Brown County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1913 (part 11 of 14)

Ernest T. Straubel

Ernest T. Straubel is secretary and treasurer of the Straubel Machine Company located at 625 Willow street, Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was born in Green Bay, October 28, 1874, and is a son of F. E. and Christina Straubel, of whom more extended mention is made in the review of Louis A. Straubel, published in another part of this work. Ernest T. Straubel was reared at home, received his early education in the public schools of his native city and immediately following the close of his school years he engaged at work in his father's brickyard at Green Bay until he attained the age of twenty years. He then engaged as an apprenticed machinist and continued as such for two years. He later worked as an apprenticed machinist in the shop of his brother, Louis A., for one year, and for two years was employed in the same shop as a master machinist. In 1899 he went to Milwaukee and there took up work as a machinist with the Vilter Manufacturing Company for one year and later followed his trade as an employe of Gueder & Paschke for a similar length of time and engaged in the same work for a year with the Luther & Gies Company. He then entered into partnership with his brother, Louis A., in the machine business which was conducted under the firm name of the Straubel Machine Company, and later the company admitted to a partnership in the business another brother, at which time the business was incorporated under the firm name of the Straubel Machine Company and has since continued to be successful in the machine manufacturing business.

Mr. Straubel was united in marriage in Green Bay, July 25, 1906, to Miss Frances A. Sprague, a daughter of James and Annie Sprague. The father was a carpenter by trade and followed this occupation for a living in Green Bay until the time of his death, which occurred July 23, 190s.

Mr. Straubel, as secretary and treasurer of the Straubel Machine Company, is a man who is well known throughout northeastern Wisconsin as one of the enterprising and successful business men of his county and state.

The wholesale and retail hardware business, which also comprises departments of blacksmiths' and mill supplies, which is at present owned by Charles T. Kimball, Jr., has been in his family for three generations. It has business traditions and a well marked-out commercial policy which has been handed down from father to son. Charles T. Kimball, Jr., its present owner, is a native of Green Bay, where his birth occurred July 27, 1877. He is a son of Charles T. and Elizabeth C. Kimball. His grandfather was Alonzo Kimball, the founder of the hardware business, which bears the name of his grandson today. Alonzo Kimball was descended from Richard, of the same name, who came to America in 1634 from Rattlesden, Suffolk county, England. The grandfather was the fifth son of Rev. Reul Kimball and Hannah Mather. His birth occurred at Leroy, New York, November 20, 1808. He was graduated from Union College, Schenectady, New York, and was studying for the ministry at Andover Theological Seminary in the same state when he became ill and was obliged to abandon his ambitions along this line. He was married at Dalton, Massachusetts, October 1, 1840. to Miss Sara Weston, a daughter of Rev. Isaiah and Sara (Deane) Weston. In 1848 he removed to Milwaukee and two years later to Green Bay. He celebrated his golden wedding in 1890, surrounded by the united families of his five children : Mary, now Mrs. M. H. Walker, of Green Bay ; A. Weston, formerly postmaster at Green Bay and now agent for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, whose son, Alonzo Kimball of New York city, is an illustrator of note; Charles T.. the father of our subject, who succeeded Alonzo in the hardware business ; Mather D., now a resident of Milwaukee ; and Mrs. William H. Hobbs, of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mrs. Alonzo Kimball died June 2j, 1891, and her husband survived her until August 7, 1900. Alonzo Kimball, during the period of his residence in Green Bay, was an active figure in business and religious circles. He founded the store, of which his grandson is now the head, in 1854, and was an elder of the Union Congregational church until the time of his death in 1900. His son, Charles Theodore Kimball, Sr., the father of our subject, succeeded in the hardware business. He was born at Dalton, Massachusetts, October 10, 1847, and came to Green Bay with his parents in 1849. He grew up and was educated in that city, later attending the Spencerian Business College at Milwaukee for a short time. He married on September 5, 1871, Miss Elizabeth Cawthorne, formerly of Port Hope, Canada, a .daughter of William B. and Jane ( Bell) Cawthorne, the former a native of Newcastle-on-Tyne, England..

and the latter of Scarborough, England. They are the parents of three children : Mary B. ; Myra W. ; and Charles T., Jr., of this review. Charles Theodore Kimball, St., became associated with his father in business in 1870. He is active in various fraternal orders in Green Bay and is affiliated with Pochequette Lodge, Xo. 26, Knights of Pythias, and is a past grand chancellor'of the state of Wisconsin. He succeeded to entire charge of the business in 1900, keeping the original name of the firm. All during his life he has been prominently interested in musical enterprises, was director and organist in his church choir and a leader of the Kimball's Silver Hand and other bands of Green Bay for over twenty-seven years. He has composed and published music of various descriptions and has attained quite a reputation along this line.

His son, Charles T. Kimball, Jr., received his early education in his native city and was graduated from the high school in 1897. Immediately after this he entered his father's store. He started in a humble position and worked his way up through the various branches of the enterprise until he bought out his father in 1908. His success since that time has been remarkably rapid and is based upon his thorough knowledge of the quality and details of manufacture of his goods.

On August 6, 1902. Charles T. Kimball, Jr., was united in marriage to Miss Florence Jones, of De Pere, Wisconsin, a daughter of Mrs. Helen C. Jones, of that city, and they are the parents of one son, Weston, who lives with his parents at the family residence, 526 East Mason avenue. Green Bay.

Mr. Kimball votes the republican ticket and is a firm supporter of party policies. He is prominent in the Knights of Pythias and a devoted adherent of the First Congregational church. He is sole owner at the present time of the oldest retail hardware business in Wisconsin. His career has been eminently successful. The enterprise, of which he is the head, was founded two generations ago by his grandfather on the basis of honorable business methods, strict integrity and fair dealing in every particular. It was carried on by his father along the same lines with energy, industry and intelligence and is now, in the hands of the son, one of the most important business houses in Green Bay. The worthy traditions upon which the business was founded in 1854 are in active force at the present time. Charles Theodore Kimball, Jr., has never deviated in any respect from the strict line of integrity which is his heritage through three generations of trustworthy men.

Joseph Lannoye

Joseph Lannoye, superintendent of the Fort Howard cemetery at Green Bay, has occupied this position since April 1, 1909, and resides in a pleasant little home near the scene of his labors. He is a native of Green Bay, born October 21, 1884. His parents are Seraphine and Mary Lannoye, both natives of Brown county. The family, however, is of Belgian origin and was founded in America by Francis Lannoye, the grandfather of our subject, who emigrated to the new world in 1850, locating in Brown county, this state, where his son, Seraphine Lannoye, was born. The latter followed farming until his death, January 24, 1902, at the age of forty years, and his grave is in Fort Howard cemetery. His wife still survives and makes her home in Green Bay.

Joseph Lannoye was educated in the public schools of Green Bay but laid aside his books at the early age of fifteen years to assist his father in the work of the farm. He became a practical and expert agriculturist and gave his entire time and attention to the improvement and development of the home farm until he received his appointment as superintendent of the Fort Howard cemetery in 1909. He has charge of one of the largest burial grounds in Green Bay and is responsible for its beautiful appearance. He has under his supervision five assistants and has shown himself ideally fitted for his position in every respect.

Mr. Lannoye is a republican in politics and although he never has sought public office or taken any very active part in local affairs, he displays a commendable interest in public matters. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Roman Catholic church, in which faith he was reared. He is one of the most prominent of the younger generation in Green Bay.

Adolph Alfred Behrendt

Adolph A. Behrendt is warden of the Green Bay Turn Verein and in this relation is well known and popular. He is a cigar maker by trade and was born in Green Bay, October 13, 1877, and his entire life has been spent in the city. His father, Carl Behrendt, is a native of West Prussia and lived in that section of Germany until 1871. Crossing the Atlantic in that year, he settled in Green Bay, and there followed the machinist's trade in the employ of the Green Bay & Western Railroad. For twenty years he gave his energy and attention to this occupation, working ably and efficiently in the interests of his employers. At the present time he is engaged in the manufacture of compressed yeast and in ten years has built up a flourishing business along this line. He married Miss Minnie Wohlfeil, a daughter of John Wohlfeil. She passed away in Green Bay in 1906, when she was sixty-two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Carl Behrendt became the parents of eight children, four of whom are living: Adolph Alfred, of this review; Herman, a machinist, of Kaukauna ; Otto, who is employed as a boilermaker in Green Bay ; and Antonia, the wife of Charles Robinson, of Green Bay.

Adolph Behrendt began his active career when he was still a boy, becoming identified with cigar manufacturing in the capacity of stripper. He later learned all of the details of cigar making and has been connected with this industry since that time. For two years he followed his trade in Sparta, but returned to Green Bay at the end of that time where he follows his business. He is well known in the local cigar makers' union.

