Door County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 9 of 13)

Frank Pierre

One by one the early settlers and honored pioneers of Door county are passing away, but they have left behind a splendid monument to their memory in the work which they have done in the development and upbuilding of the district in which they lived. Well known among the valued pioneer residents of Door county was Frank Pierre, who was born in Nevoque, Belgium, in October, 1836, and whose life record spanned the intervening years to the 14th of June, 1914. He spent the first eighteen years of his life in his native country and then came with his parents to the new world, the family home being established at Alton, Illinois, where the father passed away. With his mother and brother Alex he made his way northward to Brussels, Wisconsin, in the year 1858. Here the two brothers erected a little brush shanty for their mother to live in and they at once began work to provide for their own and her support, being employed as farm hands in the southern part of the state. In addition to his work in the fields Frank Pierre also devoted two years to employment in a brickyard in Milwaukee and his brother was similarly employed. Their pay amounted to fifty cents per day and this did not include board. At intervals the young men would walk from Milwaukee to Brussels in order to look after their mother, and for many years the brothers were closely associated in their interests, The death of Alex Pierre, who was four years the senior of Frank, occurred in Appleton, Wisconsin, at the age of seventy-eight years.

It was in 1861 that Frank Pierre married Miss Angelique De Keyser, after which he opened a tavern at Brussels. About that time he was appointed postmaster of the town and acceptably filled that position for thirty-eight years. He also formed a partmership with Anton Virlee and established and operated a grist mill under the firm name of the Pierre-Virlee Company. In addition to manufacturing flour they engaged in the mercantile business, which also proved a profitable undertaking, and their partnership continued for about a quarter of a century. Mr. Pierre was a prominent and leading figure in Brussels for many years, his close application, his unremitting energy and his excellent business qualifications winning for him a substantial measure of success. About twelve years prior to his death he retired from business and removed to Beaver, Wisconsin, where several of his children resided, and three months prior to his demise he went to Abrams, Oconto county, on a visit, and while there became ill, his death resulting on the 14th of June, 1914, when he had reached the age of seventy-seven years, seven months and seventeen days.

Mr. and Mrs. Pierre were the parents of nine children, six sons and three daughters, all of whom are yet living: Gabriel, who is in business in Brussels; Alphonse, a grain merchant of Oconto; Joseph, also living in Brussels; Frank, a resident of Calina, Colorado, and manager and part owner of the Richmond gold mine, his brother Alphonse being the other partner; Jule, who is postmaster at Brussels; Henry, living at Beaver, Wisconsin; Mrs. Mary Bondhuln; Ellen, of Abrams; and Mrs. Frank Svoboda, of Beaver. Mr. Pierre was ambitious that his children should have good educational opportunities and thus provided them a good start in life. Moreover, he prospered in his undertakings and left his family a comfortable competence.

Mr. Pierre served as the first chairman of the town of Brussels, at which time the town included what is now Gardner and Union townships. He served in that position for two terms but could not be again induced to hold that or any other public office. When he passed away his remains were returned to Brussels for interment and many friends gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to him whom they had long known and honored, as he had taken a most prominent and helpful part in the upbuilding of the district in which he lived.

Louis Delfosse

Louis Delfosse needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he belongs to one of the representative pioneer families of Door county that has long been connected with the development of this section of the state. He, too, has borne his part in the work of general improvement and progress and is now actively identified with farming, having one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land in Union township, which he carefully and systematically cultivates with good results. He was born in Belgium, April 5, 1851. His parents brought their family to the United States during his boyhood days and the family home was established in Gardner township, Door county, Wisconsin. At a later period the father purchased land in Union township. It was a tract of timber and he at once began to clear away the trees and brush in order to develop the fields. He built a log house and continued to reside upon that place throughout his remaining days, his death occurring in 1877. His widow survived for more than two decades and died in 1899.

Louis Delfosse spent his early youth in the land of his nativity and then came with his parents to the new world, so that he was partially reared in Gardner township. He assisted his father in the arduous task of developing the home farm and continued to work with him for a number of years. His educational opportunities were those afforded by his native land and by this county and in the school of experience he has since learned many valuable lessons. He has never sought to change his occupation but has continued to follow in the line of life in which he was reared. He is now the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres, a part of which he cleared, and to this he has added many modern improvements. He has erected new buildings and now has a model farm of the twentieth century, lacking in none of the conveniences and accessories which render farm work less arduous and at the same time add to comfort.

In 1877 Mr. Delfosse was united in marriage to Miss Julia Larose, a daughter of Timmie and Mary (Welkie) Larose. She was born in Belgium and came to the United States with her parents in babyhood, the family home being established in Union township, Door county, Wisconsin, where her father purchased a farm upon which both he and his wife spent their remaining days. They were among the earliest settlers in this section of the state and no phase of pioneer life was unfamiliar to them. It was necessary to make their way through the dense forests when they traveled from place to place and frequently the path had to be blazed. There was plenty of wild game, 'so that the early settlers had no difficulty in obtaining meat for the family board. It was amid such pioneer surroundings that Mrs. Delfosse was reared. By her marriage she has become the mother of eight children, Theresa, Victor, Eli, John, Louis, Mary, Tilda and Sylvian.

Industry and enterprise have ever characterized the Delfosse family and Louis Delfosse manifests the qualities of energy and industry which have made the family a valuable factor in the upbuilding of this section of the state.

Carl E. Oden

Carl E. Oden is meeting with gratifying success as a farmer of Forestville township and is one of the enterprising and popular young agriculturists of Door county. He was born upon the farm he is now operating April 22, 1889, a son of Frank and Matilda (Guldbrandson) Oden. The father was born in Fagerhult, Kalmar lan, Sweden, August 16, 1855, but spent the greater part of his boyhood and youth at Stockholm, In 1880, when about twenty-five years of age, he emigrated to the United States and made his way 'at once to Clay Banks township, Door county, Wisconsin. After spending two years in the lumber camps he sailed on the Great Lakes for a time, after which he purchased a farm on section 13, Forestville township. The remainder of his life was devoted to the cultivation and improvement of that place and there he died when fifty-four years of age. In 1882 he was married to Miss Matilda Guldbrandson, a daughter of Knute and Sophia (Johnson) Guldbrandson and a native of Sweden. Her father engaged in farming on a large estate in that country and passed away there, as did his wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Oden were born five children, namely, Frances, Henry, Elvira, Carl E. and Rose. In December, 1915, Mrs. Oden was united in marriage to Austin Christianson and they are living retired at Sawyer.

Carl E. Oden grew to manhood upon the home farm and the success which he has gained as an agriculturist is largely due to the excellent training which he received under his father. From early boyhood he shared in the work of the farm and by the time that he reached mature years he was thoroughly familiar with practical methods of cultivating the soil and caring for the stock. He received good educational advantages, as after attending the district schools he became a student in the State Normal School.at Stevens Point. During the following year he was employed at Battle Creek, Michigan, after which he returned to Door county and took up his residence upon the home farm, which he has since operated. He is systematic and businesslike in the management of his work and is always ready to profit by the discoveries made by investigators relative to farming. His well directed labors are rewarded by good profits and he is rapidly accumulating a competence. Mr. Oden is a progressive in politics but has been too busy to aspire to public office. He possesses a personality that readily wins and retains friends and all who have had dealings with him honor him for his ability and his unswerving integrity.

Henry Gattie

Henry Gattie is the well known lighthouse keeper of the Baileys Harbor Range lights. He was born in Lievin, France, September 25, 1865, a son of Xavier and Sadie (Jacquart) Gattie, who were also natives of Lievin. The father was a millwright by trade and followed that pursuit in his native country until 1870, when he determined to try his fortune in the new world and crossed the Atlantic to the United States, establishing his home first at Red River, Wisconsin. There he was employed as a millwright by the Scofield Company and in 1877 he removed to Sturgeon Bay, where he continued in the employ of the same company, remaining with that corporation until his death, which occurred in 1915. His long connection with the company indicated most clearly his capability and trustworthiness. He was one of their oldest and most valued employes and was retained in their service until his demise, which occurred March 29, 1915, when he was eighty-two years of age. For a considerable period he had survived his wife, who passed away in 1904, at the age of seventysix years. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he proved a loyal citizen of his adopted land, rendering his first allegiance to this country.

Henry Gattie spent his youth in Red River and in Sturgeon Bay and his educational opportunities were those afforded by the public schools in the two cities. Throughout his business career he has been connected with the lighthouse service. He accepted a position as assistant at the lighthouse on the Sturgeon Bay canal for ten years and later was transferred to the Baileys Harbor lighthouse, where he has remained continuously since the 14th of May, 1896. The same spirit of loyalty which characterized his father is manifest in the son, who has now occupied his present position for twenty-one years.

