Door County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 10 of 13)

Herman John Teske

Herman John Teske, conducting a general store and a cheese factory at Carnot, Forestville township, and serving also as president of the State Bank of Forestville, has proved efficient in the management of his private affairs and in directing the policies of the bank. He was born in Pierce township, Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, May 20, 1870. His father, Henry Teske, was born in Pomerania, Germany, but in 1853 accompanied his parents to America, the journey being made on an old-time sailing vessel. The family home was established in Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, where both of his parents died. He was a farmer and met with gratifying success in his chosen occupation. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Augusta Kuke, was also born in Pomerania and was brought by her parents to Ahnapee township, Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, in 1857. Her father purchased land and followed agricultural pursuits until called by death. Mr. and Mrs. Teske were married in Ahnapee township and subsequently removed to Pierce township, Kewaunee county, where the former successfully engaged in farming. Following his death, which occurred in 1875, Mrs. Teske became the wife of Ed Machut, who was an agriculturist. In 1913 he sold his place to his son and removed to Algoma, where he now resides, his wife having passed away in 1914. Mr. Teske gave evidence of his allegiance to his adopted country when in 1862 he enlisted in the Twenty-Eighth Wisconsin Cavalry, with which he served at the front until the close of the war. He rode one horse during the entire period and at the end of that time returned it to its owner, who had given him the use of it. During the greater part of his service he was under the command of General Sherman. To Mr. and

Herman John Teske passed his boyhood at Piercetown, Kewaunee county, where he remained until he was twenty-one years old. He later learned the cheesemaker's trade at Alaska, Pierce township, and during the winter months worked in the north woods, cutting cedar posts which were made into blocks used in paving the streets of Chicago. In the fall of 1895 he purchased a general store at Carnot, which he has since conducted, and he also operates a cheese factory there, shipping cheese to Sheboygan. He is energetic and allows no opportunities for the increase of his business to slip by him and has built up a good trade both as a merchant and as a cheese manufacturer. He is president of the State Bank of Forestville and gives considerable time to the discharge of his duties in that connection, He organized the bank in 1907 in connection with W. H. Bastar and the present directors are C. R. Guth of Brussels and George Schmitz, Samuel Perry and E. M. E. Muller, all of Forestville. The bank is capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars and has the entire confidence of the community. Mr. Teske has other interests, being the vice president and manager of the Forestville Telephone Company.

On September 3, 1896, Mr. Teske was united in marriage to Miss Lena Hoppe, a daughter of Fred and Caroline (Gaedke) Hoppe, who were among the first settlers in Wisconsin. Mrs. Teske was born in Casco, this state, and by her marriage has become the mother of three children; Viola, Loretta and Chester.

Mr. Teske is a stanch advocate of the principles of the republican party and has served acceptably as school director and justice of the peace. He is a member of the Lutheran church, in which faith he was reared, and his integrity

-has always been above question. He is justly regarded as one of the leading citizens of his township, and his personal qualities are such that he has many warm friends.

John Dettman

John Dettman, an alert and progressive agriculturist residing in Forestville township, was born upon the farm which is still his home September 19, 1879. llis parents, Joachim and Hannah (Stickman) Dettman, were born respectively in Mecklenburg and Pomerania, Germany, and the father was there educated. \t the age of twenty years, however, he accompanied his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Leonard Dettman, on their removal to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, The family home was established upon a tract of ninety acres which the grandfather cleared and brought under cultivation and where both he and his wife passed away. Their son, Joachim Dettman, came to Forestville township some time before the great forest fire here and bought eighty acres of land, after which he returned to Manitowoc county, where he resided until after the fire. He then took up his residence upon his farm, which fortunately was not in the path of the fire, and cleared the timber and planted the usual crops. He erected a log house, which in later years gave place to a substantial frame residence. For a number of years he spent the winters in the woods, while he devoted the summer seasons to work upon his farm. "From time to time he added to his holdings, and at his death, which occurred in 1908, he was the owner of two hundred and forty acres of fertile land. His wife passed away in 1897.

John Dettman received his education in the district schools and during his boyhood and youth gained a practical knowledge of agriculture through assisting with the farm work. He later operated the home place in partnership with his father and following the latter's demise bought the interests of the other heirs in the place, of which he is now sole owner. He has made a number of improvements upon the farm and keeps everything in good condition. He raises both grain and stock and, as he is efficient in his work and makes a close study of market conditions, he receives a good income from his land.

In 1903 Mr. Dettman was united in marriage to Miss Lena Paasch, a daughter of Henry and Emma (Hartman) Paasch, who were natives respectively of Holstein, Germany, and of Sheboygan county, Wisconsin. Her father was brought to the United States by his parents when an infant and in early manhood followed the fishing business at Sheboygan for seven years. He then purchased eighty acres of land in Forestville township, Door county, and passed the remainder of his life there. His daughter, Mrs. Dettman, was born upon that place.

Mr. Dettman is independent in politics and is now serving as school clerk although he is not otherwise active in public affairs. His success has been founded upon the solid foundation of industry, perseverance and good management, and he justly ranks among the representative farmers of the county.

J. Christ Wagner

J. Christ Wagner is living on section 18, Jacksonport township, now owning and operating what is known as the old Wagner homestead, the place having been in the possession of the family for a third of a century. He was born in Diedorf, Germany, July 13, 1877, a son of George and Elizabeth (Limbert) Wagner. The father engaged in farming to a limited extent and also followed the weaver's trade. In 1881 he came to the United States and made his way direct to Jacksonport township, Door county, Wisconsin, where he worked for others in the lumber woods for three years. He was ambitious to own a farm, however, and carefully saved his earnings so that at the end of that period he was able to purchase the west half of the southeast quarter of section 18 of the same township - a tract of wild timber land on which he built a log house. He then began clearing the place and as soon as possible put in his crops. As the years passed success in substantial measure crowned his efforts and he continuously cultivated his farm until 1913, when he decided to put aside further busines cares and sold the property to his son Christ, with whom he and his wife are now living, the father enjoying a well earned rest from business, To him and his wife were born eight children who reached adult age: Charles, who was a farmer in Jacksonport township but is now deceased; Fred, who follows farming in Jacksonport township; Caroline, the wife of Emil Limbert, of Mich- igan; J. Christ; Edward, living in Jacksonport township; Amelia, the wife of Louis Lautenbach, of Egg Harbor township; Gustav, whose home is in Sturgeon Bay; and Emma, the wife of Rhinold Lautenbach, of Jacksonport township.

J. Christ Wagner was a pupil in the pioneer schools of this county through the winter months until about sixteen years of age. The remainder of the year was devoted to work upon the home farm, and at length he purchased the place. to which he has since added a tract of forty acres, being now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good land. The soil is naturally rich and productive and responds readily to the care which he has bestowed upon it.

On the 21st of February, 1905, Mr. Wagner was married to Miss Mary Jonas, a daughter of Mathias and Christina Jonas, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. Four children have been born to them who are yet living: Anna, Clarence, Lucy and Roland, all yet at home, and they also lost one child, Hulda, who passed away at the age of seven months and was buried in the Congregational cemetery. The parents are members of the Congregational Lutheran church and are loyal to its teachings, doing all in their power to promote its growth and extend its influence. Mr. Wagner has followed in his father's political footsteps and has always given his support to the republican party. He belongs to the Mystic Workers. He is serving for the second term as school director and he is interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the community and its advancement along material, political and intellectual and moral lines.

Robert Stephenson

Robert Stephenson, a wideawake and prosperous farmer residing on section 27, Sevastopol township, was 'born in that township, May 31, 1882, a son of L. R. and Anna (Gibson) Stephenson, natives of New York and of Brown county, Wisconsin, respectively. The father served in the Civil war in an Illinois infantry regiment and after his discharge from military service removed to Brown county, Wisconsin, where he married Miss Anna Gibson. After farming there for several years he returned to Door county, where he had lived previous to entering the army. To this marriage were born two children: Cora, who is now Mrs. Charles Holmes, of Sturgeon Bay; and Robert. When the latter was about two and a half years old the mother died and was buried in a cemetery at Bay Settlement, Brown county. A complete sketch of the father's life is given elsewhere in this work.

Robert Stephenson attended the local public schools until he was sixteen years old and during the following four years worked for his father. He then hired out to others for two years, after which he rented the Joseph Zettel homestead for thirteen years. At the expiration of that time, or in the spring of 1917, he returned to his father's home farm, which he is now operating. He understands thoroughly the methods of cultivation best adapted to Door county soil and has been very successful as an agriculturist. He not only owns the home farm, which comprises the east half of the northwest quarter of section 27, Sevastopol township. but also holds title to the northwest quarter of section

Mr. Stephenson was married in 1902 to Miss Lillian Zettel, a daughter of Joseph and Christina Zettel. Mrs. Stephenson died October 16, 1910, and is buried in the Bayside cemetery. She was the mother of four children, namely: Milton; Goldie; Sylvia; and George, who died in infancy. Mr. Stephenson was married in 1915 to Miss Pearl Walker, a daughter of Charles B. Walker, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. By his second marriage Mr. Stephenson has a son, Ralph.

