Brown County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1913 (part 1 of 14)

Hon. John H. M. Wigman

John H. M. Wigman, a general practitioner at the bar of Green Bay, is the oldest representative of the legal profession here, having practiced continuously since 1863.

He came to Green Bay from Amsterdam, Holland, in 1848, with his brother Henry J. Wigman, who in 1861 enlisted for service in the Civil war and sacrificed his life in the cause of the Union at the battle of Fredericksburg. He rose from private to the rank of first lieutenant, his commission arriving on the evening of the day on which he was killed.

Mr. Wigman was born in Amsterdam on the 15th of August, 1835, and is a son of James B. and Matilda (Doorenbos) Wigman, the father dying in 1862 and the mother in 1847. The Wigman family were prominent in Holland for generations. The father was an architect and constructor of many prominent buildings in Amsterdam. He was a man of great influence and standing in his home city.

John H. M. Wigman was a lad of but thirteen years when he crossed the Atlantic. He attended the schools of his native city till he was nine years of age and then attended the Catholic College in the Province of Limburg, where he remained until the fall of 1847. Besides a classical education and mastering his native tongue, he became proficient in French and German, speaking and writing both languages perfectly and obtaining a considerable knowledge of Latin. On the death of his mother and owing to his father's rapidly failing health, it became evident that a change would be necessary in the affairs of the family. At this time the Rev. Theodore Van den Broek was on a visit to Holland and he being an old acquaintance of Mr. Wigman's father, induced him to let Mr. Wigman and his brother Henry J. go to Wisconsin with him.

After arriving here Mr. Wigman remained with Rev. Van den Broek until the end of July, 1849, during which time he was employed in teaching the ordinary branches of a common school as well as the catechism to the half breeds, Canadians and Indians. At this time coming in contact with the Indians, he learned their language and became well acquainted with their customs and mode of living.

At the close of the school term July, 1849, Mr. Wigman wanted more out-door exercise. He left Father Van den Broek and engaged in farming in Wrightstown where again, at the request of Father Van den Broek he occupied his leisure hours in teaching the Indians and half breeds and preparing them for their first communion.

Mr. Wigman continued in the occupation of farming and other manual labor until the year, 1854, when he entered a dry -goods and general store as clerk, which position he occupied for a little over two years, when he was induced to teach the public school in the town of Green Bay (now town of Scott ) . The town of Green Bay was then composed of the now towns of Scott, Preble, Humboldt and Green Bay. While teaching school he entered upon the study of law under the direction of the late Judge Cotton and Hon. Timothy O. Howe. He also filled the offices of justice of the peace, town clerk, treasurer and assessor. Meanwhile he continued the study of law borrowing books for that purpose from the lawyers of Green Bay and practicing whenever opportunity offered itself before justice courts. His father having died in 1862 the following spring he made a visit to Holland to settle up his father's large estate. Many of his relations were living at that time.

His father had, at first, intended to follow Mr. Wigman to the newworld but later on reversed his plans and wanted his sons to return to him. Our subject, however, could not comply with this wish and so it happened that father and son never met again.

On this visit to Holland Mr. Wigman had the distinguished honor of having an audience with his former sovereigns, King William and Queen Sophia who graciously conversed with him on subjects mostly pertaining the United States, especially the Civil war, in which the queen was greatly interested. He returned to the United States in July, 1863, bringing with him his sister Helena M., afterward Mrs. Berendsen (now deceased).

On his return Mr. Wigman took up his residence at Appleton and entered into partnership with Hon. Thomas R. Hudd, which relationship continued until November, 1889.

While there he was elected district attorney for Outagamie county in 1864, reelected in 1866 and again in 1868. In 1868 the firm opened offices in Green Bay, to which city Mr. Wigman removed with his family in 1870, in which year he built his present commodious residence which he still occupies. This, with a selected and one of the finest private libraries in the city, consist in making a home life that is most desirable, - a hearth place where the parents are ever found in the bosom of the family.

In the year 1882 Mr. Wigman was elected mayor of the city of Green Bay and gave to the city a practical, business-like and progressive administration characterized by various needed reforms.

In 1893 he was appointed United States attorney for the eastern district of Wisconsin and held that position for four years during the Cleveland administration. During his term of office he tried several very important cases not only in the district and circuit courts of the United States but also in the court of appeals in Chicago, outside his district, being ordered so to do by special order from the attorney general of the United States. Shortly after his appointment all of the litigation relating to the Fox and Wisconsin river overflow cases, as well as cases of the Green Bay & Mississippi Canal Company, which had theretofore been in the hands of a special assistant were turned over to Mr. Wigman. who succeeded in bringing all the issues to a successful termination, besides establishing the permanent rights of the United States in the navigation of the Fox river by enjoining the Mill owners at Neenah, Appleton and Kaukauna from using the water below a certain level. Although Mr. Wigman was also personally interested in the suits brought by his predecessor, Mr. Colman, against the government he successfully defended the United States in those suits, both in the circuit court for the United States and in the United States circuit court of appeals, and under date of April 9, 1895, the Hon. Richard Olney, United States attorney general wrote him, "It is a personal gratification to me to find the government so well represented and a vexed question of law so well presented. I desire to congratulate you upon your success in the defense of these cases and to assure you that the anomaly and incongruity of the position of yourself in common with other district attorneys in defending the government in cases where your own personal interest is adverse to it, is not overlooked by this department and that it is a source of much gratification to find entire loyalty in the performance of the public duty notwithstanding the adverse private interest." He was also instrumental in getting congress to abolish the fee system and fix a salary for the United States attorneys and marshals. Perhaps one of the most important of the cases he was engaged in was in connection with the reading of the Bible in the public school in which he was employed as counsel and argued the case before the supreme court. The case arose from school district No. 8, in the city of Edgerton, Rock county. It was a custom to read from the King James version of the Scriptures. The parents of Catholic children objected thereto and requested the school board to discontinue the custom but were refused. The parents then petitioned the circuit court which upheld the school board. The case was carried to the supreme court which reversed the decision of the lower court and sustained the parents in their objection. The case is reported in the 76 Wisconsin reports, on page 177. In his brief Mr. Wigman showed great research, quoting liberally from the original Latin showing the perverted meanings and omissions which would render the King James version undesirable for use in the public schools as "Sectarian instruction."

The firm Hudd & Wigman was dissolved in November, 1889, on Mr. Hudd moving to Chicago. Mr. Wigman continued the business and took in P. H. Martin, who had been clerking for the firm and had married Mr. Wigman's daughter. He is a member of the American Bar Association and president of the Brown County Bar.

Mr. Wigman has been married twice. In 1857 he wedded Matilda Lyonnais, who passed away in 1876, leaving nine children of whom two died in infancy, while Alexander passed away at the age of twenty-five, at which time he was employed in the postoffice in Milwaukee. The others are Mary, the wife of P. H. Martin ; Ellen, the wife of John F. Watermolen, a lawyer of Green Bay ; John C, passenger engineer for the Green Bay & Western Railroad Company since 1882; Anna, residing at home; Elizabeth, the wife of James Hart of Marinette, Wisconsin ; and Josephine, the wife of Charles Wieber. a clerk in the postoffice of Green Bay. On the 1st day of July, 1876, Mr. Wigman was again married, his second union being with Miss Jennie Meagher of Cleveland. Ohio. To them were born four children: Jennie, who died in infancy, and Joseph, who died at the age of four years, both being buried in Allouez cemetery ; James B., a civil and mechanical engineer, educated at Wisconsin University; and Margaret M., a graduate of Sinsinnawa College, now finishing her course in domestic science at the Stoute Institute at Menomonie, Wisconsin. All his children received their primary education in the Catholic schools.

.Mr. Wigman is a democrat in politics but has no other active interests outside of his profession, having for twenty-two years been state president of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, which society was organized by him in 1885.

He was appointed a Knight of St. Gregory by Pope Leo XIII. in 1885 and is a devoted member of the Catholic church, doing all in his power tc advance its success and extend its influence. Mr. Wigman, although nearly seventy-eight years of age, still devotes practically all his time and attention to his professional duties.