Catherina ( Keliher) Castonia, of Chilton. Her father was previous to his death, one of the prominent farmers in that section of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Behrendt have three children: Norbert, Florence, and Hazel. The family belong to the Lutheran church. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and since his boyhood has been connected with the Green Bay Turn Verein, of which he has been recently elected custodian.

Jacob Busch

Jacob Busch is now serving as registrar of deeds of Brown county and is filling the office so capably and conscientiously as to insure for himself a place among efficient public officials. He is well known in local democratic politics and prosperous in various business enterprises, having standards of honor and integrity which are forceful in both phases of his activity. Mr. Busch was born in the city, in which he now resides, on the 12th of October, 1857, and is a son of Herman J. and Theodora (Coener) Busch, natives of Germany. The father was born in Prussia and came to America with his parents. He settled in Green Bay where he opened a general mercantile business on the present site of the Sherwood Hotel. He retained his identification with this line of work for ten years when his health failed and he was obliged to retire from active life. He was an invalid during his remaining years, dying in 1880 at the age of sixty-one. His wife was a daughter of John G. Coener, who came to America as a member of a colony from Germany to Little Chute at an early date. The mother of our subject died in January, 1881, when she was forty-six years of age. She and her husband had eight children, five of whom are living: Jacob, of this review; Angelina, who is married and resides in Minnesota; Rose, who married P. A. Romson, who resides at No. 915 South Jackson street, Green Bay; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Engels of Winona; and Joseph, who lives in Green Bay.

Jacob Busch was educated in the public schools of his native city and after laying aside his books followed the occupation of tinsmith for several years. He later clerked in the clothing establishment of the Delaporte Clothier, being employed in this capacity for eleven years. He spent five years in connection with the Cole Clothing Company and a similar period as an independent tinsmith. For ten years he was prominent and successful in the retail shoe business but was obliged to abandon this occupation on account of ill health. He is now giving most of his time to politics serving with ability and efficiency as registrar of deeds to which office he was elected in 1910.

Mr. Busch was married to Miss Mary Van De Zande, who was born in Humboldt township and who is a daughter of John Van De Zande of that section. Mr. and Mrs. Busch had five children, four of whom are living: John M., who married Miss Mildred Barret; and Walter, Winifred and Robert, all of whom live at home.

belongs to Green Bay Lodge, No. 259, B. P. O. E., and is also affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is a democrat in his political beliefs and an active worker in the interests of his party. He is well known as an able public official, having served two terms as city treasurer and one term as a member of the city council before he was elected to his present position as registrar of deeds in 1910. He is now giving his attention to fulfilling ably the duties of his office, working conscientiously and progressively to improve the conditions of the particular department with which he is connected, influenced by ideas of broader and more effective public service.

Henry L. Indra

Henry L. Indra, superintendent of the Willow Grass Rug Company, has during the course of his active life been a prominent figure in business circles of Green Bay. Other interests have at various times claimed his attention, he having been at one time senior partner in the Green Bay Foundry & Machine Company, while with the invention of the pulp wood barker machine he was also connected. His birth occurred May 31, 1875, in the city which is still his place of residence, his parents being Anton and Emily (Jantz) Indra. His father, a native of Austria, left that country in 1856 and came to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he engaged in the butcher business for many years. He died in 1895. at the age of fifty-four years, and was laid to rest in Woodlawn cemetery. His wife survives him. In their family were six children: Theresa, living at home; Emily, who is a school teacher in South Dakota ; Clara, the wife of Frank Huber, master mechanic for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at Channing, Michigan ; Henry L., of this review ; Louis, who is part owner of the West Side Garage in Green Bay; and Lydia, who holds the position of bookkeeper in a local business and resides at home.

Henry L. Indra acquired his early education in the public schools of Green Bay and afterward attended the high school for a short period, but at the age of sixteen years laid aside his text-books to become an apprentice to the blacksmith's trade. Following his preliminary training for that work he was employed for eighteen months as a machinist in Green Bay and afterward accepted a position in the Duncan foundry, where he remained for twelve years. His increasing ability made him an expert moulder and through his close application and energy he became thoroughly acquainted with all the details of the foundry business, so that he worked his way up rapidly, serving as foreman during the last nine years of his connection with the Duncan plant. In 1906 he resigned to enter into partnership with Iver Miller and John Arvey and they purchased the Duncan foundry. Mr. Indra, however, retained his stock for only a short time, he and Mr. Arvey selling out to Mr. Miller. Air. Indra then retired from active business and for two years was connected with no trade interests. In the meantime he had aided in perfecting the invention of the pulp wood barker machine and was interested in its manufacture for about a year and a half. The house which now controls that invention has developed an extensive business, manufacturing hundreds of machines yearly. After a two years' retirement he entered into active connections with the Willow Grass Rug Company as superintendent on the ist of August, 1912.

Politically Air. Indra has always remained independent, casting his ballot as his judgment dictates without regard to party affiliation. While he has never been an office seeker, he has always taken an intelligent interest in public affairs and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He holds membership in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a devout adherent of the German Lutheran church. In his business career his activity and enterprise have brought him a gratifying measure of success, his expert ability has made him prominent among the representatives of mechanical and industrial interests at Green Bay and the course which he has ever followed has commended him to the confidence and good-will of his associates. He has a large circle of warm friends in this city, where his entire life has been passed, and that his record is a commendable one is indicated in the fact that his stanchest friends are those who have known him longest.

Albert L. Greiling

Xo man in New Franken has won a greater measure of success in business at an early age than Albert L. Greiling, who is connected with various important enterprises that have not only contributed to his individual prosperity but also to the public welfare. At thirty-five years he is recognized as one of the most energetic and prominent men of his village, perceiving and utilizing opportunities that others have passed heedlessly by and gaining through capable management and keen discrimination a prominent place among the successful business men of this part of the state. He was born in Preble, July 13, 1877, and is a son of August W. and Amelia Greiling, who were natives of Schwarzburg-Rudollstadt, one of the smaller German states, the former born August 5, 1836, and the latter on the 1 2th of September, 1838. They came to the United States in early life and spent their last years on their Wisconsin farm, the father passing away November 14, 1909, and the mother in January, 191 1.

In the public schools of Preble, Albert L. Greiling obtained his early education, which was supplemented by a two years' course at the Oshkosh State Normal School, and when he had laid aside his text-books he taught in the district schools of Brown county for a period of five years. He was planning to return to school in the further pursuit of education but events claimed his attention in another direction. It was on a Monday morning in the year 1898 that he stepped from the train at New Franken. There were no buildings at all near the depot and Mr. Greiling, looking over the ground and realizing something of the possibilities before him, began questioning himself as to why it would not be advisable to purchase property near the depot and create a market for hay, grain and butter, which at that time was all being taken to markets at Green Bay or Kewaunee. He could not rid himself of the thought, which recurred to him again and again for two months until he finally decided that he would buy the land. His present holdings consisted of a wild tract of five and a half acres belonging to the manager of the Kewaunee, Green Bay & Western Railroad Company. At that time there was but a single by-path, called a road, leading to the depot, and the development of this section of the country at that time was being retarded rather than encouraged. To get proper highways to the depot and his prospective place of business meant a general road agitation, which Mr. Greiling instituted. A year and a half was largely spent in awakening public sentiment in favor of the project but he finally won out. During all that period he was engaged in teaching school. During the summer of 1900, however, his plans saw their consummation in the building of a store. About July, 1900, however, he became suddenly ill and was removed to a hospital at Green Bay for an operation, the results of which incapacitated him for further business for about six months. At length. however, he opened a store late in the fall of 1900 for the handling of groceries, shoes and dry goods. He was soon accorded a liberal patronage from among the acquaintances whom he had made while teaching school and from that time forward his business has gradually developed along substantial lines. No sooner had he placed one project upon a stable basis than he undertook the task of developing another. In order to create a butter market he organized a cooperative creamery in the early spring of 1901. On the first day of its existence he handled thirty-five hundred pounds of milk, but this business also grew until forty-three thousand pounds of milk is cared for daily and the establishment is by far the largest creamery in Brown county and one of the largest in Wisconsin. It has saved thousands of dollars to the farmers of New Franken and has created better dairy interests at this place than ever seen here in a period of more than fifty years. Mr. Greiling remained general manager and secretary of the creamery for eleven years, resigning his position in the spring of 1912. On the 17th of July, 1901. Mr. Greiling was united in marriage to Miss Emma M. Benecke, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. Benecke, of Fontenoy, Brown county. Following their marriage Mrs. Greiling took active part in conducting the store, thus allowing her husband to spend his time in handling baled hay, buying grain and attending to the duties in connection with the warehouse. In this he was assisted by one man, while his wife had a lady assistant in the store. In 1902 he reconstructed his business building, the upper floor of which was used as a residence, and he added an elevator, grain storage and feed mill to his interests. He also employed another man to aid him in the outside work and another saleslady for the store. The next expansion to his trade came in the opening of a general line of farm machinery and the erection of an addition of thirty-six by sixty feet to the side of his store to serve as store room and warehouse for farm implements. Two years passed and he employed still another man and another woman to assist in the conduct of the various branches of the business. He likewise added another general addition to his store, twenty-eight by sixty feet, and opened a good line of notions, hardware and general merchandise. Still he increased the scope of his trade by handling lumber and coal and further housed his interests by the building of another addition, thirty-six by sixty feet, added to the elevator building. His stock was increased in the winter of 1909 to include shelf hardware and in this department he has since enjoyed a good trade. Thus year by year the business has grown and developed until his commercial undertakings constitute a strong and potent force in the business activity of Brown county. In the fall of 191 1 he organized the New Franken State Bank with a capital of twelve thousand dollars and as its president has so controlled and directed its interests that a profitable business is already being conducted, although the bank has been in existence for only about a year. There seems no limit to Air. Greiling's enterprise. He never regards any position to which he has attained as final but rather as a starting point for successful acomplishment in still other directions. He has not only met but has anticipated the needs of the community and has thus been able to supply them when the demand has arisen. In the spring of 1912 he organized a telephone company capitalized for ten thousand dollars and developed a rural telephone system which is of great value to both business men and to the surrounding farming community. Mr. Greiling has acted as general manager and secretary of this company and its development thus far has exceeded the most sanguine expectations. Today he employs in the conduct of his general business interests five men and four ladies. It has always been his policy to retain in his employ those who have served him long and to pay them well, giving monthly salaries which are larger than is usually paid for such labor in competing lines. He now handles general merchandise, hardware and tinware, coal and lumber, hay, grain and produce, and farm machinery.