The republican party has a stalwart supporter in Mr. Stephenson and he is now serving for the third term as a member of the township board and for the sixth year as school clerk, He is connected with the National Fraternal League at Green Bay and is also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. His continued success is assured by the same qualities of enterprise, strong common sense and industry which have enabled him to gain the prosperity which is now his.

John A. May

John A. May, a popular resident of Sawyer, not only supervises the operation of his excellent farm, but is also agent for lightning rods and barn fixtures in Door county. He was born on the 20th of June, 1873, in Washington county, Wisconsin, and is a son of John and Mary May. The father was born April 21, 1854, and died April 21, 1908. He came to Door county in October, 1878, and became the owner of eighty acres of land here, which he at once cleared of the timber and brought under cultivation. From time to time he invested his savings in other land, owning eventually three hundred acres, all highly cultivated. He engaged etxensively in raising grain and has threshed as high as sixty-four hundred bushels in a year. He was a director of the Farmers Fire Insurance Company from the.time of its organization until his death. He held the office of town supervisor for several years and also served for some time as school director and as clerk of the board. He was a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church and also of the Corpus Christi church, He was married in 1872 to Miss Mary Spanheimer, who was born in 1852 and is still living, making her home with her son Peter. To them were born nine children as follows: John A., of this review; Mary, now the wife of John Haen of Sturgeon Day; Anne, who is married to William Eickelberg of Gardner township; Kate, the wife of Frank Solomon of Sturgeon Bay township; Peter, Joseph and William, all three of whom live in Nasewaupee township; Louise, the wife of Frank Sacotte of Chicago; and Frank, who is operating the homestead.

John A. May graduated from the public school and then took a course in the Green Bay Busines College. He makes his home in Sawyer and has built up a good business as agent in Door county for a standard line of lightning rods and barn fixtures, being thoroughly informed on all points relative to the protection of buildings against lightning. Since 1905 he has owned one hundred and fifty-five acres of excellent land in Nasewaupee township and the improvements upon his place compare favorably with those on other farms of the locality.

Mr. May supports the republican party but has never cared to become a candidate for office. He is recognized in Sawyer and throughout the county as an alert and capable business man and his public spirit has been proved on many occasions when he has given freely of his time and energy to promote successfully community projects.

A. A. Koyen, of Detroit Harbor, was well known in business circles of Door county, being the founder and proprietor of the Koyen store and also a successful real estate operator. lle was likewise connected with navigation interests and in all that he did proved himself a capable and enterprising business man, His birth occurred in Denmark on the 20th of May, 1844, and he was a son of Edward William Koyen, a native of Germany, who emigrated to Denmark in order to take charge of a large estate there. He married a Danish girl, Miss Hannah Kofoed, and they became the parents of nine children, of whom A, A. was the oldest son. His education was acquired in the common schools of his native country.

In 1871, when twenty-seven years old, Mr. Koyen came to the United States and at'once made his way to Washington Island, Door county, Wisconsin. He engaged in fishing in the employ of others for some time and later cut and dealt in cordwood. After abandoning that business he purchased seventy-five acres of land on section 25, Washington Island, and erected a number of buildings upon the farm. He subsequently became identified with merchandising interests as the cwner of the Koyen store in Detroit Harbor and he also speculated in real estate to quite an extent, He manifested unusual shrewdness and good judgment in placing his investments and he was also successful as a merchant, carrying a large and well selected stock and being accorded liberal patrona In addition to his other interests he owned the dock at Detroit Harbor and built in Detroit Harbor the Edith M. Koyen, which was named in honor of his daughter. He was one of the organizers of the telephone company, in which he held stock, and in many other ways his enterprise and business insight contributed to the commercial and industrial development of his locality. He passed away on the 20th of March, 1917, and his demise was the occasion of much sincere grief.

On the 23d of May. 1877, Mr. Koyen was united in marriage to Miss Alice Rebecca Garrett, who was born March 17, 1862, on Washington Island, and is a daughter of V. S. and Rebecca M. (Lea) Garrett. Her father was born in Kendall, Orleans county, New York, January 25, 1836, and her mother was a native of Chautauqua county, that state, and of Yankee descent. They were married in Door county, April 16, 1855. by William Shortleff, justice of the peace.

It was in 1848 that the father removed to Illinois and his residence on Washington Island dated from April, 1853. He was a caoper by trade but on removing here became foreman of the stone quarry. His later years, however, were devoted to farming. His wife removed to Rock Island with her sister and brother-in-law several years before Mr. Garrett's arrival in Door county. He was town chairman for over twenty years and was also the first postmaster on the island. He was a man of strong religious faith and was one of the first trustees of Bethel church. To him and his wife were born five children, namely: Harriet Esther, whose birth occurred February 18, 1856, and who is now the wife of Axel Peterson; Junius Volney, who was born March 15, 1859, in Will county, Illinois, and passed away on Washington Island; Alice Rebecca, now Mrs. Koyen; Olive Adeline, who was born December 29, 1864, and is the deceased wife of Jens Jacobson; and William Milton, who was born April 30, 1870, and still resides upon the island.

Mrs. Koyen received her education in the common schools of Door county. She became the mother of nine children: Sophia Rebecca, who was born in February, 1878, and died on the sth of the following July; Vol Edward, who was born August 31, 1879, and was married October 4, 1900; Floris W., whose birth occurred February 22, 1882; Clarence Andrew, who was born April 26, 1884, and was married October 3, 1914; Jesse Amos born June 20, 1886; Edith Harriet, who was born December 11, 1888, and was married in August, 1908, to Martin Berginson, of Newport, Wisconsin; Olaf Henry, whose birth occurred November 8, 1891; Lillian Rebecca, born June 5, 1894, and now the wife of Sigord Halvorson, a resident of Long Pine, Nebraska; and Roland Anders, born May 5, 1897.

Mr. Koyen was an adherent of the republican party and served for several years as school clerk and also as school treasurer. He was one of the organizers of the local lodge of the Maccabees and took a great deal of interest in the work of that order. He was one of the first promoters of the creamery and also of the Home Mutual Fire Insurance Company. His religious faith was a guiding force in his life and he held membership in Bethel church. Mrs. Koyen is very active in the work of that church and guides her life by the teachings of Christianity. She has been a lifelong resident of Washington Island and her genuine worth is indicated by the fact that those who have known her intimately since her girlhood are her warm and loyal friends.

Cecil Smith

Cecil Smith is actively engaged in farming on section 36, Sevastopol township. He was born in Jacksonport township, August 13, 1896, a son of John and Rebecca (Smyth) Smith, who were natives of Lower Canada, where they were reared and married. Soon afterward they came to Wisconsin, settling in Door county, where the father purchased land in Jacksonport township, becoming owner of a tract of wild timber which he cleared and developed. He continued the work of general improvement until August, 1903, when he sold that place and bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 36 and forty acres on section 31, Sevastopol township. Upon this farm he added many modern im- provements, erecting a large barn, also building a silo and securing the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. In all of his agricultural methods he was most progressive and his labors brought splendid results. He continued to farm and develop his place until the spring of 1915, when he sold the property to his sons, with whom he continued to reside, however, until the spring of 1917, when he removed to Sturgeon Bay, where he now makes his home.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. John Smith were five children: Milton G., who is now living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; Florence, who became the wife of J. W. Herrbold, of Sturgeon Bay, and died leaving one child, Philip; Oscar, who married Emma Vollitz, a daughter of John Vollitz, of Sturgeon Bay; Victor, who resides on the old home farm; and Cecil.

In Door county Cecil Smith has spent his entire life. His educational opportunities were those afforded by the district schools and by the high school of Sturgeon Bay. He continued his studies until he reached the age of fifteen and then came back to the farm, working with his father until the spring of 1915, when he and his brothers, Oscar and Victor, purchased the property and took over the farm, which they have since owned and cultivated. He is justly accounted one of the representative young farmers of the community and at the age of twenty-one years has gained a success that many a man of twice his rs might well envy. He is energetic and progressive in all that he does and his characteristics promise further success in the future.

