Door County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 8 of 13)

George Meyer spent his boyhood and youth in his native country and pursued his education in the public schools until he was fourteen years of age, when he began sailing from Bremen and for about nine years made trips on ocean vessels to all parts of the world. At length he left his ship in New York, being no longer a member of the crew of the Hessell, on which he had sailed. This was in 1866 and soon afterward he found employment on Long Island, where he remained for a short time. Later he again sailed from New York, spending two years on Ocean vessels. On the expiration of that period he made his way westward to Chicago, where he remained for a brief time, and then came to Baileys Harbor. Here he assisted in clearing farms and later, when he had saved a sufficient sum from his labors, he purchased forty acres of his present place. He afterward took a road job and received in payment one hundred and sixty acres covered with a dense growth of timber, which he at once began to clear away. He built a log house and barn and continued the work of general development and improvement, his labors resulting in the transformation of his wild land into one of the fine farms of the district. He now has excellent frame buildings upon his place and his farm is in fine condition. Although he had many hardships and privations

In 1872 Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss Ida Merschardt, a daughter of Victor Merschardt, who was a native of Holstein, Germany, and came to the United States in 1872, settling in Baileys Harbor, where he was married. To Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have been born three children, William, Arthur and Annie. The last named is now the wife of Reinholt Hickey.

Mr. Meyer has filled the office of supervisor for ten years and was road boss for nine years. His political support is always given to the republican party and he is a loyal adherent of its principles. He has lived to witness many changes in this section of the state. He was the first teamster on the ship canal and from early days he has taken an active and helpful part in promoting public improvement and progress. He has done much good for his community and is ever willing to lend a helping hand to many projects that tend to further the general good. Moreover, he has carefully and wisely managed his individual business interests and is today one of the prosperous agriculturists of his township.

Moulton B. Goff

Moulton D. Goff, actively connected with horticultural interests in Door county, gives him time and attention to the development and care of a large orchard at Sturgeon Bay, in addition to which he maintains stock raising interests. Indeed he is one of the most progressive agriculturists of this section of the state and took up his present line of business well equipped by thorough scientific training for the work which claims his thought and energi He was born in Madison, Wisconsin, June 15, 1889, and is a son of Professor E. S. and Antoinette (Carr) Goff, both of whom were natives of Elmira, New York. In the year 1888 they arrived in Madison, For seven years the father had been horticulturist at the Geneva (New York) experiment station and he held the same position at the State University of Madison up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1902. His wife passed away the previous year. It was in 1894 that Mr. Goff purchased land in Door county in connection with A. L. Hatch and D. F. Bingham, the three becoming pioneers in the development of cherry orchards for commercial purposes. Few, if any. have done so much for the progress of the state along horticultural lines as Professor E. S. Goff, whose study and experiments have demonstrated the possibilities of Wisconsin in fruit production. He has indeed given an impetus to fruit raising the value of which is immeasurable, and his name should long be honored in this connection.

Moulton B. Goff was the younger of two sons but his brother, Charles E., died in childhood. At the usual age he became a pupil in the public schools of Madison and after completing his high school course there spent a year in the State University. He then went east to Cornell University, where in 1913 he completed the agricultural course. He had previously been connected with the fruit business at Sturgeon Day and following his graduation he returned to take charge of the business at this point. He now has seventy acres devoted to fruit, thirty acres being planted to cherries, thirty acres to apples, five acres to plums and five acres to small fruit. In addition he has one hundred and thirty acres of land which he farms, and upon his place he has a herd of pure bred Guernsey cattle.

On the 2oth of August, 1913, Moulton B. Goff was married to Miss Agnes Davis, of Madison, a daughter of R. W. and Helen (Hopkins) Davis, and they now have two sons, Charles D. and Robert W. In politics Mr. Goff is a progressive republican and fraternally is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is one of the county's most progressive farmers, acquainted with ever phase of the work and continually studying, so that he keeps in touch with the latest researches, discoveries and improvements in methods of fruit and crop production. His ideals are high and he grasps eagerly every opportunity for raising himself to their level.

Elias Helgeson

Elias Helgeson is the proprietor of Edgewater Lodge, one of the finest hotels in Ephraim, and has been engaged in this business since 1906. He was born in Liberty Grove township, Door county, December 2, 1863, a son of Knute and Marit Helgeson, both of whom were natives of Norway. Leaving the land of the midnight sun, they crossed the Atlantic to America in 1852 and established their home in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where they remained for a short time. They then removed to Door county, where the father homesteaded land, securing a tract of government land in Liberty Grove township, which he cleared and improved. After operating that place for some time he took up his abode in Gibraltar, a mile north of Ephraim, and this he also developed, continuing the cultivation of that farm throughout his remaining days. He passed away in 1907, at the age of eighty-three years, while his wife died in 1903. They were worthy pioneer people of the community and contributed to the progress and prosperity of the district as the years went on.

Elias Helgeson was reared and educated in Ephraim, the public school system affording him his educational opportunities. He continued with his parents until he reached the age of nineteen years, when he entered the employ of James Hanson as a clerk in his store. He spent twenty years in that capacity and also conducted a store for Mr. Hanson at Sister Bay for five years. He next engaged in fishing and gave more than two decades of his life to that pursuit. In r9o6 he became proprietor of the Edgewater Lodge and has since remained in the hotel business. His hotel is one of the finest in Ephraim, beautifully situated overlooking the bay, and has accommodations for one hundred people. The Lodge is noted for its excellent table, also for the courtesy uniformly extended to guests and for the air of cheeriness that characterizes the place, giving it a homelike atmosphere.

On the 8th of March, 1884, Mr. Helgeson was united in marriage to Miss Tilla Hanson and to them have been born eight Children: Lillie, who is the wife of Loren De Nune, a machinist residing in Beloit, Wisconsin ; Grace, at home; Clyde, who wedded Miss Mildred Thorp; Elton, who was accidentally drowned in 1897 ; and Pearl, Guy, Elsie and Eugene, all of whom are yet at home.

treasurer for sixteen years, a fact which indicates the trustworthiness with which he has discharged his duties, proving a capable custodian of the public funds of his township. His religious faith is that of the Moravian church, while fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Maccabees. A life long resident of Door county, he is widely and favorably known and the record which he has made as a business man and a citizen establishes him as one of the representative residents of this section of the state.

Melvin Haines

As most of the improvements which have been brought about in the locality of Melvin Haines, of Nasewaupee township, have been due chiefly to his initiative and energy, it is evident that he should be represented in any history of Door county. A native of Wisconsin, he was born January 7, 1850, and is a son of Talak and Helen Haines, who removed to Wisconsin from Canada in 1840. To them were born the following children: Oliver, who went to the front with the Union army in the Civil war and never returned; Tellif; Melvin; Mary, who is the wife of John Peterson, of Hainesville; Eli, a resident of Sawyer, Wisconsin; Christiana, who is the deceased wife of Hans Ellison and is buried in Hainesville; Oscar, a resident of Hainesville ; and Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Gillispie, of Los Angeles, California.

Melvin Haines is a self educated man. By virtue of thorough training in agricultural work under his father he was capable of taking charge of a farm by the time that he reached his majority. In 1874 he removed to what is now Hainesville and cleared and brought under cultivation land in that vicinity. He has devoted his life to farming and his place on section 12, Nasewaupee township, is thoroughly improved and developed in every way. His work is carefully planned and he has been the first man in the county to introduce many modern innovations in farm work. He owned the first gasoline engine in the county and was also the first to recognize the possibilities for a summer resort at Idlewild, His ability to see opportunities for advancement before they are apparent to others has been a factor in his individual prosperity and has also been conducive to the general welfare, for he has always been willing to give of his time and energy to bringing about public improvements which seem to be advisable. He is at present serving on the board of directors of the Fruit Growers Association and was formerly president of that body, which has done so much for the horticultural development of the county. He was the first business man and the first postmaster of Sawyer and in all that he has done he has manifested keenness of insight and soundness of judgment to an unusual degree.

Mr. Haines was married in 1874 to Miss Mary Sorenson, of Sawyer, who died in 1883 and is buried in the Nasewaupee cemetery. To them were born six children of whom three are living: Arthur, who is engaged in the transfer business in Duluth, Minnesota; Frank, who is head clerk of the George H. Dole commission firm and also has a seat on the Chicago Board of Trade; and Elizabeth, who is a trained nurse and resides in Chicago. For his second wife Mr. Haines chose Miss Emilia Thorson, of Door county.