In 1891 Mr. Gattie was united in marriage to Miss Eva Hendricks, a daughter of Adam and Ernestina (Sherman) Hendricks. She was born in Germany and came with her parents to the United States, the family home being established at Baileys Harbor, where they cast in their lot with the first settlers. Her father was a farmer of this locality and at the time of the Civil war put aside all business and personal considerations and responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a soldier of the Union army. He rendered active duty at the front throughout the period of hostilities and when the country no longer needed his aid he returned home and was given a land grant. He then began the development of the farm upon which he and his wife spent their remaining days.

Mr. and Mrs. Gattie are well known residents of Baileys Harbor and have many friends in this section. Aside from his connection with the lighthouse service Mr. Gattie is the president of the Peninsula Automobile Company of Sturgeon Bay and is also engaged in dealing in farm implements. In a word he is an enterprising and progressive business man, alert, wide-awake and energetic, and he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. His sterling qualities are many and have won for him the high regard of a large circle of friends.

August Schaefer

August Schaefer, an energetic and prosperous farmer residing on section 26, Sevastopol township, was born in that township on the 11th of March, 1875. His parents, Cuno and Devota Schaefer, were natives of Germany, but were married in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. To them were born eight children, of whom four died when small and four are still living, namely: Anton, a resident of Sturgeon Bay township; August, of this review; William, who is also living in Sevastopol township; and Mary, who is now the wife of Louis Deutch, of Nasewaupee township. Cuno Schaefer for two years worked in the saw mills in Sturgeon Bay in the summers and in the timber during the winter months, but at the end of that time he purchased the north half of the southwest quarter and the south half of the northwest quarter of section 25, Sevastopol township, all of which was then covered with timber. At length he sold the south half of the northwest quarter, but retained the title to the other tract, which he cleared and improved. He engaged in farming his land until his death, which occurred on the 18th of September, 1905, his wife surviving until February 19, 1910. Both are buried in the Catholic cemetery on section 33, Sevastopol township. He was a strong democrat in his political belief but did not seek public office. At the time of his demise he was in comfortable circumstances as the result of his industry and good management.

August Schaefer received but a limited education since the school system in this part of the state was not well developed at the time of his boyhood and moreover, his labors were needed in the work of developing a good farm from wild land. The training which he received in the agricultural work under his father well fitted him for the duties of life, and he has never regretted his choice of farming as an occupation. He, his brother William and his father operated the home place on shares and purchased additional land, their farm comprising three hundred and twenty acres at the time of the father's death. The place remained undivided until after the mother passed away and then our subject received title to the east half of the southeast quarter of section 23, and the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 26. In 1907 he erected good buildings upon the land which he now owns, and his mother made her home with him after the father's death until she too was called away. In 1909 his barn was burned but he replaced it with a modern one. His farm ranks among the most highly developed places in Sevastopol township and from his rich and highly cultivated fields he harvests good crops. He displays sound judgment in the direction of his affairs and his continued success is assured.

Mr. Schaefer was married June 13, 1911, to Miss Mary Ludovski, a daughter of Frank and Mary Ludovski, natives of Bohemia, Where the father passed away. Mrs. Schaefer came to America in 1910 and a few months later was joined in this country by her mother, who resides with her. Mrs. Schaefer's sister, Anna, also resides at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Schaefer. To this marriage have been born four children, namely: Margaret, Julia, Mary and Louis.

Mr. Schaefer casts his ballot in favor of the democratic party but otherwise he does not take part in politics. He is a member of the Catholic Institute and is loyal to the teachings of the church. He has founded his success upon hard work and the most careful attention to all details of his business and ranks as one of the leading agriculturists of his locality.

Charles 6G. Anderson

Charles G. Anderson, a member of the town board of Egg Harbor and now actively and successfully engaged in general farming on section 20, Egg Harbor township, has practically devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits. He was born in June, 1884, in the township which is still his home, his parents being Lars and Stina Anderson, who were natives of Sweden. The father was a farmer by occupation in his native country. When in middle life he left that land and crossed the briny deep to the new world, settling in Door County, Wisconsin. He and his father purchased the farm upon which his son, Charles G., now resides. It was then a tract of eighty acres of land situated on section 20, Egg Harbor township. With characteristic energy he began to clear and develop the place and continued to cultivate it throughout his remaining days. His efforts wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of his farm, for he brought the wild land under a high state of cultivation and annually gathered good crops as the result of his care and attention. He passed away December 24, 1884. His widow now makes her home with her son Charles.

The usual experiences of the farm-bred boy were those that came to Charles G. Anderson in his youthful days. He was reared under the parental roof and was educated in the schools of Egg Harbor township. To some extent he worked as a farm hand for others but spent the greater part of his life upon the old home place and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In 1903 he bought the farm and has greatly improved it since that time. He has cleared about twenty acres of the land and has brought all of his fields under a high state of cultivation, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climatic conditions. He is now milking five cows and intends soon to engage quite extensively in the dairy business. He raises high grade stock and everything about his place indicates his progressive spirit, his enterprising methods and his firm determination to win success. His farm presents a most neat and attractive appearance and his work is bringing excellent results.

On the 3d of February, 1913, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Florence Anderson and they have become the parents of two children: Leon, born February 24, 1915; and Meriald, born in January, 1917.

Mr. Anderson has been a member of the town board of Egg Harbor township since the spring of 1917. He has always given his political support to the has ever been loyal to its best interests. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and again his characteristic loyalty is manifest in his devotion to the cause. His entire life has won him the warm regard and confidence of his fellowmen, so that he is widely known in Egg Harbor township.

Edgar C. Thorp

A most progressive business man is Edgar C. Thorp, the proprietor of the Thorp Hotel. Various business interests claim his attention and profit by his cooperation, for he is a man of keen discernment, of notable sagacity, of unfaltering enterprise and of indefatigable energy. Moreover, he is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the county and the name of Thorp has been identified with the development of this section of the state from the earliest period.

On the 18th of October, 1860, Edgar C. Thorp was born of the marriage of Asa and Eliza (Atkinson) Thorp, the former a native of Oswego, New York, while the latter was born in Lincolnshire, England. It was in the year 1844 that Asa Thorp came to Wisconsin, settling in Dodge county. He was a cooper by trade and followed that pursuit in Racine, Wisconsin. He spent the years 1844 and 1845 in Brown county, Wisconsin, and in 1846 removed to St. Martin's Island. Later he became a resident of Rock Island and thence came to Fish Creek. He took up government land and founded the village of Fish Creek and also built the first pier in Door county. He afterward returned to Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming for nine years, and then again came to Fish Creek. Here he turned his attention to merchandising and also operated a dock. In those early days there was only a blazed trail between this point and Green Bay, where supplies were obtained. At a later period Mr. Thorp engaged in the hotel business in a small way and continued to make his home at Fish Creek throughout his remaining days, his death occurring November 7, 1907, when he was eighty-eight years of age. For a decade he had survived his wife, who passed away April 28, 1897, at the age of seventy-four, the county thus losing two of its most valued and highly respected pioneer people.

Edgar C. Thorp was reared and educated at Fish Creek and also attended the Eastman College at Poughkeepsie, New York, where he pursued a commercial course. He always remained at home with his parents and assisted his father in business. In 1895 he became connected with hotel interests and added to the original hotel which his father had erected in 1862. Today he has one of the excellent hotels in Door county and also has eight cottages, so that he can accommodate one hundred guests. He has continuously conducted this hotel since enlarging the original property and has made it a most attractive summer resort. In addition to his hotel he owns fifteen acres and his memory compasses the period when the Thorp family owned the entire shore in this region. Mr. Thorp also has an orchard of two hundred trees, which was planted by his father, Asa Thorp. In addition to conducting the hotel he carries on an automobile business, having the agency for the Studebaker, Overland, Chevrolet and Ford cars. He has made large sales annually and the busines is proving a

On the ist of January, 1895, Mr. Thorp was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Johnson, a daughter of John and Anna (Peterson) Johnson, who were natives of Sweden and came to America in 1867, settling in Gibraltar township, Door county, where the father purchased land in what is now the state park. He cleared and improved the tract and transformed it into productive fields. However, he finally went to Washington island and made his home there with his son. He died in April, 1892, having for five years survived his wife, who passed away in August, 1887. To Mr. and Mrs. Thorp have been born five children, namely: Mildred, who married C. O. Helgeson, a member of the National Guard, at present stationed at Camp Douglas, Wisconsin; Leland; Harold; Evelyn; and Roland, who died in 1906 at the age of seven months.

On reaching adult age Mr. Thorp voted with the democratic party and has ' never seen occasion to change his political allegiance. He has served as chairman of the town board of Gibraltar for ten years and his father was for thirty years in the office of assessor. Mr. Thorp is a Baptist in religious faith and fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of the Maccabees. His entire life has been passed at Fish Creek and he is a well known figure in this section of the county, both by reason of his progressive citizenship and his enterprise as a business man. He has sought success along well defined lines and his labors have been crowned with an honorable and richly deserved reward.

