Langlade County, Wisconsin - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 57 of those read), 1922 (part 1 of 5)

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 57 of those read)

The Importance of Biography - The Life of W. L. Ackley, Englishman, Prospector, Indian Trader, Farmer, Township Official, Man - Sketches of Other Elarly Settlers - Biographical Record of Prominent and Representative citizens of the past and present.

Biographical records are of value, not only for their immediate worth, but for future reference. Family genealogy can be preserved in no better way. The history of the nation, the state and the county depends upon the calibre of its people. The data herewith was gathered from the individuals immediately interested and should prove to be a treasured section of this work.

WILLIAM LEROY ACKLEY. the first white settler in Langlade County, was born in the State of New York on or about 1830. Little is known of his boyhood days except that he was a venturesome lad who was lured to the western states by the stories of adventure among the Indian tribes and the plucky fur traders of the great northern wilderness. He came west to the hamlet of Wausau where he stopped for a time before definitely settling in Ackley township, Langlade County, in 1853. Mr. Ackley was associated with P. Hogarty, a proprietor of a stopping place, who had extensive commercial intercourse with Indians and home seekers. He built a log shack on the banks of the Eau Claire river, section 28, when he first came into this vast wild country inhabitated by Indians and animals. Young Ackley was twenty-one years old when he first made a claim in this region. He married Me-Da-Gee-Wa-No-Kwa, "Maiden of the Forests," a Chippewa Indian maiden, who bore him two children - De Witt and Charles Ackley. Charles Ackley is a merchant in Wabeno, Forest County; De Witt Ackley is living with the Pottawattomi Indians near Mole Lake, Wisconsin. Ackley, fur trader, lumber cruiser, adventurer, was a leader of the Indians who sought his counsel. He was a just barterer and those who were acquainted with him acknowledged him to be an upright business man. He never took advantage of the Chippewa's in their fur transactions. Most of his fur products were shipped down the Eau Claire river to Schofield and sold to agents of St. Louis fur buyers. Mr. Ackley died November 24, 1894. His wife died March 9, 1899, having lived to be over one hundred years of age.

meeting, was born in England in 1835. In the early '60's he came to Eagle River, Wisconsin, where there was a small settlement of English and Scotchmen. Here he established a trading post and bought furs of the Indians. He engaged in logging operations during the winter. He was the first man to log on the Eagle Waters. Dan Gagen took the pick of the pine which grew on the banks of the lakes and streams and, instead of hauling them for miles, rolled them into the River of Lakes.

About the year 1877 he moved to Pine Lake (Hiles, Wis.) which was the headwaters of the Wolf river. Here he farmed and logged until about 1902 when he moved to Three Lakes, Wis. He died in November, 1908, at Three Lakes, Wis. His son, James Gagen, real estate dealer and abstract man, resides at Hudson street and Seventh avenue, Antigo, Wis.

Dan Gagen represented Gagen township in Langlade County until that territory north of the present limits of the county was detached in 1885. His place in county history is with those other sturdy men who came into the forests of this country between 1853 and 1870. They were: Louis Montzfeldt, Hiram B. Polar, Henry Harvey, Charles Larzelere, "Old Dutch" Frank, David Getchell, Henry Strauss, Williard L. Ackley, and S. A. Taylor, all leaders of their time.

Thomas And Malcolm Hutchinson

THOMAS AND MALCOLM HUTCHINSON, were among the earliest of Langlade County pioneers and have left their splendid records here as monuments to their integrity and thrift. Thomas Hutchinson, the father of Malcolm Hutchinson, well known Langlade County citizen, was born near Nelson, in the Province of New Brunswick, Canada, in June, 1830, the son of Henry and Katherine Hutchinson. He was reared on a farm and when a youth he settled at Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, the lure of the lumbering industry having called him to the thriving occupation in Northern Wisconsin. He cast his first Presidential vote in the Abraham Lincoln-Stephen A. Douglas contest at the virge of the Civil War. In 1875, Mr. Hutchinson moved with his family to Langlade County, settling on the banks of the Wolf river near Langlade, being one of its very early pioneers. Two years later he took up a homestead on section 27, Township 32 (Price), Range 12 East. Here he lived until his demise on October 22, 1912, having lived long enough to see the great pineries slashed, the "iron trail" follow the ox cart, the automobile take the place of the "buckboard," to see cities develop, and the R. F. D. take the place of the mail

Mr. Hutchinson was married on November 20, 1862, to Anna Farrell, a native of New Brunswick, Canada. Four children were born to this union, namely, Almira, now Mrs. Ben J. Daly of Oshkosh, Wis.; Malcolm, now a resident of Antigo, and Eugenie, now Mrs. William Worman of Seattle, Washington; and Jessie, now Mrs. Charles Powell, of Antigo, Wisconsin.

MALCOLM HUTCHINSON was born at Oshkosh, Winnebago County, on April 9, 1867. When eight years old he moved to eastern Langlade County with his parents and two years later settled at Price township with them. He attended the Price rural schools in the Malcolm District, named after him. There was once a community there and Thomas W. Hutchinson was the first and only postmaster of Malcolm.

Like his father, Malcolm Hutchinson has foliowea the lumbering industry, surveying and the woods. He has often been County Surveyor of Langlade County. Outside of Price schools he attended Dagget's Business College of Oshkosh for three years and then returned to Price to resume his work in the lumbering and surveying occupation, which fascinated him. He was united in marriage to Katherine Gratten of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, September 1, 1898. To this union eight children were born. One is deceased. Those living are: Paul, Norma, Lura, Jacqueline, Malcolm, Jr., Almyra and Thomas. TTie Hutchinson family resides at 511 Hudson street, Antigo, they having moved from the old homestead property in Price township in April, 1915. The Hutchinsons are honored and respected as pioneers of the county and in its history they deserve worthy representation. The family attend St. John's church and Mr. Hutchinson is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America.

FRANK DVORAK, SR.. Manager of the Antigo Water Department, City Treasurer and Councilman, was born in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, in 1869, the son of Frank and Philomena Dvorak. He attended the common schools of Manitowoc County and the Manitowoc High School from which he entered the Oshkosh Normal. He moved to Langlade County in 1882 with his parents, residing on a farm in the town of Antigo until 1902. Mr. Dvorak moved into the city of Antigo in the spring of 1903. He was elected County Treasurer in 1906, serving for two terms, 1907-11. He was then appointed City Treasurer of Antigo in September, 1911. He was elected to that office in the spring of 1912. He was elected City Commissioner under the commission form of government in the spring of 1914, being re-elected in 1918, serving as City Treasurer, as well as City Commissioner. Mr. Dvorak is a member of the Public Library Board, the Board of Public Works and a Jury Commissioner of Langlade County. During his public career he has been held in high regard as a man of good character, ability and integrity. He was united in marriage in 1890 to Miss Margaret Plzak, to which union five sons and two daughters were born. One son and two daughters died in infancy. Those living are : Frank J. Dvorak, Jr., Assistant Cashier of the First National Bank of Antigo, who in September, 1920, was united in marriage to Miss Marion Ver Bryck, daughter of Frank P. Ver Bryck, a well known pioneer locomotive engineer.