Mrs. Greiling has always been of the greatest assistance to her husband, for while she aided him in the store for only a year, being preeminently a home woman devoted to the interests of her household and her children, she has always assisted him by her kindly counsel and encouragement. She possesses a most cheerful and agreeable disposition and by her good-will has aided him in solving many perplexing problems that naturally arise in connection with a business of the magnitude owned and controlled by Mr. Greiling. To them have been born five children, Ethel, Grace, Leslie, Pearl and Grant. In 1909 Mr. Greiling erected an attractive residence in the village, having up to that time lived above the store.

Mr. Greiling gives his political allegiance to the republican party and in 1903 was appointed postmaster of the village. Since that time the postoffice has been developed from practically no cancellation to an office with several rural routes, reaching practically five hundred families. Mr. Greiling, however, has never been active politically in the sense of office seeking, but no man has done more in a private capacity to promote growth and advancement in this section. During the short period of his residence in New Franken he has been one of the greatest individual forces in its busi- ness expansion and progress. His administrative ability has directed and influenced the organization and establishment of important enterprises and his energies have controlled their growth and advancement. He has always adhered to the highest standards of commercial ethics and all with whom he has had business dealings know that his word is one to be relied upon under any circumstance. He possesses the power of making his varied interests separately effective and he has the keen discernment, courage and initiative which are factors in the highest type of the modern business man. His ability has commanded many opportunities which he has developed as features in public welfare as well as in individual success.

John C. Miller

John C. Miller, president of the Miller & Rassmussen Ice Company of Green Bay, has occupied this important position since the incorporation of the company in 1906. His business life began when he was twenty-one years old and his rise since that time has been phenomenally rapid and well deserved. He is today one of the most important factors in the commercial life of the city and the organizer and leading influence in some of its most prominent enterprises. He is a native of Ohio, having been born at Cleveland, September 9, 1874. His parents were Jacob and Mary Miller, the former a prominent farmer at Luxembourg, Kewaunee county, Wisconsin.

At the usual age John C. Miller entered the public schools of his native city but when he was twelve years old he was obliged to lay aside his books, driven by the stern necessity of making his own way in the world. He obtained a position in a planing mill, where he worked at firing a boiler for four months. He spent the next year and a half in a minor capacity 111 the employ of the Globe Iron Works. This concern also operated a department of shipbuilding and John C. Miller became acquainted with the details of this business also. When his parents removed to the section of the country surrounding Green Bay, John C. Miller worked in the woods in the winter time and spent the summer months assisting his father in the labor of the farm. This manner of life continued for five years, after the expiration of which time Mr. Miller spent one year in the west. When he returned to Green Bay he obtained a position as driver of an ice wagon for L. P. Larson and the time which he spent in this capacity gave a definite bent to his ambition. By dint of strict economy he was able to save up a little money of his own, and in 1906 he formed a partnership with Mr. Rassmussen and bought out the ice business of his employer, Mr. Larson. The combined capital of the two partners amounted only to five hundred dollars but their ambition and desire for success more than made up for what they lacked in material resources. They carried on the business with great success, increasing their market every year until, at the time of its incorporation, the enterprise was the largest ice company in the city of Green Bay.

On November 2, 1898, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Christine Darner, a native of Germany, and they have two children, Myron and Irma. The family reside at 904 North Chestnut street, in the pleasant home which Air. Miller erected for himself some years ago.

Mr. Miller never allows political party lines to influence his vote. He keeps himself entirely independent in this respect and votes for the man and the principle without thought of the party. He is a prominent member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and he also holds membership in the Green Bay Turn Verein. He takes an active interest in the public affairs of Green Bay and is prominent in any movement which has for its object the city's future prosperity. He is essentially a business man, having been active in commercial circles when he was still a boy. The qualities which earned him promotion when he was firing a boiler have made him president of one of the largest concerns of its kind in the city, where his dominating personality makes itself felt in increased development and rapid progress.

Edward Garot

The personal qualities which are responsible for business success are essentially the same in every line of activity, for industry, energy and concentration will win in the end over almost every obstacle. The success of Edward Garot, now a member of the firm of Garot Brothers, heating and plumbing contractors of Green Bay, is dite entirely to his possession of these characteristics. He is a native of Green Bay, born October 4, 1873, and is a son of Frank and Victorine Garot, both of whom are still residents of Green Bay, where the father lives retired.

Edward Garot attended the public schools of his native city until the age of fourteen years, when he laid aside his books to learn the plumbing business, working as a journeyman until he had earned enough money to start in business for himself. The plumbing department is absolutely independent of the heating branch of the business. Edward Garot is in charge of the plumbing and is also associated in the other line with his brother. They have worked together in harmony since their partnership was formed in 1895, and they have made the business one of the most prominent of its kind in the city of Green Bay.

On June 6, 1899, Edward Garot was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Hughes, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Hughes, old residents of Neenah, Wisconsin. They are the parents of six children: Winifred and Bernard, both of whom are students in the public schools of Green Bay; Irene and Katherine, twins ; Edwin ; and George. The family reside at No. 427 South Madison avenue in a beautiful home which Mr. Garot has recently entirely remodeled.

Politically he is entirely independent of party lines, never seeks office but takes an interest in local and national questions. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and prominent in the Knights of

Columbus. He was reared in the Roman Catholic faith and has educated his children in its doctrines. He has obtained a reputation in his native city for honorable and high-minded business principles and upon this firm foundation rest his past prosperity and his future progress.

John Hoberg

The name of John Hoberg has a good sound in the city of Green Bay, for he was the founder of an industry which in the course of years has become one of the most important enterprises in the city of Green Bay and is known today as the John Hoberg Company, a paper manufacturing concern, the plant of which occupies a ground space of more than two acres. From small beginnings this immense industrial establishment has developed under the able guidance of our subject, who was at its head for a number of years as president and since has been succeeded by his son, Frank H., who ably discharges the duties and fulfills the responsibilities which have fallen upon his shoulders.

John Hoberg was born in Prussia in about 1840 and was a son of Christopher and Mary (Reiser) Hoberg. In 1840, when but an infant, he wasbrought to America by his parents, who were seeking in the new world those opportunities which were denied them in the fatherland. Upon their arrival they first settled in Detroit, Michigan, where they remained for about seven years. Christopher Hoberg was a tailor by trade, an occupation which he had followed on the other side of the Atlantic, but later engaged in this country in the brewing business. As the west seemed to hold out to him advantages of more rapid success, he came in 1847 to the state of Wisconsin and made settlement in Sheboygan, where he established the first brewery in the town. In 1854, however, he withdrew from the brewing business and engaged along mercantile lines, continuing in that occupation for a number of years. In 1880 the father removed with the family to Kaukauna, Wisconsin, where the wife and mother passed away in February, 1883. The grief over the loss of his lifelong and faithful companion and helpmate so affected Mr. Hoberg, who was not in the best of health, that he followed her to the great unknown on the very next day and they now rest side by side in their last sleep in the cemetery in Sheboygan. Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Hoberg were the parents of twelve children, of whom six grew to maturity. Joseph, who crossed the country to Portland, Oregon, where he made his home; John, our subject; Casper, of Brownsville, Oregon; Christopher, of the same place; Louis, of Sheboygan. Wisconsin; and Josephine, who became the wife of Nicholas Thisen of the same place.

