Brown County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1913 (part 5 of 14)

J. J. Helby was born at Sandy Bay, Kewaunee county. Wisconsin. October 24, 1871, and is a son of Joseph and Katie Helby, natives of Germany and Bohemia, who left their respective fatherlands in the spring of 1870, and settled on a farm in Carlton township, where they made their permanent home. Katie Helby died there and is buried at Carlton, Wisconsin, but the father still resides on the home farm. Our subject is the oldest of four children born to his parents, of whom three are still living, namely: J. J.; Mary, the wife of August Kleiman ; and James, who resides on the home farm. Until he reached the age of seventeen years Mr. J. J7 Helby attended the district schools of his section of the country but even during that period he was obliged to assist in the hard work of the farm and continued to help around the old homestead for one year after leaving school. He then went to the northern part of Wisconsin and spent some time in working in a lumber camp, for a homesteader, remaining in wintertime in the woods, and receiving a salary of sixteen dollars per month. He next found employment in a sawmill but soon met with an accident in which he lost two of his fingers. This caused him to return to the home farm for a time but on recovery he returned to the northern woods where he passed the next winter in various employments. In 1891 he went to Appleton and engaged in various occupations in that city and there found employment in a meat market to learn the trade and for about two years followed this business off and on. There was no kind of work offered to him which he refused. Nothing was too humble and no position too low in which he could earn his money honestly- He also spent some time as a hay presser. In 1892 he left Appleton for Superior, where he remained until the spring of 1893, when he removed to Racine, Wisconsin, where he worked at fitting cylinder heads for the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company, which occupation he continued for five months until the business was closed on account of the great financial panic. His next removal was to Evanston, Illinois, where he again took up the butcher trade, working at this until July of 1894. In August, 1894, he entered the insurance business, starting as an agent for the Prudential Life Insurance Company at Evanston. He was transferred to Elgin, Illinois, in February, 1895, and remained in that position for five months, when he went upon the road as a traveling salesman dealing in various articles. A severe illness lasting for some time disabled him for a time but when he had regained his health he came to Green Bay, Wisconsin, January 10, 1897, and entered the employ of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. He remained in this capacity only a short time, abandoning it to act as district agent for the National Protective Society of Bay City, Michigan, which position he held until June r, 1902. In that year he started in business for himself, organizing the Badger Protective Association, which in the ten years of its existence has attained a gratifying degree of success and is now doing an extensive business. Encouraged by his prosperity in this line of activity, Mr. Helby secured control, with a partner, of the Wisconsin Casualty Company of Fond du Lac, of which he became president and treasurer. After a time, however, he severed his connection with this company and soon after organized the Badger Casualty Company, of which he has been elected secretary and manager. The organization has recently been capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars and has before it a future of certain success, as its business is already expanding into various other states. Mr. Helby keeps himself entirely independent of political alliances. He only considers the man and his qualifications. He is active in every movement looking toward municipal development. He attends the 'Roman Catholic church of this city and holds membership in the order of Elks and in the Knights of Pythias.

On April 16, 1895, Mr. Helby was married in Elgin, Illinois, to Miss Minnie Quandt, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Quandt, who are retired farmers, living in Elgin. Mr. and Airs. Helby are the parents of two daughters, Ellen, a student of Green Bay high school and Lillian. The family reside at No. 227 South Monroe avenue, this city.

Mr. Helby has had a hard fight in his upward climb. He laid the plans of his business success and persevered against all obstacles and opposition, overcoming all discouragements and - he has made good. The success he has attained is a result of his own unaided efforts and its secret lies in his rare qualities of industry and concentration. He has done the thing which Abraham Lincoln was accustomed to say is much better than making a living, "He has made a life."

John Joseph Basten

A power of business organization intelligently directed, a faculty for recognizing every opportunity, a shrewd discrimination and a well balanced judgment have placed John Joseph Basten in the front ranks of the progressive men of New Franken. Starting out with no extraordinary advantages he has steadily pushed forward until he has attained a prosperity which is altogether unusual. He was born July 22, 1871, and is a son and grandson of Wisconsin pioneers. His grandparents, Frank and Margaret Basten, came from their native country of Germany at an early day and settled on a tract of wild land in Preble township, this county. This property Frank Basten set about improving and developing and built a rude log cabin, in which he resided for a number of years. He and his wife died upon the farm. The father of our subject, John Basten, was born in Prussia and came to the United States with his parents when he was only seven years of age. He grew to manhood upon the homestead and from his childhood took an active part in the arduous labor of clearing and developing the property. When he grew to maturity he purchased the farm and still maintains his residence upon it. He married Miss Catherine Schumacher and to them were born nine children.

John J. Basten of this review was born in the log cabin which his grandfather erected upon the homestead and at the usual age entered the district schools of his native township. He studied during the winter months and in summers worked upon the farm until he was twenty-one years of age. At that time he went to Green Bay in order to begin his independent career. His first position was as a carpenter at a dollar and a quarter per day. He worked for others until 1900, when he began taking contracts. Gradually his business expanded as his skill and straightforward methods became better known and since coming to New Franken he has erected many of the important buildings in the village. He was also the builder of the Schiller church and parsonage at Luxemburg. In 1909 he erected a fine store building eighty feet long by thirty-one feet wide in New Franken and in this he put a stock of general merchandise. His patronage increased rapidly and he was soon obliged to build an addition sixteen and one-half by sixty-five feet and now has one of the most important stores in the city. His success, however, is not limited to this one enterprise.

His ability has received widespread recognition and he has been drawn into other important relations. He owns a large grain elevator in New Franken and is a stockholder in the bank and in the local telephone company. He was one of the organizers and is now the president of the New Franken Creamery Company and has various other profitable connections. Some idea of his rapid rise in the business world may be gained from the fact that the income from his combined interests amounted in 1903 to twenty-seven hundred dollars and in 191 1 to one hundred and twenty-two thousand dollars.

Mr. Basten married in 1895 Miss Amelia Zimmerman and they became the parents of seven children, five of whom are still living: Irvin J., Aimer L., Alfred Hubbard, Robert Jacob and Carl Joseph. The two children who have passed away are: Harriet Amelia, who died at the age of five; and one child who died in infancy. In 191 1 Mr. Basten's first wife passed away and on April 10th of the following year he married Miss Mary A. Peters. They belong to St. Killian's church at New Franken.

Mr. Basten has never been active in the political affairs of the village but has nevertheless been one of the dominating factors in its expansion. The work which he has done in this connection and the importance of the place which he has attained in business circles is evidenced by the high regard in which he is held by his associates, who respect him as an able financier and one of the important forces in upbuilding and development. The position which he holds is a responsible one and calls for resourcefulness, cool judgment, energy and keenness and Mr. Basten has proved himself fully equal to the requirements.

Henry Geyer

The name of Geyer needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for it has been a prominent one in the business circles of Brown county since 1852. Henry Geyer, well known in connection with the Geyer- Wheelock Fishing Company and as the owner of one of the largest buffets in Green Bay, was born in the city in which he now resides, December 10, 1866, and is a son of Damion Geyer, a native of Baden, Germany. The father came at an early age to America, settling in one of the eastern states, where he engaged in business for a short time. In Baltimore he enlisted in the United States army and remained in the service for some time. In 1849 he went to California and the vessel on which he was a passenger was wrecked off the coast of Lower California and many lives were lost, Mr. Geyer being one of the few survivors. He worked his way back to New York state and later to Baltimore, where he remained until 1852, in which year he came to Wisconsin, settling in Oshkosh. A short time afterward he came to Green Bay but in 1856 went to Sturgeon Bay, where he opened the first hotel in the city. Later he returned to Oshkosh and finally again took up his residence in Green Bay, purchasing the old Whitney place, which he operated for some time under the name of Geyer's

Grove. In connection with this he conducted a hotel at the corner of Washington and Walnut streets and for many years was widely known as one of the most successful men in this line of business in the city. Gradually he became prominent in local democratic politics and in 1884 was elected sheriff of Brown county, serving with ability and distinction for a number of years. He died in 1886 when he was fifty-six years of age. His wife was in her maidenhood Miss Elizabeth Haas, a native of Germany and a daughter of John Haas, who was a pioneer farmer of Dodge county, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Damion Geyer had a large family of children, seven of whom are still living: Anna, the wife of Jacob Arends, who is engaged in farming; Damion Joseph, a retired business man of Green Bay; Henry, of this review; Joseph, an inspector in Aurora, Illinois ; Anton, who conducts a saloon in Green Bay ; John, who is engaged in the fishing business in the same city; and George, who is in business with his brother Henry.

Henry Geyer received his education in the public schools of Green Bay and after he had completed it took up the steamfitter's trade, which he followed for twenty-five years in Brown county. At the end of that time he established himself in the saloon business in partnership with his brother and has since conducted it with success. He has been interested in the Geyer- Wheelock Fishing Company since its organization in 191 1.