Frank Dvorak

DAVID B. EDICK. Long before Langlade County was created, and at a time when the Military Road was a "new thoroughfare," a young man of splendid physique and mentally alert to the wonderful opportunities of the great "new north," cast his lot with the Wolf river country. This man has lived for fortyeight years in that country, which has since blossomed into an extensive and productive section of Wisconsin. It was on November 13, 1874, that David B. Edick, the subject of this sketch, arrived at Medina, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, after a four-day journey from Cleveland, Ohio. Young Edick was seeking his fortune in the great expanse of Upper Wisconsin. He was born at Western Star, Summit County, Ohio, February 20, 1850, the son of Nicholas H. and Anna M. (Koplin) Edick, being the first of ten children. When but eighteen months old he moved with his parents to Lorraine County, Ohio, where he lived until he was fifteen years old. From then on he made his own way through the world. He received an elementary education equivalent to the 8th grade of today. It was in the spring of 1865 that the Edick family moved to Medina County, Ohio, to settle on a farm.

Nine years later, 1874, the parents of young David decided to move to Garfield, Pawnee County, Kansas. Young David stayed in Ohio, leaving Cleveland on November 9, 1874, for Wisconsin, where he began his picturesque career as a pioneer of the Wolf river country. The first summer he followed his trade of a cheesemaker at Pickett, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, in 1875. That fall he came to Langlade County, spending the first night in the "old Henry Strauss stopping place" on section 17, Township 33, Range 13 East. He slept on the rough floor of the place. He worked as a woodsman for Timothy Crane on Crane Lake the first winter. In the spring of 1876 he went to Illinois, returning on October 19, 1876, working at Lily for Timothy Crane during the winter of 1876-77. The following spring he located on a farm, sections 15 and 16, township 33, range 13 East, and stayed on the farm from 1877 to 1881, inclusive.

Here he conducted a stopping place also. Mr. Edick was united in marriage to Mary L. Tourtillotte on June 22, 1880. Miss Tourtillotte was a pioneer teacher at Nine Mile Creek and also at Polar. After spending their honeymoon at Appleton they returned to the farm. In October, 1882, they moved to Lily, where Mr. Edick was proprietor of a hotel for one year, following which he logged on Stoney Lake with Henry Tourtillotte, his father-in-law. For one year he logged there and in the fall of 1884 moved to Lily, where he spent the next quarter of a century. For ten years he tended dam at Lily for the Keshena Improvement Company and in the winter of 1887-88 logged with J. E. Schultz as his associate. April 5, 1893, he started in as a log buyer and cruiser for the Paine Lumber Company and was a valued and trusted employe of that concern until January 1, 1915, when their holdings were taken over by the Langlade Lumber Company, whom Mr. Edick was retained by. He is a practical woodsman in every sense of the word, having had nearly fifty years of experience, probably more than any other man now active in the lumbering industry of Wisconsin.

Mr. and Mrs. Edick had ten children. Five are now deceased. They are Nicholas Henry, born in 1881. He died in infancy and is buried at Lily. Anna died in infancy; Mary died when ten months old; Ralph died on October 9, 1918, the day his brother, Lieut. Wm. Edick, was wounded on the battlefields in France. He (Ralph) died at Flagstaff, Arizona. He was a talented musician, a great organizer of bands. He is buried at Omro, Wis. His wife, Juanita Jackson Edick, to whom he was married in 1916, and one son, Robert, survive him. Charles D., born in Keshena, was electrocuted at Oslo, Manitowoc County, on June 11, 1922. He was an expert meterman and electrician and met his death while at duty. He is survived by his wife, Anna (Pautz) Edick, to whom he was married on January 1, 1918, and one child, Charles, who was born on November 24, 1884. He was buried at Omro on June 15, 1922.

daughter of Earl Rhodes, on August 17, 1917; George L., who married Mabel Kurtz at Danville, Ind. He is now at Washington, D. C, employed by the government as a Rural Engineer and draftsman for the U. S. They have two children, Mildred and Kenneth. William J., a reserve officer in the U. S. A., now in the Secret Service of the U. S., married Josephine Olsen. They have one child, William J. Jr. Mr. Edick served as a Lieutenant in the Word War. He was wounded in combat. Their home is in San Francisco, Calif. Edward Everett is Assistant Principal of the Weyauwega (Wis.) High School and athletic coach. He spent 28 months overseas during the war, part of the time in the aviation. He will soon complete a chemical engineering course at the University of Wisconson. John E., now in Oshkosh, Winnebago, County, Wisconsin, is a student of the State Normal. He is following out his intention to become a Chemical Engineer.

David Edick is a member of the Masonic orders in which he takes a keen interest. His mother passed away at the age of 89 at Albuquerque, N. M., eight months after a visit from her son. His father died in March, 1894, and is buried in Albuquerque, N. M.. also. He was eighty years old when he died.

David Edick has lived a life on honesty and his character as a citizen is of the highest type. His sons, four of whom served in the Word War, have grown to manhood and are all experts in their chosen fields of endeavor - an honor to the name of Edick.

WILLIAM WEGNER, prominent Peck farmer and leader, was born September 8, 1876, the son of Mary and Michael Wegner, in the Town of Gibson, Manitowoc County. He attended the public and parochial schools during his boyhood after which he journeyed to the scene of the great lumbering industry of northern Wisconsin and Michigan, working in the woods and mills. When he abandoned this field of endeavor he had attained the position of head sawyer. In 1897 he came to the Town of Peck, Langlade County, where he has since resided. Mr. Wegner took up his present farm on the south half or the southwest quarter of section 22 in the summer of 1905. It comprises eighty acres of land situated near the west branch of the Eau Claire river on route No. 1. Mr. Wegner was married to Laura Schwantes of Lincoln County, July 19, 1905. To this union three children, two boys, Amos and Ogden, and one girl. Ruby, were born. Besides operating his farm, Mr. Wegner has found time to operate a store and a saloon on section 22. This business he conducted from 1903 until August, 1909, when it burned down. He is a leader in Peck township affairs, and has served as Supervisor, Township Chairman and School Treasurer. The last two offices he served in eight consecutive years, exact dates of which are found in Peck township history. Mr. Wegner is

OSCAR J. SWANSON, auditor and credit manager, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Lena M. and John Swanson. Coming to Antigo, Wisconsin, at an early age he attended the public schools and the Antigo High School. After attending high school two years he entered the employ of the Fidelity Savings Bank at Antigo. He then entered Marquette University where he completed his high school course and in 1915 graduated from the commerce and accounting department of that institution. He then purchased the business of the Forest County Abstract Company and the Insurance Agencies of the Bank of Crandon in 1915. In 1918, when war was on with Germany, he enlisted. Returning to Antigo after the war he entered the First National Bank as Assistant Cashier, which position he held until he resigned January 1, 1921, to accept a position as chief auditor and credit manager of the Charles W. Fish Lumber Company, Elcho, Wis. Mr. Swanson was married June 18, 1919, to Cecelia Goebel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Goebel, Antigo, Wis. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, the B. P. O. E. and M. W. A. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson reside at Elcho, Wisconsin.