August Johnson

Sweden has furnished many citizens of worth to Door county, among which number is August Johnson, living on section 32, Jacksonport township. He has displayed the usual spirit of industry and determination which characterizes the people of his country and has worked diligently in the attainment of the success which is now his. Born in Sweden September 25, 1846, he is a son of John and Stina (Isaacson) Anderson, who were farming people and reared a family of nine children, of whom August was the third in order of birth. Five of the number died in childhood and those who survived are: August; John, now a resident of Portland, Oregon; Breta (Bertha), the deceased wife of Otto Larson of Sweden; and Mary, who was the wife of John Anderson and occupied the old home in Sweden until her death.

August Johnson acquired a common school education, pursuing his studies to the age of fourteen years, after which he worked at home until he reached the age of twenty-five. He then came alone to the United States with Door county as his destination. He first made his way to Ephraim, where he was employed by others for a short period and then went to Ellison Bay, where he remained until 1875. In that year he took up his abode in Jacksonport township, purchasing eighty acres of timber land, and thus there confronted him the arduous task of clearing the place before it could be brought under the plow. At length he accomplished the work of developing and improving the farm, which he eventually sold. He then bought another tract of land, which he also cleared and improved, and in 1901 he purchased the west half of the northeast quarter of section 32, and the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 29, in Jacksonport township, thus becoming the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land upon which he yet resides. He has cleared three different farms in the county and has thus contributed in substantial measure to the work of upbuilding and development.

On the 25th of September, 1874, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Mary Anderson, a daughter of Lars and Gertrude Anderson, who were early settlers of Jacksonport township but have now passed away. They have become the parents of fifteen children, all of whom are yet living: Helen, the wife of William C. Brown, of Chicago; Gustav, of Cabinet, Idaho; Olive, the wife of Gus Fleming, of Sturgeon Bay; Fred, who is living in Madeline, Washington; Leonard, who is with Fred on a homestead claim; Anna, the widow of Frank McCourt, of Chicago; Nora, now the wife of Arthur Weiderman, living near Summer Cove in Saskatchewan, Canada; Arthur and Michael, at home; Lillian and Lena, also at home; Josephine, the wife of William Simon, of Jacksonport township; and Harry, Elsie and Rossville, all at home.

In religious faith Mr. Johnson is a Lutheran, while his political support is given to the republican party. He has filled several local offices. He was township assessor for seventeen consecutive years, was road overseer for seven years, and has been school clerk for the past fifteen years. His public duties have ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity and he has labored earnestly to advance the progress and welfare of his community. His sterling worth has long been recognized by his fellow townsmen, and Door county numbers him among its substantial and valued agriculturists.

Edward H. Henschel

Edward H. Henschel, a well-to-do farmer residing on section 35, Egg Harbor township, was born in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, May 6, 1872, the son of Herman and Maria (Maurer) Henschel. The former was born in Germany and the latter in the vicinity of Milwaukee in 1849. When only six years old the father was brought to America by his parents, who settled near Milwaukee. As soon as he was old enough Herman Henschel began farming in Sheboygan county on land which he had purchased from his father and which he improved and cultivated until 1903. In that year he came to Door county and purchased forty acres of land in Egg Harbor township, which he subsequently sold. He then bought a twenty-acre tract in Sturgeon Day township and resided thereon until his death, which occurred in February, 1915. when he was seventy-two years old. His widow is still living at the age of seventy-three years and is a resident of Sheboygan.

Edward H. Henschel was reared in his native county and is indebted to its public schools for his education. He remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-nine years. He then, in 1902, removed to Door county and bought a farm of righty acres on section 35, Egg Harbor township, and forty acres across the road in Sevastopol township. Before he could raise any crops it was necessary to clear the land, and all the improvements upon the farm have been placed there since it came into his possession. His fields are well cultivated and buildings are all of modern design and substantial structure. In addition to general farming he breeds full-blooded Ayrshire cattle and milks about fifteen cows. His dairy interests have proved exceptionally prosperous, but he also receives a good income from the sale of grain.

Mr. Henschel was married in April, 1901, to Miss Mary Lenhart, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Reuther) Lenhart, a native of Germany. They removed, however, to America many years ago and located in Manitowuc county, Wisconsin, where the father bought a tract of land, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted his time until his demise, He reached the venerable age of eighty years and passed away in December, 1905. The mother, who makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Henschel, is now eighty-five years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Henschel have been born five children. Harry, whose birth occurred March 4, 1902; Flora, who was born July 28, 1903; Ruby, May 30, 1905; Clarence, July 20, 1909; Raymond, June 1, 1911.

The republican party has a stanch supporter in Mr. Henschel, and he has always taken a keen interest in public affairs although he has never been an office seeker. He is a member of the Lutheran church and in its teachings are found the principles which govern his conduct.

Arthur E. Rudolph

Arthur E. Rudolph, a well known citizen of Sevastopol township, who owns and operates a fine farm on section 9, was born in Liberty Grove township, this county, on the 14th of December, 1872, his parents being Gottlieb and Henrietta Rudolph, natives of Germany, where they continued to reside for some time after their marriage. There one child was born to them, Bertha, now the wife of Edward Nolle, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. On their immigration to the new world they first located in Chicago, where they spent three or four years and then came to Door county, Wisconsin, being among the first to locate in the northern part of this county. There the father purchased a fine farm of two hundred and seventy acres in Liberty Grove township, upon which he made many improvements. He built the first dock at Ephraim for the shipping of wood and engaged in that business in connection with farming, meeting with marked success in his undertakings. He died in 1895 and his wife passed away in 1904, both being laid to rest in Sister Bay cemetery. He was a stanch supporter of the republican party and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, called upon him to fill many township offices, including that of town clerk, in which capacity he served for a number of years. He was a consistent member of the German Lutheran church and was a man widely and favorably known throughout this community. After coming to the United States two more children were added to the family, these being Julius, a resident of Sevastopol township; and Arthur E.

schools of this county until eighteen years of age and after laying aside his textbooks devoted his entire attention to the operation of the farm. After the death of his father, his mother remained with him on the home place until she, too, passed away. He succeeded to the ownership of the farm on the death of his father and continued to reside thereon until 1912, when he sold the property and bought the west half of the northeast quarter of section 9, Sevastopol township, where he is now living. He is one of the leading farmers of his community and is a man of good business and executive ability. In connection with his agricultural pursuits he is interested in other enterprises and is now president of the Cloverleaf cheese factory.

In 1899 occurred the marriage of Mr. Rudolph and Miss Minnie Staver, a daughter of Julius and Wilhelmina Staver, who were born, reared and married in Germany but later became early residents of Liberty Grove township, this county. Both are now deceased and are buried at Little Sister Bay. To Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph were born two children: Leslie, who died in infancy; and Ivy, at home. The family are identified with the Moravian church and Mr. Rudolph affiliates with the republican party. He has never taken a very active part in public affairs, however, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests. He is a progressive and up-to-date farmer and success has attended his well directed efforts.

George O. Mann

George O. Mann, who is successfully engaged in merchandising in Detroit Harbor, is also connected with other business interests, being president of the telephone company. He was born March 3, 1881, in Iowa, and is a son of Charles E. and Elizabeth (Basford) Mann, now residents of Baileys Harbor township, this county. The mother was born in Sevastopol township and is a daughter of George Basford. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mann, namely: Ed, who is living in Canada; Cora, the wife of Charles Goll, of Frankfort, Michigan; George O.; Clarence, who is farming in Baileys Harbor township; Clayton, a resident of Michigan; Henry, who is also a farmer of Baileys Harbor township; Bertha, deceased; and Fred L. and Gertrude, both of whom are attending school at Nashville, Tennessee.

George O. Mann began his education in Iowa but when nine years old was brought by his parents to Baileys Harbor township, Door County, Wisconsin, and became a pupil in the public schools here. In early manhood he engaged in teaching, following that profession for four years in Baileys Harbor township and Washington Island. When twenty-two years of age, however, he established himself in business as a merchant at Detroit Harbor and has since devoted his time largely to the management of his store. He carries a well selected stock of general merchandise and his straightforward dealings and enterprise have resulted in building up a gratifying patronage. He has also been the president of the telephone company since its organization and is likewise a director of the creamery company. He is connected with agricultural interests, as he owns sixty-eight and a half acres of fine land, the greater part of which is cleared and under cultivation. His store was the last one established on the island and although it was quite a small concern at the beginning it has grown in size as the years have passed and is now the equal of establishments found in much larger places. It maintains a position of leadership here and a daily delivery is made over the entire island.

Mr. Mann was married June 1, 1906, to Miss Pearl Richter, a native of Ireland and a daughter of Fred Richter. To this union have been born four children, Fred, Hazel, George and Evelyn. Mr. Mann supports the republican party where national issues are at stake but otherwise votes independently. He has served as a director of school district No. 2 for three years and in that connection has worked consistently for the advancement of educational interests. He is public-spirited to a marked degree and can be counted upon to further in every way possible the progress and upbuilding of his town and county.