Frank F. Kress

Frank F. Kress has been prominent in manufacturing circles of Green Bay for some years. His specialty is the making of horse collars and he maintains his factory and office at No. 419 North Van Buren street in this city, where he has been located since 1906. He was born at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, June 22, 1877, a son of Louis and Louisa (Metz) Kress. The father came from Germany in 1858 and lived in this country until his death, in 1884. He was a member of the Federal army during the Civil war and received a dangerous wound in the arm in the course of an engagement. In 1865 he was honorably discharged and his death occurred in Wisconsin in April, 1884, at the age of forty-four years. His wife preceded him and both are buried in the same cemetery at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

Frank F. Kress received his early education at Nenno, Washington county, Wisconsin. At the age of seventeen he laid aside his books to accept a position as clerk in a general store at West Bend, Wisconsin, where he remained for two years. He then took up the trade of harness making, specializing in horse collars, and when he had mastered its details he went to Milwaukee and worked at his trade for three years in that city. He became proficient in this line and soon received an offer to fill the position of foreman of the Krueger Saddlery Company of Green Bay. Wisconsin, which he immediately accepted. He remained with this firm until it became defunct, five years later, and during his period of connection therewith he had entire charge of the horse collar manufacturing department, buying the machinerv. tools and all the new material needed in the factory. In this way he became thoroughly acquainted with all the various branches of the business -and became an expert workman by personal experience. In 1906 he started in business for himself. He had scarcely any capital and his principal assets were ambition, firm determination and a thorough knowledge of the matter in hand. In the six years of his activity his success has been rapid and remarkable. Every year his business increases and the market for his output enlarges. At the present time he employs on an average twenty-five men and is considering the erection of a large and modernly equipped factory to take care of the large volume of business.

On September 3, 1900, Mr. Kress was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Schmidt, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Schmidt, the former a blacksmith at West Bend, Wisconsin, until his death. Mrs. Kress died May 2, 191 1, leaving two children, George and Melvin, who reside with their father at No. 1002 Cherry street. Politically Mr. Kress is absolutely nonpartisan. He votes for the man and the idea and keeps himself independent of party lines and policies. He is a devout member of the German Reformed church at Green Bay, in which faith he has reared his two sons. He is one of the men who do not care to push themselves forward into public life, preferring to aid in the progress of their city by the development of their own business interests.

Charles S. Kerr

Charles S. Kerr has been for a long period closely associated with newspaper interests of Green Bay and his enterprise and progresive spirit enabled him to become prominent and successful in his chosen line of work. The business methods he has followed have commended him to the respect of all with whom he has been associated, for he has based his actions on the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity. Mr. Kerr was born in .Milwaukee, January 9, 1858. His father is a retired journalist and one of the pioneers in this line of occupation in the city. He is numbered among the residents of Green Bay that Scotland has furnished to the new world, his birth having occurred in Montrose. He spent his childhood and early manhood in his native country and then came to America with his wife and family, settling in Milwaukee, from whence in 1870 he came to Green Bay. He had long been prominent in the newspaper business and the object of his removal to this city was to take charge of The Green Bay Gazette as local editor, in which capacity he served for twelve years, at the same time editing and publishing The Green Bay Review. The Review was the first paper published in Fort Howard, now the west part of Green Bay, and The Gazette is the oldest paper in this city. The father of our subject continued active in journalistic circles until his retirement, carrying on his paper and doing job printing and binding. He was the first secretary of the Typographical Union of Milwaukee, and has the distinction of being the oldest living editor in northern Wisconsin. He is well known in local political circles and was appointed collector of United States customs, which office he held until February 8, 1910, when he retired on account of ill health. He married Miss Betsy Dickie, and they have three living children: W. L., city clerk of Green Bay. who married Miss Estella Kinney, by whom he has four children; Charles S., the subject of this

Charles S. Kerr was educated in the public schools of Milwaukee and after laying aside his school books secured a position as messenger boy for the Western Union Telegraph Company. He later went to Florence and worked as a bell boy in a hotel in that city and came to Green Bay as operator for the St. Paul Railroad, in which capacity he acted for four years and a half, being transferred at the end of that time to the northern division as timekeeper. In 1880 he returned to Green Bay and became associated with his father in the printing business and still fills the position of editor of The Review.

In his political views he is a progressive republican and always strives to promote his party's interests. For two years he served in the United States Customs office with his father as collector. He is a member of the Order of Elks, Washington Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M., Col. Catlin Camp, Sons of Veterans and belongs to the Presbyterian church. For thirty-two years he has been a resident of Green Bay where he is known as a prosperous, enterprising and successful business man. He is regarded as one of the leading and valued citizens here, being held in high esteem for the uprightness and integrity of his character.

Hon. Samuel Dexter Hastings

The position of circuit court judge is one of large responsibility. It calls for sound judgment, high intelligence and broad tolerance, and requires in addition a degree of special knowledge on many subjects only possible to a liberally educated man. Hon. Samuel Dexter Hastings, now circuit court judge of the district comprising Brown, Kewaunee and Door counties, possesses all these requisite qualifications in an eminent degree and since 1883 has been engaged in the discharge of judicial duties, his record indicating his marked fairness and impartiality as well as his clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of law. He has made his home in Brown county since 1867, taking up his abode here when a young man of twenty-six years. He was born in Philadelphia, June 19, 1841, his parents being Samuel D. and Margaret (Schubert) Hastings. The family is of English lineage, representatives of the name coming from Great Britain to America many years prior to the Revolution, since which time members of the family have been prominent in various localities in which they have resided. The name Samuel Dexter Hastings has been handed down from generation to generation, having been borne by the father, son and grandson. The father of Judge Hastings was a prominent and influential figure in Wisconsin politics during the middle portion of the nineteenth century and served as a member of the legislature then as state treasurer for eight years, covering the time of the Civil w^ar. He came to this state in 1844, settling first on a farm but later removing to La Crosse, where he engaged in merchandising, his energy and enterprise winning for him a prominent position in commercial circles. He was a resident of Trempealeau county when elected state treasurer, and removed to .Madison, where he continued to reside until 1895, when he removed to Green Bay. He was a practical reformer and traveled extensively in the interest of the prohibition party, with which he was prominently identified for twenty years. He was honored with election as grand chief templar of the international organization of the Independent Order of Good Templars and his life and influence proved a potent force for good wherever he was known. He died in 1903, in the eighty-sixth year of his age, and was laid to rest in Woodlawn cemetery. The Schubert family, from whom Judge Hastings is descended in the maternal line, was represented in the Revolutionary war by his great-grandfather, who as a private aided in winning independence. His mother, Margaret (Schubert) Hastings, died in 1902, her grave also being made in Woodlawn cemetery.

In the acquirement of his education Samuel D. Hastings entered the preparatory school connected with Beloit College, in which he was later a student until the completion of his collegiate course with the graduating class of 1863. Determined to take up the study of law, he then entered the Albany Law school, at Albany, New York, and won his LL. B. degree after a year's course in 1865. He at once entered upon the practice of his chosen profession, urged on by the ambition and enterprise which have ever distinguished his career. He settled first at Madison, Wisconsin, where he engaged in general practice for two years, and then came to Green Bay. His clientage increased annually in volume and importance and his alma mater conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. It was soon manifest that he prepared his cases with great thoroughness and care, was clear and concise in speech, strong and forceful' in argument and logical in his deductions. He continued in the general practice of law until 1883, when elected to the circuit bench, on which he has since sat. When he was first elected judge the circuit comprised the counties of Brown. Marinette. Oconto and Door and so continued until the redisricting in 191 2, when the area of the circuit was limited to Brown, Kewaunee and Door counties, the population, however, having greatly increased in the meantime. Throughout the entire district over which he presided Judge Hastings came to be known as an able jurist, displaying a thorough mastery of all the intricate problems of the law. together with rapidity as well as accuracy in the execution of the business of his court. His honor and good faith have never been questioned and he upholds the dignity of the office in a worthy and becoming manner. When he closed his work in Marinette county the members of its bar. as a mark of their appreciation of his ability and his fidelity to the high ideals of his profession, tendered him a banquet and presented him with a magnificent cane of ebony and gold, most beautifully engraved, and when in April, 1912, he terminated his labors in Oconto county a similar honor was conferred upon him, the citizens of that county joining with the members of the bar in tendering him a banquet in order to pay tribute to one who had served them long and well. On that occasion he was presented with a massive silver loving cup. His decisions were always models of judicial soundness, indicating not only a thorough knowledge of the law but also a clear understanding of the equity of the case.

In politics Judge Hastings has always been a stanch republican and in early manhood took an active interest in city and county politics but. be- lieving with Justice Hughes that when a man ascends the bench to decide with fairness the laws which he must administer he must cease to be a partisan, Judge Hastings has never during the past three decades taken active part in campaign work. Moreover, the judges in the state are not chosen by political parties and, therefore, he deems it doubly incumbent upon the bench to refrain from aggressive political activity. He is, however, well known in educational circles and was president of the school board until elected to the bench, when he resigned. At the solicitation of his friend, Rufus B. Kellogg, who established the library which bears his name, Judge Hastings became president of the board of directors and has held that position during the past twenty-four years. At an earlier day it was the custom for the regents of the University of Wisconsin to select lecturers from the profession, who lectured to the students on special topics of law. Judge Hastings was so chosen and continued as one of the lecturers in the State University until that system was abolished by the employment of regular law professors.