ARTHUR M. JANES, pioneer citizen. Among the earliest pioneers of Langlade County are Mr. and Mrs. Arthur M. Janes, who located in the village of Antigo in March, 1882. They first came to Antgio in the spring of 1881. At that time the old Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western came only as far as Aniwa, Shawano County hamlet. Track had been laid to Weed's mill, but the bridge had not been completed. From Aniwa Mr. Janes came to Antigo with the construction crew building the Weed mill dam. The following spring Mr. Janes bought property where the Molle building is now located and moved his family here. Freight was then hauled by ox-team and Fifth avenue was lined with many stumps, removed the next year. Arthur M. Janes was married to Jennie Hill (see story on stopping places, taverns, hotels) February 13, 1879, at Shawano, Wisconsin. Eight children of Mr. and Mrs. Janes were born in Antigo. Mrs. E. A. Settler, Avondale, Arizona, was born in Shawano. Those born in Antigo were Edwin A. Janes, who died in 1899; Evelyn Janes Richardson, who died in 1919; Chris Janes, Superintendent of the Frost Veneer Co., Antigo, Wis.; Harry M. Janes, rancher, Avondale, Arizona; Mrs. Jessie Pearson Richardson, of Avondale, Arizona, and Guy, Dale and Howard Janes, of Antigo. Arthur M. Janes was one of Antigo's first merchants. The Janes family resides at 316 Fifth avenue, Antigo, Wis.

CHARLES S. LEYKOM, deceased, was a pioneer Antigo business man. He was born November 14, 1857, at Manitowoc, son of John and Ann Leykom. After attending the public schools of Manitowoc, Mr. Leykom took a position with the Rand & Romer Hardware Company. In 1881 he came to Antigo, being one of the pioneer merchants of the city. He walked from Eland Jet. to get here as the railroad was not completed this far north then. He established a hardware store with John Hessel, for a time was associated with H. A. Kohl and then resumed his partnership with Mr. Hessel. He was a member of the Beavers Reserve Fund Fraternity and the E. F. U., an officer of the city frequently, held the office of City Sealer of Weights & Measures for years and served with credit on the Board of Education. Mr. Leykom was one of the founders of the Antigo Public Library. The Library Board sent condolences to his family at the time of his death, September 26, 1924. His remains were buried in the City Cemetery. Charles S. Leykom was married to Nellie Williams, an early Antigo teacher, in 1883. He is survived by his wife and three children, Sumner Leykom, Mrs. Charles Thomas, and John Wallace Leykom. His name is cut deep among the worthy pioneers of Antigo.

WALTER GUILE, Norwood pioneer, was born in Utica, N. Y., in 1834. He came to Norwood township in 1882, being one of its early settlers. Mr. Guile held the esteem and respect of his neighbors and associates as is evidenced by his election as Chairman of Norwood in 1884. He held this post a year and a half when he resigned. He was married in 1870 to Eleanore Litton, born at Sheboygan, June 15, 1853. Six children were born, Walter, Harvey and Arthur and Mrs. John Ott of Sheboygan being the children living. Walter Guile passed away January 9, 1898, and his remains are at rest in the Antigo cemetery. Mrs. Guile is now living in Antigo.

HARVEY GUILE, decorator and contractor, was born July 20, 1887, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Guile. He attended the Norwood rural schools and the Antigo public schools. He has been in the painting and decorating business since 1901. He is an expert in his chosen work. Mr. Guile was married to Beatrice Du Bois of Antigo, March 3, 1906. Five children were born to this union. They are Clarence, Richard and Dorothy, living, and Florence and Norma, deceased. Mr. Guile is a member of the Knights of Pythias in which lodge he is active. The Guile home is situated at 1525 Clermont street.

W. F. KASSON, prominent business man, was born in Ludington, Mich., October 8, 1869, son of Augusta and Robert Kasson. At age of two he moved to Yankton, S. D., then the capital of South Dakota. When 14 years of age he v/ent to Sioux City, Iowa, where he began as an apprentice in the printing trade. He then was employed on the Sioux City Journal, Minneapolis Tribune, Cincinnati Enquirer and Chicago Herald in succession. In 1888 he went to Ashland, Wis., from Chicago and for seven years was in a saloon and restaurant business, went to Neenah where for eighteen years he engaged in the same business, being proprietor of the Russell and Union House there. November 18, 1915, opened Hanousek Hotel in Antigo. A year later he sold to Arthur J. Koch and purchased the

George Ottman property in Antigo township, known since as Kasson cabaret. April, 1919, took over Pickerel Lake property from Kenosha Hunting & Fishing Club, James A. Fathers of Janesville, Wis., principal stockholder. He still owns this property, running a first class tourist resort. He was married at Libertyville, Illinois, in 1908 to Matilda Kempf. The Kasson family, Mr. and Mrs. Kasson and four boys and two girls, resides on South Superior street, in Antigo township. Mr. Kasson is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. He is a stockholder and part owner of the Antigo Herald, Langlade Printing Company publication.

HARRY LA FAVE, telegraph operator, was born September 9, 1896, at Duluth, Minnesota, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph La Fave. He attended the public and parochial schools following which he entered the employ of the C. & N. W. Railroad Company with which he has been for the past ten years. He is now an operator in the Antigo north yards. When the World War broke out Mr. La Fave enlisted September 18, 1917, in the 311 Field Signal Battalion of the 86th Division, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged May 15, 1919. Mr. La Fave is a member of the B. P. 0. E. and K. of C. lodges.

SEBASTIAN BUERGER, a pioneer Antigo business man, was born in 1842 in Wald Aschbach Baiern, Germany. He came to the city of Antigo in 1882, engaging in the newspaper business, conducting Antigo's second News Stand. He later engaged in the grocery business. Antigo was then a little village with few business places when he came to the village. Fifth avenue was a little "hole in the woods." Mr. Buerger was a member of the old Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Sons of Herman lodge, now extinct. He was married in 1887 to Wilhelmine Seefeldt of Brown County, Wisconsin. Six children were born to this union. Mr. Buerger died in 1917 and his remains are buried in the city cemetery of Antigo. During his business career he was one of Antigo's prominent business men.

