still into the minds of the youth of our
land the important lessons that success is
the sure reward of tireless energy and
honorable dealing; and that, compared to
a good education, abundant experience,
coupled with habits of honest industry
and judicious thrift, the greatest fortune
would be but a poor inheritance.
Mr. Reynolds is a native of Ireland,
born November 15, 1839, in County
Longford, a son of Michael and Mary
Ann Reynolds, respectable farming peo-
ple of that county, who were the parents
of nine children — seven sons and two
daughters. The mother died in Ireland
in 1858, and in the fall of 1865 the
father came to Wisconsin, settling on a
farm in Dane countv where he died in
538
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
1878. After leaving school, and while
yet in early youth, our subject com-
menced gaining an insight into mercan-
tile business as clerk in a store where he
remained until he was twenty- one years
of age, at which time he concluded to
emigrate to the United States. Accord-
ingly, in the spring of i860, he set sail
from the port of Galway, Ireland, on the
steamship "Circassian " bound for New
York, which city was reached after a voy-
age of fourteen days, and from there he
journeyed to Wisconsin, where, in the
city of Madison, his brother John was en-
gaged in commercial pursuits, and with
him he clerked one year. In Septem-
ber, 1 86 1, our subject enlisted in the
Twelfth Regiment Wis. V. I., of which
he was elected sergeant-major, and which
was sent to Milwaukee, thence to the
front in Missouri, Kansas and Tennessee,
successively, afterward accompanying
Sherman in his march to the sea. At the
close of the war Mr. Reynolds was pres-
ent at the Grand Review held at Wash-
ington, was mustered out at Louisville,
and received an honorable discharge as
captain of Company A, same regiment,
proud in the consciousness of having
served through the entire war with brav-
ery and loyalty second to no other soldier
in the army. Returning to Madison,
Wis., he served a short time in the
School Land office, and then moved to
Green Bay, where he conducted a mer-
cantile business. He then came to Door
county, and in Jacksonport township, at
the harbor of that name, commenced a
similar business at the stand which had
formerly been occupied by the Harris &
Reynolds Co. (this Reynolds being our
subject's brother John), and here has
since been successfully engaged in that
line, to-day rating high in commercial cir-
cles. At Jacksonport he is proprietor of
a dock, where he receives and ships rail-
road ties and telegraph poles, paying out
for these alone as high as $25,000 an-
nually, for material, and he is also largely
interested in timber lands, owning at the
present time from two thousand to three
thousand acres.
On April 9, 1870, Mr. Reynolds was
united in marriage, at Madison, Wis.,
with Miss Mary Mahan, a native of Ober-
lin, Ohio, and daughter of Pres. .\sa
Mahan, an eminent divine and the first
president of Oberlin College. Of the
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds
four died in infancy — Mary, Charles,
Dwight, and Ruth — and the eldest,
Michael, at the age of twenty-one years.
Politically our subject is a Republican,
and under Grant's administration he was
appointed postmaster at Jacksonport,
serving twenty years. He and his wife
are prominent and influential members of
the Catholic Church. He is a thorough
business man "from the crown of his
head to the sole of his foot," enjoying a
large and lucrative trade which is much
enhanced by his wide acquaintance in
marine circles, from his ownership of the
pier at Jacksonport, and by his well-
known honorable dealings.
OLIVER HARRISON MARTIN,
M. D., one of the most successful
physicians in this portion of the
State, than whom no one is more
popular or more widely known and high-
ly esteemed, is a native of New Hamp-
shire, born at Sandwich, December 22,
1834.
Grandfather Martin, who was a life-
long agriculturist of the same locality in
New Hampshire, reared a family of five
sons and one daughter, of whom, William,
father of our subject, was also a farmer
in that State, thence, in 1836, moving to
Lee county. 111., where he died in 1844.
He was married in New Hampshire to
Miss Elizabeth H. Hill, who after his
death married again, in Illinois, and
moved to Pennsylvania, where she passed
away at an advanced age. Oliver Harri-
son Martin, the son. secured his primary
education at the common .schools of Lee
county. 111., afterward attending Erie,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
539
(Penn.) Academy, where he graduated,
and subsequently studying one year at
Randolph (N. Y.) Academy, in which he
also taught the higher English branches
and mathematics, at the same time pre-
paring himself for college. In 1854 he
entered Dartmouth College, where as fel-
low students he had young men who in
after years attained high repute in the
various professions. After two years at-
tendance there he again came West, and
in Lee county. 111. , taught public school,
a portion of the time at Prairieville, until
January i, 1866, the date of his coming
to Wisconsin, his first home in the Badger
State being in Manitowoc. Here he
taught the city schools some few years,
two and a half as principal, and then en-
gaged in the drug business in the same
place two and one. half years, at the end
of which time he commenced the study of
medicine under the preceptorship of Dr.
J. F. Pritchard, a well-known physician
and surgeon at Manitowoc. In 1871-72
he entered Rush Medical College, Chi-
cago, where he graduated in the class of
1S74, immediately after which, March 2,
same 3'ear, he came to Kewaunee and
commenced the practice of his profession,
in which he has met with well-merited
success, having built up a large and lucra-
tive clientele. His sympathetic kindness
in the sick-room has endeared him to
hundreds who revere him for his human-
ity as highly as they honor him for his
ability.
Dr. Martin has been twice married:
first time, in Ohio, February 3, 1858, to
Miss Kate T. Whipple, daughter of Rev.
Roswell P. and Elizabeth T. (Thorn)
Whipple, of Hinsdale, Mass., the result
of their union being six children, their
names and dates of birth being as follows:
Jessie Grace, December 27, 1858; Ros-
well Whipple, June 23, i860; Gertrude
Elizabeth, April 12, 1862; Harry Alexan-
der, September 19, 1864, died October
24, 1865; Oliver Herbert, February 23,
1866, and Frank Fellows, December 4,
1875. The mother of these died in Wis-
consin, December 4, 1885, and on June
I, 1887, the Doctor married Miss Caro-
line C. Hubbell, of New York. Politic-
ally he has been identified with the Re-
publican party since casting his first vote;
socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F.,
Knights of Pythias, and Royal Arcanum.
In his profession he is not only progress-
ive but aggressive, keeping well abreast
of the times and thoroughly posted in all
the modern advancements in both medi-
cine and surgery.
REV. ANDREW A. ANDRIDGE,
pastor of the Congregational
Church, Sturgeon Bay, comes
from a line of stewards in the
Lord's vineyard, his grandfather and
great-grandfather before him having both
for years proclaimed the Gospel, one of
them suffering the death of a martyr.
Our subject is a native of Michigan,
born July 20, 1863, in Hillsdale county,
the eldest in the family of three children
of Charles W. and Harriet (Booth) And-
ridge, both also natives of that locality.
The family are of German descent, our
subject's great-grandfather Andridge hav-
ing been born in Germany, whence he
was sent as a missionary among the
North American Indians in Canada, by
whom he was murdered, in 18 12. A
short time afterward his wife was acci-
dentally killed, and their two children — a
boy and a girl — were thus left orphans.
The son, John J. Andridge, was born in
Little York (now Toronto), Canada, in
1 800, and after the death of his parents
he was bound out to a family living near
Buffalo, N. Y., never again seeing his
sister. About the year 18 19 he married,
and moving to Michigan settled on a farm
near the present city of Hillsdale, being
one of the first three men to settle in
Hillsdale county. For many years he was
a Methodist Episcopal minister, though
he retained the farm, and he died in 1887
while visiting in the West; his wife had
preceded him to the grave in 1868, dying
540
COMMKMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in Michigan. The}' had a family <>{ ten
children — five sons and five daiif,'hters —
of whom Charles \V. and three daughters
— Mrs. Mary Crawford, wife of a minis-
ter; Mrs. Martha W'ood, whose husband
is in the milling business; and Mrs. Arties
Snider, living on a farm — are now living.
Charles W. Andridge, father of our
subject, was married July 20, 1862, to
Harriet Booth, daughter of Silas anil
Amanda Booth, well-to-do farming peo-
ple of English descent, who were early
settlers of Hillsdale county, Mich., and
three children — Schuyler, Grace and
Andrew A.— were born to this union.
The mother died in iSS^in Iowa, whither
the family had removed in 1874, and
where the father is yet living, engaged in
milling, his life vocation. In 1865, the
last year of the Civil war. he enlisted in a
Michigan regiment, but did not reach the
scene of active hostilities.
Andrew A. Andridge received his ele-
mentary education at the conunon schools
of his native place, finishing his literary
studies at the high school ui Storm Lake.
Iowa, where he graduated in 1880. He
then took the Iowa law course under the
preceptorship of Hon. G. S. Robinson,
now United States senator from Iowa,
spending about two \ears, part of the
time teaching school. In 1882, however,
he decided on changing the course of his
life, and, resolving to become a minister
of the Gospel, entered Chicago Theolog-
ical Seminary, from which institution he
graduated in the class of 1885. He was
ordained at Storm Lake. Iowa, May 12.
1 88 5, in the same church he used to at-
tend when a boy, and was consequently
well known by all the members of the
large council. His first pastorate was at
Hawarden, Iowa, near his old home, and
there he remained two years: thence re-
moved to Prairie du Chien, Wis., and
from there, after four years and a half,
to Sturgeon Bay, where he is still pastor,
now a period of nearly four years, he hav-
ing come in 1S91. Although his mani-
fold Church duties claim the most of his
time, still Mr. Andricfge has been enabled
to do a considerable amotmt of literary
work which has gained for him consider-
popularity: he edited the history of the
Congregational Church in Prairie du
Chien, the oldest Church in Wisconsin;
for some years was correspondent for the
American Magazine, published in New
York; corresponding member of the Wis-
consin Historical Society, also editor of
•■The Pilot," a paper published in Stur-
geon Bay in the interests of the Christian
thought in \\'isconsin; is a member of a
society organized in Philadelphia for the
promotion of science, and has written
\ery able articles for their magazine.
Mr. Andridge has also lectured in all the
large cities from Boston to Omaha. He
is now preparing himself for the degree of
Ph. U.. which honor he receives from the
Illinois L'niversity.
Ur. Andridge was married in 1883. at
Storm Lake. Iowa, to Miss Belle C.
Melius, who was born at Independence,
Iowa, a daughter of William and Bessie
(Saunders) Melius, natives of Pennsyl-
vania and New York, respectively, who
about the year 1854 canie to Iowa, where
they followed agricultural pursuits; they
are the parents of si.x children namely:
Mrs. Ella Hamilton, in Lincoln, N. C. ;
Mrs. Carrie Wood, in Hawarden, Iowa;
James, in .\kron, Iowa. ; Mrs. Belle .\nd-
ridge, in Sturgeon Bay, Wis.; Mrs. Grace
Woodside, in Hawarden, Iowa; and Miss
Inez, in Akron, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Melius
are yet living in Akron, Iowa. To Mr.
and Mrs. .\ndridge have been born si.x
children, named, respectively: Maud,
Mabel. Florence, Fred, Gladys and Ger-
trude. In national politics our subject is
a Republican, in State piilitics a Prohi-
bitionist.
ROBERT LAURIE. Scotland, the
home of Wallace and Bruce, of
Scott and Burns, and of Carlyle
and Chalmers, has sent to the
Western World an army of sturdy, in-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHWAL RECORD.
54'
dustrious and lo3'al citizens, wiio in their
(juiet, ploddinf^, yet resolute way, have
done much toward the openinj,' up and
development of new Territories and
States. The placing on record the fact
that Mr. Laurie was one of these pro-
gressive Scotch pioneers is simply a duty
due to the memory of one who has left a
lasting impress for good on that portion
of Door county which for so many years
was the scene of his honest labors.
Mr. Laurie was born in August, 1825,
in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, the
youngest in the familj- of seven children —
all sons — of James Laurie, who was by
occupation a tailor and merchant, a man
of limited means it is true, but descended
from a line of Scotchmen prominent in
Scottish history. Five of his sons lived
to manhood, and were all skilled drafts-
men, Robert at the remarkably early age
of eleven years developing considerable
talent in that direction. At his native
place he learned ship carpentry, becoming
a skilled mechanic, and followed his trade
in the mother country up to the time of
his emigration to the United States.
On December 5, 1X49, he was mar-
ried in Liverpool, England (at which
time he was working at his trade), to Miss
Catherine Monroe, who was born in June,
1832, also in Glasgow, where she and her
future husband were playmates in child-
hood's sunny days. Two children were here
born to them, viz. ; James, who is now a
farmer of Marshall county, Minn. ; and
Alexander M., business manager of the
Laurie Stone Company. In April, 1852,
accompanied by his wife and two chil-
dren, and also his aged parents, he set sail
from Galsgi3w for the New World on the
good ship "Susan," bound for Canada, and
after an uneventful voyage of five weeks
and three da\s they landed at Montreal,
whence they at once proceeded to lUiffalo,
N. Y., where our subject had two broth-
ers living — James and Alexander. By
this time Mr. Laurie's funds were about
exhausted, the expense of bringing the
party of six such a distance being any-
thing but light; so at Buffalo he at once
sought and secured work at his trade, and
it was not long before he owned a com-
fortable home, where he and his family
lived till coming to Wisconsin. One of
the periodical "hard-times" epidemics
befalling the country, and Mr. Laurie
having a strong desire to settle on a farm,
he gave up his position in the Buffalo
ship\ards, sold his property, and along
with his brother Alexander sailed up the
lakes in quest of some desirable spot,
"where there was no fe\er and ague,"
whereon to settle; and although they
viewed many places rii route they found
nothing to suit them till they touched on
the west side of the Door county penin-
sula, Wisconsin, their trip having taken
them into four lakes — Erie, St. Clair,
Huron and Michigan. Our subject's first
purchase was a claim in Sevastopol town-
ship, Door county, which an old sea cap-
tain had commenced to convert into a
home, but died before his cabin was fin-
ished; Mr. Laurie then purchased, at the
land office, Green Bay, the property in
Sevastopol township where the family
have since resided. This was in July,
1854, and after making some improve-
I ments, including the erection of a log
I house, he returned to Buffalo to bring out
the family, which he found increased by
one more "responsibility " in the infant
person of Catherine, now Mrs. William
Snyder, of Sevastopol township. The
journev was made by water on the old
steamship "Michigan," bound for the
town of Green Bay, but when they en-
tered the bay of that name a strong
gale sprung up which compelled the
vessel to put in at Sturgeon Bay in-
let, a fortunate e\ent for the fam-
ily, as they were landed at Gar-
land's pier, but a short distance from
their new home. Mr. Laurie found work
building vessels and docks in the vicinity
until the following season, when he and
his brother returned to Buffalo, where
they built themselves a very small vessel
which early in the following spring they
542
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.
sailed to Sturgeon Bay, it being the first
craft of any kind to matce its way tinrough
the lakes. The Laurie Brothers (for
the}' had in the meanwhile formed a part-
nership) successfully continued their trade
for several years, constructing several
vessels at Sturgeon Bay and elsewhere,
including the " Katie Laurie " and " Belle
Laurie," and the first sail boat built on
the peninsula, named "The Peninsula, "
which vessel plied between Green Bay
and Sturgeon Bay; on her Mr. Laurie
conveyed free, during the Civil war, from
Sturgeon Bay to Green Bay, part of the
Twelfth Wis. V. I. The "Peninsula,"
which was a fast sailer, was subsequently
sold in Chicago. But fate had decreed
that the partnership between Robert and
Alexander Laurie should be dissolved,
and death carried off one of the brothers
in the full vigor of manhood. In Octo-
ber, 1862, while Ale.x. Laurie and David
Sawyer, who had been out in the bay
with a boat, were entering Green Bay
harbor, the vessel capsized and Alexan-
der Laurie and the man Sawyer were
both drowned, after which our subject
continued in business alone. At his Door
county home his family was increased by
five more children, as follows: John,
now captain of the tug, "J. Everson";
Christina, at home; Isabella, now Mrs.
W. A. Drumb, of Sturgeon Bay; Eliza-
beth, a school teacher, and residing at
home; and Robert, who died in infancy.
The parents of Mr. Laurie died under
his roof in Sevastopol township, each at
the extremely advanced age of ninety-five
years. Alexander and Catherine (Brown)
Monroe, parents of Mrs. Laurie, came
from Scotland to this country, and to the
home of their daughter, intending to pass
the rest of their days here; but not liking
the country returned to their native land,
where they died, the father in Aberdeen,
the mother in Liverpool.
Mr. Monroe, while visiting the Laur-
ies, was struck with the appearance of a
limestone deposit on the farm, and strong-
ly urged Mr. Laurie to develop it; but it
was some years before he followed the
advice. For a long time the stone was
burned for lime, but, later, a good deal of
it was cut into building material and
shipped to various lake towns, where it has
proved exceedingly well adapted for the
purposes for which it was intended. The
quarry has now been in operation some
years, and the product finds a ready mar-
ket all along the lakes. On November
15, 1889, after an industrious, useful lifei,
Robert Laurie passed away in Sturgeon
Bay, while being operated on for rheu-
matism, and his remains were deposited
in Baj' Side cemetery by the side of his
mother. He was an ardent Republican
in his political preferences, and held some
civic offices, such as justice of the peace
and treasurer of the school board; in re-
ligious faith he was a consistent adherent
of the Presbyterian Church, as is also his
widow, the rest of the family being Epis-
copalians. Since his death the family
have continued to conduct the farm and
stone quarry. In November, 1892, Mrs.
Laurie, accompanied by her daughters,
Christina and Elizabeth, took a trip to
the "Old Country," spending the winter
in Scotland, and visiting various scenes
of Mrs. Laurie's childhood and young
womanhood. "Pleasure is marked by
ileetness, to those whoever roam, while
grief itself has sweetness at home, sweet
home."
AUGUST C. VOSHARDT. editor
and proprietor of the Kewaunee
/Enterprise. It is one of the most
encouraging facts which can any-
where exist that, in this country, a large
proportion of those individuals, who by
professional acquirements and talents
have attained a greater or less degree of
prosperity, have risen by their own exer-
tions. In the lives of such men as the
subject of this sketch there is always to
be found something to encourage the ex-
ertions of those youths who, without for-
tune or infiuential friends, are struggling
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.
545
to overcome obstacles in the acquire-
ment of position and independence.
Mr. Voshardt was born February 14,
1859, at Robden, near Minden, Germany,
son of Henry and Louisa (Buschmann)
Voshardt, who had a family of nine chil-
dren— six sons and three daughters — si.\
of whom are yet living, our subject being
the eldest son. In 1861 the family emi-
grated to America, arriving at New York
May I, whence they immediately journeyed
farther westward till they reached Wis-
consin, where, at Two Rivers, Manito-
woc county, they made their new western
home. August C. was at that time two
years old, so all his education, which was
limited to but a few years' attendance at
the common schools, was received in this
country, substantially backed by his ex-
perience in the printing office. At the
age of thirteen he moved to Kewaunee,
and commenced learning the printing
business in the office of the Enterprise,
published at that town and then owned
by the late John M. Read. After serving
an apprenticeship of three years he re-
turned to Two Rivers, and again attended
public school, but after six months en-
tered the office of the Manitoivoc County
Chronicle, at Two Rivers, where, with
the exception of one year, he worked un-
til the close of 1882.
On January 5, 1883, he again came
to Kewaunee, and purchased the Enter-
prise printing plant and newspaper of E.
Decker and \'. Mashek, who had secured
possession of the paper a few months
after the death of the previous owner,
Mr. Read. Mr. Voshardt continued to
publish the paper as an eight-column
folio until August 14, 1 891, at which time
it was enlarged to a six-column quarto.
In March, same year, a new latest-im-
proved cylinder press was purchased to
supplant the old Washington hand press,
steam power being also added to the
plant, and the Enterprise, under the able
management and editorship of its propri-
etor, has taken prominent rank among the
ambitious newspapers of northern Wis-
31
consin. It is one of the oldest papers in
the State, the first issue having been pub-
lished June 22, 1859, and has been con-
stantly increasing in circulation. It man-
fully supports the principles of the Demo-
cratic party, and moreover is a bright,
newsy all-round home journal.
On September 22, 1883, Mr. Vos-
hardt was married to Miss Katie L. Apel,
who was born at Two Rivers, Wisconsin,
and one son, Orme, was born to them
Januarys, 1885. Socially our subject is
a member of Key Lodge, F. & A. M.,
Covenant Lodge, No. 263, I. O. O. F.,
and Kewaunee Valley Council, No. 981,
Royal Arcanum. As will be seen, Mr.
Voshardt is a typical self-made man, one
who by his own ability, perseverance and
acumen has risen from a comparatively
obscure and poor boyhood to his present
condition of independence, being now,
apart from his business, the owner of an
elegant and comfortable modern home,
overlooking the lake. For years he has
been looked up to as one of the city
fathers of Kewaunee, having served for
several terms as member of the city coun-
cil, and he enjoys to an enviable degree
the respect and esteem of the community.
FRANK WELLEVER, chairman
and justice of the peace in Egg
Harbor township. Door county, is
one of the leading citizens of this
section. He was born June 28, 1856, in
Hornellsville, N. Y., son of Michael and
Mary A. (Amiden) Wellever, farming peo-
ple, the former of whom was a native of
Pennsylvania, the latter of Connecticut.
Their family consisted of four children,
viz. : Phoebe, now Mrs. John Doty, of
Egg Harbor township. Door county;
Frank, whose name opens this sketch;
Nellie, Mrs. Ed. Le Roy, of Washington;
and Ida, Mrs. Joseph Eichinger, of Little
Sturgeon, Wis. The father of this fam-
ily died in New York State, where the
mother subsequently married E. C. Tru-
man, and in 1870 the entire family mi-
h6
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
grated westward to Wisconsin, making
their first location in Rock county, where
they Hved for two and a half jears. They
next resided in Seymour, Outagamie
county, where they remained two years,
in 1875 removing to Door county and
shortly afterward took up their residence
in Egg Harbor, where the mother of our
subject died.
Frank \\'elle\er received all his edu-
cation at the common schools, and was
reared to farming, also obtaining a knowl-
edge of the stave business, in which his
stepfather was engaged. In 1 879 he was
married, in Egg Harbor, to Miss Sarah
Le Roy, a native of that place, and
(laughter of William Le Ro\', a Canadian,
and this union has been blessed with six
children, namely: Mary L., Katie E.,
Frank L. , Georgina, Cora L. and Truman
D. After his marriage Mr. Wellever lo-
cated in Egg Harbor, and later at Stur-
geon Bay, where he was engaged in buy-
ing fish for E. S. Minor. In 1884 he re-
turned to Egg Harbor township and rent-
ed land in Section 34, which he later, in
1 89 1, purchased, now owning a comfort-
able farm of 108 acres. Mr. Wellever
has dealt in staves and engaged in lum-
bering to some extent, in addition to his
agricultural work, which has, however,
received the principal share of his atten-
tion. He is one of the leading men of his
township in many ways, taking a deep in-
terest in the welfare and advancement of
his section, and has been prominentl}'
identified with the local civil government.
having served for the past fourteen years
as justice of the peace with eminent sat-
isfaction to his fellow citizens, and he
has held the office of chairman in the
township for eight years, showing himself
well (|ualified for that responsible position.
JOHN KEOGH is one of the honored
pioneers of Door county, having
here made his home since 1856, at
which time the county was an al-
most unbroken wilderness, inhabited to
some extent by Indians, and just opening
up to the white race whose efforts were
soon to transform it into one of the lead-
ing counties of this commonwealth. In
all the work of development and improve-
ment our subject has borne his part, and,
among the founders of the county is well
deserving of mention.
Mr. Keogh was born June 13, 1841,
in County Dublin, Ireland, which county
was also the birthplace of his parents,
James and Mary (Moore) Keogh. In the
Emerald Isle the father was overseer of a
large estate, but in 1852 he gave up his
position in order to try his fortune in the
New World, took passage on the sailing
vessel " Perseverance," which left the
harbor of Dublin. Ireland, and after
thirteen weeks she dropped anchor in the
harbor of Quebec. From that city Mr.
Keogh proceeded to Toronto, where he
worked at farm labor until 1855. when he
came to \\'isconsin. making the journey
from Buffalo to Chicago on the "Lady
Elgin." On the same boat he sailed to
Manitowoc county, \\'is. , where he re-
mained until coming to Door county in
1855. He was the first justice of the
peace of Forestville township, elected in
1857; served as township superintendent
of schools, and was actively interested in
everything pertaining to the welfare of
the community and its upbuilding. His
death occurred in 1 890, and he was
mourned by man}' friends. His first wife
died in 1861, after which he wedded Mrs.
Matilda Machia, who is now living in
Sturgeon Bay, Wis. In the Keogh family
were four sons — John, of this sketch;
Edward, who is married and is living in
Forest\ille to\\nshi]i; Luke, a farmer of
Forestville township: and James, a banker
of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
Our subject spent the first eleven
years of his life in the land of his birth,
and then came with his parents to Amer-
ica. His education was acquired partly
in Ireland, partly ii- Toronto, Canada,
and in 1855 he came to Door county.
Wis., where he aided in opening up the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
547
home farm, placing the entire i6o acres
under cultivation. He now owns one-
half of the old homestead, and is num-
bered among the substantial farmers of
the community. He went through all
the experiences and trials of frontier life
and went to market in Manitowoc county
by boat, for there were no roads cut
through at that time. In 1866, in For-
estville township, he wedded Eliza
Ahrens, who was born on the Emerald
Isle, as were her parents, William and
Mary (Condlonj Ahrens, who emigrated
to New York in the fall of 1865. Soon
afterward the mother came to Wisconsin,
and is now the wife of Bartley Dunlon,
of Nasewaupee township. Door county.
Mr. and ^Irs. Keogh now have five
children, namely: Mary, wife of William
Mulvihill, of Nasewaupee township;
Lucy; Alice, who is engaged in teaching;
William and Martha.
In politics, Mr. Keogh is a Republican,
and has been honored with several public
offices, the duties of which he has ever
discharged with promptness and fidelity.
He was elected sheriff of Door county in
1889, for a term of two years; was chair-
man of Forestville township from 1880
till 1885; was several times assessor of
the township, and has also served as town
treasurer. He was justice of the peace
many years, and aided in organizing the
school district in which he lives.
JOSEPH ZETTEL, one of the most
successful agriculturists and the
largest fruit grower in Door county,
is a native of Switzerland, born at
Gross Dietwyl, Canton Luzerne, Novem-
ber 26, 1832, a son of Joseph and Mary
Josepha (Rosly; Zettel, the former of
whom was an innkeeper, a judge of the
Second Court, and a captain in the reserve
army; the grandfather was judge of the
Second Court for twenty years.
When our subject was seventeen years
old his mother died, and, his father mar-
rying again soon after, home to the lad
became different to what it had been;
consequently, at the age of nineteen, he
resolved to try his fortune in the New
World, where there was ample room for
aspiring young men of good all-round ed-
ucation such as it was his fortune to re-
ceive. Making known his resolution to
his father, the latter provided him with
sufficient means to take him to the United
States, and on March 27, 1853, he left
his native town, traveling by rail to
Antwerp, Belgium, where he took pas-
sage on the sailing vessel "Roger Stew-
art," bound for New York, which port
was reached after a passage of fifty-three
days. From there our subject proceeded
to Cleveland, Ohio, where he readily
found temporary employment on a farm;
but his real destination being the citv of
New Philadelphia, in the same State, he
set out for that point by way of the canal.
Discovering, while on the trip, a conspir-
acy to rob and, perhaps, murder him, he
determined to baffle the conspirators,
which he did by first throwing his trunk
overboard into the canal, and then jump-
ing after it. Swimming ashore, he suc-
ceeded in fishing his trunk onto dry land,
and shouldering it carried it into the adja-
cent woods, no small task, considering
his burden weighed not less than 1 50
pounds. Here, fortunately, he met a
fellow countryman who secured for
him work with a farmer, named Clark
Gates, at $8.00 per month and his
keep, which suited him well at the
time, for he was young and strong,
full of courage and alwas happy. At the
end of a year he left Mr. Gates, and for
a time worked on the Cle\'eland & Pitts-
burg railroad, then in course of construc-
tion, afterward going on a farm again.
About this time he was taken sick, and
for two months la}' a stranger among
strangers, and but for having some money
saved, and finding kind people who in-
terested themselves in his behalf, he
would have fared badly. On his recov-
ery he returned to his old friend, Mr.
Gates, who gave him a job chopping lum-
54^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ber for building purposes, and he so con-
tinued two years, at the end of which
time he hired with a Cleveland firm to
come to Washington Island, Door Co.,
Wis. Accordingly on May i, 1855, he
set out for the new country, and during
the ensuing summer was engaged in build-
ing mills and limekilns at $16.00 per
month. In the fall of the same year he
moved to Green Bay and, later, to
Oconto, during the winter of 1855-56
working in the pine woods there till the
spring when he came to Sturgeon Bay,
thence moving to Sevastopol township.
Here he was the owner of some land in
Section 22 which he had never yei seen,
having bought it from map or plat at
Menasha, and he at once commenced
making a small clearing thereon. Later,
however, he sold this property, and
bought of A. W. Lawrence his present
farm in Section 27, prior to which, in
the meantime, he worked in the sawmills
at Sturgeon Bay. At the time of his
coming on this land, only a small clear-
ing had been made, on which stood a
rickety shanty used for making sugar in,
and this was the first home of the family,
for by this time Mr. Zettel had married,
an event that will be presently spoken of.
Everything was as wild as nature could
make it, there being but one road,
almost impossible to get through with
a wagon, more like a "trail," that led
to his farm, while wild animals, in-
cluding bears, deer, wolves, etc., were
still numerous, and the only link be-
tween this little settlement and the
outer world was the old steamboat ' ' Mich-
igan," which at long intervals passed the
Sturgeon Bay, but they had generally to
go to Green Bay for the necessaries of life.
This " Old Michigan" was the same ves-
sel that brought Mr. Zettel from Cleve-
land to Washington Island. As time
wore on the farm became cleared, and in
lieu of timber and underbrush, were seen
fertile fields of grain, pasture or root
crops, and in place of the old shanty, the
present comfortable dwelling. Mr. Zettel
now owns in all 160 acres of well culti-
vated land, and 100 acres of timber, after
giving 200 acres to his sons. It did not
take him long to discover that the soil
was well adapted for fruit culture, and in
1862 he commenced to plant apple, pear
and other trees which flourished under
his scientific care so well that in the long
period of twenty-five years he had not a
single crop failure, and in 1892 his or-
chard yielded 3000 bushels of apples ! At
the World's Fair, held in Chicago, 1893,
his fruit displa\- attracted great attention,
especially his apples, one of which, the
"Wolf River Seedling," measured four-
teen inches in circumference ! His ex-
hibit included over twenty varieties of
apples which kept their flavor and size
longer than those of any other exhibitor.
His orchard, which is the largest in the
State, comprises fortj'-five acres, in var-
ious places, besides thirty-two acres on
the homestead farm, and pears, cherries,
plums, apricots, besides many kinds of
small fruit are produced in abundance.
On July 28, 1861, Mr. Zettel was
married in Nasewaupee township. Door
county, to Miss Christma Lorch, a native
of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, born
December 9, 1842, daughter of Christof
and Margaretha (Leonhardt) Lorch, the
former of whom died in the Fatherland,
the latter coming, in 1855, to Wisconsin
with her four fatherless children — two
sons and two daughters. To this union
were born eleven children, as follows:
Christina, deceased wife of James Asnow;
Philip, Joseph and Alfred, farmers in
Sevastapol township; and Henrj', Jacob,
Julius, Catherine, Louise, Mina and Lil-
lie, all at home with their parents. In
his political preferences Mr. Zettel is a
stanch Democrat, and has held various
township offices, such as treasurer, five
years; chairman, three years; supervisor,
one year; and treasurer of the school
board. He is one of the most successful
men of the county, his success being in a
great measure due to his faithful life
partner, who herself is a thorough busi-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
549
ness woman; and among the men of m.ark
in the noble army of pioneers of this sec-
tion of the State, there is no name more
deserving of being perpetuated in the
pages of this Biographical Record than
that of Joseph Zettel.
HARLES GRAF. In enumerat-
ing the successful farmers of Nase-
r
\_ ^ waupee township, Door county,
the list would be incomplete with-
out prominent mention of the gentleman
whose name is here recorded.
He was born in Saxony, Germany, in
1835, and is a son of Adolph and Amalia
(Shroth) Graf, who had three children,
namely: Matilda, deceased in Ozaukee
county, Wis. ; Herman, who served in the
Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Regiment dur-
ing the war of the Rebellion, and died in
1867, and Charles. The mother died in
1844, and two years later the father mar-
ried Miss Hannah Upleman, by whom he
had two daughters: Theresa, who died in
Washington county. Wis. , and Henrietta,
married and living in Indiana. In 1852 Mr.
Graf and his family set sail from Hamburg,
Germany, and after a voyage of ninety-
six days reached New York, whence they
came to Wisconsin, landing in Milwau-
kee, from there journeying to Port Wash-
ington, Ozaukee county, where Mr. Graf
took up a claim three miles from town.
Here he died in 1888, his wife in 1887.
The subject proper of these lines at-
tended the public schools in Germany
until he reached his sixteenth year, at
which time he accompanied his parents
to America, where he remained with his
father for some time, helping in the clear-
ing up of the new home. In i860 he
bought a team, and commenced farming
for his own account, and same year was
married to Miss Jacobina Werthwein,
who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany,
a daughter of Jacobina Machtlle, whose
second husband was Frederick Werth-
wein. They came to Ozaukee county in
1856, and in the city of Port Washington
made their home till 1880, when they re-
moved to Nasewaupee township, Door
county, where the father died in 1888,
the mother in 1889. After marriage Mr.
Graf took his 3'oung wife to his home in
Port Washington where they lived sev-
eral years highly respected, and where he
held several offices of trust, including
church offices; he was supervisor three
years; was foreman for the United States
harbor contractor, Mr. Tunham, and also
for the city when building the harbor in
Egremont with the government for fifteen
thousand dollars; was supervisor in a
lawsuit against the railroad compan\,and
saved the city some thirty thousand dol-
lars; was also foreman for the harbor
contractor. He speculated in real estate
and personal property, till he lost all his
wealth, but not his health, and then in
the spring of 1879 came to Door county,
where he bought 160 acres of land in
Nasewaupee township, adjoining the farm
of his father-in-law. He had nine dol-
lars in cash, and was fifteen hundred dol-
lars in debt when he came to the place —
but he was not discouraged. He built
a log house and went cheerfully to work
to clear his land, and cancel his indebt-
edness. He now owns 280 acres of land,
140 of which are cleared and being culti-
vated; in 1884 he built a one-and-one-
half story frame house which is neat and
comfortable. His crops became so large
that he found it necessary, in 1890, to
build another barn, which he did, the
size being 74x42 feet. He has made a
great success of stock raising, making a
specialty of Holstein cattle; his horses,
sheep and hogs are also of a good grade.
Mr. Graf is an adherent of the Repub-
lican party, takes an active interest in
elections, and has served as supervisor of
the township. Sixteen children were
born to him and his wife, of whom twelve
are still living, to wit: Charley; Adolph,
married, and living in West Superior,
Wis. ; Leonard, of Minneapolis, Minn. ;
Mary, wife of Henry Blasser, also of Min-
neapo'is; Louisa Schneider, of Winona,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPniCAL RECORD.
Minn.; Adelia; Jacob; Gusta; Frank;
George; John, and Amelia. Mr. and
Mrs. Graf are working members of the
Evangelical Church, of which he is a
deacon, and he was instrumental in se-
curing an edifice for that society. He or-
ganized the school district in which he
lives, and has taken an active part in all
the movements tending to the benefit of
the communitv.
AMES McARDLE, a leading citizen
J of Baileys Harbor township. Door
county, for the past four years has
served as a member of the town
board of supervisors, and has been other-
wise identified with public interests.
He was born in Count\' Louth, Ire-
land, in 1826, and was reared to man-
hood in the usual manner of farmer lads,
giving his father the benefit of iiis services
during his minority. In 1865 he was
married to Ann Fegan, a year later came
to America, and during the first five years
he resided at Troy, X. Y. In 1871 he
brought his family to Baileys Harbor
where he purchased forty acres of cleared
land, and built thereon a frame house
which still stands as part of their present
residence. He has untiringly devoted
himself to the development of the farm-
ing interests of his town, and is now the
, possessor of one of the best farms in the
vicinity. To his first purchase he has
added others, until he now has in the
neighborhood of 350 acres of timber and
farm land. In all his labors he has been
ably assisted by his wife, who is a most
estimable lady. Their marriage has been
blessed with eight children, the two eldest
of whom are married; the others are as-
sisting their parents on the farm.
In public life Mr. McArdle has dis-
charged his duties with much credit to
himself andsatisfaction to his constituents.
It was a fortunate day for him when he
determined to seek a home in the New
World, for here he has not only pros-
pered in business, but has also secured a
pleasant home and gained many warm
friends, for his life has been a straight-
forward one, deserving of the esteem of
those wha know him.
JOHN J. PIXNEY, owner and editor
of the Door County Democrat,
Sturgeon Bay, one of the best edited,
newsiest and liveliest newspapers of
northern Wisconsin, is a native of Ohio,
born March 19, 1862, in Mantua, Port-
age count)', son of George and Charit)'
C. (Steadman) Pinne\'.
In 1863, at that time a one-year-old
boy, our subject was brought by his par-
ents from the East to Wisconsin. He
learned the printer's trade in the office of
the Expositor, in Sturgeon Bay, at that
time owmed and edited by his father.
From "devil" to "jour" he found rapid
promotion, and he continued in the print-
ing business about eleven years, or until
the fall of 1885, when his father's largely
increasing nursery business demanded his
assistance at home. During the last two
years of his incumbency there (which
terminated in 1892) he conducted a print-
ing office at the nursery, where all the
literature of his father's vast business was
turned out. Since December 11, 1894,
he has been president of "The Ever-
green Nursery Co.," established by his
father, and the nurserj' is said to be the
most important one in the United States
devoted to the growth of shrubs and
evergreens.
In Januarj', 1893, our subject bought
a complete printing plant, and estab-
lished the Door County Democrat, the
office of which he supplied, complete,
with all modern appliances used in print-
ing offices, including cylinder press and job
press; wire stitching machine for pamph-
lets, etc. — everything, in fact, pertaining
to the equipment of a well-appointed office
— the whole being operated by steam-
power. The Door County Democrat is an
eight-page quarto, and its politics are
purely and prima facie Democratic, true
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
551
to the principles of the partj-, which are
upheld with jealous care. The paper has a
large and constantly increasing circula-
tion, while the job-room is ever busy with
work for both home and outside trade.
In a word, as a paying investment, it is
no vain boast to say that the Door County
Democrat is not excelled by any journal
published on the peninsula. Its columns
are found complete in both local and gen-
eral county news, besides presenting its
readers with the gist of the outside tele-
graphic reports, including trans-Atlantic
and other foreign cablegrams; while
through the judicious collection of in-
structive and edifying matter, its columns
are replete with the current National and
State affairs, and literary and domestic
pabulum. In March, 1895, Mr. Pinney
associated himself with others, formed
the J. J. Pinney Printing Company, and
bought out a rival newspaper in the same
city, and of the same political faith,
thereby giving the Door County Democrat
a clear and largely-increased held.
In April, 1892, at Caldwell, Wis., Mr.
Pinney was united in marriage with Miss
Martha Kingston, and one child, George
K. , has come to brighten their home,
born March 7, 1894.
ALBERT G. WARREN. It is not
often the privilege of the biogra-
pher to have the writing of the
life history of one who is more
than an octogenarian in years, and who
has not yet entirely released his hand
from labor, as in the case of the gentle-
man whose name here appears. Born in
New London count}'. Conn., Jul}' 26,
I Si 2, Mr. Warren, hale and hearty, is
now in his eighty-third year, with facul-
ties unimpaired, cheerful, happy and con-
tented.
Lewis Warren, his father — a son of
Moses Warren, who was of English de-
scent, by vocation a manufacturer of
woolen cloth — was born in Canada, where
he learned the trade of weaver. In 1806,
in early manhood, he was desirous of
going into business in his native country,
but being required, before doing so, to
take the oath of allegiance to the British
Government, he declined, and conse-
quently had to move to the United States,
which he did, settling in Connecticut,
where he married Miss Sophronia Adams,
who was born in that State, in 1 79 1, a
daughter of Daniel and Alice (Ainsworth)
Adams, the former of whom was a tanner
by trade, and served in the Revolutionary
war. He traced his ancestry to Miles
Standish, who came over in the "May-
flower," and was a captain in the early
militia. Daniel and Alice Adams had
four children, two sons — Elihu and Guy
Fitch — and two daughters — Sophronia
and Alice — both the sons becoming sea
captains. After marriage Lewis Warren
abandoned cloth weaving and embarked
in the milling business, but not long after-
ward, in 1815, was drowned while repair-
ing the dam of his mill on a branch of the
Genesee river in New York State. He
was a well-educated man, and a close as-
sociate of Gen. W. H. Harrison. After
his death his widow and her three young
children — Guy Lewis, Albert G. , and
William Harrison — returned to Connecti-
cut from where they had been living in
New York State, the entire journey of
450 miles being made in a wagon, and
for a time lived at the home of her father.
Long afterward, in 1855, she came to
Wisconsin, in order to make her home
with her sons Albert G. and William H.,
and here died in December, 1881, aged
ninety-one years, nine months and nine
days.
Albert G. Warren, whose name intro-
duces this sketch, was three years old
when his father died, and at the common
schools of Connecticut he secured all the
school training he was destined to re-
ceive. At the age of ten he went to live
with a farmer, with whom he remained
two years, and then clerked in a store at
Canterbury, Windham county, and at
Sterling Hill, same county and State, till
552
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
he was fifteen years old, when, having
moved to Norwich, he learned the trade
of carriage trimmer. The firm he was
apprenticed to failing, however, at the
end of a year, young Warren took up
harness making, serving an apprenticeship
of four years, and afterward following
same several years, a portion of the time
for his own account, at Norwich; but
about the year 1844 he abandoned this,
and embarking in the upholstery and dry-
goods business continued in that line in
the same town until 1855. In that same
year, accompanied by his brother William
H , he came west to Wisconsin, on a pros-
pective tour, and being induced to come to
Sturgeon Bay, Door county, while tarry-
ing at Fond du Lac, they made the jour-
ney northward and from Bay Settlement
on the ice, arriving at their destination
April 3, same year, their families follow-
ing in July of that year. Their intention
being to commence farming operations,
they took up 400 acres of land in the
vicinity of Sturgeon Bay, built a log
house 30 X 40 feet, cleared a farm, and
for thirteen years, or until 1868, w-ere act-
ively engaged in agriculture. For the
next seven years our subject had charge
of the books for A. W. Lawrence cS: Co. ,
proprietors af a general store in Sturgeon
Bay, since when he has more or less been
dealing in real estate, and devoting his
spare time to working on an abstract of
land titles to real estate in Door county.
In July, 1836, at Norwich, Conn.,
Mr. Warren was married to Miss Sophia
Davenport, who was born, in 18 13, in
Connecticut, a daughter of William and
Eleanor (Green) Davenport, respectable
farming people, who had a family of chil-
dren named, respectively, Jared, Russell,
William, Charles, Mary, Sophia and
Francis, of whom two survive, William
and Francis. The mother of these died
at the patriarchal age of ninety-six years
six months. Mr. and Mrs. Warren have
two daughters, both born in Norwich,
Conn., namely: Sophia, now Mrs. E. C.
Daniels, of Pasadena, Cal., and Emily,
a resident of Sturgeon Bay, W'is. In relig-
ious faith our subject is a member of the
M. E. Church. In his political predi-
lections he is a stanch Republican, but
his first presidential vote was cast for
Martin V'anBuren on the Free-soil ticket.
At Sturgeon Ba\-, in the July, 1855, elec-
tion, he was elected supervisor; in 1856
was chairman of Sturgeon Bay town-
ship, which included all the people of
Door county who could get to Sturgeon
Bay to poll their votes. In 1859 he
was appointed county clerk, in which
capacity he served two years; was deputy
treasurer and clerk, many years; assessor
several times, and town clerk for a long
period of time. In all the various offices
that have been held by him he has ever
been an active worker, and at all times
has done his duty to his constituents in a
manner that has won him great applause
and honor. In his earlier days Mr. War-
ren taught school many dreary winters,
and it is remembered that he had charge
of the first district school in Sturgeon
Bay, which was held in the upper part
of a store. In 1871 he built a com-
modious and comfortable residence on
Cedar street, and resides in another of
his houses, also on Cedar street, where
the honored old pioneer and his faith-
ful helpmeet, who is now eighty-two
years old, calmly and reverently await
the summons that must come to all,
happy in the consciousness that they have
the fullest esteem and regards of the
entire community who one and all wish
them continued health and fullness of
years.
HERMAN REINHART PAUTZ,
the oldest insurance agent in the
city of I\ewaunee, is a native of
the Province of Pommcrn, Prus-
sia, and was born January 8, 1839. His
father, Charles Pautz, was born in i S02,
was a blacksmith by trade, and was a
son of Martin Pautz, a shepherd. The
mother of our subject, wh( > bore the maiden
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
553
name of Frederica Rohleder, was born in
1800, and was married in 1826. Of her
eight children, two only are living. In
1856 the father brought his family to
America and located near Watertowri,
Jefferson Co. ,Wis. , but died three months
after his arrival. The mother kept the
family together for a year, when her
daughter was married, and with her Mrs.
Pautz made her home until her death in
1863.
Our subject had learned blacksmith-
ing in the old country, and at this trade
and as a farm hand he worked for others
until he was twenty-three years of age.
He then rented a farm near Portland,
Wis., for three years, after which he
bought a farm at Golden Lake, Wis. , but
had lived there one year only, when he
lost his first wife, Minnie (Marguard)
Pautz, a native of Germany. He at once
sold his place, and in 1866 came to Ke-
waunee county, locating on a farm, three
and a half miles northwest of Kewaunee
city. In 1884 he sold this farm, having
previously secured fourteen acres where
he now resides, to which he has since
added five acres. All this tract he has
laid out in town lots, known as " Pautz
Plat." About 1876 Mr. Pautz married
Miss Minnie Born, a native of his own
province, who, at the age of nine years,
came to America with her parents, who
settled at Watertown, Wis., where her
father died a month later. The mother,
marrying Aug. Brown, and keeping the
family together, is now a resident of Ke-
waunee. To this second marriage of our
subject have been born eight children,
four of whom are living, viz. : Emma,
married to William Hoeft, of Ixonia, Jef-
ferson Co., Wis.; Emil, now nineteen
years old, is a clerk in Duvall's store;
Louise and Alma are still at home.
In politics Mr. Pautz is a strong Re-
publican, has filled a number of minor
offices, and has several times been nomi-
nated for county positions, but his party
being in the minority he has of course
shared its fate. He has always taken
much interest in the public schools, and
when on the farm was clerk of the dis-
trict. In the city he has served as
assessor, and has also been township
assessor. In 1890 he was appointed
enumerator, and took the census of West
Kewaunee. For the past twenty-two
years he has been in the insurance busi-
ness, representing some of the best com-
panies in the country, and traveling
through Door and Kewaunee counties and
part of Brown, in all of which he has
made many friends. He is a stockholder
in, and one of the managers of, the Ke-
waunee Printing Co., and has always
taken an active interest in everything
tending to the advancement and improve-
ment of the city and county. He and
his wife are members of the German
Lutheran Church, and are much re-
spected.
HENRY C. KNUDSON, who for
forty years has been a resident of
Door county, a pioneer of the
truest type, and a thoroughly
representative self-made man, is a de-
scendant of those sturdy, bold adventur-
ers, the hardy Norsemen of olden time
whose footprints were seen on the sea-
shore sands of this continent — not deep
impressions, perhaps, but certain and sig-
nificant— many years before Christopher
Columbus opened his wondering eyes to
the light in the city of Genoa, Italy.
Mr. Knudson, was born February iS,
1823, in Norway, a son of Knute Am-
brosium Knudson, an honorable and in-
dustrious farming man, who honestly
labored to provide for his large family of
five sons and five daughters, and gi\e
them the benefits of as good an education
as could be had at the schools of the lo-
cality. Our subject until he was twenty-
five years old remained on his father's
farm, occasionally taking a run out to sea
in the capacity of sailor-boy, and then
commenced learning the trade of ship car-
penter, which he followed several jears.
554
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the vessel he belonged to in his native
land plying between Norway, England,
Holland and France. In 1853 he came
to the United States in the barge •' Chris-
tiana," which he had assisted in the build-
ing of, in Norway. After a voyage of six
weeks he landed at yuebec, Canada,
where he sojourned for a short time and
then proceeded-to Chicago, 111., in which
city he worked at his trade for a couple of
years, at the end of which time, in 1855,
he came to Door county, landing in Stur-
geon Bay. Here he bought thirteen acres
of timber land, all his limited means
would at that time permit him to invest
in, cut the cedar timber from it, which he
sold, built a log house and commenced a
settlement in earnest. On October 29,
1857, he was married in Chicago, 111.
(there being nc minister in or about Stur-
geon Bay at that time), to Miss Mary
Hansen, to whom he had been engaged
in Norway, where she was born October
25, 1825, coming to the United States in
1854, where up to the time of her mar-
riage she was employed as a domestic.
To his newly-built modest log house he
brought his young bride, and for some
eighteen months they lived there in su-
preme contentment; but a farm of thirteen
acres was too small for an ambitious Nor-
wegian, so, selling it, he pre-empted forty
acres of wild land in Section 2, Sturgeon
Bay township, going in debt for same,
and this is the property he now owns and
lives on. At the time of his coming to it
there was no clearing of any kind, the
timber was very heavy, and there was no
road nearer than the township line, while
his "next-door neighbor," James Gilles-
pie, was a mile awaj-, and he had to walk
through the woods, along a trail, to Stur-
geon Bay, four miles distant, for the fam-
ily provisions. But as faint heart never
won a fair home or anything else, our
hero bravely set to work to make a clear-
ing, and on a portion of it erected a sub-
stantial one-story log house, 14 x 18 feet
in size, in which the family lived till 1884,
when Mr. Knudson built the present ele-
gant and commodious brick dwelling.
From time to time he has added to his
possessions until now he is the owner of
a fine property, consisting of 160 acres of
land, fifty of which he has cleared.
On August 15, 1862, Mr. Knudson,
leaving his wife and four children to care
for the homestead, enlisted at Sturgeon
Bay in Company F, Thirty-second Regi-
ment. Wis. V. I., which was mustered in
at Oshkosh, from there ordered to Mem-
phis, Tenn., where for some time it did
guard duty; it was the first regiment to
enter Holly Springs, Miss., after it was
burned by the Confederates; was engaged
in many skirmishes through Tennessee
and Kentuck}'; and while at Memphis,
Tenn., was ordered to proceed to Chick-
amauga in order to participate in the
memorable battle at that place; but the
order for some reason was countermanded.
While lying at Memphis our subject was
taken sick, and for two months was con-
fined to hospital, during which time the
regiment was placed under Sherman's
command. When able to be moved he
was sent to Nashville, Tenn., thence to
Jeffersonville, Ind., where he was received
into the convalescent hospital and his
ultimate recovery effected, which was in
the fall of 1864, when he at once rejoined
his regiment at Atlanta, Ga., which city
it was guarding. The "Thirty-second"
was now attached to the Seventeenth
Army Corps, was sent to Savannah, con-
tinuing to the close of the campaign in
those parts which ended in the Grand
Review at Washington, where Mr. Knud-
son received an honorable discharge, and
returned to his home by way of Mil-
waukee. In his three-years' service he
was never wounded, and at no time was
absent from his regiment except during
his illness; but the healthy, robust man
he was when he set out for the wars came
home emaciated and broken in health and
strength. As already related, he had
left behind him his wife and four chil-
dren, and they had " a hard row to hoe"
in his absence, as may be well imagined.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUWAL RECORD.
555
having no neighbor nearer than Mr. Gil-
lespie (if we except the wild animals);
but Mrs. Knudson was brave as she was
good, and she kept the home well and
secure, caring for her children with all
the devotedness of a mother's love, while
the ravenous wolves were continually
hovering about in the neighborhood, mak-
ing both day and night hideous with their
discordant howls and savage yells. One
time, when out in the bush hunting her
cows, she lost her way for two nights and
a day, during which time she had to sub-
sist on wild berries, etc. In the winter
time, there being no feed for the cows,
she chopped down trees so that they could
get at the moss and young branches, and
this they subsisted on. The children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Knudson were as
follows: Guned M., deceased wife of
Charles Swenson; Mary, married to Au-
gust Simpson, of Sturgeon Bay township;
Henry C., at home; Hans M. , a resident
■of Sturgeon Bay; and a daughter that
died in infanc}'. The entire family are
members of the Lutheran Church, and in
his political views our subject is an ardent
Republican. He is now semi-retired from
acti\e life, the son, Henry C, attending
to the work on the farm which the father
has, from a wilderness in which roamed
howling wolves, besides deer and other
game, converted into a peaceful, prosper-
ous, fertile and happy home, the labor of
a lifetime of ceaseless toil and undying
energy in which he has been nobly assist-
ed by his faithful, patient and frugal help-
meet, and family of children from the
time they were able to gather up the chips
as they fell to his inexorable axe.
ADOLPH M. C. JORNS has long
been a resident of Door county,
and is numbered among its hon-
ored pioneers. He settled here
when wild game, including deer, was
found in the forest, and when the greater
part of the land was still in its primitive
condition. He has aided in its develop-
ment, and has ever manifested a com-
mendable interest in those enterprises
pertaining to the growth and progress of
the county.
Mr. Jorns was born November 27,
1833, in Holstein, Germany, and is a son
of August and Elizabeth (Moore) Jorns,
the former a ship carpenter b}' trade and
a successful and wide-awake businessman.
In the family were seven children, as fol-
lows: Augusta, widow of Henry Bag-
hum; Louie, who was drowned; Maria,
widow of Carl Schwann; Adolph; August,
who died at the age of six years; Ferdi-
nand, who is now living in Egg Harbor,
Wis. , and Caroline, wife of Sovus V.
Scheeb.
Our subject is truly a self-made man,
and whatever success he has achieved in
life is due entirely to his own efforts. He
received but limited educational privileges,
for at the early age of eight years he be-
gan working in a woolen factory where he
was employed during the summer time
from six in the morning until ten at night,
save between five and seven in the eve-
ning, at which time he attended school.
He was thus employed until fourteen
years of age, when he was apprenticed to
a ship carpenter, Anse Dryer, with whom
he served a term of five 3'ears, after
which he went to sea. His father also
followed the sea until sixty-eight years of
age, when his death occurred from heart
failure; his wife departed this life in 1854.
Mr. Jorns was a sailor until thirty-five
years of age, and during that time spent
five years on the coast of Africa, also
visited various other ports, in which way
he gained the wide knowledge and experi-
ence that have made him a well-informed
man. About 1858 he was united in mar-
riage with Johanna Ruchhaas, daughter
of Henry and Johanna (Hesse) Ruchhaas,
and during the two succeeding years was
engaged as a private boatman. In 1871,
he sailed from Hamburg to New York,
where he arrived after a vo\age of ten
days and twenty-two hours, made his way
to Chicago, 111. , whence he came direct
556
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to Baileys Harbor. In connection with
his brother Ferdinand, he worked in the
lumber woods and in loading vessels for
a year, when, with the capital which he
had acquired, he purchased eighty acres
of land on which not a furrow had been
turned or an improvement made. Hav-
ing built a log cabin, i6x 12 feet, he be-
gan clearing his land, and had fifty-five
acres under a high state of cultivation
when he sold in 1892, since which time
he has lived at Baileys Harbor. While on
the farm he suffered many misfortunes,
endured much hardship, and is now in a
crippled condition, the result of having
both legs broken.
Mr. and Mrs. Jorns have had a family
of nine children, namely: Johnny J. and
Ferdinand, who were born in Germany;
William; Dora; Louise, who died at the
age of thirteen \ears; Freda; August;
Johanna, and Charlie. The eldest is the
only one married. In his political affiH-
ations, Mr. Jorns is a Republican, takes
a deep interest in the success of his party
and has served as path master, where, as
in all the relations of life, he was found
true and faithful to the trust reposed in
him.
REV. FATHER JOSEPH KIR-
PAL, pastor of the Holy Rosary
Church, Kewaunee, was born in
Hohcnstein, Bohemia, December
30, 1844. His father, also named Jos-
eph, who was for forty years financial in-
spector for the government, is now a pen-
sioner, and is about seventy years of age.
He has three children: Rev. Joseph; a
son who is a captain in the army; and a
married daughter.
Rev. Joseph Kirpal completed his
literary education at the gymnasium in
Prague in 1863; then pursued his philo-
sophical studies at the Jesuit College of
Pressburg for three years, from which in-
stitution he graduated, and finished his
studies of theology at the University of
Innsbruck, in Tyrol. Here he was or-
dained, then acted as professor of the
Latin and Bohemian languages, and sub-
sequently as prefect and curator in sev-
eral institutes in Austria and Hungary.
In 1884 he came to Carlton, Kewaunee
Co., Wis., as pastor of St. Joseph's
Church, and in 1888 assumed charge of
the Holy Rosary Congregation at Ke-
waunee; he also cares for the Polish St.
Hedwig's Congregation in W^est Kewau-
nee, and St. \Iary's Congregation in
Piercetown.
The Holy Rosary Congregation has a
history extending back to 1856. In that
year Rev. T. Smedding visited Kewaunee
as the first Catholic missionary, and held
services in a hut made of boughs: in
1857 Father Maly succeeded, and after
him, for three years, others followed.
In i860 the first church edifice was com-
menced by the pious John Borgmann,
but it was not finished until 1863. Rev.
Ch. Exel, the first resident priest, came
this year, but remained only three months.
In 1866 Rev. Sheenwick commenced the
erection of the school building, which was
completed through the efforts of Rev.
George Brunner, whose pastorate began
in 1877; he also built the new church,
an elegant brick structure, completed in
1884. In 1887 Father Brunner was
transferred to Francis Creek, Manitowoc
county, and was succeeded by Rev. Pri-
voznik, who caused the church to be ar-
tistically painted by Liebig & Loeffler. of
Milwaukee. The present pastor, as
stated above, took charge in 1888, and
has erected a fine rectory, purchased
three new statues from Europe, and new
pews from the Ahnapee F'urniture Co.,
and has put in a most musical chime of
bells, the heaviest of which weighs 1 800
pounds. The congregation now numbers
about 120 families, and the parochial
school is attended by at least one hun-
dred children. From the congregation
have been organized three benevolent
societies, viz. : The Catholic Knights,
with about sixty members; St. Joseph
Society with fifty members; and the Cath-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
557
olic Bohemian Knights, with twenty
members.
Father Kirpal is greatly venerated by
his flock, over whom he has been indeed
a most careful and tender shepherd, and
his piety, learning, meekness, and be-
nignity, dignity and graciousness, added
to his energ)-, and devotion to duty, have
won for him the admiration and esteem
of the entire community, irrespective of
sect or religious denomination.
N ARNOLD WAGENER, one of
the most highly honored citizens
of Door county, embodies in his
brief career of scarcely more than
a half century a life of stirring activity
and strong popular esteem. He is de-
scended from that sterling and sturd\'
German stock which has done so much
for the world's civilization by a series of
perilous and laborious migrations. He
was born on the banks of the Moselle
river in the village of Croev, Prussia, Jan-
uary 4, 1844, son of John Nicholas Wage-
ner, the village merchant, who in 1852
immigrated with his wife and seven chil-
dren— Catherine, William, Alice, Nicholas
Arnold, August, Peter V. and Minnie — to
America, following a son Thomas who
had previously immigrated. The ninth
child of the family, Josephine, was born
in Wisconsin.
The passage from Antwerp to New
York was made in the sailing vessel
" Richard Allsop, " in twenty-three days,
arriving at the latter place in April, 1852.
Three weeks later the family took the
packet boat on the Erie canal for Buffalo,
and thence proceeded to Two Rivers,
Wis., by steam propeller. With the
proceeds from the sale of some hogsheads
of wine, which the father had brought
with him, a forty-acre tract of land was
purchased near Two Rivers, on which the
family located. The father had previously,
through the agency of a nephew, pur-
chased 200 acres of land, but owing to
business disagreements with his nephew
it was not until after three years' litigation
and great expense that he came into pos-
session of this property. Mr. Wagener,
at the ripe old age of ninety-two years,
still lives with his wife, aged eighty-four,
on this valuable tract of land in the vil-
lage of Mishicot, Wis., one of its most re-
spected pioneer citizens.
The subject of this sketch passed his
boyhood and early youth on his father's
farm, but when in the spring of 1861 the
tocsin of civil war sounded its dread alarm
he was one of the first to enlist. En-
rolled as a member of Company A, Fifth
Wis. V. I. , he served throughout the war
in the army of the Potomac, participating
in thirteen memorable battles, enduring
unscathed the leaden hail at Gettys-
burg, but in the masterly advance through
the stubbornly contested battle of the
Wilderness he received a musket ball in
the left leg, which placed him in the hos-
pital for seventeen days. Mr. Wagener
was also engaged in many skirmishes with
the enemy, and in one of them was struck
in the left hip by a fragment of a shell.
Honorably discharged in the fall of
1864 after more than a three-years' gal-
lant service, he journeyed in the spring of
1865 to Memphis, Tenn., with his brother
William, also a veteran Union soldier,
expecting to become sutler of a Wiscon-
sin regiment, but, the war closing, they
started west. After a brief and not prof-
itable experience in the meat market busi-
ness in Iowa Mr. Wagener hired out as an
"experienced" mule driver in a govern-
ment wagon train, bound from Nebraska
City to Julesbury, Neb. The "experi-
ence" he gained later, and quickly be-
came an expert. At Nebraska City he
again hired out as a mule driver, this
time to private traders at $55 per month,
bound for Denver, Colo. , and on arriving
there with the train a partner in charge of
the wagon train, contrary to instructions,
concluded to go farther west. Mr. Wag-
ener notified the house by telegraph, and
two hundred miles out the train was over-
taken by one of the principal partners,
5^S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the goods equitably divided, and Mr.
Wagener placed in charge of the return-
ing goods, with instructions to sell out on
the journey back, and report at Nebraska
City. On the way he sold some two
thousand five hundred dollars worth of
goods, drove entirely alone, for nearly one
thousand miles, partly through a wild
Indian country, and reported to his em-
ployers in good shape, with whom he re-
mained one season, working in their store
at Nebraska City. In the following fall
he and his brother William engaged in
trading on their own account, hauling a
wagonload of apples and sweet potatoes to
Laramie, W'yo., and other soldier or mil-
itary camps, and selling them at a profit of
$600, some of their large " Belle flower"
apples selling at one dollar apiece. Our
subject's next enterprises were two brew-
eries, at North Platte City and at Bear
River, where in two and a half months
he and his partner, Mr. Hyrothe, cleared
$2,200. This was sunk in a had brewing
venture at the Sweet Water mines, which
failed and depopulated the settlement.
After an unsuccessful mining venture Mr.
Wagener for two years following was em-
ployed to manage a brewery at Fort
Bridger, Wyo., and then spent a winter
hunting. In the following spring, with
two companions, he made the return trip
on horseback from a point one hundred
miles north of Salt Lake City to Leaven-
worth, Kans. , a distance of 1400 miles,
starting .^pril 24 and arriving July 2,
1S72. Two days later Mr. Wagener ar-
rived at his home in Wisconsin, and thus
concluded his experience with western
frontier life.
In the spring oi 1873 he accepted a
position with the Platz Brewing Co., at
Milwaukee, where he remained until July,
1874. He then formed a partnership
with his brother William, and established
a brewery at Sturgeon Ba\'. The same
year (1874) his brother, William Wag-
ener, was elected sheriff of Door county,
and the management of the partnership
business fell exclusivelj- upon Arnold.
Four years later the sheriff, while hunting,
was accidently shot with his own gun and
subsequently died from the effects of the
wound. Then began Mr. Wagencr's
official life. He was appointed under
sheriff in 1878. Two years later he was
elected sheriff, and re-elected in 1884 and
1890. As sheriff and as under sheriff,
Mr. Wagener has served his county four-
teen years. Other official honors have
crowded upon him. For six \'ears he was
a member of the Sturgeon Bay city coun-
cil, and for two years president of the
council. He has filled the offices of city
treasurer, chief of Fire Department, etc.,
and was appointed postmaster of Stur-
geon Bay Ma\' 1, 1894, a position which
he is now filling. In 1892-93 he was
assistant postmaster of the Wisconsin
State Senate. Mr. Wagener is a mem-
ber of the Sons of Hermann, and of Nel-
son Post No. 97, G. A. K.
He was married, in February, 1874,
at Mishicot, Wis., to Isabella A. Terens,
and their family consists of six children:
Hubert A., Annie I. C, Arnold, William
E., Walter and Lionel. No greater mark
of popularity coukl well be adduced than
that which has crowned the political life
of Mr. Wagener. Although Door county
is considered Republican by a good major-
ity, Mr. Wagener has thrice been elected
sheriff on the Democratic ticket, and the
last time his Republican competitor paid
him the great compliment of withdrawing
from the contest. The tide of popularity
was so decidedly fa\()rable to Mr. Wag-
ener that opposition was hopeless. Broad
and liberal in thought, generous and
kindly by nature, he is in truth richly en-
titled to the high esteem in which he is
generally held by his fellow citizens.
LOUIS BRUEMMER, cashier of
the State Bank of Kewaunee, is
a native of Germany, born March
14, 1841, in Jucrgensdorf, Meck-
lenburg-Schwerin. In 1853 he came to
America with his parents, landing in New
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
559-
York December 4; thence proceeded to
Trenton, New Jersey.
In April, 1854, he came to Wisconsin,
where, until the coming winter, he
worked in a sawmill at Two Rivers, Mani-
towoc county, next living with his parents
in the town of Mishicot, following farm-
ing and working in the woods. For two
winters he attended the district school,
also studied at a Milwaukee academy
two months, and in i860 was employed as
a teacher in the district school. On
August 28, 1861, he enlisted in Company
G, First Wis. \ . I. ; was wounded at the
battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862;
was promoted from the ranks to sergeant,
and on February 19, 1863, was dis-
charged for disability on account of his
wound. Returning to Mishicott, he
taught school four years, and filled the
offices of town clerk and justice of the
peace two years, being elected to each on
the Democratic ticket. In 1867 Mr.
Bruemmer moved to Ahnapee, where he
followed successively the brewery, hotel,
gristmill and sawmill businesses. He was
elected chairman of the town of Ahnapee
for 1871-72; was chairman of the county
board of supervisors of Kewaunee county
in 1871-72, and was elected count}' clerk
in 1872, holding the last named incum-
bency ten consecutive j'ears. In addi-
tion to these responsible offices he was
elected to fill that of member of Assembly
for the first biennial session of 1883. In
all of these positions Mr. Bruemmer has
proven to be a man of parts and intelli-
gence, keenly alive to the needs of
his constituents and the public in gen-
eral. He now engaged as a merchant
at Ahnapee, but soon sold out, and on the
first day of July, 1S84, entered the Ex-
change Bank (now the State Bank of Ke-
waunee) as cashier, a position he still
holds, having made himself most popular
by his obliging disposition and willingness
to accommodate. This bank has a capi-
tal of $30,000, and is officered as follows:
Edward Decker, president; Louis Bruem-
mer, cashier; Edward Decker, Joseph
Duval and George Grimmer,' directors.
It is considered to be, under this able
management, one of the thriftiest and
soundest moneyed institutions of north-
eastern Wisconsin, considering the vol-
ume of trade transacted, and it is need-
less to say that much of its prosperity is-
due to the tact and foresight of its worthy
cashier. Mr. Bruemmer has filled sev-
eral municipal offices, including that of
alderman from his ward, also supervisor,
and in 1891 he was elected mayor of the
city of Kewaunee.
On June 9, 1866, Mr. Bruemmer was
united in marriage at Two Rivers, to Miss
Amelia Weilep, of that lakeside town,
the result of this happy alliance being
seven sons and one daughter, named as
follows: August J., Otto H., Emil J..
Edwin H., Christy H., Arnold, Leo and
Meta, four of whom are residing with
their parents. The father of Mrs. Amelia
Bruemmer, who was named John G.
Weilep, was a Prussian by birth. He
was a ship carpenter by trade, and came
to America about the year 1850, first
locating in Washington county. Wis.,
Mrs. Bruemmer's birthplace, but in a
short time changing his residence t'o Two
Rivers, where he kept a hotel until 1867.
He then went to .Ahnapee, conducting a
hotel there until his death, which oc-
curred in Februar\', 1891; his wife passed
away in 1887.
Having thus given a brief sketch of
the acti\'e life of Louis Bruemmer in the
land of his adoption, it is proper that
something should be said of his parents.
Christian Bruemmer, his father, was born
in Germany, May 2, 1792, and for thirty-
three yeai"S was an overseer of the do-
main of Baron von Oertzen. He mar-
ried Sophia Schroeder, daughter of John
Schroeder, the deceased predecessor of
Christian Bruemmer in the position of
trust held by him. To this marriage
were born seven sons and one daughter,
all of whom came to America, three of
the seven sons being the first to venture
across the Atlantic in 1852, the father
560
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.
and the rest of the famil)- following in
1853. They settled on a farm in Mishi-
cot, Manitowoc Co., Wis., and there the
mother died in 1876, the father in 1S89.
The father had been in the army reserve
in Germany, and besides being a farmer,
was a practical veterinary surgeon, his
skill being frequently called into requisi-
tion at his new home. Of his seven sons,
three — Louis, Fred and Julius — gallantly
served in defense of the Union, two in the
Twenty-seventh Wis. V. I. One of the
sons of John G. Weilep, Edward, was
consul, under Cleveland's first adminis-
tration, to Sonneberg, Germany, where
he naturally felt at home as far as the
language was concerned.
Socially, Louis Bruemmer is a mem-
ber of the Masonic Lodge at Ahnapee, of
the Odd Fellows, Sons of Hermann and
the G. A. R. , and is one of the strong
men of which the county is made up.
AUGUSTUS W. LAWRENCE.—
"What can 3'ou raise here.'" in-
quired a certain distinguished Eng-
lish agriculturist of a citizen of
Maine, as, together, they were traversing
the rocky, iron-bound coast along which
the northern Atlantic dashes its waves,
summer and winter. " Your soil seems so
rocky and sterile that no crops could
thrive in it. What can 3'ou grow.'"
"We raise men," was the proud reply.
Yes, the Sunrise State does raise men, as
history proves, and one of the best of her
product is the one whose history we pro-
pose to here brieliy sketch.
Mr. Lawrence was born in the town
of Madison, on the Kennebec river, Som-
erset count}', Maine, October 12, 1830, a
son of Bennett and Hannah (Carlton)
Lawrence, both natives of New Hamp-
shire, of English and Scotch descent, re-
spectively. The father was born August
16, 1786, and died in Garland, Penobscot
Co., Maine, December 17, 1869, at the
age of eighty-three years, four months
and one day. In 1805 he married Han-
nah Carlton, and nine children were born
to them: Roland (deceased July 21,
1814, aged five years), Louisa, Roland,
Rachel, Ruth K., Jonathan C, William,
Mary E. and Augustus W., of whom,
Rachel, Jonathan C, William and Augus-
tus W. survive. Bennett Lawrence, father
of these, was by trade a hatter, but he
also followed agricultural and mercantile
pursuits, for a short time conducting a
store in the city of Bangor, Maine, to
which State he moved with his family in
1830, just before the birth of our subject,
settling on a farm. Mrs. Hannah (Carl-
ton) Lawrence had four brothers and one
sister; the brothers were all Revolution-
ary soldiers, and three were killed in that
struggle, the one who survived having
been captured b}' a party of Indians, from
whom he afterward succeeded in making
his escape.
Augustus W. Lawrence, the subject
proper of these lines, was favored with
but limited school advantages, as, when
he was seven years old, his father had
lost all his property, and the lad soon had
to commence the battle of life in real
earnest. He early evinced a strong pen-
chant for reading, and his taste for stand-
ard literature amply made amends for his
lack of school training. Until he was
twenty-one years old he remained at
home, assisting on the farm and in the
woods, his parents receiving the proceeds
of his labor. In 1851, in company with
his brother William (who had previously
paid a visit to this region), he came to
^^'isconsin, and taking up his abode on
Washington Island followed fishing three
years, or until September, 1853, at which
time he came to Sturgeon Bay. Here at
first he worked for Robert & Perry Graham,
lumbermen, and assisted in the erection
of the second sawmill built in this locality,
obtaining the timber for that purpose from
trees that stood where is now Main street.
Sturgeon Bay, and this sawmill was com-
pleted in July, 1855. After leaving the
employ of the Grahams, Mr. Lawrence
acted in the capacity of foreman for
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
563
Others until 1882, in which j-ear he en-
entered the service of the Sturgeon Bay
Lumber Company, Charnley Bros., pro-
prietors, and with them remained till they
closed up their business in 1887. But we
are somewhat anticipating. In i860 he
hired out to S. D. Clark, of Chicago, but
after two years they failed, Mr. Lawrence
himself losing considerably thereby, and
Charnley Bros, bought up the claims on
the estate, our subject being retained as
superintendent to look after their inter-
ests. In the Sturgeon Bay Lumber Com-
pany, which was organized as a stock
concern in 1878, he was a stockholder,
and was appointed secretary of same.
He was also engaged in mercantile pur-
suits, commencing in a small waj' in
Sturgeon Bay, in a I2x 16 frame building,
and although he has from time to time
had many other "irons in the fire," to
quote a time-honored metaphor, he has
tenaciously clung to his mercantile inter-
ests, and from this small beginning has
evolved his present large store in Sturgeon
Bay, where is conducted one of the largest
general mercantile businesses in northern
Wisconsin, under the immediate superin-
tendence of L. M. Washburn, Mr. Law-
rence's son-in-law, who is part owner, the
style of the firm being A. W. Lawrence
& Co. The building occupied by the firm
is a large double store, 50 x 120 feet in
size, and there is a branch one at Bay
View, on the opposite side of Sturgeon
Bay. Mr. Lawrence also owns a fine
farm of 150 acres inside the city limits,
which property at one time was a three-
hundred-acre tract, but has been reduced
from time to time by sale of lots to its
present proportions. He has always taken
an active interest in farming and dairying,
erecting a cheese factory, and in live stock
he has been no less interested, especially
in fine-bred horses; but in the winter of
1 893 he met with a grievous and heavy mis-
fortune, his barn being totally destroyed
by fire, whereby he lost eighteen valuable
horses, including stallions and brood
mares, for both draft and turf purposes.
32
In October, 1855, Mr. Lawrence was
married at Sturgeon Bay, to Miss Emily
J. Marshall, who was born in Brown
county, Wis. , daughter of Van Rensselaer
and Phcebe Marshall, the former of whom
was a Pennsylvania Dutchman of the old
school, the latter a native of New York;
they came to Brown county, Wis., in an
early day. To this union have been born
three children, to wit: Ruth E. (Mrs. L.
M. Washburn;, Ellen E. (Mrs. Martin)
and Augustus W. In politics our subject
was originally a stanch Whig, and since
the organization of the party has been an
equally ardent Republican. Although
frequently urged to accept office, he has
invariably declined, excepting in the city
council, of which he has been a member
several times, and at this present writing
is president. Though not a member of
any Church he gives liberally of his means
to all denominations, irrespective of creed,
and is a true friend to the poor. He is a
typical self-made man; landing on Wash-
ington Island forty-four years ago, liter-
ally without a cent in his pocket, he is to-
day moderately well off, and none stands
higher in the respect and esteem of his
fellow men.
LEROY M. WASHBURN. The
city of Sturgeon Bay, Door coun-
ty, is indebted to the State of
Maine for not a few of her most
enterprising and progressive citizens, in
the front rank of whom stands prominent
the gentleman here named.
Mr. Washburn was born, in 1847, in
Sebec, Piscataquis Co., Maine, near the
city of Bangor, a grandson of Eliphalet
Washburn, a native of the same State,
born in New Gloucester, and who became
an early settler of Piscataquis county,
taking up land in Foxcroft township,
where he built the first frame house ever
erected in that locality, and there he died.
He married a Miss Hubbard, and by her
had ten children— eight sons and two
daughters — as follows: Moses, Stephen
564
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
D. , Charles, George W., Adrian J., An-
drew J., Otis, William, Charlotte and
Mary Ann.
William Washburn, father of our sub-
ject, first saw the light in 1812 in Piscat-
aquis county, Maine, was there reared to
agricultural pursuits, and educated at the
common schools oi his early day. Besides
farming, he taught school and gave sing-
ing lessons for many years, and all his life
was deeply interestetl in educational mat-
ters. In his political affiliations he was
first a Whig, afterward a Republican,
and up to his death, which occurred in
1878, he held several minor township
offices. I^y his wife, Lucia A. (Dunham),
he had a family of five children, named,
respectively, William F., Newell S.,
Leroy M., Andrew J. and Edison W.
Leroy M. Washburn was reared on
his father's farm in Fo.\croft township,
Piscataquis Co., Maine, and received a
liberal education at Fo.xcroft Academy,
which he attended several terms. After
leaving school he taught several winters
in the vicinity of his home, during the
summer months working on the farm and
improving his time in many ways, till the
fall of 1870, when in company with John
Lawrence, he set out for the growing
West, and coming to Wisconsin located
at once in the then village of Sturgeon
Bay. On his arrival here he immediately
went to work in A. W. Lawrence's store,
and although his first intention was to
remain in the West a couple of winters
and one summer, he has remained here
ever since, and grown up with the city of
his adoption. In fact, before leaving
Maine, he had bought a farm there, but,
two years later, having concluded to re-
main in the West, he sold it, and with
the proceeds purchased, in 1876, an inter-
est in the Lawrence store in Sturgeon
Bay, since when he has led an active
business life, full of tireless energy and
unceasing vigilance. In i 87 i he assumed
the management of the mercantile de-
partment, and to-day he is sole mana-
ger of the business of A. W. I^aw-
rence & Cy., in Sturgeon Bay, and of
their branch store at Bay \'ievv, on the
south side of the water.
In 1875 Mr. Washburn married Miss
Ruth E. Lawrence, daughter of A. W.
and Emily J. (Marshall) Lawrence, of
Sturgeon Bay. and three children have
been born to them: George H., Emily
J. and Harold E. The family attend the
services of the Congregational Church,
and in his political preferences Mr. Wash-
burn is a stanch Republican. He served
as chairman of the village of Sturgeon
Bay before it became a city, and in 1875-
76 represented this District in the State
Assembly. Socially he is an advanced
member of the I. O. O. F. , in which
Society he takes an active interest. In
addition to his connection with the I^aw-
rence store, Mr. Washburn has several
outside interests, including a large plan-
ing-mill and lumber yard at Sturgeon
Bay; the Merchants Exchange Bank at
Sturgeon Bay, organized 1884, and which
does an extensive banking and insurance
business; and he is a director of the
recently opened Ahnapee & Western rail-
road. With the exception of occasional
visits so his old home in Maine, and a
trip to California in 1894, accompanied
by his wife, Mr. Washburn has not been
much abroad, his time of necessity being
too closel}' taken up with his business
affairs. He has great faith in the future
of Sturgeon l^ay, so much so that he now
owns large real-estate interests in both
city and country, and not long since he
built an elegant residence near to and
facing the bay. .\s a business man, his
record is withoiit a stain, and, whether in
prosperity or adversity, he has ever been
upright, conscientious and honorable.
FRANK EVRARD one of the early
settlers of Door county, has made
his home in this locality since
1855-, and is therefore familiar
with its history of progress and advance-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
565
ment, while with its upbuilding and de-
velopment he has been prominently iden-
tified.
Born in Belgium, August 18, 1837, he
is the eldest of three children of Elick
and Mary (Malcord) Evrard, his brothers
being John B. and Adolphus. By occu-
pation the father w-as a farmer, and in
1855 he severed all his business relations
with the land of his birth, and with his
family sought a home in the New World.
Coming direct to Door County, Wis., he
purchased in Union township, the 160
acres of land now owned by his sons,
Frank and John. Upon this place he
built a log house, 12x16 feet, roofing it
with cedar bark, and at once began to
clear awaj' the timber, working steadily
until the broad sunlight shone down upon
many acres of cultivated soil. After liv-
ing upon the farm for a year, he bought
an ox-team, and the work of development
was continued by the father and his sons,
save Frank who began sailing on Green
bay. and was thus employed for twelve
years, carrying shingles made in this lo-
cality to market in the city of Green Bay.
This was the first independent effort
in the life of our subject, and the venture
was quite successful, he receiving good
wages for his labors. After twelve vears
passed in that way, he returned to his
home, married Miss Florentine Patrise
October 16, 1866, and brought his bride
to the farm on which he has since resided.
He then turned his attention to agricul-
tural pursuits, v\hich he has followed suc-
cessfully for a number of years, and in
1880 he established a general mercantile
store in Namur, where he is doing a good
business. His brother, JohnB., married
a sister of Mrs. Evrard, and together the
brothers own 252 acres of land. To Mr.
and Mrs. Frank Evrard six children have
been born: Mary, Emma, Alex, Esther,
Frank and Poland. The family are all
members of the Catholic Church, their
home is the abode of hospitality, and
their circle of friends in this community
is a very large one.
On obtaining the right of franchise,
Mr. Evrard identified himself with the Re-
publicans, and continued to support them
for some time, but during the past four
years has affiliated with the Democratic
party. His father was the first chairman
of the town board in Union township, and
has filled that office four years, while at
the present writing he is serving as post-
master at Namur. He came to Wiscon-
sin when Door county was in its primitive
condition, and has been an eyewitness of
the greater part of its development; has
seen the introduction of railroads; has
watched the transfonnation of the wild
land into beautiful homes and farms,
and has witnessed the development of
thri\'ing towns and cities.
JOHN WALSH, attorney at law, Ke-
waunee, is a native of Two Rivers,
Wis., born January 15, 1872, a son
of Felix and Bridget (Comer) Walsh,
mention of whom is made in the sketch of
Hon. John Wattawa elsewhere in this
volume.
The boyhood of our subject was pass-
ed on a farm and in attending the pub-
lic schools at Two Rivers. In June,
1S89, he graduated at the high school of
that place, and immediately thereafter
went to Redfield, S. Dak. , where he
taught school two winters, in the sum-
mer season reading law; he was also em-
ployed in the law office of his brothers,
Henry C. and Thomas J. Walsh. In 1891
he was employed as agent for the Ameri-
can Express Co. , at the same place, and
in the fall of 1892 he was stationed, as
their agent, at Aberdeen, S. Dak., re-
maining there one year, or till the fall of
1893, when he became a student in the
Law Department of the University of
Wisconsin, Madi.son. In 1894 Mr. Walsh
resumed the study of law in the office of
his brother-in-law, Hon. John Wattawa,
in Kewaunee, where he is still engaged,
and on December 18, that year, was
566
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
admitted to the bar at Milwaukee, pass-
infj a highly creditable examination before
the State board of examiners.
JOSEPH F. STROH. proprietor of a
leading general store in Sturgeon
Bay, Door county, and one of the
city's most progressive citizens, is a
native of Ohio, born in the city of Cleve-
land June 25, 1850.
His father, Charles Stroh, a German
by birth, came to the United States when
a young man, locating in Cleveland, Ohio,
where he married Miss Marv Baumer,
also a German, who bore him two chil-
dren: Mary Ann and Joseph F. In Cleve-
land he followed merchandising, and in
185 1 he came with his family to Wiscon-
sin, settling in Fond du Lac, where he
was engaged in general mercantile busi-
ness. He carried the first mail between
Fond du Lac and Milwaukee, was a
Union soldier in the war of the Rebellion,
and died in the army. His widow subse-
quently married George Weis, and now
lives in Washington county. Wis. ; six
children were the result of this union.
The subject proper of these lines came
with his parents to Wisconsin at the age
of two years, obtained a good education
in the winter schools of Washington coun-
ty, the rest of the year being devoted to
working on his father's farm. In 1869,
at the age of eighteen, he came to Stur-
geon Bay, and for the first two years
worked on a farm in Door county, send-
ing his earnings to his parents; then con-
ducted a hotel one year, after which he
again carried on farming until 1882, when
he commenced the business of contractor
and builder at Sturgeon Bay, which he
pursued some ten years, erecting many
school-houses in Door and other counties
in Wisconsin, besides several residences
in Sturgeon Bay, employing from ten to
fifteen hands. In 1891 he erected a fine
brick business block for himself, where he
now has his store, the balance of the block
being fitted up and occupied as the well-
known " Commercial Hotel;" also built
the bridge across the bay, and assisted in
the erection of the gristmill and elevator.
His real-estate interests have been exten-
sive, chiefly in the way of buying lots on
which he would build dwellings, and then
sell on time to people of limited means.
Mr. Stroh has been twice married,
first time, in 1871, to Miss Mary Hinker,
by whom he has four children: Frank,
Lizzie, Cassie, and Mary. The mother
of these died in 1881, and in 1882 Mr.
Stroh married Miss Bertha Gabert, who
was born in Manitowoc, Wis. , daughter
of Henry and Anna Gabert, of Ahnapee,
Kewaunee county, where her father fol-
lowed the shoemaking 'business; he is now
deceased, and the mother is still a resi-
dent of Ahnapee. Bj^ this marriage there
were six children: Annabel, Archie,
Lucia and Verda, living, and Joseph and
Eddie, who died of diphtheria at the ages
of four and six years respectively. The
entire familj- attend the services of the
M. E. Church. Socially our subject is a
member of the Royal Arcanum; in politics
he is a straight Republican, and in civic
affairs he has been a member of the city
council three years, besides holding sev-
eral minor offices. When he first came
to this county he bought a farm in Sevas-
topol township, but sold it not long after-
ward. In 1891 he organized a company
who built the merchants' dock in Stur-
geon Bay, and in innumerable other ways
has he benefited the city and county of
his adoption. In that same year he gave
up contracting and building, and em-
barked in his present general merchan-
dising business, in which he does an ex-
cellent trade. In all his ventures Mr.
Stroh has been eminentl)' successful,
having in but a few years, by dint of sound
judgment, perseverance and untiring en-
ergy, accumulated a fine property, and
he stands to-day a thoroughly typical self-
made man, all the capital he possessed
when entering the arena of business life
being positively naught save a willing
pair of hands, a stout heart and a clear
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
567
head. Since the above was written Mr.
Stroh has taken personal charge of his
own hotel, '• The Commercial," and con-
ducts it in connection with his store,
proving an admirable and courteous land-
lord.
M
ICHAEL PEOT is an honored
pioneer of Kewaunee county,
one who has borne all the ex-
periences of life on the frontier,
and is familiar with the history of this
community from an early day, while with
its growth and upbuilding he has been
prominently identified. The best inter-
ests of the community have ever found in
him a friend, and he is a loyal and valued
citizen.
A native of Prussia, Germany, he was
born July 8, 1836, to Nicholas and Cath-
erine (Maas) Peot, whose children were
Michael, Catherine, Angeline, John,
Nicholas and Peter; several others died
in infancy. The father was a coal miner
in Germany, and in that land made his
home until 1847, when with his family
he sailed for America, landing in New
York after a voyage of forty-nine days.
He then made his way to Milwaukee,
Wis., and onto Washington county, same
State, and purchased forty acres of land
on which not a furrow had been turned
or an improvement made. In the forest
bears and deer were frequently shot, and
the wolves ofttimes made night hideous
with their howling; Indians still frequent-
ly visited the settlements, but gave the
white men little trouble. Mr. Peot and
his sons built a log house, 18x24 feet,
where he and his family and the family of
George Kersch both lived, the latter own-
ing the forty-acre tract of land adjoining
the Peot farm. During the first winter,
in a severe storm, a tree was blown down,
and striking the house caused consider-
able damage. The work of clearing the
land was accomplished with an axe and
grub hoe, and during the first few years
much of the work was carried on by our
subject and his brothers, for the father
went to Milwaukee and cut cordwood to
secure the money needful to meet the
family expenses. They suffered severely
during the first winter, and often the food
upon their table would be frozen; but in
the spring the father returned home, a
crop of potatoes and corn was planted,
and in course of time the farm yielded
sufficiently to supply their wants which
were of a very simple nature. Five years
passed before they could afford to pur-
chase a team, and it will thus be seen
that the work of developing the farm
was a very arduous task. An old gentle-
man, Mathias Miller, did all the market-
ing for the neighborhood, hauling pro-
visions from Milwaukee, a distance of
thirty-six miles, the trip sometimes occu-
pying six days, and he could then bring
only about five or six barrels of flour with
him, owing to the bad condition of the
roads. Many of the present day think
that times are hard, little reflecting that
fifty years ago people had to work on
farms and elsewhere for three or four
shillings per day, and no "eight-hour
movement " at that, but in continuous
labor from sunrise to sunset. The first
year the Peots were farming in this re-
gion they carried the potato seed (about
the size of doves' eggs) in their pocket,
and from four bushels they planted they
digged I 50 bushels in the fall. The yoke
of cattle which they brought with them
strayed away in the woods, and were
gone four weeks before they were discov-
ered, on their road home, however.
In 1857, the farm in Washington
county was sold for eight hundred dol-
lars, and the Peot family came to what is
now Luxemburg township, Kewaunee
county, where the father bought forty
acres of land for one hundred dollars.
He became owner of 160 acres on Sec-
tion 26, and again had to go through the
hardships of clearing a farm. On one
occasion he lost his way, and wandered
about for some time, but at length saw
some cattle which he followed, and they
568
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD.
led him home in safety. He had to walk
to De Pere, twenty-five miles distant, for
his provisions; but as the years passed
the comforts of civilization were added
and Mr. Peot also extended his farm un-
til it comprised 500 acres.
The subject of this sketch remained
at home until thirty years of age, and
then married Miss Gertrude, daughter of
Peter and Gertrude (Munyawe) Schaut,
farming people of Humboldt township,
Kewaunee county. She was born in
Prussia, German}', May 13, 1847, and
had a brother, John, her senior, and a
sister, Anna, younger than herself. The
young couple began their domestic life
with her parents, and in 1869 they came
to the farm which they now occupy in
Lu.xemburg township, Mr. Poet receiving
from his father eighty acres of land, to
which he has added until he now has 140
acres, one-half of which is under cultiva-
tion. Their home has been blessed with
ten children: John P., Annie, Catherine,
Michael P., Joseph, Mitchell, Nicholas,
Mary, William and Gertrude. The par-
ents and children hold membership with
the Catholic Church, and in the social
circles in which they move occupy an
enviable position. Mr. Peot exercises his
right of franchise in support of the Dem-
ocracy, and for four years served as chair-
man of the town board of supervisors,
proving a most capable and efficient offi-
cer, and fully demonstrating that the con-
fidence reposed in him was not mis-
placed.
GEORGE \V. MARSH, for over
thirty years a well-known and re-
spected citizen of Sturgeon Bay,
Door county, and prominent in
real-estate and lumber interests, now liv-
ing retired, is a native of New York State,
born in the town of Warren, Herkimer
county, September 30, 1813. He is de-
scended in a direct line from an English-
man who settled in Massachusetts some
time during the sixteenth century.
\\'illiam Marsh, father of our subject,
was born at Andover, Mass., March 26,
1776, and died in Ohio in March, 1843;
was married, in 1798, to Mary Hines,
who was born March 26, 1783, and died
in Jul}-, 1 86 1. Thirteen children were
born to this union, their names, dates of
birth, etc., being as follows: Anna, No-
vember 3, 1799; Ruth, November 30,
1801; Diana, February 28, 1804: Will-
iam, Jr., February 9, 1806: Benjamin
D., April 24, 1808; Matilda, March 9,
1 8 10, who died in infancy; Patience,
April 29, 181 1 ; George W., September
30, 1S13; Mary Ann, January 11, 1817;
Lurana, April 9, 1819; Sylvia, September
26, 1 821; John P., January 31, 1824, and
Nathan, August 13, 1826. Of this family
the following were living in 1895: Diana,
aged ninety-one; Benjamin, eighty-six;
George W., eighty-one; S}lvia, seventy-
four; and Nathan, sixty-nine. When our
subject was one year old his parents
moved from Warren, N. Y. , to Granville,
\\'ashington Co., same State, settling on
a farm two miles west of Bishop's Corners,
and here young George was reared and
educated up to the age of eighteen, at
which time the family moved to Fowler
township, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. , where
he commenced an apprenticeship at the
trade of blacksmith. Marrying here in
1837, he then commenced on his own ac-
count a blacksmith business at Halesbor-
ough, in Fowler township, St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y. , on the Oswegatchie river, two
miles above Go\erneur, at which he con-
tinetl until the spring of 1 839, when he sold
out and removed to Bucyrus, Crawford
Co., Ohio. Here, unfortunately, he was
prostrated with fever and ague, which
clung to him tenaciously for three months;
but in the meantime, his father being de-
sirous of trading his farm in Halesborough,
N. Y. , for his son's property in Ohio,
the deal was effected, and the father
accordingly came to Ohio, where he
died in 1843, our subject returning to the
old farm in Halesborough. In 1841 he
moved to Go\erneur, N. Y., where he
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
569
bought a water-power privilege on which
he erected a building 30 x 40 feet, three
stories in height, where he carried on a
general blacksmithing and carriage-mak-
ing establishment, which latter branch of
the business led him into another in-
dustry, as will presently be related. Being
naturally of an ingenious and inquiring turn
of mind, he conceived, while building
carriages, etc., the idea that it was possi-
ble to make felloes with a circle saw, a
great improvement on the method then in
vogue. Setting to work, he made his
own saw plate, forged the " arbour,"
completed the saw, set it up, and on the
first trial made a complete felloe — and
this was the first circle saw ever made
and used for that purpose in the United
States. He also invented a machine that
turned the thill from tip to cross bar, the
same as they finish them now, then
steamed and bent them into the required
shape, for carriages, buggies, etc., a vast
improvement on the old method of saw-
ing them out of the lumber; and the thills
made by him were the first made that
way in this country. Neither of these
ideas or inventions were ever patented by
Mr. Marsh, and had he done so there is
no doubt but that he would have realized
a considerable fortune. When he started
for the West in 1853, he sent 300 pair
of these thills to Buffalo, intending to
bring them on to Wisconsin
but he found
a favorable opportunity of selling them to
one individual at the railway station at
Buffalo at his own price, which goes to
show how highly they were already ap-
preciated in the market.
Selling out his business in Governeur,
N. Y., in 1853, Mr. Marsh the same year
established himself in the carriage-mak-
ing business at Beaver Dam, Wis., and
here continued manufacturing felloes with
his circle saw, the first of the kind pro-
duced in Wisconsin, and he soon built
up a large trade. At Beaver Dam he
exhibited at the county fair a two-horse
wagon of his own make, and although he
had to compete against wagons entered
from New York he took first premium,
and sold his wagon for $120. In 1857
he disposed of his business at Beaver
Dam, and went on a farm, where, with
the exception of one year (1861), he re-
mained until the fall of 1864, the time of
his coming to Sturgeon Bay. In the
spring of 1865 he bought the "Middle
Mill," where now stands a planing-mill,
but following fall sold it to Mr. Ives, who
disposed of it to A. W. Lawrence, by
whom it was converted into a gristmill,
but later was burned down. After selling
his mill Mr. Marsh returned to Beaver
Dam, thence moved to Cannon City,
near Faribault, Minn., bought a shop
and made wagons that winter, but sold
out following summer, and in company
with his son-in-law, W. H. Stevens, pro-
ceeded to Osakis, in the same State,
where the latter entered a homestead.
Mr. Marsh made a breaking plow, and
helped to break up the fallow, put up a
house, and assisted in cutting sufficient
hay to winter five head of stock, all for
Mr. Stevens. He then once more came
to Sturgeon Bay, and bought 400 acres
of land in Door county, which land the
county held in the town of Egg Harbor,
and Mr. Marsh secured the land by pay-
ing for the certificate (it was located on
what is known as the ' ' south bluffs of
Horse-Shoe bay"); then entered 200
acres of government land on the shore
below the " bluffs," erected a shanty, and
called the place Podunk. That same
winter he "banked" five hundred thous-
and feet of pine logs, and to use his own
words "spent the happiest winter of his
life;" in the spring sold the logs to Mr.
Gardner for five dollars per thousand feet,
and the land to William Sellick for two
dollars and fifty cents per acre, after
which he located four hundred acres in
the south end of Gardner township,
"the finest cluster of pine in these parts."
The county surveyed a road through the
land and cut it out, and that winter Mr.
Marsh built a mill in the woods six miles
from Little Sturgeon Bay and ten miles
57°
COHMEMORATIVE BWGRAPUICAL RECORD.
from Bay \'ie\v, and made shing;les. In
order to accommodate the traveling pub-
lic he also kept a hotel. This land cost
Mr. Marsh thirty dollars for each forty
acres, and that spring he sold the prop-
erty for twenty-four hundred dollars to
John and Thomas Williamson. In 1871
this tract was devastated by fire and a
tornado, forty-five people losing their
lives, two only being saved — Thomas
Williamson and his mother — and the
place has since been known as ' ' Tor-
nado." Mr. Marsh's next purchase was
the lot in Sturgeon Bay, whereon he
built the shinge mill which he conducted
for several years, and which is now oper-
ated by O. Brown & Company.