Judge Hastings has been married twice. He first wedded Mary C. Kendall, of Beloit, Wisconsin, who died in 1868. They were the parents of three children, one of whom died in infancy, while Mary C. passed away in 1886, at the age of nineteen years. The mother and two children are buried in Woodlawn cemetery. The other daughter, Lilias, is now the wife of James P. Arter, who is prominent in real-estate circles in Cleveland, Ohio. On the 25th of December, 1872, Judge Hastings married Miss Hetta Sue Clapp, a daughter of Nathaniel P. and Sarah Clapp of Kenosha, Wisconsin, who were pioneer farming people of that district. The father was killed in a railroad accident when a comparatively young man, while his wife survived until 1887. Judge and Mrs. Hastings have two children : Florence N., wdio is now the wife of Byron H. Stebbins, assistant attorney general of Wisconsin; and Samuel Dexter Hastings III. who is secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Barkhausen Oil Company, of Green Bay. The family reside at 827 South Monroe avenue and are well known in the social circles of this city. For forty-five years Judge Hastings has here made his home and for more than twenty-eight years has sat upon the bench, honored and respected by all who know him as a judge, as a man and as a citizen. In all his judicial service he has had a keen sense of the dependence of men upon each other, has displayed the quality of justice tempered by mercy arising from his tolerance for human frailty, his kindliness and his broad humanitarianism.

William M. Workman

William M. Workman is the senior member of the well known hardware firm of W. M. Workman & Company, with offices at No. 353 Main street, De Pere. He was born December 13, 1850, at Ripon, Wisconsin, and is a son of William and Margaret (Miller) Workman. The father was born in Scotland, June 22, 1822, and was by trade a machinist. He came to the United States in 1842 and settled in Ripon, where he continued to reside until 1873. On the 15th of May of that year he came to West De Pere as superintendent and manager of the West De Pere car shops, and later became superintendent of the West De Pere Agricultural Works. He was president of the village of West De Pere from 1876 to 1882 and was reelected to that office in 1884. He was mayor of West De Pere in 1887 and 1888 and was prominently identified with the general improvement and upbuilding of that city during the remaining years of his life, which closed January 28, 1900, at the age of seventy-eight years. The mother of our subject was born January 12, 1832, and died October 19, 1907, at the age of seventy-six years. In the family were six children : William M. ; Alary P., the wife of David Thomas, of Ripon; Margaret, deceased; Annie, the wife of L. Sheldon Wilcox, of De Pere; and Frank and John, deceased.

William M. Workman was reared in his parents' home and received his elementary education in the public schools of Ripon, later attending Brockway College at that place. At the age of fourteen years he learned the carriage-painter's trade in his father's shop, where he worked for seven years. Being gifted in music and having a fine tenor voice, in December, 1 87 1, he became engaged in concert work and traveled throughout the country in that connection until April 4, 1874. He then returned to De Pere and for two years devoted himself to different occupations. In 1876 he entered the employ of the De Pere Agricultural Works as bookkeeper. He later was made secretary of the company and continued as an active member of that concern until it closed down in 1885. He then purchased a half-interest in the Minerva Stock Farm, located near Ripon, and was there engaged in the breeding and raising of thoroughbred horses, including the Wilkes and Mambrino Patchen stock. He continued to be identified with that enterprise until November, 1893, when he sold out and returned to De Pere, where he engaged in the drug business until January 1, 1899. He then disposed of his drug stock to E. A. Lange and immediately thereafter in company with Dr. D. H. Gregory purchased a hardware store which has since been conducted under the name of W. M. Workman & Company. In 1908 A. W. Turriff was admitted to a partnership in the business but the name of the firm has remained unchanged. In addition to his interest in this company Mr. Workman is also a director of the State Bank of De Pere, a director of the De Pere Electric Light & Power Company, a stockholder in the J. P. Dousman Milling Company and also a stockholder in the Cooperative Coal Company of De Pere.

On October 24, 1878, Mr. Workman was united in marriage to Miss Harriet S. Stewart, a daughter of Theodore and Mary Jane (Hammond) Stewart, of De Pere, who are among the oldest settlers on the west side of the river. To Mr. and Mrs. Workman four children have been born: Jean, who died in infancy; Stewart, who died at the age of eight and one-half years; Dean M., born June 19, 1888, who is a graduate of the mechanical engineering department of the University of Wisconsin and is now in the employ of the Western United Gas & Electric Company of

Mr. Workman was elected councilman of De Pere in 1895 and since that time has been reelected to that office at different periods for several years. In 1896 he was elected mayor of De Pere and on the completion of his first term was reelected to that office in 1897. In 1902 he was appointed by the judge of the circuit court as circuit court jury commissioner, which office he has since continued to fill. Fraternally he is a member of De Pere Lodge, No. 85, F. & A. M., and has passed through all the chairs, being now a past master of his lodge. He was instrumental in having the Congregational church society of East De Pere unite with the society of the same denomination at West De Pere and with Dan Kidney was appointed as a committee to supervise the construction of the new church building, which was completed in 1908. Mr. Workman is one of the prominent men of the city in which he lives and while paying strict attention to his varied business interests he nevertheless finds time to devote to the social affairs of his community, in which he is one of the leading factors. Being gifted with a musical temperament and having enjoyed the benefits of voice culture, he is always at the service of his friends to assist in the entertainments which are intended to contribute to the public enjoyment. He has taken care to preserve the elasticity and quality of his voice and is at present a member of the choir of the Congregational church of De Pere.

David Alexander Gibson

David Alexander Gibson, commander of T. O. Howe Post, No. 124, I r. A. R., at Green Bay, Wisconsin, is exemplifying in his conduct of the affairs of that organization not only his well proved loyalty and patriotism but also a spirit of fellowship and good cheer which make him popular with his comrades. He was born March 4, 1841, in a house located on the present site of the old county office building in Green Bay and is the son of Robert and Esther (Mahon) Gibson, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of England. The grandfather of our subject on the paternal side was David Gibson, who followed farming through life and died in Scotland. His son, Robert Gibson, was born in Berwickshire, Scotland, October 10, 1817, and was educated in the public schools there. When he was twenty years old he came to America and located near the Green Bay settlement, in what is now Scott township, Brown county. On landing in New York he proceeded up the Hudson river and by the Erie canal and the great lakes to this locality, the journey being entirely made by water. For a time he lived with an uncle, Robert T. Gibson, who had preceded him to Brown county. In early life he served an apprenticeship to the wagon-maker's trade and followed the same for seven years in his native land, but during the greater part of his life he devoted his time and energies to farming. In 1840 he married Miss Esther Mahon, a native of England, who came to America with her parents, John and Esther Mahon, the family first locating in Menominee, Michigan, and later removing to Green Bay. Mr. Gibson lived to the ripe old age of ninety-two years and passed away on the 12th of January, 1910. His wife had died February 5, 1884, when past sixty-six years of age. To them were born eleven children, of whom six survive, namely : David Alexander, of this review ; Robert E., who lives on the old home farm in Scott township; Anderson P., whose home is in the same locality; James H, who is a practicing physician of Green Bay; Thomas R., a resident of Scott township ; and William H., of Green Bay.

David A. Gibson was educated in the public schools of this county and made wise use of every opportunity in this direction. Later he taught school in Brown county for four or rive years. When the country became involved in civil war he enlisted October 1, 1864, in Company B, Forty-fourth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, under command of William Rousch, and served for eleven months in the Army of the Cumberland under General Thomas, as a member of the Fourth Army Corps. He participated in the battle of Nashville and from there went to Paducah, Kentucky. At the close of the war he was mustered out at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in September, 1865, and returned to Green Bay. He then resumed his education, attending Ripon College for a year, and during the following year filled various positions. In 1871 he left home to go to Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, to accept a position as bookkeeper for Schofield & Company, who were engaged in the lumber business and also conducted a general store. He remained with them for seventeen years, two months and twenty days, being a man of general utility, running a sawmill, acting as bookkeeper, etc. He was an expert bookkeeper and accountant. For a short time following the year 1888 he engaged in farming in partnership with his brother but abandoned that field of activitv to resume his bookkeeping in the employ of the Menominee River Shingle Company, where for eighteen years he did his usual work in business accounting. Mr. Gibson has a record of thirty-five years as a bookkeeper and during that time was in the service of one man. He retired from active life in 1909 and is now making his home in Green Bay, where he has many warm personal friends.

On November 25, 1879, Mr. Gibson was united in marriage to Miss Fannie M. Campbell, a native of Scott township and a daughter of John and Mary (Smith) Campbell. By this union were born two children, one of whom died in infancy. The other, Ward A. Gibson, is now living with his father being by profession an engineer. Mr. Gibson's first wife died August 5, 1888, when she was thirty-five years of age, and some time afterward he was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Magdalena Woelz, a daughter of Anton and Barbara (Bauer) Goetzman, both natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Goetzman came to America, settling first in West Bend, Wisconsin, where the father followed the trade of a locksmith, and later removing to Scott township, this county.