Mr. Geyer married Miss Jeannette Lawrence, who was born in Seattle, Washington, and they have one child, Walter, who is five years of age. The family are members of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Geyer is not active in politics, preferring to give his entire attention to his businessaffairs, which are capably conducted and intelligently carried forward, making him one of the prominent and substantial business men of Green Bay.

George E. Brunette

George E. Brunette is conducting on the European plan one of the finest restaurants in Green Bay. His business affairs are capably conducted along progressive lines and his success has placed him among the promoters of business activity in the city. He was born in Bay Settlement, January 17, 1864, and is a son of Charles and Philomen Brunette. The father was born in Green Bay and is living in this city at the age of seventy-seven years. The mother has reached the age of seventy-two. She is a daughter of Joe Allard and his wife, who was in her maidenhood a Miss La Fond. Air. and Mrs. Charles Brunette became the parents of fifteen children, twelve of whom are still living: Moses, who resides in South Branch, Wisconsin ; Joseph ; George, of this review ; Albert, who resides in Duck Creek; Hattie. the wife of O. Carter; Emma, who married C. Cornell; Odeal, who married L. Dion; Eddie, of Duckcreek; Matthias, of Texas; Frank ; Edith, now Mrs. A. Husson ; and Phoebe, now Mrs. Tony Christensen.

During his childhood, when not engaged with his books, George E. Brunette farmed and hauled logs and lumber for his father. He attended school until he was fourteen years of age and then was employed by his uncle as a teamster. His uncle built a boat, which he ran on Green Bay, carrying freight from this city to Escanaba and upon this vessel Mr. Brunette was employed as cook for a number of years but finally the boat was destroyed by fire and he engaged in stone-cutting for sixteen years, being employed for most of that time in the quarries of the Northwestern Company. Eventually, however, he abandoned that occupation and came to Green Bay, opening the restaurant which he conducts at the present time. In its management he has displayed excellent business ability, combined with the special knowledge required to cater to the popular taste and he has made his restaurant one of the finest and most profitable in the city. From the very beginning his success was rapid, for it was founded upon the excellent quality of food which Mr. Brunette handled and the efficient service.

Mr. Brunette married Miss Lucy Zoeller, a native of Oconto county, Wisconsin,' and a daughter of Aloysius Zoeller, deceased. Her mother is living on the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Brunette have three children : Jeanette, aged five ; Norbert, aged four ; and Dominic, who is two years of age. The family are devout adherents of the Roman Catholic religion and attend St. John's church in Green Bay. Mr. Brunette has no political affiliations, preferring to give his entire time to his business affairs, which are capably conducted, making him one of the representative and substantial business men of the city.

Herman H. Fiest

Herman H. Fiest, the son of a pioneer of Brown county, has been associated with agricultural pursuits from his childhood. At the present time he owns and operates a fine farm of eighty-seven acres on section 2, Howard township, and has been successful in general farming and dairying. He was born in this county, July 23, 1861, a son of Mathias and Fredericka (Miester) Fiest, natives of Germany, where the father was born in 1824 and the mother in 1825. Mathias Fiest came to America at an early date and settled in Cleveland, Ohio. One year later he came to Pittsfield township, Brown county, Wisconsin, where he bought forty acres of land and cleared it of the heavy timber with which it was covered. When he had finished this laborious task he was informed that the land upon which he was working was the property of another settler and he was obliged to buy another tract and begin anew the work of clearing. He was, however, given the use of the first property upon which to raise his garden truck until he had gotten his own place into tillable condition. He remained upon this farm until his death, which occurred in 1902, one year after his wife's demise. They were the parents of two children : Nettie, who married Julius Selling, a farmer, by whom she has eleven children, Emma, William,

Herman H. Fiest was educated in district school No. i of Pittsfield township and pursued his studies until he was sixteen years of age. After laying aside his books he worked for his father upon the homestead until the latter's death, after which the son took entire charge of the place and remained upon it until 1909, when he sold the property and purchased eighty-seven acres on section 2, Howard township, upon which he has since resided. He does general farming and dairying and has a herd of sixteen cattle and four horses. His methods are practical and consequently productive of good results, and he has now gained a good degree of success in agricultural pursuits and a growing prominence among his fellow citizens.

At Green Bay, August 3, 1891, Mr. Fiest was united in marriage to Miss Cora B. Mason, a daughter of J. D. and Catherine (Lawler) Mason, of Pittsfield township. Mr. and Mrs. Fiest have five children, Earl, John, Arthur, Minnie and Catherine. The family belong to the Methodist church.

In his political views Mr. Fiest is a consistent republican and served for seven years as road superintendent and as school clerk for two years. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and has many friends in his native county. In business he has been successful because his methods are practical and his standards of integrity high.

Herman A. Greiling

The prosperity of any city and its progress along industrial lines is not so much a matter of individual growth and development as it is the result of the combined efforts of many men, and yet in every municipality there are certain men who dominate its business life to a large extent, direct its policies and are active factors in its progress. Such a man is Herman A. Greiling, president of the Greiling Brothers Company, general contractors of Green Bay, with offices at 124 Adams street. The company has grown from humble beginnings until it is now one of the most prosperous and successful organizations in this line in the city. Its operations extend beyond local limits and various departments of the business are scattered over several points on the Great Lakes. The general headquarters of the company are located in this city. Herman A. Greiling was born near Green Bay, in the town of Preble, August 8, 1869. His parents were August and Emily Greiling, natives of Germany. Coming to America in 1866, they located immediately in Green Bay, where the father followed the trade of cabinet making, which he had learned in his native country. He soon saved a sum of money sufficient to buy a home for his family and this house has only recently been sold. August Greiling died in October, 1908, at the age of seventy-three years, his wife surviving him until January, 1910, when she died in the seventieth year of her age, and both are buried in the family lot at Woodlawn cemetery.

Herman A. Greiling acquired his early education in the district schools of Preble and afterward attended a business college at Green Bay. He had opportunity to attend school only through the winter months between the ages of ten and nineteen years, for about the time he completed his first decade he had to begin work at truck gardening and in assisting in clearing the farm. Early in the spring his labors began and continued until the late fall. When sixteen years of age he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed until twenty-one. On attaining his majority he left Green Bay and went to Chicago, where his two brothers were engaged at the same trade. For four years he followed carpentering in that city, acting as foreman for a contracting firm during the last two years of that period. The financial panic of 1894, largely causing a suspension in building operations, caused him to leave Chicago and he returned to Green Bay early in the year with the idea of engaging in business as a building contractor in his native city. He formed a partnership with his brother, Charles H. Greiling, and they were successful from the beginning. They were accorded the contract for the erection of the Rockstroh bakery and their excellent workmanship, honorable business methods and the rapidity with which they executed their contract won for them a reputation which soon placed them in the front rank among the leading contractors of the district. The brothers are today well known as prominent representatives of contracting and construction interests in the central part of Wisconsin. The firm specializes to some extent in harbor and submarine work and the volume of their business is indicated in the fact that they employ on an average of one hundred and fifty men. They have several branch offices at different points on the Great Lakes and their business is rapidly growing and developing with each succeeding year. Much -of the progress and prosperity of the firm is due to the energy and business acumen of Herman A. Gr-eiling, the president, who directs its policy and gives personal superintendence to many of its business transactions. In connection with his contracting business Mr. Greiling has surrounded himself with a corps of competent workmen and he follows the policy of letting those who are instrumental in making the business a success participate in the earnings thereof. If every employer would follow this policy, the question of capital and labor would be forever at rest.

In addition to his other interests Mr. Greiling is actively connected with a number of other important business enterprises of Green Bay. He has been called to serve as a director and in other offices in connection with business interests of importance here, being now vice president of the Barkhausen Coal & Dock Company ; president of the Hartman-Greiling Company, manufacturers of boilers and general machinery; president of the New Franken Telephone Company ; the principal organizer and stockholder of the State Bank of New Franken ; a director of the McCartney National Bank; and a stockholder in several other financial institutions in which he has voice in the active management.

the early '50s and has been an honored citizen of this city since that time. Mrs. Greiling is entitled to share much of the credit for the success which has come to her husband, owing to her capable management of her home and family interests, her good business judgment in general and the advice and encouragement which she has given Mr. Greiling in all his undertakings. They have labored with singleness of purpose with the same end in view and the result achieved is most commendable. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Greiling have been born three children : Robert Emerson, born September 29, 1906; Ruth Eleanor, born September 14, 1908; and William Lloyd, whose birth occurred on the 18th of November, 1910. The family reside in a beautiful and tastefully equipped home at 2002 Main street.