Roy F. Thorp

Roy F. Thorp, a leading fruit grower of Gibraltar township, has an excellent farm on section 28, where he resides except during the winter seasons, when he makes his home in the village of Fish Creek. He was born in Egg Harbor, Door county, November 29, 1855, and is a son of Jacob E. and Maria R. (Claflin) Thorp, natives respectively of Oswego, New York, and of Little Sturgeon, Door county. The maternal grandfather, Increase Claflin, was the first white settler in Door county and the family has since been prominent here. Jacob E. Thorp was a cooper by trade and on removing to the west located in Rubicon, Dodge county, Wisconsin, whence he came to Fish Creek, Door county. Here he was employed for two years by Increase Claflin, who later became his father-in-law, and then removed to the present site of Egg Harbor, which then a wilderness. In fact, he was the first white settler of that region and in making trips to Sturgeon Bay went on horseback along a trail cut through the woods, as there were as yet no roads. He established a cooper shop at Egg Harbor and after following his trade for some time transferred his activities to the hotel business. He also bought land, the cultivation of which he supervised, and he likewise conducted a general store until 1868. He then disposed of his interests in Door . where he remained for thr On ed on a farm years were county and went to Jasper, Tenne: the expiration of that period he returned to Door county and loc: near Jacksonport, which he cleared and improved, and his remainir

Roy F. Thorp spent his boyhood and youth in Egg Harbor and Fish Creek and in the acquirement of his education attended the public schools. He remained with his parents until he attained his majority and then purchased land near his father's farm in Jacksonport township. After clearing the timber he plowed his land and devoted about seven years to the operation of that farm. He then sold the place and removed to Fish Creek, where he engaged in fishing until 1913. Previous to that, however, in 1910, he had bought forty acres of land on section 28, Gibralter township, and that place is now one of the most highly developed fruit farms of the county. He has a splendid orchard of fifteen hundred apple trees and fifteen hundred cherry trees and he has also set out two thousand currant and gooseberry bushes. He has found this county well adapted to the ising of trees and small fruit, and as he has managed his affairs on a strictly husiness basis he has realized a good profit from his fruit. He owns an attractive home in Fish Creek and there resides during the winter months.

In July, 1877, Mr. Thorp was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Chambers, and they have five children, namely: May, who is the wife of Al Kinsey, and is postmistress of Fish Creek; Bertha, who married Martin Kinsey, now a resident of Montana; Pearl, who is living in Fish Creek; Grace, the wife of Bert Barringer, a resident of Montana; and Mearl, who is engaged in the growing of fruit in partnership with his father and who is also town treasurer. Mearl Thorp married Edna McCloud and they have two children: Duncan R., born May 10, 1914; and Kenneth M., born March 22, 1917. Mrs. Matilda Thorp passed away February 14, 1892, after a short illness, and her demise was the occasion of much sincere grief. On the 29th of September, 1894, Mr. Thorp was again married, choosing as his wife Miss Anna Olson.

Mr. Thorp supports the democratic party at the polls and has served as chairman of the town board, was postmaster at Fish Creek for fourteen years, held the office of assessor of Jacksonport township for two years and for the past thirty years has been a member of the school board and is still serving in that capacity. He is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, of which he is now consul, and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. \s he has been a lifelong resident of Door county he is thoroughly familiar with its opportunities and possibilities and is convinced that they are the equal of those to be found elsewhere. He has a wide circle of friends and his genuine worth is attested by the fact that those who have known him longest hold him in the warmest regard.

Peder Hansen

Peder Hansen is now devoting his attention to the operation of his farm near Detroit Harbor but for many years was a sailor on the Great Lakes. It was natural that he should turn his attention to navigation interests, as he is a native of Norway, which country is famous for its excellent sailors. He was born July 14, 1851, country. The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed in Norway and there he received a common school education. In 1871, however, he crossed the Atlantic to America and made his way to Door county, Wisconsin, where he remained for twelve years. At the end of that time, in 1883, he returned to Norway on a visit and on again coming to America he was accompanied by a large party, including his family and forty other people. He worked as a farm hand for some time, was also employed by the Wisconsin Central Railroad for a period and likewise cut cordwood at Ephraim.

On first coming to Washington Island in 1872 Mr. Hansen turned his attention to fishing, which occupation he followed until his marriage in 1876. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres in partnership with his brother and cleared and improved the land, to the cultivation of which he devoted a great part of his energies. As it took some time to develop the farm and as prices for farm products were low, he hauled cordwood for a time, thus adding to his income. There were many hardships to be endured and in the winter it was necessary to haul the water used in the home from the lake. Following the death of his wife in 1884 he sold his interest in the farm to his brother and became captain on a lake boat. He was so engaged for twenty-five years or until 1909 and became quite well known in the various lake ports. As a youth he had sailed on the high seas during the Franco-Prussian war and Visited practically all parts of the world. His first financial interest in a ship was as half owner in the Laurel, and subsequently he purchased the large schooner O. M. Nelson, of which he was captain for many years or until it was lost on the reefs. He then acquired title to a three mast schooner, of which he was captain until he gave up navigation interests. He then purchased sixty-four acres of land near Detroit Harbor and erected new buildings upon the place. A part of the land is cleared, and his time and attention is taken up with its cultivation.

Mr. Hansen was first married at Rock Island in August, 1876, to Miss Caroline Jacobson, who was born in Norway but was brought to Washington Island when two years of age. She died in 1884, leaving a daughter, Inge, now the wife of C W. Son, a resident of Minnesota. In 1885 Mr. Hansen married Miss Caroline Anderson, by whom he had five children: Anchor, who died in childhood ; Harold, Alma and Myrtle, all of whom died of diphtheria when children; and Lena, who married Tom Gudman.

Mr. Hansen is a supporter of the republican party but has never taken an active part in politics. He holds membership in the Lutheran church and contributes to the support of its work. His has been an active and useful life, and he is justly held in high esteem by all who know him.

Philip Schons

Philip Schons, one of the industrious and practical farmers who have contributed to the agricultural development of Nasewaupee township, was born December 17, 1853, in the Rhine Province of Prussia, Germany, a son of Nick and Elizabeth Schons. In 1874 the parents came with their family to the United States and located in Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, where the father purchased land. Both the parents, however, passed their last days with their son in Door county, the father dying in 1893 and the mother in 1907. They are buried in Kewaunee county.

Philip Schons attended school in Germany until he was thirteen years old and then worked for others until he came to the United States with his parents. At length he purchased his father's farm in Kewaunee county, which he subsequently sold as he had decided to remove to Door county. He now owns eighty acres of land on section 27, Nasewaupee township, and has given the place the name of the Maple Lawn Farm. The improvements and buildings are modern, and he uses the most up-to-date machinery in carrying on his work. He raises both grain and stock and receives a gratifying income from his labors. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company at Sawyer.

Mr. Schons was married July 18, 1879, to Miss Mary Moss, who was also born in the Rhine Province and came to the United States in 1864 with her parents, Joseph and Mary Moss. The family located in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, and there the mother died in 1880, while the father survived until 1903. Both are buried in that county. Mr. and Mrs. Schons have the following children: Joseph, born July 16, 1881, is married and resides in Michigan City, Indiana; Mary, born August 26, 1883, is the wife of John Leitner of Nasewaupee township; Matt, born in 1886, lives in Kewaunee county; Tressie, born May 22, 1888, married Joe Cramer of Chicago; Matilda, born April 3, 1890, is now Mrs. Henry Belke of Chicago; Theodore was born February 6, 1895; Lena, was born August 20, 1899; and Edna was born April 18, 1901.

Mr. Schons believes in the principles of the democratic party and supports its candidates at the polls. For six years while living in Kewaunee county he served as township treasurer and as road supervisor for several years. He and his family are communicants of the Catholic church of Maplewood and its work profits by his loyal support. During the years that he has been a resident of Door county he has gained a wide circle of friends and is highly respected by all who know him.

Charles Lautenbach

Charles Lautenbach is familiar with all the arduous duties included in the development of a new farm. He has cleared and improved considerable wild land in Door county and is now the owner of an excellent farm on section 18, Jacksonport township, where he has eighty acres. He was born in Germany, November 20, 1869, and is a son of Gustav and Caroline (Schulz) Lautenbach. The father was a small farmer and merchant in Oberweidt, and about 1881 came to the United States with his family, establishing his home in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he was employed in a cannery for a few years. He then removed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he engaged in harness making for several years. About 1886 he came to Door county and purchased eighty acres of land on section 16, Jacksonport township. It was a tract of wild timber, in the midst of which stood a log house. He had to clear away the trees before he could cultivate crops, but with characteristic energy he began the development

* he also extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchase, and he continued to cultivate his land until 1915, when he retired from active life and is now living with his children, following the death of his wife, who passed away in that year and was laid to rest in the Egg Harbor cemetery. They were parents of nine children: Charles; Minnie, now the wife of Nick Herbst, of Jacksonport township; Emily, the widow of Henry Baler, of the same township; Rudolph, of Jacksonport township; Louis, living in Egg Harbor township; Reinhart, of Jacksonport township; August, of Egg Harbor township; George, who follows farming in Sevastopol township; and Clara, the wife of Fred Fleishman, of Oddendale, Michigan.

Charles Lautenbach attended school in Germany to the age of twelve years but never had opportunity to continue his education in the United States, for his labors were needed in support of the family. He continued to work for his father until twenty years of age, at which time he went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where for four years he was employed in the coal mines and on farms. He then returned and purchased a forty acre farm in Jacksonport township, Door county. It was a tract of wild timber land, which he cleared and developed, making his home thereon for several years. He then sold and bought the west half of the northwest quarter of section 18, Jacksonport township, and at once began to transform that place into a productive farm, upon which he still resides. lle also owns eighty acres in Egg Harbor township. He has wisely and carefully managed his agricultural interests and has gained a substantial measure of success.

