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

James W. McNevins, manager of the Retail Merchants Association -of Green Bay, was born in Champion, Michigan, on the 24th of May, 1876. His father, James McNevins, was born in the city of Galway, Ireland in 1832, and there passed the first eight years of his life. The paternal grandfather, also James McNevins, passed away in Ireland during the early boyhood of his son. His widow. Mrs. Bridget (Hines) McNevins, together with her son James, emigrated to America in 1840, first settling in Canada, whence she later removed to Cleveland, Ohio, residing there until her death. James McNevins was reared to manhood and educated in the common schools of Canada and Ohio. He subsequently followed shipping on the lakes as fireman and engineer and for thirl y years was employed as engineer on the copper and iron range of northern Michigan. For his wife he chose Miss Rose Smith, who was born in Dublin. Ireland, in 1844, and was a daughter of John Smith, a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. McNevins are both deceased, their deaths having occurred in 1889. They were both reared in the Roman Catholic faith, and were most loyal to the teachings of their church. He enjoyed the full rights of citizenship and took an active interest in local politics, although he never aspired to or sought public office. They were the parents of four children, those beside our subject being as follows: Mary who is living at home, acting as housekeeper for the family; Delia, a university graduate, who is teaching in the public schools, also at home ; .and Edwin, a student in the Medical College at Marquette. Michigan.

The education of James W. McNevins was acquired in the public schools of his native state, which he attended until he was a youth of fourteen. He then terminated his student days and became a wage earner, and for three years thereafter was employed in the mines. Next he engaged in railroading, his first position being that of fireman, from which he was later promoted to a clerkship in the freight department. He was later advanced to the office of cashier, from which he resigned, spending the next three years in travel. At the expiration of that time he came to Green

Bay and opened a billiard and pool room in connection with which he also carried a stock of cigars. Subsequently he disposed of this establishment and in 1906 became identified with the official circle of Green Bay through his appointment to fill out an unexpired term as deputy sheriff. He was candidate for the office of sheriff in 1908, but was defeated by Frank Deviley, whose biography also appears in this work. Two years ago, in 1910, Air. McNevins accepted a clerkship in the law office of Kittell & Burke, in whose employ he still remains, and in addition to his duties in this connection is acting as manager of the Merchants Association. He is a capable man and has proven to be very efficient in the latter position, possessing both the powers of organization and executive ability indispensable in an office of this nature.

Mr. McNevins is a Roman Catholic in religious faith, and fraternally lie is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and he is now candidate for the office of clerk of the circuit court. Mr. McNevins possesses the happy faculty of readily making friends, by reason of his pleasant nature and adaptable manner and is popular both in social and public life.

Charles Prust

Charles Prust, superintendent of the Brown county almshouse, is one of the prominent and influential citizens of Green Bay and a force in local business and political circles. Since 1903 he has held his present position and has made a record for honesty and efficiency in the discharge of his duties. He was born in Germany, March 8, 1846, a son of John and Charlotte (Combis) Prust, natives of that country. In their family were seven children, two of whom are now deceased.

Charles Prust was educated in the public schools of his native country and served for three years as an apprentice to a wagon maker. When he had learned his trade he came with his parents to America, settling first in Quebec, and then in Wrightstown, Wisconsin. Here the father bought a tract of land of forty acres which he cleared and cultivated until 1888 when he moved to Marshfield and lived retired until his death, which occurred May 12, 1890. His son Charles worked for some time at Glenmore, following the carpentering trade in that city for two years. In 1887 he established himself in the general machine business in De Pere, and from that city went to Morrison, where he continued the same line of occupation until 1893. Since becoming a resident of Green Bay he has taken an active part in public affairs and has given his energy and attention to movements looking toward the public welfare. After serving in various important capacities in 1903 he was chosen superintendent of the Brown county almshouse and is still serving in this capacity, discharging his duties with abilitv and efficiencv.