JAMES J. HEALY. Stability of character and purpose and a high order of citizenship are traits which are found with a pleasing degree of frequency in the men who have witnessed the period of expansion in Langlade County from the day when the ox cart and tote road were supreme to this era of modern industrial and civic progress. James John Healy, who has spent practically all of his life in Langlade County, was born December 12, 1883, in Marathon County, Wis., the son of Angeline (Kanauf) and Richard Healy, Sr. When a child he moved with his parents to Antigo township, Langlade County, Wis. The family lived in Antigo township until 1897, when they moved to the city of Antigo, where they have been active since. Mr. Healy attended the rural schools of Antigo township and then took five courses, extending over a period of twenty years, in the International Correspondence School. The courses were in order: High School, Telephone, Locomotive Running, Steam and Complete Steam Electric. He attended the Antigo School of Chiropractics conducted by Paul Von de Schoeppe, from which he graduated in 1912. His practice in that profession is very extensive and covers a territory far north and south of the county limits. Mr. Healy was married October 8, 1903, to Olive Strong, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Strong. J. W. Strong was a pioneer settler of Elmhurst, Wisconsin. Seven children bless this union. The children are Marion, Eugene, Marcella, Dorothy, Olive, Jane and Alice. Mr. Healy is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Columbus. He has been connected with the Antigo Electric Company for 21 years. The 1921-22 years of that time he has been Manager of the plant. Previously he was electrical engineer. The Healy family resides at 214 Second avenue.

HAROLD S. MATTMILLER, Upham township farmer, was born in Chicago, 111., December 4, 1891, the son of Mary and August Mattmiller. He attended the public schools of Chicago after which he secured employment with an electrical appliance concern for one year. He then became a bank clerk for four years and two years later went to work as an employe of the International Harvester Co. in their Chicago tractor plant. Mr. Mattmiller moved to Langlade County in July, 1912. Two years later, in 1914, he purchased eighty acres of land in Upham township in section 30, where he has since resided. He has twelve acres cleared and is improving the farm steadily. Mr. Mattmiller was married October 23, 1919, to Theresa Vaughn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Orvis Vaughn, pioneers of Langlade County. One child, Ruth Lorraine, was born to this union. Mr. Mattmiller was Town Clerk of Upham township in 1919-21. The Mattmiller family attend the Congregational church. Mr. Mattmiller's parents are now living in Milwaukee, Wis., at 8751/2 38th street.

FRED BEHM, retired farmer, was born in Pomen, Germany, the son of Fred and Mary (Hardwig) Behm, January 22, 1849. When twenty-two years old he left for the U. S., settling in Sheboygan County, Wis., where he stayed for a year. He then moved to Manitowoc County on a farm, residing there about eight years. Hearing much of northern Wisconsin, he made a trip up into Langlade County and purchased eighty acres of land in Neva township in 1882. Here he settled. His land was purchased from Upham & Russell, Shawano, Wis., land agents, for $450. Mr. Behm cleared his land with difficulty. Mr. Behm was married first to Anna Sipek, who died a short time later. He remarried to Elizabeth Sipek. Mr. and Mrs. Behm had eight children - Fred, Joseph, Frank of Bavaria P. 0., Summit township; John Behm, Neva township; Fred and Joseph reside in Antigo, Wis. The girls are - Mary, now Mrs. Thomas Donohue of Manitowoc County; Anna, now Mrs. William Foucett of Manito- woe County; Lillian, now Mrs. Albert Winter of Antigo, and Alvina, Mrs. Frank Schacher of Neva Township. Mr. Behm held numerous offices in Neva township, including School Clerk, Treasurer, Justice of the Peace, Supervisor and Township Treasurer. He was active in early Neva township affairs, was the guiding spirit in the erection of the first school in the Gillis District and did much for that township then. Mr. Behm moved to Antigo, Wis., residing at 327 Deleglise street, in 1918. He has lived to see a county covered with dense forests develop into one of the most productive in Wisconsin.

perity of their community, and having succeeded themselves, are almost invariably ready to assist others to success, thus materially contributing to the public welfare.

Among the citizens of Langlade County who have been the architects of their own career and who have builded wisely and well, none stands higher in esteem than William H. Wolpert, prominent clothing merchant and leader in city affairs. Mr. Wolpert was born May 24, 1879. When a boy of ten years he came to Antigo, the county-seat of Langlade County in the year 1889, but four years after that little com-

WILLL\M 11. WOLPERT Pioneer -Antigo clothing merchant, former member of the National Emergency Clothing Board and active public citizen. Mr. Wolpert has been a resident of Antigo since 18S9.

WILLIAM H. WOLPERT. It is almost entirely upon the standing of its business men and leading citizens, upon their reliability, integrity, enterprise and public spirit, that the prestige of any community rests. That city or community is indeed fortunate when it can boast of a number of self-made men, for, while they have been advancing their own interests, they have at the same time been forwarding the growth and prosmunity had been incorporated as a city. Here he attended the public schools and in 1892 he left Antigo to enter the Metropolitan Business College of Chicago, III. He returned to Antigo in December, 1895, and the following year became an associate of M. Krom, in the conduct of a department store, one of Antigo's first. This copartnership lasted until December 14, 1910, after which Mr. Wolpert engaged in the retail clothing business in Antigo alone, commencing June 15, 1911. The William H. Wolpert & Brother clothing firm has since, through the practice of honorable dealing, gained an enviable reputation and the confidence of the people of Langlade County.

When the World War broke out the conservation of those necessary articles of commerce vital to the winning of the conflict became imperative. Accordingly the President of the National Retail Clothiers of the United States appointed a board of twelve men, representative of the entire clothing industry of the nation, to devise ways and methods of regulating the style for civilian dress to the end that millions of yards of woolen cloth be saved to the ultimate benefit of the fighting forces of the country. Wisconsin and more particularly Langlade County was signally honored by having as a member of that distinguished body none other than William H. Wolpert. The board acted in conjunction with the clothing manufacturers and the Commercial Economy Board of Washington, D. C, selected by President Woodrow Wilson, and it performed a distinct national service in time of stress.

In July, 1922, Mr. Wolpert was selected by the Governor of Wisconsin, John J. Blaine, to represent the Badger people at the Brazilian centennial to be held at Rio de Janeiro. It opened in September, 1922, and lasts until March, 1923.

Mr. Wolpert was united in marriage on October 23, 1909 to Gertrude Fay Butterfield, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Butterfield, prominent Antigo citizens. Four children were born to this union - Eleanore Jane, Eugene Bradley and William Butterfield Wolpert, and Ellen, deceased. Residence 724 Clermont Street.