When twenty-three years of age Mr. Lautenbach was married to Miss Mary Zelhofer, a daughter of Frank and Caroline Zelhofer, and they are now parents of nine children: Emma, the wife of John Mosgaller, of Jacksonport township; and Pauline, Edward, Mary, Frank, Emil, William, Charles and Louis, all at home.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church, In his political views Mr, Lautenbach has always been a republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but while he is a believer in the principles of the party, at local elections, where no party issue is involved, he often casts an independent vote. His entire life has been given to his farming interests and his diligence and enterprise have brought to him the success which is now his.

William H. Bastar

William H. Bastar, the efficient and popular young cashier of the State Bank at Forestville, was born at Algoma, Wisconsin, September 13, 1883. His parents, William and Anna (Sruka) Bastar, were born in Bohemia, the father in 1840, In the early "50s he accompanied his parents to the United States and the family home was established in Lincoln township, Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, The grandfather, Henry Bastar, took up government land and for a number of years devoted his time to its improvement. The conditions of life in this section of Wisconsin were then those of the frontier region. The land was unbroken, Indians were numerous and wild game could be had in abundance. Deer were sometimes hunted by torch light from rafts and a great deal of the meat used in the homes of the early settlers was furnished by game. Henry Bastar endured all the hardships of frontier life but persevered and in time he developed an excellent farm. He was a good musician as were his four sons, William, Henry, Adolph and Charles, and as they all played different instruments they formed a small band. William Bastar grew to manhood in Wisconsin and for some time operated a grist mill known as the Fort Bridge Mill at Kewaunee. Later he had charge of a mill at Little Sturgeon Bay for a Mr. Gardner, but at length he returned at Kewaunee, where he resided during his term of service as county treasurer. Subsequent to that time he became a resident of Algoma, where he engaged in the hotel and liquor business for thirty-four years. He was chief of the city fire department for years and when he resigned he was presented with a handsome gold headed cane. At length he disposed of his business interests and retired from active life. He died in Algoma on the 19th of September, 1906, when he was sixty-six years old. His wife had also reached the age of sixty-six years when she was called to her final rest in 1907. He was stanch in his support of the democratic party and in addition to serving as county treasurer he was for a considerable period city treasurer and school treasurer. His wife came with her parents to Casco township, Kewaunee county, and resided upon the home farm there until her marriage. On that occasion she and Mr. Bastar walked from Casco to Algoma through the woods and across the creeks, the wedding being celebrated at a little log church then standing near Algoma. Her parents are both deceased, her mother having died at the age of seventy-eight and her father at the age of eighty-five years. Their last years were spent in the city of Algoma, where they owned a comfortable residence.

William H. Bastar passed his boyhood at Algoma and received his general education at the public and high schools. He also took a course in a business college at Milwaukee, after which he secured a position in Chicago as bookkeeper for the John V. Farwell Company. He remained there for a year and was then bookkeeper at the Bank of Algoma for two years and nine months. Later he entered the insurance business but in 1909 he organized the State Bank of Forestville. It received its charter on the 24th of December that year and opened for business on the 3d of January, 1910. He has since served continuously as cashier of the bank and the excellent condition of its affairs is proof of his sound judgment and thorough knowledge of banking. In 1914 the institution erected an attractive and substantial building in which it has since been housed and in 1916 the capital stock was increased from ten thousand to twenty-five thousand dollars. The deposits now total three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Bastar is held in high esteem by his colleagues and is now secretary and treasurer of Group No. 3 of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. He is also secretary and treasurer of the local telephone company and treasurer of the village school board.

On the 13th of January, 1909, Mr. Bastar was united in marriage to Miss Helen Glander, a daughter of William and Albertina (Klatt) Glander, natives of Germany, who became early settlers of Pierce township, Kewaunee county, Wisconsin. The father passed away in 1911, but the mother still survives. To Mr. and Mrs. Bastar have been born three children: Kenneth, who died in infancy ; William; and Roger.

Mr. Bastar is a democrat in political belief at this time and has served capably as treasurer of his school district. Fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason and the beneficent teachings of the craft find exemplification in his daily life. He has the musical ability characteristic of the family and when but thirteen years of age began to play the clarinet. He was a member of a band at Algoma and for some time belonged to the Olympic Orchestra at Milwaukee and the Daily News Orchestra at Milwaukee. He, like his father, is characterized by his marked public spirit, and his cooperation is sought whenever a project for the general good is to be carried out. His friends are many and all who have been brought in contact with him respect him highly.

John Bretl

John Bretl, a well known and successful farmer of Forestville township, was born in Austria, March 19, 1866. His parents, John and Barbara Bretl, passed their entire lives in that country, where the father engaged in farming.

John Bretl received his education in Austria but when fifteen years old emigrated to the United States. He at once made his way to Forestville, Wisconsin, as his uncle Michael Bret! owned land in that locality. After working for his uncle on the farm for two years he turned his attention to lumbering in the woods of northern Michigan for three years. In 1889 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 6, Forestville township, this county, to which he has since added forty acres. For fourteen years he lived in the log house that stood on the farm when it came into his possession but at the end of that time he erected a substantial frame house and other good buildings. His place is now well improved and he ranks with the substantial men of Forestville township.

Margaret Mossman, who is a native Her parents, Peter and Margaret (Stemper) Mossman, were born respectively in Austria and Germany but were among the first settlers of northeast Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Pret! have become the parents of ten children, namely: Le lary: Anton; Tracey; Elixander; John; Joseph; Louis, who died when four years old; Lawrence; and Annie.

Mr. Bretl endorses the principles of the democratic party and casts his ballot its candidates but has never desired office. He gives his undivided attention and is rewarded by abundant crops.

Mathew Foss

Mathew Foss is well known in Detroit Harbor, Wisconsin, where he has capably served as superintendent of docks. He was born in Denmark, October 10, 1858, a son of Christian Foss, who came to Washington Island, Door county, Wisconsin, in 1882. He passed away here, October 7, 1910, at the age of eightyfour years, and his wife died at the same age on the 2d of February, 1913. They were the parents of three children, those besides our subject being: Henry, who

Mathew Foss attended the common schools of Denmark in the acquirement of his education but when sixteen years old came to the United States to try his fortune in this new country, where he believed exceptional opportunities were offered to the ambitious youth. For seven years he resided at Bedford, Massachusetts, where he was employed in a tannery, but in 1890 he came to Washington Island, Door county. For a few years following he worked in a stone quarry and then turned his attention to fishing, which business he followed continuously and successfully until 1913. He then received appointment as superintendent of docks and has since filled that position. He owns seventy-two acres of shore land, on which he has erected good buildings, and is also a stockholder and director of the telephone company and is the owner of the gasoline town dock.

On the 7th of July, 1889, Mr. Foss was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Allen, who was born upon the island. They are the parents of six children, namely: Mamie, now the wife of Harry Hagen; Laura; Agnes, who is the wife of Swereh Hagen; Raymond; Irma; and Howard.

Mr. Foss endorses the principles of the republican party but where no national issues are at stake usually votes for the best man. He has served as director of district No. 1 for the past ten years and has given the closest attention to the discharge of his official duties. He has gained a substantial competence through his own well directed labors and is generally recognized as a man of enterprise and sound judgment. His personal qualities are also such that he has gained many warm friends.

Desire E. Englebert

One of the well liked and successful farmers of Brussels township is Desire F. Englebert, who owns an excellent tract of two hundred acres on section 28. He was born in Belgium, December 6, 1841, a son of John B. and Mary ( Josephine) Engelbert, who were born, reared and married in that country. The father followed the wagon maker's trade there but in 1856 came with his family to the United States on a sailing vessel which required fifty-eight days to make the voyage. The family continued their journey westward and located in Chicago, whence after a year they came to Brussels township, Door county, Wisconsin. lhe father bought eighty acres of land, to which he subsequently added at different imes two other eighty acre tracts, thus bringing his holdings up to two hundred and forty acres. He cleared the heavy timber which stood upon the land and erected a log house which remained the family residence for a number of years, although it was eventually replaced by a brick structure. Both the parents passed away upon the home farm.

Desire E. Englebert received his education in Belgium, as he was fourteen years old when he accompanied the family to the United States. He was of great assistance to his father in clearing the home farm of timber and early became familiar with the agricultural methods best adapted to conditions here. He became the owner of a farm covered with standing timber, as was practically all of the land in the county at that time, and in order to make a living he worked in Chicago during the summer months, while the winters were devoted to cutting the trees on his land and thus preparing it for cultivation. In that early day the nearest market was Green Bay and the settlers were confronted with the obstacles "nd hardships usually found in frontier localities. At length he had all his land under cultivation and as the years have passed he has harvested large crops and made many improvements upon his place, which comprises two hundred acres and which yields him a gratifying financial return. His residence is of brick and is attractive and commodious.