Mr. Marsh has been twice married:
first time, in 1837, to Miss Mary C. Flint,
a native of Bomas Creek, Montgomery
Co., N. Y. (si.x miles south of Ft. Plain),
who died at Beaver Dam, Wis., in No-
vember, 1856, aged forty-three years and
eleven months, leaving five children, viz. :
Josephine, who married Michael Walrod,
of Rice county, Minn, (she is now keep-
ing house for her father); Mary L. , wife
of W. H. Stevens, of Osakis, Minn. ;
George A., married to Melissa Bailor,
and now living near Erwin, S. Dak. ;
Helen M., wife of Frank A. Ives, of Stur-
geon Bay; and Cora L. , married to
Charles A. Bailor and living at Spokane,
Wash. In November, 1859, Mr. Marsh
married Miss Catherine N. Hutchinson,
who died September 26, 1894, at the age
of seventy-four years, by which union
there were no children. In politics Mr.
Marsh has been a lifelong Whig and Re-
publican, and although averse to holding
office has occasionally served in minor
positions of trust. In both theory and
practice he has always been a strict ad-
vocate of temperance, and to this in a
great measure may be attributed his won-
derful energy and unimpaired faculties.
Thus has brief!)- been sketched an
authentic account of the life of one of the
pioneers of W'isconsin and of Door coun-
ty, who has been an active and vigorous
factor in the affairs and industries; who,
although he has passed beyond the allot-
ted time given to man, being an octoge-
narian, is still active, living in the enjoj--
ment of a comfortable and well-earned
competence, in the enjoyment of the full-
est esteem and regards of the people
among whom he has so long lived, and
calmly and reverently awaiting the sum-
mons that must come to all.
FRANK PAAPE, who has been iden-
tified with the interests of Ahna-
pee township, Kewaunee county,
for almost the past twenty years,
as one of her thrifty farmer citizens, is
a native of Germany, born January 4,
1832, in the Kingdom of Prussia. He is
a son of Gottlieb and Flora (Hinz) Paape,
also natives of Prussia, the former of
whom was a miller by occupation. Both
are now deceased. Frank, our subject,
was the youngest child in their family of
five children, one of whom is deceased,
the others being Fred and Charles, of
Prussia; Flora, Mrs. Charles Hench, of
Milwaukee, and Frank.
Our subject was educated in the com-
mon schools of his native country, and
when fourteen years of age was appren-
ticed to a carpenter and joiner, complet-
ing his trade when nineteen years of age,
and following it until his emigration to the
United States, in 1857. Soon after his
arrival in this country he located in the
city of Milwaukee, Wis., where he fol-
lowed his trade some years, and then en-
gaged in mercantile pursuits until 1875,
when he sold his business in Milwaukee
and moved to the town of Ahnapee,
Kewaunee countj'. Purchasing the farm
he still owns and occupies, he has since
been engaged in general agriculture, and
is one of the successful farmers of his
section. Mr. Paape's marriage to
Katharine Solterback took place in Mil-
waukee May I, 1S58; she is the mother
of sixteen children, seven oi whom are
deceased, and nine living, as follows:
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
571
Bertha, Mrs. Joseph Roberts, of Birnam-
wood, Wis.; Charles, of Sturgeon Bay;
William, of Sturgeon Bay; Henry, of
Washburn, Wis. ; Amelia, Mrs. Ed.
Pepper, of Marinette, Wis.; Edward;
George; Ida, and Emma. Mrs. Paape is
the daughter of George and Margaret
Solterback, natives of Schleswig-Holstein,
where she was also born, on January 10,
1840. Politically Mr. Paape is independ-
ent, always supporting the best candidate.
The family are members of the Lutheran
Church of Ahnapee.
In 1864 Mr. Paape enlisted in Com-
pany G, Forty-fifth Wis. V. I., for one
year or during the war, and served some
eleven months, receiving an honorable dis-
charge in August, 1865; he was disabled
during his service. He is a member of
Joseph Andreag Post, G. A. R. , of
Ahnapee.
IVl
ATHIAS MELCHIOR, post-
master at Ahnapee, Kewaunee
county. This gentleman was
born October 6, 1836, in
Schwemellingen, Prussia, Germany, where
the old family of Melchior had resided for
generations, occupying an honorable place
among the citizens of their native town.
Many of them were shoemakers by occu-
pation, the trade being handed down
from father to son. Grandfather Bern-
hard Melchior died in the village of
Schwemellingen, leaving a family of four
children — two sons and two daughters:
Michael (father of our subject), Nicholous,
Elizabeth and Anna Mary.
Michael Melchior learned the shoe-
maker's trade in Germany, and was a
skillful mechanic, able to work with tools
of almost any description, could do car-
penter work, clock and watch repairing,
etc. , and was also a musician of consider-
ble ability. He came to America, set-
tling in the then new town of Ahnapee,
Wis., where, being a progressive man, he
became a useful citizen, made many
friends, and was greatly respected by all
He was a man of good
who knew him
habits, and a devout Christian. He died
in Ahnapee January 7, 1891, aged nearly
eighty-two years, followed to the grave
by his wife, who passed away in Septem-
ber, 1892, aged eighty-two years. She
was a wide-awake woman, ambitious for
the success of her family, of whom seven
reached maturity, viz. : Anna Mary Dier
(now deceased), Jacob (who died leaving
eight children, five of whom were brought
to Ahnapee by our subject), Mathias (our
subject), John (who died in the American
Civil war at the battle of Bull Run),
Magdalena, Catherina, and Michael.
Mathias Melchior learned his trade
thoroughly in Germany, beginning when
twelve years old. At the age of twenty-
one he came to the United States, locat-
ing first in Manitowoc, Wis., where he
followed his trade in 1859-60, and during
the year 1859 he also spent seven months
in Chicago, working at his trade. In
August, i860, he came to Ahnapee, and
opening a shop here was successfully en-
gaged at his trade until about seven years
ago, when he sold out. Mr. Melchior
has made some good investments in city
and farm property, and since his retire-
ment from the shoemaking business he
has devoted all his time to his property
and private affairs. In 1 862 he was mar-
ried, in Manitowoc, to Miss Catharina
Feuerstein, who was born February 7,
1847, daughter of George Feuerstein, a
farmer of Manitowoc county. Mr. and
Mrs. George Feuerstein came to this
country in 1855, first locating in Manito-
woc, Wis., in 1863 moving to Ahnapee
where they settled, he here conducting a
farm. Mr. Feuerstein was born in El-
sass-Lothringen, France, and served
seven years in the French army; he died
at the age of sixty-five years, his wife,
Barbara, passing away when aged eighty-
two years, leaving seven children. Mr.
and Mrs. Feuerstein were earnest, up-
right and conscientious people, good
Catholics in religious faith, and respected-
] by all. To Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Mel-
57-
COMMKMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
chior were born six children, as follows:
Catharina, Eniina, Lena, Mary, Mathias
F. and Carl J., of whom Emma and
Lena are clerks in the postoffice, assist-
ing their father, who received his appoint-
ment in October, 1893. In relij:jious faith
Mr. and Mrs. Mclchior arc Catholics, and
have taken an active part in church work;
he has filled many offices in same, among
others those of secretary and treasurer,
and has been instrumental in the building
up the Church, giving liberalh' to its sup-
port. He served as town treasurer, and
is one of the substantial business men of
Ahnapee, where he is universally honored
and respected for his integrity and up-
right moral character.
FRANK HRBEK, one of the wealthy
citizens of Kewaunee, is a native
of Bohemia, born July 28, 1823.
His father, Joseph Hrbek, who
was a shoemaker, died in Bohemia leav-
ing a widow and five children, Frank,
who was then nine years old, being the
youngest. The mother, whose maiden
name was Apolonia Slany, died in 1856,
also in Bohemia.
Frank Hrbek served ten years and six
months in the Bohemian contingent of
the Austrian army, and fought in Italy
and Hungary, also serving in Vienna.
He came to America in 1855 and passed
a year in Milwaukee; then, in 1856,
moved to Kewaunee count}', and for
eleven years followed farming with flat-
tering success. He then sold his farm
and settled down in Kewaunee village,
where for five \cars he worked in a shoe-
shop and store, later embarking in the
butcher business, which he followed nine
}-ears with uninterrupted prosperity. Dur-
ing this period of continuous industry,
however, he called into play his old mil-
itary experience and enlisted, in 1864, in
defense of his adopted countrj-, in the
Sixteenth Wis. V. I., serving with that
regiment until June 2, 1865, when he
was honorably discharged at Washington,
D. C, the war having come to a close.
In August, 1846, Mr. Hrbek was married
in Bohemia to Miss Anna Novak, adaugh-
ter of Joseph Novak, a manufacturer of
muslin. Two children were the fruit of
this marriage, viz. : Antonia, who died in
infancy in Bohemia, and Mary, who came
to America, was here married to John
Wrabetz, and died in 1883. The politics
of Mr. Hrbek are those of the Republican
party, and under its auspices he has held
several local offices of trust, among them
that of supervisor three terms, that of
school treasurer two terms, and is at
present a member of the board of alder-
men of Kewaunee. He is also a member
of the G. A R.
Mr. Hrbek has always manifested a
spirit of patriotism toward his adopted
country, and one of liberality toward his
county and town, mayhap one of grati-
tude for the success he has met with in
life since his residence here, although
this has been owing almost entirely to his
own industrious habits and native shrewd-
ness and keen foresight. He has ne\er
failed to extend a helping hand to the
needy, nor to aid any project intended
for the building up of the city of Kewau-
nee. His time, influence and purse have
willingly been at the service of his fellow
citizens in all judicious enterprises cal-
culated to promote the public welfare,
and the public have not forgotten his
prompt action in every emergency that
has called for the exercise of his charity.
When it is remembered that the early
opportunities of Mr. Hrbek for securing
an education were quite limited, and that
his early manhood was passed in "feats
of broil and battle," surprise may well be
excited at his success in later j'ears in
his quiet pursuit of the toils of peace.
But he possessed the virtue of persever-
ance, which helped him to a fair knowl-
edge of the branches of learning usually
taught in the common schools, and to
this virtue was added a power of observa-
tion not accorded to all persons. He is
emphatically a self-made man, and his
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
573
life of industry and wise economy, his
fixed purpose in all his undertakings, and
the tenacity with which he clung to them,
are well worthy the emulation of the
young men of the country who find them-
selves handicapped with poverty, but who
possess, as he possessed, an energy that
knows " no such word as fail."
FREDERICK JOHANNES, jewel-
er, and prominent as a citizen of
Kewaunee, was born in Prussia,
March 22, 1857. His father.
Christian Johannes, was born in 1806,
and was a merchant. He married Anna
Marie Horstman, who bore him three
children — two sons and one daughter —
Frederick being the eldest.
Frederick attended school in Prussia
until fifteen years old, and then learned
the jeweler's trade and music, although
he never worked at the former in the old
country. On January 20, 1846, he mar-
ried Miss Dorothy Vashardt, a farmer's
daughter, and in September, 1845, he
volunteered in the Prussian army, serving
two years, in 1 848 re-enlisting, and serv-
ing, during the latter term, nine months
in Denmark and in Hessen four months
in 1854. In the spring of 1855 he came
to America, but left his family behind,
fearing that he might again have to go
into the army. He first located in Two
Rivers, Wis., but after remaining there
only one year and six months came to
Kewaunee, and in the summer season
worked for Slavson & Taylor, in the first
steam sawmill erected here, employing
liimself in the winter at his trade, chiefly
repairing watches. In the fall of 1859
he went over to the old country, and in
1 860 came back with his family. For a
year he again lived at Two Rivers, but
finally settled in Kewaunee, filing saws in
the mills in summer and working at his
trade in the winter, as he had done be-
fore. When the Rebellion broke out, he
was offered a commission in the Union
Volunteer army, but he declined, as Mrs.
Johannes refused to give her consent,
arguing that he had already done suffi-
cient duty as a soldier.
Mr. Johannes has always voted with
the Democratic party. He has filled the
office of register of deeds of Kewaunee
two terms, and of county judge four years.
He was elected president of the village,
and later mayor of the city; he is the
present police justice of the city, also one
of the oldest county justices, and, al-
though he has several times declined re-
nominations, the people still insist on
electing him. Fraternall}' he is a mem-
ber of the F. & A. M., and I. O. O. F.,
and for years he has taken a great inter-
est in the Lutheran Church. Mr. and
Mrs. Johannes have had born to them six
children, all daughters, named respect-
ively: Sophy, Caroline, Wilhelmina,
Marie, Minna and Clementine, all, save
one, yet living.
JOHN FRIEDERICH IHLENFELD
is one among the thrifty German
pioneers who have become well-to-
do business men, and who are well
worthy of representation in the history of
Kewaunee county. He comes of an hon-
orable famil}- of farming people who took
great pride in their good name.
Christian Ihlenfeld, grandfather of our
subject, was a steady, hard-working man
who reached a ripe old age, and was hon-
ored and respected by all who knew him.
His son Christian, father of our subject,
was reared in his native village in Prussia,
and was also noted for his industr}-. He
there married Sophia Kaiser, and in 1855.
accompanied by his family, consisting of
wife and three children, he crossed the
Atlantic to America, making a new home
in Mishicot, Manitowoc Co., Wis. The
three children were Christian, John and
Friederica, the last named dying at Two
Creeks, Wis., while Christian yet follows
farming in Manitowoc county.
The subject proper of this article was
born February 29, 1840, in Gausendorf,
574
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Kreis Demmien, Prussia, Germany, and
with his parents came to the New \\'orld,
where he was reared upon a farm, follow-
ing that occupation until he was twenty-
two years of age. On January 31, 1862,
in Milwaukee, Wis., he enlisted in Com-
pany H, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, and
was under the command of Gen. C. C.
Washburn until the close of the war. On
March 24, 1862, the regiment reached
St. Louis, where the troops were drilled
for a few weeks (Mr. Ihlenfeld being there
made corporal), and then sent on an ex-
pedition through Missouri and Arkansas,
fighting bushwhackers and Gen. Price,
as well as the guerilla chief, Mor-
gan. In the meantime, Mr. Ihlenfeld
was promoted to sergeant, and in Helena,
Ark., he helped to build fortifications,
and also went on scouting duty into
Mississippi. He next went to Memphis,
Tenn. , and scouted up and down the
river after bushwhackers, when with his
regiment he proceeded to the siege of
Vicksburg. His company was again en-
gaged in scouting duty, stationed at
Haynes, Snyders Bluff and along the
Yazoo river pass. They then went with
Gen. Herron to capture Yazoo City.
Company H acted as Gen. Washburn's
body guard, and twenty-one men with
their captain, Julius Myers, were taken up
the river in the direction of the city and
piloted around toward the enemy's pickets
where they then concealed themselves.
The city was bombarded, and while the
battle was going on a Confederate trans-
port came down the river, and was cap-
tured by this company, the boat being
brought ashore while the crew were either
killed or dispersed. Company H next
escorted a wagon train to Benton, Miss.,
and then returned to Yazoo City after
having captured many men and quantities
of ammunition. Proceeding again to Ben-
ton, they thence moved to Kenton and to
Jackson, Miss., where the main body of
cavalry was stationed, after which they
returned to Vicksburg. Mr. Ihlenfeld
there veteranized, February i, 1864, and
after scouting in that vicinity for some
time went with his company to Oakland,
where thej' took part in an engagement
which lasted several weeks, Company H,
which was in advance of the main army,
opening the battle which was a very
severe one. Our subject also took part
in the battles of Cotton Plant, Memphis,
Helena, Yazoo City, Duvalls Bluf?, Jack-
son, Oakland and Granada, also at Egypt
where they captured 1600 prisoners and
the large supply train, then retreated to
Vicksburg, hotly pursued by the Rebel
cavalry.
At Helena, Ark., Mr. Ihlenfeld suf-
fered an attack of )ellow jaundice, and
when he had partially recovered he acted
as sergeant of the guard at Gen. \\'ash-
burn's headquarters. He was summoned
to the sick bed of the General, and telling
of his cure by "blue mass," the General
secured some of the same, and was also
cured. About December 20, 1864, the
command removed from Memphis, and
while going up a high bank after crossing
a creek, Mr. Ihlenfeld's horse fell, crush-
ing our subject's right leg, thereby mak-
ing him a partial cripple for life. For
three days his injuries were unattended,
and for nearly a year afterward he re-
mained with his regiment, receiving an
honorable discharge in Austin, Texas,
November i 5, 1865.
Mr. Ihlenfeld at once returned to Mish-
icot. Wis., where he remained a year; but
being unable to do farm work he sold his
property and came to Ahnapee, where he
has since been engaged in the wholesale
and retail flour and feed business. In 1866
he married Mrs. Wilhelmina Weilep Kunel,
of Two Rivers, Wis., whose first hus-
band, Anton Kunel, a soldier in the Civil
war, was captured and died in Anderson-
ville prison; their daughter, Amelia, is
now the wife of Casper Miller. Mr. and
Mrs. Ihlenfeld are the parents of six chil-
dren: Richard (who married Bessie \\'ein-
ing, and is assistant principal of Ahnapee
High School), Amelia, Sophia, Aln^a,
Leona and John. The mother is a mem-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
575
ber of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Ihlen-
feld is an honored member and takes an
active interest in the work of the Masonic
fraternity, and is also affiliated with Joseph
Andregg Post No. 242, G. A. R., of which
he is senior vice-commander. A highly re-
spected man, he occupies a prominent posi-
tion in business and social circles, and is the
same loyal citizen that followed the old tiag
on southern battle fields.
JOHN HENQUINET is one of the
extensive land owners of Gardner
township, Door county, also propri-
etor of a general store in the village
of Gardner, and is the efficient postmas-
ter at that place. His career has been a
successful one, and the well-directed
efforts and straightforward dealing which
have brought to him success are worthy
of emulation. A native of Belgium, born
April 16, 1830, he is the second child of
John B. and Catherine (Chandoir) Hen-
quinet. The father was employed in a
factory where was manufactured poison,
which caused his death while he was yet
a young man. The children of the family
were: Joseph, John, Louie, Peter, Desire,
Antone (deceased) and Antone.
A self-made man, our subject started
out to make his own way in the world at
the age of thirteen, and was employed at
day labor for some time. He also served
for three years in the army, and this mil-
itary training in several ways proved a val-
uable experience. In 1855 he bade adieu
to the friends and scenes of his youth,
and accompanied by his brother Peter,
now a resident of California, sailed for the
New World, reaching New York on the
14th of June. He then came west to
Milwaukee, Wis., where he was employed
in a brickyard for eight months, after
which he removed to De Pere, and se-
cured employment in a shingle mill, where
his services were retained for a year. On
the expiration of that period he went to
Kewaunee county, and with his brother
purchased 160 acres of land, where he
made his home for four years, coming
then to Gardner township, Door county,
here buying a tract of 560 acres. This
was about the year 1862, and they re-
tained possession of the entire amount
until the fire of 1871, when they sold a
portion of it, still retaining, however,
320 acres.
Turning from the business career to
the private life of Mr. Henquinet, we note
that on the 29th of July, i860, was cele-
brated his marriage to Desire, daughter of
Antone and Mary (Grede) Colignon. In
1862 they became residents of Gardner
township. Door county, but after three
years returned to Kewaunee county.
About 1867, however, they again came to
Door county, settling on land belonging
to Mrs. Henquinet's mother, which is still
their home. Mrs. Colignon lived with
them until her death in 1876.
Our subject at once began to clear the
farm, and during the first season raised a
crop of potatoes and wheat. He came to
this country a poor boy, but, together, he
and his brother worked, and their earnest
labor, which was carried on uninterrupt-
edly, and their perseverance and economy
brought to them a well-merited compe-
tence which is now theirs to enjoy. In
1883 John Henquinet established a gen-
eral store, and is doing a good business
in that line, receiving from the public a
liberal patronage. In 1889 he was ap-
pointed postmaster at Gardner, and the
duties of that office he discharges in a
prompt and faithful manner, in addition
to the other business cares which are
resting upon him. Seven children graced
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Henquinet:
Antone, Louie, Joseph (deceased), Lucy,
Theophilus (deceased), Joseph and Mary.
Four of the number are still under the
parental roof, and the family is one of
prominence in the community, while the
household is the abode of hospitality.
Mr. Henquinet supports the men and
measures of the Republican party, has
served as supervisor for two years, and
was chairman of the town board one
576
COMMEMORATIVE BIOOIiAPHICAL RECORD.
year. His business cares receive his
earnest attention, tiie trusts reposed 'in
him are faithfully fultilled, and he is a
most highly esteemed citizen.
ANTON CERO\SKY, Jr.(Cherov-
sKv), a successful farmer of Carl-
ton township, Kewaunee county,
was born in Cista, Jicin county,
Bohemia, November 5, 1850, and is a
son of Anton and Annie (Ziska) Cerovsky,
Sr. , the mother a daughter of Joseph
Ziska, of the famous Bohemian family of
that name.
Anton Cerovsky, Jr., the subject of
this sketch, attended school until fifteen
years old. On May i, 1S68, at the age
of seventeen years seven months, he em-
barked at Bremen, German}', on the ves-
sel "Kosmos," for America, and after
severe trials, landed at New York City,
July 3, following, where he learned team
shoemaking as trimmer. For a short time
he followed different vocations, and then
worked at his trade as trimmer about
eight years, or until i 876, when he went
into the saloon business, which netted him
a neat sum of money before he quitted it
in 1882, at which time he engaged with a
New York firm as a traveling salesman.
For a year or more he traveled through
the West, being desirous of finding a lo-
cation, and of leaving New York, but he
returned to that city and again engaged
in the saloon business, losing four thous-
and dollars. He then leased a large
place in New York for ten years, but after
five years sold out his business and lease,
having cleared a neat capital, and, retir-
ing from the business, came to Carlton
township, where he bought the farm he
still occupies, without the slightest knowl-
edge of farming. Mr. Cerovsky, Jr. , was
a member of Zerubbabel Lodge No. 324,
V. ik. A. M., at New York, from which he
withdrew upon removal from that city,
and became a worthy member of Key
Lodge No. 174, F. & A. M., at Ahnapee,
Kawaunee Co. , Wis. He is also a mem-
ber of the I. O. O. F. (Praha Lodge No.
436, N. Y. C), and the C. S. P. S. (Jan
Amos Komensky No. loj, being one of
the founders of the same — the strongest
Bohemian society in the United States,
numbering a membership of over ten
thousand. In politics, he is a Republi-
can, and is one of the justices of the peace
of Carlton township.
Mr. Cerovsk}', [r. , was married in
New York City, November 3, 1872, to
Mary Husek, who was born February 6,
1853, in Guttenberg, Bohemia, a daughter
of Jachim and Barbara Husek, the father
a dealer in the celebrated Bohemian ware.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cerovsk)',
Jr., has been blessed with the birth of
eleven children, seven of whom are living,
as follows: .Annie, the eldest, is one of
the most successful school teachers of
Kewaunee county, Wis.; Julian helps his
father; Ludwig, who is attending the
Carlton High School, is a bright, studious
boy, and ranks among the first of his class;
Marcella, Emily, .\nton and Arthur are
also attending school. Mr. Cerovsky has
been very successful as an agriculturist,
and stands high in the esteem of his fel-
lovvmen in Carlton.
AUGUST J. BOSMAN. The great
class of farmers that form so im-
portant an element in national
history and national prosperity is
well represented by our subject, who is
one of the leading agriculturists of Gard-
ner township. Door county. He was
born March 8, 1830, in the Province of
Brabant, Belgium. His grandfather,
Phillip Bosman, was a native of the same
country, a carpenter and joiner by trade,
and died March 11, 1838, at the age of
eighty-two years. There Louie Bosman,
father of our subject, was born December
'9- '799; he married Mary C. Liesse, and
they became the parents of children as
follows: August J., Catherine, Gustaf,
Antonet, Jane, Adolph, Dieu Donne.
The subject of this sketch received
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
577
the advantages afforded by the common
schools, and continued his education until
seventeen years of age when he began
learning the carpenter's trade with his
father, from whom he received instructions
in the business some four years. At the
age of nineteen he went to Brussels,
where he worked at his trade four years,
and then returned to his father's employ,
the succeeding two years being thus
passed. Attracted by the opportunities
and privileges of the New World, he set
sail from Antwerp February ii, 1856,
and forty-eight days later landed at New
York. His destination was Wisconsin,
and, on reaching Green Bay, he proceeded
to Red River, where he was engaged in
carpentering three years, after which he
was employed by the government for one
year to carrj' the mail between Green
Bay and Sturgeon Bay, a distance of
fifty miles, the trip being made twice a
week through a wild forest and across a
trackless prairie.
On October 3, 1859, Mr. Bosnian was
united in marriage with Elionore Burgu-
enium, and they came to Gardner town-
ship. Door county, where Mr. Bosnian
purchased forty acres of land, and erected
a log cabin, which for five years was their
home. The young couple began their
domestic life in a primitive style, but in
that little home many happy hours were
passed, for there is a freedom and ease
about such a life that has its charm for
all. Our subject cleared the farm, trans-
forming the once wild land into a rich
and fertile tract until five years had passed,
when he returned with his wife on a visit
to the land of his birth. There he also
passed five years, and in 1869, yielding
to the wishes of Mrs. Bosnian, he again
returned to the Wisconsin farm which has
since been their place of residence. As
his financial resources have increased he
has added to his land until he now has
160 acres, si.xty of which are cleared and
improved, and in addition to its cultiva-
tion he owns and operates a cheese fac-
tory which he himself built. Mr. and
Mrs. Bosman have one child, Gustaf, who
was born February 26, 1867, and Febru-
ary 9, 1890, married Miss Mary L. Gas-
soul, by whom he has three children:
August J., Elionore L. and Louie.
The Bosnians are worthy members of
the Catholic Church, and the gentleman
of whom we write, in his political views,
is a Republican; he was elected town
clerk, serving two years; chairman of the
town board, serving one year; town treas-
urer, serving four years; and justice of the
peace, serving sixteen jears. His has
been a well-spent life, characterized by a
laudable ambition, an untiring industry
and a commendable perseverance, and
the success that has come to him is the
just reward of his own labors.
JOSEPH ROBINSON is the owner of
one of the most highly improved
farms of Jacksonport township. Door
county, and is numbered among the
leading agriculturists of the locality where
since an early day he has made his home.
The record of his life is as follows:
He was born February 20, 1833, in
County Fermanagh, Ireland, and is a son
of John Robinson and Jane fSmith), the
former a farmer of comfortable means.
In the familj' were ten children — seven
sons and three daughters — Joseph being
the fourth. No event of special im-
portance occurred during his childhood
and youth, he aiding in the labors of the
farm and giving his father the benefit of
his services until nineteen years of age,
when he determined to try his fortune in
America, hoping thereby to enhance his
condition. In July, 1852, he sailed from
Liverpool, England, on "The Crown,"
and after a voyage of nine weeks landed
at Quebec. Having an uncle, Joe Smith,
living in Upper Canada, thither he pro-
ceeded, earning there his first dollar by
chopping wood. For about six years he
remained in Canada, and then removed
to Fulton, N. Y. , where his brother John
57S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was living, and where for some time he
made his home. During that period he
learned the trade of blacksmith, after
which he returned to Canada, and for
about eight or ten years was in the employ
of the Grand Trunk Railroad Company,
serving first as brakeman, then as bag-
gageman and later as conductor.
In July, 1866, Mr. Robinson moved
to Wisconsin, locating in Jacksonport
township, Door county, where he did a
jobbing business in getting out cedar. At
that time there was but one house in the
town — that occupied by P. G. Hibbard.
He aided in building the first pier at Jack-
sonport, and continued in this place for
three years, after which he returned to
New York City, where, about the year
1869, he was united in marriage with
Margaret Breen, who was bom in the
same county as her husband, in Ireland,
and had been one of his schoolmates in
her girlhood days. About the time of his
marriage, Mr. Robinson visited in Canada,
and was offered his former position with
the Grand Trunk Railroad Company, but
his interests were in Door county, and he
returned to Jacksonport, where he and his
wife began their domestic life in the home
which he had erected. He was engaged
in getting out cedar lumber, in which en-
terprise he was very successful, but after-
ward suffered misfortune, having $1,200
in notes, from which he had expected to
realize full value, but instead lost all. In
1885 he took up his residence on his
farm in Section 15, Jacksonport town-
ship, and now has a tract of 166 acres,.
seventy of which are cleared. Rapidly
has he improved his land, and is now the
owner of a valuable and desirable farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Robinson had a family
of five children, as follows: Mary J. (de-
ceased in infancy), and George J., Will-
iam J., Isabella M. and Jane E., still at
home. The parents are both members
of the Episcopal Church, and in politics,
Mr. Robinson was formerly a Republican,
but of late years has affiliated with the
Democratic party. He is a highly re-
spected man, a good citizen, a kind neigh-
bor, and in the history of Door county
well deserves representation.
ARCHIBALD MacEACHAM, M.
D. (deceased), was born Decem-
ber 25, 1833, in Glasgow, Scot-
land, and the place of his birth,
known as "Granite Palace," is still in the
possession of the family. His parents,
Neil and Jane (Taylor) MacEacham,
were also natives of the land of heather,
the father born in the island of Islay, the
mother in Paisley. In 1834 they came to
this continent, making their New-W'orld
home in Prince Edward's Island, and here
the mother died in 1837, the father sur-
viving her until 1883, dying also in Prince
Edward's Island.
The subject of these lines was but an
infant when his parents brought him
across the Atlantic, and at the common
schools of Prince Edward's Island he re-
ceived a liberal educational training.
When sixteen years old he commenced
the study of medicine, which he prose-
cuted till the breaking out of the war of
the Rebellion, when he entered the naval
service as surgeon's assistant, remaining
as such some four years, during which
period he was twice wounded while in the
performance of his duties. After the war
he resumed his medical studies, and on
graduating practiced in Chicago, 111.,
later in Marquette, Wis., in 1 870 coming
to Sturgeon Bay, where he soon suc-
ceeded in building up a large and lucra-
tive practice, and by his energy, sagacity
and progressiveness became one of the
foremost promoters of the welfare and
importance of the city. In 1875 he
bought out McKinney's drug store, and
thereafter devoted much of his time to
that business, as well as to his office
practice. In 1880 he bought the farm at
Circle Ridge, built a dock there and con-
verted it into a busy shipping place, giv-
ing employment to a large number of
hands in the winter seasons, getting out
A. MacEacham, M, D.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5S1
cedar. The Doctor died March 21, 18S4,
at Brooksville, Fla. , whither he had gone
to purchase a winter home, and from an
issue of a Sturgeon Bay paper of about
that date we glean the following: " His
death was a public loss, a temporary
wound to the prosperity of Sturgeon Bay,
and the principal business men felt that
one of the business props of the place
had been broken down. Probably one of
the largest funeral processions ever seen
on the peninsula followed his remains to
Bayside Cemetery. People from all parts
of the county were there to show their
respect and esteem for the departed, and
it is safe to say that there was not
another person in the community more
universally beloved by the people in gen-
eral than the deceased. * * * As a practi-
tioner, he won the confidence and love of
all who employed him, and although when
established in the drug business he relin-
quished his practice, yet quite a number
of his old patients would not permit a
tranfer of themselves, but clung to their
old doctor."'
On March 20, 1872, Dr. MacEacham
was married at Sharon, Wis. , to Miss
Nettie Barrett, of New York, and two
children came to brighten their home:
Jeanie F. , born February 23, 1873, and
William A., born February 6, 1875. Mrs.
Nettie MacEacham is a daughter of Jesse
and Margaret Ann (Smith) Barrett, edu-
cated and refined people, the father born
in Bedford, Westchester Co., N. Y. , son
of Joseph and Deborah (St. John) Bar-
rett, the mother a native of New York
City, daughter of Ellis and Hannah (Pel-
ham) Smith: she was educated at Miss
Prime's Seminary at Sing Sing on Hud-
son, at which city she was married to Mr.
Barrett in January, 1834. They began
housekeeping in Bedford, Westchester
Co., N. Y. , where he engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits, and there their children
were born, named, respectively, in the
order of their birth: Julia, Ellis, Nettie,
Jotham, Samuel, Roscoe, Jennie, Will-
iam and Carleton. Of these, Roscoe,
33
Samuel, Jennie and Carleton are de-
ceased; William, at the age of nineteen
joined the regular army, stationed in the
West, and has not been heard from in
nearly twenty years; the others are mar-
ried and living in different parts of Wis-
consin. In 1857 the father of this family
sold his farm at Bedford, N. Y. , and
moved west to another at Markesan,
Green Lake Co. , Wis. , taking with him
all his family except his daughter Nettie,
who remained in the East some years
longer, making her home in the family of
her mother's only brother, J. W. Smith,
a merchant of New York City. After a
few years' residence in Markesan Mr. Bar-
rett sold his farm and removed to Sharon,
Walworth Co., Wis., where he passed
the remainder of his honored life, dying
in 1877. His widow passed away in 1880,
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mac-
Eacham, at Sturgeon 13ay, whither she
had gone to pass her declining )-ears, but
dying in less than a week after her arrival.
Mrs. MacEacham is now living at Stur-
geon Bay in the companionship of her
children, and enjoys the unqualified
esteem and regard of her many friends
and acquaintances.
FREDERICK BACH, one of the
most influential citizens of Ke-
waunee, is a native of Austria,
born October 11, 1847. His
father, Anton Bach, was a farmer, and
as it was the custom of the country to
learn a trade, he was also a wood-turner.
Wenzel Bach, the father of Anton, was a
school-teacher, and his trade that of
painting and wood carving. He came to
America in 1854, and died in Kewaunee
in the spring of 1854. *
Anton Bach was m.arried in Austria
to Teressa Doerfler, and with her and
the other members of the family came to
the United States in 1853. To the mar-
riage of Anton were born six children,
viz.: Edward, Martin, Frederick, Anna,
Mary and Lottie. The father of this
5S3
COMMEMORATirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
famil)-, after reachiiij,' the United States,
passed a year in Milwaukee, ^^'is. , and
then took up a piece of wild land from
the State in Kewaunee county, in what
is now known as Kewaunee township,
which he improved and resided upon un-
til 1S65, when he rented it out and
moved to Carlton, dyinfj there in the
winter of 1S66.
Frederick Bach, the subject proper of
this sketch, lived on the home farm, as-
sisting his father until 1865, his brothers
Edward and Martin serving meanwhile in
the Civil war. On their return Edward
and he bought the general store and saw-
mill of a Mr. Dean, at Carlton, which was
conducted for a time under the firm name
of Taylor & Bach, Frederick having
really no interest in the business until
1875. when he bought a share, the firm
then becoming Taylor, Bach & Co. In
1892 Frederick Bach and his family came
to Kewaunee, where he had an interest in
a gristmill; this he superintended about
si.\ months, when his health failed, and
since that time he has taken no active
part in the management of the concern,
although he retains his interest therein.
He is also a stockholder in, and president
of, the Bach, Koenig & Piser General
Store Co., of Kewaunee, which company
was organized in 1893, and has also a
large branch store at Carlton. Mr. Bach
also has an interest in the Kewaunee
Jiank, and in a cheese factory that now
ranks as second in the State, although it
was run at a loss for some time, when
first started, by Tavlor, Bach & Co., in
1875.
Mr. Bach was united in marriage in
September, 1876. with Miss Emma St.
Fetter, a native of Carlton, W'is., and to
this union have been born five children,
\\/.. : Cora, Maud, Luella, Rowland and
Edward. In politics Mr. Bach is a Re-
])ublican, and cast his first presidential
vote for ( irant, but he prefers business to
politics. He is a member of the I. O.
(>. F., and K. of P., and is a great favor-
ite in social circles. His integritv has
never been questioned, and his word has
been always accepted as being ' ' as good
as his bond." His business abilitj- and
enterprise have been matters of admira-
tion and commendation, and there are
few men that stand as high in the esteem
of the community as does Frederick Bach.
JOSEPH GOETZ, a well-to-do agri-
culturist of Section 3, F'orestville
township. Door county, has here
made his home since 1879, at which
time he purchased 160 acres of wild land,
covered with a heavy growth of timber.
He at once began to clear and im-
prove the place, and in course of time
the tract was transformed into rich and
fertile fields which were made to yield to
the owner a golden tribute. His first
dwelling was a log cabin, but it has long
since been replaced by a more modern
structure, his present residence, which
was erected in 1889, being a story and a
half frame, 20 x 32 feet, with an L 24 x
1 8 feet. He also has a large barn 40 x
60 feet, and all the other accessories and
conveniences of a model farm. In 1 889
he erected a cheese factory which he
operated until 1893, when he ga\e it over
to the care of his son.
The owner of this fine property was
born in Prussia in 1838, and is a son of
Philip and Margaret (Breal) Goetz, who
were natives of the same country. In
1853 they left the fatherland for America,
locating in Manitowoc county, \\'is. .
where Mr. Goetz developed and improved
a farm until 1876. when he moved to Nase-
waupee township, Door county, and here
made his home until his death, which oc-
curred when he was aged eighty-one
j'ears. His wife passed away in 1894, in
the seventy-ninth year of her age, leaving
a family of four children, namely: Joseph;
Nich, whois living in Nasewaupee town-
ship; Katie, wife of Gottlieb Mussman,
also of Nasewaupee township; and Anton,
a resident of Minnesota. One had died
after coming to this country.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5S3
The subject proper of this sketch
began his education in the pubhc
schools of Germany, and there contin-
ued his studies until thirteen years of
age, when, in 1852, he came with his
uncle to the United States, the voyage
being made in a sailing vessel, which
landed after a passage of thirty-six da3's.
Coming westward to Wisconsin, he be-
came a resident of Rapids, where for some
time he worked as errand boy in a hotel
by the month. In i860 he moved to the
Lake Superior region, northern Michigan,
and was there engaged in mining imtil
1863, when he returned to Wisconsin
and in Manitowoc worked in a sawmill
till 1864. In that year he once more
journeyed to the Lake Superior region,
and was there employed in a sawmill till
1866, when he returned to Manitowoc,
Wis., where he worked in a sawmill until
coming to Forestville, Door county, at
which time he turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits, as above stated.
In 1863, in Manitowoc count}'. Wis.,
Mr. Goetz wedded Miss Marv F"rocena, a
native of Poland, and a daughter of
Thomas and Susan Frocena, who were
born in the same country. In 185 5, with
their family, they became residents of
Manitowoc county, and the father secured
land which he operated during the rest of
his life, his death occurring in 1893; his
widow still survives him. In the family
of Mr. and Mrs. Goetz were nine children,
as follows: William, who is married,
operates a cheese factory and a general
store, and is now serving as postmaster at
Maplewood; Joseph is engaged in teach-
ing in Stratford, Wis. ; Frank, Anna,
Katie, Margaret, Thomas, Julia and Felix
are all yet at home. Mr. Goetz is num-
bered among the pioneers of Door coun-
ty, and in its growth and upbuilding he
has ever borne his part, while in its wel-
fare he manifests a most commendable
intere.st. He exercises his right of fran-
chise in support of the Democracy, has
served as treasurer of the school board,
and has alwavs been a warm friend to the
cause of education, believing it to be one
of the important factors in the promotion
of good citizenship. In connection with
his family he holds membership with the
Catholic Church.
WILLIAM BARRETTE, a public-
spirited and progressive citizen
of Red River township, Kewau-
nee county, who has identified
himself with the best interests of the com-
munity in which he makes his home, was
born in Belgium February 18, 1829, one
of the eight children of Francis and Mary
J. (Millman) Barrette. The father was a
farmer by occupation, and through the
greater part of his life carried on agricul-
tural pursuits. The members of the fam-
ily are John 13., Catherine, Joseph, An-
toinette, Casper, Constant, \Villiam and
Isador.
In taking up the history of William
Bariette we present to our readers the life
record of one who is both widely and
favorably known in Kewaunee county.
The common schools afforded him his ed-
ucational privileges, and in his younger
years he learned the stone cutter's trade,
at which he worked until his marriage.
That important event in his life occurred
July 16, 1846, the lady of his choice be-
ing Virginia Geos, and to them, while
still residing in Belgium, was born a son,
Joseph. In the year 1848, having de-
cided to try their fortune in America, they
embarked at Antwerp on a sailing vessel
bound for Quebec, Canada. From that
city they made their way direct to Green
Bay, Wis. , thence to Ahnapee township,
now a part of Lincoln township, Kewau-
nee county. Here Mr. Barrette pur-
chased fort}' acres of land in Section 8, a
wild and unimproved tract, upon which
not a tree had been cut or a furrow
turned. He made the journe\- in a wagon
drawn by a yoke of oxen, and followed
the path marked by blazed trees, for no
roads had yet been made in that vicinity.
A place had to be cleared large enough
5«4
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to construct a house, and a dwelling
22X22 feet, covered with cedar bark,
was built. With characteristic energy
Mr. Barrette began the development of
a farm, and though the work was slow,
and his implements quite crude in com-
parison with those used to-daj-, the
work progressed, and where once stood a
dense forest were seen waving fields of
grain. The marketing was done at Green
Bay, a distance of twentj'-one miles, and
as Mr. Barrette owned the only team in
this locality he did all the marketing for
the neighborhood. It frequently required
three days to make the trip, and he would
spend the night in his wagon somewhere
on the road between Bay Settlement and
Green Bay. He used a grub hoe in
planting his first crop of wheat and pota-
toes, and the wheat was harvested with a
sickle and threshed with a flail. After seven
years spent upon his first farm, during
which time he had increased it to eighty
acres and cleared thirty acres, he sold
out and went to Chicago, where for a
similar period he worked at his trade. On
his return he purchased one hundred
acres of land in Section 5, Red River
township, now owned b}' his son, Prosper,
and again began the work of developing a
new farm. On that place he lived twenty
years, and added to his possessions until
he was the owner of 392 acres of valuable
land. A part of this he afterward sold,
and then removed to Section 9 of the
same township, where he purchased one
acre of land, erecting thereon a store and
residence; he has also just purchased a
pier and mill on the bay shore, costing
$1400, and to his various business enter-
prises now devotes his attention. After
coming to Wisconsin five children were
added to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Bar-
rette, namely: Mary, Augustine, Prosper.
Octavie and William, Jr. ; the mother of
this family passed away September 19,
1889. The youngest son, who has always
remained at home with his father, secured
his literary education in the common
schools, and for two years attended busi-
ness college. On the 25th of April, 1S91,
he was married to Mary, daughter of
Clement and Frances (Kayej Genesse,
and the}- had two children — Fannie and
Lillie.
In his political affiliations, the subject
of this sketch is a Republican, has served
as supervisor in Ahnapee township, and
as chairman of the board of supervisors
in Lincoln township three j'ears. For
four years he was chairman of the town
board in Red River township, since Au-
gust 14, 1890, he has been postmaster at
Duvall, and his prompt and faithful dis-
charge of the duties devolving upon him
has won him the commendation of all
concerned. In religious belief he is a
Catholic, and while living in Lincoln
township mass was held in his home
when there was no church in that locality.
He is one of the honored pioneers of the
county, and has not only witnessed the
growth and development of this region
but in all possiible ways has aided in its
progress and advancement.
JACOB RODRIAN, county treasurer
of Kewaunee county, was born in the
Rhine Province, German}', Novem-
ber 6, 1845. His father, Philip
Rodrian, a farmer by occupation, married
Fredericka Bretz, whose father was also
a farmer. Mrs. Fredericka Rodrian died
in Germany in 1890; Philip Rodrian is
still living in that country.
Our subject attended the public schools
of his native country between the ages of
six and fourteen years, and then worked
on his father's farm until he was twenty-
four j'ears old, or until 1869, when he
came to America. He had one brother
and three sisters, and of these onl}' one,
a sister, came to America, the others re-
maining in Germany. When Mr. Rod-
rian reached America he landed at New
York City, whence he at once pushed
forward to Wisconsin, locating at Hart-
ford, Washington county, and here hired
out on a farm for two years; then moved
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
585
to Ahnapee, Kevvaunea county, where he
bought the farm on which he still makes
his home, and where he is classed among
the best farmers in the county. In pol-
itics he has always been a Democrat
since coming to the country, being active
in both national and State politics. In
1882 he was elected treasurer of his town,
which office he filled three consecutive
terms, 1884-85 and '86; was assessor
1887-88, and in the latter year was
elected countv treasurer, in which incum-
bency he is serving his third term, seem-
ing to be peculiarly fitted for this special
class of public service. In 1894 he was
elected for a member of Assembly to the
Wisconsin Legislature.
On April 30, 1872, Mr. Rodrian was
married to Miss Julia Portz, daughter of
John Portz, whose family came from
their native Germany in 1875, and in this
country the father died in 1S83. Eight
children have come to bless the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Rodrian, who are devout
members of the Lutheran Church at
Ahnapee. The family are held in high
esteem by their neighbors, and Mr. Rod-
rian is recognized as one of the leading
men of the county, and one of its sub-
stantial, go-ahead citizens.
J NO GISLASON. The name of
Gislason was, for many years, a
most familiar one in Iceland where
Gisli Einersen, father of our subject,
was a prominent Lutheran minister. He
graduated in the theological course of the
Copenhagen University, and was ordained
to preach. A man of much mental abil-
ity and a deep thinker, he wielded a
powerful infiuence for good, and was
greatly beloved by his parishoners. His
wife, Sigridur Gudnundsdaughter, was
also a native of Iceland and, as her name
states, was a daughter of Gudnundur,
that being the manner of denoting the
family to which a child belongs. She
was the mother of five children, of whom
our subject was the youngest.
Jno Gislason was born December 12,
1S49, at Kalfholti, Iceland, and was but
eighteen months old when his father died.
He was educated in Iceland, and at the
age of fourteen years commenced clerking
in a general store, where he remained
employed at intervals until 1870, then
emigrated to the United States. In Mil-
waukee, Wis., he remained four months,
then made his way to Washington Island,
Door county, and found work in the
woods, but in the spring of 1871 he lo-
cated permanently at Detroit Harbor
where he now resides. He bought a
farm of sixty-one acres, although he made
fishing his business until 1876, when he
sold his possessions and went to Madison,
(Wis.) where he attended school. He
was then twenty-seven years old, and
though possessed of a good education in
his native tongue he inherited too much
of his father's scholastic tendencies to be
content with that after locating in another
country. Accordingly he remained in the
school at Madison until he had mastered
the English language, and secured a fair
knowledge of other topics. The spring
of 1877 found him in \Vashington Island,
Wis., where he followed various pursuits
until 1884, when he opened a general
store at Detroit Harbor, which business
he has continued ever since, having built
up a large and constantly increasing trade,
and become prosperous in every way.
When any public enterprise needs the as-
sistance of the business men of the place,
Mr. Gislason is one of the first to be ap-
proached, and unless the plan appears
impracticable he accords it his hearty co-
operation. Since his return to the Island
he has bought 240 acres of land which he
is having cleared and prepared for culti-
vation; it will then be most valuable and
for this foresightedness he will no doubt
reap a rich profit on his investment.
Mr. Gislason is a stanch Republican,
taking an active part in political affairs,
and although having no desire for office
his friends have made him supervisor and
justice of the peace. He is now clerk of
=;86
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the board of education in his district, and
is ever ready to promote the interests of
the schools. He is a member of the
Lutheran Church, which was so dear to
Ills father's heart, and contributes Hber-
aily t(jward its support; while his gener-
osity in every charitable enterprise brought
to his notice is most commendable. On
November 8, 1877, he was married at
Milwaukee, \\'is. , to Miss Augusta Barna-
son, also a native of Iceland, and the fol-
lowing named eight children were born to
them: Sarah E., Gisli I., August, Law-
rence, Ella, Charles, Esther and Stella
T. Mr. Gislason is personally superin-
tending their education, and hopes to
make them useful men and women.
1841,
FRED HARDER, for over twenty
\ears a resident of Egg Harbor
township. Door county, is a na-
tive of German}-, born August 16,
the eldest in the family of Fred
Harder, who had five children — one son
and four daughters.
In 1864 Mr. Harder was married, in
German}-, to Caroline Kullmann, who was
born there in 1834, and late in the fall of
1866 they sailed from Hamburg on a ves-
sel bound for New York, where they
landed after a somewhat unpleasant voy-
age of four weeks. By rail they came
west to Chicago, where Mr. Harder en-
gaged immediately at any labor that
would bring him an honest dollar, for the
e.xpenses of the journey had nearly ex-
hausted his savings. Chicago was their
home for over five years, Mr. Harder
working at the carpenter's trade there
after the great fire, and in 1873 removed
his family to Door county, Wis., where,
in Section 29, Egg Harbor township, he
bought si.xty acres, paying cash for same;
but shortly afterward it was found that the
title was imperfect, and he had to pay a
second time for part of the tract. The
land was totally unimproved, and he com-
menced the task of clearing without de-
lay, proving himself a most
worker, and possessed of a spirit of energy
and perseverance that allows nothing to
discourage him. He now owns 140 acres,
eighty of which he has cleared and has in
good condition, doing the greater part of
the work himself. By his own unaided
efforts he has acquired a comfortable
property, and, by his conscientious hon-
esty and fairness in all his transactions,
has gained the resp^ect and confidence of
those who have had dealings with him.
To Fred and Caroline (Kullmann)
Harder were born four children, two in
German}' — Gusta, now Mrs. William Mil-
ler, of Plymouth, Ind. , and another
daughter that died in infancy, while en
route to the United States — and two in
Wisconsin — \J\zz\e, Mrs. John Weiter-
man, of Voseville, Door Co., Wis., and
a daughter that died in infancy. The
mother of these passed from earth in Egg
Harbor township, and Mr. Harder subse-
quently wedded Amelia Bunner, a native
of Saxony. For his third wife he was
married, April 15, 1883, in Egg Harbor,
to Miss Caroline Blunk, who was born in
1 85 1 in Germany, and this union has
been blessed with one child, William.
Mr. Harder is a Lutheran in religious
sentiment, and politically he is a stanch
supporter of the Republican party.
JOHN \\'EIS, a prosperous and highly
esteemed farmer citizen of the town
of Sturgeon Bay, is a native of Wis-
consin, born in Washington county
May I, 1857.
His father, George Weis, was a native
of the Rhine Province of Bavaria, and
when a young man came to the United
States, first locating in New York, where
he followed the trade of baker, which he
had learned in the Fatherland. His eye-
sight becoming impaired, however, he
was obliged to abandon that business,
and coming to Wisconsin made a new
home in Washington county, where he
turned his attention to agricultural pur-
suits. He there wedded Mrs. Mary Stroh
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHICAL RECORD.
587
{iicc Stormj, who had two children: Mary
and Joseph. George Weis passed the
rest of his days in Washington county,
dying there in 1882, where his widow is
still residing. This worthy couple were
the parents of seven children — five sons
and two daughters — our subject being the
third child and second son.
Having passed his early life in a Ger-
man settlement, John Weis was educated
in that tongue until eleven years of age,
when he left home to work for others,
and has since been dependent on his own
resources, so that whatever success he
has achieved is due entirely to his per-
sonal efforts. When nineteen years old
he commenced working at the mason's
trade, which he followed some seven
years, and until he reached his majority
he handed all his earnings over to his
parents, not even buying his own clothes.
Coming to Door county (where he had a
half-brother living), in order to look up a
location, he during the first summer found
work in a sawmill for A. W. Lawrence,
after which he was engaged at the trade
of stone mason. Long and earnestly did
he now work, until he had secured enough
money to purchase a farm, and in course
of time he found himself the owner of 1 20
acres of land, forty of which he has
cleared. Xhis is one of the most pro-
ductive farms in the county, made so by
the efforts of the owner, who is justly
numbered among the practical and enter-
prising agriculturists of the county.
At the age of twenty-four years our
subject was married to Mrs. Elizabeth
Marie Toppings, widow of Thomas J.
Toppings, who enlisted, in 1862, in Com-
pany A, Ninth Missouri Cavalry, in which
he served three years and seven months;
he died in 1875, o^ consumption, brought
on by exposure and consequent sickness
while in the army. Mrs. Elizabeth M.
Weis was born March 3, 1850, at Pitts-
burg, Penn., daughter of Nicholas Hinker,
who came to Sturgeon Bay in 1857, and
settled in Sevastopol township, then a
vast wilderness, where he died January
26, 1865, of heart disease, contracted
through exposure and hard work in his
endeavor to clear up a farm and support
a family consisting of his wife, aged
father-in-law and five daughters. The
father-in-law, John Bates, who was a na-
tive of Amsterdam, Holland, died at the
age of 102 years, leaving but one daugh-
ter, the wife of N. Hinker. Nicholas
Hinker left surviving him his wife and
five daughters, to wit: Mrs. Elizabeth M.
Weis; Mrs. Catherine G. Follett, of
Green Bay, born at Buffalo, N. Y., Feb-
ruary 28, 1852; Mrs. Mary A. Stroh,
born at Larimer's Station, Penn. ; Mrs.
Caroline M. Lavassor, of the city of Stur-
geon Bay, Wis., born at Sevastopol,
Door Co., Wis., January 15, i860; and
Mrs. Margaret L. Weis, born December
31, 1862, also at Sevastopol, now a resi-
dent of Sturgeon Bay, and with whom
the widowed mother is at present living.
The third daughter, Mrs. Mary A. Stroh,
died May 23, 1880, leaving four children:
Frank, Lizzie, Cassie, and an infant
daughter whom the mother, on her death-
bed, gave to Mrs. E. M. Toppings (now
Mrs. John Weis) who named the infant
Mary Josephine Weis (she is now [1895]
fifteen years old, and is bright, affection-
ate and dutiful). There is also now an-
other infant left to the care of the old
home, a little son of John Weis' second
sister, Mrs. Andrew May, who died April
22, 1895, the same hour the baby was
born, leaving also husband and four
children — two sons and two daughters;
she was also born and reared in Wash-
ington county, Wisconsin.
Nicholas Hinker, who was a native of
Alsace, Germany, came to this country
with his parents when six years old, and
in 1849 married Mary C. J. Bates, who
was born at Utrecht, Holland, in 1831,
and when eight years of age accompanied
her father and brothers from her native
country to the United States, locating at
first in Philadelphia, from there moving
to Pittsburg where she married Mr.
Hinker. He was a coal miner seven
5S8
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
years prior to coining to Wisconsin. Mrs.
Elizabeth M. Weis was, as will be seen,
seven years old when her parents brought
her to the then wilderness of Sturgeon
Bay, settling four miles east of what was
then the village of Sturgeon Bay. For
the most of the way in their journey
through this region they found no road of
any description, so the men in the com-
pany had to make one and "blaze" the
trees, and the party did not reach the
roofless shanty until the third day, which
was June i8, 1857. It rained so much
that no work could be done at first, so
Mrs. Weis' father and mother peeled a
lot of cedar bark to form a temporary
roof, and about the worst trouble they
had was from the swarms of mosquitos
that visited the shanty to feast on the
new arrivals — so numerous and sanguin-
ary were the ' ' varmints" that a ' ' smudge"
had to be kept up night and day.
The fact that Mr. John Weis has
prospered in his undertakings is due, as
will be readily understood, to deter-
mined effort and good management, and
he is now in comfortable circumstances.
In religious faith he is a member of the
Catholic Church, and in political affilia-
tion since attaining his majority he has sup-
ported the principles of the Republican
party.
M
.\TTHIAS ROLLER, an in-
dustrious and well-to-do farmer
of Carlton township, Kewaunee
county, was born in Germany,
February 25, 1S31. and is a son of Al-
bert and Theresa Roller.
His boyhood days were passed in the
school room and on the farm with his
parents until he was fourteen years of
age, when he started out in life for him-
self, beginning as a farm servant, and so
continuing until 185S when he came to
the United States. It took him si.\ weeks
to cross the ocean, and, landing at New
York, he proceeded to Carlton, having
only fifteen dollars left to start in life
with. The ne.\t year after arriving at
Carlton, he went to Chicago, where he un-
loaded vessels, for which he received ten
cents an hour, and then only three times a
week. Not being able to make a living
there, he came back to Carlton, and for
about two years chopped cord-wood, also
worked in the forest, and was then able
to locate on the farm he now owns. The
land was, of course, all in standing tim-
ber which he proceeded to cut and mark-
et, at the same time preparing the soil
for cultivation. These pioneer days were
days of hardship and toil, but perseverance
and industry carried him through, and
his farm, consisting of 120 acres of land,
is now all cleared, and will compare favor-
ably with any farm in the township. On
the night of September 30, 1888, Mr.
Roller's property was destroyed by fire.
The loss amounted to four thousand dol-
lars, insured for two thousand dollars,
but the ne.xt year he immediately set to
work and re-erected the building.
In 1S58 Mr. Roller married Theresa
Sipple, who was born in Germany in
1837, a daughter of John and Josephine
Sipple. This marriage has been blessed
with eleven children, namely: Joe, Julius,
John, Willie, Matthias, Philip, Mary,
Caroline and Laura, living, and Joseph
and Louisa, deceased. Six of these are
now married, namely: Joe, Julius, John,
Mary, Caroline and Laura; five are living
on farms in the same town, where their
father has started them in business;
Laura is residing in Chicago. Mr. Roller
and famil}- enjoy the respect of all their
neighbors, and are regarded as good and
useful citizens, such as form a solid and
healthful community.
REV. ALONZO PARRER CUR-
TISS was born January 2, 1862,
in Westmoreland, N. Y. , and his
ancestors on the mother's side
were the old English refugees who fled to
Holland during the period of the Restora-.
tion.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
5S9
The Curtiss family is also of English
origin, and the grandfather was a buyer
and seller of live stock in New York, mak-
ing his home in Westmoreland, that
State, where he owned some real estate
and spent his last days. His son, Josiah
A. Curtiss, father of our subject, was
born in Westmoreland, N. Y. ; he mar-
ried Juliet Phelps, a daughter of Dr.
Alonzo Phelps, of Kirkland, Oneida Co.,
N. Y. , a descendant of Oliver Cromwell's
private secretary who signed the death
warrant of King Charles I. After the
death of Cromwell, and during the time
of the Restoration, he fled to Holland
with his family. He was a man of great
force of character and influence, and a
monument was erected to his memory in
a church in Holland. The old family
name was originally Guelph — the family
name of Queen Victoria. His descend-
ants came to America and settled in New
York. The mother of our subject died
June 15, 1894.
The subject of this sketch received his
primar}' education in the grammar school
of Clinton, N, Y. , a Presbyterian institu-
tion, where he pursued his studies three
years. Later he emigrated westward,
settling in Sandwich, 111., where he be-
came book-keeper for the Sandwich Manu-
facturing Company, and afterward held
the same position in their branch house
in Kansas City, Mo., remaining in the
employ of that firm for about three years.
He then went to Boston, where he studied
Latin and Greek with a Harvard tutor,
preparatory to entering the Western
Theological Seminary in Chicago, his
name being enrolled among its students
September 29, 1889. He was graduated
therefrom in May, 1892, was ordained as
deacon in June of the same year in Sheboy-
gan, Wis., and was ordained priest in the
cathedral at Fond du Lac, Wis., Novem-
ber 20, 1892. In June of that year he
had come to Ahnapee, and has since had
charge of St. Agnes church of this place,
having given evidence of great pastoral
power, while with both old and young.
Thorough
rich and poor he is a favorite
study and preparation have made him
well fitted for his chosen work, and he is
doing good service in Ahnapee.
HECTOR BONCHER, one of the
most prominent and influential
citizens of Luxemburg township,
Kewaunee county, is a native of
Wisconsin, born in Humboldt township.
Brown county, December 6, 1864, a son
of John B. and Mary (Tracy) Boucher,
well-to-do agriculturists of that locality.
They were born in Belgium, whence
the father, when he was about thirteen
years old, came to this country with his
parents, Maria and Theresa Boucher,
who settled in Humboldt township.
Brown Co., Wis., taking up 320 acres of
wild land. Here for a long time they and
their children were employed getting logs
out of the woods and making shingles
by hand, one thousand being considered a
good day's work. The children, fifteen
in number, born to John B. and Marj-
Boucher, were as follows: \'ictor. Hec-
tor, Ortance (deceased), Henry, Joseph,
Mary, Adeline and Catherine (twins),
Eli, one that died at the age of sixteen
years, Ortance Paul (deceased), Gene-
vieve, Victoria, Paul (deceased) and Mar-
tin. The parents are yet living on the
old homestead in Humboldt township.
Brown county, now consisting of ninety
acres of well-improved land, which the
father himself conducts. The children
all commenced the business of life early.
Hector, our subject, when fourteen years
old, entering a sawmill in Oconto where
he worked a couple of months at fifteen
dollars per month, after which he re-
turned home for a few weeks and then
went into the lumber woods, laboring
there four months. Another two months
were spent at the parental home bv Mr.
Boncher, and we next find him in Her-
mansville, Menominee Co., Mich., work-
ing in a sawmill at twenty-six dollars per
59°
COJUMEMORAriVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
month, whence after three months he
moved to Crystal Falls, Iron county,
same State, where he drove team for a
railroad company, at twenty-eight dol-
lars per month. At the end of two
months, however, he was unfortunate-
ly taken sick, and had to return home;
but, recovering in a few weeks, he
once more went into the lumber woods,
driving a yoke of oxen three months. He
then once more came home in order to
help his parents. All this time his earn-
ings were regularly sent to them to assist
in paying off the debt on the farm, in
which filial duty his example was followed
by his brothers. In 1880 our subject
went to New Franken, Brown county,
where he served an apprenticeship of two
and one-half years at the trade of black-
smith under Antoine Burkhardt, and then
went to Kansas City, Kans. , six miles
from which city, in \fissouri, he worked
seventeen hours a day for two months, for
a gardener, his wages being fifteen dollars
per month. From there he proceeded to
Beatrice, Neb., for the purpose of look-
ing up a certain land claim, which, how-
ever, he failed to locate, and thence
moved to Quindaro, Kans., where he
worked at his trade three months. While
•residing in Kansas he attended night
school, thus acquiring about all the edu-
cation he ever received, by which it will
be seen that he is not only self-made, but
also self-educated. From Kansas he went
to Joliet, 111., then returned to Kansas,
and was engaged there one year and nine
months shoeing wild horses; but receiv-
ing a severe injury one day while at work,
.he had to abandon the job and leave for
his home in Brown county. Recovering
from his accident, he came to Luxem-
burg township, Kewaunee county, and
here worked at his trade eighteen months
at $1.25 per day.
This was in 18S7, on October 26 of
which year he married Miss Catherine
Arendt, daughter of Michael and Mary
Arendt (deceased), respectable farming
people of Luxemburg township, a sketch
of whom follows. After marriage our
subject removed to Humboldt township.
Brown county, where he bought forty
acres of land, half of which was cleared,
and here for five j'ears he followed agri-
cultural pursuits as well as his trade, and
also kept a saloon, in each interest meet-
ing with unqualified success. Selling out
to his brother Victor, who is still carry-
ing on the business, and whom he taught
the trajJe of blacksmith, our subject again
came to Luxemburg township, and buy-
ing half an acre of land at Luxemburg
erected thereon a building, 60 x 60 feet,
known as "The Railroad House," in
part of it engaging in the saloon business
for a time, the remainder of the building
being rented for a general store. In
1895 he sold this property and business,
and he is now building a fine residence at
Luxemburg. He is connected with the
Petrie & Co. Lumber Co., as agent. To
him and his wife were born four chil-
dren: Daniel, Elisa (deceased), John (de-
ceased) and Edmund. Mr. and Mrs.
Boucher are members of the Roman
Catholic Church, and in his political pref-
erences he is a Democrat.
That from a poor uneducated boy,
who when he was but fourteen years old,
the time he first left the parental home,
could not write even a short letter to his
father or mother, he has risen to his pres-
ent comfortable, well-to-do position by
his own unaided efforts, is proved by his
brief but interesting biography; and that
he well deserves all he has succeeded in
acquiring goes without saying.
Mrs. C.\therixk (Arendt) Boncher
is a native of Wisconsin, born in Luxem-
burg township, Kewaunee county, October
26, 1866, and remained at the residence
of her parents till the age of twenty-one,
when she was united in matrimony with
Hector Boncher, October 26. 1887.
Her parents, Michael Arendt and
Anna Maria (Deiski), were natives of
German}-, and both came to this country
in their youth. They met, the first time,
as new acquaintances in Gran\illo, Mil-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
591
waukee Co., Wis., and after being mar-
ried there they moved to Lu.xemburg
township, Kewaunee county, finding them-
selves in a considerably wild-looking coun-
try, without roads, and with but very few
settlers. Then taking up woodland they
commenced clearing up the same for
farming, besides which they kept a saloon
and postoffice (W'alhain), the mail being
carried by hand. About si.v years after-
ward they removed from that place one
and a half miles east, and again set to
work to clear up new land for farming
and agriculture, on which they remained
the rest of their lives. The children born
to this pioneer couple were: Peter, who
died February 20, 1873; John, now a
dealer in general merchandise in Luxem-
burg township, married to Margaret Denk,
who was born in Germany; Joseph, who
died November 19, 1888, at the age of
twenty-eight years; Mary and Margaret,
both deceased in infancy; Michael, a
farmer, and owner of his parents' farm,
and chairman of Luxemburg township,
married to Annie Gengler, who was born
in Granville township, Milwaukee Co. ,
Wis. ; Catherine, wife of Hector Boncher;
Daniel (single), farmer of Luxemburg
township; Lucy, now the wife of J. C.
Parks, a prominent law officer of Chicago,
111. ; Peter (single), a farmer, living with
his brother on the old home; Nicholas,
deceased in infancy; and Mary, also stay-
ing with her brothers in the old home.
The family lost their beloved father July
17. 1878, when the youngest child was
three months old, he being at that time
fifty years old. Mrs. M. Arendt, the
widowed mother, continued farming with
her children for eight _vears more, and then
followed her deceased husband into Eter-
nity, dying August 20, 1 886, at the age
of forty-seven years. The Arendt family
are members of St. Mary's Roman Cath-
olic Church at Luxemburg, Kewaunee
county, in the cemetery connected with
which the remains of their dear parents,
brothers, sisters and children rest in
peace.
DR. JOHN A. ROBERTS, of Ke-
waunee, was born in Manitowoc
county, Wis., February 12, i860,
a son of Adam and Ann Roberts,
both nati\'es of England, the former born
at Montfort Bridge, Shropshire, England,
the latter at the Isle of Ely.
Dr. Roberts, after receiving a sound
preliminary education at the Monitowoc
high school, attended Rush Medical Col-
lege, Chicago, from which institution he
graduated with the class of 1890, and at
once began practice at Kewaunee, where
he had previously been interested in the
drug business with his brother, C. B.
Roberts, who had settled here in 1874.
This partnership in the drug business had
been formed in 1879, and in 1882 a sec-
ond store was established at Ahnapee,
John A. taking charge, but in 1887 this
branch was sold. In December, 1891,
C. B. Roberts died, and Dr. John A.
Roberts then bought out the interest of
the widow in the Kewaunee store, since
when he has oonducted it on his own ac-
count, in connection with his professional
practice, which has continued to augment
its proportions quite rapidly up to the
present time.
Dr. Roberts was united in marriage
September 19, 1883, with Miss Mary L.
White, daughter of Bradford R. W'hite,
the result of this union being one inter-
esting daughter — Florence L. Roberts.
Socially, the Doctor is a member of the
I. O. O. F., K. of P. and Knights of the
Maccabees. In his political affiliations,
he is a Democrat, and he fills the posi-
tion of commissioner of public health.
PHILIP HERRBOLD, one of the
industrious and thrifty farmers of
Sevastopol township. Door coun-
ty, was born October 8, 1848, in
Ozaukee county. Wis., and is a son of
Jacob Herrbold, a native of Germany,
who when a youth of fourteen years came
with his father, Philip Herrbold, to Amer-
ica, crossing the Atlantic in 1839. The
592
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
family located about ten miles from Mil-
waukee, Wis., which was then one of the
most distant frontier settlements. Jacob
Herrbold was married in Ozaukee county
to Susan Conrad, a native of Germany,
and they became the parents of six chil-
dren— four sons and two daughters — one
of whom is still living on the old home-
stead in Ozaukee county, while our sub-
ject and his two sisters — Mrs. Wm. Bar-
tel and Mrs. David Klumb — reside in Se-
vastopol township. The father of this
family died in 1888; the mother is still
living.
Philip Herrbold, whose name opens
this sketch, received a fair education, and
remained at home until he had attained
his majority, for his father was in com-
fortable circumstances and could help
his children. On December 29, 1877, in
Ozaukee county. Wis., he was united in
marriage with Hermena Geidel, a native
of Germany, who was brought to America
when a year old by her parents, ^fr. and
Mrs. Gottfried H. Geidel. The young
couple began their domestic life in Ozau-
kee county, but in the spring of 1878
they came to Door county, reaching their
new home on the 28th of June. Their
home has been blessed with five children
— Clara, Louisa, Amanda, Jacob and
Rudolph; they lost their first-born, a
daughter, in infancy. Mr. Herrbold's
father gave him i 20 acres of land in Sec-
tion 36, Sevastopol township, and he
at once began the development of a farm,
for the land was covered with a heavy
growth of timber, and no improvement
had been made on the place. Cutting
the wood, he would dispose of it at neigh-
boring markets, and thus earned enough
to support his family while his farm was
being prepared for cultivation. In ap-
pearance, to-day, it bears little resem-
blance to the tract upon which he located
in 1878; for now rich and fertile fields
yield him a golden tribute in return for
the care and labor he bestows upon them,
and good buildings and other improve-
ments stand as monuments to his thrift
and enterprise, at the same time adding
to the value and attractive appearance of
the place. All is new and well-kept,
and the farm is one of the best in the lo-
cality.
Mr. Herrbold has been and is a hard-
working man, and has led a busy and
useful life. Indolence and idleness, are
utterly foreign to his nature, and his per-
severance and good management have
made him one of the substantial citizens
of the community. In politics he is a
Democrat, and has served as town super-
visor, but has never cared much for pub-
lic office; in matters of religion, he is
connected with the Moravian Church of
Sturgeon Bay.
JOHN M. BORGMAN, the enterpris-
ing proprietor of the planing-mill in
Kewaunee, was born in Green Bay
February 25, 1851, the eldest in a
family of eleven children, of whom five
sons and four daughters are still living.
John Borgman, the father, who was
a native of Prussia, born April 20, 1S23,
when sixteen years old was apprenticed
to the trade of carpentry, and became a
master carpenter. For three years after-
ward, however, he was obliged to serve
the regulation time in the Prussian army,
and at a later date, in 1848, was abnut
to be pressed into the service again, when
he escaped to America and settled in
Green Bay, Wis., resuming his trade in
1849 or 1850. His marriage took place
in the latter year to Miss Catherine \Vald,
also a native of Prussia, born June 10,
1832, and who came to America with her
parents in 1840. The father of Miss
Wald also located in Green Bay, and
later bought a large tract of land east of
the city, where he followed farming the
remainder of his days. Mr. Borgman
engaged in contracting and building in
Green Bay until 1858, when he moved to
Kewaunee, still following his trade until
1880, when he bought a farm one mile
south of the then village, 'on which he
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
593
Still resides. A Democrat in politics, he
has never been an office-seeker, yet has
consented to perform the duties of some
of the village, township and county
offices.
John iM. Borgman, from the age of
seven to that of sixteen, attended the dis-
trict school of Kewaunee, excepting three
months' stud}' at a business college in
Milwaukee, in 1875. Under his father
he learned the carpenter's trade, and in
iSSi erected his present plant, compris-
ing planing mill and fanning-mill factory,
with an extensive lumber yard attached,
which he enlarges as his increasing
trade demands, employing at the present
about ten men constantly. For the past
five years he has done a considerable
amount of government work in harbor
contracting, and he has a valuable interest
in the Kewaunee Brick Co., of which he
is the secretary and treasurer. He is un-
tiring in his energy and ever on the alert
for opportunities to extend the field of his
practical usefulness. In politics Mr. Borg-
man is a Democrat, and takes the interest
in both local and national affairs that
every true citizen should feel as a duty
and not for emolument. He has served
his fellow-citizens in two or three public
positions, because he has been sought for
the office, not that he sought the office.
In 1878 he was elected sheriff of the
county, and for nine years was supervisor
of his ward; he was also chairman of the
county board four years, and at various
times has been a delegate to State and
Congressional conventions.
Our subject was first married August
22, 1876, to Miss Mary Riedy, daughter
of Patrick Riedy, who was among the
early settlers of Kewaunee county, and to
this union were born two children, Wil-
fred M. and Charles Edwin, both of
whom died in infancy, the mother de-
parting to the beyond February 17, 1879.
Mr. Borgman's second marriage was con-
summated November 27, 1883, with Miss
Mary K. Poser, daughter of Frederick
Poser, one of the pioneers of the county.
By this union were born three children,
of whom one only. Vera A., is now living,
Estella having died at the age of five
years, and Clarence W. in infancy. Mr.
Borgman is an upright and useful citizen,
a thoroughly practical business man, and
is deeply interested in everything pertain-
ing to the welfare and progress of his
adopted city, Kewaunee.
ALBERT SCHMELING. Among
the many thrift}', industrious farm-
ers to whom Kewaunee county
owes the rapid development of
her agricultural resources, we find many
Germans, and of these the gentleman
here named is a prosperous agriculturist
in the town of Ahnapee.
He was born June 23, 1851, in Prus-
sia, Germany, son of Charles Schmel-
ing, also a native of Prussia, born in
181 1. The latter was educated in the
common schools, and was reared on a
farm. When a young man he married
Doretha Westphal, a native of the same
country, born in 1S14, and to their union
came five children who reached maturity,
viz.: Caroline, deceased; Hannah, Mrs.
Charles Noll, of Waterford, Racine Co.,
Wis. ; Henry, overseer of the poor of
Kewaunee county; Alvenia, Mrs. Charles
Dammas, of Ahnapee, and Albert. In
1857 Mr. Schmeling emigrated to the
United States and came to Ahnapee.
Kewaunee Co. , Wis. , where he purchased
a part of the farm now owned and occu-
pied by his son Albert, engaging in agri-
cultural pursuits. He was one of the
first settlers of the township, and passed
through all the hardships and trying ex-
periences of early Wisconsin pioneer
times. He converted what was a wilder-
ness at the time of his arrival into a
smiling farm, and conducted it success-
fully until his death, which occurred in
1 88 5, his wife following him to the grave
in May, 1893. They were active mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church, and he was
one of the organizers of the first Church
594
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mrs. Schmeling is a
society in Ahnapee township. Politically
he was a Republican.
Albert Schmeling was educated in the
public schools of Ahnapee, and reared on
a pioneer farm, experiencing thereby in
his earlier years manj' of the inconven-
iences of life. He has lived on this place
altogether since coining to Wisconsin, at
the age of six years, and here he has al-
ways followed agricultural pursuits, being
now one of the successful representative
farmer citizens of his locality. Since
coming into possession of the farm he has
erected commodious buildings, improved
the place generally, and added to it until
he now owns 105 acres of good land.
Politically, like his father before him, he
is a Republican, and in religious faith is a
member of the Lutheran Church.
Mr. Schmeling's marriage to Hannah
Grunvaldt took place June 20, 1.S74, and
to their union were born nine children,
three of whom are deceased; the living
are Charles, Hugo, Herman, Minnie,
Martha and Elsie
native of Prussia, born in 1854
JOHN R. Mcdonald, who is en-
gaged in the insurance business in
Ahnapee, claims Connecticut as the
State of his nativity, his birth hav-
ing occurred in Litchtield county, Octo-
ber 20, 1823. He is descended from the
old McDonald family, of the Highlands of
Scotland, whose representatives came in
an early day to New England, and were
well-known people of Connecticut.
His father, Lewis McDonald, was a
native of Litchfield county. Conn., there
followed shoe making for some years, and
then removed with his family to Erie
county, Penn., where he followed farm-
ing. Becoming a resident oi Cattaraugus
county, N. Y. , he there engaged in hotel
keeping for a time; then removed to
P"orestville, X. Y. , and later emigrated to
Wilmot, Kenosha Co., ^^'is., where he
carried on shoe making. He died there
at the age of seventy-nine years, and in
his death the community lost a highly
esteemed and valued citizen. He mar-
ried Betsy Rowley, a native of the Nut-
meg State, and a daughter of Ebenezer
Rowley, whose father, Ebenczer Row-
ley, Sr. , was a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary war. His powder-horn, on which
is engraved his name, a church and a
dragon, is still in the possession of the
family. The children of Mr. and Mrs.
McDonald were: John R., Charlotte
(deceased), Elizabeth, Harriet, Mary and
Homer. The mother of this family died
in Missouri.
Our subject, who was onh' two years
old when his parents left Litchtield coun-
ty. Conn., was educated in the common
schools near Erie, Penn., in early life was
employed on a farm and, later, read law
in Chautauqua county, N. Y. After being
admitted to the bar, he engaged in practice
in western New York, as a partner of Judge
Elisha \\'ard, until failing health com-
pelled him to abandon that work; so, sell-
ing his possessions, he went by water to
Detroit, thence drove across the country
with a horse and wagon to Wisconsin,
narrowly escaping being stuck in the inud
in Chicago. His brother-in-law, David
McCummins, and his father, being resi-
dents of Kenosha county. Wis. , thither
Mr. McDonald went, locating in Wilmot,
where he practiced law for a short time.
For several years during the fall season
he would organize fishing parties whom
he would escort to Green Bay. during
which time his family li\ccl in Wihnot. On
June I, 1859, he came to by water .-^hna-
pee. Wis. , where he was engaged in hotel
keeping for several years; in [863 he was
appointed internal revenue collector for
Kewaunee and Door counties, serving in
that capacity five years. In the fall of
1868 he was elected from those counties
to the State Legislature, and while in the
.Assembly secured the passage of a bill for
levying a tax for the ]')urpose of creating
a fund to open the mouth of Wolf river
(now known as .\hnapee river) for navi-
gation, a work which was eventually
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHWAL RECORD.
595
accomplished through an appropriation
made by the United States Government.
His efforts led to the estabHshment of
Ahnapee harbor, a work of much benefit
to the locality. He has been justice
of the peace for about twelve years, is
notary public, and has been court com-
missioner for many years. Although an
ardent Republican, he was elected district
attorney in a Democratic county, and the
good majority which he received attests to
his personal popularity and the confidence
and trust reposed in him by his fellow-
townsmen.
Mrs. McDonald was in her maiden-
hood Helen M. Bennett, daughter of Rev.
James Bennett, a Baptist minister, of
Forestville, N. Y. To our subject and
his wife were born five children: Charles
(deceased), James, George, Frank, and
Nellie, \\'ife of Herbert Thorp. The par-
ents and children are widely and favor-
ably known in the locality in which they
live, the home is the abode of hospitality,
and the members of the family hold an
enviable position in social circles. Mr.
McDonald has led a busy and useful life,
and is recognized as a prominent and
influential citizen of the community
whose worth and ability have made him
a leader in his adopted countj'.
JOSEPH BOHMAN, one of the most
successful farmers of Carlton town-
ship, Kewaunee county, was born in
Pilsen, Bohemia, February 15, 1854.
His father, also named Joseph, a
native of Germany, was born in 18 19,
and by trade was a baker. He married
Mary Fisher, and in 1S55 brought his
wife and three children to the United
States, Joseph being then an infant; after
their arrival here four more children were
born. The family first located in Mani-
towoc county. Wis., where the father
was employed in making shingles for
about a year, then came to Carlton town-
ship and homesteaded a farm, which he
at once proceeded to clear up for cultiva-
tion, but after a short time he sold a por-
tion of this farm to pay for the rest. He
then bought a portion of another one,
which he tilled until 1863, when he went
into the saloon business on the same farm.
This he followed about eighteen years,
then sold and lived in retirement until his
death, which occurred December 6, 1892.
His wife was born in Germany in 1824,
and died in Carlton in 1877.
Joseph Bohman, the subject proper of
this sketch and the third of the seven
children alluded to above, passed his boy-
hood in attending the schools of Carlton
township, and his earlier manhood in
assisting in cultivating the home farm.
At the age of twenty-four he started
farming on his own account, and he has
proven himself to be one of the best man-
agers and one of the most successful
farmers in Carlton township. Mr. Boh-
man was united in marriage, J une 1 8, 1877,
with Miss Barbara Viska, who was born
in Bohemia December 6, 1859, a daugh-
ter of Joseph and Josephine Viska, who
came to the United States in 1864, and
settled in Carlton. To the union of
Joseph Bohman and Barbara (Viska)
Bohman have come four children, their
names and dates of birth being as follows:
Joseph, November 10, 1879; Emma,
September 2, 1881; Mary, July 12, 1883,
and Polly, December 29, 1889. Mr. and
Mrs. Bohman are members of the Catho-
lic Church; socially he is affiliated with
the Royal Arcanum, and politically he is
a Republican. He has held several town-
ship offices, the duties of which he has
performed with fidelity and to the full
satisfaction of the public. He and his
family enjoy the respect of their neigh-
bors, and he is looked upon as being one
of Carlton's most substantial citizens.
FRANCIS BELANGER has been
actively identified with farming
and lumbering in Door county,
and especially in Sturgeon Bay
township. He is a Canadian by birth,.
596
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.
having first seen the Hght March 1 3, 1 845,
in Charrington, (.)uebec. and is a son of
Francis Belanger, who was also a native
of Canada, where he owned a farm.
Francis, Sr. , was a carriage maker by
trade. He was twice married, and had
a family of eleven children — eight sons
and three daughters — our subject being
the eldest child by the first wife, who
died in Canada. The father died in
Massachusetts.
Our subject received a good common-
school education, in the French language,
which he speaks and writes fluently. He
remained on the home farm up to the age
of si.xteen years, \\'hen he went to Troy,
N. Y. , and commenced work in a brick-
\'ard, at $15 per month and board, con-
tinuing to work there for three summers,
during the winter time living at home.
Having acquired considerable knowledge
of the business, he went to North Adams,
Mass. , where with his e.xperience he could
command higher wages for the same
work, being employed there one summer,
and in December, 1866, he came to Stur-
geon Bay, Wis. , expecting to find em-
ployment, lumbering, but his first work
was at Fish Creek, Door county, where
the vessel " Ludington " was then being
built. After coming here he engaged in
various occupations, principally lumber-
ing, remaining in the employ of A. W.
Lawrence for eighteen years, in the lum-
ber woods during the winter season, and
in mills during the summer time, for
nine winters holding the position of fore-
man, and generally acting as head sawyer
in the mills.
On April 29, 1872, Mr. Belanger was
married, in Sturgeon Bay, to Jane Be-
langer (no blood relation), a native of
Ottawa, Canada, and daughter of Francis
Belanger, and in 1873 he bought a lot in
Sturgeon Bay, on which he erected a
residence, where they resided for si.\
years, when he sold it. Then, in 1879,
he bought from A. W. Lawrence the
eighty-acre farm he now owns and occu-
pies, paying $1,600 for same. Not a
stump had been removed from the place
at that time, and Mr. Belanger lost no
time in commencing the work of clearing,
now having fifty acres of his farm in till-
able condition. His attention is now
given chiefly to farming, though he is still
a first-class sawyer, and also engages in
lumbering occasionally. By assiduous
industry he has succeeded in converting
his land into a productive farm, which he
is continually improving, having erected a
comfortable house, a barn and other out-
buildings, and in various ways added to
its beauty and value. Mr. Belanger's in-
dustrj' has met with well-merited success,
but he has also had his misfortunes in
business, meeting his greatest setback in
1 87 1. While in the lumber business in
Gardner township. Door county, in part-
nership with another man, they were vis-
ited by fire, Mr. Belanger barely escaping
with his own life, and, besides losing the
work of a whole summer, lost three thous-
and dollars in lumber and a valuable mare
worth $250 — one of the team which drew
their supply wagon. Our subject was at
work again within a month, however, and
though the loss was especially severe at
the time his never-failing perseverance and
energy placed him once more on a sound
footing.
To Mr. and Mrs. Belanger have been
born children as follows: Josephine,
Willie, Emily, Eva, Leo, Jurdich, and
Leonard, living, and one son that died in
infanc}'. The family are Catholics in re-
ligious connection. Mr. Belanger was a
Democrat in political sentiment until
1893, \\hen he enlisted in the ranks of the
Republican part\', of which he is now a
stanch supporter.
JAMES KEOGH, cashier of the Bank
of Sturgeon Bay, and one of the
most highly respected citizens and
leading business men of Door county,
is a native of Dublin, Ireland, born April
26, 1850.
In 1852 his parents, James and Mary
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
599
(Moore) Keogh, emigrated with their in-
fant son to Canada, locating near Dunn-
ville, Ontario, whence after a residence of
three years they moved to the United
States, setthng, in 1855, in Forestville,
Door Co., Wis., where they were en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits up to their
death, the father dying December 5, 1890,
the mother in September, i860. They
had four children — John, Edward, Luke
and James — all living at Forestville ex-
cept James.
At the common schools of Forestville
our subject received his elementary educa-
tion, which was supplemented with a
course of study at the State Normal
School at Oshkosh, prior to which, how-
ever, he had taught school some three
years. After leaving the Normal he again
taught school three years, during his en-
tire six-years' career as teacher in various
parts of Door county — Nasewaupee, Clay
Banks, and Forestville — proving an able,
efficient and successful educator, and he
is yet held in the most respectful remem-
brance by many of his old pupils. In
1874 he came to Sturgeon Bay, having
been elected to the office of register of
deeds on the independent ticket; in the
following year his re-nomination to the
same office came from the Republicans,
was endorsed by the Democrats, and his
election was accomplished by the people.
For fourteen continuous years, or until
1888, Mr. Keogh served faithfully and
diligently in this incumbency, only leav-
ing it to accept a position as cashier in
the Bank of Sturgeon Bay, and that his
services were fully appreciated by his
constituents was manifested by his re-
peated re-elections. In fact, his admin-
istrative ability was so justly recognized
by his fellow citizens that they promptly
called him to other positions of public
honor and responsibility, to wit: In 1878
he was elected county superintendent of
schools, and filled the office two years;
served as alderman several terms, school
commissioner, and president of the board
of education at different times, also as
34
justice of the peace, and during the years
1892-93 was mayor of Sturgeon Bay, his
nominations coming invariably from the
Republican party, of which, since qual-
ified to vote, he has been an active, con-
scientious member. From 1891 till the
spring of 1893 he was secretary of the
Sturgeon Bay Dock Company, and since
January, 1889, he has, with character-
istic ability and fidelity, been identi-
fied with the Bank of Sturgeon Bay as
cashier. He is also president of the
Brown Manufacturing Co., of Sturgeon
Bay, and is a director of the Ahnapee &
Western railroad, of which he was one of
the organizers and proprietors of the
Sturgeon Bay branch. On March 3,
1883, Mr. Keogh was admitted to the bar
as an attorney at law, and in April,
1895, he was elected city attorney of the
city of Sturgeon Bay.
On December 29, 1S73, Mr. Keogh
was married in Ahnapee to Miss Rose C.
Simon, daughter of Peter Simon, an hon-
ored pioneer of Door county, and the fol-
lowing named seven children have been
born to them: Ida, Ella, Nora, Isabella,
Lillie, Walter and Eulalia. Mr. and
Mrs. Keogh are members of the Roman
Catholic Church; he is president of
Branch No. 59, of the Catholic Knights
of Wisconsin, and State delegate of the
Catholic Order of Foresters; was elected
a member of the Wisconsin State As-
sembly, serving in the session of 1893,
and served on the committees of Insur-
ance, Banks and Banking, besides others.
He has always been a prominent and influ-
ential leader in city affairs, and is a
powerful supporter of any cause to which
he may give his sanction.
PETER A. PETERSON. The
township of Nasewaupee, Door
county, is settled largely by for-
eigners, who by their thrift and in-,
dustry have made that section of the
country to consist of a succession of well-
cultivated farms.
6oo
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Conspicuous among this industrious
class is Peter A. Peterson, who was born
in Norway in 1S53, son of Kittie and
Ingebor Kristene Thorscn Peterson, who
came to the United States, and in 1856
to Wisconsin, where they subsequently
settled in Sturgeon Hay, the father work-
ing in a sawmill. He was a sailor while
living in Norway, and naturally sought a
home near the water. Soon after com-
ing to Sturgeon Hay he bought a bit of
woodland which in time he converted into
a home where he remained until July 2,
1866, when he was killed by a tree, while
peeling bark. His wife died Julv 22,
18S5. Their family consisted of three
children; Peter A., our subject; Nicko-
lena, who died when four years old; and
Andrew, who now makes his home in
Sawyer, Uoor county, Wisconsin.
The subject of this memoir was three
years old when he accompanied his par-
ents to Nasewaupee township, and was
reared on the farm he now owns. The
common schools were not too plentiful in
that locality at that time, but he had the
advantages of the best there was, and be-
tween times helped his father with the
lighter work on the farm. As he grew
older he came t(j like the free indej)endent
life of a farmer, and decided to follow-
that vocation through life; he now owns
eighty acres of land, fifty of which are
under cultivation. He is a good farmer
and careful manager, and his produce is
of the best that is raised in the township.
Mr. Peterson votes the Republican
ticket, and takes much interest in local
politics. He was married in Sturgeon
Bay township .\pril 15, 1885, to Miss
Louisa Anderson, daughter of August
Anderson, a prominent farmer of Nase-
waupee, who came here in 1879. The
family were natives of Sweden. Mrs.
Peterson is the mother of five children:
Ethel May, Clarence, Emcline. Jo.sephine
and Elsie. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson being
the children of early pioneers, their youth
was spent in the utmost simplicit)'. Their
modes of recreation were few and of a
primitive kiiid.but contained for them more
real enjoyment, no doubt, than the chil-
dren of the present generation would get
from the most elaborate entertainment.
Mr. PetersoTi takes a paternal pride in his
family of little ones, and intends to give
them better educational advantages than
was possible f<jr him to have had.
GEORGE L^'CKE may appropri-
ately be termed " a man with a
grandfather." His ancestor, two
generations back, was Captain
Louis L. Lycke. a native of P'rance, who
fought under Napoleon and fell in the
famous battle of Waterloo (in 181 1;). His
son, our subject's father, Louis L. , Jr.,
was born in France in 1801, received an
excellent education, and was possessed of
much natural relinement. When a yf)img
man he started out to seek his fortune,
and his inclination leading him to Den-
mark, he there purchased a farm, and suc-
ceeded in winning the hand in marriage
of Miss Dora lUirring. Si.\ children were
born to them, of whom Fred, the young-
est, is dead; the others are: Anton,
George, Laura (of Demnark), Ferdinand
(of Cirand Forks county, N. Dak.), and
Herman (a cigar manufacturer, of Cincin-
nati. Ohio).
Our subject was born March 4. 1841,
in Denmark, where he received a practi-
cal education, and at the age of seven-
teen years was apprenticed to the mason's
trade, which business he followed in his
native place until 1871, when he emi-
grated to the United States, locating in
Chicago, where he was engaged in mason
work seven years. In 1878 he removed
to Washington Island, Wis., where he
bought 160 acres of heavily-timbered
land, which he cleared and prepared for
cultivation; he has also erected a brick
house and other buildings proportionately
good.
Mr. Lycke is affiliated with the Re-
publican party, who have elected him
chairman for si.\ consecutive years, which
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
60 1
office he still holds. He is an honored
member of the Lutheran Church, and
contributes liberally of his means toward
its support. Previous to his coming to
America he was married to Miss Katha-
rine Olson, a native of Denmark, born
May 27, 1842, and they have seven chil-
dren: Abel, Lewis, Dora, Frank, Annie,
Walter and Laura; the first three men-
tioned reside in Clark county, Wisconsin.
NIELS FRUS, a native of Den-
mark, born May 27, 1850, is a son
of Mathias Frus, who was an ex-
tensive horse and cattle dealer in
Denmark, and a man of good education
and of considerable influence. He was
married to Margaret Nielsen, by whom
he had four children: Mads (deceased),
Niels, subject of sketch; Hans, of Den-
mark; and Anton, now a resident of Cali-
fornia.
Niels Frus attended the public schools
of Denmark, and being an apt pupil se-
cured a fairly good education during the
brief years that he was able to attend.
His father owned a large farm, and he was
away much of the time buying and sell-
ing stock, so young Niels, on whom a
great deal of responsibility fell in his
early life, was left to look after the affairs
at home. At seventeen \'ears of age he
left the parental roof, and from that time
on earned his own living unassisted. In
1870 he emigrated to the United States,
landing in New York with just two dollars
in his pocket, and fortunately found em-
ployment at once, so he remained there
six months working in a brick \ard; then
removed to Washington Island, Door Co.,
Wisconsin, where he worked for others
for some time, subse(|uentK' buying eighty
acres of land. His purchase was covered
with timber still untouched by the hand
of the woodman, but Mr. Frus cleared
the ground himself, and in due time be-
gan raising crops. The soil proved to be
unusually fertile, and his harvests now
amply repay him for his long season of
irksome toil.
In politics Mr. Frus votes with the
Democratic party, and has filled the office
of supervisor with satisfaction to the com-
munity at large, is well posted on the af-
fairs of his adopted country, and talks in-
telligently on the leading topics of the
day. He possesses a strong religious
vein which has induced him to unite with
the Lutheran Church.
On January 13, 1876, our subject was
married to Miss Christina Berg, a native
of Norway, born October 22, 1844, and
three children were born to them: Mollie,
Nora and Emma. Mr. Frus takes an
active interest in all educational matters,
and is giving his daughters a practical ed-
ucation.
ARNI GUDMUNDSEN is an Ice-
lander by birth, and comes of a
famil\- of scholars and profession-
al men. His father, Thordur,
was a graduate of the University of Cop-
enhagen, in the law department, and was
appointed judge of a District Court, which
office he held for many years, being once
appointed to till a vacancy as Justice of
the Supreme Court. He also served as a
member of the legislature, and attracted
much attention by his clear knowledge of
the law and keen judgment in legislation.
He was married to Johanna Knudsen, an
estimable lady of Danish descent on her
father's side, and of Iceland extraction on
her mother's. They were the parents of
eleven children, of whom five sons and
two daughters are still living.
Our subject was born February 2,
1845, in Reykjavik, the capital city of
Iceland, is the eldest son, and had private
tutors under whom he received an
education in the Icelandic as well as
in the Danish language. When seven-
teen years of age he secured a position as
clerk in a general store where he remained
until 1 871; then was secretary to a dis-
trict judge for less than one year. In the
6o2
COMMEMOnATIVE BIOORAPniCAL RECORD.
latter part of the year following he emi-
grated to the United States, coming west
to Milwaukee, Wis., whence after a short
time he removed to Washington Island,
Door Co. , Wis. , where he worked at com-
mon labor five years. In 1878 he was
married to Miss Haldora Petersen, by
whom he had nine children, as follows:
Gudnj' Anna, Johanna Andrea (deceas-
ed), Margaret S., Laura M., Thordur,
Magnus, Paul, John A. and Halldor.
After his marriage he bought 160 acres of
timbered land in Door county, of which
he subsequently sold eighty acres, and
improved the rest, erecting good buildings
and making the place most attractive and
habitable. He has discovered that his
land contains a rich deposit of tine-grade
marble, which will be most valuable when
developed.
Mr. Gudmundsen votes the Republi-
can ticket, and has been treasurer of
Washington township for fifteen years,
justice of the peace fourteen years, and
in I S90 was appointed to take the census.
His wife died November 8, 1893, aged
thirty-nine years, and is buried in Wash-
ington Harbor cemetery. Mr. and Mrs.
Gudmundsen were both members of the
Lutheran Church.
ARCHIE WILTSE, who devotes
his time and energies to agricul-
tural pursuits, to merchandising
and to the manufacture of cheese
in Liberty Grove township, Door county,
was born March 28, 1835, '" Cattaraugus
county, N. Y., and is the second in the
family of six children of Hiram and Al-
vira (Day) Wiltse. The father was a
farmer by occupation all his life. The
children of the family were Lorenzo,
Archie, Celestine, Clarissa, Judson, and
one who died in infancy.
The parents being in limited circum-
stances, the children early started out in
life to provide for their own maintenance,
except Archie, who aided his father, giv-
ing him the benefit of his services until
twenty-two years of age. The mother
died when our subject was only about
thirteen years old, and for his second
wife the father wedded Mary Ann Peck.
She being also called to the home beyond,
Mr. Wiltse afterward married Rachel
Smith, and after her divorce was joined
in wedlock with a German lady. When
Archie Wiltse left home he went to work
in a brick yard where he remained some
eight seasons, receiving at first only fifteen
dollars per month in compensation for his
services, but afterward his wages were
increased to sixty dollars per month. His
early life was thus one of hardship, in
which he labored long and late in order to
acquire enough money to meet his living
expenses. Industry, enterprise and per-
severance, however, have proved to him
the rounds of the ladder on which he has
climbed to success, and overcoming the
difficulties and obstacles in his path he
has steadily worked his way upward.