John Hoberg was a boy of little more than seven years when he came with his parents to Wisconsin. He attended school in the then small hamlet of Sheboygan and there grew to manhood. He early in life showed enterprise and decision and versatile talents which seemed to destine him more than anything else for a business career. His parents, wisely recog- nizing the abilities in the son, permitted him to fashion and carve out his own business career and from 1858, when a youth not yet twenty years old, we find him in business, located in Sheboygan, and he also shipped produce and traded all over the Lake Superior country and engaged in various commercial lines in and around Sheboygan until 1879, in which year he removed to North Kaukauna, where he built the first exclusive pulp mill in the place and conducted the same for about a year. In 1880 he gave up this enterprise and we find him again in the produce-shipping business and it was he who in 1881 shipped the first car of grain ever sent from that town. When, in 1882, the boom in South Kaukauna set in, he crossed the river, recognizing the opportunity in the rapid settlement of the community, and engaged there in the mercantile business, also buying and selling real estate. He soon received substantial returns from his careful investments and his business and built a number of residences and business houses in the place. The mining excitement which prevailed at Bessemer in 1885 drew his attention to the opportunities presented in this district and he moved there and again engaged in general mercantile pursuits and the real-estate business and was successful in both at this place for two years, being called back to South Kaukauna when another boom had set in on account of the rich coal finds in the neighborhood. In 1891 he first conceived the idea of the foundation of the great business which today is carried on under the name of the John Hoberg Company. In a building which had been erected in 1881 as a machine shop and which was later known as The Atlas Brass & Iron Works he began the manufacture of tissue and similar papers from silica fiber, and from the first the business prospered. The factory began its operations in 1892 and its plant has been located in Green Bay since 1895. Gradually they added to the manufacture of tissue paper, papers, napkins and other specialties of similar material, and this is the product of the factory to the present day. In 1893 flie firm was incorporated and John Hoberg became its president and he remained at the head of this large institution until 1900, when to a certain extent he withdrew from active connection with the business, turning over the management and presidency to his eldest son, Frank H., although he was daily seen around the plant, active and interested in its growth and progress. His death was brought about by a deplorable accident in July, 1904. He and his son, Frank H., had worked together in inventing and perfecting a new paper-making machine. They had erected a new factory building and had installed the machine therein and the new plant had been in operation but three days when John Hoberg, while dressing a belt, caught his hand in the transmission, that member being drawn between the belt and the pulley, throwing him violently to the floor and bursting a blood vessel in his head. He only lived nine days after this accident.

In 1867 John Hoberg chose as his partner in life Miss Lastine Friemouth, a daughter of Nicholas and Marie Friemouth, natives of France, who in 1847 came to South Kaukauna, where the father was engaged in the fishery business. Mr. and Mrs. Hoberg were the parents of nine children. Frank H. is at present the president and general manager of the John Hoberg Company and of him more extended mention is made in another part of this book. John J., who was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, September 28, 1871, received his education in that city and Kaukauna and married on July 17, 1893, Miss Maud Blair, and they have two children, Irene and Seda. Next in order of birth are Rosa, Henry and George C. William was born in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, March 3, 1882. Anton was born in Kaukauna, November 3, 1884, and on September 28, 1905. married Miss Carrie Rothe, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rothe. Nicholas and Lastine died at the ages of seven and six years respectively.

John Hoberg during his life was very active and influential in local political circles although he did not seek the reward of public office for himself. His life work has been of the greatest of benefit to the growth and upbuilding of the city of Green Bay and the establishment which he founded today gives work to nearly two hundred employes. Mrs. Lastine Hoberg, who survives him, is still actively connected with the affairs of the John Hoberg Company, of which she is vice president, leaving the heavier burden of the office of president and general manager to her son Frank. She is highly respected in Green Bay, where she has made many friends.

The late Robert J. McGeehan was by public opinion placed among the most enterprising, successful men of his part of Wisconsin and was a man who by virtue of his ability and consistent life enjoyed the goodwill and high regard of his fellow citizens. He was born at Peel, Wellington county, Ontario, Canada, August 26, 1854, and was a son of John J. and Mary Ann (Driscoll) McGeehan. The father came to Wisconsin with his wife and family in 1870 and settled at Wrightstown, Brown county, where he engaged in farming.

Robert J. McGeehan was reared at home and received his early education in the district schools. During the school interims he was employed at work on his father's farm and in sawmills in the vicinity of his home. In 1878 he came to De Pere and established himself in the agricultural implement business under the firm name of Robert J. McGeehan, under which name the business was conducted until January, 1910. In that year he incorporated the company under the name of Robert J. Mc- Geehan Son & Company, of which he was the president until the time of his death. In addition to his implement business he was also interested in many of the principal industries in De Pere and was one of the organizers of the State Bank of De Pere, of which he was vice president during the remaining years of his life. He was also vice president and manager of the De Pere Electric Light & Power Company and vice president of the J. P. Dousman Company.

Mr. McGeehan was united in marriage at De Pere, October 3, 1882, to Miss Bridget E. Hines, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine Hines, of Kaukauna, both of whom died when Mrs. McGeehan was a small child. To Mr. and Mrs. McGeehan five children were born, Grover

Thomas, Elmer James, Marie Elizabeth, Margaret Katherine and Eleanor. The father of this family died at De Pere, July 9, 191 1, and the mother with her five children is now living in their beautiful home on North Broadway.

Mr. McGeehan was a loyal member of the democratic party and one of the influential men in the state councils of that dominant political organization. From 1884 to 1885 he served as alderman of De Pere and was county supervisor from 1887 to 1890. He was twice elected as mayor of De Pere and continued to serve his city in that capacity until April, 1900. For five years he was a member of the board of trustees of the County Asylum for Chronic Insane, was chairman of the Brown county democratic central committee and at different times was a delegate to state and congressional conventions. He was twice elected to the Wisconsin state assembly, his first election having occurred in 1888, and on the completion of his term in that body he was reelected for the term of 1890- 1892. He was also elected state senator and served a four year term, from 1892 to 1896, and in 1904 he was a presidential elector on the democratic ticket. He was an active member of the De Pere Business Men's Association as well as the Brown County Agricultural & Mechanical Association, of which he was president for three years. He was a member of the Catholic church and one of the trustees of St. Francis' church for many years. He was one of the organizers and president of Branch 46, Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, and in 1906 was state director of that order. He was also a member of the Catholic Knights of America and was a charter member of Columbus Court, No. 315, Catholic Order of Foresters, and also a charter member of Green Bay Council, No. 617, K. C.

The Hon. Robert J. McGeehan was one of the citizens of Wisconsin whose name was a synonym for probity and uprightness of character. He so lived as to be worthy of the confidence of his fellowmen without regard to political affiliations and while a loyal member of the Roman Catholic church he was equally respected and loved by the Protestants of the community and state in which he lived, and the occasion of his death was not alone an irreparable loss to his family but it removed from Wisconsin one of her most cherished and highly esteemed citizens.

Emil Ysebaert

Emil Ysebaert is operating one of the finest buffets in Green Bay and has won success by the practical application of good business qualities. He was born in the city in which he now resides on May 2, 1884, and is a son of August and Theresa (Henevaast) Ysebaert, natives of Belgium. The father came with his family to America at an early date, and located in Oconto, Wisconsin, where he followed the trade of a miller for some time, later going to Green Bay. Here he engaged in lumber scaling and eventually took up truck gardening, continuing in this line of activity until 1903. In that year he opened the old Green Bay House and gave his energies and attention to the management of this hotel until his death, February 16, 1905, when he was fifty-two years of age. His wife is still living at the age of fifty-three, and makes her home with our subject. To their union were born six children, five of whom are still living: Martin, who is conducting a saloon in Green Bay; Emil, the subject of this sketch; Mary, who lives at In ime; Louisa, the wife of H. Tulsman, a fireman in Green Bay; and Ida, residing at home.

After completing his education in the public schools of his native city Mr. Ysebaert aided his father in the conduct of his truck-gardening enterprise for several years. When this business was disposed of he helped in the management of the old Green Bay House until July 1, 1907, in which year he established himself in his present business. He conducts one of the largest and most up-to-date buffets in Green Bay.