In 1864 Mr. Englebert was united in marriage to Miss Emerance Jasper, who was also born in Belgium but was brought to the United States by her parents when seven years of age. Her father purchased government land in Door county and there he and his wife resided until called by death. To Mr. and Mrs. Englebert have been born seven children, namely: Eugene; Louise; Joseph Edmond ; Elina, who died when twenty-nine years of age; Josephine; Henry; and Nestor.

For many years Mr. Englebert has held local office, haying served as chairman of the township committee for four years, for forty-four years has held the office of assessor and for twenty-seven years has been school clerk. The length of his service indicates that he has been both efficient and conscientious in the discharge of his duties and that he is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. He is entitled to honor as one of the pioneers of the county and takes great satisfaction in the knowledge that his labors have been a factor in the upbuilding and development of his locality.

The farming interests of Forestville township are well represented in the efforts of Hugo Schmiling, who lives on section 25, where he has a valuable property comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land, once covered with a dense forest growth but now converted into rich and productive fields. He has always lived in Wisconsin, being a native of Kenosha county, where his birth occurred February 23, 1872. His parents were Albert and Hannah (Grunndwaldt) Schmiling, who were natives of Germany. The father was but six years of age when brought by his parents to the United States, at which time the family home was established in Algoma, Wisconsin, which was then a little village surrounded by an almost unbroken wilderness. The grandfather, Charles Schmiling, purchased a tract of land of eighty acres near Algoma and thereon built a log house, after which his attention was concentrated upon the work of clearing his land and further developing his farm. Both he and his wife spent their remaining days upon that place. Reared on the old homestead farm, Albert Schmiling worked with his father during his boyhood days and in the winter months attending public schools, thus acquiring his education. He came into possession of the old family homestead, to which he added from time to time as his financial resources increased until he had three hundred and seventy-five acres of valuable land. This he cleared and developed, converting it into a very valuable and attractive place. He also purchased the farm which is now owned by his son Hugo. Upon the old homestead he rej Goc gle mained for forty-six years, and when death called him, a life of great activity and usefulness was closed. His widow survives and is now living on the old home farm. Both were members of the Lutheran church.

Hugo Schmiling spent his youthful days on the old homestead farm near Algoma and his educational opportunities were those afforded by the public schools. When not busy with his textbooks he worked with his father in the fields and a number of years later he removed to his present farm on section 25, Forestville township, which was then a heavily timbered tract of land. Upon him devolved the arduous task of clearing much of this and he now has one of the best appearing farms in Forestville township. His fields are highly cultivated and produce excellent crops. They are divided by well kept fences and they are good buildings furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock. Everything about the place indicates the progressive spirit and enterprising methods of the owner, who ranks with the leading farmers of the community.

On the 6th of October, 1894, Mr. Schmiling was united in marriage to Miss Lena Schmidt, a daughter of Gustav and Alvina Schmidt, who are natives of Germany and on coming to the United States settled in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Later they came to Forestville township, Door county, and they are now residents of Forestville. Mrs. Schmiling was born in Forestville township and by her marriage she has become the mother of seven children, namely: Melvin, Jennings, Alice, Edna, Florence, Sylvester and Viola. Such is the life record of Hugo Schmiling, one of the leading and progressive farmers of Door county, whose well directed activities have been the source of his success.

George Ahlswede

George Ahlswede is serving acceptably as chairman of Brussels township and is also well known as an up-to-date and enterprising farmer. He was born in Kossuth township, Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, September 12, 1863, and is a son of Ludwig and Johanna ( Ahrns) Ahlswede, both of whom were natives of Germany. where they were reared and married. The father, who followed the baker's trade in the fatherland, came to the United States with his family in 1842, the voyage being made by sailing vessel. They continued their journey westward by the Erie canal and the Great Lakes to Milwaukee, where they remained for a short time, after which they located near Manitowoc Rapids, the father taking up government land there. As soon as possible he cleared the timber and brought his land under cultivation, and he also devoted considerable time to working in the lumber camps in the winters. There were still many Indians in that section of the state and the conditions in general were those of a frontier region. Much of the meat used upon the family table was secured from wild game and for some time the residence was a log cabin. Wages were low in those days - often no more than seventyfive cents a day. There were many hardships to be endured, but in time prosperity rewarded the efforts of Mr. Ahlswede and his last days were spent in comfort. His farm of eighty acres was well improved and yielded large crops in return for his well directed labors.

of attending the district schools until he was fourteen years of age. He then accompanied his brothers, William and Edward, to Brussels township, Door county, and aided them in clearing and developing a farm. Subsequently he returned to Manitowoc county, where he followed the carpenter's trade for some time. During that period he purchased his present farm of one hundred acres in Brussels township, Door county, and in the fall of 1885 he took up his residence upon this place. He has made many improvements upon the farm, including the erection of commodious, substantial and well designed buildings, and his fields are in a high state of cultivation. He engages in general farming with marked success, deriving a good profit from the sale of grain and stock.

In 1886 Mr. Ahlswede was united in marriage to Miss Katie Katzenmeyer, a daughter of Lawrence and Catherine (Jost) Katzenmeyer, both of whom were natives of Germany. The birth of Mrs. Ahlswede, however, occurred in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin. By her marriage she became the mother of four children: Arthur; Emil; Lillian; and Katie, who passed away in 189% After the death of his first wife Mr, Ahlswede married Miss Louisa Rupp, a daughter of George and Caroline ( Haegele) Rupp, also natives of Germany. Seven children have heen born to the second marriage, namely : Eleanor, Olga, Walter, Alice, Richard. nd Herbert. Mrs. Ahlswede died in January, 1911.

Mr. Ahlswede is a stanch adherent of the republican party and for the last four years has held the office of township chairman. For fifteen years he has chool treasurer and during that time his influence has invariably been given on the side of advancement in educational matters. He is a member of the Baptist church and its teachings find exemplification in his daily life. He is not only generally recognized as a highly efficient farmer but is also esteemed for his unswerving integrity and held in warm regard because of his attractive personal qualities.

William Goetz

William Goetz, who is operating a one hundred and twenty acre farm of scellent land on section 34, Nasewaupee township, and a forty acre tract in restville township, born February 9, 1886, in Door county. His parents were Nick and Agatha Goetz, the former born in Germany on the 20th of June, 1841, and the latter in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, in 1855. The mother, however, is of German descent. The father was brought to the United States in childhood and grew to mature years in Manitowoc county. He remained there until 1885, when he removed to Door county and located upon the farm now owned by his son William. The family are Catholics in religious faith. The mother passed away in 1888 and is buried in the Maplewood cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Goetz were born seven children as follows: Louise, who was born January 16, 1875, and died March 20, 1905; Philip, a resident of Manitowoc county; Frank, who is living in Saskatchewan, Canada; Josephine, who is the wife of George Brey; Mary, who married George Kolbeck; Peter, a resident of Wisconsin; and William, of this review.

of his time as a boy and youth to helping his father with the farm work, thus gaining a practical knowledge of the cultivation of the fields and caring for stock. At length he purchased the home place, comprising one hundred and twenty acres in Nasewaupee township, from his father and he also owns forty acres in Forestville township. The land is under cultivation, and he annually harvests good crops. Hevalso raises stock to some extent and finds that the two phases of farming coordinate well.

Mr. Goetz was married November 25, 1913, to Miss Ella Hennessey, who was born March 27, 1888, a daughter of John Hennessey of Nasewaupee township. To this union have been born two sons: Norbert, born November 8, 1915; and Harold, born June 8, 1917.

Mr. Goetz casts his ballot in support of the candidates of the democratic party and takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs but has never desired to hold office. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic. though he is still a young man he has gained a measure of success that many of his seniors might well envy and he is recognized as a representative farmer.