In 1858 Mr. Wiltse chose as a com-
panion and helpmeet on life's journey
Miss Martha O. Partridge, daughter of
William and Betsy (Powers) Partridge,
their wedding being celebrated in Pal-
myra, Wis., whither Mr. Wiltse had re-
moved with his parents in 1846. He
there remained until 1871, when he came
to Liberty Grove township, Door county,
where he had purchased 160 acres of
land at five dollars per acre, a tract lying
south of his present farm. Here, in con-
nection with his brother Judson, he built
a log cabin, 20 x 30 feet, in which he
lived for about three years. Archie
Wiltse then purchased i 50 acres of land,
on which stood a building that is now
used as a store room, but otherwise the
place was little improved. Wild game of
various kinds could be secured in the for-
ests, through which no roads were cut,
and the place was all in a primitive con-
dition and unimproved. In 1872, he be-
gan clearing the land, and, almost entirely
unaided, placed ninety acres under cul-
tivation. To his original purchase he has
added until within the boundaries of the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
603
farm is now comprised 350 acres of good
land. In 1872 he also built a pier, which
he has since used, and in 1881 he em-
barked in general merchandising, which
he has since carried on continuously in
connection with the pursuits of agricul-
ture and the manufacture of cheese.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wiltse were born
six children, only one of whom is now
living: Charles died at the age of sixteen
years; Jessie M. (i), when eleven years
old; Jessie M. (2), at the age of two and
a half years; Edward, at the age of two
months; Edward is the only surviv-
ing member of the family; Jessie M. (3);
died when aged about sixteen months.
Since casting his first presidential vote for
Abraham Lincoln, Mr. Wiltse has affili-
ated with the Republican party, and
warmly advocates its measures. He has
held the offices of assessor and town
clerk for one year each, and was chair-
man of the town twelve years, town
board of supervisors about twelve years,
filling the office so acceptably that he was
constantly re-elected. He is true to
every trust reposed in him, whether pub-
lic or private, and has the confidence and
high regard of a large circle of friends and
acquaintances whom we feel assured will
receive with interest this record of his
life.
DAVID SHAMPO is one of Wis-
consin's native sons, born in ttie
city of Green Bay, in November,
1842. His father, Oliver Shampo,
was a native of Montreal, Canada, and a
shoemaker by trade, but during much of
his life he followed farming. When a young
man he wedded Mary Mansou, and to
them were born ten children, of whom
David is the oldest. He could attend
school but little, and that in the winter
season, for his services were needed upon
the home farm, and to his father he gave
the benefit of his labors during his minor-
ity. He has witnessed a great change in
the common schools since his own youth,
and in this fact rejoices, for he is a warm
friend of education.
In February, i860, in Bay Settlement,
Wis., Mr. Shampo married Miss Mary
Leason, a native of Green Bay, and then
located in Scott township, Brown Co.,
Wis. , where he made his home for about
twenty-six years, coming then to Door
county. In September, 1864, he enlisted
in Company D, Sixteenth Wis. V. I.,
which was sent from Madison to Rock
Station, Ga., and there joined Sherman's
army which marched to Savannah. In
that city Mr. Shampo was taken sick with
typhoid fever, and lay ill from Decem-
ber until the following April, when he re-
joined his command at Raleigh, the day
before the surrender of Johnston. After
the South had laid down its arms he went
with his regiment to Washington, and
there participated in the grand review,
the most brilliant military pageant ever
seen on the Western Hemisphere, after
which he was honorably discharged in
Madison, Wis., in June, 1865. He was
fortunate in that he was never wounded,
but the sickness and exposure he endured
was fully as bad, and he returned to his
home in Bay Settlement much broken in
health. In March, 1876, Mr. Shampo
sold his farm in Scott township. Brown
county, and came to Door county, where
he purchased forty acres of land on Sec-
tion 10, Jacksonport township, at once
beginning to clear it of the heavy growth
of timber with which it was covered. The
trees quickly fell before his sturdy strokes,
and when the land was cleared furrows
were turned and crops planted until the
once wild tract was made to yield rich
harvests to the owners. The boundaries
of his farm have been extended until it
now comprises 120 acres, forty of which
are under cultivation, and the substantial
and modern improvements thereon give
evidence of the careful supervision of the
owner.
To Mr. and Mrs. Shampo have been
born ten children: David, Frank and
Joseph, who reside in Jacksonport town-
6o4
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ship; George, at liome; Marj', wife of
Josepli Miner, a resident of Egg Harbor,
Wis. ; Jane, wife of Alex La Bombard,
of Rapid River, Mich. ; Matilda, wife
of Isaac Brennett, who is located in De-
Pere, Wis.; Emi]\-. at home; Louis, who
died at the age of fonrteen years; and
Virginia, who died in Brown county.
Wis., when three months old. Mr.
Shanipo is a member of the Catholic
Church, and is affiliated with Schuyler
Post, G. A. R., of Sturgeon Bay. Wis.
He is one of the supporters of the Re-
publican party in his township, and
warmly advocates its principles. His
fellow townsmen have demonstrated their
confidence in his ability by frequently
calling upon him to serve in positions of
public trust, and his first election to office
was as supervisor of his town.ship, in
which capacity he served three years. He
was then made chairman of the town
board, and creditably served in that posi-
tion five years; has also been assessor
three years, and was school treasurer five
years. His defective hearing, resulting
from sickness and exposure in the army,
has caused him to retire, to a certain ex-
tent, from politics, although his friends
greatl)' desire to retain him in office, and
he is now serving as assessor. Mr.
Shampo is widely known in Door county
as a good neighbor and representative
citizen, and in a high degree enjoys the
respect of a large circle of warm friends.
HANS TORSTENSON is one of the
largest landowners in the north-
ern part of Door county, of
which he has been a well-known
resident for many years. He is a native
of Norway, born December i.S, 1846, son
of Torsten and Anna (Erickson) Hanson,
farming people, who reared a family of
eight children, viz. : Bertha, Theodore,
Randa, Hans, Cora, Ole. Edward and
Julius.
Our subject enjoyed in his boyhood
but limited educational opportunities,
never having attended school, but re-
ceived all his instruction at home. For
eight years he was employed by one Ole
Oleson, a storekeeper, the compensation
for his services being $10 per jear in
money, a suit of clothes and a pair of
boots. Believing that he could do better
in the New World he decided to emigrate,
and in 1869 sailed from Christiania on a
vessel bound for Quebec, whence, after
landing, he came directly to Chicago, 111.,
soon obtaining employment at $10 per
month, which he then considered very
good wages. He worked six months as
a farm hand, and then engaged as team-
ster at $35 per month, continuing thus
for about three years. In 1872 became
to Ephraim, Door Co., Wis., where for
two years following he was employed by
A. Anderson, at teaming, and then pur-
chased forty acres of land at Liberty
Grove, cleared and in tillable condition,
paying one thousand dollars therefor.
In 1873 he was united in marriage with
Miss Minnie Nelson, daughter of Carl and
Anna C. Nelson, and the young couple
took up their residence on the farm, re-
maining there eight years, at the end of
which time Mr. Torstenson sold the place
for five hundred dollars, and coming to
Hedge Hog, purchased 160 acres of tim-
berland. Building a dock here, he com-
menced the wood business, in which he
has since been prosperously engaged. By
various purchases he acquired ownership
of over 640 acres of land in the neighbor-
hood, of which 280 acres are still in its
primiti\e condition, and has not yet been
touched b)- the axe. Mr. Torstenson is
one of the best known men in his section,
and for fourteen consecutive years was
the faithful and efficient postmaster at
Hedge Hog, having been but recently re-
moved from the office, for political reasons
only, he being a stanch member of the
Republican party.
To Mr. and Mrs. Torstenson were
born eight children, namely: Olive (de-
ceased), Cornelius, Ella, Clarence (de-
ceased). Alma, Seldon, Clara, and Adolph.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
605
In religious connection our subject and his
wife are both members of the Brethren
Church at Ephraim.
JARED A. JONES, of Jacksonport,
is one of the self-made men of Door
county, one who has worked his
way upward from a humble position
to a condition of comparative affluence,
overcoming the difficulties in his path by
perseverance and good management.
He was born in Westbrook, Middlesex
Co. , Conn. , April 8, 1 846, a son of Erastus
Jones, a vessel caulker by occupation, and
Elizabeth (Spencer) Jones, who died
leaving a family of five children, Jared A.
being the only son, and at that time but
eght years old. His parents being in
somewhat limited circumstances, his
school privileges were in consequence
meager. Upon his mother's death he
went to live on the farm of his grand-
father, Capt. William Spencer, and in
1 868 came west in company with his
father and brother-in-law, E. A. Hill, to
Egg Harbor, Wis., where the daughter,
Jerusha, now the wife of P. W. Kirtland,
was living. The following spring the father
returned east, and died in Westbrook,
Conn., in the spring of 1871, at the age of
fifty-seven 3ears. Jared A. had followed
fishing along the coast of New England,
and when he came to Wisconsin he began
business in his own interest, by engaging
in fishing near Jacksonport, Wis., and
later at "The Door." In the spring of
1870 he purchased 120 acres of new land
■on Section 20, Jacksonport township, and
made improvements upon it, first by lum-
He now owns 160 acres of good
bering.
land, about forty acres of which are
cleared. For nearly twenty years he has
followed fishing, and for three years he
sailed the lakes. Physically he is a pow-
erful man, and his life has been one of
hard labor, but he is now in comfortable
circumstances.
In 1880, in Jacksonport, Wis., Mr.
Jones was married to Miss Elida Phillips,
a native of the Empire State. They
have a pleasant home, and it is the abode
of hospitality. In his political views Mr.
Jones is a Republican, a stanch adherent
of the party principles, and has served
his fellow townsmen as supervisor for a
period of live years, while for two years
he filled the office of school clerk. His
public and private life are alike above
reproach, no trust reposed in him is ever
betrayed, and he is a valued citizen, one
who takes an active interest in everything
pertaining to the welfare of the commun-
ity, the upbuilding of the county and its
general prosperity.
HENRY POEHLER, one of the
most industrious and 'enterprising
agriculturists of Door county, and
the owner of a valuable farm of
seventy acres, was born August lo, 1861,
in Ozaukee county, Wis. , of German
lineage.
His father, Frederick Poehler, was a
native of Germany, and in the family
were nine children, Henry being the third
in order of birth. As his parents were in
limited circumstances he was early thrown
upon his own resources, and when not
yet twelve years of age began to earn his
living as a farm hand. He continued
with his first employer four years, giving
entire satisfaction, for he was industrious
and enterprising. At the e.xpiration of
that time he came to Door county, locat-
ing in Sturgeon Bay township, where he
chopped wood for John Gilbert; subse-
quently went to the lumber woods, and
was there employed three 3'ears. He
and his brother worked together, and the
greater part of their earnings were given
to their parents. On September 28,
1885, in Sevastopol township, he was
married to Miss Jessie Blank, who was
born in Germany, a daughter of Martin
Blank, and who, at the time of her mar-
riage, was serving as a domestic in Door
county. By their union have been born
five children — Louisa, Fred, Amelia, Hat-
6o6
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL KECORD.
tie and Edward — and the family circle
yet remains unbroken.
At the time of his marriage Mr.
Poehler owned eighty acres of land which
he had cultivated and improved, building
thereon a good residence. Not a tree
had been cut down when he became the
owner of the place, but he at once began
to clear it, and in course of time it was
placed under the plow. In 1892 he pur-
chased an additional eighty-acre tract,
and now has a quarter section of land, of
which fifty acres are under cultivation.
He exercises his right of franchise in sup-
port of the Democracy, and holds mem-
bership with the Lutheran Church. Mr.
Poehler has led a busy life, and some-
thing of his labor is shown by the fact
that the expression ' ' as hard a worker as
the Poehler boys" is a common compari-
son in his locality. He is destined to
become a rich man, for he is not only
industrious but also possesses good busi-
ness and e.xecutive ability, and his career
has already been a prosperous one.
GEORGE M. ROBERTS is a na-
tive of Massachusetts, born in
Ncwburyport, October 30, 1831,
and a son of Emanuel and Sarah
(Odderway) Roberts, the former a native
of Spain, the latter of the Keystone State.
Emanuel belonged to a wealthy family,
and when a lad of nine summers came to
the United States on a vessel which was
owned by his uncle, and "which was
en route for Nova Scotia. He was left
at Newburyport, Mass., and on the re-
turn trip was to have been again taken on
board, but no one ever came for him, and
for some years he lived with a minister.
He then married and became the father
of eleven children — seven sons and four
daughters. Both parents died in the old
Bay State.
George M. Roberts received but
meagre educational privileges, and while
still young learned ship carpentering,
which he followed for some years. On
August 25, 1853, he was married at New-
buryport, Mass., to Miss Rachel Phil-
brick, who was born in Jefferson township,
Lincoln Co., Maine, April 23, 1834, and
is a daughter of Peter and Fannie (Noyes)
Philbrick, who had twelve children, nine
of them daughters, eight of whom became
school teachers. Upon his marriage, Mr.
Roberts located in Newburyport, Mass.,
where he lived si.x years, working at ship
carpentering. In New England he con-
tinued his residence until about 1857,
when he migrated to Shebo\gan Falls,
Wis., reaching that place with little cap-
ital save a persevering spirit and a com-
mendable industry. At Sheboygan Falls
he secured work in a sawmill, hut after a
short time went to Two Rivers, where he
worked at the carpenter's trade except
through the winter seasons, when he was
employed as a lumberman. Subsequently
he removed to Manitowoc, Wis., and for
a time worked in a shipyard, after which
he returned to Two Rivers, where he was
employed at carpentering and in the lum-
ber woods. While at that place he also
began fishing along the west shore of
Lake Michigan till the spring of 1861,
when he removed to Claybanks, Wis. ,
fishing in that vicinity until 1882. Locat-
ing in Section 18, Sevastopol township,
in that year, he purchased a small tract
of land, and has since engaged in fishing
and farming. He also owns 160 acres of
land in Claybanks township, and has a
considerable amount of this world's goods,
acquired through his own well-directed
efforts.
Five children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Roberts, to wit: George, a farmer
and fisherman, of Claybanks township;
Emma, wife of Theodore Delelle, of
Claybanks; Carrie, who has successfully
engaged in teaching for seven years;
Nettie, wife of John Pallister, of Sevasto-
pol township; and Fannie, who died in
infanc}'. ^Ir. Roberts exercises his right
of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the Republican party, with
which he has been identified since its or-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
607
ganization, and his first Presidential vote
was cast for Fillmore. He has never
been an office seeker, but has served as
treasurer of Claybanks township; was
treasurer of the school district, and is now
serving in that capacity in District No. 3,
and for about seven years filled the office
of supervisor with credit to himself and
satisfaction to his constituents. Socially,
he is connected with the I. O. O. F. , has
been a Freemason for thirty years, and
is a member of the K. O. T. M. A self-
made man, he deserves great credit for
his success in life, which is due entirely
to his own efforts.
SAMUEL CHRISTOPHER HAN-
SEN, who has followed the voca-
tions of tanner, cabinet maker,
stair builder and farmer, was born
April 3, 1823, in Denmark, a son of Hans
Hansen, a weaver by occupation, who
died when Samuel was but two years old.
The mother, Inger Christina Kroer Han-
sen, had six children — three daughters
and three sons, Samuel being the second
son.
Our subject received a common-school
education, and when but ten years of age
left home and began to earn his own liv-
ing. For six years he worked in a tan-
nery, and at the age of sixteen was ap-
prenticed to the cabinet-making trade,
which took six years to complete. This
occupation he followed twenty-two years
in Denmark, and in 1867 he emigrated to
America, where, in Chicago, he worked
at his trade two years, and then followed
stair building five years. On his arrival
in Chicago he had but fifty cents that he
could call his own, yet he lived upon that
small sum eight days, when he was for-
turnate enough to secure work. In 1875
he removed to Washington Island, Door
Co. , Wis. , where, five years previously
he had invested in eighty acres of timber
land; on this he located, and then began
the tedious task of clearing and preparing
the ground for cultivation. His place is
now all cleared and in a high state of
cultivation, and amply repays him for all
of his past hard work.
Previous to his coming to the United
States Mr. Hansen was married in Den-
mark, to Godtfredsine Martine, who was
born May 20, 18 19, and they had three
children, viz. : Christophina Godtfred-
sine Martine, who died in Denmark; Jacob
Marcus Glasius, who died in Chicago;
and Godtfred Martin Samuel, now first
assistant lighthouse keeper at Pilot Island,
or Porte Des Morts. Mr. Hansen be-
longs to the Lutheran Church, as does
also his wife and son. In politics he is a
Republican, although taking no active
part in elections. He is a good neighbor
and public-spirited citizen, ever ready to
advance any cause which will benefit the
community. In his native land he saw
active service, as a soldier in the Danish
army, sharpshooters (infantry), in the war
between Denmark and Prussia during the
years 1848, 1849 and 1850, returning
home in 185 1. His son, Godtfred Martin
Samuel, was born in 1855, in Denmark;
was educated in the Danish and English
languages, and in 1 879 was married to Miss
Ellen Mary Olsen, of Norway, by whom
he has three children, named respectively:
Freetjoff Carl Marinus, Olivia Godtfred-
sina Wilhelmina Christophina and Hen-
rietta Julianna Caroline Mary. The
mother and children reside with the
grandparents, where their father comes
during his vacation from the lighthouse.
TELLACK AND ELLEN (HAL-
VERSON) HAINES, natives of
Norway, emigrated to Canada in
1848, and from there, after two
years, removed to Washington Co. , Wis. ,
thence to Door county, locating in Union
township, and purchasing a farm which
they commenced at once to prepare for
cultivation.
After remaining upon this place some
seven years, they removed to Sturgeon
•6oS
COMMEMORATiy'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Bay township, same county, where they
h'ved two years; tlience proceeded to Saw-
yer's Harbor, in same township, where
they again purchased land which they
had to clear. In 1880 they again changed
their location, this time moving to Nase-
waupee township, same county, settling
upon the present homestead, which now
-contains 200 acres, sixty-eight of which
are under cultivation. In the year of
their removal (1880) Mrs. Haines died,
the mother of the following children:
Oliver, who enlisted in the Civil war, and
died in hospital; Tellif, who lives at Stur-
geon Bay, Wis. ; Melvin, who makes his
home at Sawyer's Harbor, Wis. ; Mary,
wife of John Peterson; Elias; Christena,
now the wife of Hans Eliason; Oscar
(the last four mentioned live in Nasewau-
pce township, Wis.), and Eliza, wife of
Thomas Gillespie, of Sturgeon Bay town-
ship. Mr. Haines was remarried in 1884,
this time to Mrs. Simpson, of Manito-
woc county.
WILLIAM MOORE was born in
Essex county, N. Y. , in 1864,
and is a son of William Moore,
Sr. , who was born and reared
in Ireland, and emigrating to America set-
tled in Essex county, N. Y. , where he
met and married Miss Sarah McMahon, a
nati\e of New York.
He there engaged in teaming and in
burning charcoal until 1870, when he
started westward and became a resident
of F"orestville township, Uoor county.
Wis., settling upon the farm which is
now the home of our subject. It was a
wild and unimproved tract of i6o acres,
and was reached only by a trail, no roads
having yet been laid out. Mr. Moore
built a log house in 1871, and at once
began to clear and improve his farm,
which he continued to cultivate until 1 880,
when he was accidentally killed by a fall-
ing tree. His wife survived him about
•eight years, and died on the old home-
stead. Mr. Moore took a deep interest
in the cause of education, did all in his
power for its advancement, and aided in
organizing the school districts of the
neighborhood. In his family were ten
children — Ida, wife of William Johnson,
of Forestville; William; Agnes, wife of
John Gordon, of F"orestville; Sarah, wife
of John Cadigan, of New York; Maggie,
wife of Leo Otto, of Sturgeon Bay, Wis.,
Richard; Efifie, who is living in Chicago,
111. ; Alice, who makes her home at Two
Creeks, Manitowoc Co., W'is. ; John, a
resident of Essex county, N. Y., and
Joseph, deceased. After the death of her
first husband, Mrs. Moore became the
wife of James Parish, and they had five
children — Cora, of Two Creeks, Wis. ;
Welthy, of Nasewaupee, Door Co. , Wis. ;
Gladys and George, both of Forestville
township; and Stephen, who is li\ing in
the same locality as Welthy.
William Moore, the subject proper of
this sketch, was a six-year-old child when
he came to the Badger State. The dis-
trict schools afforded him his educational
privileges, and upon the old home farm
in Forestville township he was reared,
much of the work of developing and im-
provmg the place devolving upon him, as
he was the eldest son. He cleared the
greater part of the farm, and at length
came into possession of a tract of 160
acres, fifty of which are under a high
state of cultivation. He has led a busy
life, j'et has found time to faithfull}' dis-
charge his duties of citizenship, and for
two years he served his fellow townsmen
as constable, discharging the duties of the
office with credit to himself and satisfac-
tion of his constituents.
In February, 1889, in Forestville
township, Mr. Moore married Miss Amel-
ia Brandt, who was born in Manitowoc
county. Wis., a daughter of August
Brandt, a native of Germany, who be-
came one of the early residents of Mani-
towoc county, thence removing to Forest-
ville township. Mr. and Mrs. Moore had
four children, two of whom are now liv-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
609
ing — Willie and Emily; Frankie died at
the age of six weeks, and Esther lived
only one week. Mr. Moore is a member
of the Episcopal Church, his wife of the
Lutheran, and both are well-known peo-
ple, held in high regard by their many
friends.
ANDREW JACOBSON. Finland,
Russia, has furnished to Door
county a number of worthy citi-
zens, among whom is the gentle-
man whose name is here recorded. He
was born June 28, 1849, and is a son of
Jacob and Helena Jacobson, who had a
family of four children — Mathias, August,
Henry and Andrew. The father died
when Andrew was only si.x^ months old,
and when his mother died he was sixteen
years of age. His early life was not an
easy one, for he had no school privileges
or other advantages, learning only to read
and write, and at the age of nine he began
work on a farm, being employed in this
way until he was seventeen years of age.
At that time, Mr. Jacobson shipped
before the mast, first sailing on the
vessel "Equator," which went on a
twenty-two-months' trip from Finland to
London, thence to New Zealand, from
there to Peru, South America, and to
France, returning thence to Finland.
His next trip was to Hamburg, and in
1874 he came to New Orleans on an Eng-
lish vessel. Later he sailed to France
and the West Indies on a six-months'
trip; after which he went to the Baltic
Sea, returning to Liverpool, England, and
to New York, where he joined the crew
of an American vessel, which was just
starting to Peru, going thence to Spain
and back to New York, having been away
from that harbor eighteen months. Two
months later we find him in Amsterdam,
Holland, where he engaged in a vessel
bound for the East Indies, which after a
voyage of nine months again reached the
port from which it sailed. Mr. Jacobson
then returned to his native land, from
which he had been absent four years, and
after a visit there went to Sweden, where
he engaged on a Swedish vessel bound
for London, where he shipped on an En-
glish vessel for New Orleans. In the lat-
ter city he hired on an American vessel,
just starting for Italy and France, and
reached New York again after a voyage
of seven months. For one summer Mr.
Jacobson sailed on the Great Lakes, and
in the fall of 1876 came to Baileys Har-
bor, Wis. For a few months he worked
in the woods, and then, in connection
with John and Andrew Brann, purchased
some land, the partnership continuing for
about three years, when by mutual con-
sent it was dissolved.
Mr. Jacobson was united in marriage
with Miss Ellen H. Neholm, daughter of
John and Helena Neholm, and to them
were born two children — John ahd Wil-
helmina, the latter of whom died in in-
fancy. Our subject and his wife now
have many friends and acquaintances
in this community, and are highly re-
spected people. When he made his
first purchase of land, he became owner
of a tract of forty acres upon which he
made his home for a year. In 1881 he
went to Chicago and worked at the car-
penter's trade for a time; then removed
to Sturgeon Bay, Wis. , and embarked in
the cigar business, having learned that
trade in Finland. For six months he
lived in Bay View, Wis., then returned
to his farm, continuing its cultivation for
about five years, or until 1886, when he
came to Baileys Harbor and rented a
saloon which he conducted two years,
after which he purchased the house which
he now occupies, and turned his attention
to the manufacture of cigars, which in-
dustry still occupies his time and atten-
tion. In politics he is a Republican, but
has never sought or desired official prefer-
ment for himself. His life has been an
eventful one, and his extensive travels
have made him an entertaining conver-
sationalist.
6io
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.
JW. WORACHEK, one of the well-
known and popular citizens of Door
county, has spent his entire life in
Wisconsin, which is the State of his
nativity, his birth having occurred in the
neighboring county of Kewaunee, in
Casco township, in 1863. His father,
Albert Worachek, was born and reared
in Bohemia, and when a young man he
crossed the Atlantic to America, for he
had heard much of its advantages and
privileges, and wished to trj' his fortune
in the New World. Coming westward to
Wisconsin, he located in Casco township,
Kewaunee county, upon a tract of en-
tirely unimproved land, and began the
development of a farm which has since
been his home. He married Miss Lizzie
Sticker, also a native of Behemia, and
they became the parents of six sons and
four daughters who grew to mature years,
and three that died young.
The subject of this sketch, who is the
second son and child, was reared on the
old homestead in the usual manner of
farmer lads, early beginning work in the
fields, for his parents were poor and
could not afford to hire help. His school
privileges were in consequence very mea-
ger. When he had attained a sufficient
age, he began working in the neighbor-
hood as a farm hand, giving his money to
his parents for safe keeping. When he
had thus acquired a sufficient sum he in-
vested it in land, improved the same to a
considerable extent, and then sold at a
good profit. In December, 1885, in
Casco township, Kewaunee county, he
was united in marriage with Miss Mary
Bunda, who was born at Two Rivers,
Wis., in October, 1868, a daughter of
Wenzel Bunda, a native of Bohemia and
a mason by trade, but now engaged in
farming. The young couple began their
domestic life upon a farm which our sub-
ject had purchased, and there made their
home until May, 1890, when their dwell-
ing and barn were destroyed by fire, and
they then removed to Sister Bay, Wis.
Mr. Worachek entered into partnership
with Wenzel Bunda, a merchant and
cheese manufacturer, and the connection
was continued for one year, after which,
in the spring of 1868, our subject came to
Egg Harbor and established the first
cheese factory in the township. This
business he has conducted continually
since, and his trade has steadily increased,
bringing him success. In the spring of
1894 he embarked in the hotel business,
and is now the genial host of the "Ke-
waunee House," a popular hostelry,
which receives a liberal share of public
patronage. He sets an excellent table,
and the appointments of the hotel are
such as are found in any first-class estab-
lishment of the kind.
Mr. and Mrs. Worachek have two
interesting children, both daughters,
Annie and Hattie. The parents attend
the Catholic Church, of which they are
devout and consistent members, and in
politics Mr. Worachek is a Democrat,
supporting by his ballot the men and
measures of that party, but is not strictly
partisan. He is thrifty and energetic,
and is now a prosperous and popular citi-
zen, having by well-directed efforts gained
a good business which yields to him a fair
income. His entire life has been passed
in his locality, and those who have
known him from boyhood are numbered
among his stanchest friends, a fact which
indicates an honorable and well-spent life.
WILLIAM J. JACKSON has the
honor of being a native of Wis-
consin, and is one of her oldest
sons, reckoning years of contin-
uous residence. He was born in Fort
Howard, Brown county, April 25, 1827,
and is a son of John William Jackson, a
butcher by trade and a very successful
business man, but who was killed by the
Indians two months prior to the birth of
our subject. His wife, who bore the
maiden name of Catherine Dockerty, was
a daughter of John \^^ and Margaret
Dockertv, the latter of whom reached the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
6n
remarkable age of 103 years. After being
left a widow two years, Mrs. Jackson mar-
ried Peter Eldred, who in 1831 took the
family to Manitowoc, Wis., where for
four years he worked at the shoemaker's
trade, ■ removing then to Two Rivers,
Wis., here again following shoemaking,
until his death in 1838; his wife also
passed her remaining days in that place.
By her second marriage there were born
three children: Albert and Charlie, who
died in infancy, and John, now living in
Clay Banks township. Door county.
Our subject was the only child of the
first marriage. His educational privileges
were somewhat limited, for at the early
age of ten years he began earning his own
livelihood, sailing on the lakes, and dur-
ing the succeeding thirty-five years he
was engaged in this way and in fishing, in
which latter industry he was very success-
ful. On July ig, 1856, he was united in
marriage with Miss Caroline Sherman,
daughter of Emfred and Caroline Sher-
man, who were living in Baileys Harbor,
where our subject then spent much of his
time fishing until August 15, 1862, when
he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-sev-
enth Wis. V. I. He went first to Mil-
waukee, thence to Madison, and on to
Columbus, Ky. , where he joined his regi-
ment. The first engagement in which he
participated was at Union City, Ky., after
which he was under fire at the battles of
Storey, the Seige of Vicksburg, and the
battles of Helena, Little Rock, Spoonville,
Bentonville,Okalona, and Saline Bottoms.
At the last named engagement he was
wounded, whereby he suffered the loss of
his second finger, and almost lost his entire
hand. When the war was over, he was
honorably discharged, June 6, 1865, and
returned to his home. Mr. and Mrs.
Jackson have six children living: Frank,
Albert, Ira, Irving H., Minerva and
Roger E. ; they lost three children: Hen-
rietta, who was drowned; and Olive and
Bertha, who were burned to death in their
own home.
For some time after his return from
the war, Mr. Jackson was obliged to cut
wood, but later resumed his old occupa-
tion of fishing, which he followed until
1868, when he embarked in the lumber
business. Subsequently, he began read-
ing law, and has now for some years been
successfully engaged in the practice of the
legal profession. He is thorough and
systematic in whatever he undertakes,
and his life has been a busy and useful
one, in which he has gained the respect of
all with whom he has been brought in
contact. He has been called upon to fill
a number of public offices, having served
as constable, justice of the peace, town
clerk, assessor and notary public, and in
all these positions he has discharged his
duties with a promptness and fidelity
which have won him high commendation.
WILLIAM STICHMANN, an en-
terprising agriculturist of Door
county, whose farm is situated in
Section 15, Forestvilletownship,
is a native of Prussia, born in 1859, a son
of Carl and Reko (Mahuke) Stichmann,
who were also of German nativity.
In 1867 the family located in Mani-
towoc county. Wis., but in 1872 they re-
moved to Forestville township. Door
county, where the father commenced the
development of a farm and continued in
its cultivation until his death, which oc-
curred in 1891; the mother died Jan-
uary 12, 1895. This worthy couple had
a family of four children, as follows:
Bertha, wife of Fred Myers, of Forestville
township; Anna, wife of Joseph Dettmann,
of the same township; William; and Min-
nie, wife of Fred Barnosky, of Nase-
waupee township. Door county.
The subject proper of these lines was
reared in Manitowoc county and in For-
estville township, the public schools of the
neighborhood in which he made his home
affording him his educational privileges.
At the early age of eleven years he began
swinging the axe in aiding in the clearing
and developing of the home farm, thus
6l2
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
becoming familiar with all the hardships
and arduous labors of frontier life. When
he started out in life for himself he
turned his attention to aj^ricuitural pur-
suits, and now he has a good farm of
eighty acres, sixty of which are under a
high state of cultivation and well im-
proved. In 1892 he erected ;i large
frame barn, 64x32 feet, and the other
conveniences are in keeping with this
structure. In 1885, in Ft)restville town-
ship, he was married to Miss Mar>- Ann
Gordon, who was born in New Y(jrk, a
daughter of John and Sarah (Moore) Gor-
don, natives of Ireland, who in an early
day came to Door count}', where they still
reside. Mrs. Stichmann died in 1889,
leaving two children — Elmira and Liilie —
and in 1892 Mr. Stichmann was again
married, this time in Ahnapee township,
Kewaunee count}-. Wis., to Miss Anna
Shirkc}-. a native of that county, b\ whom
he has two daughters — Martha and Esther.
In his political views our subject is a
Republican, and in religious belief he and
his wife are Lutherans, attending the
church at Forestvilie. Mr. Stichniami
is a warm friend of the cause of educa-
tion, and is now serving as a member of
the school board. \ public-spirite<l and
progressi\c citizen, he takes a warm in-
terest in ever}thing pertaining to the wel-
fare of the community, and dt)es all in
his power to promote enterprises calcu-
lated to pro\e of public benefit.
AUGUST BUSSE is engaged in the
manufacture of cheese, and also
follows farming in Forestvilie
township, Door count}', where he
located in 1887. During the following
year he built a factory 20x30 feet, 14
feet high, wherein is used the milk of one
hundred and twent}' cows, 24,000 pounds
of tine cheese being the annual output.
He owns a good farm of 1 20 acres, sixty-
five of which are cleared and improved,
and thereon he erected, in 1888, a good
stor}-and-a-half residence, 22 x 32 feet.
Mr. Busse was born in Lippe-Det-
mold, German}', in 1836. and is a son of
Fred and Elizabeth Busse, natives of the
same country, where the father worked
as a laborer throughout his entire life; he
died in 1854, his wife in 1872. They
had two children. August being the only
one now living. \o e\ent of special im-
portance occurred during our subject's
childhood, which was passed under the
parental roof and in attending the public
schools. When <]uiti' \oung he learned
the trade of brick making, becoming an
expert in that line, and soon was enabled
to occupy the position of overseer in
brickyards, being thus employed imtil his
emigration to America. Ere leaving his
nati\c land he was married, in 1866, to
Miss Carolina Ream, who was born in
the same province as himself, a daughter
of Conrad and Eliza ( Langanberg) Ream,
also natives of Germany, where they
lived and died. Seven children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Busse: Eliza,
wife of Louis Jerchow. of Ahnapee, Wis. ;
August; Julius: Willie; Herman; Amelia,
and Clara.
In 1870, accompanied by his family,
Mr. Bu.sse sailed for the United States
and took up his residsnce in Sheboygan
county. Wis., devoting his time and at-
tention to farming in Herman township,
where he made his home until his re-
moval to Door county in 18S7. Here he
has since ("onducted a good business, both
as a farmer and cheese manufacturer, and
by his enterprise and energy has acquired
a comfortable competence, which num-
bers him among the substantial citizens of
the communit}'. He and his wife are
members of the Reformed Church, and
in his political views he is- a Democrat.
D
ESI RE ENGLEBERT. a pros-
pertius farmer of Brussels, Door
count}', was born December 8,
1842, in Belgium, a son of John
Englebert; who was a carpenter in his
own country, and in 1856 emigrated to
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
613.
the United States with his family, which
then consisted of wife and six sons —
Felix, Joseph, Gustaf, Charles, John and
Desire — and one daughter Mary. All
of the sons except one are still living.
On the arri\al of the family in this
country they stopped at Dayton, Ohio,
but the place not proving exactly to their
liking the\' removed to Chicago, by which
time their finances had become so low
that they found it necessary to secure a
home as cheaply as possible, and where
the facilities for steady work were good.
In the spring of 1857 they came to Brus-
sels township. Door county, where Mr.
Englebert bought eighty acres of land in
section 20. After four years' residence
on this place he sold it for $350.00 and
bought 160 acres in section 2(S (north-
east quarter), at which time it was cov-
ered with forest trees, and he was the
first to cut into this tract of land, where
he erected buildings, the children soon
beginning to look upon it as their perma-
nent home. In the spring of 1892 the
father was laid to rest in the church-yard
in Brussels, where the remains of the
mother had been deposited twelve years
before. One daughter, Mary, was born
to them after their arrival in the United
States.
Desire Englebert was fourteen years
old when he accompanied his parents to
the United States, and as a consequence
his education was entirely in his mother
tongue. The jear following their arrival
the family came to Wisconsin, and as
they were in somewhat straightened cir-
cumstances, our subject went to work for
strangers that he might support himself.
He spent two summers working in a
truck yard in Chicago, whither he had
tramped from his home in Brussells,
Wis., on foot, begging his way the entire
distance, and often sleeping in the woods.
In Chicago he arrived with just fifty cents
in his pocket, .having given his entire
wages to his parents, who were greatly
in need of the help. Such industry and
filial devotion was not to go unrewarded.
however, for from that time forth he was
always successful in securing work, and
he prospered in every waj'.
At the age of twenty-three years, in
1865, our subject was married to Miss
Emerance Gaspart, a native of Belgium *
and a resident of Brussels, who bore him
ten children, two of whom died in in-
fancy. Those living are: Eugene, of Kau-
kauna. Wis., a machinist by trade, and
Eloisse, Elmond, Celina, Joseph, Henry,
Nestor and Josephine at home. After his
marriage Mr. Englebert bought forty acres
of land in Section 28, Brussels township,
all woods save a small plat, on which
stood a log shanty. For this property he
paid $500.00 and went largely in debt.
In the course of ten years he had cleared
the land and erected good buildings, but
the fire of 1871 swept everything away —
his buildings, his stock, his household
furniture — everything, in fact, save the
clothes which he and his family had on at
the time they were swallowed up in the
flames. After he had recovered some-
what from the effects of the fire, he built
a commodious brick house, which was the
best in the township. Since his first pur-
chase he has added to his possessions,
and now owns 200 acres of land, eighty
of which are in a high state of cultivation.
Mr. Englebert is an excellent farmer,
careful in his calculations, and conse-
quently is very successful. Politically,
formerly he was a Republican, but now
gives his vote on the side of the Demo-
cratic party. He was assessor for four-
teen years, and in the spring of 1894 was
elected chairman of the township board.
In religious faith he and his wife and chil-
dren are members of the Catholic Church.
WENZEL M. WOCHOS, a popu-
lar young educator, was born in
the township of Franklin, Ke-
waunee Co., Wis., August 16,
1873, and is a son of Mathias Wochos.
who was born in Bohemia, June 6, 1844.
Mathias Wochos was a son of John
6i4
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
W. , who followed him from Europe about
the year 1866, and who died in the town-
ship of Montpelier in 1894. Mathias at-
tended the common schools of his native
country until twelve years of age, when
he came to the United States himself,
landing at Two Creeks, Manitowoc Co.,
Wis., and residing with his uncle, working
there at making shingles, etc., four years.
He then went to Mishicot, same county,
where he worked on a farm and attended
school about two years. While at Mishi-
cot, he was drafted, and served about six
months in tiie Union army, toward the
close of the Civil war. After this he went
to Muskegon, Mich., and there worked in
a sawmill and at logging some two years.
In 1 866 he came to Franklin township,
Kewaunee county, and located on the farm
now occupied by his heirs. This farm he
cleared, put under cultivation, and con-
tinued to conduct until his death, Feb-
ruary 25, 1893. He was a Democrat in
politics, and at different times was elected
chairman of Franklin township, super-
visor, and a member of the board of edu-
cation. In religion he was a Catholic.
He was united in marriage, in 1S67, to
Mary Skornicka, a daughter of Joseph
and Maggie Skornicka, natives of Bo-
hemia. Mrs. Wochos was born in Bo-
hemia in 1848, and died in Franklin
township November 15, 1893, the mother
of thirteen children, viz. : Joseph, Mathias,
Wenzel, Maggie, Albert, Frank, John,
Jacob, Louis, Fannie, Mary, Charles and
Stephen, all living with the exception of
Mary and Charles.
Wenzel Wochos was reared on the
home farm and attended the common
schools until he reached the age of six-
teen, when he entered the Kewaunee high
school, and there pursued his studies one
year. At the age of eighteen he passed
examination and was granted a certificate,
which permitted him to teach in the pub-
lic schools of Kewaunee county, and he
is now engaged in this vocation, being
recognized as one the first-class teachers
of Kewaunee county. He is a strict mem-
ber of the Catholic Church, and one of
the most highly respected young men of
his age in the township.
HON. GEORGE GRIMMER. This
gentleman, who is now the only
settler living in Kewaunee who
came here in 1853, is prominent
in the array of leading capitalists in this
part of Wisconsin, and one of the most
widely-known, respected and prosperous
citizens of Kewaunee county. Indeed,
there is no name that ranks higher than
that of George Grimmer, in all those
qualities which constitute good citizen-
ship; and there is none more deserving
of an exhaustive biographical record in
the pages of this volume.
Mr. Grimmer is a native of New
Brunswick, Canada, born February 28,
1827, in the Parish of St. David, Char-
lotte county, and comes of more imme-
diate Scotch ancestry, although the name
indicates German origin.
The first of the family to immigrate
to this continent settled in what is now
the Parish of St. Stephens, Charlotte
Co., New Brunswick, where they became
landowners and prosperous agriculturists.
Thomas Grimmer, grandfather of our
subject, married Miss Elizabeth Wey, an
English lady, by whom he had ten chil-
dren— five sons and five daughters. James
Grimmer, the third son. was reared to
agricultural pursuits and lumbering in
New Brunswick, which latter vocation,
however, he chiefly followed, the river St.
Croix being the scene of his operations.
In 1850 he came to Wisconsin, bringing
his family, and in Shawano county fol-
lowed lumbering up to his death, which oc-
curred in 1865, when he was aged sixty-
five years. His wife, Hannah (Camp-
bell), who was the 3'oungest daughter of
Duncan Campbell, also of New Bruns-
wick, was a woman of great force of
character, possessed of sound judgment,
and surrounded herself with hosts of
.^^^
^
COMMEMORATIVE BWGMAPUICAL RECORD.
617
friends, especiall}' among her own sex,
many of whom in time of trouble came
to her for help and advice, and to them
she ever proved a true blessing and com-
forter. She was the mother of ten chil-
dren, six of whom reached maturity:
George, Thomas D., Mary Hannah (wife
of Clark McKay, of Shawano, Wis.),
James Henry, Alfred W., and Angeline
(wife of Morris Thomas, of Duluth, Minn.).
The mother of these departed this life
September 26, 1865. In Grandfather
Thomas Grimmer's family there were
forty-four children and grandchildren born
before the first death occurred among
them.
George Grimmer, the subject proper
of this sketch, received a common-school
education in his native parish, his teach-
er, James McBride, having been an ed-
ucator in that locality for forty-five years,
and had Mr. Grimmer's mother for one of
his pupils. At the age of fourteen our
subject laid aside his books, and com-
menced lumbering in the woods on the
St. Croix river, under his father. In the
fall of 1850 he moved with the rest of the
family to Shawano. Wis. , whence at the
end of a year he went to Neenah, in 1853
coming to Kewaunee, landing in the then
village on the 17th of July. Here he fol-
lowed his old vocation, lumbering, work-
ing on salary till 1862, when the firm of
Slauson, Grimmer & Co., was formed.
For eighteen years he scaled logs on the
Kewaunee river, and probably no other
man was as well acquainted with the en-
tire river as he, and no one was more
welcome among the settlers, who, one
and all, honored and respected him for
his fair and honest dealings. The firm
dissolved in 1877, and in all those years
they never had litigation of any kind in
regard to log contracts, which were in-
variably of a verbal nature. Since then
Mr. Grimmer has not been identified with
any active pursuit, but attends to his real-
estate interests. He is a director of the
State Bank of Kewaunee; was chairman
of the town board of Kewaunee, three
35
years, and chairman of the county board
two years. He has also found time, in
the midst of his business relations, to give
his attention to many things tending to
the welfare of the community, especially
educational matters in which he has al-
ways taken a prominent and substantial
interest.
In 1876 Mr. Grimmer was induced by
his friends to offer himself as a candidate
for the State Senate, to represent the
First Senatorial District, at that time
comprising the present counties of Ke-
waunee, Door, Oconto, Shawano, Lan-
glade, Forest, Florence and Marinette, an
area comprising nearly one-seventh of the
State. His opponent was William Mc-
Cartnej', of Marinette, a very popular
Democratic leader, and as Gen. Taylor
had previously carried the District by one
thousand Democratic votes, the contest
appeared to be very unequal; yet the
friends of Mr. Grimmer in Shawano and
other places rallied round his banner, and
so well did they work, and so popular was
their candidate, that he was triumphantly
elected by a crushing majority of 1,916,
the polls at the close standing — " Grim-
mer, 5,114; McCartney, 3,198." Mr.
Grimmer was re-elected two years later
by a majority of about 400, a consider-
able falling off from his first victory,
partly due to his having voted against the
memorial to Congress in the matter of
providing for the free coinage of silver,
and the ratio of silver used in the dollar.
He served on various committees, and
was chairman of that on corporations; in
short, he made as good a record as State
Senator as he has earned in his business
relations.
On June 19, i860, Mr. Grimmer was
married in Kewaunee to Miss Bertha Lo-
renz, a native of Germany, a lady of re-
finement and superior education, one who
advocates and encourages advanced ideas
regarding the destiny of her sex. Four
children have been born to this union,
two of whom died in infancy, and two
are living, namely: Laura A., wife of
6iS
COMMKMORATIVK BIOGRAPEICAL RECORD.
J. L. Haney, and Walter G.. of Diiluth.
Minnesota.
In the history of Kewaunee county,
where for over four decades he has borne
the highest reputation as a business man
and a citizen, Mr. Grimmer is a man of
mark and leadin;,' character. He is quiet
and sedate, likes simple ways, abhorring
ostentation; can converse well and freely,
but prefers to listen rather than to speak.
He is a firm and enduring friend, not a
bitter or vindictive enemy. Few men are
more free from envy or jealousy, and the
promotion or advancement of others he
has always most cordially encouraged and
aided. In one word, he possesses a clear,
sound, well-balanced mind, every faculty
of which is thoroughly practical, and such
a combination is, in our work-a-day world,
worth infinitely more than genius.
CHARLES P. BERG, a representa-
tive farmer of Ahnapee township,
Kewaunee county, was born Sep-
tember 22, 1855, in Germany.
His paternal grandfather was a niiilcr by
occupation, operating a mill near the
Rhine, in Prussia.
Jacob Berg, father of the subject of
these lines, was born February 2, 1816,
in Prussia, was reared on a farm, and at-
tended the common schools, in which he
received all his literary education. When
a young man he learned the trade of
wagon maker, which he followed for a
number of years. On April 30, 1845, he
married Miss Caroline Theobald, who
was born in Germany July 11. 1825, and
twelve children were the result of this
union, the names and dates of birth of the
eight survivors being as follows: Char-
lotte, January 23, 1846; Caroline, April
21,1849; Mary, June 18,1853; Charles P.,
September 22, 1855; Christina, July 9,
1859; Alzina, December25, 1861 ; Julius,
April 10, 1863; Emma. April 22, 1865,
the first four named being born in Ger-
main", the remaining four in Ahnapee,
Wis. Of this famiiv, Charlotte is the
wife of Perry Austin, of Sturgeon Bay,
Wis. ; Caroline is married to Peter Knorr,
of Prescott, \\'is. ; Mary is a resident of
St. Paul, Minn.; Charles P., is our sub-
ject; Christina is the wife of Henry Per-
onto, of White Fish Bay, Wis. ; Alzina is
the wife of Robert Mueller, of Marinette,
Wis. ; Julius is proprietor of a cheese
factory in Ahnapee, Kewaunee Co., Wis.;
Emma is the widow of John Utnehmer,
of Ahnapee, Wis. .\fter his marriage
Jacob Berg owned and conducted a hotel
until 1856, in which \ear he came to the
United States, locating in the village of
Ahnapee, Kewaunee Co. , Wis., where he
worked as a common laborer • fcjr two
years, at the end oi that time purchasing
a forty-acre tract of timberland in the
tosvn of Ahnapee, whereon he engaged in
farming. Being one of the first settlers
of this section, he shared with the other
pioneers the hardships and trials of life in
a sparsely settled region, among other in-
conveniences being obliged to do without
flour, and consequent!}- bread, for months.
After a four-years' residence on his first
purchase he sold it, and buying another
farm in the same township continued to
engage in agricultural pursuits up to his
death, which occurred December 14,
1893; Mrs. Berg preceded him to the
grave August 8, 1890.
During his earlier years Charles P.
Berg attended the common schools of
his neighborhood, and was trained to
farming on the home place, where he has
always resided. On December i, 1886,
he was married to Louisa Mueller, and
their union has been blessed with four
children, Arthur, Hilda, Oscar and Helen.
Mrs. Berg was born February 16, 1 S63,
in Milwaukee, and is a daughter of Al-
bert and Amelia (Goger) Mueller. Since
his marriage Mr. Berg has owned and
conducted the home farm, and he ranks
among the successful agriculturists of this
thriving agricultural community. Politic-
ally he is independent, casting his ballot
invariably for the best man. In religious
faith the faniilv are Lutherans.
COMMEMORATIVK BIOGRAPmcAL RECORD.
619
HA. LARSON, a prominent farm-
er and stock raiser, residing in
Section 26, Forestville township,
Door county, has here made his
home since 1870, at which time he
bought an eighty-acre tract of land heav-
ily covered with timber. No road led
to the land, and the nearest settler was a
mile and a half distant. Mr. Larson at
once began opening up a farm, and in
course of time the once primitive soil was
transformed into rich and fertile fields,
and to the original purchase was added
another tract of eighty acres, mak-
ing 160 acres in all. One half of this is
now under a high state of cultivation, and
there are good improvements upon the
place, the little log cabin being no longer
used, for in 1892 was erected a brick resi-
dence 18 X 28 feet, one story and a half
in height, with a one-story L 20 x 24 feet.
There is also a good brick barn, 30 x 50
feet, well arranged, while the other out-
buildings are such as are found upon any
model farm. In addition to the raising of
grain, Mr. I^arson makes a specialty of
the breeding of fine horses, having two
stallions, one a full-registered Ch'desdale,
besides some high-grade Percherons.
Mr. Larson was born in Norway in
1856, a son of H. and Mary (Monk.son)
Larson, natives of the same country,
where the father followed farming until
1 866. In that year he and his family
left their old home to try their fortune
in the New World, taking passage at
Bergen on a sailing vessel, which after
seven weeks and five days dropped anchor
in the harbor of Quebec, whence they
proceeded by rail to Detroit, Mich., and
thence by boat to Manitowoc county.
Wis. In 1870 the father settled on the
farm which is now the home of om- sub-
ject. Both parents are yet li\ing, and
the worthy couple have a family of seven
children, as follows: Nellie, wife of
Henry Franzen, of Ahnapee, Wis., Mar}-,
widow of Ed Urtmann, of Green Bay,
Wis. ; Henry, who is clerking in Iowa;
Julia, wife of Ole Nelson, of Polk county,
Minn. ; Barbo, wife of Peter Peterson, of
Forestville township; H. A., subject of
this sketch, and Martin, who is living in
Claybanks township. Door county, and
is married to a daughter of Gilbert Ander-
son.
H. A. Larson was reared in Mani-
towoc count}-, \\'is. , from the age of ten
years, and acquired his education in its
public schools. He aided in opening up
the home farm, and since an early age
has been familiar with all the duties of
farm life. In 1885 he was married in
Forestville township to Miss Mary Ander-
son, daughter of Gilbert Anderson, an
early pioneer of the township, and to
them were born four children, two of
whom are living — Martin and Esther;
Henry, the eldest child died at the age of
four \ears, three months and five days,
and one died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs.
Larson are both members of the Luth-
eran Church, and are prominent and well-
known people, whose friends in the com-
munity are many. In politics, Mr. Lar-
son is independent, voting for the candi-
date whom he thinks best qualified for
the office, regardless of party affiliations.
He was the f^rst man to settle in his part
of the township, and has ever been
recognized as one of the best citizens in
the community, being public-spirited and
progressive, and taking an active interest
in everything calculated to promote the
general welfare.
ROBERT LOCKHART, a progres.s-
ive and prosperous agriculturist,,
whose fine farm lies in Section 9„
Forest\ille township, Door count}-,
was born in County Armagh, Ireland, io
1837, and is a son of Thomas and Eliza
(Aikens) Lockhart, who were also natives
of County Armagh.
The father of our subject crossed the
Atlantic in 1845, to America, locating in
Essex county, N.Y., where he worked as a
laborer for a few years, and then purchased
a farm whereon he passed his remaining
620
COMMEMORATIVE BlOGliAPIIICAL RECORD.
days, his death occurring in i860. His first
wife died in 1 84 1 , and in i S4G he was joined
by his children and his second wife, whom
he had married in Ireland, and who bore
the maiden name of Margaret Henderson.
By the first union there were four chil-
dren, viz.: Anna and Henry, who died in
Ireland; James, married', and now resid-
ing in Forestville township; and Robert,
our subject. By the second marriage
there were two children: Ellen, wife of
Da%'id Kerr, of Essex county. New York;
and Thomas, who died in that county.
No event of special importance oc-
curred during the childhood and youth of
Robert Lockhart. He was nine years old
when he came to this country, and was
reared and educated in Esse.x county,
N. Y., where after attaining proper age
he began working as a farm hand, also
engaging in the manufacture of charcoal.
On leaving the Empire State he came to
Door county, settling in Forestville town-
ship. Ere leaving Essex county, N. Y. ,
he was married, in 1862, to Mrs. Mary
Uougan, who was born on the Emerald
Isle, daughter of John and Agnes (Lock-
hart) Moore, natives of County Armagh,
Ireland ; the father died many years ago,
and in 1S57 the mother became a resident
of Essex county, whence, in 1870, she
came to Door county, and lived in Forest-
ville township until called to the home
beyond, in 1888. Of the Moore family
there were five children, to wit: Will-
iam, who came to Door county in 1870,
and was killed by a falling tree in Forest-
ville township in 1879; Mrs. Lockhart is
the ne.xt younger; Sarah, wife of John
Gordon has her home in Forestville
township; Thomas, who died in Illinois
in 1868; and John, who removed to
Crawford county, Iowa, but is now living
in California. Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart
have four children, namely: Adelia, now
the wife of Edward Barrand, a resident
of Ahnapee township, Kewaunee Co.,
Wis. (they have one child, Robert Ed-
ward) ; Effie, wife of George Tagg, of For-
estville township (they have five children:
Winnie, Elsie, Muriel, Dora and one as
yet unnamed); Stella, who served as post-
mistress of Maplewood from 1888 until
1 89 1, and was married October 10,1894,
to Max Plettner, of Forestville, Wis. ;
and Dora, who died in 1879 at the age
of nine years.
Mr. Lockhart is an ardent advocate
of Republican principles, and does all in
his power to promote the growth and in-
sure the success of the party, but has
never been an office-seeker, although for
some six years he served as school treas-
urer. He and his wife attend the Epis-
copal Church, and the family is one of
prominence in the community, occupying
a leading position in social circles. Their
home is a pleasant story-and-a-half resi-
dence, erected in 1891, the dimensions of
the building being 30x20 feet, with a one-
story L, 16x18 feet. Mr. Lockhart first
erected upon his farm a log barn, 20 x 56
feet; later he built a frame barn, 36x50
feet, which, together with considerable hay
and farm machinery contained therein,
was destroyed by fire September 15,1 893.
With characteristic energy he rebuilt in
1S94, and now has a good barn, 40x80
feet in size, one of the best in the town-
ship. His farm, one-half of which is
under a high state of cultivation, com-
prises 160 acres, which, at the time of his
purchase in 1 870, was covered with a
dense growth of timber and was reached
onl)^ by a trail, no roads being laid out to
the place; but in appearance to-day it
bears little resemblance to the tract of
which he became owner some twentj'-five
years ago, for waving fields of grain now
delight the eye and the accessories of a
model farm may there be found.
JOSEPH MACHIA, one of the worthy
citizens that New York State has
furnished to Door county, was born
in St. Lawrence county, in the Em-
pire State, in 1845, and is a son of Lewis
and Matilda Machia.
The father of our subject was born
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and reared in Canada, and in an carl\'
day removed to St. Lawrence count\',
N. Y., where he resided until called to
the home bej'ond, in i86[. Three years
later his widow came to Forestville town-
ship, Door Co., Wis., and in 1865 was
married to James Keogh, one of the first
settlers of the township, and one of its
valued citizens until his death in 1890.
Mr. an.d Mrs. Machia were the parents of
nine children (six of whom are now liv-
ing), of whom Lewis, who served one
year as a member of Company F, Twen-
tieth Cavalry, is now living in Casco, Ke-
waunee Co. , Wis. ; John enlisted, in
1 861, in Company F, Sixtieth N. Y. \'. L,
and, re-enlisting, served with his regi-
ment until the close of the war, when, in
186;, he located in Forestville township,
dying there in April, 1894; Joseph is the
subject of these lines; David is living in
Sturgeon Bay, Wis. ; James resides in
Egg Harbor, Door county; and Henry
and George are living in Sturgeon Baj',
Wisconsin.
Joseph Machia spent the days of his
boyhood and j'outh in the county of his
nativit}', his time being devoted to work
upon the farm, and to the study of the
common English branches taught in the
public schools. In January, 1864, then
in his nineteenth year, he responded to the
country's call for troops, by joining Com-
pany A, Tenth New York Artillery; he
was assigned to the army of the Cumber-
land, and did garrison duty in Georgia until
peace was once more restored, when he was
honorably discharged. He then returned
to his home in New York State, and the
following year came by boat to Ahnapee,
Wis., and from there on foot to Forest-
ville, Door county, locating on a farm in
Forestville township, where he secured
an eighty-acre tract of land on which not
a furrow had been turned or an improve-
ment of any kind made. He at once began
to clear and develop it, and now has sev-
enty acres under a high state of cultiva-
tion. His life has been one of usefulness;
but though he has worked hard in his own
interest he has yet found time to devote
to public affairs, and has ever discharged
his duties of citizenship with promptness
and fidelity.
In 1873, in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., Mr.
Machia was married to Miss Celia Olson,
a native of Norway and a daughter of
Thomas Olson, who was born in the
same country, and who on emigrating to
America settled in Claybanks township.
Door county, where he opened up a farm ;
he now resides in North Dakota, where
his wife died December 25, 1892. Seven
children have been born to our subject
and wife: Ella, Frank, David, Lydia,
George, Elmer and Lester. In politics
Mr. Machia is a Republican; socially he
is affiliated with William A. Nelson Post
No. 97, G. A. R. , of which he is now
serving as senior vice-commander. His
wife belongs to the Lutheran Church,
and both have many friends in this com-
munity who hold them in high esteem.
HERMANN TAUBE, farmer and
stock raiser of Sturgeon Bay
township. Door county, is a na-
tive of Prussia, Germany, born
February 14, 1842. His parents, John
and Caroline (Haft) Taube, were born in
Germany, and there passed their entire
lives, the father dying in 1868, the mother
in the autumn of 1871. They reared a
famil}- of six children, as follows: Her-
mann, the subject of this sketch; Charles,
a resident of Berlin, Germany; Hannah,
living in Germany; Albertina, wife of
Otto Helmholtz, of Sturgeon Bay, Wis. ,
Albert, who came to Sturgeon Bay, Wis.,
in 1874, and in 1880 removed to Mil-
waukee, where he now resides; and
Augusta, who died in Germany.
Hermann Taube was reared and edu-
cated in his native country, and on com-
mencing life for himself at first followed
farming, later, for three years, engaging
in the hotel business. In 1871 he came
to the United States, arriving in Manito-
woc countv, ^^■ is. , where he hired out
622
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
as a farm hand for several months. In
1872 he came to Door county, and, pur-
chasing land in Section 33, Sturgeon
Bay township, commenced farming on
his own account. His land was in its
wild state at the time he purchased it,
and required no small amount of perse-
verance and industry to convert it to its
present condition of fertility. He owns
200 acres, 100 cleared and under culti-
vation, giving all his attention to general
farming and stock raising, in which he
has prospered greatly; numerous improve-
ments have been added under his direc-
tion, and in 1S85 a comfortable frame
dwelling 30.S24, with a wing 28x18,
and a stor\- and a half in height, and a
barn 40x60 were erected.
In 1873 Mr. Taube was married, in
Door county, to Miss Amelia Zelka, who
was born in Germany, and came thence
to Door county. Wis., in 1873. Her
parents, Daniel and Dora (I\raft) Zelka,
were also born in Germany, where the
former died in 1864, and the latter still
resides: Henrietta Kraft, grandmother of
Mrs. Taube, has resided in Chicago, 111.,
since 1882. Ten children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Taube, namely: Otto,
Minnie (who has been a school teacher at
Forestville for two j'ears), Dora, Emma,
Augusta, Bertha, Herman, Albert, Ljdia
and Henry. Mr. Taube has always taken
a deep interest in the educational in-
terests of his section, and assisted in the
organization of his school district, also
serving as a member of the board. Polit-
ically he is a Republican, and he and his
wife are members of the German Meth-
odist Church at I^av View.
GUSTAV CARLSON was born in
Sweden August 29, 1840, and is
a son of Charles Carlson, a farmer,
who rented land of those who
owned large tracts and leased it in small
portions. His family numbered six chil-
dren— four sons and two daughters — of
whom Gustav is the eldest son and second
child. As his parents were in very lim-
ited circumstances, the privileges and ad-
vantages which he received in his jouth
were somewhat limited, but his training
to farm labor was bj- no means meager.
At an early age he began work in the
fields, and to his father gave the benefit
of his services until he had attained his
majority.
Afthe age of twenty-two Mr. Carlson
was united in marriage with Sophia An-
derson, a native of Sweden, and upon a
rented farm they began their domestic
life, living in that way until their emigra-
tion to America. With a hope of better-
ing their condition Mr. Carlson, alone, in
June, 1880, crossed the Atlantic to the
New World, and making his way to Chi-
cago, there worked hard and lived eco-
nomically in order to secure the money
which would pay his wife's and children's
passage. In the following September he
was joined by his famil}', and the meeting
was a very happy one; but a short time
afterward he was taken ill, and for six
months was unable to work. Their lot was
a sad one, indeed, for they had nothing to
live upon save what the wife and children
could earn. For three years the\' contin-
ued their residence in Chicago, and then,
in 1883. Mr. Carlson, unaccompanied by
his family, came to Wisconsin in search of
a suitable location, taking a train to Green
Bay, then by stage to Bay Settlement,
whence he walked to Baileys Harbor,
where he chopped wood for one winter.
In the spring of 1884 he returned to Chi-
cago and brought his family to Jackson-
port township. Door count}', settling in
Section 20, where he bought forty acres
of land on which stood a rude shant}' —
the first home of the family in this local-
ity. Not a furrow had been turned or an
improvement made upon the place; but
inspired with the thought of securing a
good home for his wife and children Mr.
Carlson worked hard, and in course of
time the once wild land was transformed
into rich and fertile fields, which now
yield to him a good income. At present
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
623
he owns 120 acres of good land, sixty-five
of which have been placed under the
plow.
To our subject and his wife have been
born the following named children: Al-
fred, Emile, Ellen, Hulda, Herman, John,
Clara and Emma, all yet living. The
parents are members of the Lutheran
Church, and in his political affiliation Mr.
Carlson is a Republican, but has never
been an office-seeker. He started out in
life a poor man, determined to make for
himself a comfortable home, and has
steadily worked his way upward from an
humble position to one of affluence, over-
coming the difficulties and obstacles in
his path by industry, perseverance and
well-directed efforts. He need never
have occasion to regret his removal to
America, for he has prospered here, and
has not onl}' gained a comfortable compe-
tence, but has also won many warm and
valued friends.
CHARLES E. MANN, who owns
and operates 240 acres of land in
Baileys Harbor township, Door
county, is a native of New York
State, born in Syracuse, June 5, 1853,
and is the second in the family of eight
children of James R. and Helen (Rogers)
Mann, the former of whom is of English
descent, and by trade is a miller. The
names of their children are: Willie,
Charles E., James, Fred, Horatio, Ella,
Cora and Frank. The children all re-
mained at home until they had attained
to years of maturity.
When twenty-one years of age our
subject set out for the West, hoping to
better his financial condition on its broad
prairies, and locating near Atlantic, la.,
he there engaged in farming for two
years. Removing at the end of that time
to Marne, la., he there carried on a
restaurant for two years, and then went to
Oakland, same State, where he was en-
gaged in the meat market business for a
period of six months. We next find him
in Harlin, also in Iowa, where he worked
at the carpenter's trade for ten years,
earning a good income and saving some
capital. In 1891 he became a resident
of Door county. Wis., and settled on his
present farm of 240 acres which was
given him by George Bossford, who is
now a resident of Sevastopol township.
On May 26, 1876, Mr. Mann was
united in marriage with Miss Eliza Boss-
ford, daughter of George and Sarah Boss-
ford, and their union has been blessed
with seven children — five sons and two
daughters — Edward, Cora, George, Clar-
ence, Bertha, Clayton and Henry, and
the family circle yet remains unbroken.
The land which was given to Mr. and
Mrs. Mann was well cleared and improved
with good buildings, and is still well kept
up, its neat appearance indicating the
enterprise and careful supervision of the
owner. He now devotes his entire time
and attention to agricultural pursuits, and
is meeting with good success. In his
political views, Mr. Mann is a Republican,
and keeps well informed on the issues of
the day, but has never been a politician
in the sense of office-seeking. Mr. Mann
holds membership with the Seventh Day
Adventists Church, and both are well-
known in the community, highly respect-
ed by their many friends and acquain-
tances.
ANTON MACH, member of the
Mach & Langer Brewing Co.,
Kewaunee, is a native of Bohe-
mia, born January 6, 1850. His
father, John Mach, who was a cloth manu-
facturer, died in Bohemia in 1862; his
mother, whose maiden name was Dora
Fomandel, is still living in that country.
At the age of sixteen our subject came
to America, and for two years worked on
a farm m the town of Franklin, Kewaunee
county, whence he moved to Michigan,
where he worked in a sawmill fourteen
years; then returned to Kewaunee count}',
and for three vears rented a farm and
624
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
saloon in the town of Carlton, after which
he came to Kewaunee villap;e and bought
a saloon, which he conducted three years
and six months. In Januarj', 1890, he
bouf^ht the Pilsen Brewery of Frank
Wihlencek, but two weeks later sold one-
half interest to Joseph Langcr, the style
of the firm being now the Mach & Langer
Brewing Co., giving employment to three
men.
In 1 878 Mr. Mach was married to Miss
Katie Langcr, and to their union have
been born three sons and one daughter.
The family are adherents of the Catholic
Church. In politics Mr. Mach is not a
party man, but votes for the nominee
that he considers to be best suited for the
position. He has had office thrust upon
him, however, and is the present super-
visor of his ward; has also served as alder-
man, besides in some minor offices. He
is public-spirited, and is one of the most
enterprising men of the city, although he
never had any education outside of the
public schools of Bohemia, excepting
what he has himself acquired without the
aid of instructors. . He is a strong sup-
porter of our school system, and is always
ready to lend it a helping hand.
RICH.ARD M. PERRY, a well-
known farmer of Door county,
has, since 1865, resided on his
farm in Section 29, Forestville
township. He first purchased 160 acres
of wild land on which not a furrow had
been turned qr an improvement made,
and with characteristic energy began the
development of a farm, transforming the
forest into rich and fertile fields, and im-
proving the place with good buildings.
He has cleared 245 acres of land, and
now owns 300 acres, 230 of which are
under cultivation — a greater amount
than is owned by anj' other man in the
township. Mr. Perry has resided in
Door count)' since 1857, having located
first on Wolf river, after which he en-
gaged in lumbering, getting out ties and
posts, and making shingles by hand.
He had removed to this State from New
York, but Ireland is the land of his birth,
he having been born in County Tippcrary
in 1840. His parents, John and Susan
(Minchin) Perry, were also natives of
Ireland, and died in that country. Four
of their children became residents of
Wisconsin, namely: John, who settled in
Door county at an' early day and after-
ward went to California; Samuel, who at
one time followed farming in Door
county, but is now a merchant of Ahan-
pee; Matthew and Richard M., leading
agriculturists of Forestville township.
Our subject spent the first twelve
}ears of his life on the Emerald Isle and
then came alone to America. In New
York State and in Canada he worked on
farms as a day laborer until coming to Wis-
consin in 1856. In 1859 he went to Louisi-
ana, and for two winters was employed by
a planter to take charge of a wood-yard
on the Mississippi. In the summer of
1 860 he was employed by the government,
driving teams to Salt Lake City, then
spent the following winter in Louisiana,
whence he went to Indiana, where he re-
mained until the breaking out of the war
of the Rebellion.
In 1 86 1 Mr. Perry responded to the
country's call for troops by joining Com-
pany E, Fourteenth Wis. V. I., three
years' service, and when that term ex-
pired he veteranized and was with his
regiment until after the close of the war.
He was with the army of the Tennessee,
and took part in the battles of Shiloh,
luka, Corinth, Raymond, Champion Hills,
Black River Bridge, Kenesaw Mountain,
Atlanta, Ezra Church, Lovejoy Station
and Bentonville, besides in many minor
engagements. He then took part in the
Grand Review in Washington, D. C,
after which he went to Mobile, Ala.,
where he did provost duty until honorably
discharged, October 9, 1865. At once
returning to his home in Door county,
he has since been engaged in general farm-
ing and in the raising of Holstein cattle
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
625
and Berkshire hogs; he is also interested
in dairy farming.
In 1867, in Door count}', Mr. Perry
married Miss Anna Konopp, a native of
Penns3lvania and a daughter of Peter and
Gertrude (Bretz) Konopp, who were born
in Germany and about the year 1865 be-
came residents of Ahnapee, Wis., where
the father carried on farming until his
removal to Door county. His death
occurred in 1883; his widow is still liv-
ing in Ahnapee. Mr. and Mrs. Perry
have six children — Richard M., a commis-
sion merchant of Milwaukee; Susan, wife
of Julius Sehute, of Sturgeon Bay, Wis. ;
Anna, Edward, Henry and Elizabeth, all
yet at home. Mr. Perry aided in cutting
the first road to Sturgeon Bay, and has
generally assisted in opening up and de-
veloping Door county, in the progress of
which he still manifests a commendable
interest. He is a stalwart adherent of
the Republican party and its principles,
and has been called upon to fill a num-
ber of positions of public trust, having
been postmaster at Forestville for eleven
years, while in 1 890 he was census enu-
merator. He also served as assessor and
supervisor, and in all these offices has dis-
charged his duties with a promptness and
fidelity which have won him marked com-
mendation. Mr. Perry belongs to William
A. Nelson Post, No. 97, G. A. R. , is now
serving as adjutant, and was the honored
commander of the Post for some years.
Matthew Perry was born in County
Tipperary, Ireland, in 1838, also a son
of John and Susan (Minchin) Perry.
There he was reared and educated, and
in 1856, having emigrated to America, he
settled in Door county, where he worked
at various occupations, including shingle
making until 1861, when, prompted by a
spirit of patriotism, he enlisted in Com-
pany E, Fourteenth Wis. V. I., and with
the army of the Tennessee took part in
the engagements enumerated in the
sketch of his brother, Richard M., and
took part in the Grand Review at Wash-
ington. He had re-enlisted in the win-
ter of 1863-64, and after leaving Wash-
ington went to Pittsburg, thence to New
Orleans and on to Mobile, where he did
provost duty until honorably discharged,
in October, 1S65.
On his return to Wisconsin, Mr.
Perry began farming in Forestville town-
ship. Door county, having secured 160
acres of timber land, to which he has
added until he now has iSo acres, 140
being well cultivated and improved. He
also raises a good grade of stock, a branch
of his business that yields him a good in-
come. His life has been a busy and use-
ful one, yet he has found time to devote
to public interests, and has always borne
his part in advancing worthy enterprises.
Among the pioneer settlers of the county
he is numbered, and as such well deserves
mention in this volume.
In 1865 Matthew Perry was married
to Miss Adaline McChenzie, who was
born in Germany, a daughter of one of
the pioneers of Kewaunee county, Wis.,
John McChenzie, who died in 1889; her
mother is still living on the same old
homestead in that county. Mr. and Mrs.
Perry have si.\ children: Samuel, Mat-
thew, Hattie, Edward, Lizzie and one
whose name is not given. They lost two
children: Thomas, who died at the age
of fourteen years; and William, who
died in infancy. Mr. Perry votes with
the Republican party and takes quite an
active interest in politics, while socially
he is connected with William A. Nelson
Post, No. 397, G. A. R,, of Forestville,
in which he has served as sergeant-major.
GEORGE D. ROBERTS, who
holds a prominent place among
the prosperous agriculturists and
landowners of Ahnapee township,
Kewaunee count}', is a native of ^^'ales,
born January 2, 1853, in Llangollen.
His ancestors were farming people in that
country.
Godfrey William Roberts, father of
630
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.
our subject, was born in Wales, and was
t educated in the Welsh language. He
married Elizabeth Jones, a native of the
same country, whose family were promi-
nent and wealthy people in the neighbor-
hood in which they lived, man\- of the
members thereof being government offi-
cials and well-known in the Navy depart-
ment. To Godfrey W. and Elizabeth
(Jones) Roberts, were born twelve chil-
dren, two of whom died in Wales. Of
the others, Evan is now a resident of
Birnamwood, Shawano Co., Wis.; John
is living in Menominee, Mich. ; Mary Jane
is the wife of John Sullivan, of Milwau-
kee, Wis.; Joseph lives in Birnamwood;
David comes ne.xt in order; George D. is
the subject of this biographical sketch;
Elizabeth is married to John Bach, of
Chicago: Sarah is the wife of Charles
Kugler, of Milwaukee; Almira is the wife
of Perry Fay, of Chicago; Godfrey is a
resident of Birnamwood. In 1858 Mr.
Roberts came with his family to the
United States, locating first at Racine,
Wis., where he followed blacksmithing
for one year, and then removed to Ah-
napee, Kewaunee county, here purchas-
ing the farm our subject now owns and
occupies. The land being still in its
primitive condition, he commenced at
once to clear away the timber and pre-
pare the soil for cultivation, following
general agriculture on the place until his
death, which occurred in i860. When
he arrived in the United States he was a
poor man, but he was a man of consider-
able energj' and perseverance, and by
good business management and steady
industry had accumulated considerable
property, and gained for himself an en-
viable reputation for honesty and open-
hearted generositj-. I5cing one of the
early settlers of the township, he experi-
enced many of the hardships incident to
pioneer life; but he lived to see the re-
gion developed from a wilderness to a
prosperous farming community. In jiolit-
ical faith he was a member of the Repub-
licen part}', and in religious connection a
member of the Church of England, as
was also his wife. Mrs. Roberts was a
lady of considerable education and re-
finement; she was a sister of John Jones,
a millionaire and prominent man of Lon-
don, England; he is a manufacturer of
watches, also holds large interests in rail-
roads, and now owns the farm once
owned by the mother of Henry VII, of
England.
George D. Roberts came with his par-
ents to Ahnapee, Kewaunee county, in the
common schools of which locality he was
educated, at the same time receiving a
thorough agricultural training on the home
farm. When a young man he learned the
blacksmith's trade, which he followed
more or less for a number of years. In
1879 he was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Frank, daughter of Capt. J. D.
Frank, and of German e.xtraction. She
died one year and ten days after her mar-
riage, at the early age of twenty-three,
and is buried at Ahnapee. On April 2,
1884, Mr. Roberts was again married,
this time to Pauline Braasch, a native of
Mishicot, Manitowoc Co., Wis., born
May 5, 1854, the eighth in the family of
nine children born to Frederick and
Sophia (Hanson) Braasch, the former of
whom was a native of Saxony, Germany,
the latter of Danish ancestry. Mr.
Braasch was a man of thorough educa-
tion, having graduated from two uni\ersi-
ties, and possessed considerable natural
ability; his wife had also received a care-
ful literary training, and was well edu-
cated, both in German and French. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Braasch are now deceased,
he having died in 1884, she in 1892, con-
sistent members of the Lutheran Church.
They were among the early settlers of
Mishicot, Wis., of which place Mr.
Braasch, who was a veterinary surgeon by
occupation, became a citizen of much
prominence.
To Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have been
born five children, as follows: Gladys,
October 12, 1885; Luella, August 2,
1887; George E., May 28, 1889; David J.,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
62";
November 15, 1890, and Bessie B., Sep-
tember 5, 1892. Since his marriage Mr.
Roberts has been engaged in agricultural
pursuits, now owning the home farm,
consisting of 200 acres of good land, and
is one of the substantial agriculturists of
the township. Politically, he is a Repub-
lican. The family attend the M. E.
Church, Mrs. Roberts, however, being a
member of the Baptist Church. In 1884
Mr. and Mrs. Roberts visited relatives in
England, and had a most enjoyable trip,
of which they recall many pleasant inci-
dents.
JOSEPH ULLSPERGER is one of
the leading and influential citizens of
Door county, and is now serving as
town clerk of Forestville township,
which position he has filled for six years.
He is also an enterprising general mer-
chant of the town of Forestville, and
proprietor of a cheese factory, has made
his home in this locality since 1878, and
has been a resident of the State since
1868.
Mr. Ullsperger was born in Bohemia
in 1854, and is a son of Wenzel and
Frances fDeofler) Ullsperger, also natives
of that land, who in 1868, having crossed
the Atlantic to the New World, located
in Pierce township, Kewaunee Co., Wis.,
where they are still living. They had a
family of ten children, namely. Joseph;
John, who was killed by a failing tree in
Clay Banks township. Door count}', in
1874; Wenzel, who is interested in a
cheese factory in Ahnapee, Wis. ; George,
who is living in Marinette, Wis. ; Theresa,
wife of John Hundseder, of Sturgeon Bay,
Wis. ; Rudolph, who makes his home with
his parents; Anton, who died in Bohemia
at the age of three years; Anna, wife of
Robert Bufflot, of Kewaunee county. Wis. ;
Frank, who is engaged in tailoring in
Wausaukee, Wis., and John, who died at
the age of ten months. Our subject spent
the first twelve years of his life in Bohemia,
then accompanied his parents to America,
and with his grandfather, Frederic Doefier,
went to Cook county. 111., locating on a
farm where an uncle lived. In 1867 the
grandfather came to Kewaunee county.
Wis. , and in 1 869 returned to Bohemia,
where he died in 1 876. Joseph Ullsperger
acquired the greater part of his education
in his native land, and after coming to
this country he attended school in Cook
county. 111., for two terms, learning to
read and write the English language.
During the earlier years of his manhood
he followed farming, continuing in that
occupation until he turned his attention
to commercial pursuits. In 1872 he came
to Door county, and in 1878 located on
Section 7, Forestville township, there
securing about eighty acres of land covered
with timber, which he at once began to
clear. On coming to Forestville he sold
that property, and in 1883 established a
factory in Forestville for the manufacture
of full cream cheese, in addition to which
he, in 1887, opened a general mercantile
store. These two lines of business he has
since followed with good success, work-
ing up an excellent trade, from which he
derives a good income.
Mr. Ullsperger was married in Pierce
township, Kewaunee Co., Wis., in 1879,
to Miss Mary D. Peters, who was born in
Milwaukee, a daughter of Mathias and
Barbara (Williams) Peters, natives of
Prussia, who, crossing the briny deep in
an early day, became residents of Mil-
waukee, and about 1866 removed to
Pierce township, Kewaunee county, where
the father opened up a farm; his death
occurred in 1874; his wife died in 1891.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ullsperger were born
eight children, five of whom are yet liv-
ing: Mary D., Anna, Helen, Joseph and
George; John died at the age of ten
months, and two died in infancy. In
politics our subject is a stanch Democrat,
has frequently served as delegate to the
County Convention of his party, and on
the Democratic ticket has six times been
elected to his present position of town
628
COMMEMORATIVE BTOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
clerk of Forestville township, which he
has all along creditably and acceptably
tilled. He and his wife are members of
thr Roman Catholic Church, and he be-
lonjjs to the Catholic Knights. During
his residence in Door county, Mr. Ulls-
perger has witnessed many changes, has
taken an active part in the development
and upbuilding of his town and township,
and has manifested a commendable in-
terest in ever_\thing pertaining to the wel-
fare of the community.
ALBERT WOBSER, who owns a
fine farm of 200 acres in Section
36, Nasewaupee township, Door
county, was born in Germany in
1S41. His parents, John and Caroline
(Kuhter) Wobser, were natives of the
Province of Pomerania, Prussia, where
the father was a shoemaker. He died in
i860, and his widow came to America in
1 86 1, and to Door county. Wis., in 1871,
making her home in Forestville township.
She was a strong healthy woman, and a
very hard worker; her death occurred in
September, 1891, when she was aged
seventy-eight years. She had but one
child, Albert.
Our subject attended the public schools
of German}', and at a suitable age learned
his father's trade, that of shoemaking.
In 1861 he emigrated to America, for
some time residing in Canada, where, in
Toronto, Ontario, he worked at his trade
and at the butcher business. He next
went to Chicago, 111., and subsequently
to Milwaukee where he engaged in the
shoe business. In January, 1865, he en-
listed in Company F, Forty-fifth Regi-
ment, Wis. V. I., and was a member of
the detachment of the army of the Cum-
berland which was stationed at Nashville,
Tenn., on picket duty and guarding the
trains. He was honorably discharged as
sergeant in 1865 at Nashville, and re-
turned to Milwaukee where he continued
in business until 1869, when he sold out
and removed to Forestville, Door county,
and here bought 320 acres of land.
Later he sold 160 acres, and improved
the remainder; then bought eighty acres
more. W'hen he came to Forestville he
exchanged forty acres to a man for forty
daj's' work, in order to have a neighbor
nearer than two miles away. In 1873 he
sold his whole farm here and recom-
menced the shoe business in Milwau-
kee; but ere the expiry of two years he
abandoned the busmess and returned to
Door countj', where he took up a home-
stead of 160 acres in Section 36, Nase-
waupee township, which at that time was
all woods, at once commencing the diffi-
cult task of clearing and preparing the
ground for cultivation. He added forty
acres to his farm, and now has 200 acres,
of which sixty acres are cleared and grow-
ing very fine crops. About five years ago
he went into gardening and fruit raising.
While li\ing in Milwaukee Mr. Wobser
was married, in 1866, to Miss Charlotta.
daughter of Karl Dommer. of Germany,
where she was born. She is the mother
of seven children, as follows: Hans, who
operates a cheese factory; and Hugo,
Hermann, Henry, Herbert, Helena and
Hedwig, residing at home. Mr. Wobser
votes with the Republican party, and
while living in Forestville township was
town clerk, but he resigned before the end
of his term and left the town for Milwau-
kee. He assisted in organizing the school
district in which he resided, and was a
school officer for twelve years; was also
town chairman of Nasewaupee in 1 880.
Although his army experience was very
brief, he thoroughly enjoys the soldiers'
reunions, and is an enthusiastic member
of the William A. Nelson Post, Number
97. Mr. Wobser has a much better edu-
cation than the majority of men who do
manual labor; in addition to the common
course of study in Germany, he studied
law for two 3'ears, but abandoned that
profession to come to the United States.
Mr. W^obser traveled considerably when
he was young; he was in five States on
COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
629
the other side of the Atlantic and in
twelve States on this side, but everything
considered he likes Door county, Wis.,
the best.
ALEXANDER LAWSON, Jr., has
since 1878 resided upon his fine
farm in Section 2, Forestville
township, Door county, but the
iiighly cultivated tract of to-day bears lit-
tle resemblance to the crude land which
he purchased. He became owner of
eighty acres, forty of which he has under
cultivation, the rich and fertile fields
yielding to him a golden tribute in return
for the care and labor he bestows upon
them.
Mr. Lawson was born in Essex coun-
ty, N. Y, in 1850, but was reared in Clin-
ton county, and acquired his education in
the public schools of Clintonville, after
which he started out to make his own way
in the world, earning his livelihood by
mining and teaming, hauling charcoal and
iron ore. Thus his time was passed
until his emigration westward, after which
he worked for one year on the home farm,
and then sought employment in the mills
and in the lumber woods, devoting his
energies to these occupations until 1878,
when he began operating his present farm.
On January i, 1877, in Forestville town-
ship, Door count}', he married Miss
Katie Eiermann, who
towoc county, Wis. ,
Eiermann, a native
came to this country, and in pioneer days
took up his residence in Manitowoc coun-
ty upon a wooded farm ; he there died on
the old homestead in 1888, where his
widow is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Law-
son have three children: William John,
Edith and Frank.
Our subject has witnessed much of the
growth and development of Door county,
and has aided in its progress and ad-
vancement by giving his support to every
enterprise calculated to prove of public
benefit. He is recognized as a progressive
was born in Mani-
daughter of Joseph
of Germany, who
citizen, and in the history of his adopted
county well deserves representation. He
votes with the Republican party, and has
served as constable of his township. The
sketch of his father we give below.
Alexander Lawson, Sr. , has since
1870 resided in Section 10, Forestville
township, Door county, where he first
purchased forty acres of land, beginning
at once to clear it of the heavy growth of
timber. His first home was a log cabin
18 X 14 feet, which was replaced by a
blockhouse, 26 x 20 feet, one story and a
half in height, with a one-story L, 14 x 18
feet. This was destroyed by fire in 1893,
and in October of the same year he
erected his present residence, 20 x 20
feet, with an L, 20x18 feet. As his
financial resources have increased, he has
also extended the boundaries of his farm,
and now owns i 50 acres of good land, of
which fifty acres have been placed under
the plow, and now yield to the owner
good crops as the reward for his care and
labor.
Mr. Lawson was born in Glasgow,
Scotland, in 1825, and is a son cf Alex-
ander and Sarah (Stewart) Lawson, the
former also born in Glasgow, and the
latter in Dundee, Scotland. The father,
who was a butcher by trade, in 1827 re-
moved to Bainbridge, and thence to Rath-
fryland. County Down, Ireland, where he
followed his trade and made his home un-
til 1879, when, at the advanced age of
one hundred add two years, six months,
he passed away. His wife died in 1869.
They were the parents of ten children,
namely: James, who emigrated to Essex
county, N. Y. , in 1862, and died in 1872;
John and Ann, both of whom died in
Ireland; Jane, who became the wife of
John McCrum, and died in the Emerald
Isle; Eliza, wife of James Brown, of
Rathfryland, Ireland; William, who emi-
grated to Philadelphia in 1847, and
the following year became an Indiana
farmer, his death occurring in Prince-
ton, Ind., in 1887; David, who is mar-
ried and follows farming in Essex county,
630
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
N. Y., where he located in 1850; Alex-
ander, subject of this sketch; and Mary
and Stewart, who died in Ireland. The
grandparents of this family. William and
Sallie (Harbison) Lawson, were also na-
tives of Scotland, and throughout his life
the grandfather followed butcherinji in
Cila.sf^ow.
Aie.xander Lawson, Sr. , was reared
on a farm in County Down, Ireland, and
attended its public schools until he began
work for himself as a farm hand. In
1847 he determined to seek a home in
the New World, hoping thereby to benefit
his financial condition, and sailed from
W'arrens Point Island, on the brig " Sea
Bird," which was commanded by Capt.
John ^^'ray, and which, after a voyage of
si.Nty-two days, dropped anchor in the
harbor of New Vork. From there Mr.
Lawson proceeded to Philadelphia, where
he engaged in wea\ ing for nearly three
years, and then removed to Esse.x county,
N. v., and here purchased a farm of fifty
acres; but for nearly eighteen years there-
after he was in the employ of the Iron
Company as overseer, severing his con-
nection with the firm on his remo\al to
Wisconsin. Mr. Lawson was married in
County Down. Ireland, in 1846, to Miss
Ellen McMahon, who was born in that
county, as were also her parents, James
and Jane (Robinson) McMahon, who
passed their entire lives in the Emerald
Isle. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson became the
parents of eight children, as follows:
Sarah died at the age of fourteen months;
Alexander, Jr., is fully spoken of above;
Ellen is the wife of A. K. Liut^, a banker,
of (ladott. Wis. ; William is married and
lives near his father; Anna is the wife of
J. E. Spal.sbnry, of Clay Banks township.
Door county; Eliza is the wife of Joseph
Schneider, of Forestville; Frances is the
wife of Albert Mitts, of Clay Banks town-
ship; Sarah died in New \'ork.
In politics, Mr. Lawson is a Republi-
can, keeps well informed on the issues of
the daj', and is deeply interested in the
leading questions. He has served as clerk
of Forestville township, was also assessor,
has been a member of the town board,
and for about eighteen years has been
justice of the peace, a fact which indicates
his fidelity to duty and the trust reposed
in him. He was one of the prime movers
in the organization of the school district,
has always been a friend to education,
and has withheld his support from no en-
terprise calculated to promote the general
welfare and advance the county's best
interests.
HON. MICHAEL C. HANEY, of
Ahnapee, Kewaunee county, wide-
1)' and favorably known in business
circles throughout northern W'is-
consin, is a native of New York State, born
December i, 1855, in Alexander, Genesee
count}'.
Thomas Haney, father of Hon. Mich-
ael C. Haney, was born near Sligo, Ire-
land, was reared to farming, and received
all his education in his native country, be
coming well read in historical matters,
and especially conversant with the history
of Great Britain. In early manhood he
emigrated to the United States, locating
first in Genesee county, N. Y. . where he
followed farming, and where he was mar-
ried to Miss Margaret Clancy, a native
of Clare, Ireland. In 1859 they removed
to Wisconsin, residing one year in She-
boygan, and thence coming to Ellisville,
Kewaunee county, where they lived a
number of years, Mr. Haney becoming
one of ths most successful farmers of the
county. In 1880 he retired from active
life, removing into the city of Manitowoc,
where he and his wife and daughter yet
make their home. Thomas Haney is a
man of strong convictions and great force
of character, and was a leader in town-
ship andcounty affairs, taking an independ-
ent stand in political matters, and giving
his vote and support to the l)est man re-
gardless of party connection. There are
three children in his family: Michael C,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
631
John L. (of Kewaunee) and Mary A. (of
Manitowoc).
Michael C. Haney received the bene-
fit of the common schools of Kewaunee
county, and also attended Green Bay
Business College, where he took a full
commercial course. For five years he
successfully taught school in Brown and
Kewaunee counties, and then remo\'ed to
Kewaunee, where he engaged in the agri-
cultural implement business in partner-
ship with his brother, and so successful
were they that after one year they re-
moved to Ahnapee, establishing them-
selves in the same line here. The firm is
known as Haney Bros. , and they handle
everything in the way of farm implements!
also wagons and carriages, carrying as
complete a stock as can be found in
Kewaunee and Door counties. They have
another store in Sturgeon Bay, from
which they supply Door county, and their
trade, in the implement line, is unques-
tionably the largest in the State north of
Milwaukee. Mr. Haney's business meth-
ods have been strictly honest, his good
name and good will being second to none
in the State. It takes time to build up a
good business, and more time to build up
a good character, but he has succeeded in
doing so in a comparatively short period.
Since 1880 Mr. Haney has been identified
with Ahnapee, and has taken an active
part in its growth and development,
proving himself a useful citizen and a
champion of every good enterprise.
Politically he is a Democrat, and in the
fall of 1 886 was nominated and elected by
the party for member of the Assembly,
holding the office two years, during which
he served on the conmiittee of Incorpcjra-
tions and made a creditable record as a
legislator.
In addition to his implement business,
above mentioned, Mr. Haney is also con-
nected with the Ahnapee & Western rail-
road, of which he is vice-president; is a
stockholder and director in the Ahnapee
Veneer & Seating Co., and stockholder
and director in the Ahnapee Furniture
Co., all of which he helped and protected
in their infancy. His influence among
his fellow citizens is widespread, and a
strong moral character and high sense of
integrit}' directs that infiuence to the
furtherance of every project that promises
to be useful and beneficial to himself and
his fellow men. Oneof the most substantial
men in the county, he is at the same
time one of the most quiet and unobtru-
sive, showing, however, when occasion
demands it, a reserve force and a strength
of will that are as powerful as une.\-
pected.
IVl
ELVIN HAINES, a prosperous
farmer of Nasevvaupee town-
ship. Door county, is well
known throughout the county
as a successful and public-spirited busi-
ness man. He is a native of Ozaukee
county. Wis., and was born in 1850.
His parents, Tellack and Ellen (Halver-
son) Haines, came originally . from Nor-
way and settled in Canada in 1848,
where thej' remained two years, then re-
moved to Ozaukee county. Wis., where
they purchased the farm on which our
subject was born. When Melvin was six
years of age his parents removed to
Door count}' where the}' bought a tract
of timber land, on which, after clearing,
they made their home. As the surround-
ing country was wholly undeveloped at
that time, in consequence of which the
educational advantages were very limited,
the children or Mr. and Mrs. Tellack
Haines received but a meager amount of
schooling. The mother died in Nasevvau-
pee township in 1878.
In 1868 Melvin Haines, our subject,
went to Central City, also to Idaho
Springs, Colo., and at the latter place
spent four years working in the mines.
Later he learned photography, and opened
a gallery in Golden City (Colo.). The
patronage not being up to his e.xpectations
he tried Denver with a like result, and in
1872 returned to Wisconsin, where, with
6y.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his brother Tellif as a partner, he engaged
in the mercantile business, their house be-
ing the first of that kind in Bay View,
where they had located. One year later
our subject went to Nasewaupee town-
ship. Door Co., where he bought a farm.
Since that time he has added to his
original purchase until at the present
time he owns 300 acres of land, delight-
fully situated on the shores of Green Bay
and Sturgeon Bay, and extending to
Idlewild. This place possesses unex-
ceptional ad\antages for a summer resort.
Politically Mr. Haines is an ardent
Republican, and has served his towns-
people well as supervisor, town clerk and
member of school board; in fact he or-
ganized the school district in which he
lives. He is a member of Peninsula Lodge
No. 320 I. O. O, F. In iS72hewas
married, in Door county, to Miss Mary
Sorenson, a native of Germany and a
daughter of John Sorenson, an early
pioneer of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., who now
resides in Bay View, same State. Mr.
and Mrs. Haines have had six children
born to them, of whom Oliver, Ida and
Oscar died when quite young; Arthur,
Frank and Lizzie live at home. In 1885
the mother died, and two years later the
father married Miss Amelia Thoreson,
daughter of Lewis Thoreson, who came
to Nasewaupee township in 1873. Mr.
and Mrs. Haines are respected members
of the Lutheran Church, in which society
they are active workers.
REV. FATHER ALPHONS M.
BROENS, pastor of St. Joseph's
Church, Sturgeon Bay, Door
county, is a citizen of whom any
community might be proud, a clergyman
whose presence would benefit any localit}-,
and whose name would reflect honor upon
any office or station.
He is a native of Holland, born in
the city of Weert May i , 1 864, a son of
Arnold Broens, of the same nativity, born
in July, 1827, a son of Leonard Broens,
born in Holland in 1800, whose father
was a German by birth. As far back as
can be traced the male members of the
family were men of business, for the
most part merchants. On February 28,
1853, Arnold Broens married Miss Anna
Beckx, also a native of Holland, a rela-
tive of the late Father Peter Beckx, who
for many years was superior-general of
the Jesuits. To this marriage were born
twelve children, namely : Bertha, Mary,
Catherine, Leo, Alphons M., Lambert J.,
and Anna, living, and live that died in
infancy. The three sons are all priests —
Leo, at Bay City, Mich.; Alphons M., at
Sturgeon Bay, Wis.; and Lambert J., at
Martinsville, Kewaunee Co., Wis. The
mother died in December, 1887 ; the
father, who is a retired merchant, is still
living in Holland with his daughter Mary.
The subject of these lines attended
the public schools of his native place up
to the age of twelve years, when he en-
tered college at Weert, from which insti-
tution he graduated in 1881, directly
afterward setting out for America. Com-
ing westward from the port of debarca-
tion to Indiana, he entered Notre Dame
University, in that State, where he studied
philosophy until September, 1882, at
which time he went to Cincinnati, Ohio,
and there for twelve months was profes-
sor of Latin in St. Joseph's College, also
teaching mathematics. In September,
1 883, he entered St. Francis Seminary, near
Milwaukee, and there continued and, in
1886, completed his theological studies,
fully qualifying himself to enter the priest-
hood. In the latter year he came to Green
Bay, and after spending sometime at the
Bishop's home was appointed assistant
pastor of the Catholic Church at Marinette,
same State, taking charge thereof October
21,1 886, and retiring from it September 8,
1887, the date of his coming to Sturgeon
Bay, having been appointed pastor of St.
Joseph's Church in that city, an incum-
bency he has since filled with true Chris-
tian zeal and fidelity. Since his coming
to take the responsibility of this charge,
/^Q^/. ^^^-^--^^^2:^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
635
many improvements have been effected in
the status of the parish through Father
Broens' efforts: The old frame church
building that was standing when he came
to it has been replaced by the present
substantial brick edifice; in 188S was
erected the elegant brick schoolhouse,
which was opened October i , same year,
with III pupils and three teachers; to-
day there are 235 pupils and four teach-
ers. The foundation stone of the new
church was laid in 18S8, and the building
was completed and dedicated October i,
1889, by Bishop Katzer. In 1890 was
built a residence for the Sisters, and at
the same time the priest's residence was
enlarged. Father Broens now claims a
congregation of 200 families made up of
no less than si.x nationalities, to whom he
preaches in three languages — English,
German and French. In social affilia-
tions he is an active member of the Catho-
lic Knights and the Catholic Order of
Foresters.