Mr. Ysebaert wedded Miss Gertrude Larscheid, who was born January 29, 1890, and who is a daughter of Lorenz and Margaret (Seibel) Larscheid. Mr. and Mrs. Ysebaert have one child, Catherina, born December 17, 1912. Mr. Ysebaert was reared in the Roman Catholic faith. He does not affiliate with any particular political party and never seeks public office.

Otto C. Giese

Otto C. Giese, who makes his home on section 23, Suamico township, has for the past four years conducted a cheese factory at Big Suamico with gratifying success. His birth occurred at Brillion, Calumet county, Wisconsin, on the 13th of November, 1880, his parents being Charles F. and Amelia (Buss) Giese, both of whom are natives of Germany. The father was born in 1856, while the mother's natal year was 1858. Charles F. Giese, who was brought to Wisconsin when eight years of age, was for many years engaged in business as a cheese maker. He now follows farming in Suamico township, and both he and his wife are widely and favorably known here. Their children are eleven in number, namely: Otto, Adolph, Richard, Martha, Charles. Jr., Arthur, Ida, Ray, Alfred, Elmer and William.

Otto C. Giese attended the schools of his native town until fourteen years of age and then worked in a box factory for a few years, subsequently becoming a cheese maker. In 1908 he purchased the factory at Big Suamico and has since been successfully engaged in its conduct. He is now adding a creamery to the plant and when this is erected will have the most complete factory for the handling of dairy products in Suamico. A young man of enterprise and ability, he has already won a creditable measure of prosperity in his business undertakings and well deserves representation among the substantial citizens of the community.

On the 1 8th of November, 1902, at Flintville. Mr. Giese was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Therrian, her parents being Louis and Jennie (Burdeau) Therrian, the former a farmer of Suamico township. They now have five children, as follows: Carl, Donald, Milton. Arline and Iola. Mr. Giese gives his political allegiance to the democracy and in religious faith is a Catholic. He is identified with the Fraternal Reserve Association of Suamico and also of the Wisconsin National Life of Oshkosh. Upright and honorable in all life's relations, he is highly respected and esteemed in the community where he resides.

Hon. Winford Abrams

Politics is a game to be played for pleasure - or it is a weighty and serious occupation ; politics is a power to be used for selfish personal ends, and offices within the gift of the people are things to be bandied about dishonestly for petty personal gain - or the power which goes with a responsible political office is a high and sacred trust reposed in a man by his fellow citizens who delight to honor him and to whom he owes the deep obligation of honor and good faith. The aspect which politics assumes in any given city depends upon the quality of the men who are prominent in it. A man who is doing his utmost to make politics take on a higher and greater aspect in this city is the Hon. Winford Abrams, mayor of Green Bay. He was born here, January 20, 1868, his parents being W. J. and Henrietta (Taylor) Abrams. The family is of British origin, but has been in this country for over one hundred years. His father, who came from Washington county, New York, in 1856, was a railroad man. He was prominently identified with democratic politics in this city, held the office of mayor in 1881, 1883 and 1884 and was a member of the state senate for some time. He died September 12, 1900, in his seventy-fourth year, and is buried in Woodlawn cemetery. He is survived by his widow and three children: Mrs, Hamilton Townsend, of Chicago, Illinois; Mrs. Carter Tobey, now residing at Mountain Home, Idaho ; and Winford.

The last named acquired his primary education in the public schools, supplemented by a course at the Green Bay Business College. After leaving the business college he accepted a position as wagon driver with the American Express Company, receiving for his services thirty dollars per month and working on an average of eighteen hours a day. He held this position for six months, when he became floor hand and later shipping clerk for the Joannes Wholesale Grocery Company, with whom he remained for three years. His next position was as tie and timber buyer for the Kewaunee, Green Bay & Western Railroad Company, in which capacity he continued during the construction of the line and after its completion became fireman and later locomotive engineer, in which capacity he served from 1894 to 1900, when he resigned to take control of his father's realestate and mortgage loan business, of which he is still active manager. His previous varied training in a business way well qualified him for his present duties, in the discharge of which he displays keen discernment, unfaltering energy and the ability which ever enables an individual to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. His public career in which he has been conspicuously successful, began in 1902, when he was elected to the Green Bay city council and wras made a member of the finance committee in the same year. He served altogether as alderman for six years. In 1903 he was appointed chairman of the finance committee and so remained until his election as mayor. In 1904 he was selected by the common council as its president under the mayoralty of R. E. Minahan. In 1908 he was chosen chief executive of Green Bay and has been twice reelected, now serving for the third term of two years. Xo higher testimonial of capable service, of a practical and business-like administration and of loyalty to the public welfare could be given than the fact that he has three times received the indorsement of the people for the office.

Mr. Abrams was married in Green Bay, June 5, 1894, to Miss Ottilie Rhode, a daughter of Dr. Henry and Eva M. Rhode, the former a prominent physician of Green Bay, who died in March, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Abrams have one daughter, Henrietta Alton, now a student at St. Joseph's Academy in this city. The family residence is at No. 915 South Quincy street and was erected in 1899.

Winford Abrams is a prominent member of the Royal Arcanum and active in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and Loyal Order of Moose. He is a faithful representative of these organizations, loyal to their teachings and principles. He has made a creditable record as a business man but it is because of his public service, perhaps, that he is held in highest esteem by his fellow townsmen. He has ever regarded a public office as a public trust and a promise made as one to be fulfilled. He has never deviated in any respect from the high standards which have marked his career since its beginning. His father was active in public affairs before him and traditions of high and honorable service which made him a successful mayor for many years are active and vital in the political career of his son.

There is little dissension of opinion concerning the fact that railroad projects have contributed more largely to the settlement, development and utilization of resources in different sections of the country than any other single enterprise or activity. Because of his operations in the field of railroad building and manipulation W. J. Abrams deserves mention as one of the foremost citizens of Green Bay and eastern Wisconsin. It is also a widely recognized fact that he did much to develop the almost inexhaustible resources of the Fox river valley, and the success which he achieved in the conduct of his growing and extensive business affairs enabled him to live retired for a few years prior to his death, which occurred on the 12th of September, 1900. He was born on the 19th of March. 1829, in Cambridge, Washington county. New York, a son of Isaac T. and Ruth (Hall) Abrams, who were natives of the Empire state, the father being a business man of West Troy, New York. He died in 1868, while his wife passed away in 1870. She was a granddaughter of Captain Alexander Thomas, who in December, 1778, was commissioned by the general assembly of Rhode Island a captain in Colonel Topham's regiment of the Rhode Island line for service in the Revolutionary war. Through his mother Mr. Abrams was also connected with Lyman Hall, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and in the paternal line with Lord Townley of the English house of peers.

After acquiring his more specifically literary education in the schools of Cambridge and of Troy, New York, Mr. Abrams entered the theological school at Williamstown, Massachusetts, with the intention of taking up the work of the ministry, but the condition of his health forced him to abandon this plan and he spent some years thereafter in travel, utilizing that means of recuperation. Throughout that period he continued his studies in art and literature and he also wrote quite extensively, publishing various essays under different non-de-plumes. He remained throughout his life a man of letters, not so much in production as in interest, for matters literary always claimed his deep attention.

In 1850 Mr. Abrams came to northern Wisconsin and for some time thereafter was engaged in making railroad surveys from Lake Michigan to Ontonagon. He established his permanent residence in Green Bay in 1861 and became identified with the Collingwood, Sarnia and Buffalo lines of steamers. Until 1870 none were more prominent in the development of water transportation facilities for the town and surrounding country than was Air. Abrams. He was ever a man of resourceful ability, recognizing and utilizing opportunities. He never regarded any position as final but rather as the starting point for successful accomplishment in still other fields. In 1870 he directed his attention to railroad enterprises and was one of the promoters of the Green Bay & Lake Pepin Railroad. He made the survey and obtained the charter for the road and became officially connected therewith, serving as secretary of the company for many years. At length that road was merged with the Green Bay & Minnesota and later became a part of the Green Bay, Winona & St. Paul system. He was also the leading factor in the building and operation of the Kewaunee, Green Bay & Western Railroad, which was built in 1891 and was thirty-five miles in length. He acted as its president to the time of his death. Along various other lines he contributed to the development of the Fox river valley, readily seeing and seizing opportunities that others passed heedlessly by. He never seemed to overestimate his own capacity and powers and he knew best how to conserve his strength and to utilize the resources at his command.