In politics Mr. Greiling is a republican but beyond casting his vote at each election he takes no active part in local politics. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Elks lodge No. 259 of Green Bay. He is a typical Green Bay product and has unbounded faith in the future of the city and the surrounding country - a fact which is well demonstrated by his efforts to improve his own properties and his encouragement of others to do likewise. He is a broadminded man who believes not only in living but in letting others live. He recognizes the fact that every person has a good chance if they will but avail themselves of their opportunities and he is ever eager and willing to aid those who show willingness to help themselves. His own business career has demonstrated the fact that the essential qualities of success are his. Enterprise, unfaltering industry and unabating energy have ever been numbered among his salient characteristics and gradually, therefore, he has advanced until he occupies a creditable and enviable position among the contractors of his section of the state. .

Peter Ditmar Larson

Peter Ditmar Larson is filling the position of deputy county surveyor at Green Bay. He was born November 13, 1890, in the city which he yet makes his home, representing one of the old families of this part of the state. His grandparents were Peter A. and Dorothy Larson. The formerhas followed farming throughout his entire life and now makes his home at Miltonville, Iowa, at the age of eighty years, surviving his wife, who passed away in 1883. Their son, Sigurd Larson, well known to his friends as Jim, was born in Norway and was but seven years of age when brought by his parents to America, the family home being established in this county. His youthful days were spent in the usual manner of farm lads and he early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He continued at home until seventeen years of age, after which he engaged in driving a team for Christian Schwartz, of Green Bay. Later he turned his attention to the lumber business, becoming foreman for the Fort Howard Lumber Company, and for seven years he was with the Metropolitan Lumber Company at Atkinson, Michigan. He then returned to Green Bay, where he again became connected with the lumber business, in which he still continues, and his enterprise and energy have been the salient forces of his success. He now has a well equipped lumber yard and his straightforward business methods have constituted the basis of his growing success in this connection. He married Anna Jacobson, a native of Winneconne, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Nels and Catherine Jacobson.

The only son of this marriage is Peter Ditmar Larson, who, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, attended the public schools until graduated from the West high school at Green Bay, after which he entered Lawrence College at Appleton, Wisconsin, there continuing for three years. Since April, 1912, he has served as deputy county surveyor of Brown county arid is also assistant city engineer at the present time. The creditable record he has made in office has commended him for further political preferment and at the general election on November 5, 1912, he was elected to the office of county surveyor. He is a stanch advocate of republican principles and an ardent worker in party ranks. He was reared in the Norwegian Lutheran church. He is yet a young man but has made a creditable name and place for himself and the future seems to hold out alluring promises to him.

William C. Krieser

Alert and energetic, carefully controlling business interests, William C. Krieser is winning a substantial measure of success as proprietor of the Green Bay Stock Fair and of the Cooperstown Hotel. Though he started out in life empty handed, he is gradually working his way upward and has already attained a fair measure of prosperity.

He was born in Green Bay, May 28, 1874, a son of William and Wilhelmina (Schroeder) Krieser, both .of whom are natives of Pommern, Germany. Both are still living, the former at the age of seventy-four, the latter at the age of seventy-two. They are residents of Chase township, Oconto county, where Mr. Krieser follows the occupation of farming. He came to America in the year 1873, accompanied by his wife and three children, and, making his way into the interior of the country, settled at Green Bay, where for five years he was engaged at section work. He then removed to Chase township, where he purchased land and cleared a farm, converting the wild tract into richly developed fields. He landed in Green Bay with only a dollar and a half in his possession. As soon as possible he built a log house and at the same time, in order to obtain ready money with which to supply the immediate necessities of the family, he worked in a sawmill. His life has been one of untiring industry and determination and whatever success he has achieved has been attributable to his own labors. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for he is now one of the substantial farmers of his com- munity. He served in two European wars before coming to the new world. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, uf whom five are yet living: August, who resides on the home farm and carries on the work of the fields ; William C. ; Henry, a farmer of Green Bay ; Otto, at home ; and Emma, the wife of Seb Steinacker, of Merrill, Wisconsin.

At the usual age William C. Krieser entered the public schools and when he put aside his text-books he concentrated his energies upon the work of the home farm, in which he had already had considerable experience, working in the fields as soon as old enough to handle the plow. He was afterward employed as a laborer until twenty-six years of age and then entered the service of the Green Bay Street Railway Company, with which he continued for ten years. Careful expenditure during that period enabled him to save a goodly portion of his earnings and in 191 1 he bought his present hotel and saloon, called the Cooperstown Hotel. This he is capably conducting and it is liberally patronized. He is also largely interested in buying and selling stock, which activities he conducts under the name of the Green Bay Stock Fair, all stock in the neighborhood being brought for exhibition and sale to this city and placed in Mr. Krieser's hands for disposal. Both branches of his business are bringing him a good profit.

Mr. Krieser was married in 1901 to Christina Basten and they have become parents of two daughters, Gladys and Leona, aged respectively ten and seven years. Mr. Krieser was reared in the Methodist church. He belongs to the Moose Society and has many friends both within and without that organization. His earlier life was a period of earnest and unremitting toil and he has always been active in business connections which, carefully conducted, have won him a place among the valued and representative residents of his native city.

James Petcka

James Petcka, well known as the popular and enterprising proprietor of the Wisconsin Hotel at Green Bay, was born in Bohemia, April 8, 1863. His paternal grandparents, Jacob and Theresa (Frank) Petcka, were natives of Austria and there passed away at an advanced age. The former was a farmer by occupation and thus provided for his family. His son, Thomas Petcka, who was born and reared in Bohemia, was there married and in 1870 came with his wife and children to the United States, settling in Manitowoc county. He began farming in the district now known as Rosecrans Corners. His wife, Catherine Petcka, was a daughter of Peter and Maria (Binder) Rosenmueller, the latter a daughter of Jacob and Theresa Binder, of Bohemia. The death of Thomas Petcka occurred February 22, 1903, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-six years, and his wife, who was born May 12, 1838, died on the 3d of March, 1912, when about seventy-four years of age. In their family were eighteen children, twelve of whom are now living.

When his school days were over James Petcka, who had been brought to America when about seven years of age, sought and secured employment with the Hochgreen Brewing Company. In the winter months he worked in the lumber woods and in 1892, when about twenty-nine years of age, came to Green Bay. On the 15th of October of that year he opened a saloon in Fort Howard and for the past seventeen years he has been located at his present place of business. Here he not only conducts a saloon but also carries on the Wisconsin Hotel, which is one of the old and well known hostelries of the county. His place is also headquarters for farmers and he has here ample room for stabling their horses. He conducts a first-class hotel, giving careful study to the needs and requirements of his patrons, and he has met with substantial success as the years have gone by.

Mr. Petcka married Julia Kustka, a native of Green Bay and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kustka, the former now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Petcka have five children: Albert; Mamie; Lillian and Julia, twins; and Hattie. The son is now a student in the high school. Mr. Petcka was reared in the Catholic faith, to which he has always adhered. He belongs to two prominent Bohemian societies, the C. S. B. L. and the D. C. B. J. He is also a member of the Green Bay Brewers Association. For two decades he has been a resident of this city and has a wide acquaintance, his business activities and his social connections bringing him prominently before the public.

Henry Victor Fabry

Henry Victor Fabry is a member of the Fabry Construction & Contracting Company of Green Bay and is thus a well known representative of industrial activity here. Honored and respected by all, no man occupies a more enviable position in business circles, not alone by reason of the success he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward and honorable business policy he has ever followed. The company of which he is now a partner is operating more extensively than any other contracting company in northern Wisconsin and their high standing is indicated in the important nature of their work.

Henry V. Fabry was born in Green Bay, May 27, 1891, the only son in a family of four children, the others being Celia, Angelina and Virginia Fabry. His educational opportunities were those afforded by the public schools and when seventeen years of age he began working with his father, acquainting himself with every phase of carpentering in principle and detail. He thus qualified for the onerous duties that now devolve upon him and the responsibilities which have come to him since joining his father in their present partnership relation under the firm style of the Fabry Construction & Contracting Company. They are now among the largest builders in northern Wisconsin, employing on an average of fortyfive men. Contracts of all kinds are awarded them and their building operations have covered a wide territory, while the evidences of their skill and handiwork are seen in some of the finest structures in this part of the state.

On the 6th of September, 191 1, Henry V. Fabry was united in marriage to Miss Ida Eugenie Barrett, who was born in Green Bay in 1893, a daughter of August and Josephine (Joachim) Barrett, the former a carpenter of Green Bay. Mrs. Barrett was a native of Belgium and came with her parents to the new world in early life. In the Barrett family were two sons and two daughters.

Mr. and Mrs. Fabry are numbered among the popular young people1 of Green Bay and theirs is a hospitable home, where good cheer abounds. They were both reared in the Catholic church. While interested in public affairs to the extent of giving hearty support to matters relating to municipal welfare, Mr. Fabry does not take an active part in politics. On the contrary, he prefers concentrating his energies upon his business activities and, while he had the good fortune to enter upon a business established by his father, he has done much to further the relations of the firm and to his work brings practical knowledge, based upon actual activity in building operations. His industry and determination falter not before obstacles and difficulties and the force of his character, combined with laudable ambition, has placed him in the prominent position which he now occupies.