JOSEPH L. HELMBRECHT, proprietor of the Antigo Grocery Co., was born July 31, 1892, son of Anna and Joseph Helmbrecht, pioneer Upham and Peck township settlers. When three years of age he moved from Summit Lake, his birthplace, to Peck township where he lived with his parents until he grew to manhood. He attended the Peck rural schools, later engaging in general farming and logging business. He affiliated with the co-operative movement in Langlade County when it was first inaugurated as the old Patrons' Cooperative Mercantile & Produce Co. in Antigo, Wis. The name was later changed to the Grange Cooperative Co. and then a reorganization took place in which the name was changed to the Langlade Farmers' Cooperative Co. In 1920 Mr. Helmbrecht was made manager of the entire business with headquarters in the old Citizens Brewing Co. building, Antigo, Wis. Mr. Helmbrecht enlisted in the U. S. Army July 6, 1918, serving with the 53rd Machine Gun Battalion at Camp Travis, Texas. He received his honorable discharge at Camp Grant, 111., April 17, 1919. Mr. Helmbrecht was married to Sophia Steinfest of Ackley township, Langlade County, February 3, 1921. One child, Marjorie Jane, has been born to this union. The Helmbrecht family resides at 1037V2 Fifth Ave. Mr. Helmbrecht is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Antigo Council No. 1002. Joseph Helmbrecht, Sr.,

WALTER DASKAM. Among the members of that class of self-made men of whom Langlade County has reason to be proud, men, who without assistance, have fought the battles of life without capital and influential friends, and who have worked their way to the top of the ladder by sheer force of their own ability and industry, Walter Daskam, Cashier of the Fidelity Savings Bank, takes a prominent place. Mr. Daskam was born in Chilton, Calumet County, Wisconsin, on August 8, 1872, the son of John W. and Caroline (Ashdown) Daskam. When ten years of age he moved with his parents to the village of Antigo, then a few buildings in a forest. The old Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western railroad had been in this region but a few months before then. He attended the public schools of Antigo and the Antigo High School. Following his school days Mr. Daskam was employed by A. Goldberg as a salesman, was a bank clerk and bookkeeper in the old Bank of Antigo, was a bookkeeper for the J. C. Lewis (hardware) Co. He moved to Houghton, Michigan, in 1898 and conducted a general hardware business there until 1904, going then to Park Falls, Wisconsin, where he successfully conducted the same line of business until 1908. Mr. Daskam then returned to Antigo and organized the Fidelity Savings Bank, with which he has been associated as Cashier ever since.

November 1, 1898, he was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Hogben, a daughter of G. H. Hogben, a pioneer Antigo manufacturer. To this union five children, Lyle, Paul, Lynn, Vivian and Gwendoljm, were born. The Daskam family resides at 920 Superior street, Antigo, Wis.

Fraternally, Mr. Daskam is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Masonic Orders. When not at the bank he delights in spending his leisure with his family at home, or in an exciting game of tennis, or at some wee hour in the morning he will be off to the woods where only the babble of a fine trout stream breaks the deadly solitude.

WILLIAM PRIEM. Prominent Lily merchant, was born on January 8, 1866, in the town of Gerentz, Germany. He came to America in the year 1881 with his parents, who settled at Shawano, Wisconsin. As a young man Mr. Priem engaged in various occupations and first commenced work in the pineries of Langlade County in 1883. He was united in marriage on July 6, 1894, to Miss Ida Ehlers of Bonduel, Wis., to which union thirteen children were born, all of whom are living.

Mr. Priem has taken a very active interest in all matters concerning Langlade township. He has been honored with positions of public trust such as Supervisor, Treasurer of the township, and postmaster at Lily for sixteen years. He had one son, Richard, who served in the World War.

RAYMOND C. DEMPSEY. Attorney-at-Law, was born in Waukesha County, Wis., April 6, 1889, son of Ann and Edward Dempsey. Received public school education. He attended Oshkosh Normal in 1908-09 and then entered the Marquette University Law Department from which he graduated in 1913. The same year he was admitted to practice law in the courts of Wisconsin. Attorney Dempsey came to Antigo in January, 1915, and for one year was associated with Henry Hay in the practice of law. December 6, 1916,

THOMAS J. MALONEY. Among the first vanquard of pioneer settlers in Norwood and Antigo townships, Langlade County, was the Maloney family, which imigrated to the county in 1878. Thomas J. Maloney, the subject of this sketch, was born in Bay City, Michigan on December 6, 1854, the son of Michael and Bridget (Riley) Maloney. When but an infant he moved to the town of Rubicon, Dodge County, Wisconsin, where he lived with his parents previous to their removal to Kaukauna, Outagamie County. In 1878 the family head, having heard much of the country west of the Wolf river in the valley of the Eau Claire river, decided to move to what became Norwood township, later a part of Langlade County, but then he became a member of the law firm of Whiting & Dempsey. When war was declared agai, -t Germany he entered the U. S. army. He attendee; the second R. O. T. C. at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, and on November 27, 1917 was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant. He was promoted to the rank of Captain, Infantry, on August 24, 1918. He was honorably discharged March 11, 1919. Attorney Dempsey thereupon resumed the practise of law in Antigo. He was appointed Corporation Counsel of the city of Antigo in May, 1920. Politically he is a Democrat and in 1920 he was elected Chairman of the Democrat County Committee, which chairmanship he held until 1922. Mr. Dempsey is active in civic and commercial life of Antigo. In 1921 he was selected general chairman of arrangements for the reception of the G. A. R. and allied patriotic societies of Wisconsin in convention in Antigo, June, 1921.

of Shawano County. Michael Maloney homesteaded on section 6 of Norwood township and it was here that his son, Thomas, aided him materially in clearing land and making the new home of these picturesque pioneers comfortable. He was united in marriage to Miss Alice Crooks of Big Suamico, Brown County, Wisconsin, on October 9, 1881. To this union ten children were born, namely: John, now a resident of Clintonville, Wis., who is employed as conductor for the C. & N. W. R. R. Co.; Edward, an Antigo business man, who was married to Miss Anna Niles of Wittenberg, Wis., in the fall of 1915; George, who is engaged in agriculture in Forest County, Wisconsin; Chester, who was accidently killed in June 28, 1920, while in the employ of the Sheboygan-Dairy Products Co. plant in Antigo; Irvin, proprietor of Maloney's Grocery at 535 Field Street, Antigo. Born in Antigo, May 2, 1894, he grew to manhood in his birthplace. His early education consisted of the parochial school elementary and the high school courses. He entered the employ of the Frank Cherf grocery in 1909 and for ten years was with that concern, during which time he became familiar with every phase of the grocery and mercantile field. He resigned to inaugurate the Maloney Grocery on May 12, 1919. The success he has made since is proof of his stability and is a testimonial to the confidence of the many citizens he has merited. He was a World War Veteran. Mr. Maloney was married on May 11, 1921 to Miss Alice Shaney of Eau Claire, Wis., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mathew Shaney. They reside at 535V2 Field Street. Fraternally Mr. Maloney is affiliated with the Loyal Order of Moose, The Catholic Order of Foresters, the Independent Order of Owls, the Beavers and the St. Joseph's Benevolent Society.