On October 5, 1869, Mr. Prust was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Conrad, a daughter of Ludwig and Augusta (Prust) Conrad, and they became the parents of eight children : Minnie, Mary, Augusta, Anna, William, Bertha, John and Harrison. The family belong to the German Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr. Prust has been well known in republican circles of Brown county for many years and has served his fellow citizens ably and honorably in various capacities. For fifteen years he served as township trustee and for thirteen years was township treasurer. During the period of his activity in the latter office he became a local preacher and for four years continued his labors along this line. He was supervisor and assessor of his township and sheriff of Brown county from 1900 to 1903 and entered upon his present position in the following year. At present he is candidate for reelection to the office as sheriff and has made himself a distinct power in the political life of his city. Success has come to him by reason of his energy, labor and persevering study of modern conditions directed by administrative ability and a power of control. Quietly by hard work and intelligent activity he has made his influence felt as superintendent of the county almshouse, gaining success in a difficult position by tact, business discrimination, and unflagging industry.

A modern hotel calls for economic management, the capacity for grasping innumerable details and an administrative ability of a high order. All of these qualifications Eli J. Gotto, proprietor of one of the important hotels of Green Bay. Wisconsin, possesses in a high degree and they have united to form his success. No one who sees his smoothly running enterprise or who obtains a glimpse of its orderly and systemmatic manner of operation can question his fitness for his position nor doubt the flourishing condition of his establishment. Mr. Gotto was born in Belgium, May 14, 1847, his birth having occurred in the village of Pietrebais, in the province of Brabant. He is the son of Joseph and Elinora (Mansart) Gotto, both natives of Belgium. The father of our subject came to America with his wife and three children and lived in this country until his death. His wife died in 1890, when she was ninety years of age. To their union were born eleven children, five of whom are still living: Joseph, who is now retired and who makes his home in Green Bay, where he is steward of the Elks Club; Anatalie, who became Mrs. Max Morey, and resides in Michigan; Florentine and Theofeld, both of whom reside in Belgium; and E!i J., of this review.

Eli J. Gotto was educated in the public schools of his native country and after laying aside his books followed farming for some time. He also was a railroad engineer for a year and a half and fireman for four years. He came to America with his parents about 1870 and located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he clerked in general mercantile establishments for twenty-two years and gained in this time a knowledge of modern business methods. In 1893 ne established himself independently in the clothing business, but lost his investments during the panic. He then took a position as night guard of the state reformatory and acted in this capacity for three years. He filled the position of baggage man for the St. Paul railway for a like period of time and later opened his present hotel opposite the station. His enterprise has all the aspects of an up-to-date and modern hostelry. It is equipped with all conveniences and is conducted along careful and conservative lines, with a view to the welfare of the guests of the house. Mr. Gotto is also inspector of canals, streets and sewers in Green Bay and has done able work in putting the city in a more sanitary condition.

Air. Gotto married Miss Lucille Lorge. who was born in the province of Hainaut, Belgium, November 7, 1852. She is a daughter of J. J. and Theresa (Le Meuce) Lorge, who came to America in 1858 and located in Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, where they resided for a number of years. The father followed farming and was successful in this occupation. Both of Mrs. Gotto's parents are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Gotto have been born seven children : Lina, the wife of Otto Heyden, an electrician in Green Bay; Joseph G., manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company's office in South Dakota ; Elinora, the wife of Charles Kiefert, a conductor in Green Bay, by whom she has three children ; Josephine, who lives at home ; Louis J., a telegraph operator in St. Paul; Hester J., ticket agent in Green Bay; and Lucy, the wife of A. Fostner, of Green Bay.

Mr. Gotto served as deputy sheriff from 1909 to 1910. He was alderman in 1885 a°d served for one term. He is living a more or less retired life at present but is still identified with the conduct of his hotel. He was reared in the Roman Catholic church. He is one of the oldest charter members of the Modern Woodmen of America and is active and prominent in the affairs of that organization.