WILLIAM ST. PETERS, of West
Kewaunee township, Kewaunee
county, was born in Carlton
township, Kewaunee Co., Wis.,
November 14, 1854, and is a son of An-
ton A. D. St. Peters.
Anton A. D. St. Peters was born at
Wolf River, Canada, March 10, 1826,
and is a son of Joseph and Julia St.
Peters, also natives of that country.
Until he was twelve years old, Anton
lived on a farm, and then went with his
parents to New Brunswick, where he was
employed in the cod fisheries until he
reached the age of twenty-three, at which
time he came to the United States, land-
ing at Sheboygan, Wis., whence, in 1850
he moved to Two Rivers, same State,
and located on a farm in Carlton town-
ship, Kewaunee county. Here he was
engaged in making shingles, following that
occupation five years, when he bought
320 acres of good farming land near Mena-
sha, and commenced tilling the soil. In
36
this he continued until 1883, then sold his
farm, removed to Kewaunee, and invested
to some extent in city property. In Au-
gust, 1862, he enlisted in Company A,
Twenty-seventh Wis. V. I., and served
nearly two j'ears under Capt. Cunning-
ham. Mr. St. Peters is now a member
of the G. A. R., John M. Read Post, of
Kewaunee, and is also an Odd Fellow;
politically he is a Republican. Anton St.
Peters was married, in 1849, to Mary
Rogers, who was born in 1831, daughter
of Charles and Katharine Rogers, and to
this union have come twelve children,
viz. : Katharine, George, Eliza, William,
Idel, Charles, Matilda, Nellie, Margaret,
Eugene, Rachel and Emma, all of whom
are living with the exception of Margaret,
who died when an infant, and William,
who was accidentall}' killed since this
sketch was prepared.
William St. Peters, the subject proper
of this sketch, was reared on his father's
farm, and received a good common-school
education. The country being new and
he young, his farm labors were quite oner-
ous, and during the two years his father
was in the army his toil and responsibility
were considerably increased. Mr. St.
Peters early affiliated with the Republi-
can party, and was active in its behalf.
For three years he was clerk of the board
of education, and treasurer of School
District No. 2. On September 21, 1872,
he was united in marriage with Janet
Dalziel, who was born in Scotland July
3, 1855, a daughter of Robert and Janet
Dalziel, the former of whom was born in
Hurlford, Scotland, in December, 1823.
This union has been blessed with four
children, their names and dates of birth
being as follows: William Robert. May 5,
1874; Reginald I., July 3, 1877; Jeanette
Beatrice, June 19, 1881, and Blanche,
November 28, 1884.
Mr. William St. Peters was accident-
ally killed by the discharge of a gun on
his premises in West Kewaunee April 17,
1895. He started out in the afternoon
to go into the woods to work, and, as was
636
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
customary, took his gun alonj:; with him.
At seven in the evening, his body was
found by his sons in the path near a rail
fence, which he had evidently attempted
to climb with tiic gun, ami which had in
some manner caught upon a knot and dis-
charged itself into his body, causing in-
stant death. His funeral was one of the
largest ever witnessed in the community.
He was one of the most progressive and
industrious farmers.
c
H.\RLE.S LEWIS FELLOWS,
who for the past several years has
been engaged in general agricul-
ture and stock raising in Clay-
banks township, Door county, is one of
the most prominent citizens of this section
of the State, having been intimately as-
sociated with its interests and progress
for almost the past forty years.
The I'ellows famil\- is of English and
Irish origin, and the earliest ancestors of
whom we have record took an active
part in the Reformation. The\' came to
this country from Ireland in 1630, settling
in Connecticut, and Nathaniel Fellows,
the first of the family in this country of
whom anything definite is known, was a
soldier in the Colonial army during the
Pequod, King Philip and other wars in
early New England days.
Isaac Fellows, the great-grandfather of
our sul)ject, was a descendant of Nathan-
iel l-'ellows. .-^ copy of an Act of the As-
-sombly of the Colony of Connecticut
reads as follows: " This Assembly do es-
tablish Isaac Fellows to be Lieutenant of
horse, in the Nineteenth regiment in this
Colony. Enacted May 17, 1775, by
General Assembly of the English Colony
of Connecticut. Jonathan Trumbull,
Governor." He died in October. 1777,
while fighting for liberty and independ-
ence with the Continental ariny, in which
two of his sons also served — Jason, who
was killed in the army, and John, who
was afterward promoted to the rank of
general, and served until the triumphant
end of the struggle. He then located in
the city of New York, where he died in
1808. Adolphus Fellows (son of Isaac
Fellows, and grandfather of our subject)
was a native <jf Connecticut, where he
was born in 1 764. and died November
29, 1849, at Racine, Wis. He married
Lucy Tucker, a native of Massachusetts,
who was born in 1773, and died in Will-
iamstown. State of \'ermont, in 1841.
The Tuckers were prominent during the
early settlement of New England, and
during the Revolutionarj' war, serving
principally in the infant navy of that
period. Commodore Tucker being the
most prominent naval officer of the war.
After the close of the Revolutionary war
some of them removed to \'ermont (then
known as the New Hampshire grant).
George D. Fellows, father of Charles
L. Fellows, born June 2, 181 2, in Ver-
mont, was reared on a farm, and was
educated in the common schools of the
Green Mountain State. In 1835 he
found employment on a sloop on the
Hudson river, plying between Albany and
New York, and the ne.\t year (1836)
walked from Williainstown,\'t., to Racine,
Wis., where he engaged in cutting tim-
ber, and soon began contracting on his
own account, doing a jobbing business.
He also bought and sold claims, and con-
tinued this until 1839, when he went back
to Vermont, in 1841 returning to Wis-
consin with his family and locating in the
city of Racine, where he again established
himself in the jobbing business, and car-
rying it on until his death, which took
place February 26, 1857. He also owned
several vessels, which were used princi-
pally in the lumber and wood trade be-
tween Michigan and Chicago. Though
an active business man up to the time of
his death, Mr. Fellows took a leading
part in the organization and general ad-
vancement of the city of Racine, as well
as the development of its business re-
sources, and was one of its best known and
most honored residents. He became a
member of the first council of Racine after
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
637
its organi;?ation as a city, and served in
various other positons of trust, holding a
high place in the esteem of his towns-
people and fellow citizens generally. Po-
litically he was originally a Whig, joining
the Republican party on its organization,
his last Presidential vote being cast for
John C. Fremont, the first Republican
nominee. Socially he was a member of
the I. O. O. F. until his death. He
married Louisa Olds, a native of Ver-
mont, who died April 10, 1859, aged
forty-seven years and seven months, the
mother of four children, viz. : Charles
Lewis, whose name opens this sketch;
William, of Chicago; Harrison, who died
April I, 1887, at Racine, aged forty-six
years and nine months (at the time of his
death he was a large coal dealer and ves-
sel owner in that city); and a daughter
that died in infancy. Mrs. Fellows was
the daughter of Joel and fKidderj
Olds, natives of New England. She was
a member of the M. E. Church.
Charles Lewis Fellows, the subject
proper of this sketch, was born August i i ,
1834, in Williamstown, Orange Co., Vt.,
and when but seven years of age came
with his parents to Racine, where he re-
ceived his early education, completing his
studies at Bell's Commercial College,
Chicago, whence he graduated in the
spring of 1856. Prior to this he had
sailed on the lakes for a number of years,
when but eighteen becoming captain and
part owner of the schooner "Julia Ann."
which was the first vessel that ever sailed
into the Ahnapee river; he was also cap-
tain and o\\-ner of the " Whirlwind," the
first vessel that ever loaded at the bridge
pier in Ahnapee. In 1856 Mr. Fellows
came to Ahnapee, and embarking in the
mercantile marine business continued to
follow it successfully imtil 1887. He re-
moved to his present farm in Claybanks
township. Door county, in 1871, and has
since given his time and attention jirinci-
pally to general agriculture and stock
raising, making a specialty of O.xford-
Down sheep. The ability and energy
which have characterized him in all his
business pursuits have been recognized as
the secret of his success, and his fellow
citizens have given many evidences of
their confidence in him, selecting him to
fill numerous position of responsibility,
the duties of which he has invariably dis-
charged in a conscientious faithful man-
ner, giving universal satisfaction. For
twenty-three years he served as post-
master at Foscoro, and is at the present
time chairman of Claybanks township,
an oi^ce to which he has been elected for
the past eight years, and he never fails to
give his influence and support to any en-
terprise for the general welfare of the
section, especially its agricultural develop-
ment. He was appointed a member of
the Advisory Council of the World's Con-
gress Auxiliary on Farm Culture and
Cereal Industry, and during the World's
Columbian Exposition at Chicago, in 1 893,
was a member of the World's Agricul-
tural Congress. He is Republican in
politics, casting his first Presidential vote
for John C. Fremont in 1856.
Mr. Fellows was married, in 1857, to
Mary Frances Yates, who is a native of
Wisconsin, born December 29, 1839, at
Pleasant Prairie, daughter of John L. V.
Yates, and to this union have come seven
children as follows: George Decatur, a
resident of Racine; Fred Wild, of Goge-
bic, Mich. ; John Lewis, of Foscora,Door
Co., Wis.; Edith I., now Mrs. William
White, of Ahnapee; Frank Edward, who
died July 11, 1893, aged twenty years,
six months and eleven days; William
Harrison, of Jeffris, Wis., and a son
who died in infancy in 1871. In relig-
ious connection Mrs. Fellows is a mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Fel-
lows is a member of the Sons of the
American Revolution.
John L. V. Yates (father of Mrs.
Charles L. Fellows) was born July 19,
1809, at Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., N.
Y., of Dutch extraction, and died April-
12, 1890, in Foscoro, Wis. His parents,
Thomas and Florinda f Lewis) Yates, also
638
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
reached advanced ages, the father dying
March 24, 1854, at Kenosha, Wis., aged
seventj'-three years and five months, and
the mother passing away January i, 1861,
at Chicago, aged eighty-three years.
John L. V. Yates married Jane Ames,
who was born May 19, 1817, in Onon-
daga county, N. Y., daughter of Silas and
Eliza (Johnston) Ames. Silas Ames was
a man of considerable education and abil-
ity, and from 1835 to 1838 held the posi-
tion of collector of tolls on the Erie
canal. He and his wife both passed
their threescore years and ten, spending
their last daj'S at Kenosha, Wis., where
Mr. Ames died December 9, 1870, aged
seventy-nine years and eight months, pre-
ceded to the grave by his wife, who passed
from earth May 27, 1869, aged seventy-
six years and seven months. They reared
a family of twelve children. The John-
ston family, of which Mrs. Ames was a
member, were people of education and
refinement, and were quite prominent in
the community where they resided. To
John L. V. and Jane (Ames) Yates were
born six children, namely: Irene, now
Mrs. Frank Deniing, of Chicago; Mary
Frances, Mrs. Charles L. Fellows; Char-
lotte F., Mrs. William H. Seymour, of
Elgin; Katharine, Mrs. G. W. Young, of
Ahnapee; and Susan and Thomas, who
died before reaching maturity. The
mother of this family died April 6, 1891.
Before his removal to Wisconsin, Mr.
Yates was a well-known resident of Syra-
cuse, N. Y., and was postmaster at that
city in 1837.
LBERT BUSCHMANN, one of
the leading pioneer citizens of
A
I ^ Brussels township, Door county,
was born September 27, 1834, in
Prussia, Germany, the third son of Martin
Buschmann, a cooper by trade, who had a
family of seven children, five of them
being sons. The parents both died in
Germany.
The subject of these lines attended
the public schools of his native country
until fourteen years of age, and then
commenced learning the cooper's trade
under his father's supervision, serving an
apprenticeship of seven years. At the
age of twenty-one he commenced to think
about turning his trade to account, and
for the next three 3ears earned no little
money in so doing. He was exempt from
army service in Germany on account of
being under the regulation height. Being
of an ambitious turn of mind he conclud-
ed to emigrate to the United States,
where he hoped to command higher
wages, as he was a very competent work-
man, and to this end he procured money
from kind friends, wherewith to defray
his passage. About March i, 1858, he
left Hamburg on a sailing vessel for
Quebec, arriving at the latter place in
safet}' after a voyage of six weeks, and
from there journeyed to Milwaukee, Wis.
Not being able to find work immediately
in that city, he went into the country
south of Milwaukee, where he was em-
ployed by a farmer, and for four months
he was obliged to take farm products as
compensation for his work. Later he se-
cured work at his trade in Milwaukee;
but money was very scarce that year, and
he could scarcelj' make his expenses.
Learning that coopers were desired in
Baraboo, Sauk county, he immediately
went there, and for the next seven years
secured steady employment at his trade.
In 1859 Mr. Buschmann was married
at Baraboo to Miss Minnie Fritz, also a
native of Germany, a former schoolmate
and neighbor of his, and who came to this
country on the same ship with him. They
had six children as follows: Julius, who
is engineer for the Goodrich line of ves-
sels and lives at Manitowoc; Henry, who
died when thirteen years old; Albert, Jr.,
of Milwaukee; William, a practicing phy-
sician of Two Rivers, Wis. ; Edward, a
machinist of Ahnapee, and Emma, a
teacher in Milwaukee. In December,
1873, the mother of these died and was
buried in Manitowoc, and soon thereafter
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
639
Mr. Buschmann started a coopering busi-
ness in Manitowoc, which for twenty
years he has operated successfully. It
was here that he was married June 24,
1875, to Mrs. Mary A. Bertolit, widow of
John Bertolit, by whom she had one
daughter, Minnie, now Mrs. Edward
Buschmann, of Brussels township. Mrs.
Buschmann is a native of Kossuth, Mani-
towoc Co., Wis., born February 7, 1851,
a daughter of Ludwig Ahlswede. Of this
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Buschmann have
two children living: Charles and Hugo,
both at home; Ida and Louis died in
infancy.
Mr. Buschmann lived in Manitowoc un-
til April, 1883, when he disposed of his
interests there and came to Brussels
township, Door county, where in Section
25 he bought 160 acres of timber land.
At that time this particular part of the
country was wholly undeveloped, and in
many respects resembled a wilderness;
but in due time, by unremitting toil and
perseverance, he succeeded in clearing a
large portion of his land, and has made
additions to the original number of acres
he purchased until at the present writing
he has 400 acres, which places him as
the largest individual land owner in Brus-
sels township. In politics he is a stanch
Republican, but does not aspire to office.
His entire family, including himself, are
members of the Baptist Church. The
marvelous success which has attended
Mr. Buschmann's later-year efforts is at-
tributable entirely to his natural sagacity,
combined with good practical business
methods.
AUGUST GOSIN comes from a land
that has furnished to Kewaunee
county a number of her best citi-
zens, the Kingdom of Belgium,
where he was born August 7, 1852, a son
of Donnie Gosin, a farmer of that coun-
try, who married Amelia Ramoisey, and
by her had a family of five children:
Frank, Amelia, August, Virginia and John
B., all yet living.
When our subject was about live years
of age his parents bade adieu to home
and friends, and with their family sailed
for the New World, landing in New York
after a voyage of thirty-eight days. They
did not tarry long in the eastern metropo-
lis, but came west at once to Green Bay,
Wis., and after two weeks removed to
Lincoln township, Kewaunee county,
where the father purchased a quarter sec-
tion of land, all covered with hardwood
timber. A log house was constructed 24
.X 28 feet, and in it they began life on the
frontier in true pioneer style, suffering the
hardships and trials which come to those
who make homes in a frontier region.
The arduous task of clearing and develop-
ing the land was at once begun, and the
work was performed with an axe and grub
hoe until a space was cleared large enough
to plant a crop of corn, wheat, peas and
potatoes. From two bushels of wheat
sown, sixty-two bushels were harvested.
The children were deprived of early edu-
cational privileges, owing to the distance
from the nearest school house, but our
subject afterward attended business col-
lege, and was thus fitted for the practical
duties of life. Their provisions were
shipped to Uyckesville, and carried from
there to their home, a distance of seven
miles.
The subject of our sketch frequently
worked for neighboring farmers, but
made his home with his parents as long
as they lived, and cared for them in their
later years. He was married December
10, 1876, to Anna, daughter of Edward
and Jane (Davies) Davies, which worthy
couple had a family of thirteen children,
as follows: Sarah, Samuel, William,
Edward, John, Jennie, Mary, Margaret,
James, David, Anna, Alexander and
Susan. Mrs. Gosin was born in High-
land, Iowa county. Wis., July 7, 1853,
and was of English descent, her ancestors
having emigrated to America in an early
day in the history of this country. She
640
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is a lady of culture and refinement, and
was teaching school in Luxemburg town-
ship at the time of her marriage. Mr.
and Mrs. Gosin have become the parents
of seven children, their names and dates of
birth being as follows: Salena, September
2S, 1877; Clara, September 2, 1879; Ed-
ward, October 15, 1881; Donnie, May
31, 1884; Susie May. September 11,
1886; Berna, March 12, 1888, and
Fabian, September 11, 1890. In No-
\ember, 1874, Mr. Gosin came to Lu.x-
emburg township, and purchased eighty-
five acres of land in Section 17, which
constitutes his present home. He de-
votes his time and energies to general
farming, also to dealing in general merch-
andise and farm implements, and is a
man of good business and e.xecutive
ability, whose capable management and
careful attention to all details have
brought him success. His life has been
well spent, and throughout the com-
munity he is held in high esteem. In
politics he is a supporter of the Republi-
can party, and has served as supervisor
of his township, while in religious belief
his wife and children are connected with
the Roman Catholic Church.
HH. FULLER, of Forestville.
Door county, is numbered among
Wisconsin's native sons, his birth
having occurred inYorkville town-
ship, Racine county, in 1852. He comes
of an old New England family, his grand-
parents, Samuel and Chloe (Walker)
Fuller, having been natives of Connecti-
cut, whence they removed about 18 14 to
New York. They later settled in Jeffer-
son county, that State, where Mr. Fuller
spent his remaining days, his death oc-
curring in 1843; his widow afterward
came to Wisconsin, where she died in
1847. Her father. Nelson Walker, located
in Racine, Wis., in 1843, and there pub-
lished a paper until his removal to Wau-
kegan, 111., whence he went to Chicago,
where he edited a paper; he died at Stur-
geon Bay, Wis., about the year 1883.
Elijah S. Fuller, father of our sub-
ject, was born in Chenango county, N. Y. ,
in 181 5, but was reared, educated and
taught the cooper's trade in Jefferson
county, N. Y. He married Betsy C.
Clarke, a native of Jefferson countj', and
with family emigrated, in 1844, to Racine
county, Wis., where he improved a farm,
making his home thereon until 1855. In
that year he went to Sturgeon Bay, Wis.,
where he engaged in the lumber business
for five years, and ran the first ferry across
the bay. For three years he was owner
of a ferry, and then turned his attention
to fishing and burning lime, which pur-
suits he followed until 1892, when he
came to Forestville, where he died Janu-
ary 8, 1895. In their family were eight
children, of whom Byron, the eldest, died
in childhood; Amelia became the wife of
Abel Whittaker, and died in 1885, her
husband dying in Bay View, Wis., in
1891 (their children were Olive, Arthur
and Otisj; Cornelia first married Sandy
Templeton, b\- whom she had five chil-
dren, three of whom are yet living —
Carrie, wife of John Jewett, of Menomo-
nee; Allen and Sandy; (for her second
husband Cornelia wedded Jake Hermann,
and four of their children are living —
Willie, Nellie, Henry and Gertie; the
mother died in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., in
1887); Emma, the ne.xt in the family, died
in 1872; H. H. is the fifth in order of
birth; William died in childhood; Inez is
the wife of E. W. Brewster, of Bay
View, and thej^ have three children,
Nellie, Ray and Edna; Louis died in
Neenah, Wis., in September, 1893, at
the age of twenty-nine years, and his
widow now resides in Sheboygan.
H. H. Fuller, our subject, was reared
in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., and received the
educational privileges afforded in its
public schools. He began farming near
Ba)' View, and later had charge of the
business of the Washington Ice Co., for
five and a half years, during which time
COMMEMORATIVE BlOGliAPUWAL REOOBD.
641
he established an agricultural implement
store in Bay View, which he yet carries
on, doing a good business along that line.
In 1 89 1 he embarked in the hotel and
saloon business in Forestville, but retired
from the same in 1893. In 1880 he
was united in marriage, in Bay View,
with Miss Sarah Noble, who was reared
in Manitowoc county, and was a daughter
of William and Susan Noble, natives of
St. Lawrence county, N. Y. , who located
in Manitowoc county in an early day.
Mrs. Fuller died in Bay View in 1885,
and in 1887 Mr. Fuller wedded, in Manito-
woc county, Ella Andrews, a native of
Wisconsin. Socially our subject is a
member of the Royal Arcanum Lodge of
Sturgeon Bay, and in politics he is a
Republican.
JOHN B. VAN DENHOUTEN.—
Belgium has furnished to W^isconsin
a number of citizens who have al-
ways borne their part in the work of
public advancement and improvement,
and among these is well worthy of men-
tion our subject, who is a resident of
Lu.xemburg township, Kewaunee county.
He was born in Belgium in February,
1840, a son of William and Petronell
(Vander Veekan) Van Denhouten, the
former of whom was a barber and weaver.
They reared a family of .six children,
namely: Frank, Elizabeth, John B.,
Johanna, Theresa and Jennie.
Our subject attended the common
schools of his native country until fifteen
years of age, when he accompanied his
parents on a forty-seven days' voyage to
America, landing at New York, whence
the following day they started for Green
Bay, Wis., traveling mostly by boat;
thence they came to Lu.xemburg town-
ship, Kewaunee county, which at that
time was a part of Casco township. Here
the father purchased forty acres of total-
ly unimproved land; a log cabin was erect-
ed, 17x17 feet, to which the following
year an addition was made of about equal
size, in all making a comfortable home.
With an axe and grub hoe the work of
clearing the land was begun, and although
the labor was very arduous, yet it was
continued uninterruptedly, in course of
time bringing rich returns. Potatoes and
wheat were planted by hand — their first
crops — and the latter was harvested with
a sickle brought from the old country.
There was no road within three miles of
their home, and everything had to be car-
ried to the cabin for that distance. They
afterward bought and cleared an addition-
al tract of forty acres, and the once wild
land was transformed into one of the val-
uable farms of Kewaunee county. The
other children left home, but our sub-
ject remained with his parents, and
retained possession of the old home-
stead which he yet owns and occupies.
He has added a quarter section of land to
this, and now has 320 acres, 220 of which
are cleared and under a high state of cul-
tivation. The well-tilled fields, substan-
tial improvements and neat appearance of
the place all indicate the practical and
progressive spirit of the owner.
In May, 1864, John B. Van Den-
houten was married to Victoria Jacque.
His father died one year previous to that
time, but his mother lived with them for
three years, when she married Philip
Bredael, and they then lived on his own
farm. Since the death of her second
husband, seven years later, she has re-
sided with her daughter, Elizabeth, now
the wife of Frank Bredael, on the same
place. T oour subject and wife have
been born eight children — one daughter
and seven sons — Josephine, Joseph, Eli,
Eugene, Frank, Louis, George and Ben-
jamin. Politically, Mr. Van Denhouten
supported the Republican party until
1 890, when he joined the ranks of the
Democrats, with whom he has since been
identified. For three years, from 1890
to 1893, he served as supervisor; from
1893 to 1894, as assessor; has been jus-
tice of the peace since 1892; and school
district clerk since April, 18S7, his pres-
643
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
ent term beirifj his third one. In his
official positions, as in all relations of life,
he has been found faithful and true to
the trusts reposed in him. Both he and
his wife hold membership in the Catholic
Church, and in the community where
they live they are held in high regard,
and have many warm friehds.
HENRY STARR is a native of Fin-
land, Russia, born March 10,
1862, and is the sixth in the fam-
ily of nine children born to John
and Catherina (Hanson) Starr, viz. : John;
Johanna and Peter, both deceased; An-
drew; Henry, deceased; Henry, of this
sketch; Jacob, who has also passed away;
Johanna, and August. The father made
farming his life work, and was quite suc-
cessful in his undertakings.
Our subject received but few advan-
tages in his youth, educational or other-
wise, for at the early age of nine years he
began work on his father's farm, and aided
in the cultivation of the fields until eight-
een years of age, when he turned his at-
tention to commercial pursuits. He was
then for a year engaged in clerking in a
store, after which he returned home and
remained there for a year. He next went
to Helsingfors, Finland, where he worked
at the carpenter's trade, which he had
learned ere leaving home. Two years
later he sailed for America, having de-
termined to try his fortune in the New
World, and after a voyage of eleven days
landed at New York July 11. From
there proceeding to Camden, N. J., he
there spent two weeks in working as a
carpenter, but believing that the west
furnished better opportunities to j'oung
men, he came to Baileys Harbor, \\' is. ,
making the journey partly by boat and
partly by rail. Here he began to earn
his livelihood by chopping wood, and was
thus employed for a year, after which he
purchased 120 acres of land and com-
menced farming; but not wishing to make
that his life work, he sold his land to his
brother-in-law after two years, then
rented a farm upon which he lived two
years. On his removal to Baileys Har-
bor, he worked at various occupations
until purchasing the saloon which he has
since conducted with good success except
for about one year, which he passed in
Utah, engaged in mining.
On August 15, 1885, Mr." Starr was
united in marriage with Miss Maria Brann,
daughter of Jacob and Anna Maria
(Grandroot) Brann, and by her has three
children: Ellen M., May and John Will-
iam. They also lost two sons — John
William and Harry — who were the eldest
in the family. In his political views Mr.
Starr is a stalwart Democrat, having ad-
vocated the principles of that party since
coming to the United States. He is now
serving as school director, but has never
been an office seeker, preferring to give
his time and energies to his business in-
terests. He need never have occasion to
regret his emigration to .America, for here
he has secured a comfortable competence
and won many friends.
BF. OTIS, farmer. Sturgeon Bay
township. Door county, is a na-
tive of Maine, born January 3,
1858, in Fairfield, son of John P.
and Hannah (Tibbets) Otis, farming peo-
ple.
Our subject attended the common
schools, obtaining a good practical edu-
cation, and was reared to agricultural
pursuits, continuing to follow same in
his native State until 1869, when he
came to Wisconsin, borrowing fifty dol-
lars from his grandmother for that pur-
pose. Journeying by rail to Green Bay,
thence by stage to Sturgeon Bay, he ar-
rived at the home of his brother-in-law,
in Door county, who had offered him
thirty dollars a month to drive oxen, and
he was thus engaged until spring. He
then entered the employ of A. W. Law-
rence, for whom he worked in the lumber
regions and in mills, and afterward was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
64s
engaged in the lumber camps for seven
winters under various employers, remain-
ing in Wisconsin nine years befor3 he re-
visited his early home. In 1885 Mr.
Otis bought from Albert Jacobs eighty
acres of wild land in Sevastopol town-
ship, at that time totally unimproved, and
by unremitting industry he has succeeded
in clearing over twenty acres of this tract
for cultivation. He has gained an en-
viable reputation for strict honesty and
reliability, and has prospered well, ac-
cumulating his property solely by his own
exertions, for he arrived in Door county
ninety dollars in debt, and has placed
himself in his present comfortable cir-
cumstances by hard work. He gives all
his time to his farm, taking no active part
in public affairs, and is non-partisan in
politics, voting for the candidate he be-
heves best fitted for office.
On March 30, 1887, Mr. Otis was
married to Miss Emily J. Kimber, a na-
tive of Sturgeon Bay, and daughter of
Buck Kimber, who came here from New
York State. In religious faith Mrs. Otis
is a member of the Episcopal Church.
UDOLPH ZETTEL, a progress-
ive, well-to-do agriculturist of Se-
R
I V vastopol township. Door county,
where he is the owner of eighty
acres of land in Section 16 and forty
acres in Section 2, is a native of Switzer-
land, born August 20, 1845, in the town
of Gross Dietvyl, Canton of Lucerne.
His father, Joseph Zettel, was highly
educated, speaking several languages,
and a man of no little prominence, hold-
ing official positions; he died in Switzer-
land at the age of fifty-three years; the
mother of Rudolph died when he was
four or five years old.
The subject of this writing secured a
fair education, and remained at home
until he was seventeen, at which time he
left the parental roof, as did also his
brothers, Albert, Joseph, Alfred, Casper,
Conrad and Julius, all eventually coming
to the United States, and all remaining
in this country except Julius, who re-
turned to his native land. Accompanied
by Casper and Conrad, and also John
Kaufman, Rudolph Zettel sailed from
Havre, France, on the good ship " Quis-
nel," arriving, after a voyage of forty-
nine days, at New York, whence he came
westward to Wisconsin, where his brother
Joseph was living, landing in Door
county June 23, 1863. Here, in Little
Sturgeon, he worked in a sawmill for a
time, after which he went to Chicago
where he found employment in a linseed-
oil factory, in the railroad shops, and in
other lines of work. Returning to Door
county he worked some four or five years
in the sawmill in Sturgeon Bay under the
management of A. W. Lawrence and
Fred. I. Schuyler. Some time before
going to Chicago he had purchased the
farm whereon he now resides, but on
moving to that city he sold it, and when
he again came to Door county he re-
purchased the property, paying an ad-
vance of $400 on the former price, by
way of compensation for a few improve-
ments that had been made thereon in the
meantime. During the greater part of
the time since then he has carried on
general farming. Forty acres of the
land are under a high state of cultivation,
the fields are well tilled, fences kept in
good repair, and all the improvements of
a model farm are to be found. In 1893
a fine residence was erected; while the
other buildings are in keeping with the
house, all indicating the careful supervis-
ion of the owner himself, who is justly
numbered among the leading farmers of
his township.
On April 25, 1870, in Sturgeon Bay,
Wis., Mr. Zettel wedded Mary Gertrude
Berens, who was born in Germany, Au-
gust 19, 1845, daughter of Joseph Berens.
She came to the United States in 1864,
and was visiting in Door county at the
time of her marriage. The young couple
began their domestic life in a rude
shanty, which was burned down in the
644
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
middle of February, while the husband was
absent at work in the lumber woods. The
home was blessed with seven children, but
Frank J. and August died in early child-
hood, and Mary G. died at the age of three
years; those still living are Mary Chris-
tina, Amelia E., Mary E. J., and Elida
G. Traisia. Mr. Zettel is a stanch advo-
cate of the principles of the Republican
party, and takes a deep interest in every-
thing pertaining to its growth and success.
His fellow citizens, appreciating his worth
and ability, have frequently tendered
him office, but he has steadily refused,
preferring to give his undivided attention
to his business interests. He is a mem-
ber of the Catholic Church at Sevasto-
pol. He is an honest, kindhearted man,
one that has made the golden rule
his motto, and his well-spent life and
sterling worth have gained him many
friends.
AUGUSTUS GENESEE is one of
\\'isconsin's native sons, having
been born in Humboldt township,
Brown county. May i6, 1859, a
son of Clem and Frances (Kaye) Genesse,
who both emigrated from Belgium to
America in early life, and were married in
this country.
The father of our subject was a farmer
and lumberman, and after his marriage
located in Humboldt township, where he
became the owner of a forty-acre tract of
timber land, upon which not a furrow had
been turned or an improvement made;
but soon the noble trees of the forest fell
before his sturdy strokes; with axe
and grub hoe he cleared the land, and in
time had rich and well-tilled fields which
began to yield to him a golden tribute in
return for the care and labor he bestowed
upon them. He and his neighbors had no
teams, and the first stove which he had,
purchased in Green Baj', was taken apart
and carried home by nine men. Previous
to that time their bread had been baked
in an iron kettle, buried in the coals of
the fire-place. The house, 14x14 feet,
was the home of three families for one
winter; but such a life promotes socia-
bility, and furnishes pleasures such as are
unknown to the present generation. The
father cut most of his pine lumber into
shingles, and thus earned a living for his
family in those early days. In 1864 he
entered the army, and there contracted a
fever which disabled him for further farm
labor.
Selling his land, he took up his resi-
dence in Green Bay, and in connection
with Charles Massey, established a store
which he carried on for one year. He
then removed to Union township. Door
county, purchased land and established a
store in the town of Union: but after a
year the building and its entire contents
were destroyed bj- fire. The partnership
was then dissolved. Mr. Genesse contin-
ued on his farm two years, and next pur-
chased eighty acres of land on Section 28,
Union township, once more undertaking
the task of clearing away the pine tim-
ber. This arduous task was completed
within fifteen years, and where once stood
the native forest were ultimately seen
billowy fields of grain. When he located
upon this place he built a large house,
and for six years conducted a hotel or
tavern, prospering in the business, and to
his farm he from time to time added, as
his financial resources increased, until
within its boundaries were comprised 208
acres of rich land. Mr. Genesse, whose
worth and ability were widely recognized,
served for fifteen years as postmaster of
Namur; was town clerk for a similar
length of time; was town treasurer one
year and justice of the peace fifteen years.
In addition to his other labors he engaged
in fishing for sixteen jears, which proved
a successful business. On February 23,
1890, he went to Green Bay with a load
of fish; but on returning lost his way, and,
owing to the intensely cold weather, was
partly frozen. He lingered on for twenty-
one days, when death released him. In
the family were children as follows:
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
645
Augustus, Victor (who died at the age
of twenty-three), Josie, Adel, Alphonse,
Charlie, Mary, Fannie and Joseph.
Being the eldest of the family, Au-
gustus Genesse received but limited
educational privileges, for his services
were needed on the home farm. His
training along this line was not meager,
for early in life he became familiar with
all the duties of the agriculturist. For
some years he remained at home caring
for his mother who is now living in Green
Bay, Wis., but on the 19th of May,
1 89 1, he made preparation for a home of
his own by his marriage with Victory,
daughter of Joseph and Theresa Mohi-
mont. They lived with her parents for
two years in Green Bay township, Brown
county, and in January, 1893, came to
their present home in Union township.
Door count}'. Their union has been
blessed with two interesting children; Ida
B., born July 7, 1892; and Benjamin,
born March 17, 1894.
Mr. Genesse has followed in the po-
litical footsteps of his father, and is a
stanch adherent of Republican principles,
having supported that party since attain-
ing his majority. Both he and his wife
are members of the Catholic Church, and
are highly respected citizens of the com-
munity. Wisconsin has reason to be
proud of her children if they are all like
Mr. Genesse, who is an enterprising
farmer, a faithful friend and a valued citi-
zen, one who gives his support to all
worthy enterprises calculated to benefit
the community at large.
JOSEPH OURADNIK, who for some
forty years has been prominently
connected with the mercantile and
official interests of Casco township,
I\ewaunee county, is a native of Bohemia,
born September 28, 1843. He is a son
of Frank and Annie Ouradnik, also na-
tives of Bohemia, where the father was a
farmer and grain buyer, and a prominent
man in the locality in which he made his
home. In 1857, accompanied by his
family, he emigrated to America and took
up his residence in Casco township, Ke-
waunee Co. , Wis. , where he purchased a
section of timber land which he at once
began to clear and improve, carrying on
agricultural pursuits the greater part of his
life. He and his wife were members of
the Catholic Church, and both lived to
advanced age.
The educational privileges which our
subject received were those afforded by
the common schools of his native land, in
which he pursued his studies until twelve
years of age. About that time, in 1855,
he came with his brother-in-law to the
United States, and with him located in
Manitowoc, Wis., but after a short time
he removed to Casco township, Kewau-
nee county, where he was joined by his
parents in the year 1857. Here he form-
ed a partnership with his brother-in-law,
John Stika, purchased land, and after
clearing the timber from the same began
farming, becoming one of the first settlers
in that locality. He came to this country
a poor boy without any knowledge of the
English language, but has steadily worked
his way upward from a humble position
to one of affluence, is now the owner of
125 acres of valuable land, the greater
part under cultivation, and is numbered
among the representative men of his
township. He is also doing a profitable
business as a merchant and saloon keeper
in Slovan, and owns and operates a
cheese factory, which also adds materi-
ally to his income.
In i860, Mr. Ouradnik was joined in
wedlock to Miss Katherina Marsicek, who
was born in Bohemia, October 31, 1845,
and their union has been blessed with
thirteen children, namely: Mary, Annie,
Joseph, Lydia, Christina, Lewis, Frank,
Rosa, Theresa, Frances, Agnes, Emma
and Katie. In politics Mr. Ouradnik
affiliates with the Democratic party, and
has served as supervisor and chairman of
the town board for many j'ears. He has
also long served as township treasurer, is
646
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
still filling that position, and in 1886 was
elected treasurer of Kewaunee county,
serving for three terms of two j-ears each.
At this writing he is candidate for county
sheriff. He has also held the office of
school treasurer for si.xteen years, and in
these various positions has ever been
found true and faithful, discharging his
duties with credit to himself and satisfac-
tion to his constituents. During President
Hayes' administration he was appointed
postmaster at Slovan, and is still filling
■that office. He is a member of the Cath-
olic Church, and it was largely through
his instrumentality that the Holy Trinity
church of Slovan was erected; is also a
member of the Catholic Knights of Wis-
consin. Our subject is truly one of the
most prominent men of his township, and
well deserves representation in the history
of his adopted county.
HANS JOHNSON has been an im-
jiortant factor in the growth and
upbuilding of Liberty Grove town-
ship. Door county, and in the
history of this section of Wisconsin well
deserves representation. A native of
Denmark, he was born May 3, 1846, and
is a son of Johan and Karen (Clausen)
Larson, who were parents of seven chil-
dren, namely: Nels, Laurena, Klausena,
Hans, Theodore, Laurena (deceased), and
Hans (deceased). The father of this
family, who was a farmer by occupation,
died when the son Hans was only five years
of age.
Our subject received a good educa-
tion in the public schools of his native
land, and remained at home until he was
nineteen years of age when he bade adieu
to friends and family and set out for the
New World, taking passage on a vessel
bound from London, England, for New
York, whence he proceeded to Milwau-
kee, Wis., at which city he arrived No-
vember 2, 1865, and then went to Man-
istee, Mich., where he worked in the
pineries during the succeeding winter.
In the spring of 1866 he returned to
Milwaukee, and secured work as a farm
hand; but after being employed in that
way two months, again went to Man-
istee, Mich., where he was employed two
years, receiving as a compensation for
his services $30 per month. His next
place of residence was in Racine, ^^'is. ,
where he made his home for a year, and
in I 87 1 he came to Door county, settling
at Rowleys Bay, where he engaged in pre-
paring cordwood for the market. His
labors in that direction were interrupted
by an accident, he cutting his foot so
badly that he was disabled for work
some four months. When he had re-
covered he was employed as a teamster
by the firm of Osborn, Coxwell & Co. , re-
maining with them a year and a half, at
the expiration of which time he re-
moved to Sturgeon Bay, Wis., where he
worked on the canal. When the summer
was over he returned to Rowleys Bay and
was again employed by Osborn, Coxwell
& Co. eight months; was then made fore-
man of the men engaged in woodcutting,
serving in that capacity a year and a half,
when he bought out his employers and
took a contract to get out i , 500 cords of
wood. This task was completed within
a year, and, with the capital he thereby
acquired, he purchased 320 acres of land
in Libert}' Grove township, on which
farm he lived until 1879. The following
year he went back to New Port, where he
purchased about 200 acres of timber land,
built a dock and established a general
merchandise store which he carried on
with good success, receiving from the pub-
lic a liberal and well-deserved patronage.
In 1882, he secured the establishment of
a postoffice at that place, and served as
postmaster for seven years when he re-
signed. He was engaged in the real-
estate and the wood business, besides at-
tending to his mercantile interests, and is
now in business at Charlevoix, Michigan.
On January 20, 1872, Mr. Johnson
married Miss Anna Zink, daughter of
Klause and Mary Zink, who are now liv-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.
647
ing at Fish Creek, Wis. In 1886 Mr.
Johnson was called upon to mourn the
death of his wife, who passed away Janu-
ary 13, that 3'ear, lamented by many
friends. Mr. Johnson has been honored
with various political offices, having
served as justice of the peace one year;
chairman of the town board of supervis-
ors three years; as county assemblyman
for two years; and as school treasurer.
He established the schoolhouse at New
Port, and was instrumental in promoting
the leading enterprises and interests of
Liberty Grove township, his name being
inseparably connected with the history of
its growth and upbuilding.
ANDREW NELSON, whose name
is inseparably connected with the
official history of Liberty Grove
township, Door county, is a na-
tive of Denmark, born May 30, 185 1.
His parents, Nels and Elsie (Oleson) So-
renson, were of the same nativity, the
father born April 27, 1817, the mother
Februar}' 4, 1820. They are farming
people, and still live on the old homestead
in Denmark, which is carried on by their
youngest son, Ole Nelson. The other
children in the family are Elsie, Soren,
Andrew, Kjestina, Anna and Meta.
Our subject received such educational
privileges as were afforded by the common
schools, and secured a good practical
knowledge. Most of the children left
home when about fourteen years of age,
but Andrew remained with his parents
until he was twenty. At that time, hav-
ing heard much of the advantages and
privileges offered in the New World to
young men, he resolved to test the truth
of these reports by trying his fortune in
the United States, and accordingly sailed
from Copenhagen in 1872, landing in New
York on the ist of April, that year. From
there he traveled to Chicago and to Pat-
.ton. 111., where he received work as a farm
hand at $20 per month, and after being
thus employed for about two and a halt
months he removed to Menominee,
Mich., where he was employed in the
lumber woods for about ten months at
$28 per month. Later he returned to
Chicago, there spending about one month;
then took up his residence in Marinette,
Wis. , and here was employed in a saw-
mill two months. About that time his
brother Soren received a very severe
wound in the hand, and as soon as he re-
covered they went to Marquette, but not
long afterward returned to Marinette. Our
subject began working on the North West-
ern railroad between Menominee and
Escanaba, Wis., and often received as
high as six dollars per day, in which way
he managed to save some money; but be-
coming ill it was all expended for doctor
bills, so that when he came to Liberty
Grove he was without any capital. He
then began cutting cordwood for Kirch
Brothers at $1.25 per cord, and continued
in their employ for one winter, after
which he purchased 120 acres of land
from Peter Anderson, one of the early
settlers of Door county. This land was
partially cleared, and he and his brother
at once commenced its further develop-
ment, continuing its cultivation for three
years, when they dissolved partnership.
At that time Andrew Nelson went to
Rowleys Bay, where he purchased eighty
acres of wood land, and cutting the
timber disposed of it as cordwood. Three
years later he sold that property and re-
moved to Garrett Bay, and purchased
partially from the Fox River Company
600 acres of land, which he yet owns.
He began cutting the timber, built two
docks for shipping purposes, established
a store and in five years also opened a
stone quarry. He has now for thirteen
years been engaged in the wood and
stone business, shipping an average of
3,000 cords of wood each year.
On the 26th of January, 1877, Mr.
Nelson was united in marriage with Miss
Mary Christenson, daughter of Thomas
and Mary Ann (Madson) Christenson, and
to them were born nine children, named
648
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
respectively: Louis, Adolph, Alma, Will-
iam, Ella, Edwin, Otto, Harry and
Chester. Mrs. Nelson is a member of
the Moravian church, and is an estimable
lady, one who has p;ained many warm
friends in the conmiunity in which she
now makes her home. In his political
views Mr. Nelson is a Republican, and
has been called upon to fill \arious
positions of honor and trust. He served
for five years as ^a member of the town
board of supervisors; has been treasurer
of school district No. 5 for seven years,
is now serving as justice of the peace, a
position he has filled for fi\e years, and
in 1895 was elected chairman of the
town. He discharges his duties in a
capable and acceptable manner, being
ever true to the trust reposed in him,
and in Liberty Grove township he is re-
garded as a man of sterling worth and
strict integrity — a valued and progressive
citizen.
JOSEPH MAHLBEKG, one of the
most intelligent young farmers of
West Kewaunee township, Kewaunee
county, was born in the town of
Kewaunee February 26, 1865.
Henry Mahlberg, his father, was born
July 2, 1832, at Eschen, Germany, was
educated at the conimoii schools, and
later worked at farming until 1848, when
he volunteered in the German army and
served three years, receiving at the end of
that time an honorable discharge. In
April, 1852, he landed in New York City,
whence he came to Milwaukee, Wis.,
from that point prospecting in various
parts of the country, and finally, in 1861,
purchasing the farm in West Kewaunee
township, which his family now occupy,
and where he died December 16, 1891.
Soon after reaching the United States he
declared his intention of becoming a citi-
zen, and at once affiliated with the Dem-
ocratic party, and was elected assessor of
West Kewaunee township. In religion
he was a. Catholic. His marriage took
place June 23, 1862, to Mary Hauer, who
was born in Schleswig, (icrmany, Sep-
tember 22, 1844, a daughter of Hans P.
and Mary Hauer, and by this union there
were five children, viz. : Henry, Joseph,
William, Eilward and Emma, of whom
Joseph and Emma are still living.
The subject proper of these lines was
reared on the home farm, and educated in
the public schools of Kewaunee and in
the high school. In the spring of 1880
he successfully piassed the board of ex-
aminers, \\as granted a teacher's certifi-
cate, and at once engaged in that pro-
fession, which he followed until 18S5,
when he returned to the farm. In poli-
tics he is an ardent Democrat. He served
as township clerk in 1892-3, was elected
justice of the peace in 1893, and in April,
1894, was elected chairman of the town-
ship by nearly 100 majority.
Mr. Mahlberg was married November
26, 1890, to Annie Zeman, a daughter of
Frank and Annie Zeman, natives of Bo-
hemia. She was born November 24,
I 869, in Pierce township, Kewaunee Co. ,
Wis., and has borne her husband two
children: .\unie, born July 26, 1S91, and
who dietl July 29, following; and Elroy,
born October 24, 1892. Mr. Mahlberg,
aside from being popular with his party,
is highly respected by the community at
large, and is looked upon as one of the
most progressive young farmers of his
township.
GEORGE KING was born De-
cember 6, 1850, in Cooperstown,
Manitowoc Co., Wis., and is a
son of Clifford King, who was
born in Canada, of French descent, and
who became a farmer and hotel keeper.
He married Lucy Goodchild, a native of
Canada, b}' whom he had seven children —
five sons and two daughters.
Our subject, who is the third son,
spent his boyhood days upon his father's
farm, and remained at the old home in
Manitowoc county until he was si.xteen
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
649.
years of age, when he went to Neshoto,
in the same county, where for about ten
years he was employed as a laborer. At
the end of that decade he changed his
place of residence to Manitowoc Rapids,
and entered the employ of Mrs. Walker,
now Mrs. Decker, serving as overseer on
her farm for about a year, at the end of
which time he came to Casco township,
and has acted as overseer on the farm of
Ed. Decker since that time. He now has
charge of all Mr. Decker's landed inter-
ests, also of the sawmill, in fact, is gen-
eral superintendent of all Mr. Decker's
business affairs. He receives a salary for
his services, and in addition has an inter-
est in the business, and is one of Mr.
Decker's most confidential employes, re-
ceiving his unlimited trust which he well
merits. During the time he has had
charge of affairs the business has in-
creased in volume and in profit, and his
management of the sawmill, especially,
has made that a paying investment.
On May i, 1875, was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. King with Miss Emma
Doretha De Pons, who was born March
31, 1857, in Manitowoc count}-. Wis.,
daughter of Henry and Doretha (Ahrnes)
De Pons, who were of French extraction.
Mr. and Mrs. King have one child, George
Roy, born November 19, 1889. Our
subject is a member of Vigilant Lodge,
No. 20, K. P., and is a highly respected
citizen.
CHARI^ES O. FRANKLIN, gar-
dener and small-fruit grower of
Sturgeon Bay township. Door
county, is a native of Wisconsin,
born October 12, 1842, in Burlington,
I^acine county, youngest in the family of
Oliver Franklin, who had three sons and
one daughter. Oliver Franklin came west-
ward from New York State, becoming an
early settler of Racine county.
Up to the age of fifteen years our sub-
ject remained at home, attending school
irregularly and helping with the work on
the home farm. After commencing life
for himself he was engaged for se\-eral
_\earB in fishing, along Lake Michigan
from Kenosha to Death's Door, and was
occupied at various kinds of labor, such
as fishing, lumbering, etc., until thirty
years of age, when he went west to
Nebraska and took up a homestead in
Boone county. But he found the grass-
hoppers so destructive to crops that after
three years he gave up his claim and re-
turned to Wisconsin; next spent a winter
with a brother in northern Michigan, and
then came to Fish Creek, Door Co.,
Wis. , taking up a farm in the woods. On
that place he remained seven years, dur-
ing which time he engaged in agriculture
and fishing, and then, the home being
broken up by the death of his wife, he
went to Marinette, Wis., where for three
years he was employed in the artificial
stone works. About this time a tract of
land in Ontonagon county, Mich., was
opened up to settlers, and Mr. F"ranklin,
taking up a claim there, lived thereon
four years, at the end of which time he
sold his right for $6,000, having found
great difficulty in establishing his title.
Coming again to Door county. Wis. , and
to Sturgeon Bay, he here, in August,
1 89 1, purchased a twenty-acre tract of
land from A. W. Lawrence, and made a
snug home, his aged mother living with
him for a time. The land has been greatly
improved under his care, and is in the
highest state of cultivation, being devoted
entirely to gardening and the raising of
small fruits, Mr. Franklin having the
most extensive business of the kind in
Sturgeon Bay township.
In Boone county, Neb., Mr. Franklin
was married December 25, 1875, to Myra
E. Bristol, a native of Belvidere, 111.,
who died at Fish Creek, Door Co. , Wis. ,
October 15, 1893, leaving three children,
namely: Charles H., of California; Mabel,
of Hay Springs, Neb., and Melva, of
Marinette, Wis. On April 3, 1894, at
Sturgeon Bay, Wis., our subject was
married, for the second time, to Mrs.
650
COMMEMORATirS BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Minnie Laebbe, a native of German}'.
Mr. Franklin takes no active part in
public affairs, and is generally non-part-
isan in politics, though he has a prefer-
ence for the principles of the Republican
party.
ANTON LANGENKAMP, the fa-
mous brewer of Carlton, Kewau-
nee county, is a native of West-
phalia, German}', born October
28, 1843, in the village of Rinkenrod.
His father, Henry Langenkamp, was born
in Germany in 1804, and died at his na-
tive place in 1857.
Our subject, who is the seventh in
a family of eight children, attended the
common schools, receiving a good educa-
tion, and worked at intervals on a farm
until seventeen }'ears of age, when he en-
tered upon an apprenticeship to the brew-
ing business, finishing his "time" at
the age of twenty-two. He then started
out on his travels, as was and is still the
custom, and hence the term "journey-
man," to gain further instruction in his
business, his indentures entitling him to
full pay as a journeyman wherever he
might find employment or choose to
work. After visiting many places in
Europe, he, in 1865, set out for America,
coming direct to Kewaunee, Wis. , where
he remained about four years, first work-
ing in a sawmill, then on a farm, and
finally in the Kewaunee brewery. He
then went to Ahnapee, where he worked
at his trade about two years, then two
years at Francis Creek, after which
he was two and one-half years employed
at the branch in Manitowoc county, then
returned to Ahnapee, and a year later
purchased the brewery at Tisch Mills.
Here he is in partnership with his brother,
and together they have, since they be-
gan operations, rebuilt or enlarged the
brewery and so improved the quality of
the product that it is recognized as the
best in this section of the country, the re-
sult being an extensive and lucrative trade.
Mr. Langenkamp is altogether a man of
energy and business push, and in addition
to his brewery interest has stock in the
flouring and sawmill at Carlton. Socially,
he is a member of the F. & A. M. , I. O.
O. F. , Sons of Hermann, S. M. H.,
American Legion of Honor, and C. S.
P. S. In politics he is a Democrat, ever
active in securing the success of the
party in his township and county, and he
is now a member of the county board of
Kewaunee county. In 1892 he was the
candidate of his party for the General
Assembly, but was not elected; on ac-
count, however, of irregularities in the
election proceedings, he contested the
seat in the Assembly, and though a mem-
ber of the Democratic party, he was not
allowed the seat by them when they were
in office, yet he was vindicated in his
course by the Republicans when they
came into power, as they promptly reim-
bursed him for the expenses incurred by
him in the contest.
Mr. Langenkamp is recognized as one
of the most substantial citizens in his sec-
tion, as well as one of the most influen-
tial in public affairs, possessing a social
and genial nature which wins him uni-
versal popularity among his fellow citizens.
He lives in a fine residence adjoining the
brewery property, which he has admir-
ably equipped with modern improvements
and surrounded by fine fruit-bearing trees,
all planted by him since his residence
here, the beautiful and well-kept property
giving ample evidence of his taste, he dis-
playing the same interest in that as in
everything else with which he is con-
nected.
JURGEN REHDER, an industrious,
prosperous farmer of Egg Harbor
township. Door county, is a native
of the Fatherland, born March 10,
1859, in Holstein, third child in the
family of Claus Rehder, who was the
father of nine children — seven sons (of
n
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i^^HI
HLx.'
COMMEMORATIVE BIOOEAPHICAL RECORD.
653
whom Jurgeii is the eldest) and two
daughters.
Up to the age of fourteen years our
subject attended school; also assisting his
father and mother at home, and after
that time commenced working for
strangers, giving his wages to his parents.
In the fall of 1883, at the age of twentj'-
four years, he left his native land, on
September 29, sailing from Amsterdam
on the steamer "Shidam," which landed
at New York October 14. One of his
brothers having settled in Iowa, our sub-
ject set out for that State, but on arriving
at Chicago, 111., he found himself without
money, without friends, and unable to
speak the English language. He man-
aged to secure employment, however,
and in a few weeks came by boat to
Door county. Wis., landing at Sturgeon
Bay November 3. In Section 14, Egg
Harbor township, he found work cutting
wood, receiving one-half of the wood for
his labor, continuing at that through the
winter, after which he hired out as a farm
hand on the place where he now lives, in
Section 14, and which now consists of
220 acres, over one hundred of which have
been cleared by honest industry.
On March 8, 1888, Mr. Rehder was
married, in Egg Harbor, to Mrs. Dora
(Perls) Forey, widow of George Fore}',
and to this union were born three children:
Charles, John and Catherine. In politi-
cal affiliation Mr. Rehder was originally a
Democrat, but he now votes according to
the dictates of his own conscience, re-
gardless of party lines. In religious con-
nection he and his wife are members of
the Lutheran Church.
CHARLES PLINSKE follows farm-
ing on Section 15, Forestville
township, Door county, where he
owns and operates 175 acres of
valuable land, which farm he located
upon in 1875 and commenced clearing,
for it was then covered with a heavy
growth of timber.
37
He now has eighty
acres under a high state of cultiva-
tion, improved with good buildings and
the other accessories and convenien-
ces of a model farm. His home is
a comfortable and substantial brick
residence, 28 x 29 feet with an L 1 1 x 28
feet, and has two large barns, one 40 x ^6
feet, the other 28 x 56 feet. He makes a
specialty of the breeding of Holstein cat-
tle and Berkshire and Poland-China hogs,
and also does dairy farming, keeping on
hand from ten to fifteen cows for that
purpose.
Our subject was born in Germany
November 29, 1844, and his parents,
Charles and Charlotte (Rebein) Plinske,
were natives of the same locality. In
1868 they emigrated to America, and the
family settled on a farm in Manitowoc
county. Wis. , while the father worked at
farm labor in order to provide for their
support. Later he opened up his own
farm, and continued its cultivation during
the greater part of his life; but in his later
years he laid aside active business cares
and retired to the city of Manitowoc,
where he spent his last days, his death oc-
curring in 1887, his wife dying there in
1893. They were the parents of five
children, namely: Caroline, who became
the wife of John Gnadt, and died in Mani-
towoc county in 1872; Minnie, widow of
William Albracht, of Manitowoc county;
Charles; Ferdinand, who is living in the
city of Manitowoc, and Albertine, who
died when fourteen years of age. Charles,
our subject, was reared and educated in
his native land, and served in the German
army for nearly three years, doing duty in
Austria in 1 866, three months, in the war
with that country, the rest of the time in
Berlin, Germany. He afterward worked
as a farm hand in his native land and also
in this country until he was able to begin
farming for his own account. He was also
foreman of a gang of men engaged in rail-
road grading in Illinois and Michigan,
later spending two years in Kansas, Min-
nesota and Missouri, working at various
kinds of labor; was also employed in a
654
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
brick yard in Chicajjo for two summers —
1872 and 1873 — working by the piece,
and making from five to eight dollars per
day. He has worked in nine States of
the Union, and has always been found
busy, for idleness is uttcrh' foreign to his
nature.
Mr. Plinske was married in Manitowoc
county May 19, 1874, to Miss Gusta
Aestreig, a native of Germany, and daugh-
ter of Henry and Augusta Aestreig, who
were born in the same country, and in
i860 emigrated to Manitowoc county.
Wis., where the father opened up a farm
on which he still makes his home; he was
called upon to mourn the death of his
wife in 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Plinske have
eight children: Clara, Richard, Laura,
Ella, Arthur, Elsie, Hugo and ^^atikle.
Our subject takes a warm interest in poli-
tics, and supports the Republican party,
by whom he has been elected to several
local positions of honor and trust, such
as town supervisor, school director and
town treasurer, which latter position he
has filled eleven years, and is present in-
cumbent. His duties are promptly and
faithfully performed, and the community
recognizes in him a valued citizen, one
who gives his support to all worthy en-
terprises, and bears his part in the up-
building of town and county. He and his
estimable wife hold membership with the
Lutheran Church, in which he is serving
as deacon, and take quite an active
interest in Churcli and Sunday-school
work.
CHRIST DEMMIN, one of the
prosperous and substantial farm-
ers of Egg Harbor township.
Door county, was born in Prussia,
Germany, October 28, 1835, and is the
youngest son in a family of six sons and
two daughters. His father, John Dem-
min, was engaged in the livery business in
a small German village.
Our subject attended the common
schools, and remained at home until his
marriage to Miss Dora Rhode. On Oc-
tober I, 1862, Mr. Demmin, with his wife
and two children, took passage at Ham-
burg on the sailing vessel "Helena,"
which after a \oyage of ten weeks and
two days arrived at Xew York. In the
Empire State he remained two and a
half jears, working as a farm hand near
Poughkeepsie, and in the spring of 1865
he removed to Chicago, where he made
his home some nine years, engaged in un-
loading vessels and in other service yield-
ing him an honest living. I'nr five years
he was in a carriage factory, operating
the machinery, and, while thus employed,
by his prudence, industry and economy
he sa\ed quite a little sum of monv and
then started out in search of land. Visit-
ing Door county, he purchased a fortj'-
acre tract of timber land in Section 32,
Egg Harbor township, to which he re-
moved with his family the foUcjwing j'ear.
There were no improvements in this lo-
cality, no road was cut to the farm, and
not a furrow had been turned upon the
place; but with characteristic energy he
began to clear it, and in 1 874 he raised
his first crop, consisting of potatoes and
corn. Each \ear saw a larger amount of
land cleared and placed under cultivation,
bountiful harvests were gathered and the
farm at length became a paying invest-
ment, making its owner one of the sub-
stantial citizens of the communitj'. As
his financial resources have increased, he
has extended the boundaries of his farm
until he now has 240 acres, one hundred
of which are cleared and improved.
To Mr. and Mrs. Demmin were born
the following children: \\"illiam and Min-
nie, who were born in the Fatherland,
and died in New York shortly after the
arrival of the family in this countr\';
Louisa, now the wife of Charles Juergens,
residing in Minnesota; Charles and Theo-
dore, who died in childhood, while in
Chicago; John, Louis and August, all at
home, the last named having been born
at Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. Mr. Dem-
min votes with the Republican party, and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
655
believes strongly in its principles, yet is not
an intolerant partisan. He has served as
township supervisor four years, and is
now enjoying his seventh term as town
treasurer, a fact which indicates his effi-
ciency and the confidence and trust re-
posed in him by his fellow townsmen.
He is a believer in the doctrines of the
Moravian Church, assisted in building the
house of worship, is one of the leading
members of the congregation, and has
served as one of the officers since its or-
ganization. He is a typical self-made
man, for he started out in life empty-
handed, and for some years after coming
to this country had to work as a common
laborer; but he scorned no employment
which would yield him an honest living,
and as the result of his industry, perse-
verance and ec(inomy he has steadily
worked his way upward and acquired for
himself and family a pleasant home and
comfortable competence. He certainly
deserves great credit for his success in
life, and his example is one well worth}' of
emulation.
JOHN B. DELWICHE. Belgium
has furnished many worthy citizens
to Wisconsin, among whom is the
subject of this brief review — a well-
known farmer of Door county. His par-
ents, William and Mary (Duper) Del-
wiche, now live with him, and in their
family were seven children, who in the
order of birth are as follows: Catherine,
Felicity, John B., \'irginia, Lucy, Joseph
and Frank.
Our subject was born in Belgium in
1847, and in that country spent the first
nine years of his life, after which he came
with his parents to .America, the family
locating in Union township. Door Co.,
Wis., where the father made purchase of
forty acres of land — the farm on which
he yet resides. A log cabin was built,
16x16 feet, and as they had no team the
logs were carried by the men; the work
of improvement was at once begun, and
with a.\e, grub hoe and plow the once
wild timber-land was transformed into
rich and fertile fields, which in course of
time began to yield abundant harvests.
As the years passed the boundaries of the
farm were extended until it comprised 137
acres. The mother of our subject died
here July 6, 1S77. Since coming to
America John B. Delwiche has resided
upon this farm, and in the work of de-
\elopment and ciilti\ation he has ever
borne his part, while in the experiences
of frontier life he has also had his share.
On June i, i.'^7.i, he was married to Miss
Mary Cauquet, and their union has been
blessed with ten children, namely: Jau-
quet, Moise, Heloise, Lizzie, Celine,
Joseph Arthm", Frank, William, John and
Fred, of whom William is dead.
Mr. Delwiche and his family are mem-
bers of the Catholic Church, and in the
community where they reside they are
highly respected people who have many
warm friends. By his ballot our subject
supports the I'vepublicau party, and has
several times been called to positions of
honor and trust, having served for one
year as chairman of the town board, for
three years as town treasurer and for two
years as town clerk. In all of these
ofifices he has discharged his duties with
a promptness and fidelity that has won
him high connnendation, and in all re-
spects he is recognized as a valued citizen.
ANDREW KONOP, an industrious
and thriving farmer of Franklin
township, Kewaunee county, was
born in Bohemia, May 24, 1842,
and is the second in the family of six
children of Mathias and Annie Konop.
also natives of Bohemia.
Our subject attended the public schools
of his native land (the Bohemian, in con-
tradistinction to the German) until four-
teen years of age, in the meantime learn-
ing the weaver's trade. He then wended
his way to Vienna, Austria, where he
plied his trade until he was twenty years
656
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.
old, then returned home and lived four
years with his mother, his father having
in the meantime died. In 1867, along
with his mother, brothers and sisters, he
emigrated to the United States, coming
directly to the town of Franklin, Wis.,
where he worked in a sawmill about three
years and then bought the farm he now
operates and resides on, and set to work
at the usual task of clearing off the tim-
ber and reducing the soil to a fit state for
cultivation. He has continued to add to
his possessions, has erected good sub-
stantial buildings, and he is now a model
farmer with a model farm.
The marriage of Andrew Konop took
place May 24, 1865, to Miss \Iaggie
Cilar, daughter of Joseph and Mary Cilar,
natives of Bohemia, where Mrs. Konop
was born December 25, 1844, and the
children born to this marriage, four in
number, are named Mary, Annie, Fannie
and Joseph. The family are Catholic in
their religious faith, and Mr. Konop is a
member of the C. S. P. S. of Kewaunee
county. In politics he is a Democrat,
and he has been eight times elected treas-
urer of the township of Franklin; in 1893
he was elected chairman of the board of
supervisors, and re-elected in 1894 bj^ a
large majority — a significant fact, indicat-
ing that he has filled the office with credit
and to the full satisfaction of all con-
cerned. The social standing of the fam-
ily is all that could be desired.
I
GEORGE HARBERS, who carries
on a successful business as a vet-
erinary surgeon at Baileys Har-
bor. Door county, was born in
Oldenburg, Germany, May 3, 1849, ^"d
is a son of Antone C. Harbers, who car-
ried on agricultural pursuits, becoming
prosperous, and who married Margaret
Lange. They became the parents of five
children: Anna, Catherine, Freda, An-
tone and George.
Our subject received good educational
privileges, completing a high-school course.
and remained under the parental roof un-
til fourteen years of age, when he left
home to earn his own livelihood, and be-
gan work upon a farm. In that manner
he was employed some five years, when
he entered the army, serving one year.
He then left the service for about a year,
but again returned, and during the six-
teen months of his second service he par-
ticipated in the Franco-Prussian war.
Returning to his home, he there passed
one year, after which he was united in
marriage, December i, 1872, with Miss
Matilda, daughter of Edward and Helena
f Peters) Buzing; but in 1874 she died,
leaving two children: Helene and Ed-
ward, the latter of whom is now emplo3'ed
as a salesman in Brooklyn, N. Y. In
the same year Mr. Harbers bade adieu to
home and friends in the Fatherland, to
seek a home bejond the water, and after
a voyage of eleven days landed in New
York, whence he came direct to Baileys
Harbor, Wis., arriving on the 24th of
June. Here he secured employment in
the store of Fred Wohlmann, with whom
he remained seven years — a trusted as-
sistant. In I S76 he returned to Germany
on a visit to his parents, and in 1878 he
was a second time married, the lady of
his choice being Miss Anna Lungohr,
daughter of Herman and Theresa
(Schwartz) Lungohr. They have two
children — Augusta, born December 23,
1879; and Lydia, born May 5, 1881.
Upon his second marriage Mr. Har-
bers bought 340 acres of land, the pur-
chase price being $2200, and he and fam-
ily moved into a little log cabin which
was their home for two years, when a
more modern structure was erected. Of
the farm only thirty acres had been
cleared, and he at once began to improve
the place, selling the timber as cordwood,
for some of which he received as high as
$5 per cord. After cultivating that farm
for si.x 3'ears he sold out for $4, 700, and
purchased his present home in Baileys
Harbor township. He embarked in the
meat business, but as it did not prove
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.
657
very profitable he sold out to Gustaf
Pfeifer in 1885, and has since engaged in
the practice of veterinary surger}', in
which he has met with most excellent
success. Since becoming an American
citizen he has supported the men and
measures of the Republican party, and is
now serving as constable, a position which
he has filled for eight years in an exem-
plary manner. Both he and his wife hold
membership with the Lutheran Church,
and are highly respected citizens, their
friends throughout the community being
many.
HERMANN BOETTCHER was
born September 6, 1863, on the
farm where he now resides, in
Lincoln township, Kewaunee
county, Wis., and is a son of Friedrich
Boettcher, a native of Pommern, Ger-
many, born March 6, 1826.
The father was educated in the com-
mon schools of his native land, and
worked as a common laborer until his
marriage to Sophia Wagner, also a native
of Germany, born March 15, 1831. They
had seven children — four sons and three
daughters. In 1857 they emigrated to
America and located in Manitowoc, Wis.,
residing there two years, removing thence
to Ivewaunee county, where, in Lincoln
township, the father purchased 160
acres of timber land, which he at once
began to clear and improve, transforming
the wild tract into rich and fertile fields.
He has since carried on agricultural pur-
suits, and is one of the representative
farmers of the township. His wife
died October 19, 1885, in the faith of
the Lutheran Church, to which she be-
longed. The children of the family yet
living are Hermann; William, of Hart,
Minn. ; and Annie, wife of John B. Meu-
nier, of Marinette, Wisconsin.
The public schools of the neighbor-
hood of his boyhood home afforded our
subject his educational privileges, and he
was reared in the usual manner of farmer
lads, working for his father until after he
had attained his majority. In 1889 he
took charge of the home farm which he
still manages, and is now widely recog-
nized as one of the wide-awake and en-
terprising \oung farmers of Lincoln town-
ship.
On July I, 1886, he was married to
Miss Hulda Kersten, who was born in
Cooperstown, Manitowoc Co., Wis., De-
cember 31, 1869, and they have two
children: Emma B., born August 3,
1891; and Berhnerd, born April 7, 1894.
In his political views Mr. Boettcher is a
Democrat, and has filled the offices of
pathmaster and constable in a creditable
and acceptable manner. He holds mem-
bership with the Lutheran Church, and
his entire life has been passed in Kewau-
nee county, where he is widely and favor-
ably known, and where he is held in high
regard as a man of sterling worth and
strict integrity.
GEORGE BREY, who has been a
resident of Ahnapee township,
Kewaunee county, for the past
twenty-five years, is a native of
Bohemia, born April 22, 1836, in Chu-
diwa. He is a son of Joseph and Mary
(Simmat) Brey, also natives of Bohemia,
the former of whom was a farmer and
saloon-keeper. They had a family of six-
teen children (four of whom are now de-
ceased), George being the fifth in order
of birth.
Our subject was educated in the com-
mon schools of his native country, re-
ceiving his instruction in the German lan-
guage, and was reared on a farm up to
the age of thirteen years, when he was
apprenticed to learn the harness-maker's
trade, completing his apprenticeship at
the age of sixteen years. .After follow-
ing his trade for eight years he became a
cavalryman, and served nearly eleven years
in the army, participating in the war with
Prussia, after which he acted as private
help for noted families of Austria some six
65S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years, and then entered a wholesale house
in Pras^iie, which had a lar^e export trade
in Bohemia. Remaining there some two
years, he returned home, and shortly
afterward, on April 25, 1869, embarked
on the steamer "Germany," bound for
the United States, landing at New York
May 16, a short time thereafter locating
at La Porte, Ind., whence he soon after-
ward removed to Wisconsin, settling in
Ahnapee, Kewaunee county, where he
was engaged as a laborer for a few weeks.
On August 2, 1869, he was united in
marriage with Mrs. Mary (Merrit) Gettin-
ger, a widow, who was born in Bohemia
in 1845, ^"d is the mother of two chil-
dren by her first marriage: Annie, now
Mrs. Frank Gressel, of Ahnapee, and
Mary, Mrs. William Amstein, of Chicago.
To her second marriage were born ten
children: George, Joseph, Frances,
Clara, Peter, Katharine, John, Ivy and
Adam, living, and Theresa, deceased.
After his marriage Mr. Brey located upon
the farm he still conducts, and engaged
in agricultural pursuits, which have ever
since been his principal occupation. Mr.
and Mrs. Brey are members of the Catho-
lic Church, and politically he is a Demo-
crat; socially, he is a member of the
Wenzlaus Society, a Bohemian organ-
ization.
ANDREAS ERICHSEN, a well-
known farmer of Carlton town-
ship, Kewaunee county, was born
in Schleswig-Holstein, Prussia,
German), March 31, 1831.
His parents, Erick and Mattie Erich-
sen, came to the United States in 1857.
Mrs. Erichsen died in Kewaunee in 1874,
and in 1S75 Mr. Erichsen passed from
earth in Milwaukee, and the remains of
both are interred in Kewaunee. Andreas,
the subject of this sketch, who was the
fifth in a family of nine children, was ed-
ucated in the public schools of Schleswig-
Holstein, and later worked on a farm. In
1854 he and a brother came to America,
where, after wandering as far west as
Chicago, they found themselves without
money. They consequently worked at
whatever they could find to do in that
city, also at La Porte. Ind., and in a
short time reached Mishicot, Manitowoc
Co., W'is. , where the same program was
followed for a \ear. when Andreas came
to the township of Carlton, Kewaunee
county, and located on the farm he still
owns and occupies. The farm at that
time was in a dense forest, and the bring-
ing of it to its present state of productive-
ness necessitated industry and a con-
stancy of purpose that would have dis-
couraged any person possessed of less
tenacity of purpose than that which char-
acterized Mr. Erichsen. However, he
has met his reward, and now is possessed
of one of the neatest and best-improved
farms in Carlton township.
Mr. Erichsen was united in marriage,
July 18, 1863, with Annie Wilhelmina
Klopke, who was born at Eutin, Ger-
many, April 9, 1S42, daughter of Claus
and Dorothea Klopke. This union has
been blessed with the birth of five chil-
dren, viz. : Robert B., Henry R., George,
Mattie A., and Lewis E., of whom Rob-
ert B., died in 1868. Mr. Erichsen has
afforded his children the advantages of a
good education, and he is himself con-
sidered to be one of the most enterpris-
ing citizens of the township, and well
worth}' of taking charge of the township's
interests, but he has never aspired to
official cares of distinction. He is re-
spected as one of the county's foremost
and best farmers, and his upright walk
through life has greatly added to this re-
spect, which is extended to all the mem-
bers of his family.
ALBERT ,ICKE. who for many
years sailed the lakes, is now a
worthy representative of the mer-
cantile interests of Ellison Bay,
Door county. He was born March 15,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
659
1839, in Inzel Ruger, Germany, and is a
son of Joachin Icke, a fisherman by oc-
cupation, wlio lived and died in the
Fatherland. The mother of our subject
bore the maiden name of Maria Org, and
and in the family of this worthy couple
were nine children — Fred, Mar}-, August,
Alvina, Malta and Albert (twins), Matilda,
Sophia and Minnie.
The school privileges which our sub-
ject received were very meager, as he had
to begin to earn his own livelihood when
yet young. At the earl}- age of seven
years he began working in the summer,
and in the winter season, as opportunity
afforded, he attended school. When a
youth of only fourteen years, he went to
sea, taking passage on the ship "Au-
gusta," his first trip being to a Norwegian
port, after which he sailed to Russia,
then to England.and thence home. During
the remainder of the year he was em-
ployed on a trading vessel which sailed
between Germany and England, and sub-
sequently became a member of the crew
of the •■ Helmene," which sailed to En-
gland and Porticabella, and then to the
Gulf of Me.xico, where they suffered
shipwreck. For fifteen days and a half
Mr. Icke, with other members of the
crew, was in a small boat tossing about
on the waves, being for three days and a
half without food. The\- finally landed
on a small island, and five days later
reached New Orleans, whence Mr. Icke
returned to Hamburg, Germany. After
being emplo}-ed on a government boat for
about si.x months, he again joined the
crew of a ship plying between Germany
and England, and was a salt-water sailor
about four years longer. Returning to
his own home, he in i860 came to the
United States, and began sailing the lakes,
being thus emplo}'ed until the fall of
1893. For twenty }-ears he sailed one
vessel for a Milwaukee firm, and after
that time commanded vessels of his own.
Two of his vessels were wrecked, and
as there was no insurance on them the
loss proved very heavy to him.
On May 18, 1865, Mr. Icke was
united in marriage with Miss Rosetta
Klug, daughter of John and Elenora
(Fisher) Klug, and by her has had a family
of seven children, as follows: Francisco,
Alvina, Albert, Ale.xis, Hattie, Rudolph,
and Frank, three of whom are now mar-
ried— the eldest being the wife of John
Anclam, a resident of Baile}-s Harbor,
Wis. ; Alvina, the wife of Michael Ander-
son, of Milwaukee, and Albert, who re-
sides in Milwaukee. The mother of this
family died of heart disease April 7, 1894,
and man}- friends mourn her decease, for
she was a most estimable lady. In 1882
Mr. Icke came to Ellison Bay, and estab-
lished the store in which he is still inter-
ested. He also owns 280 acres of good
land, of which 160 acres are cleared,
while 60 are under the plow. In 1893 he
was appointed postmaster of Ellison Bay,
and still fills that position; though he
was appointed under a Democratic admin-
istration, he does not affiliate with that
party, supporting by his ballot men and
measures of the Republican party. His
life has certainly not been an uneventful
one, for his long experience on the seas
brought to him many interesting and
ofttimes thrilling adventures. His school
privileges were limited, but during his long
\-oyages, and through his contact with the
world, he has gained a wide and varied
knowledge, and can relate many entertain-
ing episodes.
JOHN DAUL was born August i,
1869, in the town of Casco, Kewau-
nee county, a son of Lawrence and
Catherine (Salentine) Daul, the for-
mer of whom, who was a native of Ger-
many, and a farmer by occupation, in
1854 crossed the Atlantic to America,
settling in Washington county. Wis.,
where he worked as a day laborer. After
six years there passed, he removed to
Kewaunee county and purchased eighty
acres of land in Luxemburg township,
from which he at once began to clear the
66o
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
heavy growth of timber. In 1859 he
married the daughter of Gregory and
Anna (Wahl) Salentine, and in a little log
cabin the young couple began their domes-
tic Ife, living in true pioneer style. At
that time there were few roads cut in the
county, and the forests were still the
haunts of deer and other wild game, as
well as of bears and wolves. They owned
a team of o.xen which were used in develop-
ing the farm, and which they also drove
to market at Green Bay and De Pere, it
taking three days to make the trip. Mr.
Daul worked hard clearing his land, his
busy and useful life being at length re-
warded with a handsome competence,
and he added to his farm until his landed
possessions aggregated 1040 acres. He
also did an e.xtensive lumber business,
and was a successful financier, his e,\-
ecutive ability,systematic business methods
and sagacity winning for him quite a for-
tune. The family numbered eight chil-
dren, namely: Lena, Mary, John, Alber-
tine, Lawrence, Ludwig, Frances and
Annie. The father died of lung fever
November 28, 1886. He was a Catholic
in religious belief, a Democrat in politics,
and for three years served as chairman of
the town board.
We now take up the personal history
of John Daul, who spent the days of his
boyhood and youth in his parents' home,
and to his father gave the benefit of his
services until his marriage, which interest-
ing event was celebrated November 15,
1893, with Miss Barbara Filz, daughter of
Joseph and Anna (Lanser) Filz. They
removed to a farm of eighty acres, which
Mr. Daul had inherited from his father's
estate, and the young couple, who are
widely and favorably known in the com-
munity, and have many warm friends, are
there living at their pleasant home. Mr.
Daul votes with the Democratic party,
and throughout Kewaunee county he is
recognized as a wide-awake and enter-
prising young farmer of known business
ability, and his friends have no fears in
predicting for him a successful future.
August
ily of
PETER PEOT, a well-to-do farmer
of Kewaunee county, and one of
the honored pioneer settlers, was
born in Washington county, \Vis. ,
2, 1850, the youngest in the fam-
seven children of Nicholas and
Catherine (Moos) Peot. The children
were Barbara, Michael, Catherine, Ange-
line, John, Nicholas and Peter. With
the exception of our subject, all were
born in Prussia, Germany, as were also
the parents, and, in 1845, the family emi-
grated to America, landing in New York
after a voyage of nine weeks. From
there they came west to Milwaukee, Wis. ,
and the father secured a homestead claim
of forty acres, whereon he lived nine years,
after which he came to Lu.xemburg town-
ship, Kewaunee county, and entered a
claim of 160 acres. There were no roads
cut through, and it required six days to
make the trip to Green Bay with an
ox-team. At New Franken, Wis., they
were delayed five days until a road was
completed over which they could travel.
Mr. Peot and his sons at once began to
clear the land, and among the stumps
planted wheat, in harvest time gathering
a crop of ninety bushels from five bushels
which had been sowed. Upon three-
fourths of an acre potatoes were planted,
and the yield thereof was three hundred
bushels. The work of clearing the farm
was steadily contained until the greater
part of it was placed under a high state
of cultivation.
Our subject experienced all the hard-
ships incident to frontier life in the days
when this was a frontier settlement, in
which Indians were frequently seen, while
bears and wolves yet roamed the for-
ests. Mr. Peot remained at home until
he was twenty-two years of age, for his
father dying when Peter was a lad of
thirteen, the care of the farm devolved
upon the four sons. At the age of twen-
ty-two our subject married Anna Shaut,
and having each received eighty acres of
land from their fathers, they began their
domestic life upon their farm, Mr. Peot
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
66 1
erecting buildings and clearing the land,
which in course of time he transformed
into rich and fertile fields. He has added
to his farm an additional tract of eighty
acres, and his success in life has all been
due to his own industrious efforts, and
honest dealing. The first bushel of wheat
that was ever taken to Kewaunee was
drawn there by Michael Peot, then shipped
to Racine, ground into flour and returned
to Mr. Peot, that he might eat the first
bread made from wheat raised in Kewau-
nee county. The history of frontier life
is very familiar to our subject and he well
deserves mention among the pioneers of
the county.
Nine children have been born to Peter
and Anna Peot, as follows: Catherine,
Peter, Gertrude, Elizabeth, Antone, Hen-
ry, Dillia, Anna and Joseph. The par-
ents hold membership with the Catholic
Church, and in his political views our
subject is a Democrat, but takes no
prominent part in public affairs, although
he never fails to faithfully perform his
duties of citizenship.
LOUIS REICHEL, a wide-awake,
industrious and progressive young
business man of Sturgeon Bay,
Door county, is a native of Wis-
consin, born in Boscobel, Grant county,
in May, 1864.
His father, also named Louis, was a
native of Germany, whence when a young
man he came to America, settling in
Grant county, where for many years he
followed his trade, that of merchant tailor,
which he had learned in the Fatherland.
In Wisconsin he was married to Miss
Maggie Webber, also a German by birth,
and five children were born to them,
namely: Maggie, Katie, Lizzie, Louis,
and Daniel, the last named dying at the
age of fourteen years. The parents at
the present time are living at Boscobel,
Grant Co., Wisconsin.
Louis Reichel, our subject, received a
liberal education at the common schools
of his place of birth, and at the age of
fifteen went to Dubuque, Iowa, there to
learn the trade of jeweler, and, after com-
pleting his apprenticeship, worked as a
journeyman at various places. In 1885 he
came to Sturgeon Bay, where for three
years he continued his trade as journey-
man, and then established his present
jewelry and drug business, in which
venture he has met with well-merited suc-
cess, his stock in trade being complete in
both lines. In 1886 he was united in
marriage with Miss Lizzie Weston, also a
native of Wisconsin, born at Necedah,
Juneau county, a daughter of Thomas
and Elizabeth (Dawes) Weston, who
while young came from their native State,
Maine, to Wisconsia, where they married
and had a family of eight children, of
whom the following named five are yet
living: Laura, Lizzie, Emma, May and
Helen. The father of these, who was a
lumberman of no little prominence, died
in 1889; his widow now resides at
Necedah, Wis. To our subject and wife
have been born four children: Louis,
Daniel, Hattie and Inez. Mr. Reichel
in his social affiliations is a member of the
F. & A. M., I. O. O. F. and Modern
Woodmen. Politically he is a Republican,
on which ticket he served as alderman
one term, in 1893 was elected mayor of
Sturgeon Bay without opposition, and is
the present city clerk, chosen by the
council.
CHARLES PETERSEN, United
States Lighthouse Keeper, at Ke-
waunee, was born in Norway
February 8, 1866. His father,
Lars August Petersen, was an architect
and master mason by occupation, was
born in Christiania, the capital city of
Norway; the mother bore the maiden
name of Maren Ostensen, and her father,
who had been a soldier all his life, re-
ceived a silver cup from the king for gal-
lantry in the war between Norway and
Sweden, and later was assigned to the
662
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
charge of the powder magazines on an
island near Christiania. Mrs. Petersen
was born at Christiania in 1825, and be-
came the mother of five sons and four
daughters, of whom four sons are still
living. The father died when Charles
was quite \oung; the mother is still living
in Arendal, Norway.
Our subject graduated from the high
school, and at the age of twelve com-
menced to study English, later some of
the higher branches, preparatory to enter-
ing the navy, A course of study in the
Naval Academy was necessary for ap-
pointment to this branch of the service,
and one year's actual experience at sea
was necessary to an entrance into the
academy; accordingly, at the age of six-
teen, he shipped on board a merchantman
in order to tit himself for admission. But
he changed his intention and remained in
the mercantile marine service three years,
\isiting Sweden, England, France, Africa,
South America, the West Indies, New-
York, in fact, nearly the whole world.
At the age of nineteen he became a resi-
dent of the United States, and for five
years sailed the lakes, a part of the
time being in the United States Life-
Saving Service at Milwaukee. In 1890
he entered the United States Lighthouse
service at ' Milwaukee, as assistant, and
remained two years, at the end of which
time he received his appointment as light-
house keeper at Kewaunee.
Peter Julius Petersen, eldest brother
of subject, entered the Norway mercan-
tile marine service when fourteen or fif-
teen 3-ears old. following the ocean for
thirteen years, and becoming first officer
of several of the largest vessels in the
service; he was at one time presented
with a gold medal, by the Oueen of Eng-
land, for saving the lives of eight British
seamen while in this employ. He afterward
sailed the lakes ten years, as master of
different vessels, and is now lighthouse
keeper at Winds Point, near Racine.
Lars Petersen, another brother, served
in the Norwegian navy until disabled.
and is now agent for a steamboat com-
pany. Johan, the youngest brother, has
been at sea, is a graduate from a marine
school, and is now fitting himself at home
for the position of officer.
Charles Petersen was married, in 1887,
to Miss Ida Goodletson, daughter of
Goodlet Goodletson, a native of Norway,
who came to America at the age of seven
years, ^^^len seventeen he enlisted in
the Seventeenth United States Regulars,
and served throughout the Civil war.
He is a vessel master, and lives on Wash-
ington Island, where his daughter Ida was
born. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Petersen were born two children: One
son, Ralph, being with his father; one
daughter died in infancy in Milwaukee;
where Mrs. Petersen also passed awa\' in
1891. Charles Petersen is a thorough-
going American, and has done much
toward advocating the floating of the
stars and stripes over lighthouses on cer-
tain national holidays, and has succeeded
in carrying out this idea at Kewaunee by
private outlay. The newspapers have
paid him many compliments for this act,
and are urging upon the government^the
propriety of adopting the sj'Stem through-
out the Union. Mr. Petersen has on sev-
eral occasions been the means of saving
lives, among them that of a young lady
from drowning at Milwaukee, at other
times giving aid to vessels in distress.
FREDERICK KRUEGER, farmer.
Sturgeon Bay township. Door
county, was born September i ,
1826, in Nuthagen in Coslin, Ger-
many, son of Michael and Henrietta
(Bearg) Krueger, natives of the same prov-
ince. The father, who was a farmer,
died in Germany in 1865, the mother in
1853. Of their family of five children,
Fredericka is the \\ife of \\^illiam Karn-
itz, and lives in Germany; Ernestine, who
married John Bartz, died in Germany in
1S91; Minnie married Gottfried Bearg,
and died in Germanx' in 1888; Caroline is
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
663
the wife of William Groins, of Germany;
Frederick is the subject of this sketch.
Our subject was reared in Germany,
receiving a good education in the com-
mon schools, and in 1844 entered the
army, serving continuously for two years
at Stettin, after which he was granted a
furlough. Later he again entered the
service, being stationed at Berlin for nine
months, and on leaving the army he en-
tered the service of a baron, as coachman,
remaining in his employ for two years, or
until 1854, when he came to America.
Embarking at Hamburg he landed at
New York after a voyage of four weeks,
coming thence to Milwaukee, Wis., where
he found employment and remained un-
til 1856, in which jear he removed to
Ahnapee, at which place he worked in
the mill for Afr. Hall. In 1868 he settled
in Sturgeon Bay township, and purchas-
ing an eighty-acre tract of timberland in
Section 19, of which but five acres had
been cleared, set to work on this place,
devoting the summer season to clearing
and improving his farm, and during the
winter time worked for A. W. Lawrence.
Later he purchased i 20 acres more, mak-
ing 200 acres, half of which he sold to
his eldest son, now retaining 100 acres
for himself, of which sixty are in tillable
condition. Mr. Krueger first built a log
house, which in 1888 was replaced by a
comfortable two-story brick residence,
38x38 feet.
In 1858 Mr. Krueger was married, in
Ahnapee, to Miss Mary Buske, daughter
of Fred and Henrietta Buske, all natives
of Germany, who came to America in
1854, locating in Ahnapee, Kewaunee
Co., Wis.; Mrs. Buske died in 1886 at
Chippewa Falls, Wis., where Mr. Buske
and his son still reside. To Mr. and Mrs.
Krueger have been born eight children, as
follows: Fred, married, and residing on
the farm adjoining his father's (he has
one son, Marvin); Frank, who taught
school in Door county for ten years, and
now operates a cheese factory and has an
interest in C. Wulf & Go's, hardware
business, at Sawyer, Wis. ; Ida, wife of
Joseph Rafenstein, of Sawyer, has two
children, Elsie and Esther (she was also a
teacher in Door county); Louisa, wife of
Ferdinand Bartz, of Kensal, North Da-
kota; Rosa, who has taught school, and
is now attending the Oshkosh State Nor-
mal School; Amalia, a!s(5 a teacher in
Door county; Lydia, and Ella. Mr. and
Mrs. Krueger are members of the M. E.
Church, taking an active part in all Church
work, and Mr. I\rueger is at present serv-
ing as trustee, and teaching in the Sun-
day-school. He has done his share in
opening up and improving this section,
and is always ready to give his support to
any movement for the general good, or
the advancement of any of its interests.
In October, 1864, Mr. Krueger en-
listed for one year at Ahnapee, in Com-
pany E, Seventeenth Wis. Y. I., and
was with Sherman's army in the cele-
brated march to the sea. Later he was
stationed at Fort Beaufort, S. C, where
he was in hospital for some time, was
subsequently sent to Prairie du Chien,
Wis., and was there discharged in 1S65.
He is a member of Henry A. Schuyler
Post No. 226, G. A. R. , of Sturgeon Bay.
In political sentiment he is a Republican.
FRED ANSCHUTZ was born Sep-
tember 12, 1856, in New Franken,
Brown Co. ,Wis. , of German line-
age, his father having been born in
Germany. He received but a common-
school education, and at an early age
started out in life for himself, working in
sawmills and in the lumber woods. In
the fall of 1879 he and his brother Henry
left their home in Preble township. Brown
Co., Wis., walked to Door county, and
in Jacksonport township secured work as
wood choppers. Together they worked
as partners for some time, but at length
our subject made a purchase of land, be-
coming owner of 1 60 acres on Section 9,
Jacksonport township. The greater part
of it was still in its primitive condition,
664
COMifEMORATIVE BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD.
and none of it had been placed under the
plow, so that its cultivation and improve-
ment is due entirely to the labor of its
owner, who is recognized as a thrifty and
enterprising man. For two years he
lived in a camp, and then built the first
house upon the farm.
Mr. Anschutz was in very limited cir-
cumstances on coming to Door county,
but possessed a young man's bright hope
of the future and a determination to suc-
ceed, while his courage and ambition,
combined with perseverance and industrj',
have secured for him a pleasant home, and
he has prospered in his undertakings. At
the same time that he has won success,
he has gained the confidence and respect
of all with whom he has been brought in
contact, and by his straightforward deal-
ing. He now has a good farm, equipped
with all modern conveniences and acces-
sories, together with the latest improved
machinery, and in addition to the culti-
vation of grain keeps on hand a good
grade of stock.
On June 6, 1884, in Denmark town-
ship. Brown Co., Wis., was celebrated
the marriage of Fred Anschutz and Miss
Mina Tiedkee, a native of Germany, and
they began their domestic life upon a
farm which has since been their home,
and which had been his place of residence
for five years previous. The farm com-
prises 200 acres of land, si.xty acres of
which have been worked. The home
has been blessed with of two interesting
children, Caroline and Arthur, the elder
being now (1895) five years of age.
Mr. Anschutz exercises his right of
franchise in support of the men and
measures of the Republican party, has
been honored with several local offices,
and has several times refused to accept
official preferment. In religious belief he
and his wife are Lutherans, belonging to
the church of that denomination in Jack-
sonport, of which he has been treasurer
for seven years. While the house of
worship was being erected he served as a
member of the building committee, and
by his time and money aided greatly the
enterprise. His life has been well and
worthily passed, throu<rhout the commu-
nity he has many warm friends, and in
the history of his adopted county he well
deserves representation.
NICHOLAS PELNAR, a genial
hotel-keeper, merchant and a
skillful farmer of the town of
Carlton, Kewaunee county, was
born in Bohemia, November 18, 1844, a
son of Simon and Katie Pelnar. The
father was born March 30, 1805, and in
1835 was united in marriage with Katie
Votruba, who was born May 25, 1806.
The couple emigrated to the United States
in 1855. coming directly to Carlton town-
ship, Kewaunee Co., ^^'is. , where Simon
Pelnar entered a claim. Being one of the
earliest settlers, he experienced all the
hardships of pioneer life. Here his wife
died August 20, 1888, and he passed
from earth April 12, 1889.
Our subject, who was the eldest son
in a family of nine children, was a
schoolboy in the old country until he
reached the age of twelve, when he came
to this country with his parents. Here
he supplemented his early education by
an attendance of two terms of three
months each at the district school, then
passed an examination, secured a teach-
er's certificate, and taught eleven terms
at inter\als. He assisted his father on
the home farm until he had reached the
age of twenty-seven, when he located on
the farm he now occupies and has since
tilled. On this farm he has erected the
"Carlton House," and in connection with
this hotel conducts a general mercantile
business and a saloon. Politically Mr.
Pelnar is a Democrat, and he has been
honored with the offices of township clerk,
assessor, and supervisor, and for many
years has served as justice of the peace;
he has also been clerk of the board of ed-
ucation since 1869, and during Grant's
administration was appointed postmaster
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD.
665
at Noi man, which office he filled with credit
for a great number of years. He has
also held the office of notary public ever
since the administration of Governor
Rusk in the State of Wisconsin. He is a
member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church
at Norman, and of the Bohemian Catho-
lic Central Union of the United States of
America. He was united in marriage,
May 28, 1869, with Miss Annie Melichar,
a native of Bohemia, born May i, 1S49,
a daughter of Joseph and Mary Melichar.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pelnar were
born the following children: Emma,
Julia, Bertha, Annie, Fannie, Pauline
and Gerard, still living, and Joseph and
Nicholas now deceased. Socially the
family standing is deservedly very high.
All the rest of Mr. Pelnar's father's fam-
ily, except one brother, deceased, are in
good health and fare well. The family
relationship is one of the most extensive
in the State, indeed of the whole of the
United States, and members thereof are
scattered over the entire world.
JOHN BRANN, who for some years
has been connected with the agricul-
tural interests, of Dcior county, well
deserves representation among the
leading farmers of Baileys Harbor town-
ship. The record of his life is as fol-
lows: A native of Finland, Russia, he
was born September 7, 1849, and is one
of a family of eight children, as follows:
John, Andrew, Johanna, Hannah, Maria,
August, William, and Matilda; of whom,
Johanna and Matilda are deceased. The
father, Jacob Brann, made farming his
life work, and was quite prosperous, se-
curing a comfortable competence. His
wife, Anna Maria (Granroot), who, like
her husband, was a native of Finland,
born April 24, 1824, died June 11, 1894.
The early life of our subject was one
of labor, intermixed with few advantages,
educational or otherwise, for when a lad
of only eleven summers he left home and
began working in a sawmill, where he was
employed five years. He then shipped
before the mast, and for twelve years fol-
lowed the sea, as did also his brother
Andrew. In 1876, they both became
American citizens, emigrating to the
United States and settling at Baileys Har-
bor, Wis., where they secured employ-
ment with Andrew Jacobson as wood-
choppers for one winter. In the following
spring they purchased forty acres of land,
ten of which had been cleared, and
to this they added from time to time
until they became the owners of eighty
acres, and bought out their old employer.
Their financial resources increased, as the
result of their earnest and untiring labor,
and at last they found themselves possess-
ors of 400 acres, and giving employment to
their two brothers, August and William,
who in the meantime had come to the
United States, The partnership between
John and Andrew was continued for eight
years, when by mutual consent it was
dissolved, our subject retaining possession
of the eighty acres of land, which he yet
owns, and where he makes his home. He
also at that time bought a lake vessel,
sailing same five years, and on disposing
of that he bought another, which he com-
manded two years, at the end of which
time, in 1893, he sold out.
Mr. Brann was married, 1876, to Miss
Ellen Short, who was born in Albany,
N. Y., of Irish descent, a daughter of
Felix and Rose (Price) Short. Mr. and
Mrs. Brann have had twelve children,
named respectively: Bridget, John, Ed-
ward, Elizabeth, Michael, William, Ro-
sanna, J. Aaron, Anna M., Victoria, Alice
and Andrew Jacob. Of this family Michael,
born August 3, 187S, died November 19,
1889; William, born September 25, 1880,
died October 28, 1889; Rosanna, born
August 27, 1882, died November 9, 1889;
J. Aaron, born October i, 1887, died
October 2, 1889; Andrew Jacob, born
September 14, 1893, died September 5,
1894. Mrs. Brann is a member of the
Catholic Church, while Mr. Brann is a
Protestant. Politically, he is a Demo-
666
COMMEMOKATiyK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
crat, and is deeply interested in the affairs
of his party, doinj; all in his power to in-
sure its success and promote its f,T(jwth.
In 1890 he embarked in the furniture
business at I^aileys Harbor, where he
has since conducted a first-class store,
and is enjoying a good trade, his honest
dealing and earnest desire to please his
customers winning him a liberal patron-
age. His success in life is well deserved,
and while securing prosperity he has also
gained the confidence, good will and high
regard of those with whom he has been
broutrht in contact.
JOSEPH C. DALEMONT, one of
the representati\'e farmers of Door
county, belongs to that class of men
to whom the progress, prosperity
and advancement of a county is due, and in
the history of this section of Wisconsin he
well deserves mention.