Joseph H. Servotte

Joseph H. Servotte, a prominent contractor and builder in Green Bay, Wisconsin, carries on a business inaugurated by his father who was a pioneer carpenter in the early days of the city. He has added to the substantial methods of building learned under his father's direction the new and artistic features of a more modern school and has contributed his share to the municipal beautification. He maintains his office and residence at 638 South Van Buren street.

Mr. Servotte was born in the town of Lincoln, Door county, Wisconsin, March 17, 1862. He is of Belgian ancestry, his parents, Guillaume and Victoria (DeMaife) Servotte, having been born and married in the province of Brabant, Belgium. They came to America with two children about 1855 and the father followed the trade of carpentering in Green Bay for a short period before he removed to Door county. There he farmed with much success for seven or eight years but later again took up his residence in Green Bay, where he engaged in building and became one of the prominent representatives of his trade in the city. He was connected with building operations and erected some of the first residences in Green Bay, building the old home of Senator Howe and many other dwellings. He has also built many of the brick business blocks on Main and Washington streets. He died on July 21, 1887, at the age of seventythree years, having long survived his wife who passed away in October, 1865. In his chosen profession Joseph H. Servotte has followed closely in the footsteps of his father and built up a flourishing business, in the conduct of which his own enterprise and ambition have combined with his father's well known reputation to gain for him an enviable degree of success and prosperity. He was educated in the common schools of Green Bay and is one of the three surviving children born to his parents. His brother, Ernest W. Servotte, is also a carpenter and builder residing in Green Bay, and his sister Julia, the widow of Emil Brosteau, makes her home in the same city.

Joseph H. Servotte learned the carpenter's trade with his father and early determined to make the profession of building his life work. He entered the employ of Adolph Green, with whom he spent a short time before he became identified with the firm of Kendall & Robb, prominent builders of Green Bay. When his father died in 1887 Mr. Servotte started in business with his brother under the firm name of E. W. & Joseph H. Servotte, builders and contractors. In 1906 he was appointed assistant manager of the Green Bay Planing Mill Company and after three years was promoted to the position of acting manager. He was an influential factor in the growth and expansion of that enterprise and under his direction and control the concern gained a degree of success which it had not met before. Mr. Servotte, however, preferred an independent business life and on January 1, 1912, sold his interest in the Green Bay Planing Mill Company and severed his connection with that concern. 'He took up his former business of contracting and building and soon gained a large clientage. His prosperity is due entirely to his prominence in the building line and. to his undoubted talent and skill. The first contracts which he secured were the construction of the new Howe sale school at Green Bay, which plans called for a fifty-seven thousand dollar institution, and also the new Adams House for $21,000. These figures were exclusive of heating and plumbing.

From 1888 to 1906 Mr. Servotte was identified with the erection of some of the most important buildings in Green Bay, erecting the Polish monastery and the addition to Joannes Brothers wholesale grocery house, and to a portion of the Beaumont Hotel and St. Joseph's Academy. He erected St. Patrick's school and many of the finest and most handsome residences in the city. He is especially proud of the J. A. Jordan dwelling which was the first frame residence in Green Bay to be equipped with slate roof. The homes belonging to Thomas and Mitchell Joannes, A. M. Murphy, W. E. Kellogg, Captain Peterson and Mrs. W. O. Stone are all products of his professional skill. He is one of the most prominent builders in Green Bay today and his undoubted efficiency secured his appointment as a member of the building committee which erected the new courthouse. He was also an influential factor in the erection of St. John's church and was on the building committee of that institution. He is identified with many societies relating to his chosen field of endeavor, and as president of the Brown County Building & Loan Association has done able and efficient work. He is a director of the Union Building & Loan Association and in this capacity has aided many of the less prosperous citizens of Green Bay in securing homes of their own.

In 1891 Mr. Servotte was united in marriage to Miss Mary Teresa Lefebvre, a daughter of John B. and Albertina Lefebvre of Green Bay, who celebrated their golden wedding a few years ago and now live with our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Servotte have three children : Agnes, now in her junior year at St. Joseph's Academy; Josephine, who also attends that institution ; and William J., who is pursuing his primary education. The family residence is at 638 South Van Buren street.

Politically Mr. Servotte gives his allegiance to the republican party. He has served as alderman of his ward for three years and as county supervisor for the same ward for twelve years. At a supervisors' meeting on November 15, 1912, Mr. Servotte was elected one of the trustees of the Brown County Insane Asylum for a period of three years.

Fraternally he belongs to Green Bay Lodge, No. 259, B. P. O. E., and is trustee of the local organization of the Knights of Columbus, which position he has held since 1906. He has held the same office since 1909 in the Supreme Council, National Fraternal League of Green Bay and belongs to the Green Bay Council, Royal Arcanum. He is a director in the bank of Green Bay, but this is his only business affiliation of importance outside of his building interests. He is a member of the Catholic church.

Green Bay is one of the beautiful cities of Wisconsin. It is platted and designed with an eye to harmonious relations. It has many fine old residences and numerous, convenient and artistic new ones. Its business districts, rapidly growing and expanding, can be favorably compared with most cities, and its public buildings are well designed, planned and built. As a builder who has done distinctive work along these lines, Mr. Servotte is regarded as in a measure responsible for some of this beauty and expansion, and the buildings upon which he has worked stand as monuments to his skill.

Ernest Joseph La Tour

Ernest Joseph La Tour is proprietor of the Richmond Sanitary Clothes Cleaning Shop and Tailoring Establishment, French dry cleaners and dyers of Green Bay. This business is conducted along modern and progressive lines and the excellence of the work done insures his continued patronage and success. Mr. La Tour is a native of South Dakota, born October 21, 1889. His father, Joseph La Tour, is a gardener now living in Preble township, this county, at the age of fifty-six years. He came to America with his parents when seventeen years of age, the family home being established at Brussels, Wisconsin, where the grandfather, Malcolm La Tour, followed farming to the time of his death. Joseph La Tour was reared to that occupation, which he followed for some years and also ' worked in a sawmill. Subsequently he removed with his family to South Dakota, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for nine years and then returned to Wisconsin, taking up his abode in Preble township, Brown county, where he is engaged in gardening, his products because of their size and excellence finding a ready sale on the market. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Marie Geniesse is a native of Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, and is still living. In their family were nine children: Leona, the wife of E. Looze, of Beloit, Wisconsin ; Rachel, the wife of A. Libert, of Green Bay ; Louisa, the wife of A. Lentz, of Beloit ; Ernest J. ; Homer, of Green Bay; Jeanette, Sarah, Fanny and Joshua, all at home.

In his boyhood days Ernest J. La Tour attended the public schools and when he started out in life learned the tailor's trade, with which he was connected for six years. He next engaged in the grocery business in Green Bay and ultimately became associated with the Richmond Sanitary Clothes Cleaning Shop and Tailoring Establishment, French dry cleaners and dyers. This business was organized in 191 1 and is being successfully conducted under the management of Mr. La Tour, who is the proprietor. The work is done according to the most scientific sanitary methods and he has built up the largest cleaning and clothes pressing establishment in the city, his success being attributable to excellent work and honorable business methods.

On the 27th of August, 1912, Mr. La Tour was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Watermolen, who was born in Green Bay, October 6, 1891, and is a daughter of Henry and Theresa Watermolen, in whose family were three children : John, of Green Bay ; Jennie, the wife of Warren Spofford, of this city ; and Mrs. La Tour. The last named was reared in the Catholic faith, as was her husband, and to its teachings they have ever been loyal. He is an enterprising and progressive young business man, well known, and his ambition and energy are bringing to him a gratifying measure of success.

Edward J. Allen

Edward J. Allen is proprietor of the Green Bay House, one of the oldest hotels of the city, of which he has had charge since 191 1. He was born August 6, 1877, in the Bay Settlement of Wisconsin, a son of Philip Allen, a native of Belgium, now living in Preble township, Brown county. The father was brought to America when seven years of age by his parents, who took up their abode in Humboldt township, this county, but afterward removed to Preble township, where the grandfather long followed farming. Philip Allen was reared to general agricultural pursuits and after attaining his majority wedded Mary Dart, also a native of Belgium, who was brought to this country when a year old by her parents, Philip and Wilhelmina Dart, who established their home in Robinsonville, Wisconsin, where Mr. Dart followed farming. Philip and Mary Allen became the parents of ten children : Charles, now living in Preble township ; Julia, the wife of T. Berceau, of Green Bay ; Joseph, also of this city; Edward J.; August, of Milwaukee; Flora, the wife of Florian Disteal, of Green Bay ; Rosa, the wife of Isaac Sprudel ; Anna, the wife of Joseph Joshart, of Green Bay ; Julius and Harry, both of Preble township.