Edward E. Schreiber

Edward E. Schreiber, the popular proprietor of the Nook Hotel at Fish Creek, is a native son of Door county, his birth having occurred in Nasewaupee township in December, 1860. His parents, Charles and Martha Schreiber, were born in Germany but became pioneer settlers of Clay Banks township, Door county, Wisconsin. There the father purchased land, which he operated for several years and then sold. He next removed to Nasewaupee township, where he purchased a farm, to the operation of which he devoted his remaining years. His death occurred in 1877, and his wife died in 1898.

Mr. Schreiber is indebted for his education to the public schools of Door county and gained his training in agricultural work through assisting his father. Following the latter's death he worked for some time in sawmills and did odd jobs, but when eighteen years old purchased a well drilling machine, which he operated for twenty-five years. In 1887 he bought sixty acres of good land in Gibraltar township and after farming a part of the land for four years he removed to Fish Creek, where he has since remained. He erected a hotel on the best corner of the town for business purposes and has since conducted the hostelry, which is known as the Nook Hotel and is well managed and up-to-date. It can accommodate fifty people and no trouble is spared to give the guests the best possible service.

Mr. Schreiber was married in July, 1903, to Miss Lottie Norton, a daughter of Stephen and Rachel (Jarman) Norton, natives of England, who settled in Rubicon, Dodge county, Wisconsin, on their removal to the United States. Two years later they came to Fish Creek, Door county, and the father bought government land in that locality, which he cleared and improved and which he continued to cultivate until his death. He was one of the first men to engage in farming in Gibraltar township and was at once practical and progressive in his work, with the result that he gained a gratifying measure of prosperity. He and his wife were the first couple married in Gibraltar township. He died January 2, 1904, but is survived by his wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Schreiber have been

Mr. Schreiber gives his stanch support to the republican party as his political beliefs coincide with its principles, but he has never been an aspirant for office. Mrs. Schreiber belongs to the Seventh Day Adventist church and, takes an active part in its work. He is acknowledged to be an energetic, alert and successful business man and has also gained recognition for his unswerving integrity.

Fred M. Knuth

Fred M. Knuth, the owner of the Clover Dairy Farm on section 24, Nasewaupee township, has been a leader in the development of fine dairy herds in the county and has gained gratifying prosperity. He was born in Germany, December 9, 1863, but when four years old accompanied his parents to America. After living for some time at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the family removed to Door county in 1872 and there the father resided for almost four decades, dying December 23, 1910. He is buried in the Shoemaker cemetery. The mother is now living in the Old People's Home at Quincy, Illinois. To them were born the following children: Fred M.; William, who is living in Milwaukee; Frank, an implement dealer of Sawyer, Wisconsin; Augusta, who is now the wife of William Rohan and lives in North Dakota; Sarah, who married John Hannon and resides in North Dakota; David, who is living in Michigan; and August, who is buried in the Shoemaker cemetery.

Fred M. Knuth received a common school education and was reared upon the home farm, working with his father until he attained his majority, when he started out on his own account. By hard work and careful expenditure he acquired sufficient capital to enable him to purchase his farm, which is located on section 24, Nasewaupee township, and which is known as the Clover Dairy Farm. The improvements thereon are among the best in the county and he was the first man to keep Holstein cattle in the county. He is a firm believer in the value of handling only the best stock and has the finest registered herd in the county. The progressiveness and initiative which he has shown in this respect also find expression in even the smallest details of his management of his farming interests and it is but natural that he should receive an unusually large return from his labors.

Mr. Knuth was married January 1, 1891, to Miss Ella Bacchus, who is of English descent and was born in New York. In childhood, however, she accompanied her parents to Door county and has since resided here. Mr. and Mrs. Knuth have become the parents of the following children: Lawrence, born September 3, 1898; Floyd, June 29, 1902; and Jean, December 6, 1904. They also have a foster daughter, Amelia Hughes, whom they have reared since 1911.

Mr. Knuth is a republican in politics and believes it the duty of every good citizen to keep well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served as clerk of school district No. 3 in his township and has been a consistent worker in behalf of better schools. Fraternally he is connected with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and he has been active in the work of the Red Cross Society. It is such men as he, energetic and public-spirited, who make for the advancement of a town or county, and he is justly considered among the leading citizens of his community.

Dr. John C. Murphy, an up-to-date and successful physician and surgeon practicing in Brussels township, was born in Carlton, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin, January 27, 1879. His parents, James and Sarah (Light) Murphy, were born respectively in Ireland and in Carlton, Kewaunee County, this state. The father was only four years old when brought to the United States by his parents, and for two years the family home.was maintained in Pennsylvania. Removal was then made to Ohio, in which state the grandfather engaged in railroad work but at length removed to Waukegan, Illinois, and still later to Two Rivers, Wisconsin. He next located at Kewaunee, Wisconsin, where he worked in a mill for some time, and later purchased a farm in Pierce township, Kewaunee county, which he cleared and brought under cultivation. Both he and his wife passed away upon that place. Their son, James Murphy, grew to manhood upon the home farm and after completing the course offered in the district schools became a student in Lawrence University at Appleton, Wisconsin. For some time he was employed as a clerk by Mr. Mashek, the proprietor of a general store in Kewaunee. Deciding to turn his attention to agricultural pursuits, he purchased fifty acres of timber land in Carlton, which he cleared and on which he erected a log house. He prospered as the years passed and at length built a commodious and attractive frame residence, where he and his wife are still living. He has reached the age of seventy-three years and his wife is sixty-one years old.

John C. Murphy was reared upon the homestead and received that thorough training in habits of industry and thrift common to farm bred boys. He entered the public schools at the usual age and supplemented the education there acquired by a commercial course in Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana. He prepared for teaching in the Oshkosh Normal School and followed that profession at Lincoln, Kewaunee county. In 1907, however, he began the study of medicine in Northwestern University, which conferred upon him the M. D. degree in 1911. He at once located for practice in Brussels township, Door county, where he has since remained, and in the six years that have intervened he has fully demonstrated his ability in his chosen profession. He has the confidence both of the general public and of his brother physicians and his practice is large and representative. He is also serving as health officer of Brussels. He has prospered financially and is a stockholder and director of the Maplewood Bank.

In 1906 Dr. Murphy was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Le Greve, a daughter of Frank and Harriett (Menieur) Le Greve, natives of Belgium, who were early settlers of Brussels township, where Mrs. Murphy was born. By

The Doctor is a democrat in politics and his interest in public affairs indicates that he realizes his responsibilities as a citizen, but he has never sought office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his profession. He has a wide acquaintance throughout the county and is popular both personally and profesionally.

William A. J. Voeks

William A. J. Voeks was born on the 27th of January, 1885, on the farm on section 5, Sevastopol township, where he still resides, a son of William and Lena (Weitermann) Voeks. The father was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1859, of German parentage, and was twenty years of age on coming to Door county in 1879. He purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land in Sevastopol township, where our subject now resides, and lived thereon until 1889. In 1883 he married Miss Lena Weitermann, who was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and was educated in the common schools. Her parents were John and Philomena (Yost) Weitermann, who came to this country from Germany. Her mother died in 1869 and was buried in Centerville, Wisconsin, and her father passed away in 1907, being laid to rest in the Lutheran cemetery at Valmy. The children of the Weitermann family were: Augusta, who married Albert Citzowl and died in Perham, Minnesota; Charles, now engaged in farming in Canada; John, deceased, who was a farmer of Sevastopol township, this county, his widow now living in Sturgeon Bay; Lena, who became the wife of William Voeks, Sr.; Emma, the wife of John Richter, of Escanaba, Michigan; Ernest and George, both farmers of Jacksonport township, this county. William A. Voeks is the oldest of the eight children born to his parents, the others being: George L., born October 22, 1886; John F., July 15, 1888; Otto R., December 23, 1890; Dolo, now Mrs. Wm. Anschutz, of Jacksonport township; Alfred B., who was born August 7, 1897, and is now connected with a cheese factory; Adaline, born May 4, 1898; and Caroline, born March 24, 1900, at home. The father was the founder of the Morning Glory cheese factory and established the village of Valmy, being one of the first settlers in the eastern part of Sevastopol township, where the property which he owned is still held by the members of the family. He died in the faith of the German Lutheran church on the 25th of April, 1913, leaving many friends as well as his immediate family to mourn his loss, and he was buried in Bayside cemetery.