In his political views Mr. Gibson is a consistent republican. For nine years he filled the position of assistant postmaster at Red River. Ke- waunee county, and later became postmaster, an office which he creditably filled for many years. He was reared in the Presbyterian religion, while his wife affiliates with the Lutheran church, holding membership in the Ladies Aid Society of that denomination. He has held membership in T. O. Howe Post, No. 124, G. A. R., for many years and is now serving his second term as its commander. He is one of the constantly les-, sening band of men who are representing in the present day the great Federal army of 1861-1865. Still hale and hearty, he continues to superintend his farm in Scott township. He is now in his seventy-second year and his patriotism and loyalty are as firm now as they were fifty years ago and he seeks no greater title than that of an honored veteran of the Civil war.

Patrick McCormick is one of the honored veterans of the Civil war and since 1885 has been successfully engaged in the wood, coal and hay business at No. 220 South Washington street, Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is a native of County West Meath, Ireland, his birth having occurred April 3, 1848, and is a son of John M. and Anne McCormick. The father emigrated to America in 1850 and settled near Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he engaged in any honorable work at which he could make his living. The mother died in 1862 and the father in 1898. Both parents were buried at Taycheedah, Fond du Lac county.

Patrick McCormick was reared in his native land and there received his elementary education. He came to America in 1852 with his grandmother and settled in Taycheedah, Wisconsin, where he pursued his education in the public schools until he was sixteen years of age. In 1864 he enlisted in Company K, Thirty-seventh Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, and was with his command at the siege of Petersburg. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged from service in September, 1865. He then returned to his home in Wisconsin and worked in one of the sawmills in Fond du Lac for one year. In 1867 he came to Green Bay, where he clerked in the Fox River House until 1870. He then established himself in the transfer business, in which he was actively engaged for thirteen years. In 1880 he admitted J. Bates to a partnership and the business was afterward conducted under the firm name of McCormick & Bates. In 1885 he established a coal and hay business in partnership with D. W. Flatley, continuing together until 1900, since which time he has been the sole owner of the business, which he has continued to carrv on with gratifying success. He has a storage warehouse and large dockage on Fox river. He is also agent for a couple of steamboat lines.

Mr. McCormick was united in marriage in Green Bay, November 7, 1872, to Miss Mary Harran, a daughter of John and Sarah Harran. Her father is one of the pioneer merchants of Brown county. To Mr. and

Mrs. McCormick twelve children have been horn: Rosaline, who died at the age of twelve years and is buried in the Allouez cemetery; one who died in infancy ; John H., who is engaged in the coal business in Green Bay; William J., assisting his father; Edward J., who is engaged in buy-* ing hay at Chicago ; May, a teacher in the public schools of Green Bay ; Annie, employed in Chicago as a bookkeeper ; Sadie, a graduate of the high school ; Genevieve, who is the wife of Frank Flatley, a traveling salesman of Minneapolis ; Thomas, who owns a ranch in the state of Oregon ; and James and Clarence, who are in the employ of their father. -Mr. McCormick is affiliated with the republican party and served as alderman of Green Bay for two years at the time this city was consolidated with Fort Howard. He is a member of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and Knights of Columbus. He is one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of Green Bay and a man who is well and favorably known through this portion of the state. He resides with his family at No. 621 South Monroe street, having purchased the residence shortly after it was built.

Benjamin Tonnon

Benjamin Tonnon, a worthy native son and representative agriculturist of Brown county, follows farming in Howard township and makes a specialty of dairying. His birth occurred in the town of Howard on the 4th of June, 1878, his parents being Leo and Mary Tonnon, both of whom were natives of Belgium, born in the years 1850 and 1855 re~ spectively. When a lad of eleven years Leo Tonnon accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States, the family home being established in Howard township, this county. For about five years he worked in a sawmill and engaged in lumbering but his time was mainly devoted to farming here throughout his active business career and he met with success in his undertakings in this connection. In 1908, after a residence of forty-seven years in Brown county, he passed away. His wife was also called to her final rest in 1908. Their children were as follows: Joseph; Benjamin, of this review; Rose; Fred; George; Mary, who died at the age of three years ; and Laura, who passed away when seven years old.

Benjamin Tonnon attended district school No. 2 until fifteen years of age and subsequently assisted his father in the operation of the home farm during the summer months, while for five winter seasons he worked in the woods. After his father's demise he purchased the homestead in association with his brothers, Joseph and George, and has since had entire charge of the place. The success which has attended him in the work of the fields is attributable to his industry and energy and to his comprehensive knowledge of progressive and practical methods of agriculture. He farms seventy-two acres of land and has three horses and

On the 6th of July, 1908, at Duck Creek, Mr. Tonnon was united in marriage to Miss Emily Gegare, her parents being Frank and Lizzie (Fellon ) Gegare, who were natives of Canada and Belgium respectively. Mr. Gegare is a farmer of Howard, but his wife is deceased, having passed away in 1908 at the age of fifty-six. Our subject and his wife have one child, Donald, who was born in 1910.

In politics Mr. Tonnon is a republican, while his religious faith is that of the Catholic church. During his lifelong residence in the community he has gained many warm friends, who hold him in high regard because of his true worth and sterling traits of character.

Dr. Robert E. Minahan, successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery since 1898, has ever been actuated by high ideals in his profession and his intelligently directed efforts have brought him far toward realizing these ideals. Constantly studying along broadening lines, he is promoting his usefulness day by day and from the experiences of one year gains inspiration and encouragement for the labors of the succeeding year. He was born in Howard, New York, January 27, 1858, a son of William B. and Mary Minahan. The father was a native of Ireland and was brought to America by his parents in 1840, the family home being established on a farm in the state of New York, where William Minahan remained until i860, when he came to Wisconsin and settled on a farm in Calumet county. He became very prominent in that district, was superintendent of schools for eighteen years and was also a leader in republican ranks. William Minahan was a man of conspicuous talents, broad culture and wonderful versatility. He was gifted as a poet and ably wrote on various subjects. For many years he contributed to a local paper, The Newsboys' Appeal, which appeared anonymously each New Year's day year after year. Many wondered who was the author and the source whence these contributions came was not disclosed for a long time. In his later years he collected many of his poems, some of them having been dedicated to members of his family, and published them in connection with family portraits in a memorial booklet. The scope of the subjects he covered was broad, treating on political and other matters, and one of his poems was devoted to the resolute stand which his son, Robert, the subject of this sketch, took as mayor of Green Bay, when he collected and destroyed all of the gamblers' paraphernalia unlawfully used in the city, as is hereafter related. William Minahan died in 1906, at the age of seventy-three years, and his wife passed away in 1902, at the age of sixty-three.

Robert E. Minahan acquired his education in the public schools and afterward entered the State Normal, from which he wras graduated in 1880. The desire to make the practice of medicine his life work led him to enter Rush Medical College of Chicago, where he completed a course in 1886, winning his degree of M. D. He afterward took up the study of law and was graduated from the law department of the Michigan University in 1894. In the meantime he practiced medicine from 1886 to 1892 at Calumet Harbor, Wisconsin, before his matriculation in the State University of Michigan. After his course there he practiced both law and medicine at Kewaunee from 1895 until 1898. In the latter year he came to Green Bay, where he has since practiced with his brother, Dr. J. R. Minahan. They are specializing in surgical work and have their own rooms in which to perform operations in the St. Vincent Hospital. No other profession perhaps has shown such radical changes and such marked advancement as has the profession of surgery during the past quarter of a century. Operations that prior to that time were regarded as utterly impossible are now performed almost daily. Dr. Minahan, whose name introduces this review possesses the keen sagacity, the steady nerve and the cool hand so necessary in successful surgical work and his labors have been attended with a gratifying measure of success. He keeps in touch with the advanced workthat is being done by other members of the profession through his membership in the Fox River Valley, the Brown County and the Wisconsin State Medical Associations.

What he has accomplished in this connection would alone entitle Dr. Minahan to prominent representation among Brown county's leading citizens. His- labors, however, in other directions have been equally effective, farreaching and beneficial. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and his public spirit, called him to the office of mayor of Green Bay in 1904 and he served as the chief executive of the city for four years, during which time his administration was characterized by various needed reforms and improvements. He was especially active in putting down gambling in his term of office and, although the lawbreakers threatened to shoot him, he never hesitated in the performance of his duty. The gamblers of the city had long held in contempt the law and many places were being run openly and doing an extensive business. Under former administrations an effort was made to suppress this lawlessness but, although gamblers' devices were taken out of the saloons, they soon found their way back and things were running as before. Dr. Minahan when mayor decided to adopt more heroic measures to put down this social evil. He quietly arranged to have drays ready on a certain morning and to bring from the various places to the city hall grounds every piece of apparatus used for gambling in the city. At this point the gamblers made no resistance, as they felt sure that, as in the past, the machines would soon be returned to them. They cautioned the movers to have a care in handling the highly polished cases, magnificently fashioned and expensive roulette wheels and other apparatus. These were carefully conveyed to the city hall but instead of being put into the basement, as had been done before, they were piled upon the ground in front of the building. When all of the devices had been gathered Dr. Minahan appeared in his shirt sleeves, carrying an axe, with which he began to demolish the gamblers' property. After this work of destruction had been completed jug of kerosene oil, which was poured over the debris and the whole was set on fire. A large crowd had gathered and looked on in astonishment, while the gamblers were literally awe-struck and threats of personal violence were flying wild and loose. The strenuous act of the determined mayor, however, won at last in the cause of righteousness and nothing happened, and in that manner was put a stop to open gambling in Green Bay forever. He is a republican, strong and earnest in his support of the party, yet opposing anything like misrule in public office. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

On the 28th of December, 1880, Dr. Minahan was united in marriage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Miss Nellie Mulcahy, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Mulcahy. Her father is a pioneer farmer of Calumet county. Dr. and Mrs. Minahan have one son, Eben R., a prominent lawyer of Green Bay. They reside at No. 840 South Monroe street and they have a circle of friends almost coextenisve with the circle of their acquaintance. Dr. Minahan's life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor. While he has won success and prominence in his practice, his interests have also been thoroughly identified with those of Brown county and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful development.