He was born I^'ebruary 35, 1854, in
W'alhain, in the Province of Brabant,
Belgium. The ancestry of the family
can be traced back thrcjugh several gene-
rations to Charlie Dalemont, who was a
blacksmith. The next in the line of direct
descent also bore the name of Charlie,
and followed the same trade. His son,
John B. Dalemont, married Justine Fitch-
fette and they became the parents of
eleven children, namely: Mrs. Mary
Joseph, John B., Justine, Louie, Artance
(deceased), Alfred, Artance, Frank, Joseph
(also deceased), Adelaide and Joseph.
The second in this family became the
father of our subject.
John B. Dalemont, Jr. , was born De-
cember 5, 1820, in the Province of Na-
mur, Belgium, in the town of Sombreffe,
and on arriving at man's estate he wedded
Frances Grandhenry. His early educa-
tion was ac<]uired at the common schools,
such as that day and age afforded, and
when he was fourteen years old he began
learning the blacksmith's trade with his
father, working at the same four years ere
he was pronounced a master of the busi-
ness. It will thus be seen that his train-
ing along that line was very thorough.
When the four years had passed he trav-
eled over much of the European conti-
nent, working at his trade in various
places until his emigration to America in
1856. In the meantime, November 5,
1850, Mr. Dalemont was married, and six
years later, accompanied by his family,
he took a sailing vessel at Antwerp for
the New World, and after a passage of
forty-six days they landed at New York
whence they at once proceeded to Green
Bay, Wis., the journey being made partly
by rail and partly by water. The suc-
ceeding winter was passed in what is now
Luxemburg, Kewaunee Co. , Wis. , and
in the following spring Mr. Dalemont re-
moved with his family to Lincoln town-
ship, where his father had located about
a year previous, and where he had pur-
chased a small farm. In i 858 hechanged
his place of residence to what was then
Brussels, now Gardner, township, and pur-
chased forty acres of land. He then went
to Pensaukee, and secured employment as
a blacksmith with F. B. Gardner, work-
ing at his trade until the fall of 1858.
The family experienced all the hardships
incident to life on the frontier. Mr.
Dalemont walked from Lincoln to Gard-
ner, and his wife and children afterward
accomplished the same journey on foot,
going to the latter place where the father
had purchased eighty acres of land. Dur-
ing the succeeding five _\ears he was em-
ployed as a blacksmith between Little Stur-
geon and Pensaukee, Wis., subsequently
continuing his labors at Little Sturgeon.
For twenty-two years he remained in the
employ of Mr. Gardner, a fact which in-
dicates the extremely pleasant relations
existing between the two gentlemen — a
respected employer on the one hand, and
a trusted, efficient and faithful employe
on the other. While he thus carried on
blacksmithing, his father, John B. Dale-
mont, Sr., and his children cleared the
land, developed the farm, and to his pos-
sessions he added from time to time until.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
667
when he abandoned his trade, he had 240
acres — a vahiable tract, the merited re-
ward of honest labor.
To John and Frances Dalemont were
born eight children — Louise, Joseph G.,
Charlotte, Jule, Jennie, Leona, Mary and
Adelaide. This family of Dalemonts were
among the first residents of Gardner town-
ship, and when they located here the
woods were full of game, no roads were
cut, and the only paths which they might
follow were the Indian trails. There
were only about twenty families in the lo-
cality, all of whom had located in the
neighborhood within a few months of the
arrival of the Dalemont family.
Joseph G. Dalemont, whose name in-
troduces this review, has always remained
at home with his parents. He was only
about two years old when he was brought
by them to America, and his entire life
has been passed in Wisconsin. His edu-
cational privileges were meager, he at-
tending the district schools to a limited
extent, and spending four months in an
academy at Madison, Wis., but his cher-
ished plan of pursuing a collegiate course
had to be abandoned as he was an only
son, and his services were needed on the
farm. Like the other members of the
family, he is connected with the Spiritual-
ist Church, and his political views are in
harmony with the principles of the Re-
publican party. He has served as school
clerk, was postmaster at Little Sturgeon
ten years, and has been chairman of the
town board of supervisors twelve years,
his long continued service in these vari-
ous positions indicating a marked fidelity
to duty and an unwavering faithfulness to
the trust reposed in him.
FRANK HAMACHEK, a prominent
citizen of Kewaunee, is a native
of Austria, born March 31, 1853,
the eldest in the family of eight
children born to Anna and John Hama-
chek. His father came to America in
1866, and located on a farm about four
miles southwest of Kewaunee city, where
the mother died in 1888, and where the
father remained until 1893, since when
he has resided in the city of Kewaunee.
Although sixty-seven years of age, he is
still an active man and enjoys excellent
health.
Our subject, at the age of eleven years
and six months, began to learn the cabi-
nent maker's trade in Reichenberg, Aus-
tria, at which he served two years, chiefly
working on pianos, organs and other fine
work. The family then came to America,
and here Frank worked on his father's
farm for about three and half years, and
then for two years as a carpenter, after
which he learned the trade of millwright,
which, indeed, are but coarser grades of
the trade he had learned in the old coun-
try. For two years he was foreman for
E. P. Ellis in Milwaukee, in which city
he acquired his literary education after he
had attained his twenty-first year, by at-
tending evening school under a private
tutor. In 1877 he bought an interest in
his present business of foundry and ma-
chine shop in Kewaunee, of a Mr. Davis,
with whom he continued in partnership
about a \ear and a half, when he bought
his partner out. In 1878 his establish-
ment was entirely consumed by lire, but
with indomitable energy he set to work to
construct his present shops, foundry,
machine shop and planing-mill, in which
he emploj'S at least twenty-five men all
the year round. Besides operating this
large plant, his attention is also given to
the handling of agricultural implements,
which fact not only materially adds to his
income, but proves to be of considerable
accommodation to his mill patrons. In
addition to his share in the furniture
factory and The Kewaunee Brewing
Company, Mr. Hamachek is a stock-
holder in the two newspaper companies
of Kewaunee, and takes a lively interest
in every enterprise inaugurated in the
city.
In politics Mr. Hamachek is a Repub-
lican, and has always been a favorite with
668
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
that party, having bj- it been elected
several times a member of the board of
aldermen, as civil engineer, and to several
minor local offices, and as its candidate
for mayor of the city came within three
votes of being elected over his opponent
in this Democratic stronghold — a fact
that gives evidence that he is not onlj'
popular with his party but with the public
at large.
On October i6, 1880, Mr. Hamachek
was married to Miss Annie F. Shimmel,
daughter of Wensel Shimmel, a resident
of Sturgeon Bay. Mrs. Hamachek was
born in Kewaunee county in 1862, and is
a member of one of its first families.
She has borne her husband a family of
five interesting children, named, respect-
ively, Ella, Olga, Vopta, Frank and Silva,
whose presence sheds a lustre as that of
sunshine on the Hamachek household.
Mr. Hamachek is a member of the Royal
Arcanum and of the C. S. P. S., and
although he has no church connection
is very liberal in his donations to the
cause of Christianity, as well as to school
purposes. He is regarded as one of the
most substantial citizens of Kewaunee,
as being devoted to its material progress
and as being ever ready to do all in his
power to promote the happiness of its
citizens, and to soothe the toils, cares and
asperities in the lives of the poor. Few
men enjoy a higher position in the esteem
of their neighbors, and few are as unos-
tentatious in their acts of disinterested
benevolence.
FRANK LONG, proprietor and edi-
itor of the Sturgeon 'Hay Advo-
firh-, owes his iniiuential position
in the affairs of Door county
solely to his own efforts. He was bcrn
in the village of Entrup, Province of
Westphalia, Prussia, December 31, 1847,
the son of John and Minnie (Thresa)
Lange (a name since Americanized to
Long). For manj' generations the an-
cestors of the family had been landown-
ers, farmers and shoemakers, jointly, in
this sequestered spot of the Fatherland;
but the father of our subject, John, broke
the traditions of time by starting, in
1853, with his wife and two children,
Frank and Thresa, for the ' ' land of lib-
erty." Sailing from Bremen in the good
ship " Grosse Herman," they landed at
New York in August, after a si.x-weeks'
passage, and proceeded at once by a variety
of transportations to the West, first by
the newly-constructed railroad to Buffalo,
thence b}' a little lake steamer to Toledo,
and thence by the Wabash canal to Fort
Wayne, Ind. Here the dread plague
cholera raged, and the mother and sister
fell victims. The father remarried, and
in 1856 removed to Green Bay, Wis.
Misfortunes had seriously impaired his
little capital. Leaving the old country
with $1700 in gold, sickness and ex-
change to the "wild-cat" currency then
in circulation drained his resources, and
he reached Green Bay almost impover-
ished. Leaving his family here, the de-
termined shoemaker-emigrant started out
in search of employment, finding it at
Sturgeon Bay with E. S. Yates, the first
shoemaker at that little city. Si.x months
later the family removed by sailing vessel
to Sturgeon Bay city, arriving October
22, 1856. The father from that time on
conducted the boot and shoe business on
his own account until he retired, in 1872.
He still resides at Sturgeon Bay, an hon-
ored pioneer citizen. Republican in poli-
tics, a devout Roman Catholic in religion.
Frank Long received his early educa-
tional training at the parochial school of
Fort Wayne, Ind. , and subsequently at-
tended the public schools of Sturgeon
Bay; but at the age of fourteen he began
his newspaper career at the foot of the
ladder, as "devil" in the office of the
Sturgeon Bay Advocate. It was a month
before the first issue appeared, and by
that time Frank had learned quite a little
about "slinging" type, at which he as-
sisted on the first paper issued. Si.x
months later the mechanical work of is-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOOIiAPIIICAL RECORD.
669
suing the paper fell wholly upon his young
shoulders, but he proved equal to the
emergency and remained in charge until
1864, when he varied his experience by
going to Oconto and assisting in establish-
ing the Oconto Lumbcnnan. A year later
he returned to Sturgeon Bay and resumed
his old place on the Adz'ocatc, remaining
in the composing room until 1875, when
by purchase from the Messrs. Harris he
became sole proprietor of the paper,
which as editor and publisher he has con-
ducted up to the present time. It is a
valuable property. Stalwart Republican
in tone, it has grown from a five-column
folio to a six-column eight-page paper.
It has a circulation of 2,000, and is the
most important and influential paper in
Door county. Mr. Long built and owns
the home of the Advocate, a neat brick
building 25 x 50 feet. The office is fitted
with steam power and other modern ap-
pliances. With its three cylinder presses
it is prepared to expeditiously do printing
of all kinds. There are no plates or
patent sheets in the Advocate. Every-
thing is homemade, and the success of
the paper is due to the untiring efforts and
ability of its editor and publisher. Though
active and influential in politics, Mr.
Long has never sought official position
through the power of the Press, but he
has built up a paper that enjoys the pa-
tronage and confidence of a large and
growing clientage. Mr. Long is a mem-
ber of the F. & A. M., Henry S. Beard
Lodge No. 216, at Sturgeon Bay, also of
the Sons of Hermann Lodge of that city.
He was married October 20, 1869, at
Sturgeon Bay, to Miss Agnes M. Dam-
koehler, a native of Walworth county.
Her father, a native of Brunswick, Ger-
many, served under Napoleon in the Al-
gerian campaign; during the Civil war in
this country he enlisted in Company H,
Twenty-sixth Wis. V. I., and while tak-
ing part in a sortie was wounded and cap-
tured. He was confined in the "infa-
mous Andersonville prison," and there
died of starvation and neglect. Mr. and
38
Mrs. Long have a familj' of six children:
Frank E., born October 21, 1870, a
blacksmith at Sturgeon Bay; Ernest W. ,
born April 7, 1872, compositor and as-
sistant in the Advocate office; Clarence
E., born October6, 1873, assistant editor,
bookkeeper and confidential secretary in
his father's office; Amy B,, born May 28,
1875; Dudley S., born September 12,
1879, and Agnes M., born February i,
1882. The home of the Advocate ediior
is a modern and handsome residence, one
of the finest in Sturgeon Baj'. It is sit-
uated on Garland street, and was erected
by Mr. Long in 1886, at an expense of
six thousand dollars. Here he is sur-
rounded by those comforts that make life
worth living, and here he enjoys the fruits
of a successful and prosperous business
career.
WILLIAM ARTHUR HAYES,
principal of the Ahnapee High
School, and one of the most
enterprising young men of the
county, was born June 2, 1867, in Eden,
Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin.
His paternal grandfather, whose par-
ents were people of eastern Ireland, grew
to manhood in Toronto, Canada, and in
his younger days learned the trade of ma-
chinist which he followed throughout his
entire life. He had three sons, to wit:
John, who went to Texas, and has never
been heard from since the commence-
ment of the war of the Rebellion; one
(name not given) who died in Toronto,
Canada, about the year 1891 ; and Henry,
father of the subject of these lines.
Henry Hayes was born in Toronto,
Canada, and when quite young was left
an orphan. At the age of sixteen he
came to Wisconsin, locating in Milwau-
kee where he secured employment with
the Prairie du Chien railroad as a bridge
builder. This trade he followed for
many years, until locating on a farm at
Cascade, Sheboygan Co., Wis., which
he operated up to 1866, when he removed
6/0
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
to Eden, Fond du Lac county, where he
resides on a farm of 200 acres. He is an
expert bridge builder, and for four years
was employed as superintendent of the
wood work in the Lake Shore railroad
shops at Kaukauna, Wis. He is a man of
ability, prominence and influence, and
while in Sheboygan county represented
his District in the State Legislature. For
five years he was chairman of his town,
and is now clerk of the circuit court in
his county. He married Anna M. Kir-
win, a native of Ireland, and by their
union were born eleven children, of
whom ten are yet living. Mrs. Anna M.
Hayes came of a wealthy family in east-
ern Ireland, who owned \aluable lands
and milling property on the river Ho\'ne.
\\'illiam A. Hayes enjoyed somewhat
limited educational privileges in his early
life, attending the common schools for
only about three years; but by study in
his leisure hours he fitted himself for a
course in the State Normal School,
finally entering that institution, from
which he was graduated in the class of
1892. He has ever been a th(jrough and
systematic student, and close application
and earnest effort have well fitted him
for his chosen profession. In Septem-
ber, 1892, he received the appointment
as principal of the Ahnapee High School,
prior to which he had taught the village
and district schools for about three years,
the experience thereby gained proving of
much use to him when entering upon his
more advanced labor.
Mr. Hayes has now served three years
as principal of the high school at Ahna-
pee, and it is said by the State inspector
of high schools that the school there has
been among the most progressive in Wis-
consin during the past two years. Mr.
Hayes has had e.xperience in all grades of
school work, including district, graded
and high schools; has conducted institutes
and teachers' summer schools, and in the
spring of 1895 he organized a teachers'
summer .school for Kewaunee county, the
first ever held there. When he graduated.
in 1892, he was chosen both president
and valedictorian of his class, and has
since gained considerable recognition as a
public speaker on educational and socio-
logical questions. The excellent schools
of Ahnapee under his able leadership have
risen to a yet higher standard of perfec-
tion, and he enjo\s the distinction of be-
ing among the foremost in the van of pro-
gressive educators in Wisconsin.
F
ELIX .MELEKA, painter, decor-
ator and farmer, of Kewaunee, was
born in Belgium August 6, 1835.
His father, John Melera, a painter
and glazier by trade, was a native of
Italy, born in 17SS, and when fifteen
years of age went to Belgium, where he
married Constance Pera, a native of that
country, who bore him eight children —
four sons and four daughters — of whom
Felix is the third in order of birth. John
Melera brought his family to America in
1855, landing in New York in Januar}',
thence coming directly to Wisconsin, and
settling on a farm in the northwest part
of Kewaunee county, where he made his
home until 1865 when he moved to Ke-
waunee city and followed his trade until
his death, which occurred while on a visit
to a daughter in Ked River in i 876. His
widow followed him to the grave one year
later, at the advanced age of ninety-three.
Our subject recci\ed his education in
the common schools of his native land,
and at the age of fifteen began learning
his father's trade. He came to America
in June, six months after his father's ar-
rival, and went at once to Green Bay,
Wis., being then twenty years of age.
He soon joined his father on the farm,
and remained with him six years; then
came to Kewaunee and bought a farm of
thirty-three acres one mile south of the
city, on which liis family lives, while he
is chiefly engaged in his business of dec-
orator and painter in the city. He has
taken great interest in the politics of the
Demcjcratic party; for three terms was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
elected b\- it to the county treasurership,
and in 1884 was elected sheriff in which
office he gave great satisfaction one term,
but declined a second nomination; at
present he is alderman of his ward, and
has help the office four years.
In 1 86 1 he was married to Miss Ter-
aselia Leveque, who was born in Canada
in 1843, and whose parents came to Wis-
consin in 1848, locating in F"ond du Lac
one year; then resided at Two Rivers for
some time and finally returned to Canada,
where the father died in 1889. To this
union have been born sixteen children, of
whom five sons and six daughters are still
living. Mr. and Mrs. Melera are mem-
bers of the Catholic Church, and are very
highly respected by all who know them.
FMADS HANSEN is a native of
Denmark, having been born No-
\-ember 17, 1835, in Schleswig-
Holstein, at that time a part of
that country. His father, who bore the
same name, was born on the Island of
Arro, Denmark, and was a shoemaker by
trade, which occupation he followed until
quite late in life, when he practiced
veterinary surgery. He married Annia
Maria Jacobson, a native of Schleswig-
Holstein, where they both passed from
earth, the parents of two children, F.
Mads and Hans, the latter of whom died
in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson were
members of the Lutheran Church.
Our subject received a good education
at the parochial schools of his native
country, and at the age of twenty years
commenced to learn the trade of mason
which he followed until 1871 when he
emigrated to America. Coming direct to
Washington Island, Door Co. , Wis. , he
here purchased forty acres of land, which
he immediately began to cultivate, and
has continued to do so up to the present
time. From time to time he has pur-
chased additional land, and now owns
320 acres, seventy of which are improved.
The buildings he has erected are commo-
dious and well kept, giving the whole
place an air of thrift and neatness.
Before leaving Denmark Mr. Hansen
was married to Miss Annie Katharine
Smidt, who was born in Schleswig, in
1839. They have had eight children, as
follows: Maria, Katharine (deceased),
HansL. , Lewis, Annie M., Lauritz Will-
iam, Mary Dora, Walter George and
Alfred. In politics Mr. Hansen is a
Republican, and has filled the office of
supervisor many years. He came to this
country a poor man, but is now one of
the most successful men in his township,
and is universal!}' regarded as an honest,
upright citizen.
JOSEPH MILLER, of Kewaunee, is
a native of the State of Wisconsin,
having been born in Sheboygan
county in 1850. His father. Vitals
Miller, who was born in Bavaria Decem-
ber 12, 1 82 1, came to Milwaukee, Wis.,
in 1847, thence proceeding to Manton,
Mich. , where he remained a year and a
half; moved thence to Sheboygan, Wis.,
where he farmed three years, and then
went to Lake Superior, remaining four
years. In 1856 he came to Kewaunee
county, and here rose to distinction; after
following farming for awhile, he moved to
the village of Kewaunee, and here con-
ducted the Mill Boarding House some
four years, after which he again engaged
in farming. In 1864 Mr. Miller enlisted
in the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and
marched with Sherman to the sea, serv-
ing faithfully and honorably. In 1871 he
was elected register of deeds, which office
he filled eight years; was president of the
village two years, and for seven years was
clerk of the school board, of which for
ten years he was a member. In 1881 he
was elected county judge, was re-elected
for a second term, and died while holding
the office, November 27, 1885. His
funeral was probably one of the most
largely attended of any that ever occurred
in Kewaunee village, being attended by
672
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
delegations from the Odd Fellows, the
Grand Army of the Republic and of the
Fire Department.
Joseph Miller, the subject proper of
this notice, received a very fair education
in the schools of Kewaunee. In 1872 he
married Miss Anna Dickenshied, who lost
her father when she was a small child,
and to this union have been born two
children — Joseph and Louisa. After his
marriage Mr. Miller farmed near Kewau-
nee for two years, and then bought a liv-
ery establishment in the city, which he
conducted six years, making manj- friends,
who clung to him when he went into the
saloon business immediately afterward,
when many more were added to the list
and still patronize him. As a Democrat,
he has for three years served as alderman.
Fraternally he is a member of the I. O.
O. F. , the Sons of Hermann, and the
Sons of Veterans.
NELSON CRAITE, captain in the
Life Saving service at Kewaunee
Station, was born at Manitowoc
Rapids, Wis., Decembers, 1853.
His father, Eusebe Craite, was born at
Three Rivers, Canada, about the year
1827, and was a farmer; his mother's
maiden name was Zora Ruelle, whose
father, also a farmer, came to Wisconsin
in 1 85 1. The father of our subject died
August 10, 1894; the mother is yet
living.
Our subject, who is the eldest in a
family of ten children, all of whom are yet
living save one, attended school until he
was eighteen years of age, and then
taught school one term, and for five win-
ters worked in the woods of northern
Wisconsin, remaining at home during the
summer months. In 1885 he engaged
as a surfman in the Life Saving service
at Two Rivers, Wis., and was employed
seven seasons of eight months each. In
October, 1893, he was promoted to cap-
tain, and took charge of the Kewaunee
Station, with seven men to assist him.
This promotion was awarded him solely
on his own merits, he having been a faith-
ful man, ever ready to obey orders.
The marriage of Mr. Craite occurred
October 23, 1876, to Miss Julia Leclair,
who was born in Mishicot, Wis., in i860,
of French descent. Her father, Oliver
Leclair, was born in Canada, and was
married in Wisconsin, where he died in
1864; his wife is still living. Mr. and
Mrs. Craite are members of the Catholic
Church, and he is also a member of the
Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and of St.
Peter's Society. In politics he confines
his interest to his vote, not being allowed
to hold office. He is, however, unusu-
ally well posted on the public questions of
the day, and deeply read in its current
literature, history included.
M
ICHAEL LEY has the honor of
being a native of Wisconsin, his
birth having occurred in Rock-
land township. Brown county,
October 30, 185 1.
His parents, Joseph and Maria Wei-
land (Engels) Ley, were farming people,
and the mother died when her son Mich-
ael was a child but four years old ; he also
had one younger brother named Joseph,
who still lives on the old homestead. The
father continued to live on the old home-
stead in Rockland township, where he was
recognized as a successful farmer. He was
again married, this time, in 1858, to
Josephine Dettrey, and to them were born
children as follows: Mary, Julia, Theresa,
Josephine, John and Thomas. The father
of our subject was a native of Germany,
and when about twenty-one years of age
emigrated to America, locating at first at
Green Bay, Wis., later removing to Fond
du Lac, where he learned the carpenter
and joiner trades, following that occupa-
tion until his marriage, which occurred in
the year 1849, at which time he pur-
chased eighty acres of land in its primi-
tive condition. Having cleared away the
trees, he erected a small log house,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
673
22 X 24, and in that pioneer home he and
his young wife spent five happy years
when she died and was laid to rest in the
Shantytown cemetery. There was plenty
of wild game in the forest, including deer
and bears, and wolves were frequently
killed by the settlers. The first year Mr.
Ley had no team, but the following sea-
son he bought an ox team and raised a
crop of potatoes and turnips, and as the
land was cleared planted it with cereals
adapted to the climate. His remaining
days were spent upon the farm where his
death occurred, November 19, 1878, and
he was laid to rest in De Pere county
cemetery.
Mr. Ley, the subject proper of this
sketch, received educational privileges, by
reading and observation has gained a fair
practical knowledge, and always keeps
himself well informed on the questions of
the day. At the age of fifteen he went
to Oshkosh, Wis., and began work on a
farm at ten dollars per month, and in the
fall of that year he went to the woods on
the Wolf river at thirty dollars per month,
and was thus employed about four years,
after which he returned to De Pere, Wis.,
and began learning the blacksmith trade,
serving a two-years' apprenticeship under
George Weiland, of that place. He then
engaged in blacksmithing for some time,
being employed at De Pere, in Appleton,
and in Fonddu Lac, after which he came
to Luxemburg, and entered the employ
of A. Gosin, with whom he continued
three years.
During that time Mr. Ley was mar-
ried to Annie Ruckle, the second in order
of birth in the family of five children of
George and Anna M. (Prisinger) Ruckle.
Her brothers and sisters are Barbara,
Alois, George and Francis. To Mr. and
Mrs. Ley have been born ten children,
eight of whom are yet living: Mary,
Anna, Alois, George, Odelia, Theresa,
Rosa and Michael R. They also lost two
children: Josephine and Michael, both of
whom died in infancy. For about three
years after his marriage Mr. Ley carried
on blacksmithing with good success in
Luxemburg, and then purchased forty
acres of land in Luxemburg township,
upon which he has still made his home.
He built a residence and smithy, and
when these were destroyed by fire, with
characteristic energy he at once replaced
them with new buildings. In the line of
his trade he is an expert workman and
could always command a liberal patronage
on account of his efficiency. He and his
wife are members of the Catholic Church,
in which they take quite an active inter-
est, and Mr. Ley belongs to St. Joseph
Society and to the Order of Catholic
Knights, being secretary and treasurer of
the latter. In politics he is a Democrat,
and has filled offices of honor and trust
with credit to himself and satisfaction to
his constituents, having served as town
clerk, five years; as chairman of the town
board three years; and was notary public
and justice of the peace twelve years.
He has lived a quiet and unassuming, but
honorable and upright life, and has gained
thereby the confidence and esteem of all
with whom business or social relations
have brought him in contact.
OHN C. RANK, who numbers among
the go-ahead, live citizens of Stur-
^1 geon Bay, Door county, is a native of
Wisconsin, born May 10, 1858, in
Manitowoc, Manitowoc county.
Jacob Rank, his father, was born in
Germany, where he married Miss Maggie
Gerl, by whom he had eight children —
Peter, Jacob, Maggie, Frank, William,
Louis, Joseph and John C. — all born in
the Fatherland except the youngest, our
subject. In 1852 the father came alone
to America, settling on a farm near Man-
itowoc, Wis., the mother, accompanied
by her children, following in 1854; she
diedon the farmin 1859, the father August
10, 1 87 1. He came of a good family,
and was a well-educated man. He had
three brothers, who passed their lives in
Germany, two of them being Catholic
674
COMMEMORATIVE DIOGUAPUICAL RECORD.
priests; the other, byname Joseph, was a
writer and poet as well as a prtJininent
politician.
The subject of this biographical memoir
was a one-year-old infant at the time of
his mother's death, and the family were
kept together by their father up to his
death some twelve years later. The lad
then commenced to learn the trade of
shoemaker at Manitowoc, but after about
eighteen months he wont to sailing on the
lakes, first in the capacity of cook, from
which position he rose until, in 1879, he
was enabled to purchase a schooner. In
I 88 1 he was granted a captain's license,
and had charge of a steam tug for a few
years thereafter, or until the fall of 1884,
when he went to Xew Orleans, and in the
following winter sailed along the coast on
the Gulf of Mexico. On his return to
Wisconsin he took up his residence in
Sturgeon Ba\', and entered the employ of
Charles I. Martin, proprietor of the
Jl'ii/c/y Expositor, having charge of the
settling up of the newspaper accounts.
In 1885 ^Ir. Martin embarked in the meat
business, and Mr. Rank has continued
with him, superintending the entire busi-
ness at Sturgeon Hay, which consists of
buying and shipping.
On May 25, 1887, Mr. Rank was mar-
ried to Miss Cora Mann, daughter of one
of the earliest settlers of Sturgeon Bay.
In politics our subject is a stanch Repub-
lican, and has served his city as alder-
man from the Fourth ward; socially he is
a member of the F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F.
Lodges at Sturgeon Bay.
AUGUST HARMANN, a thriving,
energetic farmer of Ahnapee
township, I\ewaunee county, is of
German birth, having first seen
the light August 24, 1849, in Prussia, a
son of Daniel and Louisa Harmann.
He was educated in the common
schools of his native country, and came
to the United States with his parents in
1867. Reared on a farm, when nineteen
jears of age he started out in life for
himself, since when he has been chieti)'
engaged in agricultural pursuits, though
he also worked some three or four years
in the sawmills at Ahnapee and Sturgeon
Bay. Mr. Harmann was united in mar-
riage, in 1877, with Bertha Kasten, and
their union has been blessed with three
children: Justin, Lena, and Henry. Mrs.
Harmann's parents, John and Johanna
(Benhkcj Kasten, were natives of Prussia,
where she was also born, on February 8,
1858. After his marriage Mr. Harmann
located upon the farm he owns and occu-
pies (he having previously purchased a
part of it), his farm now comprising
eighty acres of good land, well improved
by his own labor, and he is one of the
well-to-do farmers of his township. In
politics he is independent, always aiming
to support the best man regardless of po-
litical affiliations. He and his family are
members of the Lutheran Church.
ANTON F. DANEK is the leading
merchant tailor of Ahnapee, Ke-
waunee county, and a leading bus-
iness man who is both widely and
favorably known in the county. He was
born March 11, 1837, in Borskobiz, Bo-
hemia, where for many generations his
ancestors had lived, honored and re-
spected people who made farming their
life work. The old estate has long been
handed down from father to son, and is still
in the possession of the family, being now
owned by Frank Danek, a brother of our
subject. His ancestors were far above the
common class, were well-educated people,
and throughout the community where
they lived were held in high esteem.
The grandparents of our subject,
Mathias and Catherina (Melchior) Danek,
both reached a good old age, the former
being ninety-three years old at the time
of his death, while the latter passed away
in her eighty-eighth year. She, too, came
from an old and well-to-do family. This
worthy couple were the parents of eight
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPUICAL RECORD.
6;5
■children, among whom was Frank Danek,
father of Anton F., a farmer by occupa-
tion. He inherited the estate, and in
connection with its management he served
as justice of the peace for many years,
and throughout the community was recog-
nized as one of the most prominent and
influential citizens. A devoted Catholic,
he lived a long and useful life, and died
in the faith of that Church at the age of
seventy-three. His wife, who in her
maidenhood bore the name of Antonia
Kohouth, and was also born in Bohemia,
was an intelligent and cultured lady, and
was called to the home beyond at the age
sixty-eight, having survived h^ husband
several years. They had a family of eleven
children who reached maturity and be-
came useful and respected members of
society.
The subject of this memoir was reared
under the parental roof, acquired his ed-
ucation in the public schools of his native
land, and in Europe learned the trade of
merchant tailoring, at which he became
quite proficient. At length he determiried
to seek a home beyond the Atlantic, and
in 1 867 crossed the briny deep to the New
\\"orId, settling in Ahnapee, Wis. , where
he has since made his home. Here he
opened a merchant-tailoring establish-
ment, and the excellency of his work soon
won him a wide patronage and gained
him a large reputation, which he still re-
ceives and which yields to him a good
income.
At Ahnapee, Mr. Danek married Miss
Antonia Rosek, also a native of Bohemia,
and their union has been blessed with six
children, all yet living, namely: Emil,
Annie, Emma, Mary, William and Frank.
The subject of this sketch has borne his
part in the upbuilding and development
of his adopted county, is a public-spirited
and progressive citizen, and always aids
those enterprises calculated to prove of
benefit to the community. In religious
matters he and his family are closely
identified wi h the Catholic Church, of
which they are members. He is the
founder of the Danek family in America,
and in future generations his descendants
can point with pride to their progenitor
as an honorable, upright man, who left to
his posterity an untarnished name.
JOHN J. STANGEL, hotel proprietor,
merchant, and prominent citizen of
Stangelville, Ivewaunee county, was
. born in the town of Mishicot, Manito-
woc Co., Wis., May 16, 1857, and is a
son of John and Dora Stangel, natives of
Bohemia, who came to the United States
in 1854 and the next year took up a
homestead in Mishicot township, Mani-
towoc county. Mr. Stangel was one of
the first settlers of the vicinit}', and en-
dured all the hardships of pioneer life,
but succeeded in clearing up his farm, and
retired on a well-earned competency in
1892. His wife, Dora, was born in 1831,
and died in the town of Mishicot in 1872;
Mr. Stangel was born in the same year as
his wife.
Our subject, who is the seventh in a
family of eight children, acquired his
education in the pioneer schools of Wis-
consin, and his studies were ended when
he reached the age of twelve years, after
which he worked with his father on the
farm until eighteen. He then engaged
in agriculture on his own account, and
followed the occupation until May, 1888,
when he sold his personal property and
entered into business in Stangelville,
where he is the proprietor of the
"Stangelville House," in connection
with which he conducts a saloon. He is
also engaged in mercantile business, and
is owner of the cheese factory in the
same village, and still owns and operates
a farm. In all the business undertakings
in which he is engaged he has proven
himself to be sagacious and far-seeing,
and all have been successfully and profit-
ably conducted. He is a Democrat in
politics, has filled the offices of assessor
and super\-isor, for nine }'ears has been
justice of the peace, and in every position
676
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
has more than met the expectations of
the people.
In 1875 ^'r. Stangel was married to
Miss Annie Seidenglanz, who was born in
Bohemia December 8, 1856, aud to this
union were born five children, viz. : Mary,
Emma, William, Wenzel and Jacob. The
mother of these died April 12, 1892, and
for a second wife Mr. Stangel married,
October 3, 1893, Frances Tikalsky, who
was born in Bohemia December 3, 1859.
To this last union have been born two
children: Delia and Flora. Mr. Stangel
is a member of the Roman Catholic
Union of Wisconsin, and is a devout
member of the Catholic Church. He is
highly respected by his fellow citizens,
and is regarded as being one of the most
enterprising business men of the town-
ship.
JOHN WEITERMANN is a progress-
ive citizen and enterprising business
man of Voseville, Door county,
where he is engaged in merchandis-
ing, also conducting a saloon and operat-
ing a cheese factory. He was born April
9, 1 864, in Manitowoc county. Wis. , and
is a son of John and Phctbe Weitermann,
prominent and well-kno\\'n people of the
locality. He attended the common
schools, and was reared in the usual man-
ner of farmer lads until sixteen years of
age, when he began learning the butcher's
trade in Ahnapee. Later he worked in a
brewery in Brown county, until his health
failed him, when he was compelled to
give up his position, and during the suc-
ceeding four }ears he could engage in no
labor, but spent that time at his parents'
home in Jacksonport township. Door
county.
On recovering from his long illness,
Mr. Weitermann became interested in the
saloon business in Voseville, in October,
1889, bought out John Hocks, and has
since been engaged in the retail liquor
trade. He is also carrying on general
merchandising in connection with William
Voeks, and owns and operates a cheese
factory which adds materially to his in-
come. He takes quite a prominent part
in political matters, supports the Demo-
cratic party, and is now serving his third
term as town clerk, having been elected
in 1892 over an opponent who had held
the office for fifteen years. At the same
time he was elected justice of the peace,
and is still serving, the youngest justice
ever elected in Sevastopol township, and
after the shortest residence here. He is
true and faithful to his public duties, and
is a valued and public-spirited citizen,
one who manifests a commendable inter-
est in everything pertaining to the wel-
fare of the community and its upbuilding.
On July 3, 1892, in Voseville, Wis.,
Mr. Weitermann was united in marriage
with Miss Lizzie Harter, a native of Chi-
cago, and a daughter of Fred Harter,
who now lives in Egg Harbor, Wis. ; they
have one child, John C. Mr. and Mrs.
Weitermann attend the Lutheran Church,
of which she is a member, and in this
locality they have many friends and
acquaintances.
M
ATHIAS RIHA, a native of
Carlton, Kewaunee Co., Wis.,
was born February 24, 1859, a
son of Wenzel and Mary (Ko-
zisik) Riha, natives of Bohemia.
Wenzel Riha was born September 12,
1 812, and was a son of Wenzel, Sr. , and
Barbara Riha, also natives of Bohemia.
Wenzel, Jr., attended school in the old
country until twelve years of age, and at
the age of sixteen left the parental roof
to learn wagon-making. He finished his
apprenticeship at twenty-one years of
age, and then left his native land and
journeyed to St. Petersburg, also to
Vienna and other places in Austria, fol-
lowing his trade, as is the custom in his
native land with beginners. After about
five years' absence he returned to Bohemia,
where he continued his vocation until
1854, when he came to the United States
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
677
and for a short time stopped in Milwaukee,
whence he went to Mishicot, Manitowoc
Co. , Wis. , where he resided on a farm for
a year, and then came to Carlton town-
ship, entering the homestead which his
son, Mathias, now owns and occupies.
Here he was engaged in making shingles,
as well as in clearing his land, and as soon
as the latter task was accomplished he
devoted himself entirely to agriculture
until 1880, when he retired. He is a
member of the Catholic Church, and of
the Bohemian Catholic Union of Wiscon-
sin. In 1 841 he married Mary Kozisik, a
native of Bohemia, born in 1824, and to
this union have been born the following
named children: Wenzel, Joseph, Joseph,
Mary, Mary, Wenzel, Mary and Mathias,
all now deceased excepting Wenzel and
Mathias.
The subject proper of these lines spent
but a short time in the schools of Carl-
ton, his services being required on the
home farm, where he worked for his par-
ents until he reached his majority, at that
time taking full charge as his father was
in poor health. He is now considered to
be one of the representative farmers of
Carlton township, and an able man in all
other respects. He is a member of all
the societies to which his father belongs,
and in politics is a strong Democrat. On
July 15, 1879, he married Mary Schauer,
who was born in the town of Carlton
May 14, 1862, a daughter of Wenzel
Schauer, and to this union were born five
children, viz.: Pauline, Mary A., Annie
C. A., and Cecilia C. P., living, and
Mary, deceased.
WENZEL SOUKUP (deceased),
late proprietor of a general store
and saloon in Soukupsville, was
postmaster of Stokes postoffice,
to which position he was appointed in
July, 1894. He also began merchandis-
ing same year in the store which was
built by Mr. Stokes in 1884, and carries
a full line of general merchandise. He
came here from Sturgeon Bay, where he
had located in 1871, entering at that time
the employ of A. W. Lawrence, for whom
he worked fourteen years and eight
months at wagonmaking. He was then
employed by the firm of Leathem &
Smith, in the manufacture of shingles,
continuing with them for two years, when
he was taken sick. On his recovery he
opened a saloon, and in connection with
his mercantile interests became the
owner of 1 20 acres of land in Nasewaupee
township, 1 60 in Sturgeon Bay township,
and four lots in the city of Sturgeon Bay.
Mr. Soukup was a native of Bohemia,
born Jan. 20, 1849, a son of Mordis and
Barbara Soukup, natives of that country,
and who, in 1871, emigrated to Amer-
ica, locating at French Creek, Wis. In
1875 they removed to Sturgeon Bay town-
ship. Door county, and lived upon a farm
owned by our subject. The father died
in Sturgeon Bay, in 1888, and the moth-
er's death occurred in Nasewaupee town-
ship in 1892. They were the parents of
children as follows: Barbara, who is liv-
ing in Bohemia; Jacob, who died while
engaged in a war in Bohemia; John, who
is living in that country; Martin, who also
died in the war; Mardis, who resides in
Nasewaupee township, and Wenzel.
Our subject was reared in Bohemia,
and the public schools of his native land
afforded him his educational privileges,
though his advantages along that line
were somewhat limited. At the age of
thirteen he went to Bavaria, where he
learned the trade of wagon making, which
he followed until 1871, when he crossed
the briny deep to the United States
and became a resident of Sturgeon Bay,
Wis. In the same year he was married
in Mishicot, Manitowoc Co., Wis., to
Miss Anna Bohr, a native of Bohemia,
and a daughter of John Bohr, who be-
came a resident of Manitowoc county in
1854. He is now residing on Mr.Soukup's
late farm in Sturgeon Bay township. Door
county. To our subject and his wife have
been born eight interesting children, viz. r
678
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mary, Fannie, Anna, Rudolph, Barbara,
Emily, Belle and Charley. Mr. Soukup
died May 6, 1895. In his political views,
he was a Democrat, and, sociallj', he was
connected with Peninsula Masonic Aid
Lodge, Sturgeon Bay Lodge, No. 211,
I. O. O. F. , and Sons of Hermann.
Whatever success he achieved in life
was due entirely to his own efforts. He
was the architect of his own fortune,
building wisely and well, and the struc-
ture which he reared had for its founda-
tion industry, enterprise and strict in-
tegrity.
WSEYK, a prominent dealer in
grain at Kewaunee, was born in
Bohemia September 28, 1840,
and in 1854 came to America
with his father, who settled in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin.
Frank Se}k, the father, was born in
1803, was a tailor by trade, and in 1831
was married to Miss Annie Wendska,
who bore him four children, three of whom
died in infancy, W. Seyk, our subject,
being the youngest and the only one to
come to America with his parents. The
mother died in 1890, but the father still
survives and makes his home with our
subject, whose prosperity has been such
as to fully enable him to care for his ven-
erable sire in his declining days. The
family lived in Milwaukee until July, 1 864,
when they moved to Kewaunee, where
the father and sen went into the mer-
chant-tailoring business, which they con-
tinued seven years, or until 1871, when
our subject built the first gristmill ever
erected in Kewaunee. In 1865 he had
gone into the grain trade, which he found
to be profitable, and in which he has con-
tinued ever since. In 1872 Mr. Sejkmet
with an accident, which led to his taking
in Frank Brunkhorst as a partner in the
milling business, and to his permitting his
own name to be used as a candidate for the
county treasurership, and he was thrice
■elected to fill the office, a compliment
somewhat unusual. He then resumed
the tailoring business, with W. Shimmel
as partner. In 1880 he again assumed
the duties of count}' treasurer bj- appoint-
ment of the county board, his previous
performance of its duties having been so
very satisfactory, and on this occasion he
served two years.
In 1 88 1 Mr. Seyk bought out the in-
terest of Mr. Shimmel in the tailoring
establishment, and has since continued it
on his sole account, being quite artistic
and verj- popular in that particular line. In
1 889 the gristmill was destroyed b\' fire,
when a stock company was formed, called
the Seyk Flour Mill Co., a new mill
built, and operations resumed under very
favorable circumstances; but in 1S92 Mr.
Seyk sold his stock in this company, and
rented a water-power mill three miles
west of Kewaunee, which he still owns
and operates with excellent results. In
politics Mr. Seyk has always been a Dem-
ocrat, and has been unflagging in his
efforts toward the improvement of Ke-
waunee, especially regarding the railroad
and the harbor, making a trip to Wash-
ington in 1 891 in the interest of the lat-
ter. His individual shipping interests,
alone, are very extensive, amounting to
$150,000 per annum, and including
grain, hay and farm produce generally,
and he is as anxious to increase the ship-
ping facilities of others as he is of his own.
Mr. Seyk was first married, in 1865,
to Miss Agnes Rencin, a native of Bo-
hemia, who came to America when but
two years of age, and to this union were
born eight children, of whom seven still
survive. This wife and mother died in
Kewaunee in 1882, and in 1883 Mr. Seyk
married Miss Josephine Stransk}-, who was
born in Kewaunee, daughter of Judge
Stransk}-. No children have come to bless
this marriage. The surviving children by
the first marriage all live under the par-
ental roof with the exception of two —
Edward, vvho is married and assists in
his father's store, and Annetha, a pupil in
a Milwaukee school. Mr. Sevk is not a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
679
member of anj- secret society; he is not a
member of any Church, but his life has
been one of integrity, and full of justice
to his fellow men — the cardinal virtues
manifesting themselves in his every act
and giving to the world every ' ' assurance
of a man."
VICTOR KAYE was born July 26,
1865, and is a son of Anton
Joseph and Ann Marie (Pewes-
mann) Kaye, who were natives of
Belgium. In July, 1854, they came to
America, and for about si.\ months re-
sided in Green Bay, Wis., after which the
father purchased a homestead claim of
thirty acres of pine land in Humbolt
township. Brown Co. , Wis. The locality
was all wild, being just opened up to
civilization. Two brothers and two sis-
ters of Mr. Kaye located in the same
neighborhood, and, as the land was un-
surveyed, some of them learned after a
time that they were not on their own
property, and consequently had to build
new homes. They learned to make and
shave shingles, the neighbors meeting to-
gether for that purpose, but this work
}'ielded them only a scanty living, for they
had to haul the shingles to market at
Green Bay, the route thither being a
roundabout one, for no roads had been
cut through at the time. The settlers
often blazed their way through the forest
and frequently carried tin horns with
them, which they would blow in order to
let their whereabouts be known.
The father of our subject was a mason,
having learned the trade at the age of six-
teen with his father, and to some extent
followed it after his arrival in America.
He sowed his crops among the stumps,
and as the years passed began to meet
with better success; but when the Civil
war broke out he was forced to enter the
army, leaving his home, in 1S63, to the
care of his wife, with five little children,
the eldest being a girl of nine years.
Again they suffered much, the mother
being compelled frequently to carry a
bushel of grain to mill to have it ground
that the family might have bread. In
1865 the father returned, and the follow-
ing year established a hotel and tavern,
which he conducted until 1886, making
some money in that way. In 1867 he
bought a cow and horse, the latter being
the first owned within a radius of ten
miles from his home. At length he be-
came owner of 160 acres of land, which he
operated until his death, which occurred
in 1 891 , when he was seventy-six years old.
The grandfather died in 1872 at the age
of eighty-two, and the grandmother
passed away in 1869. The maternal
grandparents had died in Belgium, and
the mother of our subject lived on the old
homestead farm until April, 1894, when
she went to Green Baj' and is now living
with her youngest son, Josiah.
In the family there were thirteen chil-
dren— four sons and nine daughters —
only six of whom are now living, and
between these the proceeds from the sale
of the old home was divided. The eldest
child, Mary, born May 12, 1858, was
married in December, 1877, to Felix
Dart, a blacksmith, now living in De-
Pere, Wis., by whom she had two sons
and seven daughters, namely: Flora,
Julia, Bertha, Ida, Seeinon, Jennie,
George, Tillmay and one (unnamed) de-
ceased. Nettie, born April 13, i860,
was married in April, 1879, to Gustave
Maze, a blacksmith and machinist, and
they have one son and two daughters
living — Alice, George Victor and Ellen.
Julia, born August 3, 1S62, was married
in November, 1886, to John Mularky, a
carriage maker and painter, and they
have three daughters: Lorre, Minerva
and May. Victor, who is next in the
family, married Adelia Minnie, daughter
of A. C. Kuehn, a pioneer settler and old
soldier, who served from 1862 until 1865;
they were married June 17, 1890, and
have three sons — Myron Joseph, born
June 10, 1891; Cletius \'. Josiah, born
October 'io, 1892; and Charlie C, born
68o
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
April 24, 1894. The next brother of our
subject, Joseph V. Kaye, was born April
28, 1867, and married, September 23,
1889, Lizzie Verihden, of Humbolt, Wis.,
by whom he had one child, now deceased.
Josiah Tuphil, born July 20, 1869, was
married in October, 1891, to Josephine
Rosemann, of Preble, Wis., and they had
three children — Rosalie H., born June
10, 1892, and twin boys, deceased. The
brothers are all well-to-do, they having
good business interests, as do the hus-
bands of the sisters, and nearly all own
their homes.
The children were reared on the home
farm and aided in its development. The
father did work as a lumberman, and
made the bricks for the first chimney
built in his neighborhood. Victor Kaye
began school in 1 870, with Philip Coopense
as his first teacher, and attended school
on his grandfather's farm in an old build-
ing which was destroyed by fire about
eight years ago. He pursued his studies
until twelve years of age, when his father
needing his help, he began farm work.
In later years, realizing his need of an
education, he began reading and studying
at home, and thus made up for his lack
of school privileges. At the age of seven-
teen he began learning the blacksmith's
trade with his brother-in-law, Felix Dart,
in De Pere, Wis., returning to aid in the
harvest work in the summer of 1883, and
each year until 1885; the remaining time
being spent at blacksmithing. He then
entered the employ of Mr. Maze, his
brother-in-law, in ISrussels, Wis., where
he continued until March i, 1886, when
he went with his brother-in-law to North
Dakota. In April, 1886, at Montpelicr,
Mr. Maze bought lots and built a hotel
and blacksmith shop; then, after working
with him for a time, Mr. Kaye entered
the employ of the Northern Pacific rail-
road, and later took up farm work. After-
ward he resumed railroad work between
Jamestown and Devil's Lake, N. Dak.,
returning home December 20, 1886, and
living with his parents until February,
1887, when he again took up blacksmith-
ing. Not long afterward he began work
in the lumber woods, but a few days later
he took up railroad work and also did
teaming until moving to South Dakota,
where he was employed as a farm hand
until 1889, when he returned home. His
life was one of labor in logging camps
and upon the farms where he did thresh-
ing, and he underwent many hardships.
On entering the employ of the Northern
Pacific Grain Elevator Company, man-
aged by Mr. McKernen, he became famil-
iar with the grain business, and with that
gentleman he also obtained considerable
general information. The next year he
wenttoBrainerd, Minn., a railroad center,
and after teaming for a time was a driver
on a street car during the winter. In
July, 1888, he went to Montpelier, N.
Dak., where he worked at haying and
harvesting, sleeping during that fall under
hay stacks and returning home in Decem-
ber, reaching De Pere, Wis, on Christmas
eve. There he worked for his brother-
in-law, Mr. Dart, and at blacksmithing
and carpentering, and in the succeeding
autumn went to Green Bay to serve as
weighmaster and grain receiver with W.
W. Cargill. He was also employed by
other grain buyers, and later was sent to
take charge of a warehouse at Luxemburg.
Here he purchased three lots and erected
a home, which is now his place of resi-
dence, and here he successfully conducts
a grain business, having built up a thriv-
ing trade. Mr. Kaye is widely known
and highly respected throughout the com-
munity.
RUDOLPH T. THORP, proprietor
of a well-equipped livery stable in
Sturgeon Bay, Door county, is a
native of Wisconsin, born in De-
cember, 1850, in the town of Rubicon,
Dodge county, a son of Truman Thorp,
who was a lifelong agriculturist.
Our subject was reared and educated
at the place of his birth, working on his-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
father's farm until 1879, in which year he
•came to Door county, for some nine
months making his home at Egg Harbor.
In the spring of i88r he moved to Stur-
geon Bay, and for the first two and one-
half years clerked in a hardware store,
leaving which he bought out a livery-
stable business, which, however, at the
end of five months he sold. In 1887 he
purchased his present livery stable and
barn, where he has built up a first-class
business, always keeping on hand a com-
plete equipage of elegant and substantial
vehicles of all kind, and horses second to
none for general road purposes, either in
harness or under saddle. He has run the
stage line between Sturgeon Bay and
Menominee, Mich., six winters, and has
experienced some perilous adventures in
crossing Green Bay on the ice with his
sleigh-load of passengers.
In April, 1881, Mr. Thorp was mar-
ried to Miss Nancy Thombleson, daughter
of Francis and Elizabeth Thombleson, all
natives of England, and two children have
been born to them: Norma and HoUis.
Politically, our subject is a Republican,
and he has served as deputy sheriff of the
county, and in the city council one year;
socially, he is a member of the I. O. O. F.
He is one of Sturgeon Bay's real business
" hustlers " and most useful citizens.
OL. ANDRESON, one of the pros-
perous young farmers of Sturgeon
Bay township, Door county, was
born in 1863 in Norway, son of
Andrew and Bertha Cecelia (Oleson)
Oleson, also natives of that country,
where the father died in 1879. The
mother came to America in 1882, and
now resides in Sturgeon Bay township.
Door Co. , Wis. There were eleven chil-
dren in their family, seven of whom are
living, as follows: Bertha, wife of Thore
Thorsenson, of Norway; Rachel, wife of
Iver Wogen, of Sturgeon Bay, Wis. ;
Malina, wife of Thomas Oleson, of Stur-
geon Bay; Ole, a farmer of Sturgeon
Bay township; Annie, married to Bertel
Vaagen, and residing in Norway; Peter, a
farmer of Sturgeon Bay township; and
O. L. , our subject.
O. L. Andreson was reared and edu-
cated in the country of his birth, and
when yet a boy commenced the life of a
sailor, being on the ocean for years. In
1882 he came to America, and to Stur-
geon Bay township, Door Co., Wis.,
where he bought eighty acres of new land
from Nels Thompson, to the improvement
and cultivation of which he has since
given much of his time, and has succeeded
in clearing a large part of the tract. He
has also erected a substantial brick resi-
dence, a commodious barn, 90 x 30, and a
good granary, besides other necessary
farm buildings, fences, etc. After com-
ing to Sturgeon Bay Mr. Andreson sailed
on the lakes during the season until 1891,
and again went out in the fall of 1893, as
mate on a steam barge.
Mr. Andreson was married, in 1891,
in Door county, to Miss Helen Oleson, a
native of the county, daughter of Halver
and Lizzie Oleson, natives of Norway,
who came to Door county in an early
day, and still reside in Sturgeon Bay
township. Two children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Andreson, Harald
Edward and Bertha Cecelia. In religious
connection they are members of the
Lutheran Church, and in his political
preferences Mr. Andreson is a Republican.
JOSEPH FILZ, a wide-awake and
enterprising man, whose success in
life is due entirely to his own efforts,
was born June 13, 1848, in the
Rhine Province, Germany, and is a son
of Nicholas and Catherine (Rohr) Filz,
who had a family of five children — Joseph,
Lena, Catherine, Nicholas and Barbara.
The father was a farmer by occupation,
and in his undertakings met with good
success. The grandfather, Nicholas Filz,
also carried on agricultural pursuits.
The gentleman of whom we write re-
682
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ceived such educational privileges as
were afforded by the common schools of
his native land, and at the age of fourteen
began learning the carpenter's trade, serv-
ing a three-years' apprenticeship. When
seventeen years of age he returned to his
parents' home, where he spent about a
year, and at the age of eighteen began
traveling on the European continent,
spending some time in various cities,
working at the carpenter's trade, a year
and a half being thus passed. At length
he determined to try his fortune in
America, and bidding adieu to the Father-
land sailed from Antwerp in 1869. Eleven
days later he landed in New York, whence
he made his way direct to Chicago,
where he remained until the fall of 1870,
working at his trade during that year.
He then removed to a place five miles
from the city and engaged in gardening.
On October 10, 1870, he was united in
marriage with Miss Anna Lanser, daugh-
ter of Nicholas and Margaret Lanser, and
to them have been born three children,
viz. : Barbara, now the wife of John
Daul, of Lu.xemburg, Wis.; Nicholas (I),
who died in infancy; and Nicholas (II), at
home.
After his marriage Mr. Filz continued
gardening until the great Chicago f:re in
1 87 1, when he mo\ed to that cit\- and
again worked at carpentering, there being
a great demand for labor in that and
other lines. He was thus employed until
the autumn of 1873, when he came to
Luxemburg township, Kewaunee Co.,
Wis., and purchased eighty acres of wild
land, upon which no trace of improve-
ment could be found, he having to clear a
space ere he could erect a house. He
built a frame residence which he con-
tinued to make his home until 1883, and
during that time he cleared and plowed
his farm, placing it under a high state of
cultivation, and also worked at carpenter-
ing to a considerable e.xtent. His land,
which he caused to 3'ield him a good re-
turn, he operated until 1882, when he pur-
chased his present home. Besides his
property in the town, he owns 160 acres
of land, comprising a good farm which is
operated under his supervision.
Mr. Filz first engaged in merchandis-
ing as a member of the tirtn of Dandooven,
Filz & Ley, which firm carried on the
business until 1885, when our subject
bought out his partners, and has since
been alone in the enterprise that now
occupies the greater part of his time and
attention. In brief, since 1882 he has
been engaged in merchandising, in con-
ducting a saloon, and in operating a
cheese factory in Luxemburg. He has
filled several positions of honor and trust,
having served as town clerk four years,
while from 1883 until 1893 he was post-
master of Lu.xemburg, being reappointed
to that office in 1895. I" 1890 he was
elected to the State Legislature, for Ke-
waunee county, and so ably did he rep-
resent the District that in 1892 he was
re-elected to that office, in which he served
in a most creditable and acceptable man-
ner. Both he and his wife are members
of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Filz is
one of the prominent and representative
men of Kewaunee county.
DA\'ID SEEMANN, a steady-going
and substantial famer of West
Kewaunee township, Kewaunee
county, is a native of Baden, Ger-
many, born January i, 1823, and is a son
of Simon and Rosina Seemann. He was
reared a farmer, and on the farm acquired
those habits of industry and thrift for
which the German race is noted. His
literary education was obtained at the
common schools.
At the age of twenty-two he came to
the United States, and for nine years fol-
lowed farming in Milwaukee county.
Wis. ; then came to Kewaunee county,
settling on a farm in West Kewaunee
township, where he has put his early
training to good use, and has secured for
himself and family a competence. His
residence is neat and comfortable; his
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
6S3.,
farm is well tilled, and will compare favor-
ably with any of its size in the county.
Politically he is a Republican, but is no
partisan in the obnoxious sense of the
word. On June 8, 1846, he was united
in marriage, in Germany, to Magdelain
Gab, daughter of Adam and Catherine
Gab, the latter of whom was born Decem-
ber 2, 1823. To the marriage of David
and Magdelain (Gab) Seemann have been
born nine children, their names and dates
of birth being as follows: Michael, No-
vember 8, 1848; Charles, March 3, 1850;
Mary, August 17, 1852; Annie, September
27, 1854; Lizzie, March 14, 1857; David,
February 14, i860; Theresa, April 16,
1862; Frank, January 17, 1865, and
Maggie, August 4. i S67 — of whom all
survive except David, who died March 3,
1878.
Mr. Seemann began life a poor man,
but he made good use of the lessons he
learned in his earlier days, and can now
afford to pass the remainder of his days
in ease and comfort, if he were so dis-
posed. He enjoys the respect of his
neighbors, and is looked upon as being of
that material from which all prosperous
communities are built.
IVI
OSES SHAW, a well-known agri-
culturist of Ahnapee township,
I\ewaunee county, is a native
of same, born November 8,
1 86 1, on the farm which is still occupied
by him and his brothers.
They are sons of Capt. Zebina and
Katharine (O'Brian) Shaw, the former of
whom was born December 25, 181 5, at
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, of English extrac-
tion, the latter born August 15, 1832, in
County Tipperary, Ireland. She set sail
for this country in 1850, accompanied
by her father, Terrence O'Brian, five
brothers a:nd two sisters, landing in Janu-
ary, 185 1, at New Orleans, after a voy-
age of eight weeks, her father subse-
quently settling at Memphis, Tenn. At
that place Mrs. Shaw was married, at her
father's house, to Capt. Zebina Shaw,
and then in the spring of 1851 they re-
moved to Chicago. From there Capt.
Shaw commenced sailing the lakes that
season, during which time he became in-
timately acquainted with Capt. Bill Higgj-,
Capt. David Duhl, Capt. Francis, Capt.
Sanford and others, of Racine, who in-
duced him to remove to that cit}', which
he did in the fall of 1851. From there
he sailed in the employ of Mr. Camfield,
George Fellows, Sr. , and David Youngs,
at that time of Racine. In the fall of
1855 he moved to Ahnapee ("then "known
as Wolf River), and from that point
sailed David Youngs's vessel "Amslie "
(which had been moved from Racine to
Ahnapee), and here he also did business
for this Mr. Youngs, and Steele & Co. ,
of Chicago, in getting out ties, purchas-
ing posts, ties and cordwood, as well as
pier timbers and spiles for the Ahnapee
pier which was built thirty-nine years
ago. Later Capt. Shaw moved to Silver
Creek where he superintended work for
Wells and Valentine from whom he
bought the farm whereon the family now
live, and which at that time was all tim-
ber land. He carried the first mail be-
tween Ahnapee and Two Rivers. Capt.
Shaw died of heart disease, January 3,
1881, at White Fish Bay, Door Co.,
Wis. , leaving behind a record of a hard-
working, honest man who had always
been faithful to his employers in ever}'
respect.
Capt. Zebina Shaw received his literary
education at the common schools of Nova
Scotia, also attending high school in order
to study navigation, and commenced sail-
ing the Atlantic Ocean when a lad of
fifteen summers. He continued to follow
a "life on the ocean wave" over twenty
jears, during which time he rose to the
position of captain, and became a skillful
navigator. To his marriage with Miss
Katharine O'Brian were born eleven chil-
dren, eight of whom are now deceased —
John, Joseph A., Harry, Katie E. , Will-
iam E. , Hattie Effie, Nellie E. and James
6S4
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
— and three living — Moses, George A. and
Frank. Capt. Shaw was originally a
Democrat in political sentiment, later be-
coming a Republican, and he took an
active interest in public affairs, holding
several local offices of trust. In religious
faith he was a Baptist. Moses Shaw,
his father (grandfather of Moses, the sub-
ject of this sketch), was for a number of
years engaged at farming in Nova Scotia,
and ship building in St. Johns, New Bruns-
wick, but later, on his removal to Kewau-
nee county. Wis. , became a school teacher
in the town of Ahnapee, where he taught
the first term of school in District No. 5.
He finally removed to Canada, where he
died, and where his remains now rest.
Moses Shaw attended in his boyhood
and early youth the common schools of
Ahnapee, and was reared on the home
place to farming, which has been his
principal occupation, and with which he
has become thoroughly familiar. On
January 5, 1S86, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Frances Heald, and to
their union have come three children, viz. :
Zebina Eugene, born January 16, 1888;
Coleman, born January 11, 1890, and
Ethel, born May 19, 1892. Mrs. Shaw
was born March 28, 1867, at Claybanks,
Door Co., Wis., daughter of Eugene and
Agnes (Hitt) Heald, and is descended
from New England stock. After his mar-
riage Mr. Shaw located at Clark's Mills,
Manitowoc county, acting as overseer of
a farm at that place for one year, when
he took up his residence on the home
farm, and has since lived here. In polit-
ical faith he is a Republican.
RICHARD P. CODY. Many a man
mistakes his life work, yet by earn-
est application makes a partial suc-
cess; but it is only when natural
tact is coupled with an ambition to suc-
ceed that anything like eminence is
reached in any vocation, as in the case of
the gentleman whose name is here re-
corded.
Mr. Cody is a native of Ireland, born
August 21, 185 I, in the Province of Lein-
ster, a son of John and Margaret Cody, of
the same locality, and where their ances-
tors for many generations had lived. The
family came to America in November,
1 85 1, when Richard P. was a three-
months-old infant, and in the following
May settled on an eighty-acre farm in
Manitowoc county which the father had
bought, and where his family of three
sons and four daughters were reared. Our
subject received his education in part in
the common schools of the neighborhood
of his home in Manitowoc county, and in
part at the State Normal School at Osh-
kosh, Wis., after which he taught school
five or six years in the county, building up
a good reputation as a competent teach-
er. Becoming desirous, however, of tak-
ing up the profession of law, he com-
menced its stud)' in the office of H. G.
and W. J. Turner, Manitowoc, and was
admitted to the bar in 1881, after which
he at once located in Sturgeon Bay,
where he has since remained in contin-
uous practice.
On June 25, 1888, Mr. Cody was
united in marriage, in Oshkosh, with Miss
Sadie E. Marsh, daughter of George L.
Marsh, a highly respected citizen of that
city, and to this union has been born one
child, Irene. In his political sympathies
Mr. Cody has always been a stanch Dem-
ocrat, but is equally popular among both
parties, so much so that he was elected,
by a large majority of both Democrats
and Republicans, to the position of dis-
trict attorney of Door county, and re-
elected in 1888; he has filled the incum-
bency with characteristic tact and ability,
and to the satisfaction of the people at
large. In educational matters he has
ever taken a deep interest, and for years
has served as a member of the school
board, four years in the capacity of pres-
ident. Mr. Cody is accounted one of the
most successful legal practitioners in Door
county, a hard worker, always having at
heart the interests of his clients. He is
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
685
regarded as a useful local counselor and
office lawyer, critical in adjustment and
preparation of cases, and has the reputa-
tion, by his conscientious advice, of sav-
ing his clients long, expensive and use-
less litigation.
LOUIS D. BRUEMMER, is a native
of the State of Wisconsin, born
August 15, 1859, in Mishicot,
Manitowoc county, and has passed
the greater part of his life in Ahnapee,
having removed thither with his parents
in early childhood.
Henry Bruemmer, father of our sub-
ject, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany,
where he was educated in the common
schools, and when a young man served
an apprenticeship to the milling business.
A short time after completing his trade he
came to the United States, making his
first location at Trenton, N. J., where he
worked some three years, thence remov-
ing to Mishicot, Manitowoc Co., Wis.,
and invested the money saved from his
earnings while in New Jersey in a flouring-
mill in company with another man. Here
he followed the business some four or five
years, at the end of which time he sold,
and building the mill in Carlton, now
known as Tisch mills, operated same
some five years, when he again sold and
purchased an interest in the Ahnapee
Mills, which he still carries on, in con-
nection with our subject. This mill has
a favorable reputation for turning out a
high grade of flour, and competes suc-
cessfully with all first grade mills. In
connection with the flouring-mill they op-
erate a saw and planing mill, doing quite
an extensive business in that line. . Mr.
Bruemmer is an ardent Democrat, taking
an active part in all questions pertaining
to the welfare of his town and county,
and has filled several important offices in
his town, being the present treasurer. He
came to the United States a poor man;
but by industry has placed himself in a
substantial position among the successful
39
self-made citizens of his town and county.
Mr. Bruemmer married Louisa Demzien,
also a native of Germany, and their union
has been blessed with eleven children, all
of whom are living, as follows: Minnie,
Mrs. Henry Ruhnke, of the town of Ahn-
apee; Louis D., our subject; Fred, of
Baileys Harbor, near Sturgeon Bay,
Wis.; Herman, of Ahnapee (married);
Earnest, at home; Caroline, Mrs. Henry
Hancke, of Ahnapee; Amelia, Mrs. Henry
Perlivitz, of Ahnapee; Ida; Amanda;
Rudolph, of Ahnapee (married), and
Ernestena, Mrs. Fred Wolf, of Ahnapee.
Mr. Bruemmer, is a member of the
Lutheran Church.
Louis D. Bruemmer was educated in
the common schools of Ahnapee, and was
reared from boyhood to the milling busi-
iness, in which he has become an expert,
and he invented a very useful wheat
cleaner and heater; he is now associated
with his father. He was married May 9,
1884, to Miss Caroline Sibilsky, a native
of Eagle River, Mich., born September
18, 1864, of German descent, her parents
being natives of Rudolstadt, Germany.
Mr. and Mrs. Bruemmer have had five
children, namely: Clara, Louisa, Laura,
Erma and Ella. Politically Louis D.
Bruemmer is a stanch Repubhcan, and
has been honored by election to the clerk-
ship of his town. He and his family are
members of the Lutheran Church.
ALBERT HARDTKE, farmer of
West Kewaunee township, Ke-
waunee county, was born in Prus-
sia December 20, 1847, and is a
son of Michael and Kathrina Hardtke.
When five or six years of age Albert
was brought to the United States by his
parents, who located in Milwaukee, Wis.,
in 1853, remained there about two years,
and then, the father being a farmer, came
to Kewaunee county, when Kewaunee
city contained but one store and a few
frame dwellings. Thus it occurred that
the boy Albert was really a pioneer of the
686
COMIiTEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
county, as he endured all the hardships
incident to the lives of its earl^' settlers.
He attended the common schools of the
county for two years, and all his after
education was comprehended in the labor
necessary to clear up the farm. But
this practical education has been of. in-
calculable use to him, as it has brought
him success in overcoming difficulties
where others have failed. On reaching
his majority he became a Democrat, and
has adhered to the doctrines of that party
ever since. About the year 1876 he
united with the German Lutheran Church,
and is still faithful to its discipline and
teachings. His marriage to Mi.ss Mary
Redue, daughter of August and Augustie
Redue, took place March 31, 1872, and
the union has been blessed with the birth
of eleven children, in the following order:
Charles, February 22, 1S73; Emma,
January 3, 1875; August, April 12, 1877;
Sophia, April 10, 1879; Edward, February
7, 1 881; Louisa, February 14, 1882;
Daniel, February 22, 1884; Lewis, May
12, 1886, Martha, March 9, 1888; Theo-
dore, July 9, 1890, and Arthur, ^farch 19,
1 894, all yet living with the exception of
Emma, August and Edward. Mr. Hardtke
has been a hard-working, honest man,
whose steady-going habits have won for
him the respect of all who know him.
GEORGE PETER ANDERSEN,
a native of Schleswig-Holstein,
Germany, was born August 30,
1850, a son of Andreas P. Ander-
sen, of the same place, who followed the
occupation of blacksmithing and farming.
The mother of our subject was Bodil
Maria Fyin, also a German, and to her
and her husband were born five children.
The father died in 1 893 at the age of
seventy years.
Our subject, who is the youngest son
in the family, received good common-
school advantages. At a suitable age he
was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade,
which vocation he followed until he was
twenty-two )cars of age. In 1872 he
married Miss Katharine Maria Peterson,
who was born in Denmark in 1848, and
they have three children: Andreas P.,
of Appleton; Bodil Maria and Katharine
Maria. This marriage, not being har-
monious, Mr. Andersen secured a divorce
in Germany, where they were li\ing, and
soon after emigrated to the United States.
He first located in Milwaukee, Wis., but
after a short time removed to \\'ashington
Island, Door Co. , same State, where he
purchased the farm he now owns and
occupies. He has just completed a neat
two-story frame house, and is otherwise
well situated. While in Milwaukee he
was married to Miss Elsie Olsen, who
was born in Denmark, and they have four
children : Peter, Clara, John and Henry.
In politics Mr. Andersen is a Republican,
and is a well-informed man on the issues
of the day. In religious faith he is a
member of the Lutheran Church.
HERMANN DETJEN, superintend-
ent of the Kewaunee Furniture
Co., was born in Hanover, Ger-
many, July 21, 1843. His father,
Henry, was born in 1804, was married to
Miss Metha Meyer, daughter of Paul
Meyer, and came to America in 1871,
making his home in Manitowoc, count}',
Wis., with his son Hermann, until his
death, having lost his wife in the old
country.
Hermann Detjen having finished his
schooling, began at the age of si.xteen, to
learn the trade of carpenter and mill-
wright. In 1865 he came to America,
locating in Manitowoc county. Wis., and
in 1867 he bought a farm. This he sold
in 1874, and lived for two years in Door
county, Wis.; then, in 1S76, moved to
Ahnapee village, Kewaunee county, and
bought a planing-mill and furniture fac-
tory, which he conducted, in partnership,
under the firm name of H. Detjen & Co.,
until 1 89 1, when a joint-stock company
was formed under the name of the Ahna-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
6S7
pee Manufacturing Co., Mr. Detjen being
its president. In 1892 the capital stock
was increased, and the named changed to
the Ahnapee Furniture Co., Mr. Detjen
becoming one of the directors. In 1893
he sold his interest in this concern, moved
to Kewaunee city, and helped to organize
the Kewaunee Furniture Co., he being
one of the directors and the superintend-
ent. In that same year he bought a farm
in Ahnapee township, and in 1894 he
moved back to Ahnapee, and has since
lived on his farm.
The marriage of Mr. Detjen took
place, in 1868, to Miss Bertha L. E.
Roduenz, a native of Germany, born in
1849, whence she was brought to Amer-
ica when a child by her people, who died
in Wisconsin. To this marriage have
been born nine children — six sons and
three daughters — all living under the par-
ental roof. Mr. and Mrs. Detjen are sin-
cere members of the Lutheran Church,
and are training up their family in the
same faith. In politics he is a Republi-
can, has been supervisor, city treasurer
and alderman of Ahnapee, but much pre-
fers his business to politics. He has been
a popular man in spite of himself, and
his business reputation stands without a
blemish. Since the above sketch was
written Mr. Detjen has sold his interest
in the Kewaunee Furniture Co., to his
eldest son, Fred, who is now manager
and superintendent of that concern.
ORRIN WARNER, Sr., one of
Ahnapee's best-known and most
prominent citizens, comes of Eng-
Hsh ancestry who settled in New
England in an early day, and was born
Januarj' 17, 1820, in Orleans county.
New York.
Reuben Warner, father of Orrin, was
a native of the State of Connecticut, in
the common schools of which he received
his education, and he was reared on a
farm. When a young man he was united
in marriage with Mary Pachin, a native
of the State of New York, born near the
source of the Delaware river, who bore
him three children, as follows: Charles
and Mary, deceased, and Orrin, whose
name introduces this sketch. A few
years after his marriage Mr. Warner
met with an accident which caused his
death, and Mrs. Warner subsequently
married William Lee, to which union
came two children, Charlotte and John,
both deceased. Mr. Lee died in 1832,
and his widow afterward married Luke
Olds, by whom she had three children,
Charles, Mary and Oscar, all now de-
ceased. The mother died in 1866 at the
age of sixty-seven years, several years
after the death of Mr. Olds.
Orrin Warner was given a common-
school education, in his native State, was
reared on a farm, and in early life was
engaged in lumbering in New York State.
When twenty-two years of age he married
Jane Bennet, a native of Seneca county,
N. Y. , born in 1823, and to them have
been born children as follows: John,
Simon, Orrin (of Kewaunee), Harriet
(Mrs. Abraham Hall, of the city of
Ahnapee), and Charlotte (Mrs. Henry
Dagno, of the city of Ahnapee), living,
and Reuben and George, deceased. After
his marriage Mr. Warner followed agri-
cultural pursuits in the State of New
York for about one year, and then
migrating westward to Lake county, 111.,
followed farming there some five years,
afterward coming to Wisconsin and tak-
ing a job of lumbering at Manitowoc
which occupied him some two years. At
the end of that time, in company with
Ed. Trudell and John Hughes, he came
to Ahnapee, being the Hrst permanent set-
tler in this section of the country, and the
nearest neighbor was a settler at what is
now the city of Kewaunee. After his
removal here Mr. Warner took up eighty
acres of land iipon which he located, and
immediately commenced removing the
timber and clearing the land for farming.
For a time he did cjuite an extensive
6SS
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
business selling trees, cordwood, posts,
etc., and since then has followed agricul-
tural pursuits. He is one of the oldest
and most highly respected citizens of
Kewaunee county, and one of her pros-
perous self-made farmers, for all he now
owns has been accumulated b}' earnest
toil and years of persevering thrift. Polit-
ically'he is independent, and always sup-
ports the candidate best fitted for office;
he himself has filled many positions of
honor and trust in his town, having been
appointed deputy sheriff, an office he held
eight years, served both as town and
county supervisor, and has filled the
offices of assessor, justice of the peace,
and alderman in the city of Ahnapee,
with credit to himself and satisfaction of
his constituents, his high sense of duty
and sterling integrity recommending him
to all as a faithful and valuable servant of
the public.
NICHOLAS PEOT, whose indus-
try and perseverance and well
directed efforts have made him a
successful farmer of Luxemburg
township, Kewaunee county, was born in
Prussia, Germany, August i6, 1847, a
son of Nicholas and Catherine (Maas) Peot.
His educational privileges were very
meagre, but his training at farm labor
was without limit. At a very early age, and
under his father's instruction, he began
work in the fields, soon becoming familiar
with farm labor in all its departments.
^^'hen he was six months old his parents
sailed for America, landing in New York,
whence they came direct to W'isconsin.
In Washington county the father pur-
chased forty acres of timber land, and in
a log cabin, in true pioneer stj-le, began
life in the West. This was the year of
Wisconsin's admission to the Union, and
many portions of the State, including
that in which the Peot family located,
were still in their primitive condition.
After ten years, during which he made a
great change in the appearance of his
farm, placing much of it under cultiva-
tion, he came to Kewaunee county, set-
tling in what was then Casco, now Luxem-
burg township, purchasing 160 acres of
land.
Our subject was reared to manhood
under the parental roof, and to his father
gave the benefit of his services until his
marriage, which occurred November 19,
1872, the lady of his choice being Agatha
Sibylla, daughter of Mathias and Agnes
(Nikolas) Schneiders. She was born in
Scott township. Brown Co., Wis., Janu-
ary 18, 1854, and was one of eight chil-
dren, namely: Joseph and Margaret
(twins), Jacob, Theresa, Barbara, Agatha
S., Peter Joe and John. For a year after
their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Peot resid-
ed with his parents, and then removed to
their present home, which was built by
our subject on a part of his father's farm.
He now owns 120 acres of land compris-
ing the farm whereon he resides, and has
a third interest in an eighty-acre tract
elsewhere. With the exception of ten
acres in the immediate vicinity of the
house, the farm was uncleared; but with
his axe on his shoulder he started out each
morning, and soon under his swinging
blows the trees of the forest fell one by
one, and the land was made ready for
the plow. Crops were planted, and after
kindly Nature had matured the grain
abundant harvests were garnered, and a
good income derived therefrom.
Mr. and Mrs. Peot have had children
as follows: Catherine, Barbara, John,
Agnes, Angeline, Peter, Nicholas, Lena,
Sibylla, Lorenz, Theresa (who died in in-
fancy), Michael and Edward. The family
are all members of St. Mary's Catholic
Church, and have many friends and
acquaintances in this community. Mr.
Peot votes with the Democratic party,
but'has never entered the political arena
as a contestant for office, although he
faithfully discharges his duties of citizen-
ship. His life has been an honorable and
upright one, and though quietly passed
has gained him the confidence and regard
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
689
of all with whom he has been brought in
contact, and has secured for him a well-
merited competence,
JOSEPH SVOBODA, wood carver
and dealer in furniture and wall
paper, Kewaunee, was born in Bo-
hemia March 3, 1859. His father,
John Svoboda, was born in 1833, was a
cloth weaver, and a jeweler to some ex-
tent, and the grandfather, Emmanuel,
was also a cloth weaver. John Svoboda
was married in 1857 to Anna Krcil, who
became the mother of eight children, of
whom two sons and two daughters died
in Bohemia, leaving one son and three
daughters as survivors.
Of these, Joseph Svoboda came to
America in 1879, locating in Carlton,
Kewaunee Co., Wis., and for three years
worked at carpentering, which he had
learned in the old country. He then
bought a farm in Carlton, in the mean-
time sending money to Bohemia to aid
his father, mother and sisters in reaching
Carlton, and subsequently, in 1886,
brought over his foster brother. The
mother died in Carlton in June, 1891, and
the father in May, 1893. Mr. Svoboda
carried on farming for seven years, al-
though he worked at his trade at the same
time. In the spring of 1891 he rented
his farm, located in the city of Kewaunee,
and started his present business, making
a specialty of artistic church furniture and
fine wood carving. He has achieved a
high reputation, having made some of the
most beautiful altar furniture in the State,
drawing his own designs and making his
own patterns. This industry enables him
to employ steadily three assistants. He
had acquired a high and chaste idea of
his art by working in different cities in
Austria and Turkey before coming to
America, although his education had been
confined to the common schools, and this
privilege had not been attained until after
reaching his twelfth year.
Mr. Svoboda was married in May,
1 88 1, to Miss Anna Langer, daughter of
Joseph Langer, a pioneer of Kewaunee
county, and this imion has been blessed
with six children, viz. : Antone, Katy,
Anna, Bohomila (who died in infancy),
Joseph and Emily. In politics, Mr.
Svoboda is a Democrat, but is not vio-
lently partisan, contenting himself with
the exercise of his franchise as an Amer-
ican citizen. He and wife are both mem-
bers of the Catholic Church.
LEVI BARABOO, proprietor of the
" Leplant House," in Egg Har-
bor, Door county, was born June
i6, 1841, in Upper Canada, third
son of Andrew Baraboo, a native of the
same country. Andrew Baraboo was
twice married, and by his second wife
had six children — four sons and two
daughters — of whom our subject was the
fifth in the order of birth. The father
died when Levi was but twelve years old,
the mother a few years later, thus leav-
ing the lad obliged to support himself at
an early age.
For a short time after his father's
death Levi Baraboo lived with his eldest
sister, who was married, and at the age
of thirteen began to work in a brickyard,
being employed four summers by the
same man, during the winter season living
with an uncle, who was a tavern-keeper.
By this time he was old enough to work
at lumbering, an occupation he followed
until he reached the age of twenty-five
years. In the fall of 1865 he went to
Crown Point, N. Y., near Lake Cham-
plain, in the neighborhood of which place
he found employment cutting cordwood,
and here he was married, in 1S67, to Miss
Mary Minor, also a Canadian by birth.
After his marriage he continued in the
neighborhood of Lake Champlain about a
year, working in a tannery, and then re-
moved to Door county. Wis., where his
father-in-law and two of his brothers had
690
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
already located. In Section 29, Egg Har-
bor township, he bought forty acres of
timberland, for which he paid $336, cash,
and taking up his residence in the small
log house which stood thereon set himself
to work to clear the ground for agricul-
tural purposes. He lived there until
1884, in which year he bought a lot in
the village of Egg Harbor, on which he
erected a building, and in partnership
with his brother Louis opened a butcher
shop, afterward buying out his brother's
interest and carrying on a grocery. In
1 889 he embarked in the hotel and saloon
business, in which he has since continued,
conducting the " Leplant House, " which
was established a number of years ago.
Mr. Baraboo still retains his farm prop-
erty, owning eighty acres, forty of which
he has cleared, and by hard work has
succeeded in putting it in a good state of
cultivation. He is a self-made man in
the strict sense of the term, having built
up his own fortune from a start of noth-
ing except industry and perseverance, and
he is regarded as one of the substantial
well-to-do citizens of that section. Giv-
ing his whole time and attention to his
business interests, he takes no active part
in politics beyond casting his vote as a
stanch supporter of the Republican party.
Mr. and Mrs. Baraboo have had chil-
dren as follows: Delia, Mrs. Charles La-
Rush, of Egg Harbor; Mary, Mrs. Thomas
Carmody, of Egg Harbor; Victoria, Mrs.
John Bunda, of Sister Bay, Wis. ; Elda,
Theodore and Albert, at home; and two
daughters who died young. In religious
faith the family are Catholics.
JOHN MILLIDGEwas born June 26,
1836, in Annapolis, Nova Scotia, the
oldest town north of St. Augustine,
Fla. , it having been founded in 1604.
It also has the greatest tide in the world,
the water rising to a j^erpendicular height
of seventy feet.
Our subject is descended from one of
the oldest families of the United States,
his ancestors having come from England
to America with Gen. Oglethorpe in 1 733,
and the ancestry can be traced back
several generations. He is a great-grand-
son of Thomas Millidge, and one of his
relatives was a Senator and the Governor
of the State of Georgia. The family has
been a noted one, and has furnished many
men of prominence to various professions.
The grandfather of our subject was John
Millidge, and his parents were George S.
and Margaret (Snuden) Millidge. The
father was a highly educated man, a fine
lawyer, and received the appointment of
judge of a certain court from the Crown.
He amassed quite a fortune, having a
very large law practice, and also owning
landed interests which yielded to him a
handsome income. His children, ten in
number, were as follows : John, Mar)',
George, Thomas, Augustus, Charles, El-
mer, James, Fannie and Bessie ; two of
the sisters are yet living.
John Millidge was baptized b}- the
well-known Bishop Ingalls. He remained
at home until fifteen years of age, when
he went to sea on the vessel "Sir John
Bannerman, " his first trip being to Liver-
pool, England, after which he returned
and then entered upon a sea-faring career
which was full of thrilling experiences and
adventures. He sailed for about five
years on the ocean, then went to New
Orleans, came up the Mississippi river
and made his way to Chicago. He then
followed the lakes, being most of the
time emplo}ed on sailing vessels, and has
filled every position from that of cook to
captain. Continuing on the lakes until
1886, he then entered the lighthouse
service, and was appointed by Collector
Watson of Grand Haven to a position in
that District. Having successfully passed
the examination he was made acting
assistant, then permanent assistant, then
acting keeper and finall)' permanent
keeper. His first appointment was in
Petit Point au Sauble, which is, in
English, "Little Sandy Point," and
there he remained two years, when he
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
691
was transferred to Baileys Harbor, where
he has since served.
On December 14, icS63, Mr. Millidge
married Miss Margaret Cooney, daughter
of John and Margaret (Maney) Cooney,
whose family numbered seven children —
Bridget, Michael, Dennis, Alice, William,
Margaret and John. Mrs. Millidge was
born in Carboniere, Newfoundland, Sep-
tember 5, 1846, is a cousin of Archbishop
Feehan, of Chicago, and is a member of
the Roman Catholic Church. To our
subject and his wife came six children —
George B., born November 3, 1864,
and died November 27, 1866; Alice,
born December 3, 1867 ; Elizabeth, born
November 8, 1868, and died December
I, 1887; Margaret R. , born June 16,
1883. and died February 16, 1884 ; John,
born December 5, 1885 ; and Ruth, born
December 29, 1888. In his political
views Mr. Millidge is a Democrat, having
supported that party since becoming a
citizen of the United States. His life
has been well and worthily passed, and
in public and private life he is ever true
and faithful to the trust reposed in him.
JOHN HARMANN was born August
I, 1847, in Prussia, Germany,
where he received a good education
in the common schools. In his na-
tive country he remained up to the age of
twenty years, at which time he came to
the United States, and has since had his
home in Kewaunee county, being one of
the well-to-do agriculturists of Ahnapee
township.
Daniel Harmann, his father, was born
in Prussia in 1812, received a common-
school education, and worked as a laborer
until 1867, when he came to the United
States. He was married in Germany to
Louisa Gaulke, also a native of that
country, born in 18 19, and they became
the parents of seven children, two of
whom, John and August, both of Ahnapee,
Kewaunee Co., Wis., are living; the
others are deceased. After coming to the
United States Mr. Harmann located in
the village of Ahnapee, Kewaunee county,
where he remained one year, and then,
purchasing the farm our subject now
owns and occupies, engaged in cutting
away the timber, and commenced the
task of clearing the land for farming, an
occupation he followed until his death,
which occurred in 1890; his wife passed
from earth one year previous. They
were members of the Lutheran Church.
Mr. Harmann came to the United States
a poor man, but at the time of his death
was in prosperous circumstances, brought
about by his own industry and persever-
ing toil.
John Harmann has been engaged in
agricultural pursuits ever since his settle-
ment here, and now owns the home farm,
a fertile tract of 120 acres, which is well-
improved and equipped with good build-
ings. Politically he is a Democrat, and in
religious faith he is an active member of the
Lutheran Church, with which he has
been connected some twenty-seven jears,
and is one of the leaders in Church work.
Mr. Harmann's marriage to Augusta
Kasten took place August 29, 1871, and
five children have been born to them,
viz. : Minnie, Mrs. Albert Maganburg,
of Ahnapee; William, of Ahnapee; Fred,
John and Rosa. The mother of these
died March 20, 1882, at the age of
thirtjr-two, and August 3, 1883, Mr.
Harmann was again married, this time to
Henriette Schutz, who bore him two
children. Earnest and August; Mrs. Har-
mann died May 3, 1886, aged thirty-two
years.
JF. C. KUEHL, furniture dealer and
manufacturer, of Kewaunee, is a
native of Mecklenburg-Schwerin,
Germany, born August 30, 1845.
His father, Fred Kuehl, born in the same
town, was a shepherd, and his mother,
the daughter of a linen wea\er, bore the
maiden name of Maria Stuebe. They
were the parents of three sons and two
692
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
daughters, and both died in Germany —
the father in 1852, the mother in 1864.
J. F. C. Kuehl, who is the youngest
in the familj', was a common laborer in
the old country, but acquired a fair com-
mon-school education, and after coming
to America, in 1867, and settling in Ke-
waunee village, he studied English for
three months under a private teacher.
His first work here was in a sawmill, in
which he remained three Nears, becoming
head sawyer. He then learned the car-
penter's trade, at which he worked until
1885, at which time he opened a furniture
store. He manufactures much of his own
furniture in his own place, and has, be-
side, an interest in the Kewaunee Furni-
ture Company, as well as an interest in
the Kewaunee Printing Company. On
September 20, 1894, in company with his
son Frank, he started another furniture
store in De Pere, Wis., under the name
of Kuehl & Son, Frank being manager of
same. In addition to all these interests,
our subject deals to some e.xtent in real
estate, being one of five gentlemen who
laid out an addition to Kewaunee called
" Pautz Addition." He is entirely a self-
made man, having landed in America
with no capital save good health and will-
ing hands, and is now recognized as one
of the most substantial men of the city.
Mr. Kuehl was first married in Ger-
many, September 26, 1S67, and started
ne.xt day for America with his bride, Dora
Krohn. This lady's father was a farmer,
who for his second wife married a Miss
Schneman, who became the mother of
Mrs. Kuehl and another child, but both
parents died the same day while Mrs.
Kuehl was still very young. Mrs. Dora
Kuehl bore her husband four sons and two
daughters, and died April 11, 1890. On
May 28, 1891, Mr. Kuehl married Bertha
Stuebs, also a native of Germany, but
brought to America at the age of one
year. Her father, August Stuebs, is now
a resident of West Kewaunee; her mother
bore the maiden name of Amalia Steffens,
and is the eldest in a family of twelve
children. To the marriage of Mr. and
Mrs. Kuehl has been born one son,
Erhard.
In politics Mr. Kuehl is a Democrat,
was one of the first aldermen when Ke-
waunee was organized as a city, and held
the office three terms; he is at present
supervisor of his ward, and fills the posi-
tion with credit to himself and to the sat-
isfaction of his fellow citizens, in whose
esteem he holds a very high place. In
1894 he was appointed a candidate for
Member of Assembly of Wisconsin on the
Independent or Individual Nomination
ticket, but ran about 160 votes short of
Jacob Rodrian, his opponent.
M
ATHIAS REINHART. a worthy
representative of the business
interests of Ahnapee, was born
in Faha, Kreis Saarburg, near
Trier, Germany, August 14. 1840, and
comes of a family that originally located
in France, where the name was spelled
Reinard. The father of our subject,
Johann Reinhart, was born in the same
locality as Mathias, and became a miller
by trade. In Faha he followed that
business, and his death occurred at the
age of fifty-two years. His wife, who
bore the maiden name of Elizabeth
Mertens, was born in Ail, Kreis Saarburg,
and died at the age of forty years, leaving
seven sons — Peter, John, Mathias, Jacob,
Nicholas, Michael and Franz.
At the age of fourteen our subject was
left an orphan, his parents both dying in
the same year. The eldest brother,
Peter, having married, became the head of
the family, and with him Mathias learned
the trade of shoe making, which he fol-
lowed until twenty-one years of age, when
he entered the German army, serving
therein three years. At the expiration of
that period he was honorably discharged,
and he then married Magdalena Mel-
chior (a sister of M. Melchior, postmaster
at Ahnapee), and settled in the little vil-
lage of Schwemlingen, Kreis Merzig, Ger-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
693
many, where his wife's people resided.
There he worked at liis trade until 1 866,
when the war broke out between Prussia
and Austria and he was called into the
army service as a reserve. A month later
he obtained a six-days' furlough, but
instead of returning he extended his leave
of absence and made his way to America,
landing in New York on the evening of
July 3, 1866. The following day, "The
Fourth," was celebrated, and made quite
an impression upon Mr. Reinhart, who
thought this a wonderful country. By
steamer he journeyed to Ahnapee, where
he soon obtained employment in his
brother-in-law's shoe shop, and there
worked steadily. His wife arrived four
months later, accompanied by her parents
and brother Michael. In 1869 our sub-
ject took charge of the boot and shoe
store owned by Mathias Melchior, and,
becoming proprietor, successfully con-
ducted the same until February 5, 1894,
when he gave it over to the charge of his
sons. In connection with the boot
and shoe business he also dealt in sewing
machines, and along both lines did a
large and prosperous business, accumu-
lating thereby a modest fortune. When
he embarked at Havre, France, for
America, he had but one cent left, which
he flung into the ocean as an offering to
"Dame Fortune," and she has smiled
upon him since. He was interested in
the establishment of the factories at
Ahnapee, has supported all of those enter-
prises which are calculated to benefit the
town, and is now the owner of a hand-
some home and considerable valuable
real estate in that place.
To Mr. and Mrs. Reinhart were born
the following children : Anna (wife of
William Barnhart, a harness dealer of
Sturgeon Bay) ; Mathias ; Kate (wife of
Frank Witzpaleck, a teacher) ; George,
Mary, Lena, Sophia, Frank, two deceased,
Michael and Leona. The children have
been highly educated in music, and Kate
was for five years the organist of St.
Mary's Church, while Mathias and George
are both good musicians, the former hav-
ing a fine baritone voice, while the latter
is leader of the Ahnapee Silver Cornet
Band. In politics Mr. Reinhart has
always been a Democrat ; served as a
delegate to the State convention in 1890,
and has held a number of city offices,
discharging the duties connected there-
with in a creditable and acceptable man-
ner. He has been very successful in this
country, and is a leading and influential
citizen of Ahnapee.
BARTHOLOMEW DRURY claims
New York as the State of his
nativity, having been born in
Erie county March 17, 1855. His
father, Michael Drury, was a native of the
Emerald Isle, whence he emigrated to the
United States. In Ireland he had mar-
ried Catherine Meigh, also a native of
that country, and three children were
there born to them, the rest in the United
States. A brief record of their family is
as follows: Thomas is now living in Lux-
emburg township, Kewaunee county;
Bridget is the wife of John McCalvy, of
Lincoln township, Kewaunee county;
Mary, wife of John C. Burke, resides in
Casco township, Kewaunee county; Peter
has his home in Ingalls, Mich. ; Bartholo-
mew is the subject of this sketch; Michael
lives in Casco township; Maggie is de-
ceased. The parents, who were both
consistent members of the Catholic
Church, died when our subject was quite
young. The father for the most part was
engaged in railroad work.
Bartholomew Drury was only five
years of age, when, with the family, he
became a resident of Casco township,
Kewaunee county. He received his edu-
cation in the common schools of Ahnapee
township, and remained upon the home
farm until after the death of his parents,
when he went into the lumber regions and
followed lumbering some nine years. He
then returned to Casco township, locating
upon the farm which has since been his
694
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
home, and which was formerly owned by
his father. He has since devoted his
time and energies to agricultural pursuits,
and is accounted one of the leading farm-
ers of the community, a fact well evi-
denced b\' the neat and thrifty appear-
ance of the place, its good buildings and
other substantial improvements.
On October 27, 1889, Mr. Drury was
united in marriage with Miss Alice Jalle}',
daughter of William and Annie (Dunn)
Jalley (who were of English extraction),
and a native of Wausau, Marathon Co.,
Wis., born April 30, 1862. To this union
have been born five children — Annie,
Frank, Ellen, Mary and Alice — and the
father, who is a warm friend of education,
means that they shall be provided with
good school privileges, thus fitting them
for the practical and responsible duties of
life. Mr. Drury belongs to the Catholic
■Church, and exercises his right of fran-
chise in the ranks of the Democratic
party, but has never been an aspirant for
political honors, preferring to give his
time and attention to his business inter-
ests, in which he has met with good
success.
JOSEPH E. BUBNHv, merchant
tailor, Kewaunee, is a native of Bo-
hemia, born August 27, 1862. His
father, Emanuel Bubnik, was born
in the same country in 1838, was mar-
ried in 1859, and came to America in
1867, settling in Kewaunee, Wis., and
working at his trade of tailor.
To the age of sixteen Joseph E. at-
tended the schools of Kewaunee, and then
worked a year for his father, learning the
tailoring trade, after which for three and
a half \ears he worked in Chicago, where
he also learned cutting. In 1883 he re-
turned to Kewaunee and formed a partner-
ship with his father, putting in a fine
stock of ready-made clothing, and also
following the merchant-tailoring business.
In 1887 the partnership was dissolved,
Joseph E. continuing on his own account;
he now carries one of the largest and best
selected stocks in the city, and is doing a
most prosperous trade. He has been
twice married, first time to Polly Urbanck,
but secured a divorce from her, and in
August, 1890, he married Anna Drab,
who has borne him two children, both of
whom are now deceased. Mr. Bubnik is
a Republican in his political affiliations,
but is conservative and votes for whom he
considers the best man. He is himself
quite popular, has served two years as
justice of the peace, and has also held
several minor offices. He is an active
member of the Kewaunee Fire Depart-
ment, also of the Bohemian Turners
Society, and has won for himself a high
reputation as a business man and as a
citizen.
J
OHN L. HANEY. the well-known
dealer in agricultural implements at
Kewaunee, was born August 6. 1857,
in the city of Batavia, Genesee Co.,
N. Y., and was two years of age when
brought West by his father, who located
in Sheboygan, Wis., for about six months,
and then removed to Montpelier, Kewau-
nee county, where he settled on a farm.
Here our subject was reared until
seventeen years of age, assisting in the
cultivation of the land in the summer and
attending the district school during the
winter season. He then entered the busi-
ness college at Green Ba)', remaining
two terms, and at the age of eighteen
commenced teaching school in the town-
ship in which he had his home. In i 879
he located in Kewaunee, where he form-
ed a partnership with his brother, M. C.
Haney, opening a depot for the sale of
farm implements. In 1881 this firm
established a branch at Ahnapee, of which
the brother took the superintendency. In
1883 thej- opened a third store or depot,
which was established at Sturgeon Bay,
and all three are conducted under the
firm name of Haney Brothers. Mr. Haney
has always taken an active part in any
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
695
enterprise tending to the advancement of
the interests of I\e\vaunee. The firm are
also interested in the Ahnapee Veneer and
Seating Company at Ahnapee, and are in
the lumber and plaster business of Haney
Bros. & Erichson.