Mr. Abrams stood for progress along all lines and furthered every movement which he deemed of value to his community and the state at large. He was a member of the Horticultural Association, was vice president of the Fair & Park Association and was vice president of the Soldiers Orphans Home at Madison. In politics, too, he was active, stanchly advocating democratic principles. He served from 1864 until 1867 as a member of the general assembly and was then elected to the senate. He proved an active working member on the floor of both houses and was connected with much important constructive legislation. In his home city, too, he was a leader and in 1882 and 1883 served as mayor of Green Bay, while in 1885 he was once more elected to that office. He was thoroughly informed con-

In 1854 Mr. Abrams was united in marriage, in Montgomery county, New York, to Miss Henrietta Taylor Alton, a native of New York and a daughter of James Alton. Her mother, at the time of the marriage of Mrs. Abrams, was the widow of Commodore Germain, commander of the Ironsides. Mr. and Mrs. Abrams became parents of two daughters and a son: Kate, the wife of Hamilton Townsend, of New Orleans; Ruth, the wife of Dr. C. McVeigh ; and Winford, the present mayor of Green Bay.

Mr. Abrams held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanum. His brethren of those organizations, the community in which he lived and the state at large recognized him as an honorable man, well worthy the friendship and regard which his good qualities called forth. He never failed to respond to the call of duty, to seize a legitimate opportunity as it arose or to further the interests of city, state and nation along lines of practical reform and improvement. There were in his life many qualities worthy of commendation and of emulation, not the least of which was his own high sense of personal honor.

Ernest A. Plumb

Ernest A. Plumb, an agriculturist in charge of the interests of the Menominee River Sugar Company in Brown county, has advanced through various important positions to his present place of responsibility, having large interests under his direction. He is recognized as a man of sound business judgment and keen discernment and well merits the trust that is reposed in him. He has been almost a lifelong resident of Wisconsin and is one of her native sons, his birth having occurred in Stockbridge, Calumet county, January 24, 1858. His father, Albert A. Plumb, was born in Euclid, Ohio, in 1836. From his boyhood days until his majority he followed farming. He was twenty-five years of age when in August, 1861, his patriotic spirit prompted his response to the country's call for aid and he joined Company K, Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry. While at the front he was captured by the Confederates and died in Andersonville prison, July 8, 1864. He had enlisted from Clinton, Wisconsin, and was taken prisoner in February, 1864. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary S. Sweet, was born in New York in 1840 and is now a member of the Veterans home of Waupaca, Wisconsin. The father was a member of the Congregational church and a man whose well spent life won him high regard wherever he was known.

Ernest A. Plumb is the orily surviving child of his parents' marriage. When eleven years of age, at the time of his mother's second marriage, he went to live with his grandfather, after which he attended school and worked on a farm, being thus early trained to habits of industry. When eighteen years of age he took up the profession of teaching which he followed throughout the succeeding decade, proving one of the capable instructors in the district in which he labored. He next entered the commercial department of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, but after four months became an employe of the Northwestern Railway Company, acting as warehouse man at first, but gradually winning advancement until in 1892 he resigned as chief clerk and cashier of the local freight office at Appleton, Wisconsin. Coming to Green Bay he inaugurated the service of the Western Railway Weighing Association and Inspection Bureau, with which he was identified for twelve years. In May, 11)04, he was chosen secretary of the Golden Dawn Mining Company and went to Alaska in full charge of the interests of that Company in the northwest. He had many interesting experiences during that period. Upon his return he engaged in the real-estate business, becoming connected with the William H. Brown Company as Chicago salesman of lands and real estate. In October, KJ05, he entered into active connection with the Menominee River Sugar Company, which he has represented to the present time as agriculturist. The growing importance of agriculture attracted his attention and the success of that great department of labor in this county is largely the result of his study and devotion to the scientific principles of the work as well as the practical phases of the business. He is a man of recognized business ability and enterprise, watchful of opportunities, and displays sound judgment in controlling important affairs.

.Mr. Plumb was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Leathart, who was born in Ripon, Wisconsin, in 1858, a daughter of William and Catherine ( King) Leathart, the former a native of eastern Canada and the latter of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Plumb have one child living, Mary Lecel, the wife of J. H. Jones.

In politics Mr. Plumb is a stanch republican and an active worker in the interests of his party, doing all in his power to further its growth and secure the adoption of its principles. He is now allied more particularly with the progressive wing of the party, seeking with patriotic ardor to promote the best interests of the people. His fraternal relations are with the Royal Arcanum, the Masonic lodge of Green Bay and the Royal Order of Moose at Green Bay, and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. Brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by persistent and honorable effort, he has steadily worked his way upward and throughout his life has displayed the enterprising and progressive spirit which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the middle west. At the same time he has never been neglectful of his duties of citizenship or his relations to his fellowmen and the many sterling traits of his character have gained him an enviable position in public regard.

Carl Manthey

Carl Manthey is the president of the Carl Manthey Sons Company conducting an extensive business as manufacturers of granite and marble monuments at Green Bay. For over forty years he has been identified with this line of activity and through his industry and intelligence has built up a thriving and profitable business which is one of the largest of this kind in the state. A native of Germany, Mr. Manthey was born in Stettin, May n, 185 1. a son of Herman and Henrietta Manthey, who were also natives of that country, whence they came to America in 1869, settling in Chicago. Subsequently a removal was made to Wisconsin and -the father, whose death occurred in 1883, was laid to rest in Morrison. He was survived for about fourteen years by his wife, who died in 1897, her grave being made in Wunders cemetery at Chicago.

In the schools of his native country, Carl Manthey acquired his early -education and there served an apprenticeship as gardener and florist. He was a youth of about eighteen years when he came to America with his parents. He worked in Chicago as a florist until 1871, but at the time of the great fire, which destroyed most of the business section of the city, he changed his occupation and entered the granite and marble monument manufacturing business which he followed in Chicago until 1873. That year witnessed his arrival in Wisconsin. He was employed at his trade for different periods in Appleton, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac and in 1879 came to Green Bay, where he conducted a monument business for one year in partnership with G. Kurtz. On the 1st of October, 1880, purchasing his partner's interests, he became sole proprietor of a business which constituted the nucleus of the present extensive manufacturing concern, of which he is president. This business existed in its original form until 1910, when it was incorporated under the style of the Carl Manthey Sons Company, Mr. Manthey admitting his sons to a partnership, Herman A., becoming vice president and Carl, Jr., secretary and treasurer. Following its policy of expansion the company in 191 1 erected at the corner of Washington and Chicago streets a large plant thoroughly modern in construction and the most efficiently equipped in the state. The building is oqe hundred and sixty-two feet long by sixty feet wide and the most modern machinery has been installed to facilitate the work. The sales of the house extend throughout Wisconsin and the neighboring states and the attractive quality and excellence of the output have made the name of the company well known throughout northern Wisconsin and Michigan. One monument shipped to Menominee, Michigan, was recently completed at a cost of five thousand dollars and is in every detail thoroughly artistic and beautiful. A large number of the fine monuments which ornament Green Bay's beautiful cemetery are the handiwork of this firm. The business is regarded as an important factor in the industrial life of Green Bay. Its growth and development are largely due to the constructive methods and straightforward policy of Carl Manthey who, starting out in life practically empty-handed, has gradually advanced until he occupies a prominent and influential position in business circles. He is also connected with the Woodlawn Cemetery Association, of which he is the vice president. He keeps in touch with modern advancement along the lines of his business through his membership in societies seeking to further the interests of monument dealers. In fact he was instrumental in founding and becoming one of the charter members of the National Retail Monument Dealers' Association, which was organized in Milwaukee in 1904 with twenty members. Its growth is indicated by the fact that there is now an enrollment of over one thousand members. Mr. Manthey has always been prominent in the councils of this organization which owes much of its growth to his executive power and administrative ability.

In other membership connections Mr. Manthey is also well known, belonging to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which he joined in 1874, and the Green Bay Turn Verein. For the past thirty years he has been very active in the affairs of the last named and is now one of its trustees.

On the nth of July, 1874, Mr. Manthey was married to Miss Elizabeth Hansch, who was born in Krotoschin, Germany, December 4, 1852. They are the parents of four sons. Herman, the vice president of the company, married Lillie Jackman and has four children. Otto, who holds the position of city salesman with the National Grocery Company of Escanaba, Michigan, married Ida Reimer and they have two children. Carl, secretary and treasurer of the company, married Eliza DeWan and they have two children. Erwin, the youngest son, is attending Carroll College at Waukesha. Wisconsin. The family residence at No. 1 132 Pine street was entirely remodeled by Mr. Manthey a few years ago and is one of the attractive homes of the city. The Manthey family is well known here and its members occupy an enviable position in the regard of their fellow citizens.

In politics Mr. Manthey is entirely independent of party affiliation, preferring to vote for the men whom he considers best qualified for office. He has never sought political preferment, desiring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs which have been carefully conducted. Close application and energy have brought him to a creditable place in industrial circles and in his life of honorable and useful activity in an important branch of industry he has built up for himself a reputation for honesty and integrity and thoroughly efficient business methods.