Edward P. Weise

Edward P. Weise, living retired in Green Bay, has many claims to respect and esteem among his fellow citizens. He is one of the pioneer business men, an honored veteran of the Civil war, and for many years occupied a leading place in business circles of Green Bay. A native of this city, he was born May 7, 1845, m tne family homestead, which stood opposite the local power house. The father, Albert Weise. was born in Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, Germany, and remained in the little Thuringian principality until 1842. Crossing the Atlantic in that year, he settled in Green Bay, coming to this city with Judge Arndt in pioneer times. For three or four years he worked at carpentering and shipbuilding and then established a wagon-making and blacksmithing shop on Cherry street, between Washington and Adams. The shop was later moved to the corner of Adams and Stewart streets and here the enterprise throve well, its owner being an expert workman and an able business man. He was one of the oldest wagonmakers in Brown county as well as one of its pioneer settlers, and his activities were one -of the greatest forces in promoting business. He was one of the founders of what is now the Weise-Holman Company, which was established under the name of Sommers & Poole. Later Albert Weise purchased Mr. Sommers' interest and conducted the business in partnership with Mr. Poole until he bought out the latter, managing the enterprise alone. When the Green Bay & Western Railroad was constructed he established a branch store at Winona and conducted it in partnership with bis son. Herman, until 1876, when it became the Weise-Holman Company, under which name it was conducted until Mr. Weise's death, when it reverted to the estate. He married Miss Anna Maria Holzknecht, who was born in Prussia and came to America with her uncle in 1843. They had ten children, seven of whom are living: Edward P., of this review; Augusta, the wife of F. A. Holman; Carrie, who married William Suelflohn; Helena, the wife of F. Jeffrey; Herman; Charles; and Amanda, who married F. L. G. Straubel.

Edward P. Weise attended the public schools of Green Bay and after laying aside his books learned the trades of wagon-making and blacksmithing, which he followed until February 29, 1804, in which year he offered his services to the United States government as a member of Company F., Thirty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He joined his regiment April 9, 1864, at Decatur, Alabama, and served under Colonel Howe in the Army of the Tennessee. He enlisted for a term of three years but was wounded at Atlanta. August 13. 1864, and was sent to the hospital at Madison, which he left June 3, 1865, being discharged and mustered out of the United States service on that date. He then returned to Green Bay and became active as a wagon maker and blacksmith, following these trades until 1872, when lie took up carpentering and millwrighting. He was successful in both lines of occupation and built up a flourishing business, retiring from active life in 1896. During his career he became interested in the business which his father founded, the Weise-Holman Company, and he retains his identification with this enterprise.

Mr. Weise was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Schwabe, who was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Weise became the parents of eight children, three of whom are living: May. at home; F. O., who is employed as a bookkeeper in North Bend. Washington; and E. A., a resident of Green Bay.

Air. Weise is a member of the German Lutheran church and has been a devout adherent of its doctrines since his childhood. He is junior vice commander of Howe Post, G. A. R. During the course of a life spent almost entirely in Green Bay he has won a place of honor among his fellow citizens, who respect and esteem him for his business attainments. for his service in his country's cause and for the upright and straightforward methods by which he has won success.

Henry W1Llart

Henry Willart. proprietor and manager of the largest wholesale bakery in Green Bay and identified with various other important local enterprises, was born in Hooghlede, province of West Flanders, Belgium, October 18, 1875. He is a son of Desire and Saraphina (Dick) Willart. natives of that section. His paternal grandfather was a farmer in West Flanders and followed that occupation until his death. His father, however, was a miller by trade and was successful in this line of activity for some time. He died in

1902 at the age of sixty-six. His wife survived him for four years, passing away in 1906, when she was sixty-eight years of age. In their family were eight children, besides the subject of this review: Peter, Julius, Louis, Julia, Mary, Leona, and Euphronia, all of whom reside in Belgium, and one who died in infancy.

Henry Willart attended the Catholic schools in his native country and worked on his father's farm and in the mill until he was thirteen years of age. He then began his period of apprenticeship to a baker and after he had learned the trade followed it in Belgium until 1891. In that year he came to America, locating first in Iowa and then in the Dakotas, where he engaged in farming. He traveled over the entire west and finally settled in De Pere, Wisconsin, in 1895. Mere he worked at his trade of baker for a year and a half, before coming to Green Bay, where he clerked in the bakerv store of his father-in-law, who was one of the oldest bakers in the city. Later, however, Mr. Willart established himself in business independently, locating on his present place. His business has increased gradual lv until it is one of the largest wholesale baking enterprises in Green Bay. Mr. Willart ships his goods to the markets throughout the central part of Wisconsin and also has customers in Michigan. He is interested in various local enterprises of importance and has shown continually the industry, enterprise and progressive tendencies, which are the foundation of his commercial success and the important elements in his public spirit.

In Green Bay Mr. Willart was united in marriage to Miss Irma Daems, who was born in Belgium in 1876, a daughter of August and Eugenia ( Beekaert) Daems, the former one of the oldest bakers in Green Bay, where he is now living retired. To Mr. and Mrs. Willart have been born three children: Saraphina, fifteen years old: Margaret, aged nine; and Dorothea, seven. The family belong to the Roman Catholic church.

Mr. Willart is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has never held public office and yet there is no man in Green Bay more active and influential in promoting the progress and welfare of the city. He directs his energies toward business expansion and has made his publ itspirit effective in a commercial way.

Nic Bur

The business importance of a city is in direct proportion to the prominence of the men who make up its commercial circles. Civic development is a matter of individual effort and any man who promotes his own success is an active factor in his city's progress. A man of this sort is Nic Bur. prominent along many lines in Green Bay and owner of one of the largest retail groceries in the city. His store is located at Nos. 117 and 119 North Washington street and has been in operation at that place since 1878.

sia, October 10, 1863. His parents were Nic and Katherine Bur, who came to this country in 1871 and settled in Green Bay. Here the father followed the trade of a stone-mason and contractor until ten years before his death in 1910 at the age of eighty-six years. He had survived his wife since 1898 and both are buried in the Allouez cemetery.

Nic Bur attended the schools of his native country for two years. When he came to America he went to the public schools of Green Bay and for some time was a student in a private school in this city. He laid aside his books at the age of thirteen and a half years and immediately entered the grocery store of Barkhausen & Bungener as an apprentice. For a short time he kept up his studies in night school while working during the day. In 1882 the partnership of Barkhausen & Bungener was dissolved and Mr. Bungener carried on business alone for five years. During this period the services of Mr. Bur had become invaluable to his employer and in 1884 he was offered a partnership in the business. The firm name was changed to Bungener & Bur and under that title business was carried on until 1902, when Mr. Bur bought out the interest of his partner and is now earning on the rapidly growing business by himself. Beside the retail grocery Air. Bur also conducts a delicatessen department which has gained quite a reputation in Green Bay for the quality and purity of its goods. The business is now the largest of its kind in the city and is growing rapidly every year. Air. Bur is interested along many different lines of activity in Green Bay. He has many large real-estate holdings, to which he gives his personal attention ; is vice president of the Kellogg National Bank ; and is director and manager of the Union Building & Loan Association, with offices at Green Bay and De Pere, Wisconsin. He is also connected with several other business interests, factories, manufactories, etc.

On October 6, 1890, Air. Bur was married in Menominee, Michigan, to Aliss Emma Juttner, a daughter of Joseph and Alary Juttner of that city, and they have become the parents of four children : Joseph, who is now a student at the University of Wisconsin ; Harold, attending high school in Green Bay; Katherine, also a high school student and Arnold, who is attending a local parochial school. The family reside in the beautiful home which Air. Bur erected at 117 South Van Buren street. They are well known socially in Green Bay for their charming and genial hospitality.