Mr. Haines gives his political allegiance to the republican party as he believes in its principles, and he has served in a number of offices. For several years he was on the board of supervisors, for many years was clerk of his township, and for a long period was clerk of the school board in his district. He organized the first school at Hainesville and in more recent years was instrumental in securing the erection of an up-to-date brick school building in his district. He is now treasurer of Nasewaupee Cemetery Association. It was he who succeeded in getting a rural route through his locality. He is a member of the Hainesville Norwegian Lutheran church. When he first came to Door county his nearest neighbor was ten miles distant and in all the changes that have since occurred leading to the development of the county he has been an important factor,

Joseph N. Wierichs

Joseph N. Wierichs is the proprietor of the Sunnyside cheese factory in Egg Harbor township. He was born in Ahnapee township, Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, June 3, 1884, a son of Theodore and Frances ( Matju) Wierichs, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Bohemia. When a young man the father left his native country and crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling in Kewaunee county, Wisconsin. He purchased a farm in Ahnapee township which was covered with a native growth of forest trees and he at once began to clear the land and transform the property into productive fields. On the place he built a log cabin and spent his remaining days upon the old homestead, his death occurring in 1897. His widow survives and is now living in Forestville, Door county, Wisconsin.

Joseph N. Wierichs, whose name introduces this review, spent his boyhood upon the old homestead farm in his native county and there pursued his education. On starting out in the business world he was employed in a sawmill for two years and afterward worked for George Bottkol in Lincoln, Kewaunee county, Wisconsin. Later he attended the dairy school in Madison and thus gained a comprehensive knowledge of the most scientific methods of dairying and cheese manufacturing. After finishing his course there he started in business on his own account, renting a cheese factory at Lincoln for four years. He was also in Kewaunee for a short time and in Forestville two years and later he built a factory three and a quarter miles from Egg Harbor, while in May, 1917, he erected his present factory, which is splendidly equipped for the manufacture of cheese. He follows the most modern and improved methods and produces a most sanitary product of excellent quality. His output finds a ready sale on the market and commands the best market prices.

In 1913 Mr. Wierichs was married to Miss Gladys Lake, a daughter of William and Ella (De Bow) Lake. She was born at Clebourne, Texas, while her father was a native of Madison and her mother.of Blair, Wisconsin. Her father was long connected with the Kewaunee, Green Bay & Western Railroad as a passenger conductor. He has been a railroad man all his life, employed on various lines. During the girlhood of his daughter, Mrs. Wierichs, he was in Mexico and she was the only white child at the place of her residence at that time. Her father was a conductor on the Santa Fe Railroad and made trips from Galveston, Texas, and to Kansas City. He has all kinds of experiences during his connection with railroad work, including a holdup by train robbers. At length, however, he came to Wisconsin and it was here that his daughter became acquainted with Joseph Wierichs and their marriage resulted. They are well known in Egg Harbor township, where Mr. Wierichs is regarded as a representative business man, prominently connected with cheese manufacturing, which has become one of the important industries of this section of the state.

Hubert Dandois

Since 1909 Hubert Dandois has conducted a garage in Brussels and for some time previous had been engaged in the saloon business. He still continues active along those lines and is also well known as a dealer in horses, having two good farm properties in this county. He was born in Brussels, Door county, February 19, 1869, and is a son of Ethan and Octavia (Delviex) Dandois, both of whom were natives of Belgium, where they were reared and married. The father engaged in harness making in the city of Brussels, after which he came to the new world in 1849, crossing the Atlantic on an old-time sailing vessel, the Seymour, which was six months in completing the trip. On one occasion the boat suffered considerable wreck at sea and repairs had to be made at Flushing. From that point they proceeded on to the United States by way of Quebec and later Mr. Dandois removed with his family to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and made the overland trip to Brussels. This section of the state was then largely wild and undeveloped and the most farsighted did not dream of the changes which were to occur and which would transform this from a frontier region into one of the populous, prosperous and highly attractive districts of the state. He took up government land, securing forty acres, on which he built a log house with a door in the roof. He then began to develop the land, clearing away the trees and brush, and in true pioneer style met all the privations incident to the settlement of the frontier. He made his own grain-grinding machinery and he performed much of the work of the farm by hand. For a number of years he continued to live upon that place, but eventually retired and established his home at Green Bay, where he departed this life March 25, 1910. For two decades he had survived his wife, who passed away on the old home farm in 1890. He was one of the worthy pioneer settlers, arriving in the county when there were no roads and the people had to follow blazed trails through the forests else they would have lost their way. Many of the old settlers carried grain on their backs from Bay Shore and for a considerable period they experienced all of the hardships which are incident to the settlement of a new country.

Hubert Dandois spent his boyhood in Brussels, securing his education in the public schools, while in the summer months he worked upon the old home farm. He was thus engaged until he reached the age of nineteen years, when he learned the blacksmith's trade at Brussels and also at Marinette, Wisconsin. Later he opened a shop on his own account in Brussels, where he conducted business until 1900. In that year he established a garage, which he has since conducted, and for a number of years previous he had been proprietor of a saloon in Brussels. He continues in those lines of business and is meeting with merited success in whatever he undertakes. Aside from his interests in the town he has sixty acres of land in Brussels township and forty acres in Gardner township and upon his farm is engaged in handling horses. `,

In 1891 Mr. Dandois was united in marriage to Miss Virginia Mathy, a daughter of Charles and Annie Mathy, who were natives of Belgium and came to the United States in early life. Mrs. Dandois was also born in that country and accompanied her parents on their emigration to the new world. The family home was established in Union township, where the father purchased land and began the development of a farm, being actively connected with the agricultural interests of the early days. He died upon that place and his family afterward became owners of another farm. The mother now makes her home with her son. To Mr. and Mrs. Dandois have been born seven children, namely, Octavia, Mary, Ellen, Eva, Rosie, Anna and Johnny.

Mr. Dandois has always been a resident of Brussels township and is familiar with its history from an early period, while with its business affairs he has been closely identified, and the success which is now his is the direct outcome of persistent labor and close application.

Henry J. Hahn

For twenty-three years Henry J. Hahn has been engaged in the furniture and undertaking business at Sturgeon Bay and is one of the leading merchants of Door county, progressive and enterprising. He carries a large and well selected line of goods and his business methods have ever been such as have won for him the confidence and support of the public. He was born in Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, June 11, 1865, and is a son of Henry and Barbara (Haen) Hahn, who were natives of Germany and came to America in early life, settling in Pennsylvania, where the father worked in the lumber mills for a time. He afterward came to Wisconsin, establishing his home in Kewaunee county, where he purchased land, which he improved and cultivated for nine years. In 1868 he came to Sturgeon Bay and bought city property, on which he erected a hotel, continwing its conduct throughout his remaining days. He passed away in 1887, while his wife, long surviving him, died May 30, 1903.

Henry J. Hahn is a well known and substantial citizen who has won for himself a very creditable place in public regard as a leading business man of Sturgeon Pay. where he has spent much of his life. He was here reared and educated and remained with his mother, operating the home farm after his father's death for six or seven years. He then turned his attention to the furniture and undertaking business, in which he has met with substantial prosperity, continuing active in this field for twenty-three years. He carries a large stock of fine furniture and enjoys a very liberal patronage, for his business methods are strictly honorable and in all his dealings he is thoroughly reliable, having never been known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any trade transaction. He also has other important business interests, for he is the owner of an excellent farm of oné hundred and sixty acres in Sevastopol township, and on this he has a large orchard of thirty-five hundred trees. To the operation of his farm he gives his personal attention and displays good business ability in this connection. He owns the two story and basement brick building w! hich he occupies as a furniture store end which was erected in 1904.

On the 18th of June, 1898, Mr. Hahn was united in marriage to Miss Emily Shimmel a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wenzel Shimmel, who were natives of Bohemia and in early life crossed the Atlantic, establishing their home in Door county, where the father became a farmer. Later he turned his attention to the tailoring and jewelry business and continued to reside in this county until his steath, which occurred in October, 1913, his widow surviving until May 1915.

Mr. Hahn is a public-spirited citizen, interested in many plans to promote the general good. He is a member of the Fair Association and for eight years has served as its president. He is also a member and one of the board of directors of the Fruit Growers Association and for ten years he was chief of the fire 'lepartment. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is now serving on the county board of supervisors, which position he has filled for four years. For five years he was a member of the board of aldermen and ever exercised his official prerogatives in support of plans to advance the welfare and promote the civic standards of the city. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. His is an interesting career, showing what may be accomplished by determined effort and persistent energy. His ideals of life are high and in every relation he has been true to honorable principles.

Frank Long

Flags were unfurled at half mast when it was learned that Frank Long, of Sturgeon Bay, had passed away. It was the visible expression of the deep grief felt by the great majority of his fellow citizens, who had learned to know and honor him as a man of high principles, courageous in action, manly in purpose and patriotic in his devotion to his country. Of him it was said: "He was not a passive onlooker, but an active participant in the hard work that met the brave men and women who faced pioneer life and who, undaunted by hardships. «reated new conditions to fit.into the marvellous transformations of modern life in the twentieth century."