Philip Gillick, Ir.. a well known farmer residing on section 34, Nasewaupee township, was born in that township, April 7, 1876, a son of Philip and Anne Gillick. The birth of the father occurred October 15, 1830, in Ireland, and in 1866 he became a resident of Door county, Wisconsin. For forty years he worked as a lumber jack and followed that occupation both in Michigan and Wisconsin. He was impressed by the favorable opening for settlers in Door county and was instrumental in inducing many people to move here from Chicago. He had some property in that city but part of it was lost in the great fire of 1871. For a number of years after he came to this section the Indians were numerous and deer were frequently seen and afforded meat for the lumbermen and settlers. He was a Catholic in religious faith, and his political belief was that of the democratic party. He served as pathmaster for a number of years and was very efficient and conscientious in the discharge of his duties. He was married in 1871, to Miss Anne Kinney, who was born in Ireland, March 6, 1850. To their union were born the following children: James, born September 6, 1871; Thomas, born January 26, 1873; Pat, who was born August 16, 1874, and died July 24, 1892, his remains being interred in Maplewood cemetery; Philip, born April 7, 1876; Ed, born June 10, 1877 ; Mary, born February 2, 1879; Richard, who was born December 10, 1880, and died January 2, 1881, being buried in Maplewood cemetery ; Ellen, who was born December 27, 1881, and died April 27, 1899, being buried in the same cemetery ; Anne, who was born December 22, 1883, and died January 19, 1884, also buried in Maplewood cemetery ; Julia, born December 23, 1884, and died January 15, 1885; Agnes, who was born July 3, 1886, and lives in Kenosha, Wisconsin ; Richard, who was born June 2, 1888, and is a farmer in South Dakota ; Anne, who was born November 24, 1889, is at home; Joseph, who was born October 30, 189r, and engages in farming; Elizabeth, who was born August 31,

Philip Gillick, Jr., was accorded the usual opportunities of the farm boy, attending the district schools for a number of years. He early began assisting his father with the work of clearing and operating the home farm and by the time that he attained his majority he was an experienced agriculturist. In 1916 he purchased the homestead, which comprises eighty acres on section 34, Nasewaupee township, and is one of the highly developed and valuable farms of the locality. Practically his entire attention is given to the cultivation of his fields and the care of his stock and as the years pass his resources are steadily increasing, for he manages his affairs well.

Mr. Gillick supports the republican party but has never had the time to take an active part in politics. He has, however, served acceptably as constable of his township. He belongs to the Farmers Union and can always be depended upon to cooperate with others in movements seeking to advance the agricultural interests of the county. His entire life has been passed in Nasewaupee township, and his genuine worth is attested by the fact that those who have known him intimately since boyhood are his stanchest friends.

Perry Butler

An excellent farm property pays tribute to the efforts and energy of Perry Butler, whose place is located on section 17, Jacksonport township. There are found many modern improvements and the work of development is being carried steadily forward along the most progressive lines. Mr. Butler was born in Hastings county, Ontario, Canada, March 28, 1871, a son of James and Mary (Gallaher) Butler, who Were natives of Ireland but were married in Toronto. The father, who followed farming in Canada, removed to Door county, Wisconsin, when his son Perry was but a year old and purchased the home farm upon which Perry Butler now resides, becoming owner of eighty acres. After a time, however, he sold forty acres of this land. His place was covered with the native growth of trees which he cleared away. He built a log house and actively took up the work of the farm and continued to develop and improve his property untii his death, which occurred August 16, 1894. His widow survived him for almost twenty years, passing away March 10, 1914. They were both laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery in Jacksonport. After becoming a citizen of the United States Mr. Butler voted for some time with the democratic party but later joined the republican ranks. 1

Perry Butler is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Door county. and his education was acquired in one of its old-time schools, which he attended until he reached the age of sixteen years. He then worked for his father until the latter's death, when he came into possession of the old home place. His farm now comprises the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter and the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 17, together with the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 20, Jacksonport township, making altogether one hundred and twenty acres. This he farms, residing upon the home place with his brother Ned and sister Maria, and he is accounted one of the substantial and progressive agriculturists of his community. He and the other members of the family are faithful members of the Catholic church.

Robert Luethge

Robert Luethge, living on section 17, Jacksonport township, is numbered among the self-made men of Door county who owe their success entirely to persistent effort and individual enterprise. Starting out in life empty handed he is now the owner of one of the finest farms in his section of the county. He was born in the province of Saxony, Germany, November 23, 1846, and is a son of William and Sophia ( Pagals) Luethge, the former a tailor by trade. Both he and his wife spent their entire lives in Germany, where they reared their family of four children: Carl, who is still a resident of that country; Anna, the deceased wife of John Lormbrech, of Kenosha, Wisconsin; one who died in infancy; and Robert.

The last named pursued his education in Germany to the age of fourteen years and was then employed at farm work until he reached the age of eighteen. The stories which he heard concerning the opportunities of the new world led him to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. Ile came alone to the United States and made his way across the country to Kenosha county, where he was employed as a farm hand until 1876. In that year he came to Door county and purchased the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter, and also the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 17, Jacksonport township. Later he added another forty acre tract to this, becoming owner of one hundred and twenty acres. This was wild timber land upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made and no road had been laid out to the farm. He built a log cabin and began life in true pioneer style, meeting many of the hardships and privations incident to the development of a new district. He at once began to cut down the trees and clear away the brush and continued the work of developing the place until he brought it to a state of high cultivation, making it one of the * fine farms of Jacksonport township.

On the 28th of August, 1876, Mr. Luethge was united in marriage to Miss Alvina Pofhal, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Pofhal, who were natives of Germany and became early settlers of Kenosha county, where they passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Luethge have become parents of eight children: Carl, born October 15, 1877, married Matilda Fisher, a daughter of Herman and Minnie Fisher, early settlers of Jacksonport township, where they are still living. They have three children, Vera, Goldie and Bernice. Carl Luethge is the treasurer of the school board in his district and is assisting his father in the further development and improvement of the home farm. John, the second of the family; is living in Milwaukee. Anna is the wife of John Grovogel, of Jacksonport township. Elizabeth is the wife of Charles Sawyer, of Sturgeon Bay. Matilda married Charles Heinz, of Jacksonport township. Alma became the wife of George Lautenbach, of Sevastopol township. Lillian is the wife of Edward Krueger, of Egg Harbor. Fred, who completes the family, is at home.

Mr. Luethge is a republican where national issues are involved, but votes independently at local elections. He has never sought nor desired political office but has served as school director and was treasurer for a number of years. He belongs to the Evangelical association and his sterling traits of character have made him one of the respected and valued citizens of Jacksonport township.

Peter Blonde

Peter Blonde, who is successfully engaged in farming eighty acres in Egg Harbor township, was born in Canada in January, 1857, but his parents, Nicholas and Elizabeth (May) Blonde, were both natives of Germany. On leaving that country in 1846, they located in Canada, where the father followed agricultural pursuits until 1866, when he removed with his family to Brown county, Wisconsin. There he purchased land, to the cultivation of which he devoted his energies until his demise in February, 1899, and eight days after his death his wife passed away.

Peter Blonde was but a child when the family home was established in Brown county, this state, and there he grew to manhood and received his education. He remained with his parents until he became of age, and then, in 1878, he took up his residence in Door county, buying his present farm of eighty acres on section 25, Egg Harbor township. As soon as possible he cleared his land and placed it under the plow, and as the years have passed he has made many improvements on his farm, which is now a valuable and highly developed property. He does general farming but pays considerable attention to dairying, milking eleven high grade Holstein cows. All his work is carefully planned and he derives a gratifying income from his land.

In October, 1873, occurred the marriage of Peter Blonde and Miss Louise Lewis, and they have become the parents of fourteen children: Alfred, Nicholas, Martha, Phillip, Susan, Eva, Isabelle, Raymond, Hilda and Hubert, who are living, and four deceased.

In exercising the right of franchise Mr. Blonde votes for the men who in his opinion are best fitted for the offices in question without reference to party affiliations. He is a Roman Catholic in religious faith and is loyal to the teachings of that church. During the many years of his residence in this county he has gained a wide acquaintance and has won the warm friendship of many.

Charles Zill

Charles Zill, who is still living upon the farm which in the early days he cleared and brought under cultivation, is one of the representative agriculturists and citizens of Sevastopol township. A native of the state, he was born in Manitowoc county, December 22, 1860, and is a son of David and PaulinagZill, who in 1848 emigrated to the United States from Germany, their native land. They at

Charles Zill was educated in the public schools of his native county and in his young manhood lived in a number of places, spending the greater part of his time, however, in the state of Michigan. In 1885 he came to Door county and located upon his present place, which then, however, bore little resemblance to the modern, well improved farm of today. At that time it was a tract of timber and his first task was the clearing of the land. As the years have passed he has further developed the place and his well directed labors have been rewarded by abundant crops, from the sale of which he has received a good profit. His home place comprises seventy acres of the west half of the northeast quarter of section 8, Sevastopol township, and he also holds title to a forty acre tract on the southeast quarter of section 36, Egg Harbor township.

Mr. Zill was married on the 2d of December, 1887, to Miss Rosa Bahr, by whom he has the following children: Flora, who was born July 7, 1889, and is now Mrs. Frank Starr, of Sturgeon Day ; Elvina, who was born July 2, 1891, and married Charles Wolfgram, of Sevastopol township; Edna, who was born May 2 1893, and married H. J. Dogge, of Sturgeon Bay; Adeline, born April 4, 189; Hilda, who was born December 24, 1896, and is now the wife of Winfred Joh son, of Baileys Harbor; Norma, who was born March 28, 1898, and married I Stokeman, of Sturgeon Bay; Cora, born May 9, 1900; Charles, April 30, 1902; Howard, July 14, 1904; Mabel, May 10, 1906; and Helen, January 3, 1908.