Anton Yerheyden

The success that follows persistent effort, intelligently directed, has come to Anton Yerheyden, who is a partner in the firm of Wing & Verheydem yacht builders and repairers, their plant being located at the foot of Stuart street in Green Bay since 1910. Fie has thoroughly qualified for expert work in this connection and is accorded a patronage that is gratifying. He was born at De Pere, Brown county, Wisconsin, May 8, 1878, and is a son of Louis and Elizabeth Yerheyden. The father came from Holland to America in i860 and was first employed in a foundry. Later he engaged in the ice business in Green Bay, where he made his home until his death on the 6th of September, 1901, when he was sixty-four years of age, his remains being interred in Allouez cemetery. He left a widow and six children, the sons and daughters of the family being : Henry, an engineer on the Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad; Mrs. Anna Browning, of Green Bay: Anton; Lena, who is residing with her mother; Alexander, an engineer; and August.

Anton Verheyden acquired his education in the schools of Green Bay, which he attended to the age of fifteen years. He then started to provide for his own support and worked for about three years as a chore boy. He next took up the painter*s trade and later became a general builder, in which connection he mastered the trade of boat building. He also learned the machinist's trade with the Green Bay Machine Works, after which he returned to boat building in the employ of Horace J. Conley, with whom he remained until he purchased the business in 1910. Success has attended his efforts in yacht building and repairing and his business is steadily growing, so that Mr. Verheyden has won for himself a creditable and prominent place among the representatives of industrial interests in the county.

Mr. Verheyden belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters, which is indicative of his religious faith, and he is also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. Ambition has led him into his present position in the business world and if persistency and energy can win success it will be his.

George J. Kustka

George J. Kustka is engaged in the manufacture of cheese and also conducts a buffet at Green Bay. He is one of the enterprising young business men of Brown county, within whose borders he was born July 11, 1885. His father, John Kustka. a native of Bohemia, is now living in Carlton township at the age of sixty years. He follows the occupation of farming, to which he has given his life work. He came to the United States when eighteen years of age and located near Kewaunee, Wisconsin, since which time he has continuously carried on general agricultural pursuits. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Dorothea Kresell, is now deceased. In their family were six sons and four daughters, all of whom are yet living: Wenzel, a resident of Carlton, Wisconsin; Charles, who is located on the home farm; Mary, the wife of John Mach of Carlton township; George J.; Dorothea, the wife of E. Beasak, of Carlton township; Joseph, who is associated with his brother George in business; Anna, at home; John, who follows farming; and Rosa and Edward, who are with their father.

George J. Kustka was reared on the old homestead place and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools near his home he attended school at Madison, Wisconsin, studying the practical and scientific methods of cheese manufacturing and dairying. He afterward returned to Eaton township, where he operated a cheese factory for six years and at the end of that time removed to Preble township, where he purchased a saloon, which he conducted for two years. He then came to Green Bay and purchased the old and well known Champion Hotel. His life has been one of industry, for he has realized that it is only through earnest, persistent labor that honorable success is attained.

Mr. Kustka was married to Lucy Woituca, who was born in Eaton township, a daughter of John Woituca, a blacksmith who is living in this county.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Kustka were reared in the Catholic faith. He is a member of the Western Bohemian Association of Green Bay and has many friends among those who, like himself, are descendants of Bohemian families.

Charles A. Lawton

Joseph G. Lawton, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in New York city, February 14, 1822. He was one of fourteen children and moved to Pottsville, Pennsylvania, with his parents in 1830, later going on to St. Clair, in the same state, where he engaged in the coal-mining business. In 185 1 he moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, arriving in that city on the 7th day of August, 1851. In the spring of 1852 he bought a farm on the west side of the river about two miles south of Fort Howard, consisting of private claim Nos. 12 and 13, containing four hundred and fifty acres. Here he built a home which at that time was one of the finest residences in Brown county. This same year he formed a partnership with Otto Tank for the purpose of operating a foundry and machine shop on the west side of the river, the first in this section of the state.