Mr. Bur has no definite politics, preferring to keep himself entirely independent on party lines. He, however, takes an active interest in everything relating to public affairs and has served on the jury commission since May, 1897. He was in the city council for seven years and held the position of president of that body for some time. He acted as chairman of the finance committee and was one of the earlier presidents of the Green Bay Commercial Club. His most active interest, outside of his grocery and delicatessen store, is centered in building. He has always been active in the affairs of the Union Building & Loan Association of Green Bay and De Pere and was one of its first presidents. His activities in this direction have helped numbers of citizens to enjoy the com- forts and pleasures of a home of their own. He is in all respects a model citizen, loyal to the city in which he resides and firm in his belief in her future greatness and prosperity. Mr. Bur has ever been ready to respond to the call of public interest and ever ready to contribute his portion toward ever}' public improvement.

Morgan Lewis Martin

Morgan Lewis Martin was one of the most conspicuous and distinguished among that band of pioneer settlers who early gave a national reputation to Wisconsin. He was born in Martinsburg, Lewis county, New York, March 31, 1S05, a son of Walter Martin and grandson of Adam Martin, founder of that town. He was graduated at Hamilton College, New York, in 1824, following the same by a thorough legal education. In 1826 he removed to Detroit, Michigan, and the next year settled at Green Bay.

In 1831 Judge Martin was elected to the territorial council of Michigan, serving four years, the last two as its president. In 1833, with Solomon Juneau he bought a half interest in the entire east side of Milwaukee, and with Juneau put on record in 1835 the first plat of the village. Judge Martin's activity and liberality gave Milwaukee its real start in life as a business locality.

On the 25th of July, 1837, at Green Bay, Judge Martin was united in marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of the late Col. Melancthon Smith, U. S, A., and granddaughter of Judge Melancthon Smith, who was a delegate from New York in congress in 1782, five years prior to the adoption of the national constitution.

In 1834 Judge Martin procured a charter to enable Daniel Whitney to build a canal at Fort Winnebago from the Fox to the Wisconsin river. In 1838 he was elected to the Wisconsin territorial council, which position he held to and including 1844, and was twice its president. In 1845 ne was elected delegate to congress, and in 1846 procured the first grant of lands to Wisconsin to aid in the improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. He also introduced the first bill to create the territory of Minnesota, which bill subsequently became a law. In 1847 ne was elected delegate to the constitutional convention, and as its president his influence was largely exerted in favor of the adoption of its liberal and progressive features.

In 1851-52-53, he entered heartily into the work of having the navigation of Fox river improved and the canal at Portage built ; and when the state failed and gave over the work to the Fox & Wisconsin Improvement Company, he devoted his whole energies and all the fortune he had made at Milwaukee and Green Bay to render it a success.

He was elected to the assembly in 1855 and to the senate in 1858, and again to the assembly in 1863. In 1866 he was supported for congress by the democrats, the only time in his whole career when he was defeated at the polls for any office for which he allowed his name to be used.

Morgan L. Martin

of major. In 1866 he was appointed United States Indian agent, holding the position until after Grant's inauguration, when he resigned to give place to a regular army officer. In 1875 ne was elected county judge, and was reelected at the end of each term, dying in office. From 1875 ne ceased to be other than a quiet observer of political events, although never refusing to give his opinion of public men and measures. Judge Martin's death occurred December 10. 18S7, at his home in Green Bay.

Andrew Reis

To build up has ever been the broad policy which Andrew Reis has followed in his business career and he attacks everything with a contagious enthusiasm. Various business interests have claimed his cooperation and all have profited by his efforts and discernment. Green Bay is proud to number him among her native sons and leading citizens. He was born February 9, 1 85 1, and, as the name indicates, comes of German ancestry. His father, Andrew Reis, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, and with his family sailed for the new world, making his way direct to Green Bay. He was a miller by trade but after arriving in this country he followed the occupation of tanning, working for a time at the Old Ames tannery, while later he was employed in a similar way at Two Rivers, Wisconsin. The winter months were spent at Oconto, Wisconsin, in lumbering and gradually as the years passed he advanced in his business career, his labors gaining him a fair measure of prosperity that enabled him in i860 to build the old Reis Hotel, now one of the oldest hostelries of Green Bay. He conducted this for a long period and came to an honored old age, having passed the eightyseventh milestone on life's journey when called to his final rest. He married Magdalena Hartung. who died at the age of fifty-four years. In their family were six children, those living being: Barbara, the wife of Dr. J. Farmers ; Andrew ; and Leonard and Jacob, both of Green Bay.

Andrew Reis may justly be called a self-made man in the highest and best sense of the term, for he started out to earn his own living when but twelve years of age, working in a sawmill. He had up to that time attended school and later he bought a scholarship in a commercial school of Green Bay. Continuing his education, he further qualified for the practical and responsible duties of life, and experience, reading and observation have continually broadened his knowledge. He became well known as proprietor of the Reis Hotel, which he has conducted to the present time. He purchased the property in 1878 from his father, and as hotel proprietor has become widely and favorably known, his social qualities and his earnest efforts to please the patrons of the hotel winning him well merited prosperity. He is also connected with his son in the livery and garage business. The old Reis Hotel is one of the landmarks of Green Bay and has sheltered many notable personages. In addition to his hotel interests Mr. Reis has made for himself an honored and prominent position in financial circles as the president of the Farmers Exchange Bank of Green Bay, which position he occupied for six years. He thoroughly studied the questions of finance while at the head of the bank and inaugurated a safe, conservative business policy which commended the institution to a liberal public support.

Mr. Reis was married to Miss Anna Kellner, a native of Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, who has now passed away, as have also their two children. For his second wife Mr. Reis chose her sister, Clara Kellner, and to them was born a son, George, who is proprietor of a livery business in Green Bay and resides with his father. His third marriage was with Elizabeth Burr, a native of this city, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom three are living, Clara, Mildred and Andrew, all at home.

Mr. Reis was reared in the faith of the Catholic church and is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. He also belongs to the Elks lodge of Green Bay and to the Turn Verein. In politics he is an earnest democrat and has held several local offices, including that of county treasurer, to which he was elected in 1902. He has also been a trustee of the insane asylum of the county for a number of years. For more than six decades he has resided in Green Bay, which he has seen developed from a small town into a growing and prosperous industrial and commercial center. His cooperation has been always an element in its advancement, for in matters of citizenship as in private life he has manifested the elements of untiring industry, perseverance and progress.

Sol P. Huntington

Sol P. Huntington is engaged in the general practice of law, with offices at No. 101 East Washington street. He has followed the profession in Green Bay since 1892 and has made continuous progress in a calling where advancement depends entirely upon individual effort and ability. Moreover, he has other important business interests which class him as one of the representative residents of Green Bay. He was born at Baraboo, Wisconsin, January 26, 1866, and is a son of the Rev. Samuel P. and Elizabeth (Minot) Huntington. The family is of English origin and has been represented in America since 1640. Samuel Huntington was governor of Connecticut and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The public schools of his native city afforded Sol P. Huntington his early educational privileges. He passed through consecutive grades until graduated from the Baraboo high school with the class of 1885. He afterward attended the University of Wisconsin in preparation for the practice of law and won his B. L. degree on graduation with the class of 1889. He afterward studied law in Baraboo for some time and, having been appointed register in probate, filled that office for a year. He afterward went to Mankato, Minnesota, and engaged in teaching for a year, during which period he was devoting his spare time to the further study of law.

In December, 1891, he took the state bar examination, which he successfully passed, and immediately afterward came direct to Green Bay, where he has practiced successfully since 1892. Advancement at the bar is proverbially slow and yet Mr. Huntington soon proved his capability in the preparation and trial of causes entrusted to his care and has advanced steadily until he now occupies an enviable position, especially in appreciation of legal principles and knowledge of law. In addition to his other interests he is vice president of the G. B. Hess Company and is one of the directors of the New Franklin State Bank.

Mr. Huntington was married at Darlington, Wisconsin, to Miss Carlotta Bridgman, who died in November, 1906. He makes his home at No. 835 South Jackson street and is widely known socially as well as professionally in Green Bay. He has gained a wide acquaintance through his membership in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge, chapter and commandery. In politics he is a progressive republican and for two years served as city attorney, while at the present time he is divorce counsel for Brown county. He is also a member of the Brown County Bar Association and takes a deep interest in the efforts to raise the professional standard that justice in its highest sense may be conserved and that the interests of the people at large may be carefully safeguarded. The legislature of Wisconsin having provided for the celebration of Commodore Perry's victory on Lake Erie, Mr. Huntington was appointed by Governor Mc- Govern as one of the six commissioners of the state to prepare and arrange for a fitting celebration and memorial in conjunction with commissioners from other states. Ohio originated the idea and extended invitations to other states to participate, the celebration to be held on Put in Bay island on the one hundredth anniversary - September 10, 19 13 - and a permanent memorial to be erected to the heroes of the War of 1812. It is proposed to have a pageant to traverse the lakes, visiting the prominent lake cities, including Green Bay, Milwaukee and others.