William A. Voeks of this review pursued his studies in the common schools of this county until fifteen years of age and then gave his father the benefit of his services in the operation of the home farm for several years. He still resides on that place and has erected thereon a fine modern residence. He is a progressive farmer and is meeting with excellent success in his chosen occupation. On the 27th of February, 1906, Mr. Voeks married Miss Matilda Zitzow, a daughter of Albert and Augusta Zitzow, of Ottertail county, Minnesota, where her father is still living, but her mother is deceased and is buried in the cemetery at Per- ham, Minnesota. To Mr. and Mrs. Voeks have been born six children, as follows: Pearl; Loretta; Earl; Eloise; Luverne, who died at the age of two years; and Elroy.

Mr. Voeks is now the owner of the northwest quarter of section 5, Sevastopol township, and also has twenty acres of the southwest quarter of the same section. This property he has acquired through the good management of his business affairs and he is now one of the well-to-do citizens of his community. Fraternally he is connected with the Loyal Order of Moose and religiously is identified with the German Lutheran church. The republican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles and he gives his aid to any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit.

Hjalmar Rued Holand

Hjalmar Rued Holand, the author and compiler of the first volume of this History of Door County, was born October 20, 1872, on a farm in the parish of Hóland a few miles east of Christiania, Norway. He was the youngest child of Johan Olsen (Fagermoen) and Maren Olsen (Rued). Both of his parents descended from a long line of prosperous landowners and farmers in that part of Norway.

Shortly after the subject of this sketch was born his father sold his property, consisting of three good farms, and with his family moved to the capital, Christiania. He invested his funds in several large tenement buildings and planned to spend his declining years in ease. After a time, however, he was induced to enter into extensive real estate speculations. In 1883 a disastrous panic occurred and he lost everything. The next year the family emigrated to America to start life anew.

Mr. Holand received his common school education in the schools of Chicago. Later he passed through high school and college, paying his way through these years of schooling by his own work. In 1898 he was graduated from the College of Letters and Science in the University of Wisconsin, receiving incidentally the John C. Freeman Scholarship (two hundred and fifty dollars) in English literature. The following year he returned to the university for a postgraduate course and received the degree of Master of Arts in 1899. At this time he was offered a fellowship in Columbia University (six hundred dollars) but declined the honor.

The reason for refusing this opening to a professional career was that he had in the meantime got acquainted with Door county. Being curious to know what this peninsula looked like he one day went down in the vaults of the capitol in Madison where are kept the original field notes of the government surveyors. Scanning through these he came to a description of the shore lands now included in Peninsula State Park. Here he read that the shores were "high and precipitous, rising two and three hundred feet from the water's edge." This sounded so picturesque that he soon made his way to Ephraim to see these "precipitous shores." They proved so charming that he at once made arrangements to buy about two hundred acres.

When he returned to the university he incidentally told of his investment to Dean Henry. The dean told him his investment was well made for Door county would soon come to the front as a great fruit county because of its ideal climate and location. Encouraged by this Mr. Holand hired a crew of men and cleared a number of acres. In the spring of 1899 he planted a large orchard of winter apples - the first commercial orchard in northern Door county.

Up to this time Mr. Holand had not had the slightest thought of becoming a farmer. However, the work of planting fruit, at which he assisted, in those inspiring surroundings, proved so fascinating that all his latent love for the soil, planted by generations of land-tilling ancestors, suddenly awoke. He therefore resolved to settle down on his farm and make it his permanent home. This was done in September, 1900.

While waiting for the fruit trees to grow he now spent some years as a traveling salesman. His territory included the large cities of a dozen states in the middle west. Having by this means paid off his college debts and laid aside a little for the farm he now entered üpon historical research work which has been his chief occupation since then.

His first work was a volume of six hundred and forty-two pages, being a History of the Norwegian Immigration. The work was written in the Norwegian language for the benefit of the old Norse pioneers and was published in 1908. It proved very successful having been published in four editions, ten thousand copies. It has had a larger sale than any other work in the Norwegian language published in this country with the exception of church books.

In 1898 a remarkable stone was discovered by a farmer near Kensington, Minnesota, covered with mystic characters. These characters resembled ancient Norse runes in use a thousand years ago. This strange inscription was only partially translated at the time and not being understood it soon was forgotten. Ten years later Mr. Holand came across this stone while on a lecture tour.

The stone was then serving the humble duty of a doorstep to a granary. After a prolonged and thorough study of the inscription he became convinced that it was a genuine runic inscription more than five hundred years old and that it told a remarkable tale of discovery into the interior of America in the year 1362. He published the first complete translation of the inscription and followed it up with a number of articles in historical journals to prove its genuineness.

This inscription now became an object of country-wide interest and Mr. Holand delivered a number of addresses on it before learned societies. In the year 1912 he was also invited to come to France and deliver an address on the stone before the great historical congress held in connection with the famous millennial celebration of the founding of the city of Rouen. He was the guest of the city of Rouen for two weeks and then exhibited the stone and delivered addresses in several of the largest universities of Europe. This remarkable inscription which if genuine will add a new chapter to America's history, is still a subject of great discussion in historical circles. Mr. Holand is now preparing to issue a volume containing all the evidence in the matter.

Mr. Holand was married June 13, 1900, to Miss Theresa Ingersoll of Sparta, Wisconsin, a graduate of the River Falls Normal School. She is descended in a straight line from Richard Ingersoll, who landed in America in 1638. Her great-grandfather, William Ingersoll, was a chaplain in the Revolutionary army. Mr. and Mrs. Holand have four children: Swanhild I., born March 18, 1901; Johan Harold, born February 21, 1906; Ivar Whitman, born March 18, 1908; and Mildred Valborg, born October 31, 1911.

Mr. Holand is republican in politics. He is a life member of a number ot historical societies and one of the curators of the Wisconsin State Historical Society.

Samuel Perry

The Perry Company, hardware dealers, of Forestville, of which Samuel Perry is the president, has built up the largest trade in its line in Door county and has been a factor of no small importance in the development of the commercial interests of Door county. Mr. Perry was born July 27, 1869, and is a son of Mathew and Henrietta (Machinskey) Perry. The father was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and remained there until he was fifteen years old, when in 1854, in company with his brother Richard M., he set sail for the United States. The ship on which they made the voyage was an old sailing vessel which sprung a leak in a big storm and in order to keep the boat afloat all the passengers had to help at the pumps. At length, twelve weeks after they embarked, the brothers landed in the United States and located near Niagara Fails, New York. A little later they took passage on a boat, named the Lady Elgin, which was bound for Chicago. They got as far as Manitowoc and on investigating conditions in this part of Wisconsin, which was then just being settled, they decided to cast in their lot with this section. Mr. Perry, of this review, came to Forestville township, Door county, by way of Wolf river and took up eighty acres of government land. At that time all farm produce had to be marketed in Manitowoc and the only means of communication was by boat as there were then no roads through the woods. The Indians were still more numerous than the white men and the few settlers in Door county lived many miles apart. Farm work was done with primitive appliances, the flail being used in threshing. Mr. Perry sold his first farm to Charles B. Miller and bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 22. He cleared one hundred acres of this tract and for many years his time was occupied by the operation of his farm. In 1910, however, he retired and the later years of his life were spent at the homes of his son Edward M. and of his daughter Elizabeth. His religious faith was that of the Episcopal church and in politics he was a strong republican.

the Civil war he enlisted in the Union army, becoming a member of Company E, Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry, in 1861. He had the privilege of serving under siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Atlanta and marched, with Sherman to the sea. He was a fifer and remained at the front during the entire period of the war. He had a wide acquaintance in Door county and he lived to see it develop into a splendid agricultural section. His death, which occurred December 5, 1915, was deeply regretted. He had long survived his wife, who died at the early age of thirty-eight years in March, 1885. She was born in Germany and accompanied her parents to the new world, the family home being first established in Kewaunee county, Wisconsin. Later removal was made to Forestville township, Door county, where the father purchased eighty acres of land and there both he and his wife died. To Mr. and Mrs. Perry were born the following children: Samuel; Mathew, who is the owner of a clothing store in Forestville; Henrietta, the wife of Michael Writt, who resides in Forestville

. township; John M., a resident of Sturgeon Bay; Edward M., postmaster at Forestville; Elizabeth, a resident of Sturgeon Day; Thomas, who died in 1894, when fourteen years old; and William, who was born in 1884 and died at the age of seven months.

Samuel Perry passed his boyhood upon the home farm and remembers the log cabin that was the first residence of the family. He received his education in the schools of Forestville and Algoma, and his business experience was received as bookkeeper for the Ahnapee Furniture Company at Algoma. Following his marriage he returned to the home farm, which he aided his father in operating for three years, and subsequently for two and one half years he was rural mail carrier. In 1905, however, he established his present business, which in 1916 was incorporated under the name of the Perry Company. They carry a large and well selected stock of shelf and heavy hardware and their business ability is evidenced from the fact that the company is the leading hardware concern in the county.