Edward J. Allen is a self-made man, having started out in life on his own account when a lad of thirteen years. He made his initial step in the business world as an employe in a sawmill in this. city and later he was connected with the Ebeling flour mill for three years. He afterward worked for three years in the Nejedlo grocery store and also spent a similar period with the Heis Milling Company. He was also with the wholesale grocery house of Joannes Brothers for nine years and thus gradually worked his way upward, each change made indicating an advanced step in the business world. At length he opened his present hotel, called the Green Bay House, thus becoming proprietor of one of the oldest established hostelries of the city. It is well equipped and his patronage is now large and gratifying.

Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Flora Simonet, who was born in Belgium in 1875 and was a little maiden of seven summers when brought by her parents, Emanuel and Catherine (Dart) Simonet, to the United States, her father becoming a farmer in the vicinity of Green Bay. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have become parents of four children : Clarence, born September 26, 1899 ; Arthur, January 24, 1901 ; Edwin, April 23, 1902 ; and Norbert, February 7. 191 2.

Edward J. Allen was reared in the Catholic church, to which he has always adhered. He has membership with the Catholic Knights of Green Bay and his entire life has been passed in this city or section of the state, so that he has a wide accjuaintance. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for he started out in life empty handed and only by persistent, earnest labor has he reached the position which he now occupies in the business circles of the city.

Oliver La Plant

The pioneers in Wisconsin and the men who were born and reared in the state in pioneer times are the men to whom credit is due for the establishment, development and upbuilding of one of the most fertile farming sections in America. By their labors and efforts in the early days they founded a commonwealth and blazed the way for coming generations. Among the great individual forces in the accomplishment of this work may be mentioned Oliver La Plant, a native of Brown county and the son of one of the very earliest settlers in Scott township. For over half a century he has been prominently identified with agricultural interests of this section and at the age of seventy-two has in no way lessened his activities or usefulness. During all these years he has evolved a model farm from a tract of timber land and has spent his entire life in the further development and improvement of his property, so that his labors have been constantly constructive and of general value. He has also another claim to honor and respect because he is a veteran of the Civil war.

Mr. La Plant was born on his father's farm in Scott township, April 5, 1840, and is a son of John and Katherine (Bandwine) La Plant. The father was born near Montreal, in the province of Quebec, Canada, and came to the United States in 1836, settling in Wisconsin among the very earliest settlers. He took up a tract of land in Scott township, which he cleared, developed and improved for a number of years. Upon it he built a log cabin and resided in it while he carried forward the work of cultivation. Upon this farm he passed away at the age of sixty, when Mr. La Plant of this review was only twelve years of age. His widow afterward married Henry Laendry. She died in 1880, when she was sixty-one years of age.

Oliver La Plant is one of a family of eight children. His childhood was spent upon his father's farm and he received a limited education in the public schools of the district. When he was twenty-one years of age he offered his services in defense of the Union as a member of Company F, Thirty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and he served with credit and distinction until the close of the war. He marched with Sherman through Georgia to Savannah and was honorably discharged at the close of hostilities. After he was mustered out he returned to Wisconsin and when he was twenty-eight years of age bought twenty acres of undeveloped land. With characteristic energy he cleared the timber, built a log cabin and developed and improved his holdings for some time. Eventually, however, he sold this property and bought the home farm of eighty acres which he has cultivated ever since. From time to time he made improvements and changes, added barns and outbuildings, and in 1887 erected a fine modern brick house and equipped it with all the necessary conveniences and accessories. For over fifty years the work of development has been steadily carried forward along practical and systematic lines, and the property shows the result of care and labor in its excellent condition.

Mr. La Plant married in 1865 Miss Mary Champo, and they became the parents of twelve children, ten of whom are still living,- -namely: Odeal, Martha, Rosanne, Fabian, Edward, Moses, Oliver, Mary Anne, McClaire and Margaret. The family are devout adherents of the Holy Cross Catholic church. It is to men like Mr. La Plant, who faced the hardships and privations of pioneer life that Wisconsin owes its present wealth and prosperity. At seventy-two he has earned retirement but is yet laboring, interested still in the work of development begun when he was a boy. His prosperity has been great and it has an added importance as a contributing factor in general growth, so that his life has been more than individually useful and valuable.

Joseph Herman Bins

Joseph Herman Bins, engaged in general blacksmithing at Green Bay, was born in Humboldt township, Brown county, May 5, 1870. His father, John Bins, was born in the district of the Mosel, Germany, and is now living in Green Bay at the ripe old age of seventy-five years. He came to America with his parents when twenty years of age, the family settling at Green Bay, where they were among the first German residents. The grandfather purchased a tract of land in Preble township and followed farming throughout the remainder of his life. John Bins assisted his father in the cultivation and development of the old home place up to the time of his marriage. During the Civil war he joined the army, serving for three years, after which he became ill and was discharged. He then returned to Green Bay and purchased a farm. At the same time he and his brother entered the lumber woods, where he worked through the winter months, making his home in Humboldt township. As time passed on, he became recognized as one of the substantial and worthy residents of that locality, where he lived until 1902, when with a comfortable competence gained through earnest labor he retired. He had wedded Mary Simmons and to them were born six children, of whom three are living, namely : Joseph H. ; Anton, who occupies the old home place ; and Mrs. Florence Shmits, living in Green Bay.

Joseph H. Bins is indebted to the public school for the educational privileges he enjoyed and when his school days were over he worked with his father until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he began learning the blacksmith's trade at New Franken, Wisconsin. He came to Green Bay with Joergen Hanson and was associated in business with him for two years on Broadway. He was again upon the home farm for a brief period and later established a blacksmith shop in this city. He followed blacksmithing and other trades to the time of his marriage, after which he concentrated his energies upon the work of the smithy, opening a shop at Bay Settlement, Wisconsin, where he continued for five and a half years. He next returned to Green Bay and since 1898 has conducted his shop on Broadway, carrying on general blacksmithing, horseshoeing and repairing. His work is of excellent quality and his industry and enterprise are the source of growing and substantial success.

Mr. Bins was married to Kollett Gilling, who was born in Belgium and was seven years of age when brought to America by her parents, Francis and Mary Gilling, the former a dealer in produce. Mrs. Bins was born October 22, 1872, and by her marriage has become the mother of six children: Flossie Mary, seventeen years of age; Grace, sixteen; Elsie, fourteen; Walter Francis, thirteen; Amanda, eleven; and Eleanora, seven years of age. Mr. Bins was reared in the Catholic church and is a member of the Holy Name Society. He also belongs to the Royal Arcanum and in politics is independent. He is a well known representative of industrial activity here, and energy' and determination have been the basis of whatever success he has enjoyed.

Rene A. M. Van Crombrugge

Rene A. M. Van Crombrugge, consul for Belgium at Green Bay, with consular jurisdiction over the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin, was born at St. Josse-Ten-Noode, Brussels, Belgium, April 29, 1880, a son of Victor and Catherine (Vander Smissen) Van Crombrugge, the former a retired postmaster of Brussels. In the pursuit of his education in his native city R. A. M. Van Crombrugge attended the Athenee Royal d'lxelles and was graduated on the 31st of July, 1897. He became connected with a stockbroker's office, in which he spent five years, and was an employe in one of the largest banks of Brussels for six years. He has been a resident of the United States since January 26, 1907, the date of his arrival in New York. He was employed as bookkeeper by the Joannes Brothers Company, wholesale grocers of Green Bay, Wisconsin, until May, 19 12. He then went on a visit to Belgium, from May, 1912, until August 15. Leaving the Joannes Brothers Company he joined the Carpenter Cook Company, wholesale grocers at Menominee, Michigan, as salesman, with residence at Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Ere coming to the new world Mr. Van Crombrugge was married in Brussels on the 12th of August, 1905, to Melanie Hortense de Moor, a daughter of Jacques and Hortense De Raeve. The children of this marriage are Georgette, Lucien and Prudence.

Mr. Van Crombrugge holds to the political policy advocated by the progressive party, being liberal in his views to the extent of advocating independent action when the announced policy of any party stops short of improvement. He is a man of scholarly tastes and habits who speaks and writes the English, French, Flemish and German languages fluently and is largely conversant with the best literature of various countries. He is now concentrating his energies upon his consular duties and since his appointment on the 30th of July, 1909, has given his attention to the interests of his country and her people in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin, with offices at Green Bay.