He resided on the farm until July, 1855, when he removed to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in business until 1S58, at which time he returned to Wisconsin, locating at De Pere where he had large interests, having purchased, in June, 1854. from Joshua F. Cox, an undivided half interest in the town of De Pere, and also purchased the water power created by the dam at De Pere as well as the riparian rights on both sides of the river. He was president of the little band of men which helped to organize the Fox River Bank at Green Bay and was one of the founders of the Fox & Wisconsin River Improvement Company.

In June, 1858, he commenced the erection of a stone dwelling in the grove on the north end of Broadway, where he owned a farm of one hundred acres. The family moved into the new home, then but partly finished, on the 24th day of December, 1858, and celebrated Christmas there. His home became famous for its unfailing hospitality.

He entered the Civil war as captain of Company F, Fourteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, and resigned the following year owing to chronic disability.

In 1863 he platted the De Pere Company addition to West De Pere and located many new industries on the water power, among the rest, a blast furnace, a stave mill, a flax factory and a planing mill ; built a substantial bridge across Fox river below the dam, and made many other public improvements.

Joseph G. Lawton was married at Pottsville, Pennsylvania, February 19, 1844, to Ellen Virginia Baird, a daughter of Captain Thomas J. Baird of the Third Regiment Artillery, United States Army, and Eliza (Carey) Baird, daughter of Mathew Carey of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who was born November 19, 1823, at Bellona Arsenal near Richmond, Virginia, and died at De Pere, March 4, 1898. They had six children : Charles Augustus is the subject of this sketch and was born December 16, 1844. Frances Augusta was born August 30, 1846, and married Jeremiah Stell Dunham. Their children were: Lewis Augustus Dunham, born February 10, 1869, and Edith Virginia, born May 17, 1872, and who is now Mrs. Barton Lessey Parker. Henry Carey Lawton was born May 23, 1848, and died February 3, 1858. Carolina Virginia was born May 13, 1850, and was married October 4, 1876, to Archie Lynn Gowey. They had six children: Archie Lynn, born in 1879, who died in 191 1 ; Eliza Carey, born in 1881 ; Paul Eugene and Pauline Eugenia, twins, born in 1883; Ellen Virginia, born in 1886; and Clarence, born in 1894. Sophia Wilson Lawton, who now resides in De Pere was born August 2, 1852. Ellen Josephine, the youngest of the family born August 1, 1854, married, June 25, 1879, Irwin A. Thompson and died February 3, 1887, leaving two daughters: Nannie Minerva, (Mrs. Allen Streckenbach) born August 2, 1881 ; and Bessie D., born March 28, 1885. Joseph G. Lawton retired from active business in 1S81 and lived in De Pere until his death in 1896.

Charles A. Lawton was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, December 16. 1844, and moved to Green Bay with his parents, arriving there August 7, 185 1, removing in 1858 to De Pere, where he has since resided. His early education was received at the schools of that day and he finished his school days at the Oshkosh high school in 1S63, entering the employ of the De Pere Company immediately on leaving school and resigned his position with this company in the fall of 1864 and enlisted in Company C, Forty-seventh Regiment, V/isconsin Volunteer Infantry as private, later receiving the appointment as corporal in the color guard of the same regiment and served in that capacity until the close of the war, and received his discharge in June. 1865.

In October of the same year he entered into partnership with Edward C. Baird in the planing mill business under the name of E. C. Baird & Company. He later sold out his interest to his partner. Mr. Lawton then purchased a full equipment of new machinery and engaged again in the same business under his own name, selling out the business in 1871. From 1873 to 1879 he was engaged in the lime business at Greenleaf, Wisconsin. In 1879 he organized the Novelty Manufacturing Company to manufacture machinery of all kinds and in 1886 changed the firm title to C. A. Lawton and carried on the business under this name for ten years. In 1896 he took his son, Edward W. Lawton, into partnership with him under the firm name of C. A. Lawton & Company. The business remained a copartnership until 1903, when it was incorporated under the title of the C. A. Lawton Company. The present officers are Charles A. Lawton, president ; Ellen B. Lawton, vice president ; and Edward W. Lawton, secretary and treasurer.