Mr. Long was a native of the village of Entrup, in the province of Westphalia, Prussia. He was born December 31, 1847, his parents being John and Minnie Theresa Lange, who after their emigration to the United States took the American form of the word. For many generations their ancestors had been landowners, farmers and shoemakers, living for several centuries in the same region, but actuated by a spirit of progress, John Long determined to seek his fortune elsewhere and in 1853 came to the new world as a passenger on the Grosse Herman, which weighed anchor at Bremen. He was accompanied by his wife and two children, Frank and Theresa, and after a six weeks' voyage they landed at New York in August. They at once proceeded westward, traveling over the newly constructed railroad to Buffalo, thence by a little lake steamer to

Toledo and on by the Wabash canal to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Cholera was then devastating that section of the country and the mother and sister became ill of the disease and passed away. While living at Fort Wayne the father married again and in 1856 came to Wisconsin, settling at Green Bay. There he left his family and started out in search of employment, for through a series of misfortunes he had lost nearly everything that he had previously possessed. He found work with E. S. Yates, the first shoemaker of Sturgeon Bay, and six months later his family joined him, having made the trip by sailing vessel. It was on the 22d of October, 1856, therefore that Frank Long became a resident of this city. From that time forward the father conducted a boot and shoe business on his own account, meeting with substantial success up to the time of his retirement from business in 1872.

Frank Long had begun his education in a parochial school at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and later attended public school in Sturgeon Bay, but when a youth of fourteen started out to earn his own living, securing the position of devil in the printing office of the Sturgeon Bay Advocate, a newly established paper, which did not bring forth its first issue until a month later, and during that period the young lad learned not a little concerning the methods of setting type and other work of the printing office. Six months later he was given entire charge of the mechanical work and remained in charge until 1864, when he went to Oconto, Wisconsin, and became active in the establishment of the Oconto Lumberman. After a year, however, he returned to Sturgeon Bay and again became connected with the Advocate, occupying a position in the composing room until 1875, when he purchased the paper, of which he remained editor and proprietor up to the time of his death, within which period the paper developed from a little five-column folio to a six-column, eight-page paper. The spirit of progress was manifest in each department of the business. The Washington hand press and hand-set type were superseded by the electrically controlled cylinder press and linotype machine. The changes wrought and the advancement made in the mechanical and other departments of the paper were the direct result of the untiring efforts and business ability of the owner. It has been said that there is no criterion of character so great as the attitude of the employer toward those in his service. In this connection N. C. Garland bears the following testimony : "Inasmuch as there are many who have kindly submitted their tributes to Mr. Long as they knew him as an editor, citizen and Christian gentleman, it is my pleasure to tell of his virtues as an employer. In the past twenty odd years that I have been employed by Mr. Long I never heard him utter one word of censure or abuse to anyone in his employ. If he was displeased at anything done by an employe he took the kindly and charitable view of the matter and dismissed it from his mind with the conviction in his heart that the offense was not intended, He always had a kind and cheerful word for those in his employ and his greatest pleasure was,in doing something for them which he felt would give them enjoyment. His sympathies were deep and responsive and those in his employ were like one of his own family. To work for him was to love and admire him for his many good qualities of heart and mind. Ever ready to extend a helping hand, always anxious to do a kindly act, truly he was one of God's noblemen. Those who knew him best loved him most."

Miss Agnes Damkoehler, a native of Walworth county. Her parents were Ernest and Mathilde Damkoehler, the latter still living at the age of eighty-four years. Her father, who was born in Brunswick, Germany, served under Napoleon in the Algerian campaign and at the time of the Civil war in the United States he joined Company H of the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and while at the front was wounded and captured, being sent to Andersonville prison, where he died of starvation and neglect. Mr. and Mrs. Long became the parents of eight children: F. Erve, a blacksmith and implement dealer of Niagara, Wisconsin; Ernest W., who is connected with the Sturgeon Bay Advocate and is the owner of a farm in this county; Clarence E., who is professor in a nautical school in Milwaukee; Amy D., the wife of the Rev. Sam Groenfeldt, of Ephraim, Wisconsin; Dudley S., owner of the Sturgeon Bay Advocate and proprietor of a garage in Sturgeon Bay; Agnes L., the wife of A. C. Woerfel, a druggist of Sawyer, Wisconsin; and two who died in childhood.

When Mr. Long passed away on the 27th of December, 1912, his four sons and two half-brothers acted as pallbearers, and with the impressive service of the Masonic fraternity his remains were interred. He had long been an honored member of Henry S. Baird Lodge, No. 216, F. & A. M., and also of Unit Lodge, No. 144, K. P., and the Sons of Hermann. He was never a politician in the sense of office seeking and yet was a power in local and state politics. In writing of him at the time of his demise the Rev. W. H. Vogler said: "In speaking of Mr. Long as a patriotic citizen, we speak words of soberness and truth. He loved the land of his adoption. He was proud of her greatness. He was enthusiastic over the institutions that created that greatness. Hence he took an active part in the political life that throbbed during the stirring times of his vigorous manhood. He mingled and led in the necessary strife of parties, but without acrimony. He was keenly awake to the joy of victory. He knew how to bear defeat without bitterness. He despised clap-trap and chicanery. He could scent the corruptionist who came with money or patronage so quickly as to forestall any attempt in this direction. He could handle public money and account for it, he could make money tell for the cause he espoused without a thought of anything but honorable success. He came through with clean hands. His was the great heart of the plain citizen, doing a plain citizen's duty without the desire for office or emolument. About ten years prior to his death he joined the Moravian church. He did not parade his religion. He did not make extravagant claims or professions. He was quiet, conscientious, consistent; regular in his attendance upon

- the services, generous in his support of the church and highly appreciative of the great value of Christian institutions as the chief factor in the upbuilding of civic or personal life and character." When death called him tributes of esteem, respect and honor were heard on every hand. E. S. Minor spoke of him as: "One of Sturgeon Bay's best beloved and most highly respected citizens," adding, "Mr. Long will always be counted by those who knew him best as among the noblest of the human kind. He has left a vacant place that will be hard to fill. He will be missed by his family, his friends, by the city, county and state. It has been my privilege to enjoy an intimate acquaintance with Mr. Long for more than forty years. I have known him well morally, socially and politically, and I now bear most willing testimony to the fact that at all times and in all circumstances I found in him a manly man, a loyal friend and a splendid citizen. 'Tis idle to attempt an enumeration of his many splendid traits, they were as numerous as sands on the sea shore." Dudley S. Crandall bore the following tribute: "In the remarkably successful'career of Mr. Frank Long is illustrated the value of persistence in a high purpose. When the writer hereof made the acquaintance of Mr. Long in 1870 - more than forty-two years ago - he was a workman in the employ of the Harris brothers, who were at that time the proprietors of the Advocate. He then realized that in order to rise above the common level he must become the master instead of the man, and with this end in view he within a few years became the owner of the business. At that time the circulation of the Advocate was limited to about four hundred copies, but under his skillful management the circle of readers rapidly expanded until its subscription list became one of the largest among local journals in this or any other state, while in typographic appearance it has few equals and no superiors. Mr. Long lived to see Sturgeon Day expand from a rude lumbering camp to a beautiful city possessing many modern features, and from a population of a few hundreds to more than as many thousands. He witnessed a similar transformation in the county at large, which from a wilderness and desert place has been made to blossom as the rose. For these rapid changes our people are largely indebted to Mr. Long, whose exhibit of our productive soil, our fisheries and many other advantages had much influence in the upbuilding of Door county. That he was personally popular is abundantly demonstrated by the large concourse which followed his remains to the tomb, the vast assemblage indicating that the entire city deeply mourned the loss of our departed friend." Another said: "In all my dealings with him I found that one could rely upon what he promised, for Mr. Long was strictly honest. He may have taken stands on certain questions that were not in accord with some of his friends' views, but in so doing if he erred I feel confident that he did so conscientiously and believed that it was for the public good." His strong characteristics were further attested by Harry E. Damkoehler, who said: "Door county has suffered an irreparable loss in the death of its most distinguished citizen, Mr. Frank Long. No man in the county was better or more favorably knowh, and no man did more for the development of the county and fought more persistently for its well-being than the late editor of the Advocate. Every scheme put forth that he considered a detriment to the people of the county he fought with vigor, and every plan for the moral or material betterment of the people received his full support. During his long career as editor of the Advocate he proved himself above price and he was ever content to modestly do his duty to his fellowmen. One of his greatest pleasures was to do another a favor, whether friend or enemy. To say that many whom he bitterly opposed afterward became his warm friends fully shows his fair dealings and high purpose. Mr. Long was devoted to his family and friends, and no one's death will be more sincerely regretted." Willard E. Gaede bore the following testimony: "Deep in the soul of man is that sentiment which would keep alive the memories of worthy and gifted men and the good which they have accomplished. To utter a tribute to Mr. Frank Long is a pleasant duty. He was the son of one of the early settlers and during his boyhood days Door county was little more than a wilderness with little to offer except hard work and hardships. But with indomitable will he was able to overcome one hardship after another until his chosen profession in life was crowned with

. as deeply as those who have been intimately associated with him for the past forty years. As a further tribute to his sterling character, it mattered not which side he took upon any question which affected the public or its policies, he was never influenced by any mercenary motive and his opposition or support was clearly from his heart and what he believed to be right."