The other children are Mae, Gordon, Roy, Durena and Gladys. Gordon served in the World War with the 107th Trench Mortar Battery, Antigo's overseas military contingent.

Thomas J. Maloney passed away on November 2, 1916, and lies at rest in the Antigo Catholic Cemetery. He lived to see the townships, which were once covered with virgin tracts of timber, develop into productive farms, and where nothing but an Indian trail through the forests gave evidence of man, there grew up in the valley of the Eau Claire, the village, later the city of Antigo, dubbed by the pioneers as "Deleglise's Dream." He was survived by his wife and all of the children. Mr. Maloney was a man who had a host of friends and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of every person with whom he came in contact.

DAVID C. DEWEY. Produce and commission merchant, was born in lola, Waupaca County, Wisconsin, on December 4, 1859, the son of John M. and Mary C. (Chandler) Dewey. He received a common school education at Waupaca, attended high school and then entered the Bryant and Stratton Business College of Chicago. He graduated and then entered the produce business at Waupaca as an associate of his father. When twenty-one years of age, in the winter of 1881, he went to Chicago to engage in the commission business in that city. He was still associated with his father, continuing in business with him until his death. In February, 1910, Mr. Dewey came to Antigo, Wisconsin, from Chicago. He began building up a produce business in Langlade County and has since operated in the potato buying business on an extensive scale. He has sold hundreds of car lots of potatoes to wholesale distributors in Chicago and other cities.

Mr. Dewey was united in marriage to Flora A. Penney of Waupaca, Wisconsin, on December 27, 1883. To this union four children were born. They are Fred, born December 6, 1884; Edward, deceased; Harold, born July 5, 1889; Robert C, born September 22, 1894. Two sons, Robert and Harold, served as Lieutenants in the World War. Both were

He is now in Chicago, 111., where he is marketing agent for the Produce Sales Co., Inc., with headquarters at Clark and South Water street. Langlade County potatoes are distributed from these headquarters in car lots.

FRANK J. WAGNER, a pioneer Antigo resident, who is well known in all sections of the county, was born in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin, on September 12, 1874, the son of Jacob and Josephine (Nimits) Wagner. When a lad of seven years he came to Langlade County from his native county, settling in the village of Antigo, which then had a few rough frame buildings. Here Mr. Wagner, as a boy, attended the public schools following which he engaged as an apprentice in the tinner's trade and followed that trade for twenty years. He started with the J. C. Lewis Hardware Company, pioneer Antigo business. He has since been engaged sucesslvely for seven years with the John Hessel Hardware Company, nine years with the Antigo Hardware Company, where in both places he was an expert in gasoline engines and farm machinery. He now conducts a general automobile repair shop at 430 Freiburger avenue, Antigo, Wis.

Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Mary Friedl on November 25, 1897. To this union nine children were born as follows: Josephine, now Mrs. Joseph Walters of Pelican, Wis.; Verones, Evelyn, Aloysius, Irvin, Arthur, Irene, Dorothy, and Alvin, all of Antigo.

The Wagner family attends St. Mary's Catholic church. Their residence is at 430 Freiburger avenue. Frank J. Wagner is a member of St. Wencel's Society. He was a representative of the Third Ward as Alderman when the city was under the aldermanic system of government.

Jacob Wagner died in 1902 and five years later, 1907, his wife, Josephine Wagner, passed away. Both are at rest in the Antigo Catholic Cemetery.

ALFRED F. SCHULZ. One of the prosperous and progressive business men of his community is Alfred F. Schulz, who is engaged in the manufacture of dairy products in Phlox, Norwood township. Mr. Schulz is a man who has proven his worth to the community in no uncertain terms. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 26, 1889, the son of Otto and Marie Schulz. When a boy of seven years of age he moved with his parents to Mauston, Juneau County, Wisconsin. He attended the rural schools of Marion township of that county and afterwards engaged in agriculture on his father's farm. When twenty years old he started out into the world to seek his own fortune. He secured employment in the College of Agriculture, University of Wisconsin, and for one year was thus

Mr. Schulz then went to Guernsey, Iowa, and worked in a creamery four months, leaving then for Albert Lee, Minnesota, to become expert tester for a cow testing association. Six months later he came to Phlox, Norwood township, Langlade County, Wisconsin, to work for the Phlox Creamery Company. He was employed by that concern from May, 1912, until May 1, 1915, when he purchased the entire institution and has since successfully conducted it under the name of the Schulz Creamery, A. F. Schulz, Prop. The business has a large and substantial patronage.

Mr. Schulz was married to Martha Magewske of Shawano County, Wisconsin, on June 3, 1914, to which union five children, Mildred, Aaron, Daniel, Victoria, and Malinda, have been born. The family attends the Lutheran church.

ALBERT C. STATS has been a resident of Antigo for the past thirty-six years. He was born on March 17, 1885, the son of Albert and Elizabeth Stats, at Berlin, Wisconsin. When but a year old he moved to the young city of Antigo in 1886. He attended the Antigo public schools and in 1920 began his railroad career with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, as a brakeman. He has, by years of faithful service, attained the rank of a conductor, and now enjoys that prestige on the Ashland Division.

Mr. Stats was united in marriage to Theresa Mc- Intyre of Antigo on April 24, 1907. Five children, three boys - Merton, age 14; Everett, age 12; John, age 9; and two girls - Willela, age 8, and Ermogine, age li's years, were born to this union.

The Stats family resides at 912 Edison street, Antigo, Wis. The late Albert Stats, Sr., resided at 1133 Sixth avenue. Mrs. Albert Stats, Sr., passed away on December 23, 1916, and is buried in the Antigo cemetery.

Fraternally, Albert Stats is a member of the Antigo Council No. 1002, Knights of Columbus, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers, and the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. He has been a resident of Antigo from the period it was a little hamlet of about two thousand souls to the present time when it has nearly ten thousand inhabitants.