Mr. Lawton has been, all during his life, prominently connected with commercial circles in De Pere. He is president of the Lauson-Lawton Company, of which his son, Edward W. Lawton is vice president and Robert H. Lauson, secretary and treasurer. He is also president of the Lawton Real Estate & Trust Company and a director of the National Bank of De Pere. When the city purchased the municipal waterworks in 1904, he was appointed president of the water commission which appointment has been confirmed with each succeeding year.

On September 5, 1866, Mr. Lawton was united in marriage to Elcey Morgan, daughter of John Wallace and Mary C. (Wilcox) Arndt. Mr. Arndt came to Green Bay in 1824 and was married to Mary C. Wilcox, daughter of the Hon. Randall Wilcox at De Pere in 1842.

Mr. and Mrs. Lawton are the parents of two children both born at De Pere. Edward Wallace was born August 20, 1867, and married at De Pere, September 19, 1900, Miss Helen Davis. Their son, Charles Augustus, Jr., was born July 25, 1904. Ellen Baird was born April 19, 1869, and married at De Pere, December 29, 1906, to Frank H. Wilson, of Oxford, Pennsylvania.

Charles A. Lawton is now living in the old Wilcox homestead at De Pere, which was built in 1836 and is considered the oldest residence in the state of Wisconsin. His children are descendants of an honorable line on both sides. Their mother is a descendant of Roger Williams. The paternal line can be traced in unbroken succession to John Lawton, spelled at that time Layton, who was born in 1630 and who in company with many others left Connecticut and the New England colonies in 1632 and settled at Newtown, Long Island, where they purchased a farm from the Indians and the direct titles to their lands from the government of New Netherlands. Mr. Lawton is ninth in descent from John Howland, a passenger on the Mayflower in 1620.

Mr. Lawton is very prominent in fraternal circles of De Pere. He is a member of Des Peres Lodge No. 85, F. & A. M., which he served as worshipful master for eight years and is a permanent member of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M., of Wisconsin, having been elected grand senior warden in 1897. He is also a member of Warren Chapter, No. 8, R. A. M.; Warren Council, No. 13, R. & S. M. ; and Palestine Commandery, No. 20. K. T. all of Green Bay. He is a member of Wisconsin Consistory and is life president of the Henry L. Palmer class, the largest which was ever in the consistory, and is also a noble of the Mystic Shrine, is prominent in the Order of the Eastern Star, being a member of Martha Washington Chapter, No. 124, and since 1863 has held membership in the De Pere Temple of Honor, No. 82. He is a charter member of Harrison Post, No. 91, G. A. R., and is affiliated with the Episcopal church.

Dr. William H. Bartran was born at Barton, Tioga county, New York, August 21, 1838, a son oFMoses and Emily (Bidlack) Bartran. In the family were two brothers and five sisters, and those yet living are : Dr. G. R. Bartran, of Algoma, Wisconsin ; and Alonzo and two sisters, who reside upon the old homestead in Tioga county, New York.

Dr. Bartran spent his boyhood in the county of his nativity and supplemented his public-school course by an academic education. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war in 1861, he was a pupil in the Wyoming Seminary in Pennsylvania. At the first call for troops he returned to his native state and enlisted in the Twenty-seventh New York Infantry, being at once sent with his regiment to the defense of Washington. He became the first lieutenant of his company and with his command participated in the battle of Bull Run, in which he was wounded.

He made a creditable military record and after his return from the army began preparation for a professional career, entering the Michigan Medical College at Ann Arbor, from which institution he graduated with the class of 1865.

He practiced for four years at Dartford, Wisconsin, and afterward for two years in Flintville, Brown county. In 1871 he moved to Fort Howard, where he was not long in establishing his position as a capable physician and his practice steadily increased. He always kept abreast with the advancement of his profession and while he did not hastily discard old and time-tried methods, he readily took up new ideas which he believed would prove of practical value to his patients. For a long period he was the loved family physician in many households of Green Bay but in 1901, impaired health rendered it necessary for him to retire from active practice.