Mr. Zill is a loyal supporter of the republican party and has acceptably filled a number of local offices. For seven years he was road supervisor, filled the position of chairman of the board for a term of one year and also finished an unexpired term in that office. For many years he was a director of school district No. s, for six years was treasurer thereof and for two years was clerk of the district. He is a member of the Lutheran church and for twenty-three years has been secretary of the congregation in Sevastopol township. His life has been a factor in the agricultural, the political and the religious development of his township and he is justly ranked among its leading citizens.

Wenzel Pivonka

Wenzel Pivonka, a well known and successful farmer residing on section 21, Nasewaupee township, was born in Bohemia on the 23d of September, 1851. He received his education in that country, where he remained until he was twenty years of age. In 1871 he came to the United States and took up his residence in Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, whence eight years later he came to Door county. He purchased eighty acres of land, which he cleared and on which he erected a residence and other buildings. Subsequently he bought an eighty-five acre tract across the road from his home farm and has since operated the entire one hundred and sixty-five acres. When he first came to this county he was employed for a time in the Lawrence lumber mills but with that exception has engaged in farming continuously since 1879. His land is in a high state of cultivation and he derives therefrom a gratifying profit. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator and was instrumental in organizing the local telephone company.

In 1872 in Kewaunee county, Mr. Pivonka was united in marriage to Miss Anna Soukup, who was born in Bohemia, April 24, 1859, and came to America in 1871. To their union have been born the following children: Anna, who is now Mrs. August Noll and resides-in Milwaukee; Mary, the deceased wife of \nton Wetak; Wenzel, Jr., who is farming with his father; Fannie, who married Fred Schultise of Nasewaupee township; Emil, who is a carpenter residing in

` Sawyer; Emily, who is the deceased wife of Frank Hemple and is buried in the Shoemaker cemetery ; and Charles, who is also with his father.

Mr. Pivonka gives his political support to the democratic party and has filled local office with great credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. For eleven years he was supervisor and for many years was road overseer, He is a devout Catholic and contributed generously to the erection of the Corpus Christi church at Sawyer, of which he is a communicant, and to the church at Maplewood. He belongs to the Catholic Knights and is popular in that organization. He is now in comfortable circumstances as the result of his own industry and good management, and he is esteemed as one of the progressive farmers of his township.

Augustus W. Lawrence

Conditions on the peninsula which forms Door county are particularly favorable to fruit growing and among those whose enterprise and business judgment have prompted them to enter this field of labor and win therein substantial success is Augustus W. Lawrence, whose progressive spirit is manifest in the capable and efficient manner in which he conducts his interests. He was born at Sturgeon Bay, June 24, 1875, and is a son of Augustus W. and Emily J. (Marshall) Lawrence, the former a native of Maine and the latter of Brown county, Wisconsin. The father removed to Sturgeon in the early "50s and here embarked in the lumber business, owning and operating a sawmill. He was one of the principal subcontractors on the building of the canal and he was also engaged in merchandising on an extensive scale for many years. In fact he was one of the prominent business men in the county. His sound judgment enabled him to discriminate readily between the essential and the nonessential in business affairs and his keen sagacity enabled him to direct his efforts along those lines where fruition is certain. In addition to his other activities he engaged in farming and he had one of the first cherry orchards of the county for commercial purnoses. He likewise figured in financial circles as a director of the Merchants change Bank and in his undertakings he accumulated a large fortune, but in later life met with reverses through endorsing commercial paper for others. Those whom he trusted did not make the promised payments and therefore upon him came the loss that greatly reduced his fortune in his later y He was a man of the strictest integrity and honor in his business affairs and his word was recognized as being as good as any bond that was ever solemnized by signet or seal. He was a man with many friends. All who knew him respected and honored him and his genuine worth was acknowledged by those with whom he came in contact. His political endorsement was given to the republican party and in matters of citizenship he always took a progressive stand. He passed away January 30, 1911, and his wife survived him for only a week, passing away on the 6th of February. She was a consistent member of the Congregational church and, like her husband, was highly esteemed wherever known. They had a family of three children: Ruth E., deceased, who was the wife of L. M. Washburn, of Sturgeon Bay; Ella E., the wife of Charles I. Martin, of Sturgeon Bay; and -\ugustus W.

The last named acquired a public school education and entered business circles in connection with L. M. Washburn, with whom he was associated in the conduct of a mercantile enterprise for three years. Mr. Lawrence afterward became a shoe merchant, condueting a store for six years, and while thus engaged he turned his attention in part to farming. lle disposed of his shoe store in 190r to concentrate his attention more largely upon agricultural and horticultural pur-

He has also been engaged in contract work in street paving and both ches of his business have proved profitable. In 1909 he took up fruit raising in connection with D. E. Bingham and is now interested in several hundred acres of fruit. The success which he has won in fruit production indicates his methodical and progressive methods. He closely studies every question bearing upon the business and is thus able to speak with authority upon the subjects of soil, climatic conditions and all those things which have to do with successful horticulture. In 1915 he established a herd of pure bred Guernsey cattle. In a word, he is one of the most alert, energetic and progressive agriculturists of the peninsula and his business has become a profitable one.

On the 3d of February, 1898, Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage to Miss Jennie M. Packard, of Sturgeon Bay, a daughter of Charles and Anna Packard. They have an adopted son, Charles Augustus.

Mr. Lawrence belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and in his political views he is a stalwart republican. He has served as alderman of the second ward and is president of the council and chairman of the board of public works at the present time. He closely studies all questions relative to the welfare and upbuilding of his city and county and exercises his official prerogatives in support of many progressive public measures. In office he ever holds partisanship as secondary to the general welfare and at all times is actuated by a public-spirited devotion to high ideals of citizenship.

Ferdinand Babler

Ferdinand Babler, who has built up a large patronage as blacksmith and wagonmaker at Maplewood, Forestville township, was born a little south of the village, October 30, 1875. His parents, Ferdinand and Mary (Aurmiller) Babler, were both born in Austria, the latter in Bohemia, and were married in their native country. The father was a farmer by occupation and on emigrating to Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, in the early '5os took up his residence on a tract of fertile land. Subsequently he purchased eighty acres of government land a little south of Maplewood and the remainder of his active life was devoted to the operation of that place. He was one of the pioneer farmers of Door county and had to clear his land of timber before it could be planted to crops. The abundance of wild game afforded the early settlers with meat for their tables and most of the pioneer homes were log cabins. The Indians were found in large numbers. Mr. Babler spent his last years at Maplewood, where he lived retired in a comfortable residence which he owned. He passed away in 1911, but his wife survives at the age of seventy years and is now residing with her son Jacob in Maplewood. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church, and the father was a strong democrat in politics.

Ferdinand Babler entered the district schools of Forestville township, Door county, at the usual age and divided his time in his boyhood and youth between acquiring an education and doing the work that usually falls to the lot of the farm bred boy. For one year he worked in a sawmill in Menominee, Michigan, and for six years spent the winter months in the lumber camps and the summer months upon the home farm, which he aided in operating. In 1898 he began learning the blacksmith's trade in the shop of Leathem & Smith of Sturgeon Bay, where he spent thirteen months, and then was for some time employed as horseshoer in various shops. In 1901 he established himself in business independently in Maplewood where he has since remained. In addition to doing general blacksmithing and horseshoeing he conducts a wagon shop and gives considerable attention to manufacturing automobile springs. He is a skilled workman and his trade has grown rapidly, exceeding all his expectations. He owns a comfortable residence in Maplewood and is in excellent circumstances. He is also vice president of the bank at Maplewood.

In 1904, in Forestville, Mr. Babler was united in marriage to Miss Katie Goetz, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Goetz and a native of Manitowoc. The six children of Mr. and Mrs. Babler are as follows: Cecilia, Alphonse, Cryracus, Gregory, Edmund and Bernice.

Mr. Babler is independent in politics and has never been a candidate for office, for his business affairs require his entire time and attention. He has made all that he has and the prosperity which he now enjoys is evidence of his ability and energy. He has a wide acquaintance in the county and his friends include practically all who have come in contact with him.

M. J. Soukup, of Nasewaupee township, has not only developed ove of the finest farms in the county but has also been a prime mover in many projects that have proved of great value to his locality. A native of Bohemia, he was born June 8, 1851, and remained in that country until 1871. In that year he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and made his way to Tisch Mills, Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, but in 1872 came to Door county. After working in the Lawrence Lumber Mills for some three years he purchased eighty acres of land on section 16, Nasewaupee township, from Ed Kenny for four hundred and twenty-five dollars. He cleared the tract of timber and began its cultivation and proved so suc- cessful as a farmer that he was able to purchase an additional one hundred acres some time later. He erected excellent buildings upon his land and otherwise improved the place, making it a model farm. He has since sold eighty acres, however, to his sons Charles and George but still resides upon the place. He has gained a substantial competence and is a stockholder in the local elevator. He was instrumental in securing the telephone line and also in the establishment of the mail route.