Carl Blunk

Carl Blunk, who carries on dairying on section 15, Egg Harbor township, was horn in Germany in January, 1855, and is a son of Carl and Marie Blunk, who were natives of that country and came to America in 1880. In the same year Carl Blunk crossed the Atlantic with his parents, being at the time twenty-five wears of age. He had followed farming in Germany and on reaching the new world he took up his abode at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where he resided until 1883, when he removed to Egg Harbor township. He purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 15 and at once began developing and improving the property. He today is the owner of a well improved place, which he has ontinuously cultivated, and he makes a specialty of dairying, milking eleven cows.

On the 6th of September, 1887, Mr. Blunk was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Berndt, a daughter of Louis and Katie Berndt, who were natives of Germany, where the mother passed away in 1807, when her daughter Augusta was but a year old. The father afterward came to America with his family in 1884 and established his home in Milwaukee, where he departed this life in 1912.

Mr. Blunk maintains an independent course politically, supporting men and sures rather than party when he exercises his right of franchise. He is a Lutheran in religious faith and endeavors to guide his life by the teachings of the church. For thirty-seven years he has been a resident of Door county and for more than a third of a century has lived upon his present farm in Egg Harbor township.

Ernest J. Delchambre

Emest J. Delchambre, a progressive and successful young farmer residing on section 13, Sevastopol township, was born in Belgium, December 26, 1889, a son of Desire and Emerance Delchambre. The father was a miner in his native country and after removing to the United States and locating in Sturgeon ay. Wisconsin, he worked in a sawmill in that town for a few years. He then purchased a farm in Sevastopol township, cleared it of timber and erected suitable buildings thereon, thus adding greatly to the value of the tract. At length he traded it for the west half of the southwest quarter of section 13, Sevastopol township, which had been homesteaded by John Hocks, one of the first settlers of the township, and which was already a well developed farm when it came into the possession of Mr. Delchambre. During all this time they continued to reside in Sturgeon Bay and both he and his wife are Still living there, the farm being operated by their son, Ernest J. Delchambre. They are the parents of five children: Julia, who is the wife of Albert Kubis, of Sturgeon Bay; Justin, deceased; Alphonsin, now Mrs. Norbert Glesner, of Sturgeon Bay; Ernest J.; and Gustav, who is also upon his father's farm.

Ernest J. Delchambre was but eight years of age when brought to the United States by his parents and therefore received the greater part of his education in the schools of Sturgeon Bay, He had reached young manhood when his father became the owner of his present farm on the southwest quarter of section 13, Sevastopol township, and he at once took up his residence upon that place, which he has since operated with the assistance of his brother Gustav. They engage in general farming and derive good profits from their labors. The soil is naturally rich and its fertility is conserved by careful methods of cultivation, and they have also taken care to keep all the buildings and fences in good condition.

On the gth of June, 1914, Mr. Delchambre was married to Miss Mary Strahan, a daughter of Louis and Johanna Elizabeth (Quinn) Strahan, who were early settlers of Sevastopol township. The mother is still residing near the Institute, but the father has passed away. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Delchambre, namely : Justin and Joseph, twins, born February 23, 1915; and Altin, who was born May 31, 1917.

Mr. Delchambre votes the republican ticket at national elections as a rule, hut at local elections is inclined to be independent, believing that the qualifications of a candidate should be considered before his party affiliation. He is a member of the Modern Brotherhood of America and also of the Sts. Peter and Paul church. His genuine worth as a man is indicated by the high esteem in which he is held by those who have known him intimately since boyhood, and his success as a farmer is evidence of his enterprise and ability.

Andrew J. Wickman

Andrew J. Wickman is now living retired in Liberty Grove township but for many years was actively identified with farming interests in Door county. He well deserves the rest that has come to him, for his has been a busy and useful life and he has contributed much to the agricultural development of this section of the state. He was born in Sweden, December 23, 1848, a son of Johan and Martha Anderson, who were also natives of that country. The father died when his son Andrew was but three years of age and at the early age of nine years the son began working at farm labor, and later also worked in the woods, being thus employed until he reached the age of twenty-three years, spending the winter in the forests and the summer seasons in farm work. In the meantime his mother married again and his stepfather came to America, hoping to better his financial condition on this side the Atlantic. Pleased with the opportunities which he found and hoping for future success, he sent for his family after two years and in 1872 Andrew J. Wickman came to the new world with his mother. The family home was established in Iowa and there Andrew J. Wickman remained until 1873, when he came to Door county, Wisconsin, locating at Ellison Bay. For three months he was manager of a boarding house at Gills Rock and on the expiration of that period he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land located near Ellison Bay and turned his attention to farming. He cleared a portion of this land and continued its cultivation for many years, carefully developing the fields. His labors wrought a marked change in the appearance ef the place, which ever gave an indication of his practical and progressive methods, for annually he gathered large and abundant harvests. His son now operates the home farm, while Mr. Wickman is living retired in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.

On the:gth of June, 1873, Mr. Wickman was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ostrom, a daughter of Andrew Ostrom, a native of Sweden, They have become the parents of nine children, namely: Martha, who married A. M. Anderson, a farmer residing in Ellison Bay; Louisa, the wife of Harry Muller, a resident of Chicago; Sarah; Anna, deceased; John; Amanda, the wife of Charles Anderson, of Ellison Bay; Gusta, the wife of Bert Jacobson, of Chicago; Alfred, residing on the home farm; and Gilbert.

In his political views Mr. Wickman is a republican. He has served as road officer and for eighteen years was school director, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and assisted in organizing the congregation and in building the house of worship. His memory goes back to pioneer times when much of this country was wild and undeveloped. He has assisted in the work of general progress and improvement and his life record forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.

Robert B. Cornish

Robert B. Cornish, one of the most prominent and successful horticulturists of Door county, is living on section 32, Sevastopl township, and his long experience and close study enable him to speak with authority upon matters relating to fruit raising. He was born in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, March 21, 1874, a son of Oscar and Elizabeth ( Whitney) Cornish, who were natives of New York and of Vermont respectively. The father was a lumber merchant, following that business after his arrival in Wisconsin. Later, however, he turned his attention to the manufacture of dairy supplies at Fort Atkinson. He came to this state at an early period in its development and was closely associated with its progress and improvements as the years went on. He passed away in 1894, while his wife, surviving him for some time, died in the year 1907.

Robert B. Cornish was reared and educated at Fort Atkinson and also attended St. John's Military Academy at Delafield, Wisconsin, from which in due course of time he was graduated. Liberal educational facilities thus qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties and when his textbooks were put aside he worked in his father's factory and later in his father's office, serving as paymaster

' during the last three years of his connection with the business, in which were employed three hundred and fifty men. In March, 1912, Mr. Cornish came to

Door county and purchased a forty acre orchard in Sevastopol township. He at once set about improving the property and introducing modern scientific methods in relation to fruit culture. He now has ten hundred and forty cherry trees and four hundred apple trees and his orchards compare favorably with the best 20 be found in this part of the state. He is now giving his entire thought and attention to fruit raising and is meeting with very substantial success. He is a director of the Fruit Union of Door county and others interested in the same line of business recognize his sound opinions in everything relating to fruit culture.

In June, 1897, Mr. Cornish was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Kirkland and to them have been born two children: Mary, born March 12, 1898; and Robert, born March 4, 1900. The parents hold membership in the Episcopal church and Mr. Cornish gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Knights of Pythias lodge and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit which underlies those organizations. He has served as clerk of the local school district and he is interested in everything that pertains to progress and improvement in the locality in which he lieves. In fact he is actuated by a spirit of advancement in all that he undertakes and he possesses, moreover, that determination which enables him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he begins.