Our subject is a member of the I. O.
O. F. , K. of P., and Royal Arcanum, in
which latter order he has passed all the
chairs. He has been a great traveler in
his day, having visited nearly every part
of the United States, including two trips
to California. On February 27, 1889, he
was married to Miss Laura A. Grimmer,
daughter of George Grimmer, and his
home has been made the more happy by
the birth, September i, 1891, of one
child, Olga B.
WILLIAM HAG ARTY was born
in Sheboygan county. Wis.,
October 16, 1857, and is a son
of Andrew and Ellen (Ennes)
Hagarty, natives of Ireland. In that
country they were married, and became
the parents of two children, with whom,
in 1847, they crossed the Atlantic to the
New World, sailing from Dublin, li-eland,
to New York City, where they arrived
after a long and tedious voyage.
Locating in Washington county, N.
Y., the father there worked as a day
laborer on farms, and was thus employed
for about eight years, after which he
came to Sheboygan county. Wis. , and
purchased forty acres of land. [While
en route a fire destroyed everything they
possessed except the clothing they wore.]
Bears and wolves were still seen in the
neighborhood, deer and other wild game
furnished the table with meat, and the
entire locality was still in its primitive
condition. Mr. Hagarty built a log cabin
16x16 feet, and at once began to clear
his land, the greater part of which he
had placed under cultivation, when, in
1 86 1, he sold out, preparatory to mov-
ing to Luxemburg township, Kewaunee
county. Here he secured eighty acres of
land, now a part of the farm belonging to
our subject, but at that time only a half
acre had been cleared The family
traveled in a wagon covered with sheet-
ing and drawn by a yoke of oxen, and as
there were no roads they frequently
had to cut their way through the forest.
In the family were eight children — James,
Margaret, Julia, Mary, Helen, Matthew,
William and George. They moved into
a small shanty which had already been
built, and this continued to be their home
for three years, during which time the
father and children made considerable
headway in clearing the farm. In the
spring they sowed three bushels of wheat
and some potatoes, and in the fall har-
vested the former crop with a sickle,
threshing it with a flail.
On account of the limited circum-
stances of the parents, the children began
work early, and at the tender age of
eight William Hagarty began aiding in
the labors of the farm. They did their
trading and marketing in Kewaunee, and
the father at one time carried a 100-pound
barrel of flour on his back for three miles,
stopping to rest but once in all that dis-
tance. Some time afterward he pur-
chased an additional tract of land of 160
acres, and continued to operate the old
homestead until his death, which occurred
in 1 88 1, when he was aged sixty-three
years, caused by a fall from the barn.
His wife preceded him to her final rest
by two years. At this time, most of the
children had gone to homes of their own,
and our subject and his brother George
took charge of the old farm, which after
three years was divided, and the interest
of the other heirs was purchased by Will-
iam, who now owns 180 acres of valuable
land under a high state of cultivation,
and improved with all the accessories and
conveniences of a model farm. His life
has been a busy one — a season of hard
labor — and the experiences and trials of
frontier life are all familiar to him.
On September 29, 1886, Mr. Hagarty
was united in marriage with Miss Gather-
696
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.
ine Burke, and their union has been bless-
ed with three children: Helen, born in
1888; Viola, born in 1 890; and Raymond,
born in 1892. The parents hold member-
ship with the Catholic Church, and in his
political views Mr. Hagarty is a Demo-
crat.
JOHN CHRISTIANSON, a well-
known prosperous farmer of Stur-
geon Bay township. Door county,
settled here in 1879, and has since
been actively identified with the farming
interests of the section. Mr. Christian-
son is a native of Norway, born in 1830
near Drammen, son of Christian and
Gunnell (Hanson) Johnson, farming peo-
ple of that country, where they both
died, the former at the age of sixty-seven
years, the latter at the age of forty-nine.
They reared a family of six children, of
whom five are now living, namely: Hans
and Maren, in Norway; John, our subject;
Andrena,in Norway; and Nels, in Chicago.
The subject of these lines was edu-
cated in the schools of Norway, and early
in life commenced sailing on the Atlantic,
afterward visiting various ports in South
America, the East Indies and many other
places. In 1871 he embarked on a vessel
bound for New York, shortly afterward
coming to Manitowoc, Wis., where he re-
mained for eight years, working as ship
carpenter. In 1879 he came to Sturgeon
Bay township. Door county, here pur-
chased land, and has since been success-
fully engaged in farming, now owning lOO
acres of good land, forty acres lying
within the corporation limits of Sturgeon
Bay, and sixty adjoining. This was all
in the woods when he came to it, and the
many improvements which have so materi-
ally increased the value of the place are
entirely the result of his own labors. He
takes a keen interest in all movements for
the benefit of the community in general,
and served four years as supervisor of the
township. In political affiliation he is a
Republican. Mr. Christiansen is an act-
ive member of the United Brethren
Church of Sturgeon Bay, wherein he has
served as trustee ever since its organiza-
tion, taking a prominent part in the pro-
motion of all Church work.
On December 30, 1855, Mr. Christian-
son was married, in Norway, to Miss
Christina Jorgensen, also a native of that
country, and daughter of Jorgen and Allie
(Johnson) Anderson, who passed their
whole lives in Norway. Mrs. Christian-
son died in 1880 in Door count)'. Wis.,
leaving five children, a brief record of
whom is as follows: George was born
May 21, 1858, in Norway, where he re-
ceived his early schooling, completing his
education at the schools of Manitowoc,
Wis. For several seasons he sailed on
the Lakes, and since abandoning that pur-
suit has engaged in farming in Sturgeon
Bay township, Door county. He is an
ardent member of the Republican party,
and takes an active interest in the local
government, being justice of the peace in
the township, and at present serving his
third term as clerk. Gustav Emil, the
second child, was born in Norway Octo-
ber 4, 1863, and now resides in Bay
View, Wis.; he was married, in 1892, to
Josephine Samuelson, and has one child,
Idelia. Christina Annetta is the wife of
Andrew Anderson, and resides in Stur-
geon Bay; they have one child, Florence
Adelaide. Anna Josephine, who was a
successful teacher in Door county for
seven years, was married in 1894 to C. C.
Clauson, of Clintonville, Wis. Olga
Marie was born in 1873 in Manitowoc, is
married to Frank Van Doozer, and has
two children, Maud and an infant; they
reside in Bay View.
DESIRE COLLE, one of Kewaunee
county's native sons, was born in
Luxemburg township, January 24,
1862, a son of Peter Colle and
Catherine (Roge), honored pioneer people
of that locality, in whose family are five
children, as follows: Mary, Desire, Eliza-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPSICAL RECORD.
697
beth, Charles and Anna, all yet living.
The father was a native of Luxemburg,
Germany, and in 1854 came to America
taking up his residence in what was at
that time Casco township, Kewaunee Co.,
Wis. , but is now in Lu.xemburg township.
He was the first settler in the latter town-
ship, and it was through his instrumen-
tality that it was cut off from Casco town-
ship.
Peter Colle secured 160 acres of wild
land, cutting the first tree that had been
felled in the forests of Lu.xemburg town-
ship, and continued the work of clearing
his land until he had room enough to
build a log cabin and plant a crop. He
owned no team, and had come on foot
from Green Bay to his farm. Two years
had passed ere he was able to purchase a
team, and the only farm implements he
had were an axe and grub hoe, so that the
work of developing the farm was carried
on with great difficulty. His first crop
was one of fall wheat, the seed for which
he carried on his shoulder from Green
Bay, and sowing two bushels of this he
harvested a crop of forty-eight bushels.
During the first six years after his ar-
rival his grain was threshed with a flail,
and the rails which he used in making his
fences were carried on his back to the
place where they were needed. The
father lived and died upon his farm, and
it is still the home of the mother, who has
now reached the age of seventy-one years.
When our subject was a child of only
ten summers he was obliged to operate
the farm, for his father's health had failed,
and he continqed the management of the
property, doing nearly all the work him-
self, until he was twenty-four years of
age. His youth, therefore, was not one
of ease, but from a tender age he was in-
ured to the hard labor of developing wild
land, and his life has always been a busy
one. At the age of twenty-four he was
joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Toucher,
and from his father purchased eighty
acres of land, for which he paid $400,
the young couple beginning their domestic
I
life upon that farm. He built a log house,
which is still standing, and for $260 pur-
chased a team, with which he worked his
land for two years. During the succeed-
ing two years he engaged in the nursery
business, but at the expiration of that
period returned to the farm, which he
cultivated until the railroad was built,
when he was employed on railroad con-
struction at four dollars per day. Again
he took up farm work, continuing same
until June, 1S94, at which time he erected
in Luxemburg a building 30 x 60 feet, in
which he has since engaged in the saloon
business.
Mr. and Mrs. Colle have four children
— three sons and a daughter, viz. : Peter,
Michael, Joseph and Elizabeth. In his
political views our subject is a Demo-
crat; socially he is connected with the
Catholic Ivnights of Wisconsin, and in re-
ligious belief both he and his wife are
Catholics. He is a representative of one
of the earliest families of Kewaunee
county, and with the history of its pioneer
days is familiar.
SL. HALL claims New York as the
State of his nativity, his birth hav-
ing occurred in Cayuga county in
1854. He is a son of Simon and
Desire (Smith) Hall, who were also born
in Cayuga county, where the father was
engaged in farming until 1856, in which
year, with his family, he migrated to
Kewaunee county. Wis., settling in Ahna-
pee. He there established a sawmill,
operating same for some years, and was
also owner of a gristmill, but in 1889 he
abandoned the business, and has since
lived a retired life. He is a public-spirited
and progressive man, actively interested
in everything pertaining to the welfare of
Ahnapee and the surrounding country.
In the Hall family there are three chil-
dren— Sarah, wife of I. W. Elliott, pub-
lisher of the Ahnapee Record; S. L. , and
H. S., who is living in Ahnapee, Wis.,
69S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
where he is managing the erection of a
hotel.
The subject of this sketch, who was
but an infant when he was brought to this
State, was educated in the schools of
Ahnapee, reared under the parental roof,
and in early life became familiar with the
lumber business in his father's mill. He
first embarked in this enterprise for him-
self in jacksonport, Wis., where he re-
mained four years, operating a sawmill,
after which he returned to Ahnapee, and
was there employed in his father's mill
until coming to Forestville. Here he
engaged in the manufacture of lumber for
a time, and then embarked in the manu-
facture of shingles, which enterprise he
has carried on since 1889. He makes a
specialty of dimension and clear cedar
shingles, and has an annual output of
about five million, for which he finds a
ready market in Racine, Wis., selling to
the firm of Kelly, Weeks & Company.
Mr. Hall was married in Forestville
township. Door county, in 1889. to Miss
Ella Kenned}', who was born in Canada,
as were her parents, Henry and Mary
Kennedy, who, in 1 872 became residents
of Forestville township. Door county,
where they j-et reside. The union of Mr.
and Mrs. Hall has been blessed with two
children- Henry and Clare.
Mr. Hall e.xercises his right of fran-
chise in support of the men and measures
of the Republican party, and takes a deep
interest in political affairs, keeping well
informed on the issues of the day. He
is a man of e.xcellent business and execu-
tive ability, straightforward and honora-
ble in all his dealings, and by good man-
agement, perseverance and earnest appli-
cation he has won success.
FKKD W. MAEDKE. owner of a
snug farm in Ahnapee township,
Kewaunee county, where he has
resided for over twenty-five years,
is a Prussian by birth, born October 24,
1 83 1, son of Christian Maedke, a native
of the same country and a laborer by
occupation. He had seven children, of
whom Ferdinand lives in the town of
Ahnapee, Kewaunee Co., Wis.; Charles
is a resident of Prussia; August is deceased;
Lena is the wife of John Bartz, of Rich-
field, Wis. ; and Fred W. is the subject
of this sketch. The parents, who were
members of the Lutheran Church, both
died in their native country, where they
are buried.
Fred W. Maedke was educated in
Prussia, and worked at common labor
until he was twenty-one years of age. He
had been in correspondence with friends
in the United States from whom he re-
ceived glowing accounts of the advan-
tages offered in this country, and con-
cluding he could better his condition here
he emigrated in 1852. His first location
was at Milwaukee, Wis. , where he worked
in the brick yards for about ten years;
then removing to .\hnapee township, Ke-
waunee county, purchased eighty acres
of timber land, where he has since re-
sided, following agricultural pursuits. He
has also purchased another forty acres of
land, the greater part of which he has
improved and provided with good build-
ings and fences. While living in Mil-
waukee Mr. Maedke married Wilhelmina
Froemmeling, also a native of Prussia,
and to their union came eight children,
viz. : Bertha, now Mrs. August Schultz, of
Door county. Wis. ; Frederick, of Ahn-
apee township; William, of Forestville,
Door county; Louisa, Mrs. Frank Brown,
of Manitowoc, Wis. ; Wilhelmina, de-
ceased; Edward, of Manitowoc; Albert, de-
ceased; and one that died in infancy. The
mother of these died in 1873, and in 1875
Mr. Maedke was again married, this time
to Johanna Schultz, a native of Germany.
She is the mother of seven children, as
follows: Ervin, Leonard, Frank, Lillie,
Walter, Emma and Menmieta. Mr.
Maedke and family are members of the
Methodist Church, and politically he is
affiliated with the Republican party. Dur-
ing the latter part of the war of the Re-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
699.
bellion he became a member of Company
E, Seventeenth Wis. V. I., serving some
ten months, when the war closed and he
was honorably discharged; he now draws
a pension for his services.
M
ICHAEL SEEMAN, a thriving
farmer of West Kewaunee town-
ship, Kewaunee county, was
born in Milwaukee, Wis., No-
vember 18, 1848, and is a son of David
Seeman. Michael was reared on the
home farm, and was educated in the old-
time log schoolhouse of West Kewaunee
township. He assisted and remained
with his parents until he was twenty-five
years of age, when he bought the farm he
still occupies. It was then covered with
timber, but he has labored hard and
cleared it away, till to-day, instead of a
wilderness, there are waving fields of
grain. He has erected good buildings,
and made every improvement necessary
to a model farm.
On July 29, 1873, Mr. Seeman was
married to Earnestine Kohn, a daughter
of Christian and Johanna (Karlbine) Kohn,
natives of Germany, where she, also, first
saw the light, October 17, 1853. Her
father was born in 1824, and his wife in
the same year; they were married in
1848, and came to Wisconsin in 1855.
Earnestine was the third in a family of
eleven, and to her marriage with Mr.
Seeman were born fifteen children, their
names and dates of birth being as follows:
Amelia, May 11, 1874; Matilda, July 16,
1875; Henry, September 14, 1876; David,
March 25, 1878; Ida, November 18,
1879; Lydia, July 10, 1881; Frank,
August 30, 1882; Bertha, January 10,
1884; Michael, October 26, 1885, Ed-
ward, June 14, 1887; Earnestine, Novem-
ber 2, 1888; Alma, April 10, 1890; Laura,
July 16, 1 891; William, November 26,
1893, and Albert, July 16, 1894. These
all survive to gladden the hearts of their
parents, with the e.xception of four:
Henry, who died December 28, 1878;
Matilda, January 11, 1879; Ida, Novem-
ber 2, 1892, and Albert, August 30, 1894.
Of this family Amelia was married April
II, 1894, to Anton Holub.
Mr. Seeman is regarded by his neigh-
bors as one of the most progressive, as
well as able, farmers in the community,
and he and his family are greatly respect-
ed through West Kewaunee and the ad-
joining townships, and, indeed, through-
out the entire county.
JOHN BANGERT, a popular boot and
shoemaker of Kewaunee, was born
March 25, 1833, in Westphalia, Ger-
many, a son of Henry (a farmer
by occupation) and Lizzie Bangert, who
were the parents of nine children. The
father died in Germany in 1867; and the
mother in 1 869.
John Bangert, the subject proper of
this sketch, attended the common schools
of his native country until sixteen
years of age, and then learned shoemak-
ing, which he followed until he was
twenty-one years old, when he enlisted in
the German army, serving three years in
the infantry, and' then returned to work
at his trade. In May, 1 862, he settled
in Kewaunee, Wis., and started in busi-
ness; but after a time he bought a farm,
which he worked two years, but grew
tired of that vocation and sold out, return-
ing to Kewaunee and resuming his old
trade, in which he still continues.
The marriage of Mr. Bangert took
place in Germany, in the early part of
1862, to Miss Theodora Ballering, whose
father, Anton Ballering, was also a shoe-
maker. He came to America in 1869,
and settled in Kewaunee, where he died
in 1888, his wife in 1889. To the mar-
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Bangert have been
born three sons and six daughters, named
as follows: Anton, John, Henry, Anna,
Lizzie, Mary, Amelia, Dora and Stella.
Of these, Anton is married and lives at
700
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Eagle River, Wis. ; Anna and Lizzie mar-
ried brothers, Fred and Ciiarles Poser,
and live in Kewaunee city, and the others
reside with their parents. Mr. and Mrs.
Banfjert are devout members of the Catho-
lic Church, and are much respected by
their friends and neighbors for their up-
right lives. In politics Mr. Bangert is a
Democrat, but has never been an office-
seeker, preferring profitable trade to pre-
carious office.
HANS JACOB OLSON, a success-
ful farmer of Nasewaupee town-
ship. Door county, was born in
Norway, in 1845, and when eight
years of age accompanied his parents to
the United States. His father, Ole Olson,
who was a carpenter and joiner, on reach-
ing this country took his family to Green
Bay, Wis., where he remained one year,
working at his trade. He then moved to
Sturgeon Ba}-, and here for a time did
carpentry, after which he worked in the
first sawmill built in Nasewaupee town-
ship. At times he followed hunting and
fishing exclusively, in which vocation he
was very successful. His death occurred
in 1884; his widow still resides at Stur-
geon Bay. They reared a family of five
children, all yet living, 'namely: Hans
Jacob (our subject) ; Olaf and Ole B., who
reside in Sturgeon Bay township; Mollie,
married to Louis Anderson, of Liberty
Grove township, and Amelia, wife of
Thomas Knapp, of Manitowoc county.
Our subject received a practical edu-
cation in the public schools of Sturgeon
Bay township, and as he grew to man-
hood worked on a farm. In 1886 he
bought 120 acres in Nasewaupee town-
ship, and has cleared eighty acres of it,
which he now owns and occupies. In
1872 he was married to Miss Louisa
Almeda Bernard, who was born in New
York State, daughter of John and Elizabeth
Bernard. Her father was born in F"rance,
and came to Nasewaupee township. Wis. ,
in 1868; he died in Door county in 1882;
the mother died while the}" were living in
New York. Mr. Olson belongs to the
Republican party, and takes much inter-
est in politics, although he does not aspire
to office. He has had a family of chil-
dren as follows: Viola, now the wife of
John Magnusson, of Mihvaukee (they have
two children, viz. : Sidney Lloyd and
Daisy Almeda); Effie Rosetta, who is
married to Alex. Eliason, of Milwaukee;
Mate Hilton, has one child, Daisy Almeda;
Bert, and Daisy Almeda, who died in
1892, at the age of sixteen years and
ten months.
LORENZ C. FENSEL is a native
of Kewaunee, born June i, 1870.
His father, Conrad Fensel, was
born near the city of Erlangen,
Bavaria, Germany, October 28, 1837,
and from the age of fourteen to the time
he was seventeen served an apprentice-
ship at the tinner's trade. Leopold Fen-
sel, father of Conrad, was a blacksmith
and a man of excellent standing, having
served as mayor of his town, besides
holding several minor offices.
In i860 Conrad came to America and
located in Kewaskum, Washington Co.,
Wis., but in April of the ne.xt year en-
listed, at Milwaukee, in Company F,
Sixth Wis. V. I., for three months; here-
enlisted in the same regiment for three
3'ears, and was honorably discharged July
15, 1864. His regiment, one of the old
"Iron Brigade," fought at Gainesville,
Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
ville, Gett3'.sburg, Jerichoford, Cold Har-
bor and Petersburg. Mr. Fensel was
taken prisoner at Gettysburg in July,
1863, and was sent to Andersonville
Prison, but was soon exchanged, which
was his only absence from roll-call dur-
ing his whole service, and at his discharge
he was highly complimented by nis
superior officers for his bravery and sol-
dierly bearing. On his return to Milwau-
kee he immediately sent to Germany for
his betrothed, Miss Margaret Theuers-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.
701
bacher, and their marriage took place in
Milwaukee, December 18, 1864. During
the following four years he worked at his
trade in Milwaukee and Grafton, and in
1868 came to Kewaunee. Here he started
in the business for himself, which he fol-
lowed until his death, July 15, 1876.
He was a Republican, had been city
treasurer, and filled several other offices
of trust, and was honored and respected
by all who knew him. He also organized
the Fire Department of Kewaunee, and
superintended the laying of the water
mains, expending considerable time and
money.
Mrs. Conrad Fensel was born, in 1838,
in the city of Erlangen. Her father was
of French descent, and by trade was a
tanner. After her husband's death, Mrs.
Fensel, with the assistance of her chil-
dren, continued the business until Octo-
ber, 1 89 1, when her son Lorenz C. bought
the concern, which he still carries on.
Lorenz attended the district and high
schools cf Kewaunee until he was seven-
teen years old, w'hen he began clerking
for his mother, and so continued until he
bought out the business. He still makes
his home, however, with his mother. Mr.
Fensel is a stanch Republican, and takes
an active part in national and local poli-
tics, although he has never sought any
office. He has, however, served as sec-
retary of the board of education, and was
also a member of the county board for
the World's Fair. He is a charter mem-
ber of Kewaunee Chapter, Sons of Vet-
erans, and was adjutant and quarter-
master of the Wisconsin division of the
Order under Col. Wing. He is a strict
member of the Lutheran Church, and is
one of the most highly respected young
men of Kewaunee city.
On June 12, 1894, he was married
to Miss Minnie Klatt, of Ahnapee, Wis.,
who was born November 2, 1875, in
West Kewaunee, moving with her parents
to Ahnapee in 1880. To this marriage
was born a daughter, named Melva,
March 31, 1895.
40
JOSEPH STONEMAN, who is suc-
cessfully engaged in farming in Sec-
tion 20, Forestville township. Door
county, was born on the farm, which
is still his home, July 8, 1857, and is a
worthy representative of one of the promi-
nent pioneer families of that county.
His father, John Stoneman, was born
in England in 1808, was reared and edu-
cated in his native land, and in an early
day crossed the ocean to the New World,
taking up his residence in Racine county,
Wis. , where he worked in shingle mills.
In that county he wedded Miss Mary
Venia, a native of Canada, and in 1855
brought his wife to Door county, locating
in the midst of the forest upon a tract of
wild land in Forestville township. There
he developed and improved a fine farm,
upon which he made his home until his
death, which occurred in May, 1885.
He took quite an active part in political
affairs, supported the Democratic party,
and served his fellow citizens as town
clerk; in religious belief he was a Catholic.
His wife preceded him to the better
world, having passed away April 1 7, 1 884.
They had a family of seventeen children,
six of whom are now living, and we have
the record of the following : John is
now deceased; William, who enlisted in
Company E, Fourteenth Wis. V. I.,
during the Civil war, died in the hospital
at New Albany, Ind., while in the service;
Sophia is the wife of Andrew Sloan, of
Forestville township; Luke resides in
Nasewaupee township; Emily is the wife
of Ashley Coffrin, of Sturgeon Bay; George
resides at Egg Harbor; Joseph comes
next in order of birth; William is married
and lives in Nasewaupee township.
The subject of our sketch was reared
on the old homestead farm and acquired
his education in the common schools,
which he attended through the winter
season, while in the summer months he
aided in opening up the farm. His entire
life has been devoted to agricultural pur-
suits, and he is now the owner of 130
acres of good land, eighty of which have
702
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
been cleared of a heavy growth of timber
and are now under a high state of culti-
vation. The fields arc well tilled, the
place is divided into fields of convenient
size by well-kept fences, and all the con-
veniences and accessories of a model farm
are there found. In connection with
general farming Mr. Stoneman engages
in stock raising and in supplying eggs and
butter to the Menomonee market.
In Forestville township, in i8S6, Mr.
Stoneman was married to Miss Bridget
Alice Mulvihill, who was born in Nase-
waupee township. Door county, a daugh-
ter of John and Bridget Mulvihill, natives
of Ireland, whence they came to Door
county in an early day, settling in Nase-
waupee township, where they spent the
remainder of their lives, the father dying
January 5, 1894, the mother April 28,
1889. Six children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Stoneman, three of whom are
at rest; those yet living are John, Joseph
and Leo.
In politics Mr. Stoneman votes with
the Republicans, and keeps well in-
formed on the issues of the day, but has
never sought or desired political prefer-
ment for himself, his time and attention
being largely taken up with his business in-
terests and the enjoytnent of home pleas-
ures. In religious faith he and his wife
hold membership with the Catholic
Church. Mr. Stoneman has been a wit-
ness of the greater part of the growth and
development of Door county, and has
ever given his hearty support and co-
operation to enterprises calculated to pro-
mote the general welfare; therefore in the
history of his native county he well
deserves representation.
FRANK PAULU, one of the ener-
getic and prosperous farmers of
West Kewaunee township, Kewau-
nee county, was born in Boiiemia
October i, 1837, and is a son of Joseph
and Frances Paulu, also natives of Bohe-
mia, who came directly from the old coun-
try to Kewaunee in 1857, where the
father. Joseph, purchased a farm, which
he cleared and culti\:ited until his death
in 1866.
Our subject, who is the second born
in a family of eight children, was educat-
ed in Bohemia, and was (]uite young when
he graduated in the classics. He came
to the United States with his parents and
a.ssisted on the farm until the breaking
out of the Civil war. when he enlisted in
Company (i, Ele\enth Wisconsin \'olun-
teer Infantrx, hut was not called out at
that time; in 1S65 he re-enlisted and was
in actual service about eight months,
when he receix^ed an honorable discharge.
His health was impaired while in the
army, and for about nine years he suffer-
ed from disease, .\fter fully recuperat-
ing he settled on the farm he now owns,
and on which he has met with much suc-
cess as an agriculturist.
On June 9, 1859, Mr. Paulu was
united in matrimony with Miss Mary
Shimon, only daughter of Lawrence and
Rosile Shimon, also natives of Bohemia.
She was born July 11, 1839, and came
with her parents to Wisconsin in 1856.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Paulu have
been born twelve children, named as fol-
lows: Mary, Frank, .Annie, Gustie, Emily,
Bozenna, Paulina, Joseph, John, Edward,
Adolph and Emanuel. Mr. Paulu has led
an industrious and consequently prosjier-
ous life, ami his standing in the esteem
of his neighbors is an enviable one.
CHRISTIAN FELSCHOW.a thriv-
ing farmer of Carlton township,
Kewaunee county, now residing
at Kewaunee, was born in Meck-
lenburg, Ciermany, May 16, 1842, and is
a son of Henry and Dora (Eversj Fels-
chow, both natives of Germany, the
former born in 1.S15, and was there mar-
ried in 1840. In 1853 he brought his
family to the United States and settled in
Carlton township, Kewaunee Co., \\'is. ,
where he engaged in farming. Here he
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
703
lost his wife in 1872, and he himself died
December 2, 1892.
Of their four children, Christian, the
subject of this sketch, the eldest born,
attended the public schools of his native
country until the departure of his parents
for the United State. The family landed
in New York, where they passed six
months, then came to Wisconsin, and for
three years li\ed in Milwaukee, finally set-
tling on the farm in Carlton township
alluded to above. Here Christian as-
sisted his father until twenty-two years of
age, when he started out in life for him-
self. He made a trip to Illinois, where
he worked a year at carpentering, after
which he returned to Carlton and jnir-
chased a farm on which he lived until
1874, when he sold out and bought the
farm he at present occupies, and which
he has improved nith a fine brick dwell-
ing and substantial farm buildings, and
surrounded with a fine fence. He has
also received a bequest of eight}' acres
from his father, and is now one of the
solid farmers of Carlton township. For
six years he \\as school treasurer, then
clerk of the school board till he sold out
there, and for ten years has been treas-
urer of the Forest Hill Cemetery Associa-
tion. Socially he is a member of the
Sons of Hermann.
Mr. Felschow was married April 14,
1864, to Catharine Luttjohann, who was
born in Germany in 1847, and to this
union have been born four children: Ed-
ward H., Ella, Hulda and Lillie. The
family are Lutheran in their religious
faith, and none are held in higher esteem
by the citizens of the township.
AUGUST BOHNE, an enterprising
and progressive citizen of Kewau-
nee, was born at Mequon, Wis.,
March 14, 1851, and is a son of
Frederick and Teressa (Zenker) Bohne.
The father was a native of Saxony, Ger-
many, born in 1802, was a shoemaker by
trade, and was married to his second wife
(the mother of our subject) in 1S40. In
1 844 he came to America, located on
public land at Mequon, Ozaukee Co.,
Wis. , and for nine years was employed in
clearing away the heavy timber; he then
went to Port Ulao, in the same county,
where he lived four years, settling there-
after permanently in Kewaunee county,
where he had previously bought a heavily
timbered tract of land, comprising 640
acres, and for the first few years again
followed lumbering. In 1870 he moved
to Kewaunee village, where he embarked
in business, and died in June, 1874. His
widow then married John Besserdich, and
died in Kewaunee January 25, 1894.
The subject proper of these lines had
very few school advantages, as he assisted
his father until the age of fifteen, when
he was apprenticed to a blacksmith, for
whom he worked two years, and then re-
turned to the farm, where he lived until
1870, at which time he started in life for
himself with a capital consisting of will-
ing hands and a cheerful heart. He fol-
lowed well-digging and boring, afterward,
in 1874, adding pumps to his business,
and has been quite successful. He was
married October 20, 1874, to Crescencia
Mintz. The father of this lady was a
native of Bavaria, and came to America
in 1857, settling in Kewaunee county,
where he died in 1876; his widow, who
was also a native of Bavaria, and who
bore the maiden name of Margaret Feira,
survived until 1893. To the marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. Bohne have been born four
children, named, respectively: Maggie,
Willie, Anna and Theodore.
In his business Mr. Bohne employs
from three to fifteen hands, is fully equip-
ped with all the modern implements for
digging, boring and drilling wells and has
shown himself to be a man of enterprise
and sound judgment. Politically he has
always been a Democrat, and has been
treasurer of Kewaunee, a member of the
Fire Department eighteen years, of the
Police Force three years, and in 1894 was
a member of the City Council. Socially he
704
COMMEMORATIVE DIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
is a member of the Sons of Hermann.
Mrs. Bohne is a consistent member of the
Cathohc Church.
JACOB BLAHNIK, one of success-
ful self-made farmers and large land-
owners of Ahnapee township, Ke-
waunee county, was born August,
1838, in Bohemia, son of George Blah-
nik, a native of the same countrj'.
George Blahnik was reared on a
farm and when a young man married
Katharine Blaha, also a Bohemian by
birth, who bore him six children, as fol-
lows: Mathias, of Casco, Kewaunee Co.,
Wis. ; Jacob, whose name opens this
sketch; and George, Joseph, John, and
Anton, of Ahnapee township, Kewaunee
Co., Wis., all born in Bohemia except
Anton. In 1855 the father brought his
family to the United States, and coming
directly to Wisconsin, purchased eighty
acres of timber land in Ahnapee township,
Kewaunee county, on which he located,
immediately commencing the clearing of
the place for farming. He was the third
settler in that part of Ahnapee, which at
that early day was almost a perfect
wilderness, and passed through many
hardships incident to the life of a pioneer
in such a region. Later he purchased
240 acres more of land, all of which he
improved and equipped with good build-
ings, acquiring a comfortable share of this
world's goods. His death took place in
1893, that of his wife in 1S91. They
were members of the Catholic Church.
Jacob Blahnik, our subject, was edu-
cated in his native tongue, and was
seventeen years of age when he came
with his parents to the United States.
When nineteen years old he was united in
marriage with Katharine Gatina, also a
native of Bohemia, of German descent,
born in 1S44. She is the mother of four-
teen children, four of whom are deceased,
the living being Joseph (of Menomonee),
Katharine (now Mrs. William McCory,
of Chicago), Barbara (of Chicago), Annie,
Mar}', Lena, Amelia, Jacob, George and
Michael. Mr. Blahnik was reared to
farming pursuits, and after his marriage
purchased forty acres of land, locating
upon which he engaged in general agricul-
ture. He subsequently purchased more
land, now owning 215 acres, well im-
proved with good buildings, fences, etc.,
and he ranks among the substantial well-
to-do farmers of his township. The fine
property he now owns has been accumu-
lated by his own unceasing industry and
good business management, qualities
which he possesses to an unusual degree.
Mr. Blahnik is a member of the Demo-
cratic party in political affiliation, and
has filled several local offices of trust. He
and his family are members of the Catho-
lic Church of Ahnapee, and he is a mem-
ber of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin.
JOSEPH SOUTHARD CORNELL is
the eldest of eleven children. His
mother, Elizabeth Southard Cornell,
was a native of Lower Canada and
of Scotch extraction. His father, James
Cornell, a farmer by occupation, was born
in New York State, where he was mar-
ried. He moved first to Michigan, then
back to New York, thence to Illinois, and
subsequently to Washington Island, Door
Co., Wis. Later in life he removed to
Green Bay, at which place he died in
1882. He was an honored member of the
M. E. Church, and a most useful member
of society. His children are: Joseph,
our subject; Thomas, who resides in
Homer, III.; Elizabeth, married to Harri-
son Root, and residing at Baileys Har-
bor; Jane, married to Joseph Anderson,
and living at Sturgeon Bay; Mary Anna,
married to Walice Boyce, and making her
home at Escanaba, Mich.; John F. , of
Middle Inlet, Mich. ; Margaret, married to
Abner Cady, and residing in Kansas, and
Euretta, now Mrs. Hiram Willman, of
Fort River, Michigan.
Our subject was born in Pontiac, Oak-
land Co., Mich., July 14, 1830, where his
COMMEMORATIVE BWORAPHICAL RECORD.
705
parents had removed when first coming
west from New York; and returning to
the Empire State at the time he had
reached the school age, he received his
education there. His father was a farmer,
and the lad early learned to assist with
the work. At the age of twelve years he
left home, and continued to work at com-
mon labor until he had reached his ma-
jority. In 1847 he removed to Illinois
with his parents, where he was married,
in 1857, to Miss Rachel Stewart, who
was born in Cook county. 111., January
18, 1835, daughter of Nathan and Emily
(Brooks) Stewart. Mr. Stewart was of
Scotch lineage, his early ancestors being
Quakers who settled in Pennsylvania in
the time of William Penn. After his mar-
riage Mr. Cornell removed to Washing-
ton Island, Wis., and, until 1862, fol-
lowed the occupation of fishing. On
August 2, 1862, he enlisted in Company
B, 105th 111. V. I., served under Theodore
Rogers, took part in the engagement at
Resaca (Ga.), May 15, 1864, and accom-
panied Gen. Sherman in his famous march
to the sea. He was honorably discharged
July 7, 1865, and returned to Illinois,
where he followed farming four years,
then traveled for a firm in Aurora, 111. ,
one year, after which he came to Wash-
ington Island, Wis., and bought forty
acres of land. He cleared the timber
from same, and has since occupied him-
self in tilling the soil; later he purchased
more land, and now owns 120 acres,
thirty of which are improved. Two years
of his residence in this place he spent in
fishing. He is in reality one of the oldest
settlers on this Island, having owned
property here since 1867.
In politics, Mr. Cornell is a stanch
Republican, and has filled the office of
justice of the peace for seventeen years.
His health was materially injured during
his service in the war, and he now draws
a pension from the government. He is
the father of eleven children: James,
Emily (now Mrs. Edward Petersen, of
Washington Island), Edward, Lenora
(now Mrs. Thomas Madden, of Sheboy-
gan, Wis.), Elmer, Ulysses, Albert (de-
ceased), Byron, Eva, Alfred and Newell.
Mr. Cornell is a member of the Methodist
Church, in which faith his family are in
sympathy.
ALFRED ANDERSON, who has
been police watchman of Bay
View, Door county, since June,
1894, has been a farmer of Stur-
geon Bay township for a number of years
past, and is well known in his locality-
He was born in 1850 in Sweden, son
of Andres and Anna (Johnson) Ingleson,
farming people of that country, the former
of whom died there in 1883 on the old
farm, the latter still living in her native
country. Their children were as follows:
Alfred, our subject; John, who came first
to Brown county. Wis. , and now resides
in California; Mangus, a resident of Cali-
fornia, engaged in repairing railroad
bridges, being a carpenter by trade; Otto,
also of California; Fred, who was drowned
in Sweden, and Emma and Celia, married
and living in Sweden.
Our subject obtained his education in
the common schools of Sweden, remain-
ing there until sixteen years of age, when
he went to Arendal, Norway, and there
learned the trade of ship carpenter. In
that country he followed same until 1871,
in that year coming to America and to
Green Bay, Wis., where he found work
on the Chicago & North Western railroad.
He soon returned to his trade, however,
and entering the employ of Thomas
Spears, worked for him at various places
in Wisconsin — Green Bay, Little Stur-
geon, Sturgeon Bay, Menomonee and
Ozaukee. He also worked at Ahnapee,
and coming to Sturgeon Bay in 1877,
assisted in the construction of the tug
"John Leathern." Here he was em-
ployed by A. W. Lawrence for a time,
and then resolved to commence on his
own account. He bought forty acres of
land in the midst of the woods, which he
7o6
COMMEMORATI\'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
bejifan immediately to clear, and now has
thirty-five acres well improved and under
cultivation. In 1893 he built a sub-
stantial brick residence (with stone foun-
dation) 20x32, one story and a half in
height, with a one-story "L" 18x22.
In addition to this he is the owner of
property in Bay \'iew, all accumulated
since his residence in Door county b>' his
own industry and perseverance.
In 1874 Mr. Anderson was married,
in Green Bay, to Anna Sophia Mauver, a
native of Sweden, to which union have
been born seven children, namely: Annie,
Freddie, Emma. Lida, Charlie, Cora and
Dona. Mr. Anderson is a Republican in
political preference, and takes a lively
interest in the success of his party. He
was appointed to his present position by
the city council in June, 1894. Socially
he is a member of Peninsula Lodge, No.
320, I. O. O. F.
JOHN H. ROONEY, postmaster at
Kewaunee, was born in what was
then known as the village of Kewau-
nee, Wis., March 31, 1861, and is
the eldest in the family of eleven chil-
dren— four sons and seven daughters, of
whom four are deceased — born to Patrick
J. and Mary E. Rooney.
When our subject was ten years of
age the family went to Minnesota, then
to Nebraska, were absent six months and
then returned to Wisconsin, passing six
months in Milwaukee, and finally return-
ing to Kewaunee, where Mr. Rooney re-
ceived his education in the district school.
At the age of seventeen he began teach-
ing, which vocation occupied his time and
attention five years, and he then passed
another year in Milwaukee. On his re-
turn he was appointed, in 1886, as under
sheriff, two years later as deputy sheriff,
and for two years additional, in 1891-92,
was sheriff of the county. He has, be-
sides, served as city clerk and constable,
and in 1893 was appointed assistant ser-
geant-at-arms of the Wisconsin Assembly,
being in politics a stanch Democrat and
taking an active interest in that party's
affairs in National, State and county con-
tests. In June, 1893, he was appointed
postmaster of Kewaunee, the office being
then of the fourth class, but since raised
to the third class.
Mr. Rooney is a member of the Sons
of Veterans, and is financial secretary
and treasurer of Branch No. 32, Catholic
Knights of Wisconsin, but is not con-
nected with any secret order. He was
married July 11, 1882, to Miss Sophia
Melera, daughter of Felix Melera, an
early settler of Kewaunee county, a man
of much prominence, having been sheriff
of the county, besides filling a number of
other offices and being at present a mem-
ber of the city council of Kewaunee. To
Mr. and Mrs. Rooney have been born
three sons and three daughters, of whom
Louis H. and Henry L. are deceased.
The survivors are Laura E., Walter F.,
Flora May and Estella. Mr. and Mr.
Rooney are devout Catholics, and stand
very high in the esteem of the inhabitants
of the city and county.
Judge P. J. Rooney, father of John
H. Rooney, was born in County Down,
Ireland, February 14, 1839.
About the year 1846 he came to
America with his parents, who first locat-
ed at New Bedford, Mass., where they
lived for about one year, when they re-
moved to Milwaukee. There he received
a good common-school education, and at
the age of fifteen years commenced to
learn the printer's trade, which he follow-
ed until 1857, when he removed with his
parents to Pierce, Kewaunee county,
where he engaged in farming. In 1859
he set up the type for the first edition of
the Kewaunee Enterprise, nearly thirty-
five years ago. On August 21, 1862, he
enlisted under Capt. Chas. H. Cunning-
ham, in Company A, Twenty-seventh
Regiment Wisconsin Infantry, as private,
was promoted to corporal, and served
honorably and with credit to himself. On
account of disability he was honorably
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
707
discharged from the service at Clarksville,
Texas, on the 31st of July 1865. Return-
ing to Kewaunee, he again devoted his
time to farming until 1871, when he
sold his farm and took a trip to Minnesota
and Nebraska, returning to Milwaukee in
July, 1872, where he remained about one
year. Once more coming to Kewaunee,
he engaged with the late John M. Read to
take charge of the Kewaunee Enterprise,
having full charge of the publication of
the paper for three years. Judge Rooney
was town superintendent of schools in the
earl)' history of Kewaunee, also town
clerk, and was elected town treasurer in
1866, which office he held until 1 871; in
1874 he was elected clerk of the circuit
court, filling the place with marked ability
for twelve years. In 1887 he was ap-
pointed mail carrier for the House of
Representatives at Washington, but was
obliged to relinquish that position on ac-
count of ill health, and his son Franklin
was appointed in his place. In 1889 he
was elected county judge, which position
he was holding at the time of his death.
Judge Rooney was married in i860 to
Mary E. Allen, of New York State, who
survives him, and by her he had eleven
children, seven of whom are still living,
viz.: John H., William P., Mary E.,
Frank A., Agnes A., Charlotte I. and
Regina. It is doubtful if ever a man
lived in Kewaunee county who enjoyed a
more extended acquaintance or had more
ardent friends than the late Patrick J.
Rooney.
WILLIAM STONEMAN.a promi-
nent manufacturer of Nasewau-
pee township, Door count}', was
born in Forestville tovs'nship,
Door county. Wis., in 1865, a son of
John and Mary (Venia) Stoneman, the
former of whom, a native of England,
came to Racine, Wis., in 1835. After
his marriage there, in 1S55, he removed
to Door county, locating in Forestville
township on a farm. He was one of the
earliest settlers in this locality and was
greatly respected by all who knew him.
He took an active interest in politics,
always voting the Democratic ticket;
served as chairman of the township for
some time, and gave universal satisfaction
while in office. He and his excellent wife
were members of the Catholic Church.
They reared a family of seventeen chil-
dren, of whom but six are now living, as
follows: Sophia is the wife of Andrew
Sloan, of Forestville township; Luke is a
farmer of Nasewaupee township; Amelia
is the wife of Ashley Coffrin, of Sturgeon
Bay; George resides at Monument Point,
Egg Harbor township; Joseph lives in
Forestville township, on the old farm;
William is the subject of this sketch.
The mother departed this life in 1884, the
father one year later, both dying upon
the old homestead.
William Stoneman was educated in
the schools of Forestville township, where
his early life was spent. After leaving
school he learned the carpenter's trade,
and removing to Menominee, Mich., there
followed that vocation. Later he returned
to Door Co. , Wis. , this time locating in
Nasewaupee township, where he built a
cheese factory, which is situated four
miles from Sturgeon Bay. In 1891 he
engaged in manufacturing cheese, the out-
put from his factory per season amount-
ing to 40,000 pounds. He still continues
in this business, finding it a most lucrative
one. In politics, like his father, he is a
Democrat, and he has held numerous
township offices, at the present time serv-
ing his second term as township clerk.
He is affiliated with the Catholic Order
of Foresters, and is a member of the
Catholic Church. In 1889 Mr. Stone-
man was married to Miss Kate Murray,
daughter of John and Jane (Maloney)
Murray, natives of Ireland. Mr. Murray,
who at one time was a sailor, came to
Wisconsin and settled in Nasewaupee
township in 1 866, where he purchased the
farm on which he now resides. Mr. and
7oS
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPniCAL RECORD.
Mrs. Stoneman have three children: Earl,
Jennie and Phebe.
Although our subject is still a very
young man, and was born in this county,,
he has witnessed remarkable changes in
the surrounding country. Where twenty-
five years ago the sight of a deer was an
ordinary circumstance; where the wolves
and the bears, made bold by hunger, oc-
casionally visited the lonely pioneer
cabins, and where the vision was then
limited to a few hundred yards because of
the forest trees, there now appear com-
modious farm houses and vast fields of
growing grain with only now and then a
bit of wood, adding, if anything, to the
beauty of the landscape. He has, liter-
ally speaking, grown up with the country,
and takes an honest pride in its rapid de-
velopment, noting, with satisfaction, its
continuous changes for the better; as a
father would watch the mental unfold-
ment of his favorite child.
PETER JONET, farmer of Luxem-
burg township, Kewaunee county,
was born in Belgium in the month
of August, 1834, son of Frank and
Frances (Polisc) Jonet, who with their
family crossed the ocean to the United
States during the early childhood of our
subject. The vessel in which they
sailed arrived at New York, and from
that city they came to ICewaunee county.
Wis., taking up their residence upon an
eighty-acre tract in Section 5, Luxem-
burg township, which the father pur-
chased. The country all around was
covered with a dense growth of timber,
through which no roads had been cut,
and their provisions had to be carried
from Bay Settlement, for they had no
team. An a.\e and a grub hoe constitut-
ed their farm implements, and they
started to open up a new farm and secure
a home in the West. Soon afterward Mr.
Jonet sold twenty acres of his first pur-
chase, and bought another tract or forty
acres, making in all one hundred acres.
By trade he was a mason, but in this
country he devoted all his time and ener-
gies to agricultural pursuits. The family
numbered si.\ children, in order of birth
named as follows: John, Peter, Celia,
Peter, Adele and Joseph.
The gentleman whose name opens this
sketch always lived with his parents, and
like a dutiful son gave his father the
benefit of his services in his younger
years. He is familiar with the arduous
task of improving wild land, and also with
the other hardships and difficulties inci-
dent to life on the frontier. At an early
age he began work in the fields, and soon
became familiar with farm work in its
various departments. In 1857, when
twenty-three years of age, Mr. Jonet was
united in marriage with Miss Adele Del-
core, and they have always lived upon
the old homestead. Their union has
been blessed with seven children: Felix,
Theresa, Eugene, Philip, Minnie, Adele,
Frank and Joseph.
Mr. Jonet is a representative farmer,
and successfully manages his business in-
terests. He now has sixty acres of his
one-hundred-acre farm under a high state
of cultivation, and the rich and fertile
fields yield to him a comfortable income
in return for the care and labor he be-
stows upon them. In addition to the
cultivation of his farm he is also engaged
in the saloon business. He votes with
the Republican party, and both he and
his wife hold membership with the Catho-
lic Church.
ALFRED OLANDER was born in
Finland, Russia, Februarj- 22,
1856, and is the sixth in order of
birth in a family of eight children —
Johanna, Sophia, August, Louise, John,
Alfred, Otto and Axel — all of whom are
}et living; but only Alfred, John and Otto
are in America. The parents are Hans
and Maria (Westerlund) Olander, and the
father was a sailor.
The subject proper of this sketch re-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQBAPHWAL RECORD.
709
ceived the educational advantages afforded
by common schools, and at the age of
seventeen years shipped before the mast.
He first sailed from Finland to England,
thence to the East Indies, returning after
a two-years' voyage. The ne.xt trip was
from Sweden to England, during which
the vessel was wrecked, though none on
board were lost. Going to Swansea,
Wales, Mr. Olander there boarded an En-
glish vessel bound for Africa and the East
Indies; then sailed to the Island of Cey-
lon and Australia, after which he returned
to Europe, landing in Germany, having
spent fourteen months on that trip. On
a Nova Scotia vessel he went to Phila-
delphia, Penn. ; then to Amsterdam, Hol-
land, where he joined the crew of an En-
glish vessel bound for Wales, the East
Indies and Germany. For twelve years
he followed the sea, and during that time
experienced a number of narrow escapes
that would make the strongest minds
shudder.
In 1 88 1 Mr. Olander was united in
marriage with Miss Johanna Brann, daugh-
ter of Jacob and Maria (Grandroot)
Brann, and sailed for the State of Wash-
ington, but landed first at San Fran-
cisco, Cal., whence he made his way to
Washington. There he was employed in
a sawmill for a year, at the end of which
time he came to Baileys Harbor, working
in the woods for a year. Purchasing 120
acres of wild and unimproved land, he
cleared a space large enough to build a
house on, and then began the develop-
ment of a farm. For ten years he had
no team, and with some difficulty carried
on agricultural pursuits, but has now
thirty acres under cultivation and is mak-
ing for himself and family a good home.
Mr. and Mrs. Olander have four chil-
dren: Alfred, August, Mary and Lena,
three of whom are now attending school.
The parents are faithful members of the
Lutheran Church; in politics Mr. Olander
is a Democrat, and takes a warm interest
in the welfare of his party and its suc-
cess. He served for one year as consta-
ble, is now filling the office of supervisor,
and in his public duties he is ever true.
Whatever success he has achieved in life
is due to his own efforts, and his example
of perseverance and industry is well wor-
thy of emulation.
M
ATHIAS MATHISON, who de-
votes his time and energies to
agricultural pursuits in Clay
Banks township. Door county,
was born January 17, 1867, a son of
Mathias Mathison, a farmer by occupa-
tion, who married Clara Oleson, by whom
he had six children: Inga, John, Chris-
tian, Anna, Burt and Mathias.
In the land of his nativity our subject
acquired a fair education, which has been
supplemented by a knowledge gained
through reading and experience, until he
is now a well-informed man. In 18S0,
when a youth of thirteen years, he crossed
the ocean, landingat Philadelphia, whence
he proceeded to La Crosse, Wis. After
being employed in a sawmill in that city
for about six months, he came to Clay
Banks township, Door county, and en-
tered the employ of his brother John, a
farmer of that locality, by whom he was
employed one summer. During the suc-
ceeding winter he worked in the lumber
woods, after which he returned to his
brother John's farm, but when a few
months had passed he removed to Mich-
igan, where he sought and obtained em-
ployment as a farm hand. Again he went
to the home of his brother, and once more
worked in the lumber woods through the
winter season. His next place of resi-
dence was Sturgeon River, Mich., where
he found employment in a sawmill for a
time, subsequently being engaged at lum-
bering until his marriage, his services in
that line requiring his residence at La-
Crosse (Wis.), Winona (Minn.), and Good-
hue county (Minnesota).
In 1886 Mr. Mathison returned to
Door county, and, purchasing forty acres
of land in Clay Banks township, began
flO
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the development and cultivation of a
farm, which he has since operated. His
preparations for a home were completed
by his marriage to Miss Lena Hanson,
who was born June 17, 1852. Their
union has been blessed with five children,
of whom three are living: Martin, Ber-
nard and Henry, Clara and Bertha, twin
daughters, both dying in 1890. The
mother is a member of the Lutheran
Church, and is a most estimable lady,
highly esteemed by all who know her.
Mr. Mathison votes with the Republican
party, and has served as path master, but
devotes the greater part of his time and
attention to the management of his farm,
which has been increased by the additional
purchase of forty acres, until it now com-
prises eighty acres of rich land. It has
all been cleared by the owner, and the
improvements thereon stand as monu-
ments to his thrift and enterprise, while
its neat appearance indicates his careful
and thorough supervision.
HON. WILLIAM ROGERS, coun-
ty clerk of Kewaunee count}', was
born in the county of Gloucester,
province of New Brunswick, in
the year 1838. His father, Charles
Rogers, was born in Queen's county. New
Brunswick, and early engaged in lumber-
ing. In the fall of 1S49 the latter came
to Wisconsin, locating at Sheboygan, his
family following in the spring of 1850,
and there he continued in the lumbering
business until the fall of the latter year,
when he moved with his family to Two
Rivers. Remaining there until 1851, he
ne.xt moved to Carlton, Kewaunee county,
where he lived until 1855, in which year
he returned, with his family, to Glouces-
ter, N. B. In 1863 he and family again
came to Carlton, where the father passed
the remainder of his days, dying in 1878.
His children were nine in number — six
sons and three daughters.
William Rogers, the subject proper of
this sketch, was the fourth in order of
birth of the nine children above alluded
to. He was educated in the common
schools of New Brunswick and of Kewau-
nee county, and after quitting school
assisted his father in lumbering and shin-
gle making until he had attained the age
of twenty-three years, when he married
Miss Jane Powers, daughter of Martin
Powers, of Kewaunee county. He then
purchased a farm in Carlton township, on
which he and his family still reside, and
where he follows the vocation of an agri-
culturist. In politics he is a Democrat,
and in 1.878 he was elected supervisor of
his town, and was chairman of the board
until 1888. In 1 88 1 he was elected a
member of the lower house of the State
Legislature and served one term; in 1888
he was elected county clerk, a position he
has filled to the entire satisfaction of the
people of the county to the present daj'.
Socially he is a member of the Masonic
Order, of the I. O. O. F., of the Royal
Arcanum, and the K. of P., and, with
his wife and ten children, of the Catholic
Church. Mr. Rogers is thoroughly iden-
tified with the interests of Kewaunee
county, and is one of its most substantial
citizens.
ANDREW M. SCHLEIS, register
of deeds, Kewaunee, was born in
Germany about the j-ear i860,
and is a son of Andrew and Fran-
ces (Bohman) Schleis.
Andrew Schleis, Sr. , was an overseer
of timberlands in Germany, and came to
this country in 187 I, settling in the town
of Montpelier, in Kewaunee county. Wis. ,
on a farm of fort)' acres, which he has
increased to 200 acres, and is now one of
the leading farmers of the count}-. He is
a Democrat in politics and a Catholic in
religion, and is highly respected by all
who know him. His children are three
in number, namely: Anton, who is a
farmer; Joseph, a sawmill proprietor,
and Andrew, the subject of this sketch.
Andrew Schleis received most of his
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGBAPHWAL RECORD.
711
education in the old country, which he
left when he was about twelve years of
age, and after coming to America worked
on the farm until seventeen years old,
when he went to Nebraska, there attend-
ing the English school four months. After
a year passed in Nebraska, in 1878, in
company with Anton Datel and Anton
Novak, he started with a horse team from
near Fremont. Neb., through the north-
ern part of the State, passing south to
Trego county, Kans., where he entered
land and remained one year, when he sold
his interest in the team and stock to An-
ton Datel, who in the meantime had mar-
ried and was living on his homestead.
Mr. Schleis then went to Topeka, Kans.,
and worked on the State Capitol; thence
to Kansas City, Mo. , where he worked in
the depot six months; then returned to
his homestead in Kansas and made some
improvements. In the fall of 1879 he
visited Colorado, Mexico, Arizona, Utah
and Montana, following mining for a time,
or anything he could find to do. In 1880
he started on horseback from Trego
county, Kans. , through Kansas, Indian
Territory and Mexico, traveling over 600
miles, just to see the country. In 1882
he returned to his home in Kewaunee
county, and the winter of 1882-S3 he
spent in the lumber region of northern
Wisconsin; the summer of 1883 he passed
in Minnesota, returning to the Wisconsin
woods in the winter of 1884, and follow-
ing hunting for a livelihood. While thus
engaged, in company with Henry Conrad,
he was accidently shot in the right arm,
the bullet passing through the hand to
and above the elbow and grazing the
muscles of the shoulder. In this condi-
tion he was obliged to walk over eighty
miles, or three days and nights, through
rivers and swamps, before receiving at-
tention. He passed the following year on
his father's farm, recuperating.
The marriage of Mr. Schleis took place
in the spring of 1886, to Miss Frances
Walachka, daughter of Joseph Walachka,
a farmer of Montpelier township, and to
the union have been born one son and
three daughters. Mr. Schleis is a mem-
ber of the I. O. O. F., of the Royal Ar-
canum, of the K. of P., and of the K. O.
T. M., and has held offices in all these
orders. In 1888 he was elected sheriff of
the count}', and in 1890 register of deeds,
and has proved to be a \-aluable and use-
ful citizen in every respect.
CLEMENT KILLMAN, county
clerk of Door county, at all times
courteous and obliging, and one
of the most respected citizens of
Sturgeon Bay, is a native of Sweden,
born in the city of Boras, Elfsborg, in
November, 1851.
His father, John Killman, was a
prominent attorney in Boras, where he
married Miss Anna Peterson, by whom he
had thirteen children, five of them now
living. He died in Sweden in 1866, and
in the spring of 1867 the mother and her
fatherless children came to the United
States, locating in Chicago, 111., where
she now resides. Clement was then in
his sixteenth year, a bright scholar, well
educated both at school and under private
tutors, privileges his father could well
afford him, having at one time been in
affluent circumstances, but he spent much
of his wealth traveling o\er Europe in
search of health. On reaching Chicago
our subject found employment in Field &
Leiter's store, where he remained about
half a year, at the end of that time at-
tending a school some six months, for the
purpose of improving himself in the En-
glish language. On leaving school he se-
cured a position in a fish store in Chicago;
but after six months in that occupation,
having bought an interest in some nets,
he for several years was engaged in the
fishing industry. In 1873 he moved to
Port Washington, Ozaukee Co., Wis.,
there continuing that vocation until 1879,
the year of his coming to Door county,
where, in Union township, he resided
until 1 88 1, still engaged in the same line
713
COMifEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of business, and employing several hands.
In the last-mentioned year he bought a
farm at Little Sturgeon, in Gardner town-
ship, whither he removed, and there re-
mained till 1890, when, having been
elected to the position of county clerk, he
came to Sturgeon Bay, selling out all his
fishing interests. He was elected to this
office by a majoritj' of 1 2 votes, and re-
elected in 1892 by a majority of 800,
which in itself testifies to his popularity.
In 1 88 1 Mr. Killman was married, at
Red River, Kewaunee Co., Wis., to Miss
Mary Barrett, a native of that county,
daughter of William and Theresa Barrett,
Belgians by birth who came to Kewaunee
county in an early day, and took up farm-
ing. They had a family of five children.
Politically Mr. Killman is a Republican
and while a resident of Gardner township
he served as chairman of the township
one term. He and his wife attend the
Moravian Church, and enjoy the esteem
and regard of the community at large.
JOHN WEITERMANN, Sr., is one
of the self-made men of Door county,
who by his own well-directed efforts
and good business ability has worked
his way upward from a humble position
to one of affluence, and his example may
well serve to encourage others.
He was born in the Kingdom of Ba-
varia, Germany, January 6, 1830, the
second son in a family of five children —
three sons and two daughters. His father,
George Weitermann, was a farmer, and
upon the old homestead John was reared
to manhood, attending school until four-
teen years of age. He then aided in the
cultivation of the farm until seventeen
years old, when he determined to try his
fortune in America, having heard much
of the advantages and opportunities here
afforded joung men, and in July, 1 847,
he sailed from Havre de Grace, France,
on a French vessel bound for Australia
by way of New York. After thirty-eight
days spent upon the bosom of the Atlan-
tic, he landed at New York City, and
spent two years in the Empire State, liv-
ing near Port Jervis, where he worked as
a farm hand. Mr. Weitermann had a
very limited capital at the time of his ar-
rival in this country, but he worked hard
and soon got a start in life. From New
York he came to Wisconsin, stopping first
in Milwaukee, but failing to find work
there he went to Walworth county, where
he engaged at farm labor for four months.
On the expiration of that period he re-
turned to Milwaukee, where he learned
the tanner's trade, working there until
1853, when he removed to Two Ri^•ers,
Wis. There he again engaged in tanning,
also keeping a boarding house for the
Wisconsin Leather Co., for about fifteen
years, doing a good business during that
time.
In Milwaukee, Wis., in 1852, Mr.
Weitermann married Philomena Magda-
lena Yost, who was born in Prussia in
1829, and when a young lady came to
the United States, landing in New Or-
leans; thence she went to Watertown,
Wis., where she had friends living. By
this union were born seven children, as
follows: Augustina, now the wife of
Albert Zico, of Minnesota; Charles, a
farmer of Jacksonport township; Lena,
wife of William Voeks, of Voseville,
Wis. ; John, who is also living in \'ose-
ville; Emma, wife of John Richter, of
Escanaba, Mich. ; Ernest, a resident farm-
er of Jacksonport township; and George
C, at home. The mother of this family
died in 1870, and was buried in the ceme-
tery in Centerville township, Manitowoc
Co., Wisconsin.
In 1865 Mr. Weitermann removed
from Two Rivers. Wis., and purchased a
farm in Centreville township, Manitowoc
county, which he partially improved,
making his home thereon until 1879,
when he went to Ahnapee, Wis. At that
place he engaged in the butchering busi-
ness and conducted a meat market until
1 88 1, when he came to Door county, lo-
cating in Section 32, Jacksonport town-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
713
ship, where he has since made his home.
The improvements upon the place were
all placed there by his own hands, and
the farm, with its highly cultivated fields
and modern conveniences, is one of the
best in that locality. In connection with
his sons, Mr. Weitermann at one time
owned 440 acres of land, but as the sons
have gone to homes of their own this has
been divided, though, in connection with
his son George, he still retains possession
of 280 acres, of which forty-five are
cleared and cultivated.
Our subject has ever been a hard
worker, and whatever success he has
achieved in life is due entirely to his own
efforts. In 1884 his left leg was broken,
and for some time his life was despaired
of; but his vigorous constitution and
naturally robust health at length tri-
umphed over disease and he recovered,
though he will always be a cripple. In
his political views, he has always been a
stalwart Democrat, and has served as
supervisor of his district, proving an effi-
cient and capable officer. He had but
limited educational privileges in his youth,
but possesses an observing eye and very
retentive memory and has made him-
self a well-informed man. His life has
been a busy and useful one, and he well
merits the high regard in which he is held
by his neighbors and friends.
CHARLES JESS, son of a worthy
old veteran of the German army,
was born March 23,1 846, m Schles-
wig-Holstein, Germany. His fa-
ther, Glaus Jess, was born in the same
place in 1820, passed his childhood on a
farm, and attended the common schools.
At the age of twenty years he entered
the German army, and that life suiting
him he remained a soldier the greater
part of his life. He was married to Miss
Elseba Rowher, who was born February
12, 1822, in the same section of the
country as himself, and five children
came to bless their home: Hans, the
youngest, who died of cholera in the
Philippine Islands; Charles, our subject,
in Washington Island, Wis. ; Elseba,
now living in Holstein, Germany; Annie,
of Hyde Park, Scotland, and Katharina,
who resides on the Island of Sylt, in the
North Sea.
Charles Jess, our subject, received an
excellent education in the German and
Danish languages, and was afterward
apprenticed to the blacksmith trade, which
he followed until 1866, the year of his
emigration to the United States. He
located in Sheboygan, Wis., and followed
his trade there until 1879, when he
moved to Washington Island, Door county,
Wis., continuing blacksmithing here for
six years, and then investing in eighty acres
of land, on which he has since lived. At
a later date he bought forty acres adjoin-
ing, and now owns a very fine farm of
120 acres. He had little money to start
with, but by careful economy, close at-
tention to business and good manage-
ment, he has acquired a splendid piece of
property, the value of which he has in-
creased by erecting good substantial build-
livmg
While
met and married
was born August
burg, Germany,
in Sheboygan Mr. Jess
Miss Mary Heker, who
18, 1852, in Mecklen-
and they have three
daughters: Laura, Clara and Agnes. Mr.
Jess and all of his family are members of
the Lutheran Church, to which his father
also belonged. In politics he is a Re-
publican, and has been elected a justice
of the peace; he has also been a school
officer for a number of years.
JOSEPH DEBEKER, a retired farm-
er residing in Red River township,
Kewaunee county, claims Belgium as
the land of his nativity. He was
born in October, 1837, the eldest of seven
children born to Louis and Albertine
(Nelis) Debeker, the former of whom was
a carpenter and joiner by trade. The
other members of their family were
7H
CO.V.VEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Oliver, Adel. Clementine, Harriet, August
and John J.
Our subject has obtained his educa-
tion for the most part in the school of
experience. At the age of fifteen years
he began learning the carpenter's trade
with his father, for whom he worked
three years, and in i,S55 he accompanied
the family on their emigration to the New
World. After a long and tedious voyage
of sixty days they landed in New York,
thence making their way direct to Green
Bay, Wis. , where they arrived in the
month of August. They then came to
Kewaunee county, and a farm of forty
acres was purchased on Section 30, Red
River township. They went through all the
experiences and hardships of pioneer life,
and in the autumn after their arrival the
father had the misfortune to be struck by
a falling tree and severely injured, being
thus unfitted for work for some time.
Their first home was constructed merely
of brush, not even a log shanty being
erected until in the fall. They had no
team, and all of their provisions and
goods were carried from Bay Settlement
on their backs.
In the autumn of 1855 Joseph Ue-
beker started for Oconto in search of
work. He had not a cent in his pocket,
and was compelled to ask for the food
on which he lived until he could ob-
tain employment; but he was not very
long in securing the coveted work, en-
gaging as a farm hand at eighteen
dollars per month. For three months
and four days he remained at that
place, and then returned with a cash capi-
tal of fifty-five dollars. He found his
parents in \ery poor circumstances, their
money exhausted, and he gave them his
earnings to enable them to obtain the
necessities of life and continue the work
of iinpro\ing their farm. In the fall of
the next year he again went to Oconto,
the snow being at that time three and a
half feet deep, but while at work he cut
his foot \ery badly and was forced to re-
turn. In the winter of 1858 he again
started out in search of employment,
going to Green Bay, thence to Fond du
Lac, and on to Hartford, to Milwaukee
and Chicago, traveling all that distance
on foot and without a cent of money in
his pocket. After one summer spent in
the last named city, he made his way to
St. Louis, Mo., thence up the Missouri
ri\er, 500 miles to Leavenworth, Kansas.
While in Leavenworth Mr. Debeker
was married to Catherine Reis, and in
that city made his home until a year had
passed, working in a sawmill. His next
place of residence was upon a farm near
Rock Creek, Kans. , where he carried on
agricultural pursuits two years, returning
thence to his home in Wisconsin. Here
he purchased twenty acres of partially
improved land in Green Bay township,
operating same for two years, when he
was drafted for service in the army, but
he hired a substitute to go in his place,
and spent one summer in Hartford, \\'is.
Removing then to Red River township,
he bought forty acres of land on Section
16, but there continued for only one win-
ter, when he sought and obtained employ-
ment in a sawmill on the Bay Shore; but
after two weeks the mill was destroyed by
fire and he had to return to his farm. In
1 866 he purchased ten acres on Section
7, Red River township, and to it added
until the tract comprised sixty-five acres.
He then carried on farming until 1893,
and was very successful, managing his
affairs in such a manner that he obtained
a comfortable competency which now en-
ables him to live retired.
To Mr. and Mrs. Debeker have been
born six children — J^osa, Joseph, Mary,
Sarah, Benjamin and Venerant — all of
whom are married and have gone to homes
of their own. The parents hold member-
ship with the Catholic Church, and in his
political \iews Mr. Debeker is a Republi-
can. He has supported that party since
its organization, and for six years has
served as chairman of the township board
of supervisors in a most creditable and
acceptable manner. His prosperity is the
CO-VMEMORATTrE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I^S
reward of his own efforts. He has been
one of the most industrious of men, and
perseverance, economy and earnest labor
have brought to him a competence which
is well merited.
SOLON BIRMINGHAM was born
in the village of Black River, Jef-
ferson Co., N. Y., January 27,
1837, son of Richard Birming-
ham, who was born in England in i 800.
When a lad of nine years Richard Bir-
mingham was sent with a pitcher and
nine cents to get some milk, but he pos-
sessed an adventuresome disposition, and
throwing the pitcher over London bridge
he used the money, and then secured a
position as waiter boy on a boat bound
for Canada. He afterward enlisted in the
British service, and was stationed at Og-
densburg for some time. Later, with a
few companions, he went on the ice to
Morristown, N. Y., and then to Antwerp,
in the same State, and began farming on
the Russel turnpike, where he made his
first purchase of land. In that locality
he married Plumie Stone, a native of
Massachusetts, who removed to the Em-
pire State when a young lady, and they
became the parents of nine children —
Charles, who went to California and be-
came quite wealthy; Andrew, who died
in Door county in 1893; Sylvia, wife of
Mort Delano, of Pensaukee, Wis. ; George,
who is also living in Pensaukee, Wis. ;
Nancy, who became the wife of Peter Mc-
Intyre and died January 16, 1894; Susan;
Jessie, who is living in Pensaukee; Solon;
and Nelson. The father of this
died in February, 1852, and was
in the cemetery at Black River,
The mother died on the old homestead
farm, si.x miles from Watertown, N. Y.,
in 1862.
Solon Birmingham received only a
meager education, but his training in farm
labor was not limited. On the death of
his father he started out in life for him-
self, working as a farm hand, and did
family
buried
N. Y.
such good service that he could always
return to a man for whom he had once
worked. At the age of twenty-two he
married an old schoolmate in Jefferson
county, N. Y. , Miss Jane Sancomb, who
was born in Franklin county, N. Y. , and
about three years later joined the boys in
blue. He enlisted in 1862, at the first
call for 300,000 troops, and was a mem-
ber of the Thirty-fifth Regiment, New
York State Militia, for two years. He
volunteered and served in Company K.
Tenth Heavy Artillery, and was first
under fire at Cold Harbor, where the en-
gagement lasted seven days. He was
with his command in storming the heights
of Petersburg, took part in the battle of
Fisher's Hill, below Winchester, where
Sheridan made his famous ride, and in
the battle of Bermuda-Hundred. On
April 2, 1865, he was taken prisoner, and
for a short time was in Libby prison, be-
ing thence transferred to Appomattox,
where, with Lee's army, he was surren-
dered. He then went to Petersburg,
where he remained three months, issuing
rations to the people of that place; he
next went to Hart's Island, N. Y. , and in
September, 1 865, having been discharged,
returned to his home.
In 1878 Mr. Birmingham lost his first
wife, who died and was buried in
New York, leaving one child to mourn
her death — Hattie, now the wife of Albert
Green, of Carthage, N. Y. Before his
marriage our subject had come to Wis-
consin and worked in the lumber woods.
On June 2, 1880, he was a second time
married, in Sevastopol township, the lady
of his choice being Angeline Lawson, who
was born July 5, 1850, in Sheboygan,
county. Wis., daughter of William Law-
son, a native of Canada. They have
three children — Burton, Mabel and Lura.
In 1879 Mr. Birmingham settled upon his
present farm in Section 27, Sevastopol
township, where he owns and operates a
tract of eighty acres which, at the time of
his purchase was unbroken, but to-day is
a highly cultivated region which yields to
7i6
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.
the owner a fi;olden tribute for the care
and labor he bestows upon it. He is
recognized as one of the leading members
and supporters of the Republican party
in his locality, and by his ballot has up-
held its candidates since casting his first
Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln.
During the Civil war he was a loyal citi-
zen, and to-day manifests the same fidel-
ity to his public duties as when he fol-
lowed the old flag on southern battle-
fields.
WILLIAM HARRISON WAR-
REN, acting surveyor of Door
county, is one of the earliest
pioneers of this section of Wis-
consin, and for many years has been
prominently connected with its interests,
especially in Cla\banks township, where
he resides.
Mr. Warren was born October 26,
1 814, in Rushford, Allegany Co., N. Y.,
son of Lewis Warren, a native of Can-
ada, who was of English extraction.
The latter met his death by drowning in
March, 1S15. He was a man of consid-
erable education and good business quali-
fications and was a manufacturer of
woolen cloth by occupation. In early
manhood he married Sophronia Adams,
who was born in March, 1790, daughter
of Daniel and (Ainsworth) Adams,
and came from old Puritan stock, being a
direct descendant of Miles Standish.
Daniel Adams served several years as a
private in the Continental army during
the Revolutionary war. To Lewis and
Sophronia (Adams) Warren were born
three children, Lewis (now deceased), Al-
bert G. (of Sturgeon Bay, Wis.), and
William Harrison (whose name intro-
duces this notice).
William H. Warren received his ele-
mentary education in the common schools
of his native State, which he attended up
to the age of fourteen years, and then,
having had a thorough training in the
common branches, began the study of
geometry and trigonometry, which he
pursued, though somewhat irregularly un-
til he was eighteens year old, studying to
some extent under a private teacher.
^^'hen fifteen years old he left home for
"a life on the ocean wave," and by the
time he was eighteen had risen to the po-
sition of second mate on the brig " Good
Hope," continuing to sail at intervals for
twenty years, during which time he was
placed in many positions of responsibility
and trust, and gained a captain's certif-
icate. His uncles, Elihu Adams and Guy
F. Adams, having been lost at sea, his
relatives pursuaded him to abandon his
sea-faring life, and our subject took up
his residence in Hartford, there learning
the potter's trade, which he continued to
follow for a number of years, still sailing
at various times. On March 17, 1855,
he set out from Worcester, Mass., for
Wisconsin, journeying to Neenah, thence
on foot to Wrightstown, where he hired
a sleigh for Green Bay, and from there
drove on the ice to Sturgeon Bay, arriv-
ing April I. Shortly afterward he com-
menced surveying, and before long took
up land in the town of Sturgeon Bay, re-
siding there until December 2, 1858,
when he removed to a farm of 120 acres
in Claybanks township which he has since
owned and occupied. Mr. Warren was
one of the first settlers in the region, and
recalls many interesting incidents of life in
early days. He is one of the most thor-
oughly respected citizens of Claybanks
township, with which he has been closely
connected since its organization, having
been elected to various public positions,
and served as the first clerk of the town-
ship, also filling the office of chairman
for five 3'ears. As county surveyor he has
served many years, and still continues to
act in that capacity, his thorough efficien-
cy and accuracy giving his services more
than ordinary value. He was also elected
county superintendent of schools, an of-
fice which he filled in a most satisfactory
manner. Mr. Warren cast his first Pres-
idential vote for Martin Van Buren, joined
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
717
the Republican party on its organization,
and remained under its banner until the
birth of the People's party, of which he is
now an ardent supporter.
In 1836 Mr. Warren was united in
marriage, at Norwich, Conn., with Miss
Eliza B. Dodge, to which union have
been born six children, as follows: Har-
riet, wife of George F. Foss, of Chicago;
Edward, of Allegheny City, Penn. ; Julius,
of Claybanks, Door county; Sarah, who
married John Campbell, of Claybanks;
William Henry, a resident of Chicago;
and Lewis. Two of the sons, Julius and
Lewis, enlisted in the Union service dur-
ing the Civil war, Lewis, who was the
first volunteer from Door county, being
promoted to the rank of lieutenant; Julius
was wounded and still carries a bullet in
his leg.
Mrs. Eliza B. Warren was born Jan-
uary 31, 181 5, in the town of Bozrah,
New London Co., Conn., daughter of
William and Mary (Ward) Dodge, natives
of the same State, and granddaughter of
Moses Ward, who was a Revolutionary
patriot.
REV. VENCESLAS KOZELKA,
pastor of St. Lawrence Church, at
Stangelville, Ivewaunee county,
was born in Valdice, Bohemia,
July 10, 1853. His father, Frank Ko-
zelka, was born in 1792, attended the
common schools until twelve years old,
then attended the Gymnasium three
years, and then entered college and pre-
pared himself for a teacher. He next
studied music for three years under a
private tutor. He then began teaching
in a public school, teaching at one place
until 1847, when he took charge of a
school at Valdice, where he taught the
common branches to children over twelve
years old in the forenoon, and music in
the afternoon, and held this position until
1862. From that time until 1883 he was
principal of a school of five classes or
grades at Beromice, where he was retired
41
and drew a Government pension until his
death in 1 887. He was married to Frances
Fischer, and to their union were born six-
teen children.
Venceslas Kozelka, from the age of
six 3'ears till eleven, passed his time in
the public schools. He then followed
with two years' study of the Bohemian
language, and also spent some time in the
study of the German language, after
which he entered the Gymnasium, mak-
ing a specialty of languages and acquiring
a knowledge of six. At the age of twenty-
one he joined the army, served one year,
and after his discharge went to Prague,
for two and a half years studying for the
priesthood, then served a year and a half
longer in the army, and then went to
Koeniggratz, and completed his theologi-
cal studies. He was ordained priest in
1879, and for eight years was assistant
priest in Bohemia at different points. In
July, 1887, he landed in Kewaunee county.
Wis., and immediately took charge of his
present congregation. Since his admin-
istration here he has succeeded in build-
ing one of the finest churches in the
county, and perhaps one of the most
costly in this part of the State. Father
Kozelka is a member of the C. S. P. S.
and of the Knights of Aloysius. He has
been untiring in the performance of his
duties as a pastor, and has endeared him-
self to his flock, who feel that they have
in him a sincere and devoted friend.
GEORGE MARTIN, manager of
an extensive brewery at Sturgeon
Bay, Door county, was born in
Scott township, Brown Co. , Wis. ,
July 16, i860, and is a sen of Ludwig
Martin, a native of Germany, who died in
Preble township, Brown county. In the
family were four children who grew to
adult age and two who died in early life.
The father of our subject came to Wis-
consin in 1852 and was at that time five
dollars in debt, but he was a hard-work-
ing man and eventually secured a com-
7rS
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPniCAL RECORD.
fortable pr()i)erty. In politics he was a
stanch Rcjuibhcan, a vahied and prcjfjress-
ive citizen, and he was a member of the
Lutheran Church. He was married in
Brown county, Wis. , and his widow, who
was born in February. 1824. is still livinjj
in Preble township, that county, at the
age of seventy years. Like her husband
she belongs to the I^utheran Church, and
she is a consistent Christian woman, held
in warm regard b\' her many friends.
Our subject was educated in the dis-
trict and city schools, and remained under
the parental roof until 1878, when he
began working for Frank F. Hagemeister,
of the Green P)a\' I-5rowery. serving first
as general utility nian, and constantly
winning promotion as the result of faith-
ful and efficient service until 18S7, when
he was sent to Sturgeon Ha)' to take
charge of the brewery purchased by
Hagemeister Bros, at that place. Since
the 9th of December, of that year, he has
been manager and overseer, and the
business has greatly increased under his
care, the annual output being 3, 500 bar-
rels, a gain of 1,500 over the sales when
he took possession, while the capacity
has been increased to 4,000 barrels a
year.
On October 22, 1885. in Green Bay,
Wis., was celebrated the marriage of
Mr. Martin and Miss Paulina fachman.
who was born in ICaton township, lirown
Co., Wis. The\- lived tirst in Preble
township, that count}, and in 1887 came
to Door county, where they have resided
continuously since. Children as follows
grace their union: .\lma .Aint-lia and l-2d-
vvard, all still with their parents. On
questions of State and Nati'nal import-
ance, Mr. Martin votes \\ith the Demo-
cratic party, but at local elections sup-
ports the man who{n he thinks best
qualified for office regardless of party
affiliations. He is a thorough and prac-
tical brewer, one who thoroughly under-
stands the business in all its details and
is a trusted and etficient employe. He
devotes himself untiringK- to the concern
with which he is connected, and his suc-
cess is shown in the greatly increased
output.
JOHN B. COLL.\KD has spent his
entire life in Door county, and has
e.xjierienced the hardships, the trials
and the pleasures of frontier life. He
deserves mention among the early settlers
of the communit}-, and it is with pleasure
we present to our readers the record of
his life.
He was born December 18, 1S62,
son of NPartin and |ulia Collard, natives
of I-5elgium who came to .\merica in 1S56,
locating in Union township, Door Co.,
Wis. They had a family of three — two
daughters — Josejjhine and Clara — and one
son, our subject. The father purchased
a forty-acre tract of land in the neighbor-
hood, where no roads had been made, the
Indian trails being the oidj- paths which
led from (ireen Bay to Sturgeon Bay.
The parents walked from the former place
to their farm, and upon their arrival there
Mr. Collard built a log house 16x20 feet,
covering it \\'\X.\\ hemlock brush, after
which he began to clear the farm. l-'rom
the [line timber he made shingles which
he carried on his back a mile and a half
to a place of shipment, and in this \vay
earned a living for himself and family.
F"or Hve years he had no team and all
logging was done by hand, while the work
of clearing the farm was accomplished
with an a.\e and grub hoe, the crops being
planted among the stumps. .\s the \ears
passed, however, the once wild tract of
land took on the appearance of a highlj'
cultivated farm and became one of the
valuable places of the neighborhood. The
father still resides on the old homestead,
but the mother was called to her final
rest July 26, 18S4. being killed by
lightning.
During his minorit\ John B. Collard
remained at home with his parents, except
for two years, which he passed in Osh-
kosh. Wis., where he was emplo}'cd in a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
719
sawmill and in a door and sash factory.
On April 2, 1882, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Josephine, daughter of
Frank and Antoinette fLaduronJ Leco-
que; her grandfather, Maximilian Leco-
que, has reached the advanced age of
ninetj' years, and is living in Union town-
ship. Door count}'. Mr. and Mrs. Col-
lard have had eight children: Julia,
Emma, Clara, Ida, Antoinette, Frank
(deceased), Jennie, and one who liied in
infancw
Our subject exercises his right of fran-
chise in support of the Democratic party,
has served as town assessor for one year,
and at this writing is serving as chairman
of the town board; but he has never been
an acti\c ]i(>litician in the sense of office-
seeking, although he believes in faithfully
discharging the duties which have come to
him through the trust reposed in him bj-
his fellow townsmen. He and his family
hold membership with the Catholic
Church. Mr. Collard is now the owner
of a tract of land of 160 acres, which he
is rapiiily placing under cultivation and
improving with the accessories and con-
veniences of a model farm. He is num- '
bered among the leading agriculturists of
the community, and is widely known in
the count}' where his entire life has been
passed.
AXDI^FW THRONDSON is one
of the valued citizens that Nor-
wa}' has furnished to Door count}'.
He was born in the Pro\ ince of
Christiania, in 1845, son of Thrond and
Mar}' f.AndersonjThoreson, who were also
natives of the same land. There the
father lollowed farming throughout his
entire life, and died in 1859. In 1872
the mother emigrated to this countrx', lo-
cating in .Allamakee county, Iowa, where
she lived six years, thence removing to
South Dakota, where she now resides.
She is now the wife of Ole Silverson, by
whom she has two children — Thomas, a
farmer of Forestville township; and Alex,
who resides in South Dakota. By her
first marriage she had a family of children,
five of whom are now living — Thor, who
resides in South Dakota; Andrew, our
subject; Ingebard, wife of Soren Soren-
son, of Minnesota; Celia, wife of Knud
Johnson, of South Dakota; Mary, who is
married and lives in Norway.
The subject of this sketch was reared
in Norway and educated in the schools of
his native country. In 1868 he came to
the United States and settled in Manito-
woc county. Wis., from which place he
went to Ahnapee township, Kewaunee
county, where he made his home three
years, removing thence to Manitowoc
county. Wis., in June, 1868. There he
worked at farm labor until coming to
Door county in 1872, at which time he
purchased eighty acres of timberland
from the Fox River Co. , beginning its im-
provement immedialel} . In 1893, he
erected a story and a half frame resi-
dence, 18x24 feet, with a one-story L
i6x 22 feet, and in 1886 he built a barn
56 X 36 feet. All the improvements of a
model farm are there found, and the place
in its neat and thrifty appearance indi-
cates the enterprise and careful supervis-
ion of the owner.
Mr. Throndson was married in For-
estville to\vnship, in 1883, to Miss Sere
Ingrebright, a native of Norway and a
daughter of Ingrebright Nelson, who was
born in the sanie country, and in 1872
came with his family to this count}',
where he and his wife yet reside. Our
subject and his wife are meml)ers of the
Lutheran Church, take an active part in
its work, and Mr. Throndson has for some
time served as one of its officers. He
votes with the Republican party, but has
never been a politician in the sense of
office-seeking, preferring to give his entire
attention to his business interests, in
which he has won good success. He had
no capital with which to start out in life,
but by hard labor accumulated .some
money and invested it in land. In this
way he has steadily worked his way up-
COMMEilORATIVK BIOGIiAPEICAL RECORD.
ward, and as a result of his earnest appli-
cation and good management he is now
the possessor of a comfortable compe-
tence.
AUGUST BAUMANN, a well-
known farmer citizen of the town
of Ahnapee, Kewaunee county,
is a native of Germany, born
|anuary 9, 1834, in the Kingdom of Sax-
ony, a son of F'rederick and Caroline
(Wetzel) Baumann, natives of the same
country.
The father of our subject was a butcher,
in which occupation he continued until
1858. when he came to the United States.
Shortly afterward locating at Sheboygan,
Wis., he purchased eighty acres of tim-
ber land which he commenced clearing,
antl as soon as possible put the land
under cultivation, following farming until
his death, which occurred in 1880, when
he was eighty-two years of age; his wife
died in 1888. They were the parents of
twelve children, five of whom are de-
ceased; a brief record of the others is as
follows: August is the subject of this
sketch; Minnie is the wife of John Henry,
of Shebojgan; Anton is a resident of
Plymouth, Wis. ; Henrietta is married
and resides in Sheboygan; Charles is
also living in Sheboygan; Amelia is mar-
ried to Frank Koulman, of Ahnapee;
Alvin is a resident of Forestville, Door
Co., Wis. The parents were members
of the Lutheran Church.
August Baumann was educated in the
common schools of his native country,
and learning his father's trade worked
with him until their removal to the
United States. After his arrival in Wis-
consin August Baumann had no capital to
commence with, and finding employment
on the railroad at Sheboygan he worked
there four months, during which time he
managed to save $60. With this sum he
purchased his farm of eighty acres, in Ahna-
pee, Kewaunee county, and locating there
engaged in general agriculture, which he
has ever since devoted his attention to.
He was one of the first settlers of his
township, and when he came here the
region was a complete wilderness for miles
in every direction. He has experienced
all the hardships and privations of life on
a new farm in a sparsely settled countrj%
and the comfortable property he now
owns has been accumulated by hard
work, coupled with good business man-
agement and a careful attention to the
details of his work; and he is widely and
favorably known as one of the most in-
dustrious men in his neighborhood.
In 1859 Mr. Baumann was married to
Henrietta Brockhausen, a native of Rus-
sia, born in 1829, who died in 1881; she
was the mother of six children, two of
whom are deceased; those living are
Paul and August, of the town of Ahnapee;
Lewis, a resident of Texas, and Paulina,
of Milwaukee. In 1883 Mr. Baumann
married Mrs. Minnie (Sandermann) Skir-
key, a native of Prussia, born January
15. 1850, and to this union came four
children, one of whom is deceased;
Henry and Edith (twins) were born Feb-
ruary 22, 1885; Clara was born April 20.
1887. Mrs. Baumann, by her first mar-
riage, to Edward Skirke}-, had six chil-
dren, five living — Mary K., Anna M.,
Josie M., Emma and William — and one
deceased. Mr. Baumann in religious
faith is a member of the Lutheran
Church; politically he is a Democrat.
WILLIAM HEIMBECKER was
born and bred in the "Badger"
State. His father, William
Heimbecker, came from Ger-
many to Milwaukee, Wis., where he mar-
ried Miss Minnie Lipkey, and soon after-
ward he moved to the citj' of Manitowoc,
Wis. , where in 1 856 our subject was born.
The father was a shoemaker and followed
his trade in that city for many years. In
1 87 1 became to Door county, where he
located at Horns Pier, Claybanks town-
ship, on a homestead claim. He died on
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
721
this place in 18S2; the mother now re-
sides at Sturgeon Bay. They had a
famil)' of seven chikh'en, all of whom are
hving : William, the subject of this
sketch; Gusta (widow of Herman Kleicke),
of Bay View, Wis. ; Emma, the wife of
Albert Lipkey; Minnie, who resides in
Door county; Adolph; Fred, who is mar-
ried and lives on the old homestead, and
Charley, who makes his home in Denver,
Colorado.
William Heimbecker attended the
public schools in Manitowoc, and when
fourteen years of age removed with his
parents to Claybanks, Door county,
where he helped to clear the home farm.
In 18S3 he decided to have a home of his
own, and in that year married Miss So-
phia, daughter of Chris, and Gusta
(Buschman) Tansing, who were born in
Germany and were among the first settlers
in Sturgeon Bay, Door county, where
the daughter was born, and where the
father still resides, the mother having
died in 1893. Mr. Heimbecker bought
sixty acres of land in Section 26, Nase-
waupee township, of which he has cleared
thirty acres. Since his removal to this
place he has erected an 18x24 one-and-
one-half story frame house, built a barn,
and has a good well; he is a hard worker,
a successful farmer and an able business
man. He belongs to the Republican
party, and talks intelligently on political
subjects, although he does not aspire to
office.
IVI
ARTIN MILLER, who is num-
bered among the honored pio-
neers of Door county of 1856,
and is also one of its leading
farmers, claims Germany as the land of
his birth, which occurred in the Kingdom
of Prussia in 1830.
His parents, Peter and Charlotte
(Yager) Miller, were also natives of Prus-
sia, and in that country the father fol-
lowed farming until 1856, when, having
determined to seek a home in America,
he boarded the sailing vessel "Rudolph,"
at Hamburg, Germany, and after a voy-
age of seven weeks and three days landed
at New York. He came at once to Door
county. Wis., and, locating upon a farm,
here made his home until his death; he
passed away in 1894, at the advanced
age of eighty-seven years. His wife
passed away some years previous, dying
in 1 88 1. This worthy couple had a
family of five children, namely: Martin,
subject of this sketch; Ferdinand, who
resides in Section 3, Forestville town-
ship; William, who is married and lives
in Brussels township; John, who is living
in Merrick county. Neb. ; and Hermann,
who is also located in Nebraska.
Our subject was reared in the usual
manner of farmer lads, and in the public
schools of his native land obtained a good
education. He followed farming in the
Fatherland until twenty-six years of age,
at which time he came to the United
States, and has since been a resident of
Door county, having during the years
which have since passed cleared and im-
proved eighty-five acres of his fine farm,
which comprises 1 20 acres of rich land.
There are good buildings upon the place,
and the well-tilled fields tell of the thrift
and enterprise of the owner. In 1S66,
in Forestville township, Mr. Miller was
united in marriage with Miss Caroline
Dresterbeck, a native of Germany, and a
daughter of John and Sophia Dresterbeck,
who lived and died in that country. Six
children have been born to this union, as
follows: Albert, Ferdinand, Bertha (now
the wife of Frank Storm), Albertina,
Edward and Martin. The parents are
both members of the Lutheran Church,
and Mr. Miller is now serving as trustee.
He takes quite an active interest in poli-
tics, but allies himself with no party, pre-
ferring to support the man whom he
thinks best qualified for office regardless
of party affiliation. He has served as
supervisor and was chairman of the board
of Forestville township for about four
vears. Mr. Miller is one of the oldest
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
citizens of Door county, and well deserves
mention among her honored pioneers, for
during thirty-eight years he has aided in
the development of this region, has done
all in his power to promote the work of
public improvement, and has been identi-
fied with those enterprises calculated to
prove of public benefit. His labors have
aided in transforming the county from an
unl)roken wilderness to a region of rich
fertility, and in placing Door county in the
front rank among the counties of the State.
JOHN BLEY, one of the substantial
agriculturists of Jacksonport town-
shi|\ Door county, where he stands
high in the estimation of the com-
munity as a thorough business man and
a financier of no small ability is a Ger-
man by birth, born September 5, 1834,
in the Grand Ducln- of Sachsen-Weimar.
He is the youngest smi of (leorge
Bley, who was a musician in the Father-
land. Our subject received a fair educa-
tion at the public schools of his place of
birth, was reared to agricultural pursuits,
and remained under the parental roof un-
til he was twenty-one years old, when he
left the old home and for a few months
worked for others. In the spring of 1S56,
having concluded to emigrate to the West-
ern World, he took passage at the port of
Hamburg on a sailing vessel bound for
Ouebec, Canada, which ancient capital
was reached after a voyage of eleven
weeks. In Canada he followed agricul-
tural pursuits in all fourteen years, clear-
ing fifty acres of land which he had
l>ought. Coming from Canada to Jack-
sonport. Door Co., Wis., he first assisted
Charles Reynolds in getting out railroad
ties and telegraph poles, and having had
a good view of the surrounding country
became so well satisfied with it that he
concluded to finall}' settle here, with
which intent he returned to Canada, sold
his property there, and brought his fam-
ily to Jacksonport township. Here he
purchased 160 acres of wild land in Sec-
tions 1 7 and 8 at $1.25 per acre, on which
there was neither clearing, road, nor
dwelling of any sort; but fearlessly the
bold pioneer went to work, and ere long
he had a good substantial log house built
for himself and family. He had brought
a team of horses with him — something of
a curiosity in those parts at that time
when horses were rarely met with — and
these proved of great service to him in
clearing his land. To the original 160
acres he from time to time added until he
owned 360 acres, 160 of which he dis-
tributed among his children, lea\ing him
still 200 acres, ninety-five of which are
cleared, representing one of the most fer-
tile farms in the township.
In 1 8 58, in Buffalo, N. Y., Mr. Bley
was married to Miss Ann Spanswick, a
native of England, and children as fol-
lows were born to them; Nicholas, a
farmer; Mary M., now the wife of Henry
Anschutz; Rosa, now the wife of John
Anschut;?; and Sarah J., all of Jackson-
port township. Mr. and Mrs. Bley both
attend the services of the Protestant
Church ; in his political preferences he is
a Republican, has been a member of the
township board, and at present is serving
as school director. In the van of the
noble army of representative self-made,
successful and progressive pioneer farmers
he stands among the most prominent, the
more so because when he first set foot
on the shores of this vast continent
his financial condition was at zero, his
means being no more than sufficient
to bring him across the Atlantic; while
to-day, by honest toil, untiring labor and
reasonable thrift, he finds himself ranking
second to none among the substantial
farmers of the township and county of his
adoption.
w
ENZEL SCHAUER, one of the
most successful citizens of Carl-
ton township, Kewaunee coun-
ty, was born in Bohemia De-
cember 1 6, 1842. His parents, Wenzel
COMMEMOIIATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
723
and Fanny Schauer, also natives of Bo-
hemia, came to Carlton township, Kewau-
nee Co., Wis., in 1857, and engaged in
farming.
Our subject attended school in his
native land until he came to Carlton with
his parents, and here he assisted his
father in clearing up the farm and work-
ing it about three years, or until he was
eighteen years of age, when he was em-
ployed as clerk in a general store at
Sandy Bay, Carlton township, for about
a year; he then purchased and located on
the farm he now occupies, and by econ-
omy and hard work has made agriculture
a success. His place is in first-class condi-
tion, and he is looked upon as a first-class
agriculturist. In politics he is a Demo-
crat, and has been honored by his party
with the of^ce of town treasurer and that
of supervisor, as well as a number of
minor offices, all of which he has filled
with credit to himself and to the satisfac-
tion of the people. Mr. Schauer is also
an accomplished musician, playing well
on several different instruments, and is
the leader of the Schauer Band of Nor-
jnan.
Mr. Schauer was first married to
Mary Schup, who was born in Bohemia
in 1 842, and she bore her husband the fol-
lowing named children: Mary, Michael,
Joseph, Wenzel, John, Joseph, Kath-
arine, Annie, Cecilia, Fanny and Anton.
The fnother of this family died in the
town of Franklin May 7, 1885, and in
1 88" Mr. Schauer married Mary Pelnar,
who was born in Bohemia in 1845. Mr.
Schauer and all his family are consistent
members of the Catholic Church, and
they are highly respected in the commun-
it\' in which they live.
THEODOK WUNSCH. Among
the worthy German citizens who
have found homes in Kewaunee
county, and are deserving of men-
tion in her history, is the gentleman whose
name begins this review. He was born
in Oberndorf November 9, 1833, son of
Christian and Maria (Daul) Wunsch,
the former of whom, a carpenter by
trade, died when our subject was only
two years old, after which the mother
married Bernard Somer, by whom she
had two children: — Simon and Mar}'.
By her first marriage she also had two
children, namely: Theodor and Frank.
Theodor Wunsch acquired a fair edu-
cation, attending school between the ages
of six and fourteen years, according to
the laws of his native land. He then en-
tered upon his business career by serving
a two-years' apprenticeship to a shoe-
maker, and in 1852 he came to America.
He was then a young man of nineteen
years, and hoped that he might benefit his
financial condition by his removal to the
New World, for he had heard much of
the advantages and privileges here afford-
ed. He landed at New York and re-
mained in that city for a year and a half,
working on the railroad, after which he
came west, settling in West Bend, Wash-
ing county. Wis. During the succeeding
two years he was employed at farm labor,
and on changing his residence sought a
home in Montpelier, Kewaunee county,
where he purchased 160 acres of wild
land, building thereon a log house, 16x22
feet, which he covered with shakes. Out
of the wilderness he hewed a farm, and
to-day has an elegant home and a valua-
ble and highly improved tract of land.