Emanuel F. Brunette

Emanuel F. Brunette, one of the enterprising and prosperous young citizens of Howard township, has for the past five years acted as manager of the stone quarry at Duck Creek. His birth occurred in the town of Howard on the 16th of January, 1880, his parents being Emanuel and Theresa (Walker) Brunette. The father was born at Green Bay on the 5th of June, 1842, while the mother's birth occurred in the town of Howard on the 31st of May, 1848. Emanuel Brunette is a prosperous and progressive agriculturist, owning two hundred and thirty acres of land and also a quarry of lime rock at Duck Creek, which was opened by the government many years ago. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in Brown county and are well known and highly esteemed within its borders. Unto them were born the following children: Minnie L. ; Sarah

E. ; George A., who died at the age of fourteen years ; Lemuel, who passed away when twenty-six years of age ; Margaret G. ; Roland S. ; Emanuel F., of this review; Abigail G. ; Royal J.; Norine, who died at the age of eighteen years; Mary, who died in infancy; Albert; and James.

Emanuel F. Brunette obtained his early education in the district schools of his native town, later attended public school at Green Bay and afterward entered the State Normal School at Oshkosh, leaving that institution at the age of twenty years. He did not consider his education completed, however, when his textbooks were laid aside but still studies at home during the evening hours and has constantly augmented his knowledge through reading, experience and observation. He worked for his father until 1905 and then opened a grocery store, conducting the same until 1907, when he abandoned the business to enter a more profitable field of endeavor. For the past five years he has been in charge of the quarrv at Duck Creek and in this connection has met with success, being well qualified for the responsible duties that devolve upon him.

On the 26th of June, 1905, at Fond du Lac, Mr. Brunette was united in marriage to Miss Alice Jane Haven, her parents being Isaac and Mary ( Brennan ) Haven, who live on a farm in Fond du Lac county. Our subject and his wife have one son, Emanuel.

Mr. Brunette is independent in politics and has served in the capacity of supervisor for two years. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Fraternal Reserve Association of Oshkosh. while in religious faith he is a Catholic. His salient characteristics are such as have won him the unqualified respect, esteem and good-will of his fellowmen and he has gained a large circle of friends in the county where he has resided from his birth to the present time.

Joseph H. Tayler

Joseph H. Tayler is president of The McCartney National Bank of this city and by virtue of his position as well as by his many splendid qualities, has become a prominent citizen of Green Bay. The office which he holds is a responsible one. It calls for broad intelligence, keen knowledge of men and a discriminating sense of financial values. Mr. Tayler is a native of this city, his birth having occurred here, February 7, 1859. He is a son of Joseph and Melissa V. (Kennan) Tayler. His father, a descendant of a very ancient English family, came from Gosport, England, in 1830, landing in New York and settling in St. Lawrence county, that state, coming to Neenah, Wisconsin, in 1852 and to Green Bay two years afterward. He engaged in general merchandising much of his life and established a store in Green Bay upon his arrival in 1854. He was postmaster of Fort Howard for twenty years and also served several years as city treasurer of Fort Howard, and died in 1898. in the eighty-fifth year of his age. His wife survived him until 1902, dying when she was eighty-five years old and they are both buried in the Fort Howard cemetery. Melissa V. Tayler, the mother of the subject of this review, was a descendant of William Brewster, who came to America on the Mayflower. Representatives of Joseph Tayler's family have figured prominently in most of the American wars. An ancestor of his fought in the Revolution and one of the later generations served in the Federal army during the Civil war. Their names are entered in the Blue Books of the various states.

Joseph H. Tayler attended the public schools of Green Bay but left them at the early age of thirteen years to accept a position as clerk in the Fort Howard postofnce. He remained in this connection for eleven years and on his resignation held the office of assistant postmaster. He began his career as a banker in 1882 when he took the position of cashier in the McCartney Exchange Bank, an institution which afterward became The McCartney National Bank, of which he is now president. The name was changed to the title which it now bears in 1892. Mr. Tayler retained his position as cashier until 1907, when he was elected vice president, holding this office until his recent election to the office of president. Besides this connection with The McCartney National Bank he is also president of the Farmers & Traders Bank of Wrightstown and vice president of the New Franken State Bank. He holds the position of secretary of the Green Bay Water Company. He is prominently identified with almost every phase of public life in local affairs. He has been mayor and city treasurer of Fort Howard and also served as mayor of Green Bay. He is a member and chairman of the board of trustees of the First Baptist church of this city.

Mr. Tayler was married in Green Bay, June 27, 1889, to Miss Eleanor J. Richardson, a daughter of George and Susan Richardson, the former a pioneer resident of Fort Howard and its postmaster for a number of years. Joseph H. Tayler and his wife became the parents of two children : George R., who died in infancy, in 1892, and is buried in the Fort Howard cemetery; and Eleanor K., a student at the Green Bay high school. Air. Tayler resides with his family at No. 300 South Broadway and his home is an attractive and hospitable meeting place for his many friends. He performs his duties in all his lines of activity faithfully and conscientiously, and is prominent and successful because his qualities of mind and heart merit prosperity and esteem.

Peter J. Schauer

Peter J. Schauer, part owner of the furniture and undertaking business of Schauer & Schumacher, has been prominently identified with business interests in Green Bay for many years. He is a native of Brown county, having been born in the township of Scott, May 22, 1867. His parents were Melchoir and Clara Schauer. The father came from Bavaria, Germany, in 1845 and settled in the woods in Scott township, where he farmed and also operated a sawmill and a general store, and held the position of postmaster to the end of his life. He died July 26, 1909, at the age of eighty years, having survived his wife since 1893. She died

Peter J. Schauer acquired his early education in the schools of Scott township. His educational opportunities were extremely limited. He laid aside his text books at the age of eleven years and even during the short period when he was attending school he was obliged to work during the summer months. At an extremely early age he assisted in work on the farm and when he was twelve years old was put at the labor of mowing grass. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age, learning during this period all the details of practical farm life and saving the money which he earned with the view of later engaging in a business on his own account. In 1892, in partnership with his brother, he invested his savings in a flour mill at New Franken and this he operated for two years. He and his brother sold out in order to purchase the Freiman Hotel at Green Bay, which they conducted for two years and subsequently sold. At that time Peter J. Schauer bought the old homestead upon which his father had farmed for so many years and this he cultivated until he came to Green Bay. He bought the timber land adjoining the city and engaged in the occupation of logging for one winter. At the end of that time he opened a furniture store at No. 1240 Main street and from the first was extremely successful. In September, 1908, he moved to his present location and four years after, in 1912, took as a partner in his enterprise Arthur Schumacher. They are now carrying on an extensive furniture and undertaking business at No. 114 North Washington street, under the firm name of Schauer & Schumacher.

On January 16, 1894, at Green Bay, 'Mr. Schauer was united in marriage to Miss Annie Kramer, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arsenius Kramer, of Kewaunee, Wisconsin, and they have two children : Clara, now a student at the academy at Green Bay ; and Regina, who is attending the parochial school in the same city. Their residence is at No. 123 South Madison avenue and is a center of hospitality for the many friends of the family. In his political views Mr. Schauer is a democrat. He takes an active interest in public affairs and served as under-sheriff in 1897 and 1898. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church and active in the affairs of the Knights of Columbus. He has built up his business from a hum] ile beginning to its present large proportions, thereby displaying sound judgment and enterprise, and his cooperation with progressive public movements indicates his loyalty to the city.

Edward W. Janssen

Edward W. Janssen, filling the office of city clerk at De Pere, was born in West De Pere, February 26, 1887. His father, William Janssen, was born in Galderland, Holland, October 8, 1844, and in his youthful days became a resident of Little Chute, Wisconsin. In the summer months he worked at farm labor and in the winter seasons was employed in the lumber camps to the time of his marriage, after which he engaged in farming on his own account for two years. He then entered the hotel business at Little Chute and a year and a half later removed to West De Pere, where he conducted a saloon and also acted as purchasing agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company. Subsequently he disposed of his saloon business and thereafter engaged in general merchandising until 1907. During that period he removed to Sampson, Wisconsin, where he carried on general merchandising and farming. In February. 1908, he retired from farm life, now making his home at Mosling, Oconto county. He married Wilhelmina Geenan, who was born in Freedom, Wisconsin, in March, 1854. They were the parents of twelve children.

E. W. Janssen attended parochial schools until thirteen years of age and for three years pursued his studies at St. Norbert's College, graduating with the class of 1903. Later he engaged in clerking in his father's store and was thus identified with mercantile interests until 191 1, when he was elected to his present position as city clerk of De Pere. He is also secretary of the De Pere Water Commission and manifests the interest of a publicspirited citizen in all that pertains to the general welfare and upbuilding of the community. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is one of the active workers in its ranks.