Joseph J. Washichek

Joseph J. Washichek, who is engaged in general merchandising in Baileys Harbor township and is also conducting a cheese factory there, was born in West Kewaunee, Wisconsin, on the 7th of October, 1876, a son of Jacob and Nellie (Skopec) Washichek, both of whom were natives of Bohemia, where they were reared and married. They were farming people in that country until 1858, when they crossed the Atlantic to the United States and established their home in Milwaukee. There the father worked for a time and later he went to West Kewaunee, where he purchased eighty acres of land which was covered with a dense growth of forest trees, and in the woods about him there was wild game of all kinds, including many deer. It was no difficult thing, therefore, for the early settler to supply his table with meat. There was, however, much difficulty experienced in clearing the land, for the trees had to be cut down, the stumps grubbed up, the brush burned and the land thus prepared for the plow. He built a log house and at once began the task of developing his farm, performing all the arduous labor incident to the cultivation of a new tract of land. Upon his place he remained throughout the rest of his life, passing away in 1901, while his wife survived until 1904.

Joseph J. Washichek was reared upon the old homestead farm, remaining with his father until he reached the age of eighteen years, when he learned the cheesemaking business at Carlton, Kewaunee county, where he spent three years. He next went to Pulaski, Wisconsin, where he was employed in a cheese factory. He a year. Later he made his home in Piercetown, Kewaunee county, where he engaged in cheese making for two years and then removed to Whitefish Bay, where he continued in the same line of business for five years. He afterward spent two years in cheese manufacturing in Jacksonport, Door county, and for one year was located at Sevastopol Institute. He next established his home in Baileys Harbor township and purchased his present business corner, upon which he built a two story building and cheese factory. There he conducts a general merchandise business and is meeting with substantial success in the undertaking He carries a well selected line of goods and his reasonable prices, his straightforward business methods and his enterprise have brought to him a gratifying and well deserved patronage. He also continues in cheese making and finds that a profitable branch of his interests.

In 1907 Mr. Washichek was married to Miss Rose Nottling, a daughter of Jernard and Elizabeth (Schaeffer) Nottling. Mrs. Washichek was born at Ryan, Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, but her grandparents were natives of Germany, while her mother was born in Monitowoc county, Wisconsin, and her father in New Orleans. To Mr. and Mrs. Washichek have been born three children, Juliet, Nettie and Anna.

Mr. Washichek is much interested in the cause of education and is serving as school clerk. He cooperates in all plans and measures for the general good, his aid and cooperation being always to be depended upon where the public welfare is at stake. Whatever he undertakes he accomplishes and his persistent energy enables him to overcome all obstacles or difficulties in his path.

Robert Degodt

Belgium's contribution to the citizenship of Door county includes Robert Degodt, who was born in that country, October 27, 1849, a son of Ambrose and Louise (Weaver) Degodt, who had a family of nine children, seven of whom are yet living although Robert is now the only one residing in Door county. He was a little lad of two summers when his parents came to the United States with their family, settling near Philadelphia. The father was employed in cotton factories there for a few years and later removed to Chester, Pennsylvania, where he remained for several years before coming west to Wisconsin. On reaching this state he bought a farm in Brown county, upon which he continued for seven or eight years, and then retired from active business life, taking up his abode iu Green Bay, where he remained until death called him to the home beyond. For some time he had survived his wife, who died in Pennsylvania.

To the common school system of the Keystone state Robert Degodt was indebted for his educational opportunities. He attended school to the age of sixteen years, when he started out to provide for his own support, working in the cotton factories to the age of eighteen. He then went with his father to Wisconsin and for some time was employed in sawmills, spending much of the time in that way in Kewaunee county for a period of twelve years. After com- :ng to Door county he turned his attention to the occupation of farming, renting land in Sevastopol township for the next five years. In 1915 he removed to Jacksonport township and is now renting the south half of the southwest quarter of section 30, and the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of sec-

On the rst of January, 1881, Mr. Degodt was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Lonzo, a daughter of Joseph and Adelaide (Bodet) Lonzo, who were natives of Canada. Both have departed this life, the father having died in Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, while the mother, who had married again, becoming the wife of John Bulles, died in Little Sturgeon Bay. Mr. and Mrs. Degodt have become parents of six children: Mary, the wife of Otto Malvetz of Sturgeon Bay; Josephine, the wife of Martin Tollipson of Sturgeon Bay; Elmer, d in the Wisconsin National Guard and will soon go to Camp Jennie, at home; Anna, the wife of Barnard Stoffels of Sturgeon Bay ; Elizabeth, at home. Mr. Degodt is a stalwart republican, having always supported the party, but has never sought nor desired office. He has worked hard and his diligence has brought to him the measure of success which he enjoys.

Dr. Herman Welcker, of Fish Creek, has engaged in the practice of medicine to only a slight extent for many years, having given the greater part of his attention to the hotel business, in which he has met with marked success. He also owns a valuable tract of land in Door county and his business interests have been wisely managed. He was born June 7, 1849, in Germany, a son of Herman and Wilhelmina (Patzschke) Welcker, also natives of Germany. The father was well known and highly esteemed in his community and was called to local office. He passed away in the fatherland in 1892 and the mother died there in 1876.

Herman Welcker was reared in his native country and received liberal educational advantages, graduating from Leipsic University in medicine in 1877. The following seventeen years were spent in the practice of his profession in Germany but in 1894 he came to the United States, as he had heard much concerning the excellent opportunities here offered. He located in Milwaukee, where he engaged in practice for some time. In 1896 he came to Fish Creek, Door county, on a pleasure trip and was so pleased with the country that he decided to make it his place of residence. He accordingly removed to Fish Creek, where he has since remained. In 1898 he entered the hotel business and in 1907 built what is known as Dr. Welcker's Casino. There are also twelve cottages at the resort and he can accommodate in all one hundred and fifty people at a time. His place ranks with the best summer hotels and resorts and his patrons are people of refinement who demand superior accommodations. He also owns three hundred acres of good land, to which he has given the name of Sunrise Farm and which adjoins the village. He has made many improvements upon the farm and has also developed a great deal of property in Fish Creek. His keen business insight was demonstrated by his decision to engage in the hotel business here, as he was the first man in Fish Creek to enter that line of endeavor, and although there are now may hotels and resorts, his place still retains its prestige.

they became the parents of a daughter, Mathilda, who was born January 25, 1881, and died in 1901 when twenty years of age. Dr. Welcker supports the republican party at the polls but has not otherwise taken an active part in politics. He holds membership in the Evangelical Lutheran church and in all the relations of life has adhered to high standards of conduct. During the two decades that he has resided in Door county he has been an important factor in the development of Fish Creek and Gibraltar township and he has also won the personal esteem of those with whom he has come in contact.

Samuel Churches

Samuel Churches is living retired in Fish Creek after many years of well directed labor and enjoys the confidence and esteem of those who know him. He was born in England, April 25, 1838, a son of James and Edith (Churches) Churches, also natives of that country. The father, who was a farmer, came to America in young manhood and located near Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he followed agricultural pursuits until his removal to Iowa. He also farmed there and resided in that state until his death.

Samuel Churches was reared and educated in England and in Kenosha county, Wisconsin, and through assisting his father with the work of the farm gained thorough training in agricultural pursuits. After his parents removed to Iowa he was in the employ of others in Wisconsin until the Civil war. He then enlisted in Company E, First Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was at the front with that comrhand for three years, during which time he saw much hard fighting. After the close of hostilities he came to Door county and for four years resided in Daileys Harbor. He then purchased land in Gibraltar township, on which he made improvements from time to time and which he developed into a highly cultivated and valuable property. He also was employed for twelve years as a rural mail carrier, covering a twenty-seven mile route. For two years he has made his home in Fish Creek and is enjoying a period of well deserved leisure made possible by his labor in other years

In 1869 Mr. Churches was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Barringer, by whom he had four children: Sherman, born August 5, 1870; John, May 26, 1872; Martha, October 12, 1873; and Willie, July 3, 1878. The wife and mother passed away May 22, 1881, and on the 27th of May, 1883, Mr. Churches married to Miss Ada Fairchild, a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Judd) irchild, natives of Massachusetts. The father, who was a farmer came to Door county, Wisconsin, with his family about 1860 and purchased a tract of land in Gibraltar township, which he cleared and to the cultivation of which he devoted the remainder of his life. His death occurred in 1889 but his wife survived until 1897. By his second marriage Mr. Churches has five children, as follows: Frank, born April 10, 1884; Edith, August 23, 1885; Harry, April 26, 1887; and Blaine and Planche, twins, born July 9, 1891.

Mr. Churches is a stanch republican and has held many local offices. For several years he was chairman of the town board, was township clerk for some time, served as chairman of the county board of supervisors for sixteen years and was justice of the peace and notary public for many years. He was serving as chairman of the board of supervisors when the courthouse was built and in that capacity had a great deal of responsibility connected with the erection of the building. He holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and has taken a great deal of pleasure in his association with others who fought to save the Union. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian.