Mr. Perry was married in 1898 to Miss Imogene Heald, who is a daughter of Eugene and Agnes (Hitt) Heald, natives respectively of New York and Wisconsin. The father became the owner of a good farm in Clay Banks township and there Mrs. Perry was born. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Thomas Milton, Marion, Evelyn and Clinton Samuel.

Mr. Perry has not had time to take a very active part in public affairs but he has discharged to the full all his duties as a citizen. In politics he is a republican, and for eight years he served as town clerk. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally is connected with the Modern Woodmen and the Mystic Workers. He is not only one of the most reliable and most successful merchants of Forestville but is also connected with its financial interests as a director and secretary of the State Bank. His salient characteristics are such as invariably win respect and regard, and he is deservedly held in high esteem.

John Zelhofer

John Zelhofer, who is engaged in farming on section 19, Jacksonport township, was born April 12, 1888, in the township which is still his home, his parents being John and Teresa (Mistbauer) Zelhofer, who were natives of Germany, where they were reared and married. Six children were born to them ere they crossed the Atlantic, namely: Josephine, who became the wife of Alexander Houser, of Milwaukee; Mary, the wife of Joseph Searth, of Sturgeon Bay; Frank, deceased; Johanna, the wife of August Nichter, of Jacksonport town- ship; John, who died in infancy; and Teresa, the wife of Anton Searth, of Jacksonport township. The father followed the occupation of farming in Germany until 1881, when he brought his family to the United States, establishing his home on Washington island in Door county, where he was employed in sawmills for two and one half years. He then removed to Jacksonport township and purchased eighty acres of land on section 19. 1t was covered with the native growth of timber and brush, which he had to clear away before the land could be plowed. His first home was a log cabin and the family lived in true pioneer style, but with the passing of the years success attended their earnest efforts to develop the farm, which was transformed into a very productive and valuable property. Mr. Zelhofer has retired from active business life and both he and his wife are now living with their son John, the subject of this review, who was the only child born to them after they came to the new world.

The district schools afforded John Zelhofer his educational opportunities, but he attended only to the age of eleven years, for it was necessary that he then devote his entire attention to the farm work for his father had become an invalid. He now owns the home place, which he has largely assisted in developing and improving. His labors have resulted in making this a fine farm according to the standards of agriculture in the twentieth century. There are substantial buildings, well kept fences, highly cultivated fields and good grades of stock, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the careful supervision of the owner. Like the other members of the family he holds to the Catholic faith. He has never sought to figure prominently in public life, content to leave office holding to others, for he has preferred to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business interests.

Henry H. Hinrichs

Henry H. Hinrichs, postmaster of Baileys Harbor, where he is also engaged in farming, was born in East Friesland, Germany, April 10, 1863, a son of Henry and Toma (Bunting) Hinrichs, who were also natives of that country. The father was a mechanic and became proprietor of a brush factory. He and his wife never came to the United States, spending their entire lives in Germany, where the father died in 1876, while the mother survived until 1894.

Henry H. Hinrichs spent his boyhood in his native country, pursued his education there and afterward learned the shoemaking trade. He served for three years in the German army, according to the laws of the country, and later became connected with the postoffice department, thus serving the government for four and one-half years. At length he determined to try his fortune in the new world and crossed the Atlantic to America, arriving on the 22d of February, 1888. He first made his way to Burlington, Iowa, where he later engaged in business as a shoe merchant for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Algoma, Wisconsin, and was employed in a veneering factory. He afterward took up his abode in Forestville, Wisconsin, where he again conducted a shoe business, carrying on his store at that place for two years. Subsequently he removed to Baileys Harbor and purchased a farm of eighty acres, which he at once began to improve and develop. In April, 1915, he was appointed postmaster of Baileys Harbor and has since occupied that position, dividing his time between the duties of the office and his agricultural interests. His business affairs are capably and wisely managed and the same spirit of enterprise and fidelity is shown in connection with his discharge of the duties of the office which he fills.

On the 22d of June, 1887, Mr. Hinrichs was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Sanders, a daughter of John and Catherine (Jergius) Sanders. She. too, is a native of Germany and their marriage was celebrated in that country. They have become the parents of six children: Henry, who passed away in 1888; Fred; John; Henrietta; Catherine; and Dora.

'In his political views Mr. Hinrichs is a republican. He has filled the office of town clerk for seven years and has been notary public. While interested in the success of his party and the welfare of his community, his attention has chiefly been given to his business interests and whatever success he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own diligence and determination.

In the death of Noel J. Delfosse, Door county lost one of its most substantial, respected and honored citizens, a man who had contributed in large measure to the development and upbuilding of the district in which he lived. He was born in Belgium, in the year 1844, and passed away in February, 1914, so that his life record compassed more than sixty-nine years. He spent his early boyhood in his native country and then accompanied his parents to the United States, the voyage being made on one of the old time sailing vessels in 1853. They reached Philadelphia and thence proceeded westward to Chicago, while later they arrived at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The family home was established in Gardner township, where the grandfather purchased wild land and began the development of the farm, the family sharing in all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. He prospered in his undertakings so that the boundaries of his farm, which originally included eighty acres, were extended to include two hundred acres. Both he and his wife died on the old homestead.

Throughout much of his life Noel J. Delfosse was a resident of Union township. Its public school system afforded him his educational opportunities and he was trained to all the practical work of the farm from the time of early spring planting until crops were gathered in the late autumn. The farm was inherited by the four sons, Louis, August, Eugene and Noel, and with that nucleus Noel J. Delfosse kept adding to his landed possession until he was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, constituting a valuable farm property. He erected thereon a substantial residence, also built good barns and outbuildings and as the years passed continued the work of progress and improvement in a substantial way, becoming one of the representative agriculturists of the community.

In 1870 Mr. Delfosse was united in marriage to Miss Louise Dalemont who passed away a year later. Seven years later Mr. Delfosse was again married, his second union being with Miss Julia Hoddy, and they became the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters: Harriet, the wife of William Schultz; August, who is upon the home farm; Leona, the wife of Justin Chaudoir, of Brussels; Mary, the wife of Julian Conard; Rosa, the wife of Jule Conard; and Noel J., who is mentioned elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Delfosse early became a man of prominence and influence in his community and something of the high regard and goodwill which were ever entertained for him is indicated in the fact that for thirty-three consecutive years he was chosen chairman of the town board of Union and represented his constituents faithfully at the annual meeting held in Sturgeon Bay. He was a conscientious officer, a man of high character and principles and he ranked with the county's most substantial and progressive farmers, while as a man and a friend he was the soul of honor, His many sterling traits gained him the warmest regard of those among whom he long lived and his name deserves a prominent place upon the pages of Door county's pioneer history.

Peter Zettel

. A good farm on section 26, Nasewaupee township, is owned and cultivated by Peter Zettel. He was born in Bohemia on the 10th day of October, 1864, and is a son of Peter Zettel, Sr., who came to the United States in 1869. Making his way to Wiscor he settled first at Algoma and later removed to Maplewood in Door county, where for eight years he engaged in farming. He next took up his abode in Nasewaupee township, on section 26, homesteading eighty acres which is now the property of his son and namesake. He was long identified with its development and cultivation, continuing to reside thereon until called to his final rest, passing away July 27, 1906, at which time his remains were interred in the cemetery at Maplewood. He was a democrat in his political faith and a Catholic in his religious belief.

Peter Zettel of this review was reared to farm life, early meeting the varied experiences of the boy who divides his time between the work of the schoolroom and of the fields. He began farming on his own account on the old homestead twenty-eight vears ago and has since given his attention to its further development and improvement. That he is a capable and progressive business man is indicated in the fact that his cooperation has been sought along various other lines and he is now a stockholder in the cheese factory, in the Sawyer & Western "Telephone Company, in the Farmers Elevator Company and for eleven years was treasurer of the Nasewaupee Dairy Company.

On the 26th of March, 1886, Mr. Zettel was united in marriage to Miss Emma Burlo, of Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, and they have become parents of ten children: Tressie, now the wife of Bass D. Vincent, of Jennings, Michigan; Mary, the wife of Dan Holway, of Green Bay, Wisconsin; Joseph, who is living in Canada; Delvina, who is in Chicago; Delia, the wife of Emanuel Carty, of Sturgeon Bay, Wiscon: Lillian May, at home; Frank, who is a member of the National Guard of Wisconsin; Fred, a cheese maker of Nasewaupee township; and Henry and Lawrence, both at home.

church at Sawyer, and he has membership with the Catholic Knights at Sawyer. In politics he is a democrat and for eight years he was supervisor of his township and was road commissioner for six years. He has always been loyal to the best interests of the community and has given his aid and support to many measures for the general good.