Frank L. Gabryszek

Frank L. Gabryszek, one of the promising young business men of Green Bay who is rapidly becoming prominent in local politics, is a native of Brown county, having been born in Poland, Eaton township, on the 3d of September, 1882. He is a son of Stanislaus and Catherine (Gniotowski) Gabryszek, natives of Poland in Germany. His father was born in Mroczau, Posen province, October 16, 1847, and came to America about the year 1870, settling immediately in Brown county, Wisconsin. Here he worked in a sawmill although he had learned the baker's trade. Later he spent three years in Menominee, Michigan, and upon his return to Wisconsin settled upon his farm in Eaton. After five years he removed to a farm in Flintville, Wisconsin, where he lived four years. Then he moved to Green Bay, where he passed away in 1907. His wife still survives and makes her home with the subject of this review. In their family were six children : Julius, who resides in Milwaukee ; Louis and Walter, who make their home in Green Bay; Frank L., the subject of this review; Edward, of Green Bay; and Joseph, who is attending school in St. Paul, Minnesota. Frank Gabryszek received his early education in a parochial school of his native district and when not engaged with his books studied the printer's trade. Later he took a college course in Pulaski, Wisconsin, and supplemented this by one year in a business college, where he specialized in bookkeeping. This occupation he has followed since laying aside his textbooks and has also done some interpreting work in the courts of Brown county. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church. In his political views he is a consistent republican and is rapidly becoming well known in local affairs. He is now a candidate for the office of county treasurer. He is still too young to have achieved his final success but his enterprise, forcefulness and progressive ideas are a fair promise for the future.

Nicholas Miller

For a quarter of a century Nicholas Miller was engaged in sawmilling as an engineer but for the past fifteen years has lived retired, the fruits of his former toil supplying him with all the necessities and many of the comforts of life. Earnest, persistent toil was the foundation of his prosperity and his life record indicates what may be accomplished when perseverance and ambition lead the way. He was born at Coblenz, Germany, in December, 1840, a son of Jacob Miller, who was a farmer by occupation and came to America in August, 1845. tie made his way to Green Bay, where he followed gardening and also worked as a general laborer. He at one time owned and occupied the old Jourdain home, which is used as one of the illustrations in the historical volume. He married Margaret Hopbrecht, who was also born in Germany, in the same locality in which her husband's birth occurred. He died in January, 1890, when eighty-four years of age, and his wife passed away at the age of eighty-two. They were among the oldest German settlers living in Green Bay and here they reared their seven children, of whom two are still living, Nicholas and John of Green Bay, the latter also mentioned in this volume.

Nicholas Miller was but five years of age when the family came to the United States. He pursued his education in the schools of Green Bay and then became an engineer, in which connection he was employed for twentyfive years in the sawmills of Wisconsin and other sections of the country. His expert ability enabled him always to command good wages and as the years passed by he acquired a comfortable competence, that now enables him to rest from further labor. For the past fifteen years he has lived retired, making his home in Green Bay, where he has resided during the greater part of his life.

In 1862 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Clara July, who was born in Blankenheim, Germany, and when a year old was brought to America by her father, Nicholas July, who was a shoemaker by trade. After coming to the new world he engaged in farming in the Oneida settlement, where both he and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Reitz, passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born eight children : Carolina, who is the wife of Ed Basche, of Green Bay, and has four children ; John Jacob, of Winona, Wisconsin, who married Rose Weiney, and has three children ; Edward, of Green Bay, who married Anna Bung, and has three children; Frank, of Green Bay, who wedded Minnie Hobey, and has one child; Raymond, a resident of Geneva, Blinois; Archie, of Green Bay, who married Retta Hoolihan and has two children ; Nicholas, of Green Bay; and Mabel, at home. Mrs. Miller died in September, 1903. Mr. Miller was reared in the Catholic church. He has never been active in politics, for his business affairs have made constant demand upon his time and attention. He is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of Brown county and recalls the days when as a boy he frequently took his gun before breakfast and shot ducks and pigeons within a short distance of his home. Game at that period was very plentiful and was an indication of the unsettled condition of this part of the state, where many evidences of pioneer life were to be found. He has been an interested witness of the changes that have since occurred, making this one of the prosperous districts of the state.

Rex I. McCreery, who has been engaged in the practice of law in Green Bay for the past two years, was born in Lancaster, Grant county, Wisconsin, on the 31st of January, 1881. His father, James N. McCreery, was a native of New York, his birth having there occurred in 1834. In his early manhood he came west, first settling in Michigan, where he engaged in farming for a time, but he later became a resident of Wisconsin, and here passed the remainder of his life. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in 1861 and remained at the front until the close of hostilities. For his wife he chose Mrs. Harriet Strong Johnson, the widow of Alvin Johnson, who is still living at the age of sixty-eight years and makes her home at West Allis. To Mr. and Mrs. McCreery there were born three children, of whom the younger daughter is now deceased, leaving our subject, who is the youngest of the family, and Hattie, the eldest, who is the wife of Harry Chalker, a stone-cutter of Milwaukee. By her first marriage Mrs. McCreery had three sons: Alvin E. Johnson, who is engaged in farming in the vicinity of Waukesha, Wisconsin ; Abner S., who is farming in Michigan; and Arthur N., who is deceased.

Rex I. McCreery was reared at home and educated in the public schools, completing his course of study in the North Greenfield high school, from which he was graduated in 1897, his class containing four members. He subsequently turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he diligently followed until 1907. It had long been his desire to become an attorney and in the latter year he went to Milwaukee, where he later enrolled in the Marquette College, formerly known as the Milwaukee Law School. He had previously been appointed to a position in the United States postal service and was engaged in carrying mail during the day, so that it was necessary for him to pursue his professional studies at night school. He completed his course in three years, and in July, 1910, successfully passed his examination for admission to the Wisconsin state bar. In January of the following year he removed to Green Bay and formed a partnership with J. H. M. Wigman, with whom he continues to practice.

Wauwatosa was the scene of Mr. McCreery's marriage to Miss Maude Leonard, a native of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, and a daughter of S. S. and Anna Reilly Leonard. Her father is a veterinary surgeon, and her mother is now deceased.

Mr. McCreery was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and is chancellor commander of the Green Bay lodge. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and is past consul of the local camp. His political support Mr. McCreery gives to the democratic party, taking an active interest in all local affairs, and is spoken of as a probable candidate for the office of district attorney. He is a man who well merits success, as he has worked hard and has conscientiously applied himself to acquiring a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the profession to which he is in every wav a credit.

Thomas Jackson

Thomas Jackson is the oldest living blacksmith in Brown county and for forty-six years followed his trade in De Pere, conducting a shop in connection with the management of a fine farm near the city. He has been intimately connected with the growth and upbuilding of the community, for he came here in 1853 and until his retirement in 1909 was active in municipal affairs. One winter during the early days he shod two hundred and eighty-three yoke of oxen in De Pere and he was one of the first wagon manufacturers in the city. He can remember the time when De Pere was the county seat and the courthouse, an old frame building, was located one block east of Main street, on George street. In the fall of 1853 the county seat was moved by popular election to Green Bay, where it has since been retained.

-Mr. Jackson was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, April 5, 1832, and is a son of Henry and Ann (White) Jackson, the father, who was a well known blacksmith, died in 1850 at the age of fifty years. A more extended mention of Mr. Jackson's parents appears in another part of this work.

At the age of twenty-one years Thomas Jackson came to De Pere and in 1853 established himself in the blacksmithing business in West De Pere. For a number of years he had almost as many oxen to shoe as horses but with advancing civilization this branch of his business was abandoned. At length Mr. Jackson formed a partnership with a Mr. Gow in wagon-making and together they managed one of the first manufacturing concerns in Brown county, giving special attention to making spokes and hubs. The business grew and expanded with the development of the city by reason of Mr. Jackson's energy and ability and it became in time an important factor in industrial progress. Since 1909 he has lived retired in De Pere.

Mr. Jackson married Miss Jeannette Lambie, who was born in Ayrshire, Scotland. February 5, 1832. They have three children : Robert ; Margaret, who married James Ogilvie, of Appleton, Wisconsin ; and Anna, the wife of M. Bowman, of Minnesota. Mr. Jackson is now in the eighty-first year of his age. His active life covered an important period in the business and industrial development of De Pere and his enterprise was important enough to be numbered among the influences which promote growth. By steady, untiring and useful work he built up a substantial prosperity and earned his retirement and rest.

Daniel F. DeVroey, living retired in Green Bay, was born in Vieux, Belgium, February 25, 1845, and 's a descendant of a noble Flemish family. His parents were J. B. and Angelina (Quatsoe) DeVroey, also natives of that country. His father followed farming all his life and died in Belgium in 1852, when he was forty-five years of age. His wife was born in 1809 and passed away in 1871.

Daniel DeVroey was educated in the public schools of his native section and when not engaged with his books aided his father in the work of the farm. When he was twenty-one years of age he came to America and settled immediately in Green Bay where he followed the plastering trade until 1875, when he was married. For some time after this he conducted a grocery store on Main street but sold this enterprise and moved to Colorado where he remained for about ten years. He next established himself in the general contracting business in Green Bay which he followed until his retirement in 1900. During the intervening years he built up a prosperous and flourishing enterprise, founding a distinct success upon ability, integrity and industry and he earned his retirement by diligent and faithful labor.