On June 19, 1858, Mr. Wunsch led
to the marriage altar Miss Caroline Daul,
daughter of Benedict and Mary Josephine
(Daul) Daul. He then returned to West
Bend, Wis. , where he harvested a ten-
acre crop of wheat, after which he re-
sumed work upon his farm, having placed
sixteen acres under cultivation, when, in
1862, he was draftsd for service in the
army. On November 24 of that year he
was called for duty, went to Kewaunee,
and thence to Racine, Wis., joining
Copany K, Thirty-Fourth Wis. V. I.,
with which he went to Columbus, Ky.
After three months spent at that place
724
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.
the regiment was ordered to Memphis,
Tenn., and Mr. W'unsch there continued
until discharged on account of disabihty,
having contracted disease, from which he
has never yet recovered. He then re-
turned home, and during the succeeding
winter was unable to work, but as soon as
possible he resumed his farm labors, and
with the assistance of his estimable wife
he has gained prosperity.
Ten children were born to them —
Lena, Jacob, Frank, Catherine, Andrew,
Henry, Fred, Albert, Mary and Barney —
of whom Andrew, Mary and Barney are
still at home. The mother of this fam-
ily was called to her final rest December
28, 1 89 1. Mr. Wunsch holds member-
ship with the Catholic Church, and \otes
with the Republican party, but gives most
of his time to his farm work, although he
finds plenty of leisure in which to faith-
fully discharge his duties of citizenship.
HERMAN GAULKE, one of the
wide-awake and enterprising farm-
ers of Lincoln township, Kewau-
nee county, was born in Mil-
waukee, Wis., February 20, 1864, son of
Fred Gaulke, who was born in Germany
March 6, 1S23.
The father was reared on a farm, ac-
quired his education in the common
schools of his native land, and when a
young man held the position of foreman
on a large farm for some seven years.
He then, in 1852, emigrated to the United
States, locating in Milwaukee, Wis.,
where he worked as a laborer for
four years, after which he was em-
ployed in the car shops for a similar
period. He then came to Lincoln town-
ship, Kewaunee county, and purchased
eighty acres of timber land upon which
he located, turning his attention to agri-
cultural pursuits. This land he cleared
and improved and to it added 100 acres,
which constitutes a valuable and highly
improved farm, now supplied with all
modern conveniences, and accessories.
Mr. Gaulke was married in Germany,
in 1 85 1, to Augusta Graundemann, who
was born in that country in 1822, and
they became the parents of si.\ children:
Fred, who is living in Lincoln township,
Kewaunee county; Bertha, wife of Her-
man Holtz, of Casco township; Charles,
who is also living in Lincoln township;
Herman; Albert, who is located at Rio
Creek, Lincoln township; and William,
deceased. The father of this family is a
Democrat in politics, and a member of
the German Lutheran Church. He is
truly a self-made man, for, although he
came to this country a poor man, he has
steadily worked his way upward to a
position of affluence.
Our subject came with the family to
Kewaunee county during his early jouth,
and acquired his education in the public
schools of Lincoln township. He has
carried on agricultural pursuits through-
out his entire life. At the age of four-
teen he began working as a farm hand in
the neighborhood of his own home, and
was thus employed until his marriage,
which took place June 21, 1887, the lady
of his choice being Ernestina I'Circhmann,
who was born in the town of Casco,
Kewaunee county. May 7, 18C6. To
them were born four children — Alma,
August, and Lewis and John, twins, the
latter now deceased.
Upon his marriage, Mr. Gaulke located
upon the home farm, which he operated
for two years, removing then to Sturgeon
Bay, where he worked in a sawmill and
in a stone quarry for three years. At the
end of that time he purchased his father's
farm of eighty acres, which he now
owns and occupies, and in its manage-
ment and cultivation he shows such abili-
ty that he is numbered among the lead-
ing agriculturists of the county. He takes
a warm interest in the cause of educa-
tion, and means to give his children good
advantages along that line, thus fitting
them for the practical and responsible
duties of life. The best interests of the
community always find in him a friend,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
725
and his support is withheld from no
worthy enterprise. He exercises his right
of franchise in support of the Democratic
party, and both he and his wife belong to
the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Gaulke's
parents, August and Johanna (Pagel)
Kirchmann, are also residents of Ivewau-
nee county, living upon a farm in Casco
township. By birth they are Germans.
GEORGE FRONEY, a solid farmer
of Carlton township, I\ewaunee
count}', was born at Hardegsen,
Hanover, Germany, February 28,
1838. His father, August Froney, was
born in 1 796, and his mother, Caroline
(Geier) Froney, was born in 1805, and
both were natives of Hanover.
In 1847 August Froney brought his
family to the United States and located
in Buffalo, N. Y. , where he followed his
trade of shoemaking two years; he then
moved to Cleveland, Ohio, opened a
shoe store, and two years later moved to
Amherst, Ohio, where he kept a shoe store
for five or six years. Next removing to
Elmore, Ohio, he there continued the
same business until his death, in 1870,
Mrs. Caroline Froney djing at the same
town in the same 3'ear.
George Froney is the third in a family
of eight children. His boyhood was
passed in attending school at Buffalo and
Cleveland until eleven years of age, when
he became a waiter in the "American
Hotel " at Buffalo, remaining a year and
then returning to Amherst, where he at-
tended school about three years, and then
worked a year at cabinet making. He
next commenced work as a carpenter in
Fremont, Ohio, and here assisted in build-
ing the house in which ex-President Hayes
died. From Fremont he went to Urbana,
Ohio, where he worked a year as a car-
penter, then returned to Elmore, where
his parents were then living, and for about
five years followed his trade, afterward en-
gaged in the grocery business for a twelve-
month, when he sold the grocery and
speculated in real estate until 1868. His
next venture was in the hotel business at
Sheboygan Falls. Wis. , but at the end of
two years he traded the hotel for city
property, and this he traded for land in
Carlton township. He at once cleared
his land, and has been engaged in farming
ever since, to-day ranking among the most
substantial farmers in Kewaunee county.
Mr. Froney was united in marriage, in
i860, with Miss Rachel Jacobs, daughter
of John and Rachel Jacobs, natives of
German}'. John Jacobs was born Octo-
ber 5, 1805, and died in Amherst, Ohio,
in 1 88 1; his wife, Rachel (Nippoot)
Jacobs, was born in 18 10, and died in
Amherst in 1869. To Mr. and Mrs.
Froney have been born eleven children,
to wit: George, Alice, Lizzie, Mary,
Dora, Albert, Florence and Maynard,
living; Stella, who was born in 1875,
died in 1878; Grant and Sheridan (twins),
born in 1878, died the same year. Mr.
Froney has proven himself to be a most
excellent business man, and has won for
himself and family the esteem of all who
know them.
N
the gen-
ICHOLAS J. TERENS,
ial and accommodating clerk at
the " Read House," in the city of
Kewaunee, was born in Two
Manitowoc Co., Wis., February
Creeks,
27, 1870,
Henry M. Terens, his father, was born
in Prussia March 23, 1839, son of Nich-
olas Terens, who was born in France in
1 813. The latter married Addie Pasch,
a native of Prussia, and they came to
America in 1847, locating at Two Creeks,
Wis. , where Mrs. Addic Terens died in
i860, Nicholas in 1876. Henry M. Ter-
ens received his schooling in this country,
lived a short time at Port Washington,
W'is. , and then accompanied his parents
to a farm in Franklin, Kewaunee county,
assisting his father in making shingles.
fence posts, etc.
and clearing up
, and in cutting cordwood
the farm for cultivation.
726
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
After ten years of those employments, he
and his father started a saloon in partner-
ship at Mishicot, Wis., which they car-
ried on until Henry M. enlisted in Jan-
uarj', 1862, in Company H, Second Wis-
consin Cavalry, in which he served until
February 4, 1865. Afterward he re-
turned to Mishicot, but after a short time
moved to Two Creeks, where he formed
a partnership \\ith his father in mercan-
tile business. At the end of three or four
years, however, he sold his interest and
bought a farm near Two Creeks which he
cultivated about eight years, then sold,
and purchased the "Alaska House," at
Alaska, Wis., which he conducted until his
death, November 24, 1886. In all his
ventures Mr. Terens manifested great
abilities as a business man. He was a
Republican in politics and was elected
treasurer of his township, the people hav-
ing the utmost confidence in him, and he
also served as postmaster of Alaska
during the administration of Garfield
and Arthur. He was an active mem-
ber of John M. Reed Post, G. A. R.,
and was altogether a popular and genial
gentleman. In 1866 he was united in
marriage, at Mishicot, with Miss Barbara
Dobry, \\ho was born at Pilsen, Bohe-
mia, April 2, 1846, daughter of John and
Annie Dobry, natives of Bohemia, with
whom she came to Wisconsin in i860.
John Dobry was born in 1818, and his
wife in 1825. To the union of Henry M.
and Barbara (Dobry) Terens eight chil-
dren were born, in the following order:
Annie, December 21, 1866; Amelia,
April 7, 1868; Nicholas J., February 27,
1870; Isabella, November 26, 1872;
Henry, April 13, 1874; John, March 17,
1875; Charles, May 17, 1881; and Char-
lotte, December 4, 1885. Of these, An-
nie fell into a well and was drowned May
31, 1869, and Charles died August 17,
1881.
Nicholas J. Terens was educated in
the pioneer log shoolhouses, but at the
age of fifteen was compelled, on account
of the feebleness of his father, to relin-
quish his studies and assist his parents.
After his father's death he commenced
the tinner's trade in Two Rivers, working
at it two years, and then went to Chi-
cago, where he worked another two
jears. He ne.xt traveled through north-
ern Illinois and Indiana for a short time,
and on returning to Kewaunee went to
Peshtigo, where he worked a year or so,
and then established himself in Kewaunee
in the tin and hardware business. A
year later, however, he sold out, and, en-
gaging with different firms a year longer,
has since held the responsible position of
clerk at the "Read House," where his
affable demeanor has won him hosts of
friends. Mr. Terens is Master-at-Arms
of Valiant Lodge No. 120, K. of P., of
Kewaunee, and is Captain of R. L. Wing
Camp No. 63. S. of \'. He is a young
man of most excellent business capacity
and strictly moral habits, and has won
the esteem of all who know him.
IVI
YRON DEWEY, one of the best
and most favorably known of
Ahnapee's farmer citizens, was
born April 5, 1835, in Jefferson
county, N. Y. , and is descended, on his
father's side, from Hollanders who set-
tled in New Amsterdam (now New York)
in 1 620. Grandfather Dewey was a
soldier in the Continental arm}', and lost
his life in the struggle for American inde-
pendence.
Amos Dewey, father of our subject,
was born among the Green Mountains of
\'ermont, and was at first a shoemaker
bj" occupation but later engaging in agri-
cultural pursuits followed same until his
death, February 11, 1847, when he was
aged fifty-one years. W'hen a young
man he located in the State of New
York, where he married Zeviah Zeruah
Beebe, a native of \'ermont, born in
1797, and of English e.xtraction, her
father having been born in England in
1775, whence when a boj- he came to the
Colonies with his parents; his father en-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I-I
listed in the Continental aini}-, and par-
ticipated in the Re\olutionar\- war. Mr.
Dewey remained in the State of New
York until 1842, when he came to Wis-
consin, and locating in Racine county
purchased forty acres of land, whereon
he engaged in agricultural pursuits until
his decease. Mrs. Dewey survived until
1889. She was the mother of si.xteen
children, nine of whom are deceased, the
others being Joel, of Minnesota; Aaron,
of Waupaca county. Wis. ; Alvah, of
Minnesota; Anna, Mrs. William Jenks,
of Racine, Wis.; HuldaA., Mrs. George
Sterns, of Waupaca county. Wis. ; Ma-
tilda, of Milwaukee, Wis. ; and Myron,
whose name introduces this sketch.
Myron Dewey came with his parents
to Wisconsin in childhood. When but
thirteen years old he lost his father by
death, and was consequently thrown on
his own resources at an early age, devot-
ing himself to general agriculture on the
home farm for a number of years. When
twenty years of age he was united in mar-
riage with Theresa Leggett, who was a
native of Lower Canada, born in 1836 of
French descent, and she became the
mother of two children, Cordelia M., now
Mrs. George Nutter, of Amesbury, Mass.,
and Alice A., deceased. Four years
after her marriage Mrs. Dewey died, and
was buried at Racine, and Mr. Dewey
afterward married Sarah Van Valken-
berg, who was born in Michigan City,
Ind. , September 19, 1838, of Pennsyl-
vania-Dutch parentage. She is the
mother of thirteen children, as follows:
Arthur, born October 3. 1879, died May
14, 1884; three children died in infancy;
the living are Alvahro, born December
18, 1861; Alice, born October 28, 1863;
William, born April i, 1866; Frank,
born Augusts, 1868; George, born April
2, 1870; John, born May 24, 1871;
Lewis, born April 22, 1874; Earnest,
born October 12, 1876. and Belle, born
February 22, 1882.
After his second marriage Mr. Dewey
worked as a laborer until December 14,
1863, when he enlisted in Company K,
Tenth \\'is. V. I., for three years or during
the war, and was assigned to Sherman's
army, taking part in the famous march to
the sea. Some time after his enlistment
he was transferred to Company G, Twen-
ty-first Wis. \'. I., in which he served to
the close of his term, receiving an hon-
orable discharge, June 28, 1865. He is a
member of the G. A. R. post at Ahnapee.
After his return from the army Mr. Dewey
came to Ahnapee, Kewaunee county, and
on January i, 1866, bought forty acres of
timber land, part of the farm he now
owns, upon which he located and com-
menced farming, which he still follows.
He has since purchased eighty acres more,
now owning a good farm of 120 acres, the
larger part of which is improved and un-
der cultivation. In political faith Mr.
Dewey is a member of the Republican
party, and always takes an active interest
in all questions pertaining to the welfare
of his town or county; he has filled sev-
eral local positions of honor and trust,
having served seven years as chairman of
the township, was deputy sheriff for two
years, and for many years a member of
the district board of education. Mrs.
Dewey is a member of the Baptist Church.
KASPAR DURST, who for almost
a quarter of a century has lived on
his present farm in the town of
Ahnapee, Kewaunee county, is a
native of Switzerland, born October 19,
1834. His father, Peter Durst, was also
born in Switzerland, and was a laborer
b}' occupation. He married Anne Lu-
cenkar, of the same nativity, who bore
him twehe children, seven of whom are
now deceased, as are also the parents.
In religious faith they were members of
the Reformed Lutheran Church.
Kaspar Durst was educated in the
common schools of his native country,
where he obtained a \er\" fair education,
and wlien a joung man was apprenticed
to the draper's trade, subsequently fol-
728
COMMEMORATIVE BJOORAPHICAL RECORD.
lowing cartoon draping some twenty-one
years, after which he came to the United
States. In Svvit;;erland he married Anna
Cheasar, a native of that country, and
like himself a cartoon draper, and to
them have come six children — four of
whom were born in Switzerland and two
in the United States — as follows: Peter
(of Waterford, Racine Co., Wis.), Henry
and August, living; and three deceased,
Henry and two that died in infancy. In
1870 the family came to the United
States, coming directly from the port of
landing to Ahnapee, Kewaunee Co. , Wis. ,
where Mr. Durst purchased eighty acres
of timber land, the farm he now owns and
occupies. Here he engaged in cutting
away the timber, and after clearing the
land commenced farming, in which he has
ever since successfully continued. The
land has all been cleared and improved
with good buildings, and forty acres have
been added to the original farm, which he
has also improved. Since his location
here Mr. Durst has had many difficulties
to contend with, accidents and losses by
fire, and while chopping feed for the stock
lost his right hand, it having been caught
in the feed mill. But in spite of all ob-
stacles he has persevered in his work,
and has succeeded in establishing himself
and family in a comfortable home, and in
acquiring a fine farm, which yields him a
good income. Mr. and Mrs. Durst are
members of the Lutheran Church of Ah-
napee. Politically he is a member of the
Democratic party, and has been road
master some seventeen years.
JAMES McINTOSH, an e.x-Union
soldier, and now a thrifty farmer of
West Kewaunee township, Kewau-
nee county, was born in Kilmarnock,
Scotland, January 31, 1840, a son of
Samuel and Janet (Howe) Mcintosh.
The boyhood of our subject was
passed in school and in acting as page or
foot-boy. He started out in life quite
young, and after about two years of serv-
ice in aristocratic families shipped as
steward on board the •' Eliza Leshman,"
bound for Australia. (This vessel was
afterward wrecked on the north of Ire-
land coast after Mr. Mcintosh had left
her). He next engaged as second .-stew-
ard of the "Lady Kilburn," running be-
tween Glasgosv and Ayr, and remaineil on
board about eighteen months, after which
he engaged with the " Peru," bound for
Genoa, Italy, and, leaving her at that
port, shipped aboard the "Emily,"
bound for Alexandria, Egypt. He then
returned to England, and at London, in
1854, shipped on the " Polly," bound for
New Orleans. Here he quit his sea-far-
ing life and wandered up the countr} . In
1856 he left Illinois, where he then was,
and came to Kewaunee, Wis., remaining
here about a jear, after which he went
to Oconto, where after a short period he
shipped again, sailing between Oconto
and Chicago, and between Cleveland
(Ohio) and Saginaw Bay, until the spring
of 1 86 1. Then, at the call of Lincoln
for volunteers, he enlisted in June, 1S61,
in the Gailian Guards of Ohio, was mus-
tered in June 23, in Company C, Twen-
ty-third O. V. I., and served until hon-
orably discharged, July 27, 1865. part
of the time under Gen. K. B. Hayes
(afterward President). On May i, 1862,
at Clark's Hollow, he was wounded, and
he carried the ball somewhere in his
anatomy until recentl}-. After his dis-
charge he returned to Kewaunee, and in
1872 engaged in farming, which vocation
he has followed ever since.
In politics Mr. Mcintosh is a Repub-
lican, and was appointed lighthouse-
keeper, under President Harrison, at Two
Rivers Points, but was later transferred
to Canna Island. Mr. Mcintosh was
united in marriage, December 13, 1871,
with Eliza Jane Calhoun, a distant rela-
tion of the renowned John C. Calhoun,
and a daughter of Arthur and Elizabeth
Calhoun, By this union were born
seven children, in the following order:
Samuel .A., August 2r, 1872; George J.,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
729
April 21, 1874; Elizabeth M., March 28,
1876; William K., February 22, 1878;
Daniel, March 8, 1880; John, March 13,
1882, and Nettie, May 8, 1884. Mr. Mc-
intosh is honored by his neighbors, not
only for the gallant part he has taken in
defending the integrity of his adopted
country, but for his upright walk through
life and his usefulness as a citizen.
F
ELIX ENGLEBERT is the eldest
son of John B. and Mary (Pierard)
Englebert, who were natives of
Belgium, where the father was a
wagon-maker. His family consisted of
the following named children: Felix (our
subject). Desire, Joseph (who died in
Ahnapee, Wis.), Gustav (of Brussels
township), Charles (also of Brussels), and
John B. (who died in Chicago soon after
coming to the United States).
It was in the spring of 1856 that this
family left Antwerp for New York on the
vessel "David Hodly," the sea voyage
consuming fifty-eight days, during which
time there were nearly si.xty deaths on
board, most of them being children.
The destination of the Englebert family
was Dayton, Ohio, but after three or four
daj's spent there they concluded to go to
Chicago, where they spent the summer,
then coming to Green Bay, Wis. While
in Chicago the father was employed in a
brick yard where two of his sons assisted
him, and Felix worked in a bakery. After
a few weeks in Green Bay they came to
Brussels, Door Co., Wis. (where many
of their countrymen were then located),
the entire distance, thirty miles, being
traveled by the whole family on foot.
The father secured eighty acres of land,
heavily wooded, in Section 20, Brussels
township, on which he at once built a log
house, using brush for the roof of same,
and under this rude shelter the family
passed the winter, the father and sons
clearing away the timber as rapidly as
possible and getting out lumber for a new
house. On this place they lived for the
next five years, then, selling t|ie same,
purchased another piece of land in Sec-
tion 28, which was also uncleared, and
their hardships of the previous five years
were repeated. It was on this farm tliat
the father spent the remainder of his life,
dying there January 20, 1892; the mother
died October 27, 1883, and they are
buried in Brussels. One child was born
to them after their coming to this coun-
try, Mary, now Mrs. Eugene Hautelet, of
Brussels. Mr. Englebert was a Republi-
can in politics, and was atone time justice
of the peace, discharging the duties of
that office in his native language. Physi-
cally he was very strong and robust.
During his residence in this country he
had accumulated a comfortable little prop-
erty, and at the time of his death was a
well-known and respected citizen.
Felix Englebert, our subject, was six-
teen years of age when he came to this
country, previous to which he attended
the common schools of Belgium, but he
has never received any instruction in the
English language, acquiring his knowl-
edge of the latter wholly by practice and
observation. He being the eldest son the
brunt of the hard work fell upon his
shoulders, and he knows exactly what it
is to convert a forest into a well-culti-
vated farm. He lived at home until his
marriage, which occurred November 15,
1863, in Green Bay, Wis., to Miss Hen-
rietta Gefebore, also a native of Belgium.
By this wife he had three children, as
follows: Julia J., Charles and Henrietta
M. Mrs. Henrietta Englebert died Feb-
ruary 17, 1 87 1, in Green Bay, and on
February 28, 1876, in Lincoln, Wis., he
married for his second wife. Miss Julienne
Francart, also a native of Belgium. The
children of this marriage are: Frank (who
died in infancy), Frank J., Marie J. (de-
ceased), Marie v., Sophia R., Marie J.,
Clemence A. and John B.
After his first marriage Mr. Englebert
moved, in the spring of 1864, to Chicago,
after having spent the winter in the pine
woods. In Chicago he worked in a brick
730
COMMEMORATIVE lilOGRAPniCAL RECORD.
yard for six months, then removed to St.
Peter, Minn., where he wa.s emplojed by
a merchant for three and one-half years.
He then came to Door county, Wis., and
bought land, but after spending two years
on this new farm he sokl out and went to
Green Bay, where he was again employed
in a brick yard for two years, and later in
a feed store until 1877. He then came to
Brussels township. Door county, where
in Section 19 he purchased eighty acres
of timber land, and erected a house of
logs, which was the first one in this sec-
tion. Of his farm thirty-five acres are
now cleared, the work having been done
entirely by himself and family. In pol-
itics Mr. luiglebert is a Republican. He
has been chairman of the township for
two terms (four yearsj, and has been
treasurer of School District No. 4 for
seven years. He and his family arc mem-
bers of the Catholic Church.
EUGENE CORDIEK. Foremost
among the systematic farmers
of Egg Harbor township, Door
county, and respected as one of
the most deserxing of its prosperous self-
made men, stands the subject of this
sketch. He was born February 6, 1833,
in France, son of John Cordier, who
died when Eugene was but thirteen years
of age, and being the eldest son, the lat-
ter became practically the mainstay of
the family, and worked hard to do his
part.
On .\pril 22, 1S55, Mr. Cordier, be-
lieving he could advance himself in the
New World, took passage at Havre de
Grace on a vessel bound for New York,
landing at that city in thirty-three days,
and thence continuing westward h\ boat to
Detroit, Mich. He found work on the
Wabash railroad (then in course of con-
struction) near Lockport, Ind. , but after
a time was seized with the fever and
ague, and his illness, which lasted eighteen
months, exhausted all his savings. On
his recovery he went to Chicago, 111.,
where he passed one winter, working in
the McCormick Reaper Factory, and in
the following spring came to Green Bay,
Wis., and hired out to a butcher named
Jeffrey. Failing to receive his wages,
however, he came, in the fall of 1857, to
Union township, Docjr county, here, in
the midst of what was then a vast wilder-
ness, pre-empting and locating upon a
tract of wild land, on which, during his
four-years' residence there, he made vari-
ous improvements. Selling out, he em-
barked in the lumber business in the
northern ])art of Door coimty, which he
followed successfully for eighteen years,
buying land all over the county, cutting
off the timber, and then selling; frequently
holding such large tracts that his taxes dur-
ing this time amounted to as nuich as $400
perjcar, on unimproved land. About 1876
he purchased in Section 2, Egg Harbor
township, seven forty-acre tracts of land, in
its primitive condition, and here he has ever
since resided, retaining 200 acres of his
original purchase, sixtj' of which have
been cleared and put under cultivation.
In 1884 Mr. Cordier erected a very pleas-
ant home, one of the most comfortable
farm residences in the townshi]>. He has
met with well-merited success, and he
now ranks among the leading farmers of
his township. Having been denied the
adxantages of schooling in his early days,
and receiving no aid from an}' source to
conmience life, he has by reading and
observation acquired a practical educa-
tion, by energy and industrx' accumu-
lated a comfortable competence, and has
the confidence and respect of his neighbors
and fellow citizens.
On December 31, 18S2, Mr. Cordier
was married, in Egg Harbor, to Miss
Sophia Cote, who was born in 1851 in
Lower Canada, six miles from St. Paul,
daughter of Alexander Cote, a farmer;
she came to li\e with her brother in Door
county. Wis., and here met Mr. Cordier.
To their union have been born three chil-
dren, Joseph and Louis, living, and Mary
S., who died in infancy. They have also
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.
731-
an adopted son, named CieorRe. Mr.
Cordier is a Republican politically, his
first Presidential vote beinjj cast for Abra-
ham Lincoln, and he takes an active in-
terest in local party affairs, having served
as chairman of his township. The family
are devout Catholics in relif,nous belief.
On July 17, 1892, Mr. Cordier set out
with his family on a trip to his native
country, \isiting the home of his early
boyhood, but he found only four persons
living there whom he had previously
known. The journey, which took them
through Canada and England, as well as
France, lasted four months.
HENRY .ANSCHUTZ, one of the
leading and representative farm-
ers of Door county, and a promi-
nent and influential citizen, was
born on July 14, 1859, in 15ay Settlement,
Brown Co., Wis., son of August An-
schutz, a native of Germany, who on emi-
grating to America became a farmer of
Brown county. Wis. Upon the old home-
stead our subject spent his early boyhood
days and in the public schools of the
neighborhood accjuired his education; but,
as his parents were in limited circum-
stances, his advantages in that direction
were somewhat meagre.
Mr. Anschutz began to earn his own
livelihood when quite 3'oung, and in 1879
he came to Door county, securing work
in Jacksonport township at wood cutting.
He and his brother Fred worked together,
and by earnest and untiring labor he got
a start in life, securing some capital, with
which in 18S0 he made his first purchase
of land, becoming owner of an eighty-
acre tract on Section 21, Jacksonport
township. This was then covered with
timber, but Mr. Anschutz cleared a place,
built a log cabin and began the further
development of his farm. Its boundaries
he has extended from time to time imtil
he now owns 280 acres of gooil land,
eighty acres of which are under cultiva-
tion, and the farm is one of the best im-
proved in the township. Mr. Anschutz
is a natural mechanic, built his own barn
and residence, and has made nearly all
the improvements upon the place with his
own hands, also working to some extent
at carpentering in the neighborhood.
In the fall of 1 880, in Jacksonport,
Door count\-, Mr. Anschutz was joined in
wedlock with Miss Mary Bley, a native of
Canada, and a daughter of John Bley.
Their union has been blessed with a family
of seven children — four sons and three
daughters, namely: John, Mabel, George,
Alice, Albert, Charles and Mary. Politic-
ally Mr. Anschutz is a Republican, hav-
ing supported that party since he attained
his majority. He has been honored with
a number of local offices, the duties of
which he has discharged with promptness
and fidelity, has several times served as a
member of the town board, and for
twelve years was school clerk. He is
now serving his second term as chairman
of the township board, and is among the
youngest members of the county board;
but his age is no detriment to efficient and
faithful service, which has won him the
commendation of all concerned. Four-
teen years ago Mr. Anschutz came to
Jacksonport township a poor boy, but his
diligence and perseverance have brought
to fiim a comfoi'table property, and he is
now one of the substantial farmers of the
counnunity, and one of its public-spirited
and progressive citizens.
PETER ARNDT, who is numbered
among the early settlers of Ke-
waunee county, was born in Lux-
emburg, Germany, in 1839, son
of Michael Arndt, a farmer and dealer in
horses, who did a successful business.
There were but two children in the fami-
ly— Stephen, who is still living in Lux-
emburg, Germany, and our subject. The
latter received but limited educational
privileges, never attending school after he
was twelve years of age, from which time
until eighteen years of age he was em-
COiTMBMOIiATIVE BIOGBAPHWAL RECORD.
ployed at farm labor; he was then drafted
into the army, in which he served for three
years, and at the age of twent}--one, not
wishing longer to be a soldier, he deserted
and came to America, his brother furnish-
ing him the money for this purpose.
Mr. Arndt landed in New York and
made his way to Milwaukee, \\^is., where
he was employed for six months, after
which he came to Luxemburg, Wis., and
worked for a lumberman for a similar
period. He then entered the war of the
Rebellion, as a substitute for John Tyler,
who paid him $700, and became a mem-
ber of Company K, Fourteenth Wis. V. I.
The first engagement in which he par-
ticipated was at Mobile, and at that place
was taken sick and sent to New Orleans,
where he lay in the hospital for one
month. He was then granted a twentj'-
days' furlough and returned home, later re-
ceiving another furlough of twenty days,
after which he went to Madison, Wis.,
and was mustered out of the service, for
he was physically disabled for duty, and
during the succeeding year was able to
work scarcely at all.
Mr. Arndt was united in marriage with
Catherine Galontine, and then purchased
eighty acres of timber land, erecting
thereon a log house i6x 20 feet, in which
he made his home for three years, when
it was replaced by a more commodious
structure. His first crop was potatoes,
and his only farm implements were an
axe and grub hoe; but with these he
managed to clear a little piece of land and
afterward bought, at $2 per bushel, eight
bushels of wheat, from which he harvested
a crop of nearly i 50 bushels, cutting the
same with a cradle, and selling it
at $1.50 per bushel, thus realizing
considerable. He kept on clearing his
land and extended the boundaries of his
farm by an additional purchase of fifty
acres, making in all 130 acres, the greater
part of which is now under a high state of
cultivation and well improved, the owner
being a practical and progressive farmer,
one whose success in life is due to his
own efforts. In his political views Mr.
Arndt is a Democrat, and for eight years
filled the office of supervisor, also serving
as constable for a time. He and his wife
hold membership with the Catholic
Church. In their family are nine chil-
dren, namely: Anna, Catherine, Marj',
Nicholas, Theresa, John, Joseph, Law-
rence and Michael.
JOHN MEUNIER is one of the self-
made men of Kewaunee county, who,
by his own efforts, has steadily
worked his way upward from a
humble position to one of affluence, and
is now recognized as one of the thrifty,
substantial and representative farmers of
Lincoln township.
He was born in France October 27,
1827, son of Bernhard Meunier, who was
born in Prussia in 1794, was educated in
the German language, and in his youth
learned the weaver's trade. When a
young man he married Margaret Weber,
who was born in France in 1786, and re-
moving to that countrj'he made his home
there for about ten years, following the
weaver's trade, after which he returned
to Prussia. In 1835 he again went to
France, where he spent two years; then
once more returned to Prussia, where he
died in 1856. His father, Jacob Meunier,
was a successful teacher and a man of
good education, having studied for the
priesthood. The family have always ad-
hered to the Catholic faith.
Our subject was the third in a family
of three sons and two daughters, was ed-
ucated in France, and also has a knowl-
edge of the German language. When a
young man he learned the trade of mak-
ing mirrors, following same until twenty-
five years of age, when, on the 5th of
June, 1854, he embarked on an English
vessel bound for the United States, ar-
riving in New York City on the 2nd of
August. He then made his way to Port
Washington, Wis. , where he carried on
agricultural pursuits until 1859, at which
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
733
time he went to Ahnapee, Wis. Entering
eighty acres of timber land in the town
of Lincohi, Kewaunee county, he at once
began to clear and improve it, since which
time he has successfully carried on agri-
cultural pursuits. He has added to his
first purchase a tract of 120 acres, and
now has a valuable farm under a high
state of cultivation, improved with good
buildings and all modern accessories.
In 1 86 1 Mr. Meunier was married, in
Paris, France, to Annette Weber, who
was born in Luxemburg, Germany, Sep-
tember 22, 1829, and their children are
Michael, of Marinette, Wis. ; John, who
is living in Menomonie, Wis. ; Lawrence,
at home; John Batis, also of Marinette;
Katherine, wife of Henry Bastar, of Glad-
stone, Mich. ; and Annette, wife of Will-
iam Culligan. The children have been
provided with good educational advan-
tages, and thus fitted for the practical and
responsible duties of life. Mr. Meunier
came to this country a poor man, and he
has prospered through earnest effort, good
management and perseverance. He is
independent in politics, supporting the
man best qualified for office, and has
served as pathmaster. He has also done
much toward organizing school districts,
and for the past twenty-four years has
served as school director. When he came
to this county it was a wild and unsettled
region, and he underwent the hardships
of frontier life, but he is now surrounded
by the comforts of civilization, and has a
good home.
GOTTLIEB MOSIMANN is a pros-
perous farmer in Nasewaupee
township, Door county, and owns
a fine place of eighty acres in
Section 23, sixty acres of which he has
cleared himself.
Mr. Mosimann was born in the Canton
of Berne, Switzerland, in 1840, son of
Andrew and Magdalena (Weis) Mosimann,
who were born in the same Canton; the
father was a silversmith in that country.
43
In 1848 he and his family boarded a vessel
at Havre, landing after a voyage of six
weeks at New York harbor. They went
on to Buffalo, and then by the lakes to
Manitowoc county. Wis., where Mr. Mos-
imann bought a small tract of wooded
land which he undertook to clear for a
homestead; but the work was harder than
he was accustomed to, and in 1868 he
gave up the place and removed to Pet-
tis county, Mo., where he bought an
improved farm located fourteen miles
from Sedalia. Mrs. Mosimann died there
in 1882. She was the mother of seven
children, of whom two are deceased —
Anna and Mary Ann, the latter dying in
Pettis county. Mo., in 1884. Those liv-
ing are Gottlieb (our subject); Elizabeth,
wife of Jacob Becker, of Pettis county.
Mo. ; Magdalena, wife of Herman Meyer,
of Sedalia, Mo. ; John, married and re-
siding in Sedalia, and Lena, the wife of
Lewis Timmer Schute, of Pettis county,
Missouri.
Gottlieb Mosimann was eight years
old when he accompanied his parents to
Wisconsin. He received a good practical
education in the public shools of Manito-
woc, and when out of school assisted his
father with the work on the farm. In
March, 1862, he enlisted from Manito-
woc county, in Company K, Second Reg-
iment Wis. V. I., army of the Potomac;
he was taken sick at Fredericksburg, Va. ,
and getting no better was honorably dis-
charged, returning home the same j'ear.
He soon recovered his health, however,
and in 1863 re-enlisted, this time in Com-
pany G, First Regiment Wis. V. C. for
three years. He was placed in the army
of the Cumberland, and took part in the
battles of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain,
Chattahoochee River, Peach Tree Creek,
Atlanta, and many minor engagements;
he also participated in Wilson's raid.
He was honorably discharged at Nash-
ville, Tenn., and returning home in July,
1865, began to farm in earnest.
In 1 868 Mr. Mosimann was married
in Manitowoc county, Wis. , to Miss Katie
734
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Goetz, who was born in the Rhine Prov-
ince, Prussia, daughter of Phillip and
Maggie Goelz, who came from Prussia
and settled in Manitowoc county at an
early date; both died in Nasewaupee town-
ship. After his marriage Mr. Mosimann
went to Pettis county. Mo., following
farming there until i S74, when he returned
to Wisconsin and bought the farm he now
owns and occupies in Nasewaupee town-
ship. Door county. He is a member of
Henry Schuyler Post, G. A. R. . at Stur-
geon Bay, and takes an active interest in
politics, voting with the Republican party.
He is the father of ten children, all of
whom are living, as follows: Mary (who
is married to William Suher, of Menom-
inee, Mich.), Lena, Robert, Nicholas,
Joseph, Dressie, John, Andrew, Peter
and Delia.
THOMAS PANTER is a highly es-
teemed citi/en of Door county,
and has many warm friends
throughout the conmiunity in
which he has passed the greater part of
his active life. A native of England, he
was born May 4, 1835, '" Northampton-
shire, son of James and Lucy (Tillie)
Panter; the father was a watchman for
twenty-five years. In the famil}' were
seven children — William, James, John,
Thomas, Levi, Reuben and Joseph. They
all remained at home until they had
arrived at years of maturity, and the
school privileges which they received
were somewhat meager.
The knowledge which our subject has
gained has been mostly obtained through
his own efforts in leisure hours, but by
reading and obser\atioii he has m'ade
himself a well-informed man. He re-
mained under the parental roof until he
had attained his majority, when, in May,
1S56, he started for the New World.
He was married on April 26, of that year,
to Miss Rebecca Coe, daughter of Samuel
and Mar}' fBeaver) Coe, and bidding
adieu to his young wife he sailed for New
York from Liverpool, reaching his destin-
ation after a voyage of five weeks and
six days. The vessel on which he took
passage was the "Andrew Foster," and
as he stepped from its gang plank he felt
that he was indeed separated from his
old home and interests. He made his
way direct to Dover, Racine Co., Wis.,
where he engaged in railroad work until
1862, at which time he came with his
family to Baileys Harbor, having been
joined by his wife in 1858.
On his arrival in Door county Mr.
Panter purchased 1 20 acres of land,
which forms a part of his present farm,
and began the development of the primi-
tive tract, which had thitherto been in-
habited only by bears, deer and Indians;
he has seen as many as twenty-five deer
within forty rods of his own home. In
those early days he went through all the
experiences and hardships of frontier life,
living in a log cabin 16x20 feet, which
continued to be their home for twenty
years. Mr. Panter at once began clear-
ing his land, but the work went slowly
at first for his only farm implement was
an axe; yet as time passed the place was
cleared and cultivated, the timber being
cut in cord wood, some of which he sold
at five dollars per cord. In Milwaukee
he bought the first oil lamp he ever saw,
which was regarded as quite a wonder
throughout the neighborhood, and the
two gallons of oil which he purchased at
the same time lasted all winter. Mil-
waukee was the principal trading pt)int
and to that place Mr. Panter went by
boat, for there were no roads cut through,
the only paths being Indian trails.
Mr. Panter was instrumental in found-
ing the towns of Jacksonport, which
originated in a fishing town founded by
P. G. Hibbard and J. T. Wright. He
helped to cut all the roads in the \icinity,
and bore his part in the other work of de-
velopment and upbuilding. The first
crop of oats which he sowed yielded a
very large return, and was harvested with
a cradle. Mr. Panter to-day owns 160
CO}dMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
735
acres of land, and upon the eighty acres
which he has cleared there remains not a
stump, it being in the best condition for
cultivation of any land in the township.
To our subject and his wife have been
born seven children: Julia, Mary L. ,
Samuel J., Florence, Delia, Charles and
Edmond. In his political views he is a
Republican, and his fellow townsmen,
recognizing his worth and ability, have
several times called upon him to fill po-
sitions of honor and trust, he having
served as member of the site board for
five years and as assessor for two years,
discharging the duties of that office in a
creditable and acceptable manner. He
is public-spirited and progressive, the
best interests of the connnunity find in
him a friend, and his support is given to
all worth}' enterprises calculated to prove
of public benefit. His success in life is
due to his own efforts and the assistance
of his estimable wife, and they well de-
serve the prosperity which has come to
them.
JOHN W.\EGLI is a native of Switz-
erland, born June lo, 1830, son of
Benedict Waegli, who was born in
the same country .August i, 1804,
and came to the United States in 1851,
locating in the State of New York. Here
he remained two years, and then came to
Wisconsin, stajingoneyear in Milwaukee,
after which he moved to Waukesha
county, where he died in October, 18S2.
His wife bore the maiden name of Annie
Miller, and was born July i, 1804.
John Waegli, their son, attended the
public schools of his native land until
seventeen years of age, when he began
learning the carpenter's trade, and he fol-
lowed same in the old country until he
came to America with his parents, he
being then twenty-one. Here he still
followed his vocation about fifteen \ears,
and then acted as o%erseer of Sandy Bay
Pier until 1874, when he bought land in
Carlton township, Kewaunee count}', and
has been engaged in farming ever since,
being now recognized as one of the lead-
ing agriculturists of the township and a
representative citizen. All he has he has
gained by his perseverance and sound
judgment, and he has won the full con-
fidence of his fellow-citizens, whom he
has served two different terms as chair-
man of the township and also as assessor.
He was united in marriage, April i, 1858,
with Miss Frances Hummel, who was
born in Switzerland in 1840. This union
has been blessed with eleven children,
viz.: Charles, Frank, John, Louis, Ru-
dolph, Guido, Lillic, Philip, Benedict,
Stella and Nettie. Mr. Waegli has now
a comfortable property, and holds a well-
merited position in the esteem of his
neighbors.
HENRY M. AWE, farmer and fruit
grower of Ahnapee township,
Kewaunee county, is a native of
the Fatherland, born September
II, 1859, in Prussia, but, coming to Wis-
consin with his parents in childhood, he
has passed the principal part of his life on
the farm in Kewaunee county, which he
now owns and occupies.
Frederick Awe, father of Henry M. ,
was born in 1824 in Prussia, where he
was reared and educated, receiving a good
literary training, and when a young man
followed the profession of teacher for a
time. Afterward engaging in the hotel
and milling businesses, he continued thus
until 1865, in which year he removed to
the United States, making his first home
in this country in Manitowoc county. Wis. ,
where he worked as a laborer for some
eighteen months, after which he followed
agricultural pursuits until about 1867,
when he embarked in the saloon business.
He conducted same for some two years,
when he resumed agriculture, remaining
in Manitowoc county for about two years
longer, and then, removing to Kewaunee
county, purchased the farm in Ahnapee
township which is now the propert}' of
736
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his son, Henry M. The farm, beinj,' yet
uncleared at that time, it required several
years of hard labor to transform it to a
condition of fertility, and he followed
general farming there until 1892, when he
sold the farm to his son, Henry M., re-
moving to Forestville, Door Co., Wis.,
where he now lives retired.
In Germany Mr. Awe was united in
marriage with Sophia Derbald, also a
native of Prussia, born in 1822, who be-
came the mother of eight children, as
follows : Philippina, wife of James E.
Bristol, of Union township. Door Co.,
Wis., who is a fisherman by occupation;
Bernard, of Forestville, Door county;
Gustav, of Oshkosh, Wis.; Henry M.,
whose name opens this sketch; Minnie,
Mrs. Leopold Colebeger, of the town of
Sevastopol, Door county; Amelia, Mrs.
William Herman, of Nadeau, Mich. ; John,
deceased, and a daughter that died in
infancy. The mother of this family
passed away in 1890 in Ahnapee, Ivewau-
nee county. Mr. Awe is a Republican in
political faith, and is actively interested in
local affairs, having served in several
public positions. He attends the Luth-
eran Church.
Henry M. Awe was educated in the
common schools of Manitowoc count)-,
obtaining a liberal education, and received
under his father's tuition a thorough train-
ing in agriculture, which he has adopted
for his life vocation. On September 12,
1892, he was married to Clara Benhard,
who was born January 22, 1873, daughter
of Robert and Bertha Benhard, natives
of Germany, the former born August 25,
1827, the latter October 1 1, 1847. Mr.
and Mrs. Awe have one child, Alfred,
born November 6, 1893. After his mar-
riage Mr. Awe purchased the home farm
from his father, comprising 160 acres of
excellent land, whereon he is engaged in
general farming and fruit raising, having
now sixteen acres in fruit trees. He is an
energetic, progressive young man, and
bids fair to become one of the most pros-
perous men in his section. Like his
father, he is a Republican politically, and
in Church connection is a Lutheran. The
paternal grandfather of our subject was a
hunter by occupation; the maternal grand-
father was a brick and tile maker.
JAMES S. HALSTEAD is a wide-
awake and enterprising business
man, who for the last thirty years
has been connected with lumber in-
terests, and is now engaged in that line of
trade in Jacksonport, Door county. He
was born in Ontario, Canada, July 4,
1849, and is one of the famil}' of thirteen
children — seven sons and six daughters —
born to William and Sarah (Gibbons)
Halstead; the former is a native of Nova
Scotia, has always been a hard working
man, and for more than a quarter of a
century engaged in the lumber business.
He is now living a retired life, making
his home with our subject.
James S. Halstead was reared under
the parental roof and acquired a good
education, for his early advantages, which
were those of the common schools, were
supplemented h\ a three-years' course in
an advanced school. At the age of six-
teen he engaged in lumbering, first cut-
ting logs, and his faithful service won him
promotion from time to time until he be-
came superintendent of the camp. His
employer's interest he ever made his own,
and his industry and efficiency were such
that he was enabled to command a good
position. In 1871 Mr. Halstead was
joined in wedlock, in Canada, with Miss
Mary Nugent, and while still a resident
of that country two sons were born to
them — George and William J. In the
spring of 1874 Mr. Halstead brought his
family to the United States and took up
his residence in Jacksonport, Wis., where
he has since made his home. At the
time of his arrival here his cash capital
had been reduced to $31.70, but he at
once engaged in the cedar business and
his financial condition soon began to im-
prove. He is now engaged in getting out
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lyi
timber on Chamber's Island for the Wis-
consin Chair Co., of Port Washington,
Wis. ; and his thirty years' experience in
the lumber business well fits him for such
work.
Mr. Halstead continued to reside in
Jacksonport until May, iSSi, when he re-
moved to Section 22, Jacksonport town-
ship, purchasing forty acres of land all in
its primitive condition. The improve-
ments upon it have been placed there by
his own hands, and stand as a monument
to his thrift, enterprise and progressive
spirit. Since coming to the United
States the family circle has been increased
by the birth of seven children — Thomas,
Henry, Agnes, Edna, Alice and Ruth,
all at home; and Robert, who died in
infancy. In his political views Mr. Hal-
stead has always been a Republican, and
takes a warm interest in the success and
growth of his party. He served as town-
ship clerk for about ten years, was elected
treasurer in 1888, and since filled that
office with credit to himself and satisfac-
tion to his constituents. He is also
justice of the peace, notary public and
school treasurer, and he and his wife are
members of the Episcopal Church. A
highly respected man, his straightforward
career and honorable, upright life have
gained him universal confidence and es-
teem.
JOHN BUETTNER, farmer and ex-
soldier, of Pierce township, Ke-
waunee county, was born Decem-
ber 26, 1846, near New York City,
son of John and Margaret Buettner, na-
tives of Germany. They landed in New
York in 1846, and after remaining there
eighteen months came to Wisconsin and
located in Milwaukee, in which city John,
the father, died of cholera. Mrs. Buett-
ner, soon after her husband's death, mar-
ried his brother, an industrious farmer.
John Buettner, our subject, was the
elder of two sons who constituted the
family of John and Margaret Buettner.
He was educated in the common schools
of Wisconsin, and chiefly reared on his
stepfather s farm, on which he remained,
giving all the assistance that he could,
until 1863, when he enlisted in Company
C, Fourteenth Wis. V. I. , serving in the
war of the Rebellion until October,
1865, when he received an honorable
discharge. His chief engagements were
at Nashville, Mobile and Spanish Fort.
Returning to the home farm, he worked
for his parents until 1875, when he pur-
chased the place, operating it on his own
account until 1881, in which year he sold
it and moved to Sheboygan. There he
worked in the chair factory about seven
months, when he came to Pierce town-
ship and purchased the farm he now oc-
cupies. He has brought the place into a
high state of cultivation and developed a
farm that has won for him a reputation
as being one of the most skillful and
thrifty farmers in the township. In con-
nection with his farm he has also run a
sawmill since 1882. In politics he is a
Republican, and has been honored by
being elected chairman of the town board
seven different times. Mr. Buettner was
united in marriage, in 1875, with Mary
Shomer, and the union has been blessed
with eleven children, viz. : Casper, John,
Bernard, Philip, Peter, Henry, William,
Annie, Mary, Rosie and Katie. Mr.
Buettner has made a success of his life
work, and has won for himself and family
a tine standing in the community.
CHARLES LUEBCK is one of the
representative and enterprising
farmers of Kewaunee county, one
whose entire life has here been
passed, for he was born in the township
which is still his home — Luxemburg — and
on the farm which he now owns, March
I, 1868. John and Caroline (Schneider)
Luebck, his parents, were both natives
of Germany, and had but two children —
Ida and Charles. In 1853 they left the
Fatherland and sailed for .America, taking
7.V^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
up their residence in Luxemburg town-
ship, Kewaunee Co., Wis., where Mr.
Luebck bought fort\' acres of land in its
most primiti\'e condition. The county
seemed to be ahnost on the border of
civilization, and the city of Kewaunee
contained at that time only one store and
one tavern, while the township was
sparsely settled and bore little resem-
blance to its present improved condition.
After a time Mr. Luebck was enabled to
purchase an additional tract of land of
eighty acres, and transformed his farm
into rich and fertile iields.
Our subject was only three years of
age at the time of his father's death and
the mother was thus left with her family
to support. When he was only eight
years of age a great deal of farm work
devolved upon him; but he also received
able assistance from his sister, who when
a girl of fourteen did all the plowing upon
the farm. Thus they toiled together
under great disadvantages, and heavy
were the burdens which rested on their
young shoulders; but they maintained the
family, succumbed not to discourage-
ment, and brighter days followed. Mr.
Luebck is now the owner of i6o acres of
land, much of which is under a good
state of cultivation, and also has a saloon,
which he has conducted since 1893. In
his political views he is a Democrat, and
is a faithful member of and liberal con-
tributor to the Lutheran Church.
THOMAS HLINAK, brewer, Ke-
waunee, was born in Bohemia
December 19, i860, the fifth in a
family of fifteen children, of whom
three sons and three daughters only are
now living. The father, John Hlinak,
was born in 1830, was a blacksmith, and
married Katie Unhlicek. In 1874 the
family came to America and settled on a
farm in West Kewaunee, where the father
still lives, and where the mother died in
1889.
Thomas Hlinak, having attended the
common schools of Bohemia until his de-
parture for America at the age of four-
teen, devoted his time to assisting on the
farm here until he was nineteen, when he
went west for a year; he then went north
and for two years worked in the lumber
district. Again returning to Kewaunee,
he bought some property and engaged in
business for a jear, and for the following
six years was employed as a fireman on a
railroad in Michigan. In March, 1893,
he again returned to Kewaunee and pur-
chased a half interest in the Bavarian
Brewery, the product of which is daily
gaining in favor.
Mr. Hlinak is a Democrat in his polit-
ical proclivities, but is not an active par-
tisan and never held an office. He is a
member of the C. S. P. S., and, with his
wife, of the Catholic Church. In Novem-
ber, 1886, he was united in marriage with
Miss Mary Klimesh, daughter of Mat.
Klimesh, an early settler of the county of
Kewaunee, and this union has been blessed
with two children-— one son and one
daughter — named respectively Wenzel and
Libbie. Although Mr. Hlinak is still a
young man, he has succeeded in securing
a solid grasp on the ladder that leads to
wealth, and is rapidl)' nearing the top-
most rung, where he will find ease and
comfort.
ADOLPH EBEL, a well-known
farmer of West Kewaunee town-
ship, Kewaunee county, was born
in Prussia, German}", October 14,
1835, son of \\' illiam and Augusta Ebel.
Adolph attended the common schools
of his native land (including a course
of three years in the high school) until he
reached the age of si.xteen, when he learned
the baker's trade, following same in the old
country until nineteen years old, and in
1855 came to America, and directly to
Milwaukee, Wis. There he worked at his
trade a short time, thence going to Chi-
cago, and afterward returning to Mil-
waukee, and in 1857 came to Kewaunee
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAl^HICAL RECORD.
739
county, locating in Luxemburg township,
where he was employed in farming and
lumbering until 1863. Removing to
Pierce township, same county, he con-
tinued farming and logging until 1864,
when he came to West Kewaunee town-
ship and bought and settled upon the
farm he has ever since occupied and cul-
tivated. His life is another illustration of
what industry and economy can accom-
plish. Coming to this country in the pio-
neer days without money, but willing to
endure the hardships and privations of
backwoods life, he has by perseverance,
tact, and good business management,
secured a good home. In a short time
after arriving in the country he declared
his intention of becoming a citizen, affili-
ating with the Democratic party, and
since his settlement in West Kewaunee
township he has figured quite prominently
in the local politics of his township. He
has been elected supervisor several times,
has served two 3'ears as a member of the
county board, and has held the office of
town clerk ten or twelve years. After
the division of the township in 1877 he
was a member of the first board of super-
visors, and is clerk of the township to-
day, in all public positions proving him-
self to be honorable, faithful and capable.
Mr. Ebel was joined in wedlock, April
10, 1862, with Helen Bohne, who was
born near Milwaukee, October 2, 1845,
daughter of Frederick and Theressa
Bohne, natives of Saxony, who came to
the United States in 1844. To the mar-
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Ebel have been
born seven children: Fred H., May 10,
1 863 ; Minnie T. , March 27, 1 867 ; Charles,
March 17, 1869; Emma C, July 17,
1870; Adolph A., January 6, 1873; Hat-
tie, June 26, 1884; and Helen, September
25, 1887. Of these, two are deceased:
Fred H., who died March 16, 1883, and
Charles, who died April 7, 1869. Fred-
erick Bohne, father of Mrs. Ebel, died at
Kewaunee June 10, 1874, and Theressa
Bohne, her mother, died at the same
place Januarj- 25, 1894.
LOUIS BASSINE, a practical j-oung
agriculturist of Brussels township.
Door county, was born there Sep-
tember 6, i860, son of Clement
Bassine, a native of Belgium who came
to this country, settling in Brussels town-
ship, Door Co., Wis., in 1856.
Before leaving Belgium, Clement Bas-
sine was married to Mary Theresa Dacos,
by whom he had one child born in Bel-
gium, Mary T., and seven born in this
country, of whom Louis, our subject, is
the only one who attained maturity. The
father had but barely funds enough to
bring his family to America, and when he
arrived in Wisconsin he secured forty
acres of land in Section 29, Brussels
township. The family was among the
first in that section, and they were obliged
to undergo many inconveniences ere they
could be comfortable to any degree. Mr.
Bassine erected a log cabin in which they
lived for some time. For the first three
years they had no horses or cattle and
were obliged to do all the work by hand.
About 1870 Mr. Bassine secured another
forty acres, in Section 19, and from that
time on he has gradually been accumulat-
ing more land until at the present time
he has 200 acres, ninety acres of which
are under cultivation. In 1882, having
bought forty acres in Section 30, he built
thereon a good substantial dwelling, where
they have since resided. He and his es-
timable wife are members of the Roman
Catholic Church, and are greatly respected
as pioneers who have done much to open
up a new country to civilization.
Louis Bassine, our subject, had but
limited opportunities for an education.
Being an only son, and his father not be-
ing able to afford hired help, he was
obliged to work, shoulder to shoulder,
with him. Aside from the three years
which he was permitted to spend in the
public schools of Green Bay, he has spent
his life on his father's farm. On Novem-
ber 25, 1882, he was married to Miss
Leona Gelard, a native of Belgium, who
came to this country when but two }ears
740
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.
old, and the young couple took up their
residence on the home farm, where they
have since lived. They have three chil-
dren: Octavia, Joseph and Frank. Like
his father, Mr. Bassine is a Republican,
politically, and he has filled the office of
school clerk since the organization of Dis-
trict No. 4; in 1890 he was elected chair-
man, serving as such four years. He is
a rising young man and verj' popular
among his associates.
JACOB CRASS, deceased, was one of
the honored pioneers of Door county
who located here at an early day, and
was prominently connected with the
work of development and improvement,
bearing his part in all enterprises calcu-
lated to prove of public benefit. He was
born in Germany in 1824, and as his
parents were people of small means, he
early started out in life for himself. When
a young man he crossed the ocean to
America and made his way to Wisconsin,
settling in Sevastopol township. Door
county, where he spent his remaining
days.
At the time of his arrival the county
was just being opened up to civilization;
almost the only roads were the Indian
trails or paths through the forests, the
few settlers were widely scattered and
deer and wolves were very frequently
seen. The land which Mr. Crass secured
was entirely wild, not a furrow having
been turned or an improvement made
upon it, but he was anxious to secure a
good home, and out of the forest he hewed
the farm which at length became a valua-
ble property. In earlier years he had
learned the trades of a gunsmith and
blacksmith, and was in fact a natural
mechanic, his abilities along this line
proving of much benefit in the work of
developing his land and making farm im-
plements. His first home was a rude
shanty, which stood near the site of the
present residence.
When the Civil war broke out Mr.
Crass laid aside the plow and hoe and
responded to the country's call for aid,
enlisting in Company H, Twelfth Wis.
V. I., and, when his first term had e.xpired,
he re-enlisted and continued in the service
until after the close of the war. He was
a faithful and brave soldier, always loyal
to the old flag and the cause it repre-
sented, and took part in a number of
important engagements. He was never
wounded, but the exposure and hardships
incident to war brought on rheumatism,
which rendered him almost helpless in his
later years.
On July 4, 1869, Mr. Crass was mar-
ried in Sevastopol township to Mrs.
Margaret (Cole) Melville, widow of
Thomas Melville. She was born in
County Cork, Ireland, June 20, 1830,
daughter of Gregory Cole, and in the
Emerald Isle married Thomas Melville,
who died there, leaving one child, Thomas,
now a resident of Sevastopol. In 1862
the mother, with her son, came to the
United States, landing in New York on
the 3d of July, and made her waj- to
Milwaukee, Wis., where she supported
herself and son until coming to Door
county with her uncle, William Cole. To
Mr. and Mrs. Crass came the following
children : Jacob, born April 26, 1S70,
who now manages the home farm; Maggie,
born July 7, 1871, and William H., born
January 5, 1879, who died on the 23d of
March following.
Mr. Crass was ever a hard-working
man, and his success in life was not due
to a fortunate combination of circum-
stances, but resulted from earnest labor
and perseverance. In politics he was a
stalwart Republican, believed in the pro-
tection of American industries, and took
an interest in the success of his party, but
never sought office for himself, preferring
to devote his time and attention to his
business interests. He served, however,
as a school officer, and was a warm friend
of the cause of education; in religious
belief he was a Lutheran. He died
November 24, 1888, and was buried in
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
741
Bear Side cemetery. His widow and her
two children still reside on the old home-
stead, which comprises 1 20 acres of land,
now under a high state of cultivation and
improved with all the accessories and
conveniences of a model farm. Although
only eighteen years of age at the time of
his father's death, the son assumed the
management of the business affairs, and
has displayed marked ability in the dis-
charge of the duties which fell upon his
young shoulders.
OLE A. ANDERSON, a well-to-do,
respected resident of Egg Harbor
township, Door county, was born
February 22, 1844, in Norway,
son of John C. Anderson, a farmer of
that country.
The father of our subject emigrated
with his family to America in 1854, and
came west immediately, via the Great
Lakes, sailing from Buffalo on the steamer
"Columbia." He settled in Door coun-
ty, Wis., first locating at Ephraim, and
died in 1889, at Sister Bay; Mrs. Ander-
son now lives with her son, Ole A. They
were the parents of five children, namely:
Andrew J., Capt. Michael (of the schooner
"Annie Doll," who has his home in Mil-
waukee), Ole A., Mary and Maria.
Ole A. Anderson had few opportuni-
ties in his boyhood for obtaining a good
education, as few schools flourished in
the home neighborhood at that time, and,
having plenty of work to do at home, he
attended them only as circumstances per-
mitted. Up to the time of his marriage
he obtained his livelihood sailing and fish-
ing, and after that event located on land
one mile south of Ellison Bay, where he
engaged in farming, also getting out ties
and cordwood. He lived in that vicinity
until 1 89 1, when he removed to his pres-
ent home near Horse Shoe Bay, and here
he has since been engaged, in partnership
with his brother, Capt. Michael Anderson,
in getting out cordwood. Mr. Anderson
formerly owned 160 acres of land in
Liberty Grove township, and he now has
a half interest in 400 acres in Egg Harbor
township. He has worked hard to get a
start in the world, and the prosperity and
success which have attended his efforts
are well deserved, as all who know him,
and are acquainted with his steady indus-
trious habits, will agree, and he is much
respected by his fellow citizens. While
in Liberty Grove township he served as
supervisor, but he has no aspirations for
political preferment, giving his entire time
and attention to his business interests. In
political sentiment he is a Republican.
In 1874 Mr. Anderson was married,
in Ellison Bay, to Miss Gertie Anderson,
a native of Sweden, and to their union
was born one child, John O., who lives
at home. Mrs. Anderson died in 1890,
in Milwaukee, to which city she had gone
for medical treatment, and her remains
now rest at Sister Bay, Door county.
Mr. Anderson is a Lutheran in Church
connection.
FRED LEISCHOW, agriculturist
and cheese maker, and one of the
most widely known farmer citi-
zens of the town of Ahnapee, Ke-
waunee county, is a Prussian, born June
I, 1850, in Pomerania.
His father, John Leischow, was a
native of the same country, born in 18 19,
where he attended school, receiving a
good German education. He was reared
on a farm. When a young man he mar-
ried Minnie Raedke, who was born in
Prussia in 18 18, and she became the
mother of eight children, of whom three
are deceased and five are living, as follows:
Augusta, Mrs. Ferdinand Miller, of the
town of Forestville, Door Co. , Wis. ;
Caroline, Mrs. Ferdinand Maedke, of the
town of Ahnapee; Fred, whose name
opens this sketch; Albert, of the town of
Ahnapee, and Bertha, ^Irs. August
Froemming, of Ahnapee. After his mar-
riage Mr. Leischow followed agricultural
pursuits, also working as a roofer, until
742
commemohative biographical record.
1868, in which year he emigrated to the
United States, whither two daughters had
preceded him. Coming directly to Ke-
waunee county, Wis., he purchased in
the town of Ahnapee an eighty-acre tract
of timberland, upon which he located,
and without delay began the work of
clearing the place for cultivation. Later
he purchased 100 acres more, all of which
he improved, and he became one of the
prosperous men of his township. Po-
htically he was a Republican, and in re-
ligious connection he was a member of
the Lutheran Church. He died in May,
1892, and his remains now rest in the
Forestville cemetery.
Fred Leischow was educated in the
common schools of his native country,
and when eighteen years of age came
with his parents to the United States,
continuing to work on the home farm up
to the age of twenty-four years, when he
married and started in life for himself.
Purchasing from his father the farm of
eighty-five acres which he yet owns and
occupies, he engaged in agricultural pur-
suits, in which he has met with well-mer-
ited success. He has since bought more
land, and now owns 1 20 acres, well im-
proved and in a high state of cultivation,
the result of his labors entitling him to a
place among the best farmers of his town-
ship. In addition to his agricultural in-
terests, he owns and operates a cheese
factory, which does an extensive and
profitable business. Mr. Leischow gives
his own affairs the strictest personal at-
tention, but he also takes a lively inter-
est in the welfare of the community in
which he lives, and he has filled the office
of chairman for si.\ years, has served as
supervisor, and for the last nine years has
been clerk of his school district. In po-
litical connection he is a Republican. In
religious faith the family are members of
the M. E. Church of the town of Forest-
ville.
Mr. Leischow was united in marriage
with Caroline Kaaee, a native of Ger-
many, born in 1854, and they are the
parents of ten children, as follows: Lizzie
(Mrs. Louis Batcher, of Door county.
Wis.), Leonard, Amelia, Frederick,
Lydia, Annie, Alma, Gerhard, Louis and
Harrv.
JACOB J. KULHANEK. an enter-
prising young farmer of Franklin
township, Kewaunee county, was
born in Bohemia, May i, 1863, a
son of John and Katie Kulhanek, who
immigrated to the United States in 1871,
coming directly to the town of Mont-
pelier, in Kewaunee county, where the
father purchased land and at once com-
menced farming, so continuing until 1881,
when he sold his farm and purchased the
one his son Jacob now owns and occupies.
Jacob J. Kulhanek was the fifth born
in a family of si.x children, and was but
eight years of age when brought to
America by his parents. He was edu-
cated in the public schools of Franklin,
but ended his school days at the age of
fourteen years, and worked on the home
farm until si.xteen, when he started in
life for himself, commencing in a saw-
mill in Menomonie, where he worked
about two years and then returned home.
About a year later he obtained a situa-
tion as night watchman in a large saw-
mill at Garden Bay, Mich., where he re-
mained, interchanging positions, for about
five years. During this period his father
had given him the farm, and when he
returned home, at the expiration of the
time mentioned, he took charge and has
been engaged in its cultivation ever since,
prospering greatlw Mr. Kulhanek was
married September 12, 1881, to Miss
Annie Rabitz, daughter of Mathias and
Mary Rabitz, natives of Bohemia who
came to the United States in 1857. Mrs.
Annie Kulhanek was born in the town-
ship of Franklin in 1865, and is now the
mother of four bright children, namely:
Mathias, Mary, Jacob and Annie. The
family are members of the Catholic
Church, and Mr. Kulhanek is a member
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
743
of the Roman Catholic Bohemian Society
of Wisconsin, and of the C. F. P. S., a
Bohemian Benevolent Society of the town
of Franklin. In politics he is a Democrat,
and, as such, has served as township
assessor, and also filled several minor
offices; for three years he has served as
justice of the peace, and is still filling that
position in a most satisfactory manner.
He is one of the most highly respected
young men of the township, with every
prospect of a bright future.
M
daughter
marriage the
ATHIAS NYGARD is a native
of Norway, born April 27,
1856, and is the only son of
Mathias and Anna (Semson)
(Peterson) Nygard. They also had a
Christine, and by his second
father had three sons —
Peter, Simon and Antone. By occupa-
tion he was a farmer, and followed agri-
cultural pursuits throughout his entire life.
Mr. Nygard received a common-school
education, and spent his boyhood and
youth upon his father's farm, early becom-
ing familiar with the work of cultivating
land. His time was thus passed until
1872, when he sailed for the United States
on a vessel which dropped anchor in the
harbor of Baltimore, Md. , his passage be-
ing paid by Mathias Mathison, who is now
a resident of Cla3'banks township. Door
county. Our subject came at once to
Sturgeon Bay, Wis. , and for about three
months worked for George Bosford, after
which he went to .\rthur Bay, where he
was employed in lumbering for about
eleven months. His next place of resi-
dence was Claybanks township, and he
lived with John Mathison for a short time,
going then to Sturgeon river, where he
was employed in a sawmill during the
four succeeding summers. He then re-
turned to Claybanks township, but at that
time had no intention of locating here;
however, he finally purchased a store
building and the ground on which it stood.
and opened a small mercantile establish-
ment in partnership with John Mathison,
they continuing together for two years,
when Mr. Nygard bought out Mr. Mathi-
son, and has since been alone in business.
He has a full and complete stock of gen-
eral merchandise and a well-arranged
store, and his customers come from many-
miles around. In 1888 he built a cheese
factory, which he has since operated in
connection with his other interests.
Mr. Nj'gard holds membership with
the Lutheran Church, and contributes lib-
erally to its support. Since becoming an
American citizen he has supported the Re-
publican party, and is a warm advocate of
its principles; but has never sought or
desired political preferment, his time and
attention being fully occupied by his busi-
ness interests. He is a man straightfor-
ward and honorable in all dealings, and
his earnest desire to please his customers,
his courteous treatment and his honorable
career have won him success.
LOUIS SCHWEDLER is one of the
worthy and representative citizens
that Germany has furnished to
Kewaunee count}'. He was born
in the Kingdom of Prussia January 5,
1818, and is a son of John G. and Julia
(Scharf) Schwedler, the father a minister,
and is the only living member of a family
of thirteen children, those deceased being:
Rhinehart, Adolph, Adolphine, Minnie L.,
Frank S., Eliza A., Augusta, Adelaide,
Ewald, Arnold, Arthur and Albert.
When our subject was a youth of
thirteen he entered school, having pre-
viously been taught by his father, who
was a well-educated man. At the early
age of five years he could read and write,
and at the age of si.xteen he completed a
high-school education. In 1843 he wed-
ded Louise Manisel, and about that time
secured the position as manager over a
large estate in Germany of 2,000 acres,
receiving as a compensation for his serv-
744
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
ices $600 per annum. He was also in
the German army for three years, doing
duty in the cavalry service.
In 1S48 he bade adieu to friends and
Fatherland and sailed for America, land-
ing at New Orleans after a voyage of
fifty-three days. He at once started
north, traveling until he had reached
Washington county. Wis., where he pur-
chased forty acres of wild land, heavily
covered with timber. There were no
roads, nothing but Indian trails, wild
animals were frequently seen, and the
county was just opening up to civiliza-
tion. Milwaukee was the nearest trading
point, a distance of forty miles, and it
required about a week to make the jour-
ney to and from that place, for he had
only an o.\-team, and those animals are
not noted for their speed. After living
upon the farm in Washington county for
nine years, during which time he cleared
and improved eighty acres of land, Mr.
Schwedler came, in 1856, to Luxemburg
(then a part of Casco) township, Kewau-
nee county, and purchased, on Section 14,
160 acres of land, for which he paid $80.
There was not a space cleared large
enough to erect a house, so he had to cut
down the trees ere he could build his first
home, i8.\20 feet in dmiensions, in
which he lived until 1865. He plowed
his land with an ox-team, and his imple-
ments were an axe, a plow and a grub
hoe. Two years later he purchased forty
acres of his present farm, and in 1865 sold
his first farm and went to Neenah, Wis.,
where he purchased a house and lot, his
son being employed in a foundry at that
place. After two years, however, he
returned to Luxemburg township, and,
locating upon his forty-acre farm, built a
log house, which was his home until 1880,
when it was replaced by his present
residence. The boundaries of his farm
he has extended from time to time, having
purchased forty acres in 1868, forty acres
in 1 87 1, and forty acres in 1877, making
in all 160 acres of land.
To Mr. and Mrs. Schwedler have been
born eleven children — Adelaide, Mary
(deceased), Oscar, Awald (deceased),
Herman, Albert (deceased), Louis, Ru-
dolph, Robert (deceased), Ida and Adelia.
Since becoming an American citizen the
father of this family has been a stanch
Republican, and has served as assessor
and pathmaster. A progressive and pub-
lic-spirited man, betakes a warm interest
in everything pertaining to the welfare of
the community, and well deserves repre-
sentation in the history of his adopted
county.
J
ACOB KOZINA, an active and en-
terprising young farmer of Franklin
township, Kewaunee Co. , Wis. , was
born in Bohemia August i, 1862.
His parents, Thomas and Mary Ko-
zina, natives of the same country, came
with their children to the United States
in 1869, making their way directly to
Franklin township. Here the father
bought the farm now owned in part and
occupied by their sen Jacob, the subject
of this sketch, and followed farming
until 1892, when he sold part of the
homestead, having already deeded eighty
acres to Jacob. Our subject is the fourth
in a family of six children, and was but
seven years of age when brought to
America. His education was therefore
secured partly in the old country and
partly in this, but he left school at the
age of fourteen years and worked with
his father until twenty-three, when the
eighty acres were deeded to him; since
then he has followed the vocation of
farming continuously, and is now one of
the representative agriculturists of the
township.
On June 2, 1S85, Mr. Kozina mar-
ried Miss Frances Wishka, who was born
in the town of Carlton, Kewaunee Co.,
Wis., April 24, 1868, and is a daughter
of Joseph and Josie Wishka, who came
from Bohemia to Carlton township in
1865. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Ko-
zina has been blessed by the birth of four
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
745
children, namely: Peter, Joseph, Annie
and Francis. The family are members
of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Kozina
is a member of the Bohemian Roman
Catholic Central Union. In politics he
is a Democrat, and has held the office of
town treasurer about three years. He is
a successful man in his vocation, is a
useful citizen, and enjoys the esteem of
all his fellow-citizens, regardless of creeds
or politics.
JOHN CHATER, retired farmer, was
born May 7, 18 17, in Northampton-
shire, England, son of James and
Mary (Smith) Chater, in whose
family were six children — Elizabeth, Mary
Ann, Sarah, John, Martha and Anna.
The father died when our subject was
only five years old, and this compelled
John, when he was yet quite young,
to earn his own living. He was only
about seven years of age when he began
to aid his mother in the support of the
family, his first work being what was
called quill winding. Later he learned
the weaver's trade, which he followed for
about fourteen years, earning quite a good
livelihood in that way, for he was an ex-
pert workman.
On January 7, 1840, Mr. Chater was
united in marriage with Miss Julia
Buford, daughter of William and Anna
(Loseby) Buford, who were the parents
of five children, namely: Elizabeth, Julia,
Martha, George and Fred. In 1862 our
subject, having determined to try his for-
tune in America, sailed from Liverpool,
England, and after a voyage of fourteen
days landed at New York, whence he
made his way to Door county. Wis., and
located in Waterford, this State. In the
following November he came to Baileys
Harbor and purchased 135 acres of land,
three miles south of the town, upon which
he built a log house 18x24 feet, the best
residence in the township at that time.
His wife crossed the Atlantic about three
years later, landing at Quebec and com-
ing at once to Baileys Harbor, whence
she walked to the farm. Many hours she
spent in tears in those early days, for the
new home was in such contrast to her old
one with its comforts and conveniences.
Mr. Chater worked hard from morn-
ing until night, and after a time waving
fields of grain were seen where once were
barren fields, and the bounteous harvests
greatly added to the income of the owner.
His first crop was millet, and his sales
from three acres netted him over one
hundred dollars. Mr. Chater continued
to make his home upon the farm until
1887, when failing health forced him to
abandon agricultural pursuits, and he has
since lived retired, enjoying the rest which
he has so truly earned and richly de-
serves.
To Mr. and Mrs. Chater was born a
daughter — Matlida — now the wife of
James Riding, who lives on her father's
farm. Our subject exercises his right of
franchise in support of the Democratic
party, taking a deep interest in the growth
and success of same, and keeping well in-
formed on the issues of the day. He is
numbered among the pioneer settlers
of Door county, aided in laying out a
number of its roads, and has been other-
wise identified with its progress and de-
velopment.
JOHN WRABETZ, of Kewaunee, was
born in Moravia, a province of Aus-
tria, June 9, 1839, son of Frank
and Anna (Kalab) Wrabetz, who
were married in 1837. The family came
to America in 1853, but the father being
taken ill a few days before landing, he
was taken to a hospital on Long Island,
N. Y. , where he died after an illness of
seven days, leaving his widow with two
sons and one daughter, John being the
eldest.
The family at once came to Milwau-
kee, Wis. , there remaining together until
1859, when John went to Chicago for
two years, or until the spring of 1861,
746
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
when he came to Kewaunee, reaching
here April 26. .He opened a wagon
shop, having learned the trade under his
father, who was a wagon-maker, and
conducted it until August 15, 1862, when
he enlisted in the Twenty-seventh Wis.
V. I., with which he served in all its
marches and engagements until Sejjtem-
ber 29, 1865, when he was honorably
discharged from the \\' estern Department.
In the fall of the same \ear he returned
to Kewaunee, built a new shop, resumed
his old trade, and carried it on until 1881,
when he sold out and bought an interest
in a stone quarry, which he held until the
spring of 189^, when he sold. In Feb-
ruary, 1894, he purchased his present
meat market in Kewaunee, and is now
doing a thri\ing trade.
Mr. Wrabetz was married in .\pril,
1866, to Miss Mary Herbek, who l)ecame
the mother of si.\ sons and six daughters,
of whom three sons and four daughters
are still living; the mother was called
away in February, 1883. Mrs. Anna
Wrabetz, mother of our subject, died in
Milwaukee in 1889. Mr. W'rabetz is a
solid Republican and cast his first vote
for Lincoln. As the candidate of this
party, he was elected sheriff of Kewaunee
count)' in 1868, and served one term; as
city treasurer he served four terms, and
he has also tilled the office of alderman.
He is a member of no Church, nor of any
secret organization, but his popularity
rests on his own jiersonal merits.
FKlCDliRICK SCHUMACHFK, a
])rosperous farmerof Carlton town-
ship, Kewaunee county, was born
at Hohenbrunzow, Germany, Jan-
uary I, 1854. His father, Frederick, Sr. ,
was a native of the same place, born
March 25, 1825. His grandfather, Chris-
topher, was born in 1797, and died in
1862; his grandmother, Christina (Arnst)
Schumacher, was born in 1799, and died
in 1882.
After leaving school, at the age of
fourteen, Frederick, Sr. , began working
out for strangers at farm work, and was
thus employed until twenty years old,
when he was called to join the standing
army for three years, and was then dis-
charged. The German revolution broke
out about this time, and he was again
called to serve his country for a year;
after his second discharge he re-engaged
in farm labor until October 10, 1863,
when he brought his family to the United
States, and, locating in Chicago, 111.,
worked there for seventeen years at what-
ever he could find to do. He then rented
a farm in Cook county. 111., which he
culti\ate(l some seven years, and again
went to Chicago, where he now resides.
He had married, in 1850, Caroline Bau-
mann, who was born in Granshendorf,
Germany, March i, 1828, and to this
marriage have come six children, viz. :
Rika, Frederick, Caroline, Bertha, Mary
and William.
Frederick, Jr., the subject of this
sketch, passed three jears in the com-
mon schools of his native country, and
being but nine years of age when he
reached Chicago, he there attended the
public schools about five years, securing
a good education. After this he followed
teaming for about nine years, when he
joined his father in farming on the rented
land. When the father returned to
Chicago our subject came to Carlton
townjihip, Kewaunee Co. , Wis. , and
bought the farm he now occupies, which
was gained by hard labor and good man-
agement.
Mr. Schumacher was first united in
marriage, July 9, 1882, with Annie Gierz,
daughter of Fred and Lena Gierz. She was
born in Hohenbrunzow August 7, 1858,
came to the United States in 1882, and
died in Carlton township December 22,
1893. ^'it' bore her husband three chil-
dren, viz.: Herman, born May 19, 1883;
Annie, August 18, 1884, and Martha,
September 30, 1886. The second mar-
riage of our subject was to Augusta Kealke,
on March 28, 1894. This lady was born
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
747-
in Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Gerniany, No-
vember 7, 1865. Her father was John
Kealke, who was born in Furstensee,
Germany, in January, 1820, and died in
Mecklenburg-Strelitz June 4, 1883; her
mother was Minnie (Stegnian) Kealka,
who was born in Godendorf, Germany,
November 21, 1823, and died August i,
1884. Mr. Schumacher is a member of
the Lutheran Church at Sandy Bay, and
he and his family enjoy the respect of all
who know them.
CONRAD WACKTLER, a pioneer
citizen of Wisconsin, now resid-
ing in Nasewaupee township.
Door county, was born in Wur-
temberg, Germany, in 1827. His parents,
Conrad and Elizabeth (Brodbeck) Wack-
tler, were agriculturists in Gerniany, and
of their family three are now living:
Michael (residing in Germany), Barbara,
and Conrad (our subject). The father
died in his native country in 1829, and
the mother followed him in 1837.
Conrad Wacktler was educated in the
public schools of German}-, and at the age
of twenty-one 3ears entered in the German
army, fighting in the conflict which raged
between his country and Denmark over
the possession of Schleswig-Holstein.
After the close of the war he returned
home and carried on farming until 1852,
when he emigrated to the United States,
taking passage on a sailing vessel, the
voyage occupying six weeks. He went
at once to Albany, New York, where he
found employment in a tannery; remain-
ing there but a short time he went to Port
Washington, Wis., where he learned the
carpenter's trade; but at the end of three
years he gave that up and moved to Gib-
son township, Manitowoc county, there
following his former occupation of farm-
ing until 1862, when he enlisted in Com-
pany F, Fifteenth Wis. V. I. , Fourteenth
Army Corps. He fought in the battle of
Island No. 10, was with Sherman on his
famous march to the sea, and took part
in a number of fierce conflicts, receiving
an honorable discharge at Nashville,
Tenn., in 1865, after which he returned
to his home in Manitowoc county.
While living in Port Washington Mr.
Wacktler was married to Miss Elizabeth-
Broadbeck, a native of Germany, whose
parents lived and died there. She has borne
him four children, three of whom are living.
Wilhelm, who resides at home, looks
after the farm and conducts a saloon;
Henry, also living at home, and Gustav,
who is married and lives near his parents.
Catherine died at the age of eighteen
years. Mr. Wacktler is a member of the
G. A. R. at Sturgeon Bay. In politics he
is a Republican, and takes much interest
in securing good capable men for officers.
He and his estimaljle wife are members
of the Lutheran Church.
FRED LEONHARDT is one of
Wisconsin's native sons, born
January 29, 1858, in Sheboygan
county, and is the youngest in a
family of four children, whose parents were
Adam and Anna Margaret (Schneider)
Leonhardt. The father was a successful
agriculturist. The children are Peter,
now living in Oconto, Wis. ; Mary, wife
of Theodore Youngerman, a resident of
Marinette, Wis. ; Anna, wife of A. Adels-
beck, who lives in California, and Fred.
Fred Leonhardt well deserves repre-
sentation in the history of his adopted
county. His mother died when he was
only two and a half j-ears old, and in his
early childhood he had few advantages.
When only thirteen years of age he went
into the lumber woods, where he was
employed as a teamster for two winters,
after which he began learning the shoe-
maker's trade, serving a two-years' ap-
prenticeship; but on the expiration of
that period he was compelled to abandon
the work on account of failing health,
and in order to provide for his own main-
tenance he then again turned his atten-
tion to teaming, which he followed for a
74S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
number of years. The greater part of
his life has been spent in Wisconsin, and
his career has been one of usefulness.
In 1880 he removed to \'oseville, where
he began working for George Peterson,
and while at that place he was united in
marriage to Miss Harriet Richardson, the
wedding being celebrated on Christmas
Day, 1882. The lady is a daughter of
Lorenzo and Chloe A. (Porter) Richard-
son, well-known people of Door county.
After their marriage the young couple
came to Baileys Harbor and Mr. Leon-
hardt bought 100 acres of land at three
dollars per acre — a timber tract which
was entirely unimproved. They lived in
Mr. Richardson's home for seven years
and then mo\ed to their present residence,
which is noted for its hospitality and good
cheer. Mr. Leonhardt now has twenty
acres under a high state of cultivation.
Four children blessed the union of
our subject and his wife, but the second
child died in infancy, and Lorenzo A. died
at the age of two years. Ashire F. , the
eldest, and Aaron L., the youngest, are
still under the parental roof. Mr. Leon-
hardt is a Republican, and alvvaj-s sup-
ports that party by his ballot, but he has
never sought office for himself, preferring
to give his time and attention to his busi-
ness interests. Whatever success he has
achieved in life is due to his own efforts,
and is the reward of diligence and earnest
application.
E HENRY HERRICK is of Bo-
hemian parentage, his parents,
Joseph and Annie Herrick, having
been natives of Bohemia, whence
they emigrated to the United States be-
fore he was born. His father was a
wagon- maker in his own country, and
now follows that trade in Lincoln town-
ship, Kewaunee Co., Wis. There were
six children in the family — four sons and
two daughters: Joseph, Jr., E. Henry
(our subject), James, \\'illiam, Mary (now
Mrs. Frank Nowak, of Milwaukee), and
Lillie (who is still at home).
E. Henry Herrick was born October
14, 1868, in West Bend, Washington
Co., Wis., where up to the age of ten
years he attended the German parochial
schools, later attending the public schools
of Lincoln. At the age of eighteen years
he left home and went to northern Mich-
igan, where he secured a position as sca-
ler in a lumber camp. When summer
came he went home, but the following
winter he returned and became foreman
for the same jobber in the lumber camp.
Again returning home he was married,
on September 6, 1890, to Miss Rosa
Naze, of Brussels township, daughter of
Eugene Naze, who is at present (1894)
township treasurer of Brussels. After
Mr. Herrick's marriage he located in
Rosiere, Brussels township, where he
went into partnership with his father-in-
law in the farming, cheese-making and
mercantile businesses, which under his
careful management are rapidly increas-
ing. He has but one child, Louisa, who
was born August 21, 1893.
Mr. Herrick holds allegiance to the
Republican party, and has been sent by
them as a delegate to the Republican
county convention from Brussels town-
ship. He is an unusually bright young
man, and is most popular with all classes
of people with whom he comes in con-
tact in business and social relations. He
speaks four languages: English, Ger-
man, Bohemian and Belgian, an accomp-
lishment which has proved of the utmost
value in business. He is a member of
the Roman Catholic Church, and is most
active in promoting all measures which
will benefit the communitj'.
w
Ignatz
HECK, an enterprising and
prosperous young jeweler of Ke-
waunee, was born in Bohemia,
February 12, 1863. His father.
Heck, was a substantial farmer in
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.
749
the old country, as was his father before
him. Ignatz married a farmer's daugh-
ter, who bore him twelve children, of
whom six still survive. About the year
1880 this family came to America, set-
tling on a farm in Pierce township, Ke-
waunee Co., Wis., where the father still
lives.
W. Heck attended school in his na-
tive land until fourteen years of age, and
became fairly educated both in Bohemian
and German. He then began learning
the jewelry business in the city of Par-
dubitz, Bohemia, serving three years,
and then came to America with his par-
ents, he being then seventeen years old.
On arriving here he at once located in
Kewaunee, and for seven years worked
for others, then establishing a store for
himself, he met with much success, and
in 1 89 1 built his present block, one of
the finest in the city; part of it is occu-
pied by the postoffice, and the remainder
by his jewelry store and as his family
residence. Mr. Heck is also interested
in the Kewaunee Furniture Factory, of
which he is treasurer, and likewise in the
Bohemian Printing Co., which was estab-
lished in 1890, and is altogether a most
progressive young business man.
Mr. Heck was united in marriage in
Kewaunee, August 18, 1886, with Miss
Anna Dolensky, a native of Kewaunee
county and a daughter of Frank Dolen-
sky, an early settler. This union has
been blessed with two children — Anna
and Otto. In politics Mr. Heck is en-
tirely independent, but has served as
alderman. He is a member of the Royal
Arcanum, and of the Bohemian Turners,
and socially he and his family are highly
esteemed by the entire community.
WILLIAM BARTEL is a wide-
awake and progressive citizen
and the owner of a tine farm in
Sevastopol township, Door
county, which has been placed under its
present high state of cultivation through
43
his own efforts. He was born in Ger-
many September 4, 1849, and is the
second son in a family of seven children,
six sons and one daughter. The father,
William Bartel, was a farmer in Germany
who had a comfortable income, and in
the schools of that country the children
were educated.
Our subject remained under the pa-
rental roof until about twenty-six years of
age, when his father gave him money
with which to come to America, and in
December, 1875, he crossed the Atlantic,
sailing from Bremen on the steamer
"America," which after a voyage of six-
teen days dropped anchor in the harbor
of New York. Making his way to Mil-
waukee, Wis. , he there secured work with
the Chicago & North Western Railway
Company near Granville, this State. He
worked hard, saved his money and thus
got a start in life and on the 29th of June,
1878, came to Door county, and soon
after became the owner of eighty acres of
timber land.. Here in the midst of the
forest he hewed out a farm, for his prop-
erty was covered with a heavy growth of
timber which had to be cleared away ere
he could plow and plant his land. The
boundaries of this farm he has extended
until he now has 184 acres, of which
eighty acres are under cultivation and yield
to him a good income. His home is a
comfortable residence, and the improve-
ments of a model farm are there found.
Mr. Bartel was married, February 28,
1878, in Ozaukee county. Wis., to Miss
Margaret Herrbold, who was born in that
county July 12, 1850, and is a daughter
of Jacob Herrbold, a German farmer,
who in his younger years emigrated to
America. Their union has been blessed
with three children, one son and two
daughters — George, Susie and Louisa, all
yet under the parental roof. The parents
are highly respected people and are con-
sistent members of the Lutheran Church,
and in his political views Mr. Bartel has
always been a Democrat, but he has
never sought or desired official preferment.
75°
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
He has been the architect of his own for-
tune, and has built wisely and well. He
started out in life for himself with very
limited circumstances, worked as a rail-
road laborer, chopped wood at fifty cents
a cord, and scorned no labor which would
yield him an honest living. Steadily has
he worked his wa\' upward, overcoming
the difficulties and obstacles in his path
by perseverance and diligence, and to-day
he is numbered among the well-to-do
farmers of his adopted county.
HENRY BULTMANN, a well-to-do
farmer of West Kewaunee town-
ship, Kewaunee county, was born
in Munster, Germany, September
II, 1838, and is a son of Joseph and
Annie Bultmann.
Henry was reared to farming, and was
educated in a Catholic school in the old
country. He worked for his father on
the home farm until about twenty-eight
years old, and on March 7, 1868, emi-
grated to the United States, locating first
at Effingham, 111., but shortly afterward
removing to St. Louis, Mo. In the au-
tumn of 1 869, however, he came to Wis-
consin, settling in Kewaunee, where for
six years he worked in the sawmills. He
then bought the farm he still owns in
West Kewaunee township, where he has
since resided and which he has ever since
successfully cultivated, adding yearly to
his store of worldly goods, and now pos-
sessing as neat a farm as any of its size in
the township. Mr. Bultmann was united
in marriage February 14, 1S69, with Miss
Gertrude Huttar, who was born August
25, 1843, daughter of Joseph and Eliza-
beth Huttar. To their union have been
born four children, as follows: Henry,
May 28, 1873; Anton, February 26, 1876;
Bernard, April 17, 187S, and Annie, Sep-
tember 13, 1884. Mr. Bultmann is a
Democrat in his political affiliations, and
in his religious faith is a devout Catholic.
He has led an industrious and upright
life, and he and his family are highly es-
teemed in their community, where Mr.
Bultmann is looked upon as a valuable
and useful citizen.
HERMAN SCHLUESSEL, who is
one of the well-to-do farmers and
substantial citizens of Brussels
township. Door countj', was born
in Germany August 11, 1853, son of Mar-
tin Schluessel, a retired farmer of Ahna-
pee, who was also born in Germany.
W'hen Herman was thirteen years of
age the family emigrated toAmerica, sailing
from Hamburg to New York. They came
west to Milwaukee, W^is. , where our sub-
ject remained with his mother while his
father went on farther to look up a loca-
tion, and deciding to settle in the town of
Gibson, Manitowoc county, they lived on
a farm there for the ne.xt nine years, at
the end of that time removing to Ahna-
pee, Kewaunee county. During this
period Herman also worked for neighbor-
ing farmers, and the wages thus obtained
he gave to his parents, with whom he re-
mained until 1873. About this time he
concluded to get a home for himself, and
in Section 24, Brussels township. Door
county, he purchased 100 acres of land,
then all wooded, and he himself cut the
first tree that was felled on the property.
He erected a small cabin on his clearing,
and did his own cooking for some time.
On October 15, 1875, he was married, in
Cooperstown, Manitowoc count}', to Miss
Hulda Ueker, a resident of that county,
and daughter of Frederick Ueker, a re-
tired farmer. After their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Schluessel immediately com-
menced housekeeping in the log cabin
where Mr. Schluessel had been living, but
in 1893 they built one of the best farm
residences to be found in Brussels town-
ship. They have a family of bright chil-
dren, named as follows: William, Annie,
Hannah, Henry, Minnie. Gustav, Fred
and Matilda, all living; John died when
si.\ months old.
At the present time Mr. Schluessel has
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
73'
1 50 acres of land, all but two acres under
cultivation, and this is the largest cleared
farm in the township. For two years he
conducted a general store on his farm,
and in the spring of 1889 he began the
manufacture of cheese, in which he has
continued up to the present time, his
daughter Annie aiding him materially in
this enterprise. Mr. Schluessel is a Re-
publican in politics, and in religion he
and his entire family are members of the
Methodist Church of Forestville. In up-
rightness of character and honesty of pur-
pose Mr. Schluessel stands prominent
among his townspeople.
HERMAN KLEIMANN, a sub-
stantial farmer of West Kewau-
nee township, Kewaunee county,
was born in Germany November
'5- 1837, son of Casper and Mary Klei-
mann.
During his boyhood our subject at-
tended the Catholic schools of his native
country, and lived on a farm until 1864,
when he came to the United States, com-
ing directly through from the seaboard
to Illinois, where he worked on a farm
for about four years. He then came to
Kewaunee county. Wis., where, a short
time after his arrival, he purchased his
present farm, which he has cleared, and
by carefully attending to his business has
secured for himself a good home. After
becoming naturalized he cast his vote
with the Democrats, but he has never
sought public office. On April 10, 1866,
he was united in marriage with Mary Os-
pring, y^ho was born near Chicago, 111.,
August 28, 1850, daughter of Andrew and
Eva Ospring. Fifteen children, all still
living, have been the result of this union,
and were born in the following order:
Lizzie, April 15, 1868; Casper, March
18, 1870; August, April 29, 1872; Will-
iam, October i, 1874; Mary, February
24, 1876; Lucy, October 29, 1878; Annie,
August 7, 1880; Clara, February 7, 1882;
Trissie, September 19, 1883; Katie, April
20, 1885; Theodore, January 8, 1887; Gus-
tie, March 14, 1888; Isabelle, December
25, 1890; John, April 28, 1892, and Julia,
November 28, 1893. Mr. Kleimann and
family are adherents of the Catholic
Church, and are much respected by their
neighbors. He is a most industrious man,
and is one of the best farmers in West
Kewaunee township.
THEODORE PETERSON, an in-
dustrious, rising young farmer, of
Egg Harbor township. Door coun-
ty, is a native of Sweden, born
September 10, 1866, third son of Peter
Peterson, a farmer. The family consisted
of eight children — five sons and three
daughters — of whom Theodore is the fifth
in the order of birth.
Our subject was given a good com-
mon-school education, and until about
eighteen years old assisted his father on
the home farm, afterward working for
others for some two years. In Novem-
ber, 1886, he sailed from Gottenborg,
and ten days later landed at New York,
coming westward immediately to Green
Bay, Wis., and thence by stage to Stur-
geon Baj', where he arrived early in De-
cember. For the remainder of that win-
ter he was engaged in cutting cordwood,
in Gibraltar township, Door county, and
he was employed at various kinds of
labor until the fall of 1889, when, in
partnership with his brother, he bought
the farm of eighty acres, lying in Section
20, Egg Harbor township, on which he
now lives. He is a thrifty, industrious
worker, and under his management the
farm has undergone many changes and
improvements, and is yearly becoming
more valuable. With a reputation for
thorough honesty in all his dealings, he
has the good will of all who know him,
and being yet young has a prosperous
career before him.
In May, i 893, Mr. Peterson was mar-
ried, in Egg Harbor township, to Miss
Maggie Rossau, who was born in Gibraltar
752
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.
township, Door county, daughter of John
Rossau, a native of Holland, and to this
marriage has come one child, Albert. Mr.
Peterson is a Republican in politics and
cast his first Presidential vote for Har-
rison. In religious faith he and his wife
are members of the Lutheran Church.
LUKE KILLOREN is one of Ire-
land's honest sons now numbered
among the leading agriculturists of
Door county. He was born in
County Sligo in 1834, and is a son of
John and Mary (Karens) Killoren, the
father a farmer by occupation. In the
family were eleven children — Dominick,
John, Patrick, Thomas, Andrew, Bridget,
Luke, Mary, and three who died in infancy.
The career of Luke Killoren is not
one of brilliant or e.xciting episodes, but
is that of a man who has lived a quiet
life, performing faithfullj' the duties which
have come to him, and living at peace
with all. He attended school until about
seventeen years of age, and afterward
aided in the labors on his father's farm
until his marriage to Miss Margaret Egan,
daughter of John Egan, whose family
consisted of the following named children
— John, James, Patrick, Allie and Mar-
garet. In 1850 the young couple bade
adieu to the old home and sailed for the
New World, hoping thereby to benefit
their financial condition. After eight
weeks and three days spent upon the
Atlantic they first set foot on American
soil at Boston, whence they went to
Salem, Mass., and there for one year Mr.
Killoren was employed as a common
laborer. He then removed to Lowell,
Mass., and during the succeeding si.\
years was employed in a cotton factory at
two dollars per day; but again they
changed their place of residence and this
time sought a home in the West, locating
in Wisconsin. Mr. Killoren purchased
ten acres of land for seventy-five dollars,
built a log cabin, 16 x 20 feet, and cleared
five acres of the land, but during most of
the time worked for the farmers in the
neighborhood. After seven years he came
to Gardner township. Door county, and
worked in a sawmill for ten years, when,
in 1879, he purchased the 104 acres of
land constituting his present farm. It
was then covered with a heavy growth of
timber, but he at once began to clear it,
and with the assistance of his sons has
placed about fifty acres under cultivation.