Conrad Humke

Conrad Humke resides in Nasewaupee township upon the farm which he cleared and improved, although it is now the property of his son. He was born September 17, 1852, in Wisconsin, of the marriage of Conrad and Carlina Humke. He received a good education and excellent home training which inculcated the habits of industry and thrift. For many years he has been a resident of Nasewaupee township, Door county, having located upon the farm where he still resides in 1880. The land was heavily timbered and before he could plant any crops it was necessary to spend a great deal of time in clearing the place. At length his fields were all brought to a high state of cultivation, good buildings were erected and other improvements made. For three decades or more he concentrated his energies upon farming and as improved methods came into use he adopted them, thus increasing his efficiency. He added to his capital from year to year and at length felt that he had accumulated a competence, and sold the farm to his son, Walter, although he still resides thereon.

In 1879 Mr. Humke was married to Miss Mary Arpke, and they have had six children: Otto, who is a blacksmith at Sawyer; Ida, who also lives in Sawyer; Edwin, a veterinary located in that town; Walter, who was married in 1916 to Miss Carrie Termensen of Sawyer, and now owns the home place; Herbert, who is a lawyer at Valparaiso, Indiana; and Esther, who is a resident of Sawyer.

Mr. Humke is a republican and is loyal to the candidates of that party at the polls. His keen interest in the educational advancement of the district is indicated by the fact that for eighteen years he has been treasurer of the school board. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and the integrity of his daily life is proof of the sincerity of his religious faith. His salient characteristics are such as to win him a high place in the estimation of his fellows and he has many warm personal friends.

Joseph Deutsch

Joseph Deutsch is successfully engaged in stock raising on his fine farm, known as the Sunny Slope Farm, on section 12, Nasewaupee township, and has gained considerable note in that connection, especially as a breeder of fine Lincoln sheep. He was born July 27, 1875, in Door county, a son of Ignatz and Rosa Deutsch, who were of Austrian birth. The father served for three years in the Austrian army and fought in the Franco-Prussian war, notably in the campaign which repelled the invasion from Italy. On emigrating to the United States the parents located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and later came to Door county. In their family were twelve children, of whom six died in childhood, those surviving being: Anna, who is the wife of Louis Zusy, of Milwaukee; Joseph; Rosa, who lives in Milwaukee; William and Kate, both of whom reside in Nasewaupee township; and Frank.

Joseph Deutsch is indebted for his education to the common schools of Door county and passed his boyhood and youth under the parental roof. He has made stock raising life work and has gained a large measure of prosperity. He raises Lincoln sheep, which he was the first to introduce into the county, and never fails to carry off all the prizes on sheep at the county fairs. He also raises registered Guernsey cattle, Single Comb Black Minorca chickens and Scotch collie dogs. He has given his place the name of the Sunny Slope Farm and takes justifiable pride in it, for it is one of the best developed and most attractive farm properties of the county. The buildings for the care of his stock and crops are of the most modern design and of substantial construction and he keeps abreast of the latest discoveries relating to scientific stock raising.

Mr. Deutsch is independent in politics, believing that the qualifications of a candidate are of far greater importance than his political affiliation. Tn religious faith he is a Roman Catholic. Through the exercise of enterprise, initiative and sound judgment he has gained a place among the leading citizens of his township and his personal qualities are such that he has also won the warm friendship of many.

Hon. Frank N. Graass

As the architect of his own fortunes Hon. Frank N. Graass has builded wisely and well, but his life work has had more far-reaching effect than just in the promotion of his own interests. He has contributed to the upbuilding of his county through the organization and development of its fruit raising and selling interests and, moreover, he has become the largest exporter of tree seeds in the United States. At the same time he has represented his county in the state legislature and has taken active and helpful part in framing Wisconsin's laws. Sturgeon Bay and has every reason to be proud to number him among her 'native sons. He was born August 19, 1885, his parents being John P. and Mina (Wagener) Graass, who were natives of Luxemburg, Germany, and came to the United States in early life, settling in Door county, Wisconsin, where the father engaged in the livery business and also conducted a saloon, devoting the remainder of his days to that undertaking. He died in December, 1887, while his wife, surviving for many years, passed away in June, 1913.

Frank N. Graass was reared and educated in Sturgeon Bay, passing through consecutive grades in the public schools to his graduation from the high school with the class of 1905. He then turned his attention to forestry work, principally in the buying of pine cones, from which he extracted the seeds. He has continued in this business to the present day and now has developed one of the most important industries of the kind in the United States. He has three branches, one at Crivitz, Wisconsin, a second at Roscommon, Michigan, and a third at Sturgeon Bay. He also has three hundred agencies throughout the central and western states, buying up cones, after which he sells the seeds, mostly in foreign countries, having today the largest exporting tree seed business in the United States. He has developed this undertaking to extensive proportions and Sturgeon Bay may well be proud of the fact that one of its citizens holds the position of leadership in this line. He also owns an orchard of eighteen hundred cherry and apple trees, with five hundred currant and gooseberry bushes and several hundred plum trees. In 1916 he was elected to the board of directors of the Door County Fruit Exchange and in the same year was elected a director of the Door County Fruit Union, which handles and markets the entire fruit output of Door county. In addition to his other property he owns Door county farm land and a nice residence at No. 404 Lawrence avenue in Sturgeon Bay. His realty interests also include property in the suburbs of Los Angeles.

In politics, too, Mr. Graass has figured most prominently as a republican and one whose efforts have been of marked benefit to his party. In the fall of 1916 he was elected state representative from his district and served in the legislature through the following year. He was appointed a member of the committee which was sent to St. Paul, Minnesota, to draw up joint laws which would apply with equal helpfulness and benefit to the two states. He was also appointed on several other important committees, including insurance, banking and municipalities. He gave careful consideration to all the vital questions which came up for settlement and his aid and influence furthered many movements which have been of direct benefit to the commonwealth. He is actuated in all that he does by a public-spirited devotion to the general good and his efforts have been farreaching and beneficial. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, entertain for him the highest regard, knowing him to be a man who is ever loyal to his convictions of right and who is ever faithful to the duties that devolve upon him.

William Jess

That William Jess, of Detroit Harbor, is a capable business man is indicated by the fact that he has been secretary and manager of the telephone company since its organization, has been secretary of the Mutual Home Fire Insurance Company for the past fourteen years, and has been secretary, treasurer and manager of the creamery company since its organization. He was born September 23, 1869, in. Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, where he was reared and received part of his education. In 1884 he came to the United States and at once made his way to Washington Island, Door county. After following the blacksmith's trade in the employ of his uncle for some time he worked in sawmills for a period. Later he went to Gladstone, Michigan, and there was employed as a millwright for five years. On returning to Washington Island he worked at the blacksmith's trade. In 1894 he purchased the place on section 36, near Detroit Harbor, where he still resides, and since 1896 he has engaged in the implement business. He has built up a large patronage in that connection and he is also active in the management of the telephone company, which he aided in organizing.

Mr. Jess was married January 2, 1895, to Miss Marion Jessen, who was born in New Jersey, but was brought as a child to Washington Island by her parents, Captain and Mrs. John C. Jessen, her father being a ship captain. Her birth occurred November 3, 1873, and by her marriage she has become the mother of seven children: Alton, who was born November 19, 1895; Elsabe, whose birth occurred December 3, 1897, and who passed away January 31, 1909; Esther, born July 6, 1900; William, Jr., born November 5, 1902; Harvey, December 13, 1904; Orville, February 10, 1910; and Elva, October 1, 1913.

Mr. Jess supports the republican party at the polls and for sixteen years was chairman of the board. On the 28th of September, 1907, he was appointed postmaster of Detroit Harbor and has acceptably filled that position ever since. For five years he has been jury commissioner, for twelve years has served as clerk of the school district No. 1, and for five years has been a member of the Door and Kewaunee Counties Training School board. He has also served as a member of the exemption board in connection with the formation of the new National Army. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons.

Frank Zelhofer

Hardships, difficulties and obstacles have at times beset the career of Frank Zelhofer, whose persistency, however, has enabled him to work his way steadily upward, and he is now the owner of a good farm property on section 19, Jacksonport township. An Austrian by birth his natal day was the 25th of November, 1869. His parents, Frank and Teresa ( Winman) Zelhofer, were farming people. The father was married twice and by his first marriage had three children who reached adult age: Charles, who resided for many years in Pennsylvania but is now deceased; Leopold, deceased, who was a resident of Jacksonport township, Door county; and Mrs. Josephine Kreutzer, of Austria. Seven children were born to the marriage of Frank and Teresa (Winman) Zolhofer, namely: Frank, of this review; Mary, the wife of Charles Lautenbach, of Jacksonport township; Flora, the wife of Charles Felhofer, of Sevastopol township; Elizabeth, the wife of Frank Niemeier, of Egg Harbor township; Teresa, the wife of Jacob Niemeier, of Egg Harbor township; Joseph, who died at the age of seven years; and Hannah, the wife of Joseph Geisler, of Bradford, Pennsylvania.