On the 13th of October, 1910, Mr. Janssen was married to Miss Catherine Carroll, a native of Chilton, Wisconsin, and a daughter of James and Catherine (Finnegan) Carroll, the former a stockman. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Janssen has been born a son James William, now a year old. Mr. Janssen was reared in the Catholic faith and is a communicant of St. Boniface church. He also holds membership with the Catholic Order of Foresters. He has a wide acquaintance in his section of the county, where his entire life has been passed and his friends are many.

Arthur M. Norgaard

Arthur M. Norgaard is conducting a ladies' tailoring establishment in the Minahan building, Green Bay. He is of Danish birth, his natal year being 1883. His parents were Hans P. and Marie (Mathiesen) Norgaard, in whose home he spent his boyhood and youth, pursuing his education and afterward learning the tailor's trade in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. He comes of a family long connected with that line of business, both bis father and grandfather having been tailors. He was but eighteen years of age when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, hoping to find better business opportunities on this side of the water. He therefore sailed in 1901 for the United States and made his way to Chicago, where he was employed at his trade until 1908. He then came to Green Bay and opened his present business, conducting the only strictly ladies' tailoring establishment in the city. Excellent workmanship in style, fit and finish is

In 191 1 Mr. Norgaard was united in marriage to Miss Irene Pickard, of Green Bay, and they have gained many friends here. Mr. Norgaard belongs to Washington Lodge, Xo. 21, F. & A. M., and is an exemplary representative of the craft. A young man, he has made an excellent record in business circles, nor has he ever had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world for here he has found the opportunities which he sought, and in their utilization has worked his way upward, being now at the head of a business which by reason of its continuous growth, has become one of the profitable enterprises of the city.

William Justin Fisk

The career of William Justin Fisk was one of continued success leading to honorable retirement in his later years. He made wise use of time^ talent and opportunities and yet he did not concentrate his efforts upon business to the exclusion of all else, taking at all times an active and helpful part in the moral advancement of the community and meeting as well his obligations of citizenship by his activity in politics.

He was born in Brunswick, Ohio, in 1833, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 1st of March, 1909, when he passed away at Green Bay. His parents, Joel S. and Charlotte (Green) Fisk, were both natives of the state of New York. The father came to Wisconsin in 1835, made his way to Sheboygan and thence traveled on foot to Green Bay. In the same way he went to Chicago, after which he returned to the east and brought his family to Green Bay in 1836, becoming one of the first settlers in this part of the state. Wisconsin was then under territorial rule. Large sections of the state were still inhabited by Indians, the forests stood in their primeval strength, few roads had been laid out and the work of development and improvement seemed scarcely begun. Mr. Fisk, however, became an active factor in the substantial development of the district in which he took up his abode. He established a general store in Green Bay and for many years was a prominent factor in mercantile and lumbering interests. In 1848 he was elected register of deeds in the land office at Green Bay and he it was who platted the city of Fort Howard, now a part of Green Bay. For a considerable time he served as postmaster and in other ways was active and helpful in the upbuilding of this part of the state. He died in 1876, having for only six weeks survived his wife.

William Justin Fisk, their eldest son, was educated in the schools of Green Bay and his first regular employment was in the Green Bay land office which he entered in 1848 when he was only fifteen years of age. He made the map for the reservation of lands for the improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. At sixteen years of age he made his first investment in real estate, purchasing with money which he had earned a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. When eighteen years of age he went to

Appleton to attend college there, having accumulated sufficient money for that purpose. Two years later he returned to Green Bay and operated a mill on Duck Creek, manufacturing shingles. He carried on business along that line until 1862, when he sold out and commenced to supply the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company with ties, timbers, etc., doing business under his own name until 1877, when he admitted his sons, Wilbur D. and Harry W., to a partnership under the firm style of W. D. Fisk & Company. The firm continued until 1897, at which time the father retired from active business. From early youth he seemed to recognize and utilize opportunities that others passed heedlessly by, and he also displayed ability in coordinating seemingly diverse elements into a harmonious whole. The more complex the business problem the more he rejoiced in its solution, and he never hesitated in the accomplishment of a purpose until the end was achieved. From time to time he extended his efforts into other fields and became particularly well known in banking circles. In 1865 he was chosen one of the directors of the First National Bank of Green Bay and in 1870 was elected president of the City National Bank, which position he filled until 1874, when that bank was merged into the Kellogg National Bank, and he became vice president. He served as its second executive officer until 1891, when he was chosen president, which position he filled until 1902, when he retired from the presidency but continued to act as a director. His sagacity was keen, his judgment sound, his enterprise unfaltering, and thus he advanced far beyond the majority of his fellows in the conduct of his business affairs.

On the 8th of January, 1855, Mr. Fisk was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Driggs, of Fond du Lac, who died April 7, 1903. They had four sons of whom the second born, Frank S., died in 1881. The three surviving sons are Wilbur D., Harry W. and G. Wallace. Wilbur D. Fisk, born September 10, 1856, married Miss Eva Cornell of Valentine, Nebraska, who died in 1903. They resided in Green Bay and had two children, Hiram and Mary. Wilbur D. Fisk is president of the Fisk Land & Lumber Company and also a director of the Kellogg National Bank. For three terms he served as treasurer of Fort Howard. Harry W. Fisk, born March 9, 1866, is vice president of the Fisk Land & Lumber Company and a director of the McCartney National Bank. He was employed in the bank for one year and for eleven years was connected with the purchasing department of the Northwestern Railroad at Green Bay. For the following eight years he was secretary and bookkeeper of the Green Bay Light & Power Company, now the Green Bay Gas & Electric Company. He was married at Chico, California, to Miss Amy Y. Howland, and with their three children, Elsie, Howland and Bessie, they reside in Green Bay. G. Wallace Fisk born March 8, 1868, was married at Green Lake Wisconsin, to Miss Margaret Doty, and they have two children. Earl and Ruth. The youngest brother was connected with the Kellogg National Bank for seventeen years but is now the secretary of the Fisk Land & Lumber Company and proprietor of the Fisk Insurance Agency. The three brothers under the firm style of Fisk Brothers, deal extensively in real-estate mortgages and are one of the most prominent firms of the kind in this part of the state. Having lost his first wife W. J. Fisk was married again November 21, 1904, to Miss Hattie Trowel of Milwaukee. He died March 1, 1909, and a life of usefulness and activity was thus ended.

In politics he had been a stalwart supporter of the republican party and from 1862 to 1865 had served as postmaster of Fort Howard. Higher political honors awaited him, however, for in 1875 he was elected a member of the Wisconsin assembly and served until 1878. He was chairman of the railroad committee when the famous Greiner-Petters railway law was repealed. He stood at all times for those improvements which he deemed of greatest value to the commonwealth at large and was equally strong in his opposition of any measure which he believed would be detrimental to the state. Fraternally he was well known as a prominent Mason, holding membership in Washington Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M. ; Warren Chapter, No. 8, R. A. M. ; and Palestine Commandery, No. 20, K. T. That he was interested in the moral progress of the community was a fact that found tangible evidence in his gift of a fine building to the Young Men's Christian Association of Green Bay. He stood at all times for those forces, movements, interests and influences which work for the material, intellectual, social, political and moral progress of the race. His position was never an equivocal one and his support of any measure indicated to his fellow townsmen that it was worthy of being indorsed.

Nicholas Joseph Monahan

Nicholas Joseph Monahan has the distinction of being the first municipal judge of Brown county, which office he has filled since the 1st of May, 1904. He was born in Morrison township, this county, July 20, 1870, and is a son of Michael and Mary (Finnegan) Monahan. His father was born in Ireland in 1826 and was a lad of sixteen years when he came to New York. In 1854 he came to Wisconsin and for many years was actively engaged in farming in Morrison township, Brown county, where he has since made his home, having now, in 19 12, reached the advanced age of eighty-six years. His wife was born in Milwaukee, this state, in 1838 and died in January, 1905, at the age of sixty-seven years. They became the parents of fourteen children, nine sons and five daughters, ten of whom are still living.

The public schools of Brown county afforded Nicholas J. Monahan his early educational opportunities. This was supplemented by a course in the Oshkosh Normal School, after which he taught for three years in the schools of Brown county and then entered the University of Wisconsin, graduating from the law department in June, 1896. In September of that year he commenced the practice of law in all its branches in Green Bay, his ability along legal lines being apparent from the beginning. He is particularly well versed in his chosen profession and it was not long before he built up a large and distinctively representative clientage. He was found true to every trust re- posed in him and was well fitted for the responsible position of municipal judge, to which office he was elected in April, 1904. He has shown himself particularly well qualified for the solution of the intricate problems which come for adjustment before such a judge. His great diplomacy in handling the cases of the younger transgressors of the law has counted for much and has resulted in the reformation of many a beginner in crime, where a less considerate court would have branded the youth with eternal disgrace and made of him an habitual offender.