L. W. FILYES. The late L. W. Filyes was a man of unusual force of character. He was born in Brillion, Wisconsin, on March 30, 1872. When a boy of three years of age his father died at Waukesha, Wisconsin. His mother passed away when he was a youth of seventeen years. Thus from the start of life he was denied the guiding hand of a father and mother. He received his early education while living with an uncle and aunt on a farm near Brillion. With his cousin he constructed a system of telegraphy from one house to the other and it was at this time that he mastered telegraphy. He often walked to town every Saturday to practise telegraphy. When but sixteen years of age he held his first position as a station agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company. He then secured employment from Mr. Underwood at Appleton, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, as a bookkeeper. While engaged in that occupation he attended business college in the evening. He later became station agent at Birnamwood and for six years was in that village. From Birnamwood he went to Babcock, Wisconsin, to become a Train Dispatcher on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. He moved to Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, from Babcock and entered the employ of the Paine Lumber Company with which concern he was affiliated for fourteen years, at Bass Lake and at Oshkosh. He held various positions of trust and responsibility with the Paine Lumber Company until he became the superintendent of their extensive operations at Bass Lake, Upham township. While thus engaged in Upham township he was regarded as one of the outstanding leaders of the township, was admired as an honest and efficient legislator who zealously cared for the interests of the township and the county. Mr. Filyes was honored with the office of township chairman several times, was school treasurer, school clerk, town clerk and held other places of importance in the township. He aided in the construction of some of the best roads in the county.

It was through his efforts that the first County Agent was secured for Langlade County and he worked harmoniously with F. G. Swoboda for the general benefit of the county. The potato conventions successfully conducted at Antigo during Mr. Swoboda's tenure in office were largely the result of Mr. Filyes' zeal. He it was who secured Mrs. Nellie Kedzie Jones of Madison for a highly successful potato demonstration in Antigo. Mr. Filyes was an active booster of the agricultural possibilities of the county and was one of the leading county exhibitors at both the Langlade County and the Wisconsin State fairs. During the World War he was chairman of the Y. M. C. A. campaign, gave much of his time to Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives, besides contributing liberally to these funds. He was Chairman of the Red Cross drive in Antigo and the county at one time during the war. He moved to Antigo in 1915, having engaged in business for himself. At the time of his death he was engaged in extensive logging operations at Lily, Wis.

L. W. Filyes died on March 9, 1919. His death removed from the ranks of the leading citizens of Langlade County a man who had done much toward a greater and better community.

JOSEPH JULE DUQUETTE. The story of the pioneer would be incomplete if the hardships and trials of those first settlers were not set down. The Duquette family was one of the first of the settlers in Antigo. Joseph Jule Duquette, a prominent Antigo merchant of this day, was born on July 13, 1874, at Norton Mills, Vermont, the son of Joseph Jule and

Melvina Duquette. When five years old he moved with his parents to Freemont, Wisconsin. He attended school at Freemont, leaving that place with his parents for Menasha when still a boy. A year later, in 1882, the family moved to Antigo, then a little village with but few settlers. The father secured employment at the J. H. Weed mill, which had just began operations and young Joseph Jr., the subject of this sketch, attended the Gowan school (named after Charles Gowan). Three years later the family moved ciate of Charles Tuma and two years alone in the soft drink business, which he sold in 1921. He purchased the N. D. Neilson grocery on March 26, 1921, at 100 Superior street, took possession on April 2, 1921, and has since been successfully conducting that business. He has made extensive improvements in his business, which has resulted in an increase in his patronage.

Theodore J. Reixert

to Rolling township where they settled on a farm. The Duquette family then moved to Ramsay, Michigan, from where two years later they went to Rhode Island and after six months residence there they moved to the native home, Norton Mills, Vermont. They returned to the middle west, again locating at Ramsay, Michigan, from where they moved back to Antigo, and have since resided here.

Mr. Duquette was united in marriage on June 5, 1900, to Miss Carrie Anderson, to which union six children were born, five of whom are living. Those living are Aloysius, Gladys, Everen, Gean, and Robert.

THEODORE J. REINERT. Among the citizens of Langlade County who have rendered signal services in public office none stands out more prominent than Attorney Theodore J. Reinert, the present District Attorney of Langlade County. Mr. Reinert has won for himself the general confidence of the electorate during the terms he is rounding out as District Attorney. He was born in Danville, Illinois, on March 10, 1883, the son of Peter and Margaret Reinert. He attended the public schools of Chicago and graduated from Lyola University with an A. B. degree in 1904. He later entered the Webster College of Law, Chicago, 111. He was first admitted to the bar in the state of

Attorney Reinert became a candidate for District Attorney of Langlade County in 1920 and was elected over Attorney Charles H. Avery, also a candidate. He has conducted the office since without fear or favor and has rigidly enforced all laws.

Mr. Reinert was married to Miss Josephine Donohue of Antigo on June 21, 1911. They reside on Fifth avenue. District Attorney Reinert is an active member of the Elks, Moose, Knights of Columbus, and Foresters lodges. He is the attorney for the Antigo Loan & Investment Company and the Columbus Home Association. Mr. and Mrs. Reinert are members of St. John's church, Antigo, Wis.

FRED SCHMEISSER. The life history of the gentleman whose name heads this brief review has been commensurate with that of Langlade County where he has made his home since his birth in Polar township, September 23, 1883. Fred Schmeisser is the son of Herman and Fredericka (Demlow) Schmeisser and he spent his early school days and youth in the Franklin District of Polar on his father's farm. His father was a native of Germany, having been born in Hamburg in the year 1845. After he came to the United States he settled in Polar township, as a pioneer settler of that section of the county. He was united in marriage to Fredericka Demlow to which union thirteen children were born. Five boys and six girls of this family are now living. They are Ed of Elcho, Carl and Herman, Jr., of Polar township and Fred, the subject of this sketch, and Alvin of the city of Antigo. The daughters are Augusta, now Mrs. Ed Boernemann of Polar; Tillie, now Mrs. John Newberry of Antigo; Emma, now Mrs. Albert Krueger of Polar; Sophia, now Mrs. H. Krueger of Polar; Clara, now Mrs. John Holmes of Polar. (John Holmes is deceased.) ; Elsie, now Mrs. Servi of Polar.

Fred Schmeisser engaged in farming on section 31 of Polar for many years, for a time on the 240 acre farm originally owned by his father. Up to 1910 he engaged in that pursuit and then logged extensively at Elcho, Pearson, Long Lake and other places. He then took over eighty acres of land in Antigo township, known as the Suburban Farm, because of its closeness to Antigo. In May, 1919, he was selected at the beginning of Mayor Hanzel's administration to take active charge of the office of City Street Commissioner of Antigo. He has filled the position of trust and responsibility with credit and success to himself and the city with a minimum amount of expense to the taxpayers.