Henry Rahr, Sr.. was about to retire to enjoy the fruits of his former labor, when death overtook him in April, 1891. He had been engaged in the brewing business, establishing the East River Brewery in 1866 and conducting it along progressive lines until i8qo, when he gradually withdrew from the business, leaving the management to his sons. He was born in the city of Wesel, on the Rhine, Germany, December 25, 1834, and remained in the fatherland until nineteen years of age. Favorable reports reached him concerning the opportunities of the new world and he determined to try his fortune on the American continent. Arriving in the United States he gradually made his way westward, going from place to place, and late in the same year he arrived at Green Bay. Here he accepted the position of mail carrier, his route being between Green Bay and Manitowoc. He served in that capacity for some time, often making the journey on foot through the wild forest which then covered the district, there being no regularly laid out roads. He afterward took a position in his uncle's brewery in Manitowoc and was thus employed until he felt that his capital, acquired through industry and economy, was sufficient to enable him to engage in business on his own account. This was in 1858, when in company with A. Hochgreve, he established what was known then as the Shantytown, now the Hochgreve Brewing Company. In 1866 he came to Green Bay and established the brewery that now stands as a monument to his industry, enterprise and business management at East River, one of the largest breweries today in northern Wisconsin. The beginning was small but the trade increased year by year, necessitating enlarged facilities. The enterprise proved to be a profitable investment and through the efforts of Henry Rahr, Sr., it was built up to its present proportions. In manufacture Mr. Rahr ever held to a high standard. It was in 1866 that he established what is known as the East River Brewery, erecting necessary buildings, including ice houses. The plant now has a capacity of seventy-five thousand barrels per year and employment is furnished to one hundred men. Mr. Rahr was engaged continuously in the business from 1866 until 1890, when he concluded to retire and placed the management of the brewery in the hands of his sons, Frederick and Henry, Jr., the latter of whom is now deceased.

Henry Rahr, Jr., who succeeded his father as the head of the brewing business and later was president of the Henry Rahr Sons' Brewing Company, was a man widely known throughout Brown county and the state. He was born in Green Bay, December 6, 1865, in a house which stood on the site the brewery now occupies. He had been associated in the brewing business with his father and on the latter's death became general manager of the concern. He had received his education in the public schools of his native city. When only twTenty-five years of age he was honored by election to the city council from the fourth ward. His fraternal affiliations include membership in the Green Bay Lodge of Elks, the Turner Society, and he also belonged to the local branch of the Travelers' Protective Association. He was deeply interested in the growth of his native city and any movement inaugurated for the expansion of commercial activity and the welfare of the people found his ready support. Beside his brewing interests he filled the position of president of the Calumet & Green Bay Development Company. His death occurred September 24, 1909, at the age of nearly fortvfour years.

Henry Rahr, Sr., had purchased some time before his death a property at Monroe and Walnut streets on which to build a modern residence having made all the plans, but he passed away before the house was finished. His death took place April 12, 1891, as the result of heart failure aggravated by an attack of grippe, from which he had suffered for several weeks. He was a public-spirited man, charitably inclined, kindly in all his acts, honorable in all his transactions and always to be relied upon. During the years 1876, 1877 and 1878, he was a member of the common council and did much to advance the city's welfare.

to Green Bay in 1853. Three brothers of Mrs. Rahr are now making their homes in Brown county. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rahr, St., were the parents of four children, the two sons who are mentioned above and two daughters, Angeline and Flora. The surviving son, Frederick Rahr, is carrying on the business left by his father and brother. Henry Rahr, Sr., always maintained a foremost place among the German American citizens of Green Bay, enjoying the warm regard and friendship of those with whom he came into contact.

Jerome R. North

Among the more successful and capable members of the bar of Green Bay is numbered Jerome R. North, practicing as a member of the firm of Greene, Fairchild, North, Parker & McGillan. He dates his residence in this city from 1871, having been brought hither by his parents, George L. and Helen R. North. His father has for many years been well and favorably known as a musical director of marked ability.

Jerome R. North was born in Oswego, New York, August 23, 1870, and was, therefore, only about a year old when brought to Wisconsin. Accordingly his education was pursued in the schools of Green Bay until he had graduated from the high school with the class of 1888. In preparation for the practice of law he studied in the office and under the direction of the firm of Ellis, Greene & Merrill and while he was still in the office the personnel of the firm changed, leading to the organization of the firm of Greene & Yroman. With the latter Mr. North remained until 1892, when in further preparation for a professional career he matriculated in the law school of Columbia University of New York city as a special student, continuing his studies there in 1892 and 1893. Upon his return to Green Bay he was admitted to the bar, in 1894, and reentered the office of Green & Yroman and still remained with them after the firm name of Greene, Vroman & Fairchild was adopted, in 1896, owing to the admission of Mr. Fairchild into the firm. At length he himself became a partner and his connection with the firm has been continuous as employe and partner since 1888. He has won for himself very favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods which he has followed. He has remarkable powers of concentration and application and his retentive mind has often excited the surprise of his professional colleagues. He stands high in the discussion of legal matters before the court, where his comprehensive knowledge of the law is manifest and his application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his professional acquirements.

Mr. North is now serving as a member and is the president of the board of law examiners of Wisconsin. He was also until recently president of the Union Building Loan & Savings Association of Green Bay and De Pere and is a member of the Brown County, Wisconsin State and American Bar Association. He is likewise a director of the Oconto City

In Green Bay, on the 4th of October, 1893, Mr. North was united in marriage to Helen Bacon, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin H. Bacon. Mrs. North's father died March 17, 1906, and was laid to rest in Woodlawn cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. North have three children : Reynolds Bacon, attending the University of Wisconsin and Ludlow Frey and Virginia, who are pupils in the public schools. The family reside at No. 832 South Monroe avenue in a pleasant home which was erected by Mr. North in 1903.

Fraternally Mr. North is an Elk, while politically he is a republican. Fie has served as a member of the board of health and he is chairman of the board of trustees of the Union Congregational church. All this indicates that his interests are wide and varied and he is an active and helpful member of the different organizations with which he has been and is connected. Indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and he is never content to sit down and let others do all the work. He recognizes the fact, too, that there is something more in life than the attainment of success in business and thus he gives his time and labor in cooperation with movements relative to the public welfare and to the moral progress of the community.

Benjamin Franklin Smith

Benjamin Franklin Smith came to De Pere, Wisconsin, in the autumn of 185 1 with his father. Daniel Smith, who died at De Pere, in September, 1853, and was the first person buried in Greenwood cemetery. Daniel Smith had lost his estate in Canada by indorsing a paper for a false friend, and came to Wisconsin hoping to make a new home. At the age of eighteen, B. F. Smith assumed the responsibility of providing for his mother and three younger children by engaging to work for the leading lumber company of De Pere with such good-will and determination that at the age of nineteen years he had charge of a lumber mill, receiving a foreman's wages. In 1857 he married Annie Maria, youngest daughter of Dominicus and Kezia (Dingley) Jordan of De Pere, a family of culture and high standing. Mr. Jordan, who had been a merchant in Maine, continued in the same pursuit at De Pere, and feeling the need of an associate after the death of his son, Robert, he naturally turned to Mr. Smith, who became his partner for two years. Mr. Smith then purchased Mr. Jordan's interest, and continued the business for three years when he sold out to David M. Loy. From 1863 to 1866 Mr. Smith was engaged with Mr. Jordan in lumbering on the Wolf river, after which he again took up the mercantile business at the old stand, on the corner of Broadway and James streets, which he still owned, and where he continued for nearly forty years. In his large mercantile business he was often engaged in side lines as auxiliary means of income, and such as the state of development of a new country appeared to meet. During the lumber era he opened a lumber yard, built a commercial dock, secured the Goodrich Company's boats for economic shipments, - a part of this time the company running four boats a week to meet this traffic. In 1869 Mr. Smith interested himself and others in building the National Iron Company's furnace. This furnished a market for charcoal, and the rough wood which until then was an incumbrance upon the land, was profitably used and the rich red clay lands converted from forest to agricultural fields. To meet the needs of the locality, Mr. Smith and A. G. Wells, his son-in-law, also built an elevator to handle grain and other farm produce. These and many other semi-public interests he promoted and aided, adding to his own prosperity and that of the vicinity. The National Iron Company's enterprise, on account of its wider benefits to the locality, has given Mr. Smith the greatest satisfaction. He was its president and cashier for the first four years, until it was prosperously established, when he sold his stock.

After retiring from active business in 1895, Mr. Smith became one of the charter members and largest stockholders of the National Bank of De Pere and has been a director continuously since.