He was at one time city physician of Fort Howard, and county physician of Brown county for a period of twelve years. He was for a number of years United States examining physician, a member of the T. O. H. Post No. 124. and also a member of the Fox River and Brown County Medical Societies.

Aside from his professional interests Dr. Bartran was prominent in public affairs in Brown county, leaving the impress of his individuality upon many movements which contributed to the public good. For several years he was superintendent of schools in the city of Fort Howard and the cause of education ever found in him a stalwart champion, whose labors largely promoted progress in that direction. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and in 1873 and again in 1874 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature. In 1891 he was chosen mayor of Fort Howard, and filled the office for one term. He exercised his official prerogatives in support of many movements which have been of incalculable benefit to the community and, as a legislator to the state at large, and his worth was widely acknowledged by all.

Dr. Bartran was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Smith and to them were born. three children, one son and two daughters. Marion and Gertrude, but both have passed away. The surviving child. Dr. William H., Jr., is a graduate of the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago and has been practicing at Green Bay for about twelve years. He took a post-graduate course in Berlin, Germany, eight years ago and has just returned from a course of study in Vienna, Austria. He ranks very high as a skilled and successful surgeon and is constantly augmenting his knowledge and power by study and investigation. He was married in Green Bay, April 10, 1912, to Miss Clara M. Barkhausen, daughter of H. A. Barkhausen of this city, and they are very prominent in social circles.

Dr. Bartran, Sr., was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen and in his life exemplified the beneficent spirit of the craft. Advancement was his watchword and throughout his entire life he made progress in professional, social and fraternal connections. He had a clear and just conception of the opportunities and obligations of life, fully utilizing the former and meeting the latter. There were in him characteristics that commended him to the highest regard of his fellowmen and throughout the entire period of his residence in Brown county he enjoyed the good-will, confidence and respect of those with whom he came in contact. He died in Green Bay, November 22, 1905.

John L. Jorgensen

John L. Jorgensen is president of the Jorgensen-Blesch Company, proprietors of the largest department store in Wisconsin outside of Milwaukee. The business was established in 1876 by Mr. Jorgensen and from that time to the present has enjoyed continuous growth. Mr. Jorgensen has made an enviable record in commercial circles for he has met every obligation, has been honorable and straightforward in all dealings and has followed progressive policies in the conduct of his activities. He came to Wisconsin from Nakskov, Denmark, in 1865, and was first employed in a grocery store at Neenah, where he remained until 1866 when he came to Green Bay. Here he entered the employ of others as a clerk and was thus engaged until 1876, when he opened a store on the west side, then Fort Howard. Ten years later he organized the business that is now conducted under the name of Jorgensen-Blesch Company at their present location, Nos. 303-313 North Washington street. They erected their present building which is the largest department store in the state outside of Milwaukee. The Jorgensen-Blesch Company employs one hundred and fifty people, which indicates something of the vast volume of trade annually transacted over their counters. This is a general dry-goods store, in which is carried a fine line of dry goods, carpets, household furnishings, etc., to meet the varied tastes and wants of many customers, and with fair dealing and reasonable prices it is safe to predict a continuance of their success. It is the policy of the house to secure all the market affords in the lines which they handle and they hold to high standards in the personnel of the establishment and in the character of service rendered the public. Mr. Jorgensen has also extended his efforts into other fields, being now vice president of the Diekmann Manufacturing Company, president of the Mohr-Sager Company and a director of the Kellogg National Bank. He is a man of determined purpose, resolute and progressive, and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

In Green Bay on the 12th of August, 1878, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Jorgensen and Miss Sophie Blesch, who died in uSgi. In 1892 Mr. Jorgensen married Mrs. Agnes Sager Wilson, his present wife. In addition to his residence at 204 North Chestnut avenue, Mr. Jorgensen has erected a number of buildings in the city, thus manifesting his faith in Green Bay and her future by his investment in property here. He served as a member of the school board of Fort Howard, and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He is a valued and exemplary representative of the Odd Fellows fraternity and was grand master of that order in 1893 and