Mr. and Mrs. Killoren have had a
family of eight children — Anna (deceased),
Anna, John, Thomas and Maggie (twins),
Lizzie, James and William. The mem-
bers of the family all belong to the Cath-
olic Church, and are well-known and
highly respected people of the community
in which they reside. Mr. Killoren votes
with the Democratic part}', but has never
been an aspirant for public ofTice, prefer-
ring to give his time and attention to his
business interests. Such in brief is the
record of his life; much might be said of
the hardships through which he has
passed and the trials that he has borne, but
with persistent effort he has worked on
and gained for himself and family a com-
fortable home, won the respect of all
with whom he has been brought in con-
tact, and gained a place among the
valued citizens of the community.
FRANK MILECHAR was born in
the town of Carlton, Kewaunee
county, March 18, 1859, and is
still a resident of his native town-
ship. His father, Joseph Milechar, was
born in Bohemia and by vocation was a
farmer.
Frank, the youngest in a family of six
children, was also reared to agriculture,
and still follows that pursuit. He was
educated in the public schools of Kewau-
nee county, which were necessarily re-
stricted in their means and methods in
his early day, but he succeeded fairly well
in acquiring a substantial fund of infor-
mation. When he had reached the age of
twenty-four years he was presented by
COMMEMORATIVE BIOOEAPHICAL RECORD.
753
his father with the farm he now owns and
has ever since cultivated, making many
necessary as well as desirable improve-
ments. Mr. Milechar has thriven, and he
is now considered to be one of Carlton's
representative men. A Democrat in pol-
itics, he has served as a member of the
town board, as town treasurer, as con-
stable, as a member of the board of edu-
cation, and has filled other minor offices,
always serving the people with ability and
honesty. In religion he is devoutly Cath-
olic. On January 17, 1882, he married
Miss Annie Wannek, daughter of George
and Mary Wannek, natives of Bohemia,
and this union has been blessed with the
birth of seven children, viz. : Albina,
Adolph, Emil, Frank, Anton, Mary, and
one whose name is not given, all living
except Frank, who died in 1892.
JACQUES NEUVILLE is a progress-
ive and public-spirited citizen, one
who labors for the best interests of
the community in which he resides,
and whose worth is recognized by many
friends who hold him in high esteem. He
was born May 13, 1840, in Belgium, and
is a son of J. Joseph and Mary J. (Del-
saou) Neuville, the father a farmer by
occupation. In the family were children
as follows: Adolph, Nicholas, Catherine,
Elnore, Henry, Jacques, Julian, Joseph
and Andrew.
Mr. Neuville attended school until
thirteen years of age, when he began
learning the mason's trade, serving a
three-years' apprenticeship. On the ex-
piration of that period the family, except-
ing Adolph, crossed the briny deep to
New York, and thence came direct to
Green Bay, Wis., and on to Gardner
township, Door county. The father had
died when Jacques was only five years of
age. The mother purchased 160 acres of
land at seventy-five cents per acre, and
the sons built a log cabin, 22x22 feet,
carrying all the timber on their shoulders.
They at once began to clear the land, and
their first crop consisted of potatoes and
two bushels of spring wheat, their har-
vests increasing with the amount of cleared
land until they were able to reap abund-
antly. The work was continued as rapidly
as possible, but the task was an arduous
one, for they had no team and the farm
implements of that day were very crude.
No roads had been made in this locality,
nothing but Indian trails marked their
paths; the woods were full of wild game
of all kinds, and Nicholas Neuville at one
time had a yoke of cattle killed by the
wolves which were very numerous in this
region. Jacques often walked to Green
Bay, a distance of thirty miles, and like
his brothers shared in the hard labor of
the farm, working from early morning un-
til night. The children remained at home
until their marriage, and when the last
one left the parental roof the mother went
to Bay Settlement, Brown Co., Wis., to
live with her son Julian. Her death oc-
curred about 1884.
On May 3, 1862, Jacques Neuville was
united in marriage with Theresa Salun,
and on November 16, 1864, our subject
left his young wife to aid in the defense
of the Union, enlisting in Company K,
Fifth Minnesota V. I., with which he
served until the close of the war. He
then returned to his home, and having
previously purchased forty acres of land
in Gardner township, began the work of
developing his farm, the boundaries of
which he has since extended until it
now comprises 120 acres, of which
eighty acres are cleared. Nine chil-
dren bless the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Neuville, namely: Flora, Isadore, Rose,
Eliza, Mellory, Josephine, Louie, Mary
and Ananias. The parents and children
are members of the Catholic Church, and
in politics Mr. Neuville is a Republican.
He has served as supervisor for a number
of years, has been school clerk and school
director, and is a warm friend of the cause
of education, which he believes to be one
of the prime factors in the promotion of
good government.
754
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPniCAL RECORD.
CHARLES LUTGEN. a thriving
young farmer of West Kewau-
nee township, Kewaunee county,
was born at Kewaunee Septem-
ber 13, 1865, and is a son of John Lut-
gen, who was born in Bremen, Germany,
August 4, 1S28.
At the age of thirteen John Lutgen
came to America, and for a while lived
in Milwaukee, Wis., thence moving to
Two Rivers, Wis., where he was em-
ployed in lumbering about six 3-ears, at
the end of that time buying a farm at
Saxonburg, Manitowoc county. He fol-
lowed agriculture until 1854, when he
came to Kewaunee, being one of the
pioneers of the county, and he helped to
build the first sawmill in Kewaunee, also
assisting in erecting the first German
Lutheran church of the same place, of
which Church he is a faithful adherent.
He was the first man to enlist from
Kewaunee county during the Civil war,
and served until discharged on account of
disability, his eye-sight having failed; in-
deed, a short time after his discharge he
became totally blind, and so remained
for three years, when his sight was re
stored.
Engajrme:
in lumberinsr until
1880, he then located on a farm now
owned by his son Charles, and here fol-
lowed the vocation of farming about
eight years, when he retired. He is a
member in good standing of the G. A.
R. post at Kewaunee, and has been for
many years. John Lutgen was married,
in 1849, to Margaret Rife, who was born
February 15, 1831, daughter of John and
Elizabeth Rife, and died March 11, 1892,
the mother of ten children, viz. : John
(deceased), Henry (deceased), Johnnie,
Minnie, Mary (deceased), Martha (de-
ceased), Charles, Hattie, Edward, and
one that died in infancy unnamed.
Charles Lutgen, the seventh in
order of birth of the above-named chil-
dren, was educated in the public schools
of Kewaunee county, and worked on the
home farm until twenty-two years old.
In 1889 he engaged in farming on his
own account, and has been very success-
ful. On September 15, 1888, he was
united in marriage with Emma Bielke,
who was born March 31, 1867, and she
has borne him two children— Henry,
born September 29, 1889, and Maggie,
born June 22, 1893. Mr. and Mrs.
Lutgen are in the full enjoyment of the
esteem of all who know them.
M
ICHEL BOTTKOLwas born in
October, 1831, in the Rhine
Province of Germany, which
was also the birthplace of his
parents, Michel and Mary (Bartholmas)
Bottkol. In the family were six chil-
dren, of whom three sons and one daughter
are j'et living.
In 1856 the father emigrated to the
United States, leaving Germany in April
and reaching New York on the 7th of
June. From there he proceeded to Mil-
waukee, Wis., whence, after a short
time, he came to Kewaunee county,
where he purchased 200 acres of land in
Lincoln township, which he at once began
to clear and improve, there carrying on
agricultural pursuits with good success for
a number of years. Removing to Ahna-
pee, he there died in 1888, having sur-
vived his wife two years. They were
members of the Catholic Church, were
highly respected people, and in politics
the father was a Democrat.
Our subject, who is the eldest son in
the family, was educated in the public
schools of his native land, after which he
came with his parents to the United
States, locating in I\ewaunee county in
1866. He is numbered among the early
settlers, and became familiar with the
hardships and trials of frontier life. About
six years after his arrival here, in con-
nection with his brothers, he assumed
the management of the old home farm
and continued its cultivation until 1887,
when he embarked in general merchan-
disinc
the saloon business and in
the manufacture of cheese, carrying on
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
755
operations along these lines in connection
with his brothers, George and Mathias. In
1 866 he was united in wedlock with Mary
Gakinet, who was born in Belgium in 1843,
and of their children are named the follow-
ing: Mary, who died in early life; Katherina,
now the wife of Emil Rasor, of Marinette,
Mich. ; Michael, living in Menomonie,
Wis. ; Annie, who is the wife of Joseph
Holzbach, of Manitowoc, Wis., and Clara.
In 1 87 1 the Bottkol brothers built a
saw and grist mill which they operated
until July, 1894, when it was destroyed
by fire, causing quite a loss, for there was
little insurance upon it. The family has
been very successful — one of the most
prosperous in the township — and its mem-
bers have a reputation for honesty and
uprightness that have been earned by
fair dealing, and of which they may be
justly proud. Our subject is a Demo-
crat in politics, a Catholic in religious
belief, and is a public-spirited and pro-
gressive citizen, whom Kewaunee county
could ill afford to lose.
JOHN MADDEN is one of the enter-
prising and successful farmers of
Door county, one who may truly be
called a self-made man, for his
prosperity in life is not the result of fort-
unate circumstances or an inheritance
from wealthy ancestors, but has been
achieved through persistent effort, dili-
gence and good business management.
Mr. Madden was born March 18, 1826,
in County Cork, Ireland, and is a son of
Jeremiah and Mary (Mahony) Madden,
the former a successful farmer. Their
children, nine in number, were Margaret
(deceased), Mary, Ellen, James, Mar-
garet, John, Jeremiah. Johanna and
Honora. The educational privileges
which our subject enjoyed were very
limited, for his father died when he was
only ten years of age, leaving the mother
with eight children to support. Her
father, John Mahony, also lived with
them for about five years, or until his
death, which occurred at the advanced
age of ninety-nine. When John was a
lad of fourteen the mother with four of
her children crossed the broad ocean, and
after a voyage of seven weeks and three
days landed at Quebec, Canada, where
they remained for about three months.
They then removed to Kingston, Ontario,
and during the succeeding ten years John
was employed as a farm hand, after
which the family moved west to Strat-
ford, Ontario, where he worked at day
labor. Seven years later the Maddens
sought a home in Wisconsin, locating in
Claybanks township. Door county.
On September 22, 1848, Mr. Madden
was united in marriage with Louise Vlier,
daughter of John and Mary (Meshien)
Vlier, a lady of French descent, who is
one of eleven children, namely: Joseph,
Edward, Omer, Matilda, Harriet, Charles,
Oliver, Louise, Angeline, Mary and Dan-
iel. Mr. and Mrs. Madden came to Clay-
banks township and purchased 120 acres
of land in its primitive condition, covered
with a heavy growth of timber, which was
still the haunt of bears, wolves, deer and
Indians, while Indian trails were the only
paths in the neighborhood. In the entire
township there were only one horse and
one yoke of oxen, and three years had
passed before Mr. Madden could afford to
purchase a team. He lived on the
"beach" in ahouse 14X I4feet, in which
there was not a single window and only
one door, but in this home he commenced
his successful life work. Those early «lays
formed a period of labor and hardship
unknown to the younger generation, but
as time passed the earnest efforts of our
subject were crowned with prosperity, and
to-day he is the owner of 200 acres of
valuable land, constituting one of the fine
farms of the neighborhood.
In Mr. Madden's family are eight chil-
dren— Ellen, James, Mary, Jerry, John,
Nora, Louise and Eugene, the last named
now attending college at Marquette, Wis.
John, who was graduated from the State
Normal School of Oshkosh, Wis., after-
756
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHJCAL RECORD.
ward went to the medical college in Ann
Arbor, Mich., and during the year 1893
studied in Germany; he is now located in
Milwaukee, Wis., a talented and able
young physician, successfully engaged in
practice. The family are members of the
Roman Catholic Church. In politics, Mr.
Madden is a Democrat, and for four years
has served as supervisor; he is also a
member of the school board, and the cause
of education finds in him a warm friend,
while to every enterprise calculated to
prove of public benefit he gives his
hearty support and co-operation.
CHRISTOPHER LEONHARDT,
for the past thirty years or more
a popular and well-known resi-
dent of Sturgeon Bay, Door
county, is a native of Germany, born
September 16, 1837, his father's birth-
day, in Selzen, Grosse-Darmstadt, where
his father and grandfather were also born,
the latter of whom, by name Jacob Leon-
hardt, owned a si.\ty-acre farm in that lo-
cality, and there passed his entire life.
Jacob Leonhardt, father of our sub-
ject, who was the eldest but one in the
family of eight children — three sons and
five daughters — of Jacob Leonhardt, was
born September 16, iSoi, and was reared
to agricultural pursuits on his father's
farm in Germany. In 1S27 he was mar-
ried in the Fatherland to Miss Anna M.
Berwing, also a native of Selzen, and
nine children blessed their union, all
save the youngest, Elizabeth, born in
Germany, to wit: Henry, John, Jacob,
Christine, Maggie, Christopher, Mary,
Peter and Elizabeth. Of these, four are
yet living, a brief record of whom is as
follows: Henry is living on the old
homestead in Germantown township,
"Washington Co., Wis. ; Jacob is a farmer
of Menomonee Falls, Waukesha Co.,
Wis. ; Christine is the wife of Andrew
Zimmerman, also a farmer in Waukesha
county. Wis. ; Christopher is the subject
proper of this sketch. In 1843 the fam-
ily came to the then Territory of Wis-
consin, where, in Germantown township,
Washington county, the father purchased
a partly improved farm of eighty acres,
their settlement being among the early
ones, the first in that locality having been
made in 1840. This farm they cleared
and improved till it came to be looked
upon as second to none in the township,
and here the father died April 18, 1857,
the mother in May, 1870.
Christopher Leonhardt was, as will be
seen, six years old when the family immi-
grated to Wisconsin, and at the common
schools of Germantown township, Wash-
ington county, he received a fair educa-
tion. On the home farm he remained
until he was twenty-seven years old,
when he came to Sturgeon Bay, arriving
on the loth day of June, 1864, and im-
mediately erected the dwelling on the
northeast corner of Pine and Cedar streets,
where he and his family now reside. For
seven years he kept the hotel which he
had opened shortly after coming here, and
in 1872 he put up a frame building on the
northwest corner of Pine and Cedar
streets, at that time the largest in the
city, on the site where he is now in busi-
ness; but in 1884 this was burned, and he
at once erected his fine brick building.
Mr. Leonhardt has dealt largely in real
estate — both city and farm property — and
at the present time owns the two valuable
corner lots in Sturgeon Bay already re-
ferred to, besides several other lots and
farm property.
On August 12, i860, our subject was
married to Miss Catherine Lorch, born in
Selzen, Germany, who, in 1856, came
with her widowed mother, one sister,
Christine, and one brother, Peter, to
Wisconsin and to Door county. Mr. and
Mrs. Lorch had four children, as follows:
Casper, the eldest son, came to America
in 1 8 52, and was burned to death in the
great forest fires which swept over Door
county in October. 1871; Peter died in
Door county in 1880; Catherine is the
wife of Mr. Leonhardt; Christine is the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.
757
wife of Joseph Zettel, a farmer of Sevas-
topol township, Door county, where he
raises a vast amount of fruit, being the
owner of the largest orchard in Wiscon-
sin. Of this family, Mrs. Catherine
Leonhardt and Mrs. Christine Zettel are
the only survivors. The father, Christo-
pher Lorch, died in Germany in 1849,
the mother in Door county in 1877. To
Mr. and Mrs. Leonhardt were born ten
children, seven of whom are living: Cath-
erine, Henry, Minnie, Julia, Peter, Louisa
and Lottie; Lizzie, Adolph and Mary
died when young. In politics our sub-
ject is a stanch Republican, and he has
held various offices of honor and trust,
to wit: treasurer (to which he was elected
in 1874, and which he held three terms),
member of the town board nine years,
trustee of the village, and also president
one term; assessor and treasurer for the
city; alderman one term; member of the
county board, four years; school treas-
urer, one year; and in 1883 he was a
member of the State Assembly. Since
its organization in 1868 he has been pres-
ident of the Cemetery Association, and he
has ever taken an active interest in all
matters pertaining to the general welfare
of his adopted city and county. Socially
he is a member of the F. & A. M., and
Sons of Hermann, in which latter organ-
ization he belongs to the National Lodge
and the local Grand Lodge, and was
twice a delegate to the National Lodge,
and seventeen years to the Grand Lodge.
FERDINAND JONES, more pop-
ularly known as " Harry " Jones,
captain of the schooner "Eliza-
beth," is one of the best-known
citizens of Egg Harbor township. Door
county. He is a native of the Father-
land, born September 13, 1842, in Ham-
burg, son of August Jones, ship carpenter.
During his boyhood our subject at-
tended the common schools of his native
country. From his childhood he was
fond of sailing, and when thirteen years
old he commenced to work about vessels,
afterward sailing on the ocean for over
thirteen years, during which time he
visited many Mediterranean ports, the
East Indies, West Indies, Rio Janiero,
China, California, and other places. In
1857 he shipped at Hamburg on the
"Sunshine," bound for Boston and New
York, and leaving the vessel at the latter
city he made his home there for some
time. Later he went westward to Chi-
cago, and commenced sailing the Great
Lakes, but shortly afterward coming to
Door county, W'is., he bought a forty-
acre tract of totally wild land in Bailey
Harbor township, on which he erected
the first house, and began to clear the
land for cultivation. After following farm-
ing there for a few years, however, he
sold the place and removed to Chicago,
where he found employment for about a
year around docks and vessels, and then
returning to Door county purchased land
in Section 31, Egg Harbor township,
where he has ever since had his home.
This farm contains 160 acres, eighty of
which have been placed under cultivation
by Mr. Jones, who has made all the nu-
merous improvements which beautify the
place and add to its value as a farm and a
home. In 1890 Mr. Jones bought the
schooner "Elizabeth," which plies be-
tween Egg Harbor, Green Bay, Menomo-
nee, and other bay ports, trading, and of
which he himself is captain, sailing dur-
ing the season, and remaining on his farm
in winter. Mr. Jones has been blessed
with robust health, having never had need
of a doctor's services, and he has used
his strength to advantage, working hard
all his life, and by persevering industry
has established himself in the comforta-
ble home he now enjoys. He is well-
known in this section of Door county,
and has the respect of all who have come
in contact with him in any way.
Mr. Jones was married, in Baileys
Harbor, to Dora Dow, a native of Meck-
lenburg, Germany, and they are the par-
ents of the following children: Louis (of
rss
COMilEMORATIVE BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD.
Baileys Harbor), Adolph, Caroline,
Emma, August, Martha, Alvina, Eddie,
Herman and Fritz, living, and two — one
son and a daughter — deceased. In re-
ligious connection Mr. Jones is a Lu-
theran. Politically he is a stanch member
of the Republican party, but devotes
little time to politics, though he has
served as a member of the township
board.
M
ARION FREN'CH, the popular
and genial host of the "Wis-
consin House," of Ahnapee,
was born in Terre Haute, Ind.,
February 9, 1S46, and comes of a family
of German origin, which was founded in
America by his grandfather, Peter French,
a native of Germany, who when a young
man became a resident of Knoxville,
Tenn. In that locality he owned four
large plantations, kept many slaves and
conducted a large and lucrative business.
He died in Kno.wille before the Civil
war, and willed all his property to seven
of his children, disinheriting his eighth
child, Frederick, who had followed the
dictates of his heart and married the
daughter of a poor widow. The grand-
father was an aristocrat of the old Euro-
pean school, very proud of his family.
Frederick French, who was born in
Kno.wille, turned his attention to farm-
ing in order to support his family, and
afterward removed to Terre Haute, Ind.,
where he became the owner of two large
farms on the west branch of the Wabash
river. In spite of the aid refused him by
his father he became a prosperous man,
was a leader in the community, and had
considerable influence among his neigh-
bors. His last days were spent with his
second daughter in Shelby county. 111.,
where he died at the age of seventy-eight.
His faithful wife, who bore the maiden
name of Polly Hensle}', died two years
previous, when seventy-four 3-ears of age.
Marion French was the seventh in
order of birth in their family of eight
children, and was reared on the home
farm, where his physical training devel-
oped a strong constitution. His literary-
education was acquired in a Methodist
Episcopal seminary in Paris, 111., and at
the age of eighteen, accompanied by his
brother Jordan, he started on a long trip
through the ^^'estern States, traveling for
two years, dealing in stock, which he
would ship to Chicago. At length the
brothers returned to Shelbyville. 111.,
where Jordan located. Marion had
studied mineralogy and geology in Paris,
111., and now started on a prospecting
tour through the northern part of Canada
and British Columbia, having most of the
time no companion. At length, near
Port Arthur, in the Thunder Bay district
on the northern shore of Lake Superior,
he located almost 12,000 acres of mining
land, on which was located gold, silver
and iron ore, purchasing the same from
the Canadian Government. He then or-
ganized a stock company in Chicago with
a capital of $1,000,000, and among the
stockholders were noted bankers and real-
estate men of that city. Mr. French
owns one-fourth of the stock, became
superintendent and general manager of
the company, and showed much ability
in opening up the mines, surveying and
prospecting 5,000 acres of land and lo-
cating ten silver mines and one iron ore
mine. Two of the silver mines were
found to contain e.xcellent ore, but the
distance from market and transportation
was so great as to render the operation
of the mines unprofitable, and the work
has been temporarily abandoned until
such time as railroads shall be built
through that country, when the stock-
holders in the company will undoubtedly
reap a rich return from their investment.
Our subject spent about ten years alto-
gether in the mining district.
On October 22, 1874, Mr. French
was married in \'igo count}', Ind., to
Miss Margaret Ella — a lady of Scotch de-
scent, and they have one son. Earl
Marion, who was born in Antwerp, Ohio.
COMMEMOIiATIVE BWGRAPUICAL RECORD.
759
In 1890 Mr. French formed a partner-
ship with George Smith, son of ex-Gov-
ernor Smith, of \'ermont, the old war
Governor, and owner of the Vermont
Central railroad. Their office was lo-
cated in the Guarantee Loan Buildinf(, in
Minneapolis, Minn., and the partnership
was continued until the death of Gov.
Smith, when Mr. French removed to
Milwaukee, Wis., where he soon became
known as a mining expert, and did con-
siderable work for mining companies of
that cit)'. On May 12, 1893, he came
to Ahnapee, leased the "Wisconsin
House " for five years, and is now suc-
cessfulh' conducting the same, managing
it so ably that it has found great favor
with the traveling public, while he is
recognized as one of the most popular
landlords in northeastern Wisconsin.
JOSEPH PAULU, a pioneer farmer
of ^^'est Kewaunee township, Kewau-
nee county, was born in Bohemia
May I, 1834, son of Joseph and
Frances Paulu, the former of whom was
born in Bohemia in 1809, and the latter
in 1S12.
Joseph Paulu, Sr. , arrived in the
United States in 1857, coming direct to
Kewaunee count}', ^^'is., and locating on
a farm in West Kewaunee township, fol-
lowed farming there until his death, in
1867. Joseph Paulu, the subject of this
sketch, attended school in his native land
until sixteen years of age, and then learned
the trade of mason, following it until 1854,
when he entered the army and served ten
years, six months and thirteen days. On
his final discharge he came directly, in
1865, to I-iewaunee, Wis., and immediate-
ly settled on the farm he at present owns
and occupies in West Kewaunee township.
This farm he soon cleared of timber, and
has so cultivated and improved it that he
is regarded as one of the representative
farmers of the county.
Mr. Paulu was united in marriage, in
1864, with Miss Mary Eucharda, who was
born in Bohemia in 1841, and to this
union have been born seven children, viz. :
John, Frederick, Joseph, Frank, Anton,
Ferdinand and Mary, of whom Anton,
born September 28, 1874, died May 24,
1889, and Ferdinand died in infanc}' in
1876. In politics Mr. Paulu is a Demo-
crat, and in 1S80 was elected treasurer of
West Kewaunee township, serving two
years; he has been agent for the German
Insurance Company of Kewaunee about
fifteen years, and is now agent for the
Bohemian Farmers' Insurance Company
of Casco, I\ewaunee count}-. He is a
member of the C. S. P. S., a Bohemian
benevolent society, and is also a member
of S. C. F., a Bohemian Society of Ke-
waunee and Manitowoc counties, of which
society he has been president for
ten years. Mr. Paulu has not only been
successful as a farmer, but his integrity
and upright walk through life have won
for him the respect of all who know him.
JAMES RIDINGS is a native of Eng-
land, born June 3, 1837, and comes
of an old English family. His
grandparents were John and Martha
Ridings, the former a weaver, who oper-
ated a hand loom. He was quite radical,
very pronounced in his views, and was
twice imprisoned for his speeches against
the government. In his family were
five children — John, Joseph, Dan, Ann
and Nancy. The first named, the father
of our subject, was also a hand-loom
weaver, having learned the trade of his
father. When he reached manhood he
married Grace Barrett, and by their union
were born two sons — Robert, in 1834,
and James, in 1837. The mother died
when our subject was only five years of
age, and thus deprived of her tender care
his early childhood was not one of entire
ease.
When quite young Mr. Ridings began
to earn his own living, and in consequence
could not attend school, save on Sundays,
at which time he acquired a knowledge of
760
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
the common English branches. On June
30, 1866, was celebrated his marriage
with Miss Matilda Chater, daughter of
John and Julia Chater, and the same
year he sailed with his bride from Liver-
pool, England, landing in N^wYork City
after a voyage of ten days. His father,
however, always remained in his native
land, dying there in 1S68. Five children
grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ridings —
Ida (now the wife of William Bradley, of
Baileys Harbor), Fred, Hannah, Clara
and Matilda. Upon his arrival in this
country Mr. Ridings came direct to
Baileys Harbor, where his wife's parents
were living, and worked on his father-in-
law's farm for two years, after which he
purchased forty acres of land in Section
30, Bailey Harbor township, at ten dol-
lars per acre, and after erecting a log
house began clearing the farm, which was
covered with a heavy growth of timber,
through which yet roamed wolves and
other wild animals. His farm implements
were crude, but he worked hard, in course
of time placing much of his land under
cultivation, and the once barren tract was
made to yield to him a golden tribute in
return for the care he bestowed upon it.
There he lived until 1883, when Mr.
Chater, being unable longer to work,
traded farms with our subject. His life
has been a busy and useful one, and
having made the most of his opportunities
and privileges he has steadily worked his
way upward. For three years he has
served as assessor of his township, dis-
charging his duties with promptness and
fidelity; in his political views he is a stal-
wart Democrat, while in religious belief
both he and his wife are Methodists.
VALENTINE HOFFMANN is one
of the oldest residents, in point of
occupation, of Kewaunee county,
having settled here in 1855. before
the county was organized.
He was born in Saxony, Germany,
January 20, 1832, the only son in a family
of five children. At the age of six years
he lost his father, and his mother died in
German}' in 1852; the father was a
veterinary surgeon. The eldest sister of
Valentine left her native land in 1846,
and, coming to America, located at Balti-
more, Md., to which city our subject
followed in 1849. He attended school
in Germany from the age of six to four-
teen years, according to law, and after-
ward learned the weaver's trade. Resid-
ing six years in Baltimore, he came to
Wisconsin, and after passing six months
in Racine, came to Kewaunee, where for
four years he worked in sawmills in sum-
mer and in the woods in winter. He
next clerked in Hitchcock's general store
two years, or until 1862, when he enlisted
in Company A, in a regiment of Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry, and after a
service of three years, one month and
twentj'-nine days, was honorably dis-
charged in September, 1865, with the
rank of corporal. He took an active and
gallant part at the fall of Vicksburg; was
at Spanish Fort and Mobile, Ala., and at
Little Rock, Ark., and in numerous
skirmishes and minor battles, in one of
which, Salem Bottom, where the fight
lasted from 7 a. m. until 4 p. M., he
received a slight gunshot wound, but did
not leave the field. This was his only
casualty, but after his return to Kewaunee
he was ill a long time. After his recovery
he again clerked for Mr. Hitchcock two
years, and then for eight months for
Duvall & Co. He then engaged in farm-
ing for eighteen months in West Kewau-
nee in partnership with his wife's brother,
then sold his interest and returned tO'
Kewaunee, where for the past twenty-
one years he has carried on a first-class
saloon.
Mr. Hoffmann was married in April,
1862, to Miss Lovisia Helwich, a native
of Prussia, who came with her parents to
Kewaunee in 1855. To this marriage
have been born eight children, of whom
seven are still living, one having died in
1884. All the survivors live under the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHICAL RECORD.
761
parental roof with the exception of \Jizz\e
(who was married to Charles Deda, who
died in 1891) and Ezra (who is married,
and is at the head of his own household).
Charles Hoffmann, the third child in
the above family, was born in Kewaunee
November 13, 1868, and is now an active
member of the younger Democratic ele-
ment. He has been supervisor of his
ward four terms, city clerk two years,
justice of the peace, and at present is
deputy postmaster. He is also captain of
the Sons of Veterans, and is recognized as
one of the leiding young men of Kewaunee.
CHRISTIAN JACOBSON. The
population of this country is large-
ly formed of the sons of other
lands; but no country has furnish-
ed more valuable citizens to the United
States than has Norway, within the bor-
ders of which occurred the birth of our
subject, on November 1 1, 1843. His pa-
rents were Jacob and Dora Woolson, the
latter of whom died when her son Chris-
tian was two and a half years old, leaving
the following children — Eric, Dora, Peter,
Toriston, Dannine, Jacob and Christian.
Mr. Jacobson was in his early life a
sailor, and spent a number of years on
the high seas. In 1870 he crossed the
Atlantic to America, and made his way
to Sioux City, Iowa, where for one year
he resided. During the succeeding four
years he traveled all over the United
States, working during this time at day
labor, and in 1875 he went to Michigan,
spending the succeeding seven years in
the city of Menominee, where he was em-
ployed in a sawmill. In 1882 he arrived
in Claybanks township, Door Co., Wis.,
and he purchased forty acres of land on
Section 8, which he at once began to
clear and place under cultivation. His
agricultural labors at that place continued
for two years, when he went to Manito-
woc, Wis., and worked in a shipyard, but
after a time he returned to his farm. His
second period of residence thereon was of
three years' duration, and in 1890 he
bought forty acres of land where he now
lives.
In 1879 Mr. lacobson was united in
marriage with Miss Carrie Marren, who
died in 1883, and, after living single for
two years, he married Carrie Modson.
His three children are Dora, Gunda and
William. The family is connected with
the Lutheran Church, and in his political
views Mr. Jacobson is a Republican,
warmly advocating the principles of that
party; but political preferment has had
no attraction for him, and he has never
sought the support of his fellow townsmen
for public office. He desires rather to
give his entire time and attention to his
farming interests, and along this line is
meeting with a fair degree of success,
which is certainly well-merited, and which
proves the wisdom of the determination
which he formed in 1870, to seek a home
in the land of the free.
preparatory
of nineteen
School at
PROF. M. McMAHON. the accom-
plished superintendent of the city
schools of Kewaunee, is a native
of Chicago, 111., although his early
life was passed on a farm in Manitowoc
county, Wisconsin.
He there received his
education, and at the age
entered the State Normal
Oshkosh, which he attended two years.
After an examination by the State Board
of Examiners he was granted a life cer-
tificate to teach in any school in the State
of Wisconsin, and in 1874 took charge of
the Kewaunee city schools, in which he
has since continuously taught until the
present time, with the exception of four
years, from 1881 to 1885, when he had
charge of the schools at Durand, Wis.
In the last named year he resumed charge
of the Kewaunee schools. He has always
taken a great interest in school work,
independently of his immediate position,
in which he has labored so long and so
persistently. That his abilities as an in-
762
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
structor have been fully recognized by the
citizens of Kewaunee is evident from the
pertinacity with which they cling to him,
and many are the young men and young
women of the citj', now grown to mar-
riageable age, who look back to the days
of their childhood and adolescence and
bless the kind and patient teacher who
moldcil their growing intellects to forms
of usefulness as well as ornamentation to
society and happiness to themselves.
Mr. McMahonwas married in Decem-
ber, 1875, to Miss Bertha Brandes, daugh-
ter of Charles Brandes, Sr. , mention of
whom is made on another page of this
volume, and this union has been blessed
by the birth of two children — Edna and
Mattie. The family mingle with the
most refined residents of Kewaunee, and
in this circle are accorded the highest
position attainable.
FREDERICK DAMMAN was born
in Mecklenburg, Germany, Octo-
ber 24, 1S36, son of Charles and
Mary Damman, who were also
natives of the same countr\', the father be-
ing a farmer. In 1862 the latter sailed
for the New World, and took up his resi-
dence in Milwaukee, Wis. , where he lived
until called to the home beyond, in 1890.
His wife died in Milwaukee in 1886.
They reared a family of four children:
Mary, now the wife of Lewis Casborn, of
Ahnapee township, Kewaunee Co., Wis.;
Fredericka, wife of John Buchholz, of
Forestville township; Sophia, wife of
Frederick Hals, of Milwaukee, Wis. ; and
Frederick.
Our subject is a well-known farmer of
Door county. In his youth he became
familiar with all the duties of farm life,
aiding his father in the cultivation of the
home farm, and he was educated in the
common schools, having by reading and
observation in his later years become a
well-informed man. When seventeen
years of age he crossed the broad Atlantic
to America, making the voyage in the
sailing vessel "Gladwin," which reached
New York after a six-weeks' voyage. For
one year he worked as a farm hand near
Albany, N. Y. , and then came to Wiscon-
sin, settling in Milwaukee, where he fol-
lowed any honest emplojment he could
find. In 1 86 1 he removed to Kewaunee
county. Wis., locating in Ahnapee town-
ship, where he developed a farm of si.xty
acres. In 1878 he removed to his pres-
ent farm of sixty acres, forty acres of
which are in Forestville township. Door
county. This place he cleared of the
timber with which it was covered, then
plowed and planted the land, and in
course of time gathered abundant harvests
which rewarded the care and labor that
he had bestowed upon them. His is now
one of the desirable farms of the neigh-
borhood, and the improvements seen
thereon are a monument to the thrift and
enterprise of the owner.
Mr. Damman takes a deep interest in
political affairs, keeps well informed on
the issues of the day and by his ballot
supports the men and measures of the
Republican party. Socially, he is con-
nected with William A. Nelson Post No.
227, G. A. R. , for during the war of the
Rebellion he went to the defense of the
Union, enlisting in 1864 as a member of
Company E, Seventeenth Wis. V. I.,
and was with the army of the West; he
marched from Chattanooga to Atlanta,
then was in the entire Atlanta and Caro-
lina campaigns, and took part in the Grand
Review in Washington, where, "wave
after wave of bayonet-crested blue," the
victorious armies of the North marched
in triumph before the nation's Chief E.x-
ccutive. The war having closed and his
services being no longer needed, Mr.
Damman was honorably discharged in
Madison, W^is. , in June, 1865.
In Milwaukee, Wis., in 1856, our
subject was united in marriage with Miss
Sophia Bedke, who was born in Germany,
daughter of Joachim Bedke, one of the
pioneer settlers of Milwaukee, who died
in that city in 1876. In 1868 Mr. Dam-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
763
man was called upon to mourn the death
of his wife, who passed away in Kewau-
nee count}', Wis., leaving two children —
Josephine, now the wife of Matt Schaus,
by whom she has five children; and Fred,
who resides in Milwaukee. Mr. Danmian
was again married in Kewaunee county,
in 1869, this time to Anna Jorkey, who
was also a native of the Fatherland. By
the second union have been born nine
children, namely; Mary (wife of Frank
Clear, of Milwaukee, Wis.), Lena (wife of
Ed Dengle, of that city), George (who is
married and lives in Milwaukee), Emma,
Henry. John, Louisa, Hermann and
Anna. The family is one of prominence
in the community, and its members have
many warm friends.
IVI
ATHL\S MEYER, agent at
Ahnapee of the Van Dycke
Brewing Company of Green
Bay, Wis., is a native of the
"Badger State, " born August 14, 1868,
in Port Washington, son of Leo Meyer.
Leo Meyer was born in Baden, Ger-
many, where in the common schools he
obtained a good education, and when
a young man was apprenticed to the
weaver's trade, which he followed until
he came to the United States, in 1862.
The Civil war being then in progress, he
soon enlisted in the Twenty-fourth Wis.
V. I , and going to the front served until
the close of the conflict, when he received
an honorable discharge. He was wounded
in a skirmish at Big Shanty, Ga., while
with Sherman's army on its march to the
sea, and was sent to the hospital at Madi-
son, Wis, after his recovery returning to
his command, where he was promoted to
the ranks of corporal and sergeant. He
was permanently disabled, having received
a wound in the left arm which deprived
him of the use of that member, and he now
draws a pension. He is a member of the
G. A. R. After his return from the army
Mr. Meyer began working at the tinsmith
trade in Port Washington, remaining
thereuntil 1871, when he came to Ahna-
pee, Kewaunee county, and here at once
established the tinshop and hardware
business in which he still continues. He
was married, at Port Washington, to
Elizabeth Furst, a native of that place,
who is of German extraction, and their
marriage was blessed with thirteen chil-
dren, viz.: Mathias; Susan, Mrs. Frank
Kohlbeck, of Ahnapee; John, an engineer
on a boat for the Manistee Lumber Co. ;
Emil, a tinner by trade, who lives at
Ahnapee; Annie; Julius, a tinner, of Ahna-
pee; Leo; Carl; Amelia; Lucy; Leonia;
Julia, and Adeline. Politically Mr. Meyer
is a Democrat. In religious faith he is a
Catholic, and socially he is a member of
the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and
the German Central Beneficial Society.
Mathias Meyer was educated in the
public schools, receiving instruction in
both the German and English languages.
When a young man he learned the tin-
ner's trade, an occupation he followed
nearly twelve years, since when he has
been agent for the Van Dycke Brewing
Company, of Green Bay, having charge
of the branch at Ahnapee, where the com-
pany is doing an extensive and ever-in-
creasing business. Mr. Meyer's energy
and capability are recognized by all who
have dealings with him, and are fully ap-
preciated by his employers. The com-
pany is known throughout this section of
Wisconsin as manufacturers of first-class
Wiener and lager beer, and a very fine
grade of bottled goods; and by putting
their business in the hands of so competent
a man as Mr. Meyer they have established
a most profitable trade in Ahnapee and
the surrounding country.
On June 17, 1890, Mr. Meyer was
united in marriage, in Ahnapee, to The-
resa Grassel, daughter of Ignatz and Bar-
bara Grassel, natives of Austria, in which
country Mrs. Meyer was also born. One
child, Julia, born June 18, 1891, has
come to this union. Politically Mr.
Meyer is a Democrat, and in religious faith
he is a member of the Catholic Church.
764
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Socially he is connected with the Catholic
Knights of Wisconsin, the Catholic Order
of Foresters, and the Sons of Veterans.
M
ARTIN N. KNUDSEN, keeper
of the Porte Des Morts Light-
house, was born June 27, 1854,
in Denmark. His father, Peter
Knudsen, received a good education in
the public schools of Denmark, and
served an apprenticeship to the weaver's
trade, following this business in Denmark
until his emigration, in 1857, to the
United States. He first located in Ra-
cine, Wis., where he followed various
pursuits until his enlistment in the
Twenty-second W^is. X. I., but he was
shortly afterward taken sick and sent
home. After his recovery he re-enlisted
in the Sixteenth Wis. V. I., and now
draws a pension of eight dollars per month
from the government.
At the close of the war Mr. Knudsen
returned to Racine, and worked there at
coopering until 1866, when he removed
to Washington Island, Door Co., Wis.,
and continued at his trade. There he
remained for ten years, after which he
went to Pomeroy, Iowa, remaining there
eighteen years, farming and shoemaking,
and in 1894 located permanently at New-
port, Wis., where he now resides. His
wife was also born in Denmark, and they
have had eight children, three of whom
are deceased; those living are: Martin
N., our subject; Peter, of Newport,
Wis., who is a member of the firm of
Johnson & Knudsen, dealers in general
merchandise, wood, etc. ; Nelson, of
Beaver Island Harbor Lighthouse of St.
James (Mich.); W'illiam, in the lighthouse
service, and residing in Pomeroy, Iowa;
and Mary, who married Charles E.
Young, keeper of Chambers' Island
Lighthouse. The parents are respected
members of the Baptist Church.
Martin N. Knudsen, our subject, was
educated in the common schools of this
country, and when a young man followed
his father's trade of coopering. Later he
became a fisherman, and subsequently a
sailor. In 1 866 he came to Washington
Island with his parents, and thereupon
began the business of farming, which vo-
cation he still continues to follow. He
now owns fifty acres of improved land, on
which he raises excellent crops, and has
met with well-deserved success in his
farming operations.
Mr. Knudsen belongs to the Repub-
lican party, and for many years has tilled
the office of justice of the peace, also
serving as a member of the board of ed-
ucation. He received his present ap-
pointment as keeper of the Porte Des
Morts Lighthouse (Washington Island) in
1 889, previous to which he was keeper of
the South Manitou Station from June,
1882, to September, 1889, proving a
most trusty and able man for that re-
sponsible place. In religious matters he
is, like 'his father, a strong believer in the
doctrines of the Baptist Church. His
wife, Theresa (Koyen), who was born Feb-
ruary 24, 1855, in Denmark, has borne
him four children, viz: Edward W.,
Agnes M., Martin Arthur and Mertie M.
CAPTAIN ANTON HANSEN, the
owner and master of the three-
masted schooner " F. H. Will-
iams," having his residence in the
city of Kewaunee, was born in Laurvig,
Norway, March 20, 1837. His parents
were Soren and Matilda Hansen, whA
came to the United States in 1853, and
settled in Ephraim, Door Co., Wis.
Soren Hansen was born in Norway, De-
cember 24, 1800, and was one of the first
settlers of Door county, where he died in
November, 1890.
Anton Hansen has passed his entire
life upon the water. He was first em-
ployed as a cook on the " Familia," a vessel
plying between England and the Scandi-
navian peninsula. Since his arrival in
America he has been sailing on the Great
Lakes, his first shipment being on the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
765
"Transit," sailing between Manitowoc,
Wis. , and Chicago, 111. , on board which he
remained one year, since when he has
sailed on a number of vessels, holding
various positions, but chiefly before the
mast for eight or ten years, and then as
first mate about nine years. He then
became owner of the "Glenn Cuyler, "
which he sailed about four years, when
he disposed of her and bought the ' ' In-
dustry." This vessel he sold four years
later, and took command of the "Min-
nehaha," holding that position about nine
years, when he purchased the " F. H.
Williams," the first vessel that ever en-
tered the harbor of Kewaunee.
In 1864 Capt. Hansen was united in
marriage with Lena Hansen, and this
union was blessed with five children, viz. :
Matilda Isa, Hans, Jacob, Sena and
Lewis. Mrs. Lena Hansen died in 1876,
and in 1879 the Captain married Rena
Hansen, to which union have also been
born five children: Alvin, Lena, Samuel,
Alice and Arthur. Capt. Hansen is one
of the most successful navigators on the
lakes, always satisfying the owners by the
faithful manner in which he performed
his duty to them, and as an owner him-
self he has won the confidence of ship-
pers and the esteem of other owners.
Underwriters have suffered very little in-
deed at his hands.
JE. HARRIS, one of the brightest
young business men of northern Wis-
consin, and one of the most progress-
ive, is a native of Sturgeon Bay,
Door Co., Wis., born June 23, 1866, son
of Joseph Harris, Jr., who for some years
was editor and publisher of the Sturgeon
Bay Advocate, later of the Republican.
He received his education at the city
schools of his native place, and in 1882
commenced to learn the printing business
in the office of the Advocate at Sturgeon
Bay. After serving his apprenticeship, and
rising from the plutonic degree of " devil"
44
to the more seraphic one of "jour,"
he worked in various offices throughout
the State until 1890, in which year he
bought of his father a half interest in the
Sturgeon Bay Republican, in the follow-
ing year taking over the other half, by
purchase, and changing the name to The
Democrat. From that time he had full
charge of the paper until August, 1894,
when he sold out and accepted a position
on the Green Bay Gazette.
In January 1890, Mr. Harris was mar-
ried to Miss Mary Darling, also a native
of Sturgeon Bay, daughter of John Dar-
ling, and two children have been born to
them: Harry and Lottie. Politically Mr.
Harris is a Democrat of the first water,
and takes a zealous interest in the affairs
of the party.
ALBERT JOSEPH DWORAK is
the owner of a good farm of eighty
acres of land in Casco township,
Kewaunee county, all of which he
has cleared and developed, transforming
the wild land into rich and fertile fields,
and placing upon it good improvements
in the shape of neat and substantial build-
ings, all of which attest the thrift and
enterprise of the owner.
He was born April 22, 1840, in
Bohemia, the birthplace of his father,
Mathias Dworak, who was born in 1795.
The grandfather, Mathew Dworak, was a
native of Bohemia, a farmer by occupation,
and he and his wife were adherents of the
Catholic Church, to which their descend-
ants also belong. Mathias Dworak was
reared on the old home farm, acquired a
good education in the common schools of
his native land, and remained in Bohemia
until 1855, when he emigrated to the
United States. In his early manhood he
wedded Mary Richa, who was born in
Bohemia in 1803, and they became the
parents of six children — Joseph, now of
Milwaukee, Wis. ; Katherine, married in
Bohemia to Bartholomes Smitke, who
came to this country with his family,
766
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGMAPHICAL RECORD.
locating in Milwaukee, where his wife
died in 1858; Mary, who became the wife
of Martin Behringer, a resident of Mil-
waukee; Annie, who married Frank Lukes,
of Casco township, and died in 1862;
Rosa, who married a Mr. Beyer, of Mil-
waukee, and died in that city in 1864; and
Albert J., the subject of these lines. On
coming to this country the father located
in Milwaukee, Wis., working there as a
common laborer until his removal to
Casco township, Kewaunee county, where
he purchased eighty acres of timber land.
This he at once began to clear, culti-
vating and improving the same until 1 864,
when he returned to Milwaukee, where
his death occurred in 1 872 ; his wife passed
away in 1884.
The gentleman of whom we write was
educated in the city of Neuhaus, Bohemia,
in the German language, after having
attended the common schools of his native
province. He was a youth of sixteen
when he accompanied his parents on their
emigration to America, and like the other
members of the family, became a resident
of Milwaukee, Wis., where he worked as
a common laborer until 185S, after which
time he came to Casco township, Kewau-
nee county. Here he aided his father in
clearing the land which had been pur-
chased, soon after took charge of the
home farm, and has since followed agri-
cultural pursuits, owning eighty acres of
the old homestead, which he has trans-
formed into a valuable property. Mr.
Dworak votes with the Democratic party,
has served as chairman of the town board
four years, and for fourteen years has
filled the office of clerk and justice of the
peace of the township, in the various
positions which he has tilled proving a
most capable and acceptable officer.
In 1 86 1 Mr. Dworak was united in
marriage, in Casco township, with Miss
Mary Lukes, who was born in Bohemia
in 1843, and they have four children liv-
ing— Henry, Albert, Annie and Emma.
They also lost eight children, all of whom
are buried at Slovan, Wis. Mr. Dworak
and his famih' are members of the Cath-
olic Church, and he belongs to the Order
of Catholic Knights of Wisconsin.
JAMES HAMILTON LOCKHART
came to Forestville township. Door
county, in 1856, and secured 240
acres of timber land. Indians were
then in large numbers in that vicinit}-, and
had their camping ground on some of the
land on which our subject located. On
his arrival here Mr. Lockhart commenced
the improvement of his land, and erected
a small log cabin; but in 1857 he returned
to Essex county, N. Y., where he had
resided for some years previously.
Our subject was born in County Ar-
magh, Ireland, February 14, 1833, sonof
Thomas and Elizabeth (Aikens) Lockhart,
both of whom were natives of the same
county, his father being a farmer. The
mother dying about 1839, the father, the
next year, was united in marriage with
Margaret Henderson, and in 1847 took
passage with his family on a sailing ves-
sel for the United States, landing after a
voyage of forty-seven days at Boston,
Mass. Here he remained for a time
working in a printing office, subsequently
locating in Essex county, N. Y. , where
he opened up a small farm of twenty
acres to which he afterward added 200
acres. His death occurred in 1850. By
his first marriage there were five children —
James Hamilton, our subject; Anna, who
died young; Robert, who resides in For-
estville township; Henry Hamilton, who
died at the age of six years; and Anna,
who died at the age of three years and
six months. By the second marriage
there was one child, Ellen, now the wife
of David Carr, residing in the town of
Chesterfield, Essex Co., New York.
James H. Lockhart remained at home
until twelve years of age, and then went to
Port Patrick, Scotland, where he lived for
a little more than a year. Leaving that
place, he shortly afterward went to the
County of Durham, England, where he
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
767
was engaged in mining for two and a half
years. He then concluded to come to the
United States, and leaving Whitehaven
went to Newry, Ireland, where he visited
with relatives a short time, and then set
sail on April 28, 1850, from Belfast, land-
ing in the city of Quebec on August i.
Leaving Quebec, he set out on foot for
Montreal; meeting a friend there, he stayed
four weeks, going thence to Essex county,
N. Y. , to the home of his father, and work-
ing on the home farm until after he was
twenty-one years of age. Determining to
make a home for himself, he made several
trips to different parts of the country, and,
as already stated, in 1856 came to Door
county. Wis., locating 240 acres of gov-
ernment land. In 1859 he received an
offer of $100 per month and expenses, and
went to Marquette county, Mich., where
he remained some time engaged in burning
charcoal. In the winter of 1859-60 he
went to Houghton county, Mich. , where
he made a contract to cut 1,000 cords of
wood, and, after completing his job, en-
gaged in the spring of i 860 in the char-
coal business in the same county, where
he remained until 1865, during which
time he followed different lines of busi-
ness. In the fall of that year he returned
to Door county, and in 1867 settled on
the farm, which he improved, in connec-
tion therewith engaging in the lumber
business, also in buying and selling real
estate. For the last sixteen years he has
conducted a mercantile business.
In 1863, in Houghton county, Mich.,
Mr. Lockhart was united in marriage with
Miss Lydia F. Bailey, who was born in
Windham, Cumberland Co., Maine,
daughter of William and Emma (Reed)
Bailey, who were also natives of Maine,
of English ancestry; the mother died in
Maine in November, 1S61, and in 1865
the father settled in Superior, Wis. , and
died in Door county in 1890. On No-
vember 25, 1890, Mr. Lockhart married
for his second wife, in Manitowoc, Wis.,
Mrs. Helen Ward, iicc Summers, who
was born in Jackson county, Iowa, daugh-
ter of Caleb and Nancy Jane (Gregg)
Summers, the former a native of Indiana
and the latter of Kentucky. They were
early settlers of Jackson county, Iowa,
where they were married and where Mr.
Summers yet resides. Mrs. Summers
died January 26, 1886. There daughter
Helen was married in 1876 to Theodore
D. Ward, and to that union was born one
child, Justin Grey, who died November
18, 1879. By his first marriage Mr.
Lockhart became the father of eleven chil-
dren, five of whom are now living —
Wellington G., Bertha, Walter S., Wil-
mot and Willie. The deceased are Ros-
well, Martha, Wallace, Grace and two
who died in infancy. By his present wife
there is one child, Daisy June.
Politically Mr. Lockhart has been a
Republican, and voted in 1856 for John
C. Fremont, the first candidate of that
party for President; he is now, however,
acting with the Populist party. He was
instrumental in establishing the postoffices,
Maplewood and Forestville, and was the
first postmaster of the former place, serv-
ing thirteen years and six months. He
has been quite active in all matters per-
taining to the welfare of Forestville town-
ship, and assisted in organizing the town-
ship and also the school district in which
he resides.
PAUL HOVERSON, of Franklin
township, Kewaunee county, was
born in Norway, August 8, 1826,
and is the second of three children
born to Hover and Emily Eversson, also
natives of Norway.
Paul passed the first fifteen years of
his life in school and on a farm, alternate-
ly, and after he had finished his schooling
continued to work for his father on the
home place until he reached the age of
twenty. He then began tailoring, at
which trade he worked about six years,
when he embarked for the United States,
and came through directly to Manitowoc,
W' is. , working there for two years or so
768
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at whatever he could find to do, and then
bought a tract of land, on which he lo-
cated and which he cleared of timber. At
the end of three years he sold this prop-
erty and came to Franklin township, Ke-
waunee county, buying the farm he now
occupies. This farm was then a wilder-
ness, and the township was without roads
or even organization, he being one of the
first settlers. Since then, however, he
has brought his farm under cultivation,
and it is now one of the best tilled in the
township. Mr. Hoverson was naturalized
soon after coming to the country, and has
several times been elected from Franklin
township to the board of supervisors of
of the county, and been made its chair-
man.
Mr. Hoverson married Miss Sarah
Knudson, who was born in Norway Octo-
ber 6, 1 82 1, and to this union have been
born nine children, as follows: Emily,
January 5, 1850; Hover, August 21, 1852;
Julia, August 7, 1 854; Sarah, May 17,1856;
Emily Maria, April 8, 1858; Ole, August
2, 1 860; Mary, October i, 1862; Bertha,
April 3, 1866; and Paul, October 13,
1868; all of whom survive with the ex-
ception of Hover, who died March 18,
1853. The family are members of the
Lutheran Church, and enjoy the respect
of all their neighbors and the community
at large.
FRED HEUER, a prosperous farm-
er citizen of the town of Ahnapee,
Kewaunee county, was born Oc-
tober 28, 1842, in the Kingdom
of Prussia. He is a son of Fred and So-
phia (Runke) Heucr, also natives of Prus-
sia, the former of whom was born March
25, 1808, and came to the United States
in 1856, locating near Milwaukee, Wis.,
where he worked as a laborer some three
years. Thence coming to the town of
Ahnapee, Kewaunee county, he pur-
chased eighty acres of timber land which
he at once commenced to clear, and fol-
lowed farming from that time until his
death, on October 25, 1872. He landed
in the United States a poor man, but by
constant labor and the exercise of all his
native thrift he acquired a comfortable
property, and was a successful farmer.
Mr. and Mrs. Heuer had seven children
as follows: Minnie, Mrs. Brandt, of
Lincoln township, Kewaunee Co. , Wis. ;
Ferdinand, of Ahnapee township; August,
who died in the army; Fred, subject of
this sketch; Earnestina, Mrs. Girke; Ber-
tha, Mrs. Zastrow, of the town of For-
estville, Door Co., Wis. ; and Gustie, Mrs.
Rader, of the town of Pierce, Kewaunee
county.
Fred Heuer was educated in the com-
mon schools of Germany, and was four-
teen years of age when he came with his
parents to the United States, since when
he has been almost continuously engaged
in agricultural pursuits, working first for
other people. On January 28, 1863, he
enlisted in Company E, Fourteenth Wis.
V. I., and remained in the army until
October, 1865, fighting under Sherman,
with whom he made the famous march to
the sea. He participated in the engage-
ments around .Atlanta, and many other
battles and skirmishes in which Sher-
man's army was engaged, and he is now
a pensioner. He is a member of the G.
A. R. Post at Ahnapee.
Mr. Heuer started in life for himself
with no capital but his strength and a
willing pair of hands, and he has had
many difficulties to overcome on his road
to prosperity, but by hard work, together
with good business management, and a
careful attention to his business interests,
he has accumulated a neat property,
now being the owner of a good farm of
200 acres, well cultivated and improved.
Mr. Heuer's marriage to Rosa Damas took
place December 8, 1866, and has been
blessed with eight children, of whom
Regina and Frederick are deceased; the
others are Seraphine (Mrs. Bangert, of
Eagle River, Wis.), Rosa, Alma, Earnest,
Arthur and Arnold. Mrs. Heuer was
born in Prussia, Germany, June 4, 1849,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
j6g
daughter of Fred and Rosina (Stebana)
Damas, natives of the same country who
came to the United States in 1854, lo-
cating in Milwaukee, Wis., where Mr.
Damas followed his trade, that of brick-
maker. In 185S they came to Ahnapee,
where he purchased land and engaged in
agricultural pursuits, which he still fol-
lows. He and his wife are members of
the Lutheran Church, as are also Mr.
and Mrs. Heuer. Mr. Heuer is a Repub-
lican in political affiliation.
WILLIAM MAACK, present asses-
sor of the town of Ahnapee,
Kewaunee county, and one of
its well-known agriculturists, is
a native of the Kingdom of Prussia, born
May 22, 1846. He is a son of Hans and
Liesette (Baade) Maack, also natives of
Prussia, the former of whom was born in
1818 and died October 15, 1890, in Ran-
toul, 111. Mrs. Maack was born in 1821,
and died February 8, 1892, in Nebraska;
her remains now rest bj' those of her hus-
band, in Illinois. She was the mother of
five children, viz. : Henry, of Rantoul,
111.; William, our subject; Louisa, Mrs.
Alexander McHarry, of Rantoul, 111. ;
Wilhelmina, Mrs. Fred Trennt, of Buf-
falo county, Neb. ; and a daughter that
died in infancy. Hans Maack was edu-
cated in the common school of his native
country, and when a young man learned
the brewer's trade, following same until
1868, when he came to the United States,
and locating at Rantoul, 111., here pur-
chased a small farm, whereon he engaged
in agricultural pursuits until his death.
He and his entire family were members
of the Lutheran Church.
William Maack, whose name intro-
duces this sketch, received a common-
school education in his native country,
and when twenty years of age, in 1866,
came to the United States, preceding his
parents by some two years. He located
in Rantoul, 111., where he worked at farm
labor some five years, and then married
Bertha Pieplow, who has borne him six
children, as follows: Albert, Louisa,
Clara, Emma, Ida and Paulina. Mrs.
Maack is a daughter of Joachim and Maria
(Evert) Pieplow, natives of Mecklenburg,
Germany, where Mrs. Maack was born
December 2, 1852. After his marriage
Mr. Maack purchased a small farm and
followed general agriculture there until
1883, when he sold and came to Wiscon-
sin, settling in the town of Ahnapee, Ke-
waunee county, where he purchased i 20
acres of land. Here he has since con-
tinued farming with marked success, im-
proving his property year by year, and he
has gained an enviable reputation as a
thorough agriculturist and a worthy, re-
spected citizen. Politically he is a Re-
publican, for a number of years has tilled
with honor the office of supervisor, and at
present is serving as assessor of the town-
ship with his customary faithfulness and
ability.
JOHN ANDERSON, a well-to-do
farmer of Carlton township, Kewau-
nee county, was born October 12,
1839, in Sweden, son of Andraes
Johnson and Christiana Anderson, also
natives of Sweden.
Our subject received his education in
the schools of his native country, and on
commencing to work engaged for two
years in cutting slate, and afterward, for
one year, in painting. Subsequently, for
three summers, he sailed from different
ports of Sweden; and then, for four years,
sailed on the ocean. In 1862, having
heard and read so much of the unlimited
opportunities for advancement offered in
the undeveloped regions of the United
States, he emigrated, shortly afterward
taking up his residence in Carlton, Ke-
waunee Co., Wis., and for fifteen years
after his arrival followed the Great Lakes.
In 1877 he abandoned a sea-faring life,
and, making a permanent settlement on a
tract of eighty acres which he had pur-
chased in Carlton township, has trans-
770
COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.
formed the place into one of the neatest
and most fertile farms in the town of
Carlton, hip^hh' improved, and provided
with all necessary buildings. During the
winter season he is also engaged in lum-
bering, and he is known as one of the
most industrious, progressive farmers of
his section. It is to such sturdy, earnest
workers that this section of Wisconsin
owes her steady advancement and her
ever-increasing prosperity in the develop-
ment of her agricultural interests. Mr.
Anderson is a member of the Lutheran
Church in religious connection, and poli-
tically he is independent.
FREDC. WALLNER, of the Bava-
rian Brewing Co. , Kewaunee, was
born in Bavaria, November 2,
1 86 1, son of George and Anna
(Rab) Wallner. He was but five years of
age when his father, who was a physician,
was called from earth, leaving a widow
and three children, of whom Fred C.
was the eldest. The widow kept her
little family together some five years,
when she married Andrew Gump, a
mechanic, and in 1884 they came to
America, locating at Milwaukee; but Mr.
Gump, not liking this country, returned
to his old home a year later and there
died in 1886. Six children were the re-
sult of this marriage. Mrs. Gump still
retains her residence in Milwaukee.
Fred C. Wallner came to America
alone at the age of about nineteen years,
or in 1 88 1, making his first stop at Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, but two months later re-
moving to Milwaukee, where for six years
he worked for the Philip Best Brewing
Co. He then came to Kewaunee as fore-
man for the Borgman & Deda Brewing
Co., and after holding this position one
year bought one-quarter interest in the
business; in 1889 he bought an additional
quarter, or Mr. Borgman's share, this
gentleman retiring; and the firm name
then became the Wallner & Deda Brew-
ing Co., so continuing until March, 1893,
when Thomas Hlinak bought out Mr.
Deda's stock, the style now being The
Bavarian Brewing Co. The firm is doing
an excellent trade, employing five men,
and its members understand the business,
as Mr. Wallner began learning it in
Bavaria when but fifteen years of age,
and has devoted his entire attention to it
ever since.
Mr. Wallner was first married, in 1882,
to Miss Katy Fritz, an American, who
bore him two children — Felix, who lives
with his father, and one that died in in-
fancy. The second marriage of Mr.
Wallner was in 1889, to Miss Carrie
Deda. Her father, Charles Deda, was
born in Germany in 1824 and came to
America in 1856, first locating in Mil-
waukee, Wis. ; the year following he came
to Kewaunee, and here kept a hotel five
years; he was town register of deeds four
years, school clerk nine years, and in the
interval, in 1868, bought the Bavarian
Brewery. He was married, in 1857, to
Miss Josephine Cihacak, a native of Aus-
tria, and three children were born to this
union — Carrie, Mr. Wallner's present
wife, being the youngest; Anna, the eldest
child, is married to Henry G. Borgman
and resides in Antigo, Langlade Co.,
Wis. ; Charles, the second born, died
December 28, 1891. Mr. and Mrs.
Wallner have been blessed with two
children — Aurea and Wilfried. Both
parents are faithful members of the Cath-
olic Church, and in politics Mr. Wallner
is a Democrat, but reserves to himself
the right to vote for the man he deems
best suited for the office to be filled.
ERNEST WOLSKE, a native of
Germany, was born in the King-
dom of Prussia in 1843, son of
Samuel and Catherine Wolske, who
were also natives of Prussia. The father
was a carpenter by trade, and throughout
his entire life followed that occupation in
Germany, where he died in 1S72, having
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
771
for eight years survived his wife, who
passed away in 1864. This worthy couple
were the parents of six children — John
and Samuel, both of whom died in the
Fatherland; Michael, who is married and
follows farming in Forestville township,
where he located in 1867; Caroline, wife
of Albert Zettle, of Egg Harbor, Wis. ;
Minnie, and Ernest.
Ernest Wolske spent his boyhood days
under the parental roof, and was educated
in the public schools of his native land.
He entered upon his business career as a
teamster and was thus employed until
1867, when he determined to try his for-
tune beyond the Atlantic, and sailed from
Bremen in a vessel, which after a voyage
of twelve weeks reached the harbor of
Quebec, Canada. He then went to Man-
istee, Mich., working there in the lumber
woods for a short time, after which he
came to Door county, Wis., locating in
Forestville township. Here he worked as
a farm hand for John Stoneman until 1869,
when he purchased and located on his
present farm, then an eighty-acre tract of
wild timberland. It is situated in Section
34, Forestville township, and with the
exception of eight acres is all now under
a high state of cultivation. In 1871 Mr.
Wolske erected a good home and now
has two good barns, one 30 x 56 feet, the
other 27x60 feet, thus furnishing ample
accommodations for his stock and grain.
In the township which is still his
home Mr. Wolske was married in 1871 to
Miss Emeline, daughter of John and
Louisa (Krueger) Kum, natives of Ger-
man}', who in i860 became residents of
Door county, where Mr. Kum died in
1 8 So; his widow is still living in Forest-
ville township. Of the children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Wolske five are living;
Otto, Louis, John, Paulina and Ernestine;
and three are deceased; Albert, who died
when about sixteen years of age; Amelia,
who died at the age of six months; and
Elsie, at the age of two months. The
mother of this family was called to the
home beyond June 19, 1890, and her
death was widely and deeply mourned, for
she was a lady who had many friends.
Mr. Wolske has served his fellow-
townsmen as assessor for one term, and has
several times been a member of the town
board. He votes with the Democratic
party, and is a member of the Lutheran
Church, in which he is now serving as
trustee. His public and private life are
alike above reproach, and his many ex-
cellencies of character have won him high
regard, while his faithfulness to all duties
has made him a valued citizen.
LUDWIG SCHUMACHER, who
has been a resident of Door county
since 1857, was born in Bavaria,
Germany, in 1832. His father,
Henry Schumacher, lived and died in
Germany on a farm. Two of the family
came to this country, our subject in 1841
and Andrew in 1846. The latter was
a clergyman and preached in Chicago
until 1 86 1, whenheenlistedin the Twenty-
fourth Regiment,- 111. V. I., for three years.
Ludwig Schumacher, our subject, at-
tended the public schools of Germany,
and when nineteen years of age came to
the United States. The sailing vessel in
which he came set out from Havre and
reached the harbor of New York at the
end of fifty-two days. On coming to
Wisconsin he settled in Nasewaupee town-
ship. Door county, and bought some land
which was all forest. He had no neigh-
bors and was a long way from any town,
and one time he lived upon potatoes and
salt for about a month. While in Niagara
county, N. Y., he was married, in 1856,
to Miss Rhoda Walker, who was born in
England, daughter of Charles Walker,
who came to Niagara county at an early
date. Mr. Walker was killed by the
cars, and his widow still lives in New York.
In 1 863 Mr. Schumacher enlisted from
Door county in Company F., First Wis.
V. C, Army of the Cumberland, and
shared their vicissitudes until the close of
the war. He was honorably discharged
77=
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in 1865 at Nashville, Tenn., and returned
to his home and family. He is a mem-
ber of Henry Schuyler Post, No. 222, G.
A. R., at Sturgeon Bay. In politics he
is a Republican, keeping well posted on
the political issues of the day. Mr.
Schumacher is the father of the following
named children: Henry (who is married
and resides in Nasewaupee township),
Andrew, Eli (married and residing in
Sevastopol township), Robert, Frank,
Walter, Lizzie (wife of Charles Walker,
of Sevastopol), Emma (wife of William
Bernard), Rosa, and Jennie (wife of L.
Bernard). Mr. Schumacher now owns
eighty-five acres of land in a high state of
cultivation, said land being his purchase
of 1866.
CHARLES PALECEK, a rising
young farmer of the town of Ahna-
pee, Kewaunee county, is a native
of same, born October 27, 1867,
son of Frank Palecek, a native of Bohemia,
who was born in 1826.
Frank Palecek was educated in his
native language, and was reared to farm-
ing. He married Mary Jacobosky, a na-
tive of Bohemia, born in 1827, and she
became the mother of nine children, as
follows: Mary, Mrs. Leopold Seller, of
the town of Ahnapee; Peter, deceased;
Annie, deceased; John, of Sturgeon Bay,
Wis. ; Victoria, Mrs. Patrick Ludden, of
Menominee, Mich. ; Frank, of the town
of Ahnapee; Charles, whose name opens
this sketch; and Wenzel and Jacob, of
Kansas. Mr. Palecek came from Bohemia
to the United States to better his condi-
tion, and for one year lived in Chicago,
coming thence to Manitowoc, whence
after a short residence he removed to the
town of Ahnapee, Kewaunee county, and
purchased eighty acres of timber land, on
which he settled, becoming one of the
first settlers of this part of Ahnapee.
Later he purchased more land, and at his
death owned 200 acres, well improved,
upon which he had erected substantial
buildings, and was one of the well-to-do
farmers of the township. In religious
connection he and his family were mem-
bers of the Catholic Church. Mr. Palecek
died February 17, 1890, preceded by his
wife, who died November 27, 1882.
Charles Palecek was educated in the
common schools of the town of Ahnapee,
and was reared to agriculture on the
home farm. When twenty-one years of
age he married Matilda Wick, a native of
Germany, born in 1865, and they have
had one child, Annie, born February 14,
1890. After his marriage Mr. Palecek
purchased from his father the farm of 120
acres he now owns and occupies, and has
since been engaged in general agriculture,
meeting with the success which industry is
sure to bring. He is a Democrat in polit-
ical affiliation, and in Church connection
he and his wife are Catholics.
JOACHIM ROHDE, one of the lead-
ing farmers of Egg Harbor township,
Door county, is a native of Prussia,
Germany, born April 25, 1828, and
is the eldest son of Jacob Rohde, whose
family consisted of six children — three
sons and three daughters.
Our subject remained at home up to
the age of fourteen years, attending school
and assisting his parents, and then, after
his confirmation, commenced to work for
strangers, \\lien twenty-five years of age
he married Mary Glove, and three chil-
dren were born to them in Germany,
namely: Lena, who is now the wife of
Fred Schrumm, of Egg Harbor township.
Door Co., Wis.; Mary, now Mrs. Henry
Sohn, of Chicago, 111. ; and Reka, Mrs.
Julius Rohdes, of Watertown, Wis. In
the spring of 1864, Mr. Rohde embarked
with his little family from Hamburg on
the vessel "John Badram," and after a
voyage of five weeks and three days land-
ed in New York, thence journeying west-
ward to Chicago, 111, where he first ob-
tained employment unloading vessels. He
had his residence in Chicago for ten years.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
773
engaging in various kinds of labor, and
during that time, liaving managed to save
$i,ooo, he concluded to locate in Door
county, Wis., where land was then cheap.
Removing hither in the fall of 1874, he
purchased one hundred acres of land in
Section 32, Egg Harbor township, with-
out improvements of any kind, and the
log shanty he built for his family was the
first building on the place. Setting to
work immediately Mr. Rohde succeeded
in clearing enough land to plant a small
crop in the following spring, and year by
year continued to improve his farm and
home, also adding to the area of the
place until he now has 220 acres, 126
of which are cleared and in a
state of cultivation
the largest cleared tracts in Egg Har-
bor township. Mr. Rohde has pros-
pered by his own industry, but his
labor has been well rewarded, and he
now holds a prominent place among the
well-to-do farmers of his township, his
fairness and honesty in all its transactions
gaining him the respect of all who have
dealings with him. He gives his entire
attention to his farm, taking no active
good
this being one of
part in public affairs, political or other-
wise. Though a stanch member of the
Republican party in national politics, he
is non-partisan in local elections, support-
ing the candidate he deems best fitted for
office.
Mr. Rohde's first wife died in Chi-
cago; for his scond wife he married, in
that city, Miss Reka Ranke, a native of
Germany, who died in Egg Harbor, and
he subsequently wedded Ida Schwantes,
who was born in Germany March 2,
1852. By his second marriage Mr.
Rohde has children as follows: Annie,
Mrs. John Lohmer, of Minnesota ; Min-
nie, Mrs. William Reihart, of Escanaba,
Mich.; Louis and George, at home; So-
phia, Mrs. Charles Johns, of Sister Bay,
Door Co. Wis., and August, at home.
By the third union he has as follows:
Albert, Martha and Edwin, at home; and
there are eight others now deceased.
Mr. Rohde is an active member of the
Evangelical Church, in which he has
held various positions of trust, at present
serving as treasurer of the Church and
Sunday school.
INDE^X:.
PAGE.
Abrams, Hon. W. J 114
Adriaenssen, A. A. L,. . . . 378
Aebischer, Charles N 176
Aebischer, Mrs. Marg-'t. . 175
V Aebischer, Samuel 175
Aldrich.Chauncy N 121
Ames, Milo 367
Andersen, Dedrick 0 384
Andersen, George Peter.. 686
Andersen, Hans P 274
Anderson, Alfred 705
Anderson, Andrew 346
Anderson, John 769
Anderson, Ole A 741
Anderson, W. B 181
Andreson, O. L 681
Andridge, Rev. Andrew A 539
Anschutz, Fred 663
Anschutz, Henry 731
Ansorge, Eugene K 199
Armstrong, William 119
Arndt, John P 213
Arndt, John Wallace 213
Arndt, Peter 731
Arveson , Arve 256
Ash, Mrs. Mary 517
Ash, Richard 517
Atkinson, Thomas 118
Awe, Henry M 735
Babcock, Augustin H. . . . 176
Bach, Frederick 581
Bailev. Patrick 341
Bangert, John 699
Baraboo, Levi 689
Bartel, William 749
Bartelme, John 343
Barth, Martin 345
Barrett, Jesse 581
Barrette, William 583
Basche, F. W 468
Bassford, George 533
Bassine, Louis 739
Batey, John 159
Baumann, August (Ke-
waunee county) 720
Baumgart, August, Sr... 238
p.\GE.
Baumgart, August (Brown
county) 236
Baumgart, Edward 345
Baumgart. Paul 238
Beaupre, Dr. Wm 309
Becher, John 212
Becher, Joseph 212
Beck, H. M., M. D 229
Becker, Ernest 480
Becker, Peter J 316
Beissel, Eseius 307
Belanger, Francis 595
Berg, Charles P 618
Berg, Jacob 618
Beth, John 13
Beyer, George 530
Bingham, Webster A.... 40
Birmingham, Solon 715
Black, James 463
Black, R. J 161
Blahnik, Jacob 704
Blesch, Francis. 160
Blesch. Frank T 160
Bley, John 722
Boalt, Charles Griswold. . 528
Boehm, Joseph 344
Boehm, Sylvester 332
Boettcher, Hermann 657
Bohman, Joseph 595
Bohne, August 703
Boncher, Mrs. Catherine S90
Bencher, Hector 589
Bone, Leonard 167
Bongers, Rev. Matthew. . 323
Borgman, John 592
Borgman, John M 592
Borman, Gregorie 371
Borman, Henry 371
Bosnian, August J 576
Bottkol, Michel 754
Bowring, Thomas D 118
Boyden, Elbridge G 248
Bozmack, Rev. Jacobus. . 154
Bradley, D 463
Bran'des, Charles 510
Brandes, Charles H 520
p.\GE.
Brandes, Edward 521
Brann, John 665
Brauns, A 464
Brennan, Jeremiah 259
Brett, B. C, M. D 37
Brey , George 657
Brice, O. J. B 452
Britton, David W 132
Broens, Rev. Father Al-
phons M 632
Broeren, John 326
Bruemmer, Christian.... 559
Bruemmer, Henry 685
Bruemmer, Louis D 685
Bruemmer, Louis 558
Brunette, Dominick 186
Brunette. Manuel 186
Bubnik, Joseph E 694
Buckmann, Ahrend S . . . . 324
Buckmann, H. F 324
Buettner, John 737
Bultmann, Henrv 750
Burdeau, Willard E 190
Buschmann, Albert 638
Busse, August 612
Callahan, Peter 334
Caiman, John 390
Caiman, Mrs. Kate 390
Camm, Herbert F 297
Campbell, H. Porter 453
Carlin, P.H 418
Carlson, Gustav 622
Casey, W. J 179
Cashman, William 483
Cautereels, Rev. P. J 362
Cerovsky, Anton, Jr 576
Champion, Seth W ISO
Chase, Jasner S 420
Chater, John 745
Christiansen, John 696
Clarey, M.J 475
Cleeremans, Alex 125
Cleeremans, Charles 403
Cleeremans, Frank 263
Cody, John 211
Cody, Richard P 684
776
COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPEICAL RECORD.
PAGE.
Coenen, John 287
Coenen, Theodore 287
CofFeen, \V. B., M. D 446
Colburn, Theodore 421
Collard, John B 718
Collard. Martin 718
Colle, Desire 696
Colle, Peter 696
Conen, William 368
Conley , Horace J 145
Connelly, John 127
Cook, John 123
Cook, John (deceased). . . . 303
Cook, William 303
Corbett, M.J 416
Cordier, Eug^ene 730
Cormier, David 357
Cormier, Joseph 357
Cornell, Joseph Southard. 704
Corstens, Arnold 386
Corstens, John 386
Cotton, Charles A 438
Craanen, Christian 265
Craanen, Jacob 265
Craanen, John 360
Crabb, Frank 184
Crabb, Joseph 148
Craite, Nelson 672
Crane, C. E., M. D 480
Crass, Jacob 740
Crocker, Ephraim 416
Curran, Martin 279
Curtis, Rev. AlonzoP... 588
Daix, Constant 491
Dalemont, Joseph G 666
Danek, Anton F 674
Damman, Frederick 762
Daul, John 659
Davis, Charles L 451
Davis, Daniel H 210
Davis, E. B 451
Day, Charles W 48
Debeker, Joseph 713
Decker, Edward 42
Dehos, Philip Jacob 513
De Jong-he, Constant 220
Delaney. George A 179
Delaney, James C 179
DeLouw, Rev. Father C. . 91
Dehviche, John B 655
Demmin, Christ 654
Denis, Capt. Joseph 147
Denis, Charles R 290
Denis, Gregorie 88
Desnoyers, Francis 477
Desnoj-ers, Frank B 477
Detjen, Hermann 686
Dewey, Myron 726
DeWilt, Rev. Elsear 425
Dohn, Adam 229
Dollard, John 373
Dollard, Patrick E 373
Doolan, Bartholomew. .. . 240
Doran, Terrence 250
Doughertj', Cornelius. . . . 324
Drake, James 406
Droog-, Felix 146
Drury, Bartholomew 693
P.\GE.
Duaime, Joseph E 336
Dubois, F. E 475
Ducat, Jacques 372
Duchateau, Abelard 454
Duchateau, F. J. B 454
Duffy, James 330
Duffy, Thomas 330
Duncan, Archibald M. . . . 465
Duncan, John 465
Durst, Kaspar 727
Dworak, Albert J 765
Dwyer, Anthony 267
Dwyer, Patrick 267
Ebel, Adolph 738
Ebeling-, J. H 47
Ehle, Herrman 239
Eisenman, Andrew A. . . . 322
Eisenman,Mrs. ApoUonia 381
Eisenman, John C 322
Eisenman, John 381
Elliott. Hon. George W. .. 509
Ellis, Albert G 55
EUis, Eleazer H 55
Ellis, John 516
Ellsworth, Dr. Albert H. 313
Elmore, Hon. James H.. 21
Enderby, John 280
Enderby, William R 280
Engels, Edward 461
Eng-lebert, Desire 612
Englebert, Felix 729
Englebert, John 612
English, Mark 349
Erichsen, Andreas 658
Erickson, Niels 249
Esraann, John D 192
Evrard, Elick 565
Evrard, Frank 564
Fairfield, W. E., M. D... 434
Faick, Jacob 364
Falck, Philip 295
Falck, Philip (deceased). 294
Fellows, Charles Lewis... 636
Felschow, Christian 702
Fensel, Lorenz C 700
Fetzer, Hon. John 518
Filz, Joseph 681
Findeisen Bros 364
Findeisen, John G 363
Finnegan, Barnard 185
Finnegan, Hugh 332
Finnegan, John C 186
Finnegan, Patrick 332
Finnegan, William 96
Finnerty, Hon. Patrick. . 73
Fisk, W. J 70
Flatley, D 321
Flynn, Edward 402
Flynn, John 403
Follett, Mrs. Rosamond.. 14
Franklin, Charles 0 649
French, Marion 758
Frisque, Florentine 432
Froney, George 725
Frosch, Frank 277
Frosch, George 277
Frus, Niels 601
Fuller, Eliza S 640
1>.\GE.
Fuller, F. H 384
Fuller, H. H 640
Gage, Dr. C. 0 459
Gagnon, M 485
Gallagher, Rev. Chas. J.. 427
Gardner, Walter E 489
Gauche, Father James. . . 289
Gaulke, Fred 724
Gaulke, Herman 724
Gay lord, Capt. G. A 455
Genesse, Clem 644
Genesse, Augustus 644
Georgi, Ottoman 221
Geurts, George 211
Gislason, Jno 585
Goemans, Anthony 168
Goeraans, Mrs. Joanna. 168
Goepfert, Rev. P.,C.S.Sp. 36
Goetz, Joseph 582
Goffart, Ferdinand 124
Goflfart, Zacharie 142
Goldsmith, Christoph 252
Gonion, A. B 383
Goodell, C. F 174
Gosin, August 639
Gotfredsen, Mrs. L 261
Gotfredsen, Niels H 261
Gow, William 437
Gowej-, Archie L 193
Graf, Charles 549
Gratza, Father John 306
Graves, Capt. Charles A. 467
Graves, Orlo 467
Greiling, August 217
Grignon, D. H 437
Grimmer, Hon. George. .. 614
Groessl, George 479
Gro-ss, Fred. P 122
Gross, John G., Jr 423
Gross, John G., Sr 414
Gudniundsen, Arni 601
Haese, August 138
Hagartj', Andrew. 695
Hagarty, William 695
Hagemeister, Henry F. . . 106
Hagemeister, Louis W... 106
Hagen, Walter T., M. D. 27
Haines, Melvin 631
Haines, Tellack, and El-
len (Halverson) 607
Hall, S. L 697
Halstead, James S 736
Hamachek, Frank 667
Hamilton, Judge Fitz
James 497
Handeyside. William.... 136
Hanev, John L 694
Haney, Hon. Michael C. 630
Hansen, Capt. Anton .... 764
Hansen, Christ 295
Hansen, F. Mads 671
Hansen, Hans 389
Hansen, Niels 130
Hansen, Samuel C 607
Harbers, Geortre 656
Harder, Fred. T 586
Hardtke, Albert 685
Harmann, August 674
INDEX.
777
PAGE.
Harmaun, Daniel 691
Harniann, John 691
Harris, J. B 765
Hart, Capt. C. B 65
Hart, Edwin 53
Hart, Capt. H. W 54
Harteau, D. M 162
Hastings, Hon. S. D., Jr.. 52
Hay den, George W 391
Haydeu, Hiram P 488
Hayford, S. W 181
Hayes, William Arthur. . 669
Hebel, Joseph 180
Hebert, Joseph 387
Heck, W 748
Heim, lyorenz 193
Heimbecker, William.... 720
Helmholz, William 532
Henquinet, John 575
Henrigilles, Joseph 163
Herber, Peter 126
Herrbold, Philip 591
Herrick, E. Henry 748
Hess, George B 96
Heuer, Fred 768
Hewitt, Rev. John L, 107
Heyrmau, Charles L 129
Heyrman, Frank 128
Hey rman, John B 410
Hibberd, Andrew 278
Hinsdale, William C 110
Hittner, H. M., M. D 385
Hlinak, Thomas 738
Hobbins, James 308
Hobbins, John 309
Hochgreve, August 426
Hoeffel, Joseph 168
Hoffman, William 397
Hoffmann, Charles 761
Hoffmann, Valentine 760
Hogan, Hon. John M 49
Holmes, Albert G. E 105
Hoskens, Peter 130
Hoverson, Paul 767
Howland, Major Levi. . . . 399
Howland, Thomas 399
Hrbek, Frank 572
Hudd. Hon. Thomas R... 109
Huisenfeldt, George 237
Huisenfeldt, Stephen 237
Hunter, Alvin 165
Hussin, Joseph 362
Icke, Albert 658
Ihlenfeld, John Frederick 573
Jackson, Robert 400
Jackson, William J 610
Jacobsen, Jacob 292
Jacobson, Andrew 609
Jacobson, Christian 761
Jensen, Lars 315
Jess, Charles 713
Joannes, Charles 76
Joannes, Mitchell 78
Joannes, Thomas 81
Johann, Capt. John W. . . 354
Johannes, Frederick 573
Johnson, A. W 200
Johnson, Hans 646
P.\GE.
Johnson, Magnus 457
Jones, Ferdinand 757
Jones, Jared A 605
Jonet, Peter 708
Jorgensen, Mrs. Elsie. . . . 385
Jorgensen, Hans 385
Jorgensen, John L 11
Jorns, Adolph M. C 555
Kalb, Joseph 470
Kalb, Louis 471
Kaye, Victor 679
Kellogg, William E 82
Kennedy, William 388
Keogh, James 596
Keogh, James (deceased). 546
Keogh, John 546
Kerr, James 439
Kersten,AlphonseM.,M.D 241
Kettenhofen, Jacob 225
Killman, Clement 711
Killoren, Luke 752
Kimball, Alonzo 24
Kimball, Charles T 476
Kimball, N. S 113
King, George 648
Kirpal, Rev. Joseph 556
Kitten, Oriu S 379
Klaus, Henry P 103
Klaus, Philipp 102
Kleiinanu, Herman 751
Knudsen, Martin N 764
Knudsen, Peter 764
Knudson, Henry C 553
Knuth, Lewis 269
Kolb, Peter 392
KoUer, Matthias 588
Konop, Andrew 655
Kozelka, Rev. Venceslas. 717
Kozina, Jacob 744
Kozlowskv, Frank 231
Kozlowsky, Frank, Jr.... 232
Kruegar, Frederick 662
Kuehl, J. F. C 691
Kulhauek, Jacob J 742
Kuntz, Christian 409
Kurz, A. G 361
Kustermann, Carl 23
Kustermann, Gustav 22
Kuy pers. John A 428
Kwapil, Judge Frank. . . . 496
Lamarre, Alphonse 246
Lamarre, John L 246
Lancaster, Henry 370
Lange, Eberhardt A 176
Lange, John 668
Langenkatnp, Anton 650
Larsen, William 232
Larson, H. A 619
Last, J. B 123
Lau, Rev. Clement 252
Lau Family 469
Lau, Jacob 469
Laurie, Robert 540
Lawlor, Thomas 419
Lawrence, Augustus W. . 560
Lawrence, G. S 319
Lawson, Alexander, Sr. .. 629
Lawson, Alexander, Jr.. . 629
PAGE.
Lawton Family 28
Lawton, Capt. Joseph G. . 28
Leary, Cornelius 310
Lebal, John 247
Leischow, Fred 741
Leischow, John 741
Leitermann, Joseph 331
Leonard, Bernard A 209
Leonard, J. H 296
Leonhardt, Christopher... 756
Leonhardt, Fred 747
LeRoy,J. H 66
Le Roy, Jonas 66
Ley, Joseph, Sr 177
Ley, Joseph 177
Ley, Michael 672
Liebmann, Edmund F — 215
Liebmann, Franz 191
Liebmann, Louis 215
Liussen. Henrj' 236
Linssen, Matthias 236
Lockhart, James H 766
Lockhart, Robert 619
Lomas, C. W 289
Long, Frank 668
Louw, Rev. FatherC.de 91
Lucia, Charles J 314
Luebck, Charles 737
Lueke, William 12
Lurquin, Felix 140
Lutgen, Charles 754
Lycke, George.. 600
McAbee, John L 481
McAllister, James D 149
McArdle, James 550
McCartney, David 60
McCartney, William 60
McCormick, M. J 454
McCormick, Patrick 455
McCunn, John N 270
McDonald, John R 594
McGeehan, Hon. Rob't. J. 94
McGrath, Thomas J 112
Mcintosh, James 728
McKnight, John 135
McKone, James 226
McLean, Thomas 340
McMahon, Prof. M 761
MacEacham, Archibald,
M. D 578
MacEacham, Mrs. Nettie. 581
Maack, William 769
Mach, Anton 623
Machia, Joseph 620
Madden, John 755
Maedke, Fred W 698
Mahlberg, Henry 648
Mahlberg, Joseph 648
Mailer, Andrew C.,M. D. 427
Mann, Charles E 623
Manthey, Carl 197
Marcussen, Peter 352
Marsh, George W 568
Martin, Constant 39
Martin, Daniel H 433
Martin, George 717
Martin, Henry 536
Martin, Mrs. Mary 350
778
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
PAGE.
Martin, Michael 350
Martin, Hon. Morgan L. 7
Martin, Oliver H.,M. D.. 538
Martin, P. H 19
Martin, Xavier 38
Masliek, Voyta 503
Ma.son, Jared D 361
Mathison, Mathjas 709
Matzke, Fred 218
Meehan, John 408
Meehan, Thomas 408
Meister, Charles 3S6
Meister, Christoph 158
Melchior, Mathias 571
Melera, Felix 670
N^^' Messiner, Bishop S. G 242
' Meimier, John.. 732
Meyer, Leo 763
Meyer, Mathias 763
Michelson, John 248
Milechar, Frank 752
Miller, Godfrey 302
Miller, Jo.seph 671
Miller, Martin 721
Miller, Peter 721
Millidg-e, John 690
Milling-ton Family 304
Minahan, J. R..M. D 36
Moore, William 608
Moran, James T 378
Morau.x, J. D., M. D 196
Morrow, Elisha 104
y<s3Iosimann. Gottlieb 733
' Mowers, H. E 353
Mueller, Carl G 137
Mueller, Charles W 138
Mullen, John F., M. D 515
Muller, Philipp 50
Murphy, John 202
Murphy, Simon J., Jr. . . . 204
Murphy, Timothy 202
Nachtwey, Anton 154
Nachtwey, Henry 154
Nelson, Andrew 647
Nelson, Niels 268
Neuville, Jacques 753
Neville, John C 95
Neville, Julian 477
Neville, Jules C 477
Newell, C. A 448
Newton, Abel D 208
Nolan, M H 160
Norton, Joseph 358
Nuss, Michael 474
Nuss, W. W 474
Nyg-ard, Mathias 743
Oatley , Albert B 424
O'Brien, Rev. M. J 262
Olander, Alfred 708
Oldenburg, Gerhard 405
Oldenburg, Otto N 405
Olmsted, Aus. F., M. D. . 18
Olson, Hans Jacob 700
Otis, B. F 642
Ouradnik, Joseph 645
Paape, Frank 570
Page, David, Sr 488
Palecek, Charles 772
PAGE.
Palecek, Frank 772
Pamperin, Wilhelm 486
Panter Thomas .' . 734
Parker, James M. L 522
Parker, Mavnard T 522
Patton, John 228
Patton, Michael 227
Paulu, Frank 702
Paulu. Joseph 759
Pautz, Herman Reinhart. 552
Pelnar, Nicholas 664
Pelnar, Simon 664
Peot, Michael 567
Peot, Nicholas (pioneer). . 567
Peot, Nicholas 688
Peot, Peter 660
Perry, John 502
Perry, Matthew 625
Perry, Richard M 624
Perry, Samuel 498
Petersen, Charles 661
Peterson, Niels 351
Peterson, Peter A 599
Peterson, Theodore 751
Peterson, \V. H 418
Phelps, Henry 321
Pinney, George 505
Pinney, John J 550
Plinske, Charles 653
Poehler, Frederick 605
Poehler, Henrv 605
Popp, Rev. C. A. F 448
Popp, Godfrey G. L 450
Poser, Frederick 503
Poser, Mrs. M. A 503
Prust, Charles 414
Quatsoe, Ferdinand 374
Quatsoe, Peter 374
Radoe, August F 408
Rank, John C 673
Rasmussen, Niels 139
Ray makers, Hermann... . 369
Reiider, Jurgen 650
Reichel, Louis 661
Reinhart, Mathias 692
Revnen, Matthias 74
Reynolds, Charles 537
Revnolds, Thomas 494
Rhode, Henrv, M. D 273
Rice, W. D..'. 228
Ridings, James 759
Riha, Mathias 676
Ripp, Mathew 331
Roberts, George D 625
Roberts, George M 606
Roberts, Godfrev William 625
Roberts, Dr. John A 591
Robinson, Joseph 577
Rodrian, Jacob 584
Rogers, Hon. William 710
Rohde, Joachim 772
Rondou, A 196
Rooney, John H 706
Rooney, Judge P. J 706
Rowbotham, Rev. Wm... 320
Ryan, Thomas 173
Rvan, Timothy 219
Sawyer, A. P 285
PAGE.
Saw ver, Thomas 285
Scaiilan, Thomas H 198
Schaden, Casper 293
Schauer, Wenzel 722
Schiller, L. G 183
Schlies. Andrew M 710
Schluessel. Herman 750
Schmah, Herman 537
Schmeling, Albert 593
Schmeling, Charles 593
Schmidt, Alex. P 200
Schneider, F. W 114
Schroeder, Charles 158
Schultz, Peter Hanson . . . 203
Schumacher. Frederick. . 746
Schumacher, Ludwig.... 771
Schwarz, Christian 288
Schwedler, Louis 743
Seeinann, David 682
Seeman, Michael 699
Sellers, Malcolm 92
Senft, George, Sr 511
Sensiba, George W 359
Servotte, Ernst W .. 471
Servotte, Joseph H 472
Seyk, W 678
Seymour, Frank B 462
Shampo. David 603
Sharp, Thomas E 67
Shaughnessy, John 312
Shaw, Moses 683
Shaw, Capt. Zebina 683
Sherlock. Andrew 431
Sherlock, James 368
Sherlock, Philip 431
Sherwood, Edison 424
Sherwood, Mrs. Olive I. . . 424
Sibree Family 512
Sibree, Henry Cheever,
M. D 512
Simons, Andrew 313
Slaughter, A. W., M. D. . . 395
Smet, Ferdinand 241
Smith, Alexander 397
Smith, Don F 222
Smith, Frank C 382
Smith, Frank T 59
Smith, J. M 57
Smith, James 396
Smith, John 269
Smith, Michael B 382
Smith, Thomas H 495
Smitz, Father Adolph 268
Snyder, Frank 380
Soukup, Wenzel 677
Spear, George 0 466
Sprague, A 474
Spuhler, Adam 20
Stangel, Frank J 514
Stangel, John J 675
Starr, Henry 642
Stebbens, De Wayne 507
Stephenson, Henry B. . . . 523
Stewart, Robert D 68
Stewart, William M 69
Stichmann, Carl 611
Stichmann, William 611
Stoneman, Joseph 701
INDEX.
779
PAGE.
PAGE.
PAGE.
Stoneman, William..
... 707
Van De Wyngaard, M. . . .
260
Wellens, Lambert....
... 335
St. Peters, Anton A.
D.. 635
Van Dycke, Julius J
479
Wellever, Frank
... 545
St. Peters, William..
.... 635
. ... 405
Van Dycke, Louis C
Van Dvke, Anton
478
339
. ' Weter, James P
... 214
Straubel, Henry A. . .
Whitcomb, W. S
... 372
Streckenbach, C. W..
.... 144
Van Roosmalen, Rev.W.F
458
Whitney, Daniel
... 83
Stroh, Joseph F
... 566
Van Seg-gern, H. D
264
Whitney, Harriet H...
... 87
Sullivan, John
... 347
Van Vonderen, John
388
Whitney, Joshua
... 87
Svoboda, Joseph
689
Verberk, Rev. A.J
71
Wiese, F. H
...266
Sweeney, B. P
... 404
Verboort, Albert
255
Wie.se, William ......
... 266
Sweeney, Peter
... 404
Verstegen, Rev. John
290
Wilcox, Chester G
... 298
Taube, Hermann
.... 621
Ver Straten, Mrs. Anna.
195
Wilcox, Levi S
... 301
Tayler, J. H
. ... 415
Ver Straten, John
195
Williams, Albert
... 311
Terens, Henry M. . . .
. ... 725
Ver Straten, Martin
194
Wilt, Rev. Elsear de. .
... 425
Terens, Nicholas J. . .
. ... 725
Voshardt. Aug-ust C
542
Wiltse, Archie
... 602
Thibaudeau, Simon..
. ... 535
Wachenreiter. Dr. Chas. .
490
Wing Family
... 491
Thiele, Aug-ust
401
Wacktler, Conrad
747
Wing, George W
... 493
Thompson, Rev. H. W
. ... 472
Waegli, John
735
Wing, Rufus L
... 492
Thornton, Mrs. Catherine
Wagener, N. Arnold
557
Winton, C. M
... 166
Anna
. ... 487
Wagner, William P
456
Wirth, Philip M
... 257
Thornton, John H
. ... 487
Wallner, Fred C
770
Wittig, Ferdinand ..
... 251
Thornton, Matthias. .
487
Walsh, John
565
Wob.ser, Albert
... 628
Thorp, Rudolph T
.... 680
Warner, Orrin, Sr
687
Wochos, Wenzel M. . .
... 613
Throndson, Andrew..
.... 719
Warren, Albert G
551
Wolske, Ernest
... 770
Torstenson, Hans
.... 604
Warren, William Harrison
716
Woolford, William B.
... 316
Touhey, James
157
Washburn, Leroy M
563
Worachek, J. W
... 610
Treml, Joseph
. ... 183
Watermolen, Henry
35
Workman, W. M
... 216
Ullsperg-er, Joseph. . .
.... 627
Watermolen, John F
220
Workman, William..
... 155
Van Abel, Martin ....
.... 275
Wattawa, Hon. John
524
Wotter, Frederick... .
... 458
Van Beek, Martin. ...
41
Weber, M
Weber, Nicholas
483
395
Wotter, H. A.,M. D. .
Wrabetz, John
... 458
Van Calster, Emile..
141
... 745
Van Denhouten, John
B.. 641
Webster, Capt. H. W
450
Wunsch, Theodore...
... 723
Vanderheiden, Peter.
. ... 148
Weis, John
586
Yates, John L. V....
... 637
Vauderkinter, Frank.
. ... 144
Weise, Albert
434
Zettel, Joseph
... 547
Vanderkinter, Peter.
. ... 143
Weitermann, John
676
Zettel, Rudolph
...643
Van Deuren, P. J
. ... 460
Weitermann, John, Sr... .
712
Zimdars, David
... 201
A
05
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