George Jorgenson

George Jorgenson is the owner of an eight-acre farm in Clay Banks township, where he has resided since 1900, and in the intervening period of seventeen years he has placed many excellent improvements upon his land. He is numbered among the substantial citizens that Norway has furnished to Door county, his birth having occurred in Valders, December 15, 1857, his parents being Ambric and Mary Jorgenson. In 1865 they came with their family to the new world, settling on a farm in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin. In 1870 they. removed to Door county and in the following year the father aided in fighting the fire which swept over this section of the state. He took up his abode upon a farm in Forestville and afterward sold that place to his son, while he retired to private life, establishing his home in Sawyer. He died October 10, 1907, when he had reached the age of seventy-five years. The family numbered thirteen children.

George Jorgenson spent his youthful days in the usual manner of the farm bred boy and the public schools afforded him his educational opportunities. His advantages in youth were somewhat meager owing to the fact that he was one of a large family and that pioneer conditions still existed in this section of the state. The occupation to which he was reared he determined to make his life work and he began farming in Forestville, whence he removed to Clay Banks township in 1900, securing his present farm of eighty acres. Upon this he has made all of the improvements save the brick residence which he occupies. He has good buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and he uses the latest improved machinery in carrying on the work of the fields. His place presents a neat and attractive appearance and indicates the careful supervision of the owner. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Jorgenson is a stockholder in the Viking 'Telephone Company.

On the roth of September, 1883, Mr. Jorgenson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Paarman, of Algoma, Wisconsin, a daughter of Fred Paarman, who came originally from Germany. Mrs. Jorgenson was born November 30, 1862, and by her marriage has become the mother of nine children: Fred, who died at the age of nine years; Laura, the wife of Lawrence Madoche, of Sandpoint, Idaho; Eleanor, the wife of Clarence Almgren, of Nebraska; William; George, who is a member of the National Guard; Oscar, who is living in Clay Banks; Lilly, a teacher in Ellison Bay and a graduate of the Algoma (Wis.) Training School; Madeline; and Roland, at home.

The family adhere to the faith of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Jorgenson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and he has filled

For three years he was supervisor in Forestville. He was instrumental in the organization of the local school district and was a director of the Clay Banks district for some time. He has served as road overseer, which position he is filling at this writing, and he was supervisor for two years. He stands for progress and improvement in all public matters and cooperates heartily in plans and measures for the general good. While born across the water, almost his entire life has been spent in this county and he is well known as one of its substantial and reliable citizens at all times loyal to its welfare.

Otto Peil

From the age of sixteen years Otto Peil has resided upon the farm on section 18 in Baileys Harbor township on which he still makes his home. He was born in Brandenburg, Germany, September 11, 1865, a son of Carl and Augusta (Getmand) Peil, who were also natives of Brandenburg, where they were reared and married. There the father followed the occupation of farming until 1881, when he came to the United States and established his home upon the farm on which his son Otto now resides, securing a tract of eighty acres. The land was wild and undeveloped but he at once began its improvement, clearing a part of it. He erected buildings thereon and continued the cultivation of his fields throughout his remaining days. He reached the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey, and his wife passed away in the year 1909.

Otto Peil spent the first sixteen years of his life in his native country and then accompanied his parents to the United States. He had acquired his education in the schools of the fatherland and since coming to America has given his attention to general agricultural pursuits. In 1896 he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Henry, a daughter of Carl and Carolina (Langua) Henry. Mrs. Peil was born in Germany but was married in Baileys Harbor, and by her marriage she has become the mother of ten children: Carl, Alfreda, Walter, Reinhart, Martha, Adaline, Arthur, Hans, Roland and Hilda.

In his business affairs Mr. Peil has shown good judgment and unfaltering enterprise. He has worked diligently in the development of his farm and is today the owner of a valuable and productive property which is bringing to him good return and which has placed him among the substantial agriculturists of the community.

William Gigot, Sr., who has added to his landed possessions from time to time until he is now the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred and fifty-one acres, ranks with the representative agriculturists of Gardner township. His home is on section 9 and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates his careful supervision and practical and progressive methods. It was in this township that he was born May 17, 1867. His father, Henry Gigot, came to the new world from Belgium in 1847 and removed westward to Wisconsin, establishing his home in Door county, where in an early day he conducted a saloon.' He afterward homesteaded land, securing a tract of eighty acres, and in the course of years he purchased another tract of similar size, thus becoming the owner of a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He died August 17, 1899, at the age of seventy-four years, and thus was ended a life of great usefulness. His family numbered nine children: August; Matilda, who died in infancy; Josephine, deceased ; Delphine, the wife of Clem Herlache; Elizabeth, the wife of Godfrey Loverlette; Henry; Felix, who is living in Sawyer, Wisconsin; William; and Matilda, who has passed away.

At the age of six years William Gigot, Sr., became a pupil in the public schools and devoted his attention to the acquirement of an education until he put aside his textbooks in order to concentrate his entire attention upon the home farm. He worked for his father until the latter's death in 1899 and since that time he has continued the development of the land, upon which he has placed many modern improvements. He has added to his holdings from time to time until his place now comprises two hundred and fifty-one acres, constituting one of the fine farms in Gardner township. He works along progressive lines in the development of his fields and his work has resulted in the annual harvesting of good crops whereby he secures a gratifying yearly income.

On the 28th of February, 1899, Mr. Gigot was united in marriage to Miss Rosie Neville and they have become the parents of eight children: Jule; Ed; Gus; Matilda, the wife of Alec Herlache; Henry; Harris; Clarence; and Lena, all of whom were born in Gardner township.

Mr. Gigot's father was one of the founders of St. Joseph's Catholic church, of which William Gigot of this review is a communicant. He has also served as a director of the school district for seven years and is much interested in public progress and improvement along that line. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and while not an office seeker he is loyal to the best interests of the community and gives his cooperation to many plans and measures for the general good.

Alfred Gibson

Alfred Gibson is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and forty acres on section 27, Baileys Harbor township. It is now a splendidly improved property and its attractive appearance indicates his careful supervision, progressive methods and indefatigable industry. He was born in Skåne, Sweden, June 8, 1848, a son of Peter and Hanna (Hanson) Gibson, who spent their entire lives in their native country. The father was a sailor and fisherman in Sweden and followed those pursuits in order to provide for his family.

Alfred Gibson passed his boyhood days in his native country, where he remained until his majority, when in 1869 he left Sweden for the new world. Making his way westward to Chicago, he was there employed for three years at different lines of work and he also spent a short time in Indiana. He likewise worked in the woods and in Missouri he was engaged in railroad work, being employed in railroad building near Springfield. He also worked in Menominee, Michigan, and in 1875 he engaged in fishing, making his home during that period at Egg Harbor. He again worked in the lumber woods until 1880, when, having saved a considerable sum from his earnings, he purchased a part of his present farm, becoming the owner of an eighty acre tract of wooded land. Upon this place he built a small frame house and at once began to clear and develop his property. Tree after tree was felled and the land prepared for the plow. The work of cultivation was then continued and in due course of time he was gathering good crops as a reward of his labor. Prosperity attended his efforts and he is now the owner of one hundred and forty acres of excellent farm land which is well improved with fine buildings, so that his place is one of the attractive properties of the community.

In 1882 Mr. Gibson was united in marriage to Miss Emma Rodemaker, a daughter of August and Wilhelmina (Clous) Rodemaker. Mrs, Gibson was born in Germany, as were her parents, who came with their family to the new world in an early day. They settled in Baileys Harbor township, Door county, where both are now living. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Gibson have been born six children, Adele, Leona, Anna, Andy, Walter and Agnes. For more than four decades Mr. Gibson has been a resident of this section of the state, arriving in Egg Harbor township in 1875. He has lived to witness many changes as the work of progress has been carried forward and in this transformation he has borne his part, for his life has been one of diligence and earnest purpose and indefatigable energy have enabled him to contribute in large measure to the agricultural development of this section. His business affairs have been wisely managed and his success is the direct and merited reward of his own labors.