1894, and has been president of the Odd Fellows State Home twenty-two years, ever since it was established in the state, which he was instrumental in locating at Green Bay. His life has been one of continuous activity in which has been accorded due recognition of labor, and he is today numbered among the substantial citizens of Brown county. His activity in business has not only contributed to his individual success but has also been an active factor in the development of this portion of the state for he is a loyal, publicspirited citizen, who recognizes the obligations of the individual to the community in which he lives.

M. H. Walker

M. H. Walker, now living in retirement in his pleasant home at No. 324 South Adams street, Green Bay, Wisconsin, is one of the pioneer residents of Brown county and has spent an active, busy and useful life. which has helped to promote the industrial development of Green Bay.

Mr. Walker was born at Renishaw, Derbyshire, England, December 18, 1833, and is the oldest son of William and Ann Walker, both of whom died in their native country. Their son received his early education privately at home and later attended Wesley College in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England. Mr. Walker's grandfather was a pioneer iron and steel manufacturer, one of the founders of "The Wicker Iron and Steel Works" in Sheffield, England, and also of the "Renishaw Iron Works" in Derbyshire, England. In 1855 Mr. Walker left England and crossed the Atlantic on the Canada, one of the early steamships, belonging to the Cunard line, commanded by Captain Judkins, landing in Boston, Massachusetts, whence he went to New York, where he remained a short time, visiting there the first world's fair held in the United States. There the call of the west struck him and several months were spent at various places along the route until in April, 1856, he found himself in Chicago, at that time a veritable mud hole and not at all to his liking, so after a short stay, he moved to Milwaukee, then a comparatively small city, but high and dry, and more, desirable as a permanent home, which he intended to make there. However, this was not to be, for a friend visiting from Green Bay, gave such glowing accounts of the place and its prospects, that he was induced once more to pull up stakes and go northward to Green Bay. To reach there, one took the railroad to Fond du Lac and there said good-by to it, thence proceeding by boat over Lake Winnebago to Menasha, and by stage and river boat to Green Bay, where he found his friend in June, 1856, and where he remained until the spring of 1859. His first employment was with a railroad surveying party as stakeman on a line running from Green Bay to Reedsville, Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, camping out along the line, for it was through timber country and quite frequently during the long nights the parties would hear the howl of wolves and sometimes hit a spot where a few bones and remnants of deer skin were the only evidences left of a feast they had enjoyed a short time previously. But it was a pleasant trip and the work was finished just as heavy snow began to fall and the next morning camp was broken and the party waded through six or eight inches of it back towards Green Bay. It was a hard tramp for very few had moccasons and one of the party was so exhausted that had he been alone, he would not have reached the stopping place for the night. Another railway survey was made later from Green Bay to Appleton in 1857 and probably was the first one made for the Omaha & Northwestern Railroad Company running mostly along the west side of Fox river. Of this party Mr. Walker thinks he is the only one living. Later Mr. Walker filled the office of clerk aboard the Steamer Acquila, a stern wheel boat plying on the Fox river between Green Bay and points on Lake Winnebago. In the spring of 1858 he engaged in the real-estate business with George H. Wood, an earlier arrival from the state of New York, now deceased, and made that his future business. In May, 1859, Mr. Walker revisited England, returning in 1863 for a short time, but did not make this country his home until the summer of 1866, when he was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Kimball, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Kimball, who came to Green Bay from Dalton, Massachusetts, in 1849.

Mr. and Mrs. Walker became the parents of three children : Edwin Eaton, now in the real-estate business in Texas; William Kimball, in Los Angeles, California; and Anne, the wife of William J. Duncan of the Fruit & Produce Company of Brown & Duncan, Green Bay, Wisconsin. Mr. Walker retired from active business life in 1905 and has since made his home in the city, which he has seen grow from a population of about four thousand to its present size and importance.