His interest in education may be inferred from the fact that his two daughters are graduates of Rockford College, Illinois, and his son of Wisconsin University.

While Mr. Smith has never sought office, he has taken an active interest in political questions, holding office only when it sought him. He has served several terms on the city council, board of supervisors and as chairman of the county board. He became a member of the First Presbyterian church soon after he came to De Pere and has served as a trustee most of the time since. He is a Mason of long standing, having joined soon after he became of age.

Mr. Smith's home is at the corner of Broadway and William street, the old Jordan homestead, where he moved in 1869 at the request of Mr. Jordan, just previous to his death. Mr. Jordan had chosen Mr. Smith as his executor and trustee to administer his estate, the care of which for thirtysix years has recently ended by the death of Mrs. Smith, the last surviving member of Mr. Jordan's family, on September 15, 1912.

Chester G. Wilcox

Chester G. Wilcox has been a resident of De Pere since 1870 and since that time has been actively identified with many of the leading business enterprises of the city. He was born in Milford, Oakland county, Michigan. May 29. 1848. on the day on which Wisconsin, his present home state, was admitted to the Union. He is a son of Levi S. and Isabella (Lambie) Wilcox, the former a native of New York and the latter of Scotland. The mother emigrated to the United States with her parents in 1831, making the journey across the ocean in an old-time sailing vessel, which required three months to reach the shores of the new world. The parents established their home in Michigan and later removed to Camden, Oneida county, New York, where they remained for some time, after which they settled at Lowville, Lewis county, that state, and there remained until 1881. In that year they came to Wisconsin and took up their abode at De Pere, where the father died at the age of seventy-eight and the mother passed away in March, 191 1, at the age of eighty-six years.

Chester G. Wilcox was reared at home and received his early education in the public schools, later graduating from Bryant & Stratton's Business College. He came to Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1865, and was there engaged in the harness business until 1868. In 1870 he returned to Wisconsin, locating at De Pere, where he engaged in the harness business with J. H. McDonald under the firm name of McDonald & Wilcox. In 1887 he bought Mr. McDonald's interest and continued the business alone for the following five years. In 1892 he sold out his harness business to his son, L. Sheldon Wilcox, and retired. In 1873 Mr. Wilcox began to deal in real estate in addition to his harness business and has since continued to handle property throughout his portion of the state. He has been vice president of the State Bank of De Pere and is now vice president of the National Bank of that city. He was one of the organizers of the Oneida Knitting Company, of which he is a director, and his son, L. Sheldon Wilcox, is secretary, treasurer and general manager of that company. Mr. Wilcox was for a number of years president and treasurer of -the De Pere Business Men's Association and was one of the organizers of the De Pere Electric Light & Power Company, of which for some time he was manager. He was one of the organizers of the Artesian Water Supply Company of De Pere and has been active in all movements tending to the development and advancement of the city of De Pere. He also organized the first fire company in De Pere, the by-laws of which were written by his wife, and continued to be a member of that company until 1910.

Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage on June 15, 187 1, to Miss Sarah Miller, a daughter of Godfrey and Caroline (Stew-art 1 Miller. The parents of Mrs. Wilcox were among the first settlers on the west side of the Fox river at De Pere, where they took up land from the government. The mother is still living at the age of ninety-six years. The father settled on government land adjoining the land of the Stewart family, on the banks of the Fox river, and there died at the age of eighty-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox have two children: Levi Sheldon, born in 1873, who is married and has two children; and Guy, born in 1893.

Mr. Wilcox has been a lifelong and loyal democrat and has held various offices in the gift of the people. He was a member of the city council of De Pere for three terms, his first election to that office having occurred in 1873. In 1878 he was elected county supervisor and continued in that office for thirteen consecutive years. Later he was reelected and served for one year. In 1880 he was elected to the Wisconsin state assembly and at one time was the youngest member of that body. In 1893 he was appointed by President Cleveland as postmaster of De Pere and continued as such for four and one-half years. In 1898 he was a candidate on the democratic ticket for the state railroad commission. He has also been chairman of the Brown county central democratic committee and was a delegate to the national democratic convention at Baltimore in 1912. For the past twenty-five years he has been a member of the board of education of De Pere and for three terms served as president of that body. He is a director of the Brown County Fair Association, of which he was one of the organizers, having been one of the founders of the former fair association. He has also served as a director of the Wisconsin State Fair Association since 1896 and has been superintendent of speed for that association since 1898. In the midst of his active business career he has found time to devote attention to athletics and has the distinction of having defeated at Camden, New York, John Gray, who was the champion of Canada, in a hundred yard foot race, which he made in the remarkable time of ten and one-quarter seconds, and it is his challenge today that he can outrun any man of his age in the county. In 1876 he was captain and pitcher of the De Pere Baseball Club, which won the county championship of that year. Fraternally Mr. Wilcox belongs to De Pere Lodge, No. 85, F. & A. M. He is one of the most active and enterprising men of Brown county and his business record has been one of credit to himself as well as usefulness to the city. He is a man who stands high in the councils of his political party and during his residence in the state of Wisconsin has been continuously identified with the political interests of the state. He is in the midst of his active career and is numbered among the progressive, reliable and useful citizens of northeastern Wisconsin.

Alexander N. La Combe

Alexander N. La Combe, division superintendent of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway in Green Bay, has a record of over a quarter of a century's continuous service in the employ of that corporation. He was born in the township of Duck Creek, July 19, 1866, and is a son of Alexander and Josephine La Combe. The family is of French origin but has been in America for many years. Mr. La Combe's father came to Wisconsin from Plattsburg, New York, in or about the year 1852. He settled in the Wisconsin woods and spent the early part of his life in that state in clearing timber and burning stumps until he gradually brought his farm to a high state of cultivation. At one period in his life he served as mail carrier. The country through which his route ran was in an extremely undeveloped and primitive condition. His work lay along the Indian trails and he often endured many hardships and privations and even dangers in the performance of his duty. He is still living in Green Bay at the age of eighty-five years, and has survived his wife since 1876. Her grave is in the Fox Hill cemetery.

Alexander N. La Combe received his early education in the public schools of Green Bay. He laid aside his books at the age of seventeen to accept a position as driver of an express wagon, which he held for one year. At the expiration of that time he entered the Green Bay Business College and was graduated from the course in telegraphy. He immediately entered the employ of the Northwestern system as telegraph operator at Powers, Michigan, and he has remained in the employ of this railroad during all his active life. He spent one year at Powers and was removed at the end of that time to Oconto, Wisconsin, where he spent two years and a half as telegraph operator in that city. He was next stationed at Mastodon, Michigan, as agent, and from there was transferred to Nadeau, Michigan, as station agent, where he remained for two years and a half. His next position was in Norway, Michigan, where he remained two years. At the end of that time he was transferred as agent to Menominee, Michigan, and remained in that city for ten years. On July i, 1905, he was appointed to the agency of the Northwestern railway at Green Bay, and after three years" activity in this capacity was promoted to the position of assistant superintendent. He did able and efficient work in this office for rive years and on April 1, 1912, was appointed to his present position as division superintendent.

Mr. La Combe was married on the 16th of October, 1888, at Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Miss Leila Tobin, a daughter of Mr. and Airs. Joseph Tobin of Whitewater, Wisconsin. To their union has been born one daughter. Ina Gertrude, now in her senior year at the Wisconsin State University. The family have a pleasant home in Green Bay, where they have a wide circle of friends. During the few months of his activity as division superintendent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Mr. La Combe has done remarkable and efficient work. He is an expert in his line of business and his success is the natural outcome of his thorough knowledge and his extraordinary power of perseverance.

Fred M. Loftus

Fred M. Loftus has been serving as superintendent of the Brown County Insane Asylum since 1897 and was for some years previously connected with the institution as an attendant. His long period of identification therewith has given him a knowledge of the needs of the patients under his charge, the capacity for understanding them and a rare success in caring for their interests. He is an able business man, shrewd, keen and systematic and has administered the affairs of the asylum efficiently and capably. He was born in De Pere, November 5, 1871, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (O'Connor) Loftus. The father was born in Ireland, and came to the United States when he was a young man, settling in De Pere, where he followed the wagon-making trade until his death, which occurred in 1874. His wife survives him and is making her home with our subject. To their union were born three children : Fred M., of this review ; William, who lives in Montana ; and Thomas, who is connected with the railway business in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Fred M. Loftus was educated in the public schools of De Pere and after laying aside his books obtained a position as clerk in a business house in Green Bay, where he remained for two years, resigning in order to become an attendant at the Brown County Insane Asylum. He was identified with the institution in this capacity until 1897, when he was elected superintendent and is serving at the present time with constantly increasing success.