Frank Zelhofer was a lad of twelve years when his parents came to the United States, establishing their home at Jamestown, Pennsylvania, where the father worked in the coal mines for ten years. On the expiration of that period the family came to Door county and the father invested his savings in forty acres of land on section 20 and forty acres on section 19, Jacksonport township. Upon this place he built a log cabin and then began the arduous task of clearing away the timber and preparing the land for the plow. After two years, however, he returned to Pennsylvania, where he again resided for four years. On the expiration of that period he once more came to his Jacksonport farm upon which he spent his remaining days, his death occurring August 9, 1913,

While still in his native land Frank Zelhofer had the opportunity of attending the public schools but he had no instruction in the schools of this country, as he began to earn his living when a lad of twelve years. He worked for his father unti! he reached the age of twenty-six and his boyhood and youth were a period of unremitting toil, wherein he gained the experience that enabled him to carefully and successfully manage his agricultural interests. When twentyix years of age he came into possession of the home farm and in addition he has purchased other property, including forty acres on section 19, forty acres on section 30 and two other forty acre tracts on section 19, making two hundred and forty acres in all. His farm is a valuable one and indicates the careful supervision of its practical and progressive owner.

When twenty-six years of age Mr. Zelhofer was united in marriage to Miss Frances Mistbauer, a daughter of Carl and Frances (Kernstog) Mistbauer, who were natives of Austria and early settlers of Jacksonport. The father is now deceased, while the mother yet occupies the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Zelhofer were parents of eight children, Bertha, Frank, Jr., Elizabeth; Charles, Edward, Josephine, Anna and Frances, all of whom are at home.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church, to which they ever loyally adhere. From the age of twelve Frank Zolhofer has been a resident of the United States. He has taken advantage of the opportunities offered in the land. where effort is unhampered by caste or class, and as the years have gone on he has so directed his affairs that he has won a substantial measure of success and has made a place among the representative farmers of his adopted county.

Wallace I. Lawr

Wallace I. Lawrence is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Door county and is prominently, extensively and successfully engaged in fruit raising on this peninsula, which seems particularly favorable to horticultural pursuits. He was born in Sturgeon [I March 31, 1876, and is a son of William D. and \ugusta (Brooks) Lawrence, who were natives of Maine. It was at an early period in the development of this section that the father arrived in Door county and became a factor in the early development and upbuilding of this part of the state. He became proprietor of a hotel and also conducted a meat market in an early day, but in 1880 removed to a farm situated on Sturgeon Day and for many years actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits, his labors being attended with substantial and gratifying results. He continued farming until he turned the business over to his son Wallace when advanced age came upon him. He passed away in 1912 after reaching the eighty-ninth milestone on life's journey and is still survived by his widow, who is now eighty-two years of age. They had a family of eight children: Myron, who is proprietor of The Cove at Stur- 2dith, at home ; George, who is living at Beechwood, Michigan; Frank,

Mr. And Mrs. William B. Lawrence

When a little lad of about six years Wallace I. Lawrence entered the public schools of Sturgeon Bay and he there mastered the lessons which qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. In his youthful days he assisted his father in the work of the farm and in 1895 took charge of the place, being then a youth of nineteen years. In the intervening period he has concentrated his attention upon the development and production of fruit. He first began raising small fruits, planting six acres to strawberries and two acres to raspberries. In 1897 he set out four acres to apples, three acres to cheeries and one acre to plums. Today he has twenty-seven acres in fruit - eight acres in apples, one acre in plums and eighteen acres in cherries, and in addition he cultivates nine acres, His place is situated on Sturgeon Bay and is within the city limits. The soil is naturally adapted to fruit growing and he has made a study of what can best be raised in this district. He has a particularly fine cherry orchard and has no trouble in disposing of his crops.

In 1905 Mr. Lawrence was married to Miss Gertrude Mahlberg, of Sturgeon Nay, a daughter of Antone and Augusta Mahlberg. In politics he has always been a republican and he has served as a member of the police and fire commission. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Twenty Club, an exclusive organization which draws its membership from the leading business men and citizens of Sturgeon Bay. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, speak of him in terms of high regard, recognizing his business ability and spirit of enterprise as well as his progressiveness and fidelity in matters of citizenship. He stands loyally for all those things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride, and his influence is on the side of progress and improvement in every connection.

Daniel Ohern has been very successful as a farmer and now owns two hundred and forty acres of well improved land in Egg Harbor township. His birth occurred in Ireland, January 6, 1842, and he is a son of William and Mary (Conlon) Ohern, also natives of the Emerald isle. In 1864 the parents came with their family to America, but the father was taken ill with typhoid fever on the vessel and only lived five days after he reached the home of his brother at Fall River, Massachusetts. The brother and his wife also died of that disease at the same time. The mother of our subject, however, survived for many years, her demise occurring in 1900. y

Daniel Ohern was reared at home and in the acquirement of his education attended the public schools of Ireland. He accompanied his parents to the United States and for a time worked on a boat plying between New York and Newport, Rhode Island. In 1865 he came to Wisconsin, reaching Sturgeon Bay on the 26th of June. Soon afterward he went to work for A. W. Lawrence and for four years remained in his employ. He then invested his savings in one hundred and sixty acres of land in Nasewaupee township, but after farming that place for three years he sold it and removed to an eighty acre tract in Egg Harbor township, which was his father-in-law's home. His energy and wise direction of affairs were rewarded by good returns from his land and from time to time he increased his holdings and now owns two hundred and forty acres on sections 23, 27, 34 and 35, Egg Harbor township. He has cleared one hundred and forty acres and has not only brought the land to a high state of cultivation but has also erected excellent buildings and the farm compares very favorably in its improvements with others in the township. He is engaged in dairying quite extensively, milking twenty-two cows, and all his stock is of good grade.

On the 25th of February, 1869,.Mr. Ohern was married to Miss Marion Maloney, a daughter of Martin and Mary (Lenahan) Maloney, natives of Ireland. It was in 1850 that the Maloney family came to America and for a time they resided in New York, where Mrs. Ohern was born in 1852. In 1857 removal was made to Door county, Wisconsin. Mr. Maloney purchased an eighty acre tract of' land from the government. He engaged in the operation of that farm until his demise, which occurred on the 24th of December, 1890. That tract is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Ohern and the latter has resided thereon for about six decades. Mrs. Maloney was called to her final rest on the 17th of March, 1882. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ohern, namely: Mamie, the wife of Orrin Allen, a resident of Kewaunee, Wisconsin; Hannah, who is now Mrs. James Hall and resides at Sawyer, Door county; William, a farmer of Egg Harbor township; Sarah, the wife of John Kaugh, who is farming in Forestville township; Agnes, who died in 1879; Grace, the wife of Mayo Baubau, of Sturgeon Bay; Martin and Cicily at home; Daniel. who enlisted in Company F, Fifth Regiment, Wisconsin National Guards, for service in the World war; Dennis, who married Anita Freckman and is the agent for the Remington Typewriter Company at Green Bay; and Loretta, who is now Sister Edwin in the Holy Family Convent at Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Mr. Ohern believes in the principles of the republican party and supports its candidates at the polls. He has been quite active in local affairs, having served for three years on the town board, and he has held several minor offices. He is the only living member who attended mass in the first Catholic church built in Sturgeon Bay in 1866 and for twenty-nine years has been a member of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. His life has conformed to the teachings of the church and he has sought to advance its interests in every possible way.

Albert Bankner

Albert Bankner, who is devoting his time and energy to the operation of his good farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, Sevastopol township, was born April 26, 1846, in Kirt, Hesse, Germany. He attended school in his native country until he was twenty years of age and then emigrated to America, landing at New York city on the 24th of October, 1866. He went to Green Bay by way of Pittsburgh and Chicago and traveled from Green Bay by boat to Sturgeon Bay, where he secured work with the Sturgeon Bay Lumber Company. After remaining with that concern for about five years he turned his attention to farming and in 1872 purchased the farm on which he still lives. At that time, however, it was covered with timber and it required a great deal of hard work to clear the land and bring it under cultivation. He has erected good barns upon the place, and in the care of his stock and the cultivation of his fields he follows improved methods. As the years have passed his resources have increased and he is now one of the substantial men of Sevastopol township.

Mr. Bankner was married September 9, 1869, in Door county, to Miss Bobbie Uhl, who was born in Germany, August 10, 1852, but was brought to this country by her parents when a child. To this union have been born six children, as follows: Theresa, whose birth occurred March 24, 1871, and who is now Mrs, E. Folsom, of Milwaukee; Minnie, born January 9, 1873; Oscar, who was born April 7, 1876, and is assisting his father in the operation of the home farm; Frank, born February 3, 1879; Tillie, born March 16, 1881; and Edward Albert, born August 17, 1887.

The republican party has a stanch supporter in Mr. Bankner, and for one term he held the office of road supervisor, but he has consistently given the greater part of his time and attention to his farming interests. His many excellent qualities have won for him a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens, and he has many loyal friends.