Rudolph Dettmann

Rudolph Dettmann, a resident farmer of Forestville township, was born on the old Dettmann homestead on the 13th of August, 1877, a son of Joachim and Hannah (Stechman) Dettmann. His boyhood days were spent in Forestville township and at the usual age he became a pupil in the public schools. When not busy with his textbooks he worked in the fields and he remained upon the old home place until he reached the age of twenty-five years, when he started out in farm life on his own account, purchasing land about a mile and a half east of Maplewood. He had a tract of eighty acres, there to the development and improvement of which he devoted the succeeding fifteen years. He then sold that property and in May, 1916, purchased his present farm, which is situated on section 7, Forestville township. It is pleasantly and conveniently located rear the town of Maplewood, so that the advantages of town life are easily secured, while the opportunities of rural life are also enjoyed. He is enterprising in his methods, is a diligent worker and now has a fine farm from which he annually derives a substantial income, owing to the care and labor he bestows upon the fields.

In rgor Mr. Dettmann was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Myers, a daughter of Fred Myers, a native of Germany. Mrs. Dettmann was born in Hartford, Wisconsin, and by her marriage has become the mother of a daughter,

Pearl Mr. and Mrs. Dettmann hold membership with the Lutheran church of Forestville and their influence is given on the side of right, progress and improvement. He does not seek to figure prominently in public affairs, however, but gives his undivided attention to his farm work and his persistency of purpose has brought him his success.

Charles Ruckert

Charles Ruckert, an enterprising merchant of Ellison Bay, was born in Germany, August 2, 1866, and when two years of age his father died. Afterward his mother married again and the family came to America in 1871, settling at Racine, Wisconsin. In 1874 a removal was made to Rowleys Day, in Door county, and a year later another removal was made to Sister Bay, where the family home was maintained for four years. On the expiration of that period they came to Ellison Bay.

Charles Ruckert has been a resident of America since a little lad of five summers and during the greater part of the period has resided in Wisconsin, his residence in Door county covering forty-three years. Here he attended the district schools as opportunity offered, but his chance of getting an education was somewhat limited for it was necessary that he provide for his own support from carly boyhood. He began working in the woods at that time and for eight years was a teamster. He was ambitious, however, to make progress in a business way and carefully saved his earnings until his economy and industry had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to open a hotel when twenty-one years of age. He established his hostelry at Ellison Day, where he remained for ten years, successfully conducting business there. He then sold out and turned his attention to general merchandising, establishing a store, which he still conducts. He carries a well selected line of goods and has a popular general merchandise establishment. His business methods are thoroughly reliable and he is enterprising in all that he undertakes, while his efforts to please his patrons have gained for him a liberal patronage. In addition to conducting his store he owns a forty acre farm near the village, on which his parents reside.

On the 2d of October, 1887, Mr. Ruckert was married to Mrs. Bertha Sultz Metcalf, a native of Neenah, Wisconsin, and they have become the parents of five children, Gertie, Ella, Abbie, Walter and Arthur. By her former marriage Mrs. Ruckert had one child, May, who is now the wife of John Donovan of Neenah, Wisconsin.

In his political views Mr. Ruckert is a republican and has always been interested in the welfare and progress of the community in which he resides. He has taken an active part in advancing the county's upbuilding and improvement and has ever been a stalwart champion of the cause of public education. He has filled the office of school treasurer but has preferred that his public service should be done in a private capacity rather than as an office holder. He belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran church and also to the Mystic Workers of the World. His pronounced characteristics are such as have won for him high regard. He is a thoroughly reliable business man, a progressive citizen and a loyal friend and that his life has ever been upright and honorable is indicated in the fact that his stanchest friends are those who have known him through the greater part of his residence in this county.

Carl Volkmann

Among the residents of Egg Harbor township who are of German birth is Carl Volkmann, who was born April 29, 1848, and is a son of Laven and Caroline (Bull) Volkmann, who were natives of Germany, where they spent their entire lives, the father passing away there in 1867, while the mother survived for three decades, dying in 1897.

Carl Volkmann was reared and educated in Germany and was a foreman on a large farm in that country until 1886, when he came to America and located, at Carlsville in Door county. The following year he purchased his present place of two hundred acres, which is situated on sections 11 and 14, Egg Harbor township, the buildings being upon the latter section. He at once began to clear and improve the place and his attention has since been given to the cultivation of his farm, which is the expression of his life of well directed energy and thrift. His fields produce good crops and he is successfully engaged in the dairy business, milking fourteen cows. He has good buildings upon his place, well kept fences and the latest improved facilities to carry on his farm work, and in all that he undertakes manifests a progressive spirit.

On the 26th of May, 1882, Mr. Volkmann was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Berndt, by whom he had eleven children, as follows: Ernest, who passed away on the 28th of May, 1913; Edith, a resident of Houston, Texas; Bertha, the wife of August Spittlemeister, an agriculturist of Egg Harbor township; Albert and Henry, who are engaged in farming in Egg Harbor township; Emma, who is the wife of Julius Hass, of Ellison Bay, Door county, Clara, Fred, Emil and Laura, all at home; and Minnie, who gave her hand in marriage to Carl Schultz, a farmer of Egg Harbor township.

Mr. Volkmann gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. Such in brief is the history of Carl Volkmann, who for thirty-one years has made his home on this side of the Atlantic. He has benefited by the business conditions here offered and in utilizing them has won a substantial measure of success.

William F. Wickmann

William F. Wickmann, who was prominent in the development of Detroit Harbor and Washington island along a number of lines, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, April 14, 1834, and passed away on the 25th day of August, 1910. He was reared and educated in his native country, but in 1855, when twenty-one years old, went to Iceland, where he spent ten years. At the end of that time he came to the United States and arrived in Milwaukee on the 15th of April,

1865. He resided in that city for some time and for a number of years made his home in Chicago, where he was quite prominent in business circles as a real estate broker. In 1870 he induced a number of young men to emigrate to the United States from Iceland and owing to his influence they located on Washington island, Door county, Wisconsin, to which Mr. Wickmann also removed. He took up a homestead here and also became interested in various business projects. He loaded the first boat at Detroit Harbor, its cargo being wood and produce, and he also built an extensive pier, which aided in building up the shipping interests here. He conducted a small general store and traded supplies for cord wood, for which he found a market in more settled communities. He was a man of liberal education, speaking four languages and occupying a position of leadership in his community. He was largely instrumental in inducing Dr. Thoms to come to Washington island and aided him in organizing the First Baptist church. He also had a large part in the organization of school district No. 2 at Detroit Harbor and he served for a considerable period as justice of the peace, as chairman of the township board and as school commissioner. In fact, there was no movement of importance for the upbuilding of his district with which he was not actively connected.

On September 15, 1875, Mr. Wickmann was united in marriage to Mrs. Anna J. Carlsted, nee Bowman, and they became the parents of the following children: William, who is farming on Washington island; Anne, who is teaching in the public schools of Chicago; Arthur, who resides upon the home place with his mother; and Arnold an electrical engineer living in Houghton, Michigan.

Mr. Wickmann was a republican in his early life but later became an adherent of the prohibition party and did a great deal of effective work in advancing its interests and promoting the cause of temperance. The party of young men who came to America from Iceland through his influence were the first of their nationality to emigrate to this country and it was their favorable reports of conditions here that led to the later Icelandic immigration. The initiative which Mr. Wickmann displayed in that instance characterized him in all relations of life and his death removed a leader from his community,

Mrs. Wickmann still resides upon the homestead and takes a prominent part in the work of women's organizations. She was active in organizing the Detroit Harbor Ladies Society, of which she has served as president continuously and which has erected a fine clubhouse, known as Evergreen Lodge. Her acquaintance is wide and all who have come in close contact with her hold her in high esteem and warm regard.

B. E. Madden

B. E. Madden, county superintendent of schools in Door county, was born June 17, 1893, in Clay Banks township, his parents being James and Ellen (Donlan) Madden, the father a native of the province of Quebec, Canada, while the mother was born in this county. It was in 1865 that the father came to Door county with his parents, who settled in Clay banks township, being among the first residents of that part of the county. James Madden was employed in the lumber and shingle mills in Door county in early manhood and later invested his savings in land, which he cultivated and improved, continuing the operation of his farm for many years. Later he bought what became known as the old home place of one hundred and twenty-one acres on section 5, Clay Banks township, and has since given his thought and attention to the further development of this property, which he has converted into one of the fine farms of the district. He is also the agent in the southern part of the county for the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Door county. His wife is also living at the age of sixty years and has spent her entire life in this county.

B. E. Madden was reared and educated in Clay Banks township and completed his studies in the Sturgeon Bay High school and in the normal school at Oshkosh. He has also had some work at the State University and throughout his entire life he has been a student, reading the best literature and keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought and progress. Taking up 'the profession of teaching, he was principal of the schools at Ingram, Wisconsin, and afterward accepted the position of principal of the schools in Luxembourg, Kewaunee county, Wisconsin. He also taught for three years in Door county and before completing his last year he was appointed in June, 1917, to fill out an unexpired term in the position of county superintendent, in which capacity he is now creditably serving. He has high ideals in teaching and has won a well earned reputation as a most capable educator.