In 1875 Mr. DeVroey was united in marriage to Miss Elinora Gotto, a daughter of Joseph Gotto, steward of the Elks Club of Green Bay. He is one of the prominent figures in business, fraternal, and political circles of the city where he is now living in comparative retirement. He was born in Belgium, April 25, 1837, coming to America at an early date, his residence in Green Bay dating from 1855, and he has been identified with various important local enterprises since that time. He married in 1857 Miss Josephine M. Van der Vesse, who was born in Belgium, July 3, 1834, and they became the parents of five children : Elinora, the wife of our subject; Flora, who married John L. Pond of New Mexico; twins, who are deceased ; and Augustine, who has also passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. DeA^roey have been born the following children : Daniel J., a salesman of Green Bay, who married Kate Sloan, by whom he has one daughter, Marion ; Lillian, the wife of Herman Greiling, a government contractor, also of Green Bay ; Evangeline, who is the wife of L. Daggett, a salesman, of

Green Bay, and the mother of one child, Ina ; Frank, who resides at home ; Louis, who married Victoria DeKaiser, of Green Bay ; Leslie, who married Miss Beatrice Campbell, and who reside in California; and Myrtle, who resides at home.

Mr. DeVroey gives his allegiance to the socialist party and is actively and intelligently interested in public affairs. He never seeks public office, although when he resided in Colorado he held the position of county assessor and since 1910 has been justice of the peace in this city. He has many friends in Green Bay who honor him for his well known business ability and for the integrity and energy by which he made his active life successful.

Cornelius Denessen

Cornelius Denessen is one of the foremost men in mercantile circles of Green Bay, where for the past ten years he has been conducting a large grocery store. For many years his name was also connected in a prominent way with steamboating on the Great Lakes and he has taken an important part in the development of this representative industry. A native son of Wisconsin, Mr. Denessen was born in Fort Howard, October 7, 1867, and has lived his entire life in this part of the state. His father, John Denessen, was a native of Holland but came, at the age of twelve, with his father, Nicholas Denessen, to America, coming directly to Green Bay by sailing vessel by way of Quebec. Nicholas Denessen farmed for the remainder of his life in Bay Settlement and there the father of our subject attended school for a short time. At the age of sixteen he became interested in steamboating and was one of the first men to conduct a ferry across the Fox river, between Green Bay and Fort Howard. At first he took his passengers across by a rowboat but later built the first steamboat ever used for ferrying purposes on Green Bay or on the Fox river. He married Miss Nettie De Graff, of Belgium. Both have passed away. To their union were born nine children : Anna, the wife of H. Berensteen, a grocer in Green Bay; William, captain and owner of a vessel on Green Bay; Joseph, owner of a vessel, and a marine engineer, who resides at 867 Elmore street ; Captain Theodore J., also a vessel owner; Cornelius, of this review; Josephine, the wife of Ernest Schwartz, of Green Bay ; Henry, who is also engaged in passenger and freight navigation on Green Bay; Mary, who married L. Rondou, of Green Bay; and John, who resides in the same city.

Cornelius Denessen acquired his education in the public schools of Green Bay and when he laid aside his books engaged as fireman on a lake vessel until 1888, when he was promoted to the position of engineer. In this capacity he traveled all over the Great Lakes and became familiar with the conditions and the best methods of navigation. In 1893 he bought a line of boats, which he called the Denessen Steamboat Line, and operated it until 1897, when lie sold the enterprise and built at Manitowoc, in partnership with John Johnson a steamboat which he called the "Two Myrtle." This vessel was used during the spring and fall months for freighting fish and carrying fishermen's supplies and during the summer time was in the fruit trade. For some time Mr. Denessen owned also an .interest in the steamer "Liberty," which was used mainly for carrying fish. In 1902, however, he sold out all his steamboat interests and bought a grocery store in Green Bay, which he has conducted since that time. He has built up a flourishing business, for his integrity and ability are well known and he has achieved a degree of success which places him among the leading business men of the city. He is also interested as a stockholder in the McCartney Bank.

Mr. Denessen married Miss Anna Zegers, who was born in Holland and came to America as a child with her parents, Peter and Mary (Tevoren) Zegers. Mr. and Mrs. Denessen have eight children: Hiram, aged twenty-two, who married Miss Mabel Conroy, of Neenah, Wisconsin; Arthur, nineteen years of age, and Myrtle, seventeen, who live at home; Elmer, aged fifteen; Ethel, thirteen; Dominick, ten; Raymond, eight ; and Magdalene, six. The family are devout adherents of the Roman Catholic church, holding membership in St. Patrick's church of Green Bay. All during his active life Mr. Denessen's interests have been closely associated with those of Green Bay and his work has been a factor in the city's development.

Andrew A. Johnson

The position of the city of Green Bay, on one of the largest bodies of water formed by Lake Michigan, has led to the growing up of an extensive industry in the building of boats and the trading in nautical supplies. Prominent in this line of industry is Andrew A. Johnson, carrying on a large boatbuilding business in connection with a shipyard. His plant is located at the Fox river levee, where he has been in business since 1876. He was born in Norway, June 12, 1843, a°d his parents were Andrew and Marie Johnson. The father came to Green Bay in 1871 but remained only a few years, when he returned to his native country for a short time. Later he again came to America and carried on an extensive boatbuilding business in Green Bay until his death in 1899, which was the result of an accident. His grave is in Woodlawn cemetery. His wife had long preceded him in death, and she is buried in her native city in Norway.

Andrew A. Johnson attended the public schools of his native country and when he had finished his education learned his father's business of shipbuilding and carpentering. He worked at these trades until he came to America in 1870. For the next six years he was occupied in doing carpenter work and shipbuilding in the employ of others at Oshkosh and Green Bay until 1876, when he established a business of his own, in which he is still engaged. The enterprise began upon a very small scale. His facilities for work were not great and the market for his output at that time had not increased to its present proportions, but he was a skilled workman and had grown up in the atmosphere of boats and boatbuilding and had acquired a thorough mastery of every detail of construction and equipment. His reputation soon grew, his clientage increased and his. business developed into numerous branches. He now builds boats of every kind and description - large lake steamers, tugboats, schooners, small motor boats and even rowboats. His plant has increased to such an extent that he now employs upwards of thirty people continually and the boats from his shipyard have attained a reputation in the ports around Green Bay for their thorough construction and their efficient equipment.

Mr. Johnson was married in Green Bay, in August, 1876, to Miss Petra Hogh, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Severeine Hogh, the former a well known sailor. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born five children : Arthur, who is assisting his father in the boatbuilding business ; Hattie, who married Gustav Gunderson, an engineer on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad ; Cora, who is living at home ; Aleda, who died at the age of thirteen years ; and Gerhard, whose death occurred when he was! twenty-five years old. The two last named are buried at Woodlawn cemetery, Green Bay. The family is residing at 1222 Monroe avenue, in a beautiful home which Mr. Johnson purchased several years ago.

Mr. Johnson is a stanch supporter of the republican party but beyond casting his vote at each election he takes no active part in public affairs. He is a member of the Lutheran church of Green Bay, in which faith he was brought up and in which he is educating his children. In building up a business from a humble beginning to a large and prosperous enterprise Andrew A. Johnson has helped in the progress of Green Bay by promoting his own prosperity.

Philip R. McGinn, agent for the Arnold Transit Company at Green Bay. has since starting out in the business world been connected with transportation interests and has gradually worked his way upward to his present responsible position. He was born in Rockland township, May 23, 1890, and is therefore yet a young man. His father, Michael B. McGinn, followed farming in his earlier life and later took charge of the bridge for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company. He married Catherine Goulee, who is now living at No. 109 North Ashland avenue, but Mr. McGinn passed away on the 5th of April, 1909, at the age of forty-six years. In their family were six children: Philip, John, James, Frank, Patrick and Margaret, all of whom are living in Green Bay.

Philip R. McGinn pursued his education in the public schools of this county and from the age of fifteen years has depended entirely upon his own resources. At that age he began running an elevator for Phil Sheridan, with whom he continued for two and a half years, and then accepted the position of assistant purser on the steamer Eugene Hart, sailing on the lakes to Soo, Michigan. He was thus employed for two seasons and later became purser on the steamer McVea. His next position was that of purser on the Eugene C. Hart and when he severed that connection he became general agent for the Arnold Transit Company of Green Bay and is now general agent. Thus step by step he has advanced in his business connections and the record is a creditable one, indicating his faithfulness as well as his capability. In politics he is a stanch democrat but has never been an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He has a wide acquaintance in the city and county where his entire life has been passed and many of his warmest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time, showing that his life has been well spent.