Mr. Soukup was married in 1875 to Miss Bonus Duffek of Nasewaupee township, who passed away on the 17th of August, 1899, and is buried in the Maplewood cemetery. They were the parents of three children: Mary, at home; George, who is now operating eighty acres of the home farm; and Charles, who was born August 8, 1886, received his education in the common schools and purchased eighty acres of land from his father in the spring of 1917.

Mr. Soukup casts his ballot in support of the candidates of the democratic party but has never sought nor desired office. He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church and has been a generous contributor to the congregations at Maplewood and Forestville. He is respected for his integrity as well as for his enterprise and public spirit and his personal friends are many.

John B. Davis

John B. Davis is prominent among the active, enterprising and successful business men of Sturgeon Bay, where he is engaged in the wholesale and retail business as a seedsman. He has built up a large and gratifying trade founded on his enterprising methods and reliable dealings. A native of New York, he was born at Cape Vincent, December 4, 1865, a son of Richard and Mary ( Cummins) Davis, who were natives of Ireland and on crossing the Atlantic to the new world settled in Canada. This was in the year 1847. In the year 1848 they went to New York, where the father engaged in business as a dealer in coal, wood and ice, continuing active along this line in New York to the time of his demise, which occurred in May, 1909. His wife had passed away in September, 1907.

John B. Davis was reared and educated in New York, enjoying the privileges afforded by the public schools and thus becoming prepared for life's practical and responsible duties. He remained with his parents until he reached manhood when he secured a position with the A. B. Cleveland Seed Company, which was one of the first firms in the seed business. He remained with that house for nine years, becoming thoroughly familiar with the trade in every particular. He afterward went to Picton, Ontario, where he engaged in business on his own account. Associated with four others he formed the John H. Allen Seed Company in 1893 and remained in business there until 1901, when he sold out and went to Chicago, where he continued for eight months. At the end of that time he came to Sturgeon Day and entered the employ of Goodwin & Harnes, pea and bean growers, managing their business until 1911. In March of that year he organized the John B. Davis Seed Company, which he conducted in that way for two years. On the expiration of this period he bought out his partner's interest and continued the mained as manager of the business, which is conducted along both wholesale and retail lines. He is thoroughly familiar with the trade, his long experience bringing him intimate knowledge of the business, while his capable management has led to success. Mr. Davis is also the vice president of the Door County State Bank and has long been well known and prominent in the business circles of Sturgeon Bay.

In 1894 Mr: Davis was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Dougherty, and they have become the parents of three children: John T., who was born September 5, 1895, and died when but fifteen days old; Laurence J., born November 5, 1896; and John V., born February 14, 1905.

The religious faith of the parents is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Davis belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters, to the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. In politics he is a democrat and while he has never sought nor desired political office, he has served as president of the library board for six years and has been a member of that board since it was organized. He takes a deep and helpful interest in everything relating to the public welfare and his genuine worth as a man and as a citizen is widely acknowledged.

John P. Paulsen

John P. Paulsen, proprietor of the West Harbor Hotel for the past fifteen years, has in that connection built up a profitable business. His birth occurred October 24, 1852, in Christiania, Norway, and he is a son of Ole and Martha Paulsen. The father passed away in his native country on the 11th of August, 1863, and in 1883 the mother and her daughter Fannie emigrated to the United States and took up their home on Washington Island, Door county, Wisconsin, where Mrs. Paulsen passed away February 16, 1894. She had three children: John P.; Fannie, now Mrs. Ole Hagen and still a resident of the island; and Charles Martin, of Detroit Harbor.

The boyhood and youth of John P. Paulsen were spent in his native country and when only fourteen years old he became a sailor. In 1869 he landed at Galveston, Texas, and from that time he has resided in the United States. In 1879 he located in Chicago, where he was employed by a wholesale house until 1891, when he received an appointment as a letter carrier, and for twenty-three years he worked in that capacity, but in 1914 resigned his position and took up his residence upon the forty-five acres of shore land at West Harbor, Wisconsin, which he had purchased in 1900. He first came to Washington Island in 1884 while on his vacation and was so pleased with the place that he returned every summer until he took up his permanent abode here. When he purchased the property which he owns there was an old sawmill located thereon and a boarding house for the mill hands. He has since remodeled the latter and made it into a modern and attractive hotel and he receives a good share of the resort custom. He knows the things that most appeal to the people who come here for their annual outings and spares neither time nor expense in meeting their requirements.

On the 30th of November, 1882, Mr. Paulsen was united in marriage to Miss Mathilda Hendricksen, of Chicago. who, however, was born in Christiania. It was in 1871 that she came to America in company with her parents, John and Caroline Hendricksen. Her father learned the decorator's trade in Norway and was employed in that capacity by Field & Leiter, of Chicago. Mrs. Paulsen received her education in the schools of that city and remained at home until her marriage.

Mr. Paulsen is independent in politics, casting his ballot for the man whom he deems best fitted for the office without regard to, his political affiliation. He is now serving as town clerk, in which capacity he is making an excellent record. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and in religious faith is a Norwegian Lutheran.

John Joe Schmelzle

John Joe Schmelzle is a well known business man of Forestville, being a partner in the Schmelzle & Brey Company, dealing in agricultural implements and automobiles. He was born September 13, 1887, in Forestville township, and is a son of William and Minnie Schmelzle. The father was born near the city of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and after acquiring a public school education began to work in the logging camps and the sawmills of this section. Later he engaged in farming in Forestville township, Door county, and at length purchased forty acres of land, which he subsequently traded for an eighty acre tract. Still later he became the owner of an additional forty acres, upon which he is now living. Until the fall of 1916 he cultivated his entire holdings but is now leaving the operation of his farm to others. He is a stanch republican in politics and for nine years filled the office of assessor, while for a considerable period he was school clerk. He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church and has always taken a praiseworthy interest in its work. He has reached the age of fifty-eight vears and his wife, who is a native of Germany, is now fifty-two years old. They are the parents of the following children: Henry, who married Ivy Vrady ; John Joe, of this review; Frank, who married Dora Schlier of Maplewood; George, who married Kate Sloss of Maplewood; Anna, who is the wife of Joseph Shoemaker, a resident of Maplewood; Edward; Theresa; Julia; Josephine; and Louise.

John Joe Schmelzle passed his boyhood and youth upon the home farm in Forestville township and attended district school No. 3 in the acquirement of his education. Three years were devoted to the carpenter's trade and he then followed blacksmithing for eight years. In 1915 he formed his present business connection as a member of the firm of Schmelzle & Brey and the rapid growth of the business has been due in no small measure to his energy and wise discretion. The firm handles standard lines of agricultural implements and also deals in the Maxwell, Buick and Oakland automobiles. Its trade has already reached gratifying proportions and its continued growth is assured.

Mr. Schmelzle was married in 1911, to Miss Augusta Brey, a daughter of Anton and Augusta (Vitisky) Brey and a native of Forestville. Her parents were born in Germany but became early settlers of Door county. The mother passed away July 28, 1915, but the father survives. To Mr. and Mrs. Schmelzle have been born three children: Cornelius, Ambrose and Gretna.

ticket at the polls. He is now serving as township clerk and gives the same careful attention to the discharge of his official duties that he has always given to the management of his private affairs. He is one of the youngest business men in the county but has already demonstrated the possession of more than usual ability.

Ignatz Klaubauf

Ignatz Klaubauf, who owns an excellent eighty acre farm on section 15, Nasewaupee township, was born January 26, 1853, in Bohemia. His education was acquired in that country, where he remained until 1876, when at the age of twentythree he came to the United States. He at once located in Door county, Wisconsin, and for four years worked in the Lawrence Lumber Mills, He then purchased land, his present farm, comprising eighty acres, all of which is cleared and it is excellently improved. There are fine orchards upon his place and he has contributed to the development of the horticultural interests of the county. He derives a good income from his land and has accumulated a competence as a direct result of his own industry.

On November 8, 1880, Mr. Klaubauf was united in marriage to Miss Francis Duffek of Nasewaupee township, and they have the following children: Anna, who is now Mrs. Bernard Strong of Nasewaupee township; Katie, the wife of Joe Ferris of Sturgeon Bay; Frances, who married Peter Witte of Green Bay ; John, a resident of Manitowoc, Wisconsin; Frank, at home; Joe, who is in the United States army; Marie, who died in January, 1917, at the age of twenty-three years and is buried in the Maplewood cemetery ; Mate, who is a clerk in a clothing store in Sturgeon Bay; and Leona, at home.

Mr. Klaubauf casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democratic party but is not otherwise active in politics. He is a communicant of the Maplewood Roman Catholic church and belongs to the Catholic Knights. He is recognized as a successful farmer and horticulturist, as a good citizen and as a man of unquestioned integrity.

Arni Gudmundsen

Arni Gudmundsen, who is residing on section 8, Washington township, has developed a fine orchard of cherries and apples and is giving his time to the management of that property. He was born February 2, 1845, in Reykjavik, iceland, of the marriage of Thordur and Johanna Gudmundsen. The father resided in Copenhagen, Denmark, for seven years when a law student at the university.