In politics Mr. Madden maintains an independent course and has never sought political office, preferring to concentrate his thought, attention and energy upon his chosen profession.

Arthur W. Herrbold

Arthur W. Herrbold, who is engaged in farming on section 25 Sevastopol township, was born upon the family homestead in that township and bears a name which has been identified with agricultural progress since the pioneer days of the county. His birth occurred on the 28th of March, 1886, and he is a son of Jacob and Amelia (Wolff) Herrbold, natives of Washington and Ozaukee counties, Wisconsin. They were married in Washington county and in 1884 became residents of Door county. The father bought the south one hundred acres of the northeast quarter of section 25, Sevastopol township, and as soon as possible cleared it and brought it under cultivation. For many years he devoted his time and energy to farming and still resides upon the place although since 1909 he has left its operation to others and has concentrated his attention upon his duties as business manager of the Door County Seed Company, of which he is also a stockholder. He is one of the substantial men of his community and his success is proof of his business ability, for he began his career empty handed. In religious faith he is a German Lutheran. To him and his wife have been born ten children, of whom four died when young. A daughter Alma became the wife of Charles Zahn, of Sturgeon Bay, and passed away, leaving a son Carl, who makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Herrbold. The other five children survive, namely : Arthur W., of this review; Adeline, now Mrs.

Herman Zahn, of Sturgeon Bay; Minnie, who married George Voeks, of Valmy, Sevastopol township; Arnold, likewise a resident of that township; and Louise, who is now Mrs. Edward Delcorps, of Ellison Bay.

At the usual age Arthur W. Herrbold entered the early district schools and remained a pupil therein until he was fifteen years old, when he began working for his father. He so continued until the early part of 1917, when he invested his savings in the home farm and in another tract of land comprising the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 32, Sevastopol township, which also belonged to his father. All the land is under cultivation, having been cleared by the father and the son and the fertile soil yields large crops annually.

Mr. Herrbold of this review is a democrat in political belief, but has never cared to take an active part in public affairs. All those who have been brought in close contact with him hold him in high esteem both for his enterprise and his unswerving integrity.

Herman R. Baum

Herman R. Baum, who concentrates his time and efforts upon the further development and improvement of his excellent farm on section 20, Jacksonport township, was born in the province of Posen, Germany, March 17, 1858, his parents being Charles and Amelia Baum, the former a shepherd on a large estate. The mother died in Germany and the father afterward married Amelia Weigart. By his first marriage he had seven children, of whom five are living: Herman R.; Amelia, who is a widow and resides in Milwaukee; Ludwig, also of Milwaukee; Paulina, the wife of John Hornung, of Milwaukee; and Gusta, the wife of Herman Stenzel, of the same city. The children of the second marriage are: Otto; Hugo; Adolph; and Gustav, all living at New Richmond, Wisconsin; and Hattie, who died in Chicago.

Herman R. Baum enjoyed the opportunities offered in the public schools of his native country to the age of fourteen years, after which he began working for his father and others, his time being thus passed until he reached the age of twenty-two. By that time he had saved a sum sufficient to bring him to the United States and thus realized a hope which he had long cherished, for the stories which reached him concerning the opportunities of the new world awakened in him a desire to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. He made his way first to St. Louis but after a brief period went to Chicago and a few days later he started on foot for Niles, Michigan, one hundred and five miles distant. There he worked on the construction of a railroad for a short time and afterward went to Port Huron, Canada, and later to Cleveland, Ohio, being employed in various ways. While in Cleveland he worked for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company, and there suffered a severe accident, being run over by the cars, which necessitated the amputation of the right leg at the knee. For some years thereafter he continued in the employ of the railroad company, working as an assistant cook on the construction train. All the while he was saving his money and in 1887 he left the railroad company and came to Door county, where he purchased eighty acres of land on section 20, Jacksonport township, which had been partly cleared but was poorly improved by the former owner. He cleared the remainder and has since added splendid improvements to the place, erecting a commodious residence, also large barns and sheds for the shelter of grain and stock. He has also added another eighty acre tract and thus has one hundred and sixty acres on his home place.

His father and stepmother came to the United States two years after his arrival and lived in Milwaukee until Mr. Baum located in Door county when they came to live with him and here the father passed away in 1894, his remains being interred in the Lutheran cemetery in Jacksonport township. His stepmother, however, still resides with Mr. Baum, who has never married. His has been a most active and useful life and hard work has comprised the foundation of his success. He started out empty handed and he is today the possessor of an excellent farm property, all the improvements having been made by himself. His life record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do.

Alex Johnson

Since he reached the age of seven years Alex Johnson has been a resident of Door county and is now conducting a successful business in blacksmithing in Sturgeon Bay. He was born in Sweden, in October, 1859, a son of Lars and Margaret Johnson, who were natives of Sweden. The father was a farmer in his native country but in 1866 he bade adieu to friends and sailed with his family for the new world, establishing his home in Door county. He first took up his abode in Baileys Harbor, where he went to work cutting wood. He afterward removed to Ellison Bay, in Liberty Grove township, where he purchased land which he cleared and developed, continuing its cultivation throughout his remaining days, becoming one of the well known and well-to-do agriculturists of the community. He passed away in 1897, having for many years survived his wife, whose death occurred in 1871.

Alex Johnson whose name introduces this review was but seven years of age when his parents came to the new world, so that he acquired practically all of his education at Ellison Bay. When old enough he went to work at teaming and followed that pursuit until.he attained his majority. He afterward learned the blacksmith's trade at Jacksonport and followed the trade there for a year in the employ of others." Later he rented a shop at Ellison Bay, which he conducted for twelve years, and on the expiration of that period he came to Sturgeon Bay, where he built a fine large shop in 1899. Here he has since conducted business and enjoys an extensive patronage, which makes his undertaking one of profitable proportions.

In October, 1885, M ohnson was united in marriage to Miss Julia Anderson, of Ephraim, Wisconsin, and to them have been born four children, namely: Earl, who is a bookkeeper with the Fruit Exchange of Sturgeon Bay; Willis, who is a vulcanizer at Sturgeon Bay; Harriet, at home; and Elden, deceased.

fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he has never been an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided time, thought and attention to his business affairs, and that he has been successful is indicated in the well equipped shop which he owns and his fine home which he built on C street. He has a wide acquaintance in this county, where his entire life has been passed, and manv friends entertain for him warm and enduring regard.

Edward N. Gagnon

Edward N. Gagnon has been a lifelong resident of Door county. He was born July 29, 1887, on the farm on section 1, Egg Harbor township, on which he still resides, his parents being Eugene and Josephine (Seymour) Gagnon, who were natives of Canada. The father followed the occupation of farming in that country until 1883, when he crossed the border into the United States and established his home in Door county, Wisconsin, purchasing the farm on which his son Edward now resides, the place comprising one hundred and sixty acres on sections 1 and 2, Egg Harbor township, with the buildings on the latter section Eugene Gagnon at once began to further clear and develop the property. Trees and brush were cut down and the land placed under the plow, good harvests being ultimately gathered. In all of his farm work he was practical and progressive and his efforts brought good results. He continued to successfully cultivate his farm until 1914, when he retired from active business life and removed to the village of Egg Harbor, where he resided until his demise, passing away November 14, 1916, when sixty-two years of age. His widow survives and is still living in the village.

Edward N. Gagnon was reared on the old homestead place, acquired his education in the district schools and after attaining his majority engaged in farming in partnership with his father, their business relation being maintained until the father's retirement, when Edward N. Gagnon purchased the home place which he had helped to improve and develop. His attention has since been given to its further operation and he has one of the most attractive farms of the county, equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories. The good buildings, the well kept fences, the carefully tilled fields and the high grades of stock all speak of the spirit of enterprise which actuates him in whatever he undertakes. He makes a specialty of handling pure bred Holstein cattle and milks twentythree cows, conducting an extensive and profitable dairy business.

On the 17th of October, 1914, Mr. Gagnon was married to Miss Laura Larauche, a daughter of Charles and Delia ( Baraboo) Larauche, who were born in Canada and in 1883 became residents of Door county. They took up their abode in the village of Egg Harbor, where the father conducted a blacksmith shop for many years but later engaged in merchandising, which business he still follows. Mr. and Mrs. Gagnon have two children: Eugenia Marie, born September 20, 1915; and Cecelia M., born March 27, 1917.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Gagnon is connected with the Catholic Order of Foresters. His political endorse- ment is given the democratic party but he does not seek the honors nor emoluments of public office as a reward for party fealty. His entire thought and attention are concentrated upon his farm and his close application and indefatigable energy have resulted in the development of a most excellent property.