Walter Trester

Walter Trester has served as secretary and treasurer of the Green Bay Cold Storage Company since the organization of the concern in 1910. During this period he has gained extensive knowledge of the most improved methods of cold storage and has kept up-to-date by much observation and travel. He was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, August 9, 1887, and is a son of Henry W. and Katherine Trester. The father is a native of Milwaukee, in which city his birth occurred in 1857. He removed with his parents to Sheboygan in 1858 and is now located in that city as United States internal revenue collector. The family is of German descent but has been in this country for many generations.

Walter Trester received his early education in the public schools of Sheboygan and was graduated from the high school in that city in 1905. He immediately entered the employ of the wholesale cheese firm of George S. Hart & Company as stenographer, working in that capacity until 1907, when he was appointed manager. At this time he supplemented his high school education by a course in the Sheboygan Business College. He served as manager of George S. Hart & Company until 1909, when the firm failed and Mr. Trester started on an extended tour through Texas and Mexico. Upon his return he took the position of general office manager and salesman for the S. J. Stevens Company and in the spring of 1910 was elected secretary and treasurer of that concern, serving in that capacity from May, 1910, until December 24, of the same year, when he resigned in order to tour the middle west in the interests of that company and of the Sheboygan Evaporated Milk Company, an enterprise affiliated with the S. J. Stevens concern. This was followed by an extensive trip through the southeast, where Mr. Trester studied industrial conditions in their relation to the cold storage business. He returned in June, 191 1, and was sent to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to organize and manage a new branch of the enterprise in that city. He remained in Green Bay until January t, 1912, when he was again sent on an extensive business trip to the far north, after which he returned to Green Bay as manager of the local branch of the oold storage company. Mr. Trester has met with remarkable success in his chosen line of activity. His extended travels and his close observation have made him an expert in everything relating to the storage and preservation of food products. He has gained his information in every part of the United States and Canada and has put in practice the most important and valuable points from the various concerns which he has visited, combining with these his own knowledge along progressive and modern lines. He has made the branch of which he is at the head one of the most efficiently equipped and thoroughly organized institutions in Green Bay and has given his time and energy to the improvement and development of the cold storage business along scientific lines.

Mr. Trester resides at 126^2 South Adams street in Green Bay and has many friends in this city. He belongs to the Catholic church and is an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. He holds membership in the Powhatan and Wallac Clubs and is well known in social circles of Green Bay. He is at the present time only twenty-five years of age but is recognized as one of the promising and progressive men of the younger generation who hold the industrial and financial future of the city in their hands.

A history of the medical fraternity of Brown county would be incomplete without mention of Dr. Emil F. Williams, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Bay Settlement, Scott township. During the years of his connection with the profession he has made steady progress and has proven his knowledge and capability in the excellent results which have attended his labors. He was born in Belgium, March 4, 1857, and is a son of Frederick and Anna (Vanhoen) Williams, also natives of that country, where the father was a captain in the regular army.

Dr. Williams attended the public schools of Belgium and later pursued college and university courses. After acquiring his medical education he spent three years in the hospitals in his native country and then made practical use of his training and knowledge by a year's practice in France. In 1881 he came to the United States and settled in Laprairie, Minnesota, where he was successful in his chosen profession for three years. At the end of that time he came to Wisconsin and settled in De Pere and from there removed to Little Chute, Outagamie county, and then to Martinsville, returning finally to De Pere, where he practiced for two years. In 1902 he came to Bay Settlement, Scott township, and opened an office and has since built up an extensive practice. Public opinion regarding his professional skill is altogether favorable and it is well known that he never neglects any duty.

Public

Dr. Williams was married in Belgium in 1880 to Miss Anna Barhaeger and both are well known in social circles of Brown county. The Doctor has had the benefit of wide experience in this and other countries and is at the present time acceptably serving as health officer of Scott township. His office is well equipped with all modern apparatus, including the most improved surgical instruments. He has made an excellent professional record as is indicated by his lucrative practice and he is, moreover, known as a progressive and public-spirited citizen.

Edward C. Engels

Various business enterprises go to make up the progressive and growing city of Green Bay. At their head are men of marked capability, energetic, determined and ambitious, who do not fear to follow where favoring opportunity points the way. Of this class Edward C. Engels is a representative and has attained an enviable position in the commercial circles of Green Bay, having been vice president of the Murphy Supply Company, handling plumbing and mill supplies at Nos. 226-28 South Washington street, since 1908. He is, moreover, a well-known citizen here from the fact that he is one of the native sons of Green Bay and has spent his entire life in Brown county. He was born November 30, 1876, his parents being Edward and Veronica (Vincent) Engels. The father, on leaving his native country, Belgium, came direct to Green Bay in 1857, arriving here with but fifteen cents in his possession. Necessity demanded that he obtain immediate employment and he went into the woods to cut trees and manufacture shingles. As time passed, however, his well-directed efforts and economy enabled him to enter other fields of business and he took up merchandising. At the present writing he is proprietor of a retail shoe store which he is capably and successfully conducting although he is now seventy-four years of age. For more than a half century he has been numbered among Green Bay's worthy and valued citizens, his business enterprise proving a factor in the growth of the city. He has also taken an active interest in public affairs and has served both as alderman and city treasurer. In 1885 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who was laid to rest in Alouez cemetery. She left six sons : John, an engineer residing in Green Bay; Henry L., a carriage maker of Winona, Minnesota ; William, a merchant tailor of Green Bay; Louis J., who is assisting his father in the store; Edward C. ; and August C, conducting a retail jewelry house in this city.

At the usual age Edward C. Engels entered the public schools of Green Bay and continued his course in grade after grade until he was graduated from the East side high school with the class of 1898. The succeeding year was spent in the employ of a surveyor when, realizing the value of special training for a business career, he entered the Green Bay Busmess College. On the completion of his course there he accepted a clerkship with the St. Paul Railroad Company, occupying that position for a year and a half.

He next entered the general office of the Green Bay & Western Railroad Company as stenographer and clerk, filling that position for two years, when he became an employe of the Murphy Box Company, with which he remained as assistant manager until the business was discontinued. He then purchased an interest in the Murphy Supply Company, and having previously given demonstrations of his ability, resourcefulness and fidelity, he was elected vice president of the company and is still serving in that capacity. His present official connection therewith dates from 1908 and in the interim his labors have proven an effective element in developing an extensive and profitable business in plumbing and mill supplies. He also acts as private secretary to Frank E. and A. M. Murphy, capitalists.

Mr. Engels resides at No. 220 North Madison street. He holds membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus, and is one of Green Bay's popular citizens. He has the qualities that make for success in every relation of life, and the steps in his orderly progression are easily discernible and at all times commendable.

Henry D. Van Seggern

No resident of Brown county is more familiar with pioneer conditions in the rural sections of Wisconsin than Henry D. Van Seggern, who owns a valuable farm of a hundred and sixty acres in New Denmark township, in the cultivation and improvement of which he has expended the greater part of his life, having assisted his father in clearing the land and preparing it for the plow when he was only a lad. His residence here covers a period of fifty-three years, during which time he has not only been closely associated with the agricultural progress and development of the county but has taken an active part in its political life, having served with efficiency in various official capacities. Mr. Van Seggern was born in Oldenburg, Germany, his natal year being 1849, and is a son of Henry F. and Meta (Schmidt) Van Seggern. They were the parents of three other children: D., whose death occurred at the age of three years; and two, who died in infancy. The father, who was a sailor and carpenter by trade, followed the seas for fifteen years, but at the expiration of that time he abandoned sea-faring life and obtained employment in a shipyard in his native land. He there pursued his trade until 1859, when he resolved to establish a home in America, where many of his friends had located and were meeting with success in their various undertakings. Acting upon this resolution the same year, with his wife and family, he took passage for the United States. Thirteen days later they arrived in New York harbor and after three days' sojourn continued their journey westward. Their next point of destination was Milwaukee, which they reached by railroad and from there they took boat for Manitowoc, and upon their arrival engaged a wagon and ox-team to take them to their final destination in New Denmark township. Various conditions united in making the trip a difficult one, and their team becoming exhausted when they arrived near where Mr. Fagan lived they were compelled to continue their jour- ney on foot. When they arrived in New Denmark township, the father invested the greater part of his small capital in a quarter section of land, three acres of which had been cleared. There was a small log cabin on the place and in this the family began their life on the frontier. They continued to live in this primitive fashion for eight years, at which time the log cabin gave way to a more comfortable and modern residence. Father, mother and son toiled almost incessantly from dawn to dark in their efforts to make a living and establish a home in the new world. The country was but sparsely settled, and seldom did they come in contact with the outside world. As it was an age of ox teams, and the roads were little more than blazed trails, traveling was too slow and difficult an undertaking to make social intercourse between neighbors common. About two years after he settled here Mr. Van Seggern sold eighty acres of his land, but he subsequently purchased another tract of the same acreage and at the time of his death owned a hundred and sixty acres of highly fertile land, which through the united efforts of himself and family had been transformed into a desirable holding.