Mr. Schmeisser was united in marriage to Elizabeth Byrne, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Byrne, pioneer Antigo settlers, and to this union three children were born, namely: Patricia, Lorraine and Valerie. The family attends St. John's church of Antigo. Mr. Schmeisser is a member of Antigo Council No. 1002, Knights of Columbus. He has fully maintained the reputation of his father, who as a pioneer, underwent

JOHN WOJTASIAK. Among the prominent and highly respected farmers in Antigo township can be found John Wojtasiak, who has been a resident of Langlade County for nearly a quarter of a century. Mr. Wojtasiak is a native of Poland. He was born May 19, 1860. He received his education in the public and parochial schools of Poland. Mr. Wojtasiak was united in marriage to Miss Anna Szymanska, a native of Poland, who was born on July 16, 1862. The marriage took place September 30, 1884. Three years later they came to the United States, arriving April 10, 1887. On August 30, 1900, the family moved to Langlade County. Mr. and Mrs. Wojtasiak had twelve children, four of whom died infancy. The children living are : Hattie, Stanley, a contractor and builder of prominence; Joseph, who assists Stanley as well as being employed on the farm; Louis, Francis, Michael, Mary and Teofil.

The Wojtasiak farm is a splendid area of one hundred acres that were practically cut out of the woods. The splendid brick residence, modern and well equipped barns and farm sheds and machinery is a fine testimonial to the industry and thrift of this early settler.

During the World War the Wojtasiaks did their share to make the world safe for democracy. Francis enlisted at once as a private in the Franco-Polish army and soon reached the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was wounded in an airplane engagement while fighting on the Russian front against the Bolsheviks. Joseph was a Corporal in the 107 Trenth Mortar Battery and his name will be found in the roster of that unit elsewhere in this book.

STANLEY JOSEPH WOJTASIAK, contractor and builder, was born October 29, 1887, the son of John and Anna Wojtasiak. When eighteen months old he moved from Poland (Germany), his birthplace, to Chicago, 111. He lived there with his parents thirteen and a half years. He then came to Langlade County with his parents. The Wojtasiak family settled on a farm in Antigo township. At the age of twenty young Wojtasiak left the farm and began life as a railroader, being employed as a fireman. He also engaged in sawmill and general carpenter work until the year 1921. He has since been engaged in contracting and building and has the distinction of having erected some of the finest residences in the city of Antigo. Mr. Wojtasiak was united in marriage to Apolinia Kubiaczyk, a daughter of Valentine Kubiaczyk, pioneer settler. To this union two children have been born, Stanislaus, who died in infancy, and Theophil, age 9. Mr. Wojtasiak resides at 1515 Fifth Avenue, he having sold his previous residence at 715 Deleglise street in 1919. He erected his present residence then. He is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and the Polish National Alliance of America. The Wojtasiak family attends St. Hyacinth's church.

JOHN CHERF. One of the really prominent pioneers of Langlade County is John Cherf, a resident of the town of Antigo, who was born May 17, 1853, in Bohemia. When an infant his father died and with his mother and step-father the young child moved to America. The family settled in Cooperstown township, Manitowoc County, where Mr. Cherf lived until he was twenty-three years of age. He then was united in marriage to Katharine Skvor of the town of Cooperstown on January 1, 1876. To this union nine children, one of whom. Rose, is deceased, were born. The children are Mary, now Mrs. Joseph Sazama of Antigo township; James Cherf of Polar township; Anna, now Mrs. William Conn of White Lake; Emma, now Mrs. Charles Leitrich of Rolling; Julia, now Mrs. Morgan Harrison of Antigo township; Christine, now Mrs. George Miller of Antigo township; Tressa, now Mrs. Hiram Horn of Antigo, and Bessie, now Mrs. Oliver Mader of Antigo township.

Upon Mr. Cherf's marriage he purchased a farm in Cooperstown and resided on it for two years. He then sold the land and moved to Antigo's present site, then known as Springbrook. He purchased five lots where M. Krom's store, Berner Brothers' plant, Bauter's gallery and Neuberger's shoe store is for $25. Here Mr. Cherf erected a little log cabin in 1878 and two years later moved to the town of Antigo, where he has lived since. He built the first bridge on Fifth Avenue over Springbrook near the old Neff blacksmith shop. He now has thirty-two acres of land on section 32, Township 31, Range 11 East, where he spends his declining years. Mr. Cherf has led a life of industry, is of high standing in his community and as one of the first of the pioneers, has lived to see Antigo grow from nothing nearly a half century ago to a thriving city of nearly ten thousand energetic souls.

JAMES BEATTIE. James Beattie, the father of Homer Beattie, the successful potato grower of Langlade County, was born in Clayton, Wisconsin, September 14, 1860, the son of James and Nancy (Winfield) Beattie. He attended the public schools of Clayton in his boyhood days and later entered the Neenah (Wis.) High School. Leaving High School, Mr. Beattie began in the agricultural field by working on his mother's farm, his father having died when he was a boy.

Mr. Beattie moved with his family to Antigo, Wisconsin, in 1893, and has since spent his days in and about this city. He was united in marriage March 3, 1886, to Hattie Babcock to which union six children were born, namely : Murray K. Beattie, who married Ann Hagelschine; Homer C. Beattie, who was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Culbertson of Antigo on July 20, 1921; Edna L. Beattie, now Mrs. Earl Georgeson and whose marriage occurred June 8, 1914; Lucius D. Beattie, who is married to Miss Gertrude Brooke; Janet, a student, resides with her parents; one child, Ruth, is deceased.

HERMAN HIRT. Germany has furnished to Wisconsin many men who have attained leadership in business and political life and have proven loyal and substantial citizens. Among those men can be found Herman Hirt, who was born in Dueringen, Germany, the son of William and Caroline Hirt. Mr. Hirt was born February 16, 1875. At the age of thirteen he imigrated to the United States with his parents, who came direct to the Town of Antigo, Langlade County, Wisconsin. Here the lad attended parochial schools and in the time intervening aided his father on the farm, which he had started in the wilderness. Mr. Hirt grew to manhood on his father's farm, staying there until 1904, the year his father passed away. His mother died a few years later. He then became associated with his brother in the well known Hirt Brothers Lumber Company and Hirt Brothers flour mill of Deerbrook, Neva township and of Antigo. Mr. Hirt has charge of the flour mill at Antigo, holding the position of foreman.

Herman Hirt has been a success in life and his record is a practical demonstration of what can be accomplished when honesty of purpose is supplemented by industry and perseverance.

THOMAS GRESKOVIAK. Rolling township is the home of some of the earliest settlers in Langlade County. The parents of Thomas Greskoviak, the subject of this sketch, settled in that township in March, 1888, when it was yet a sparsely settled community.

Thomas Greskoviak was born on February 19, 1892, . the son of Agnes and Albert Greskoviak. He was the last of five children in the family. He attended the rural school in District No. 3, of Rolling following which he engaged in farming for four years. During the winter months he began to log and was engaged in that occupation for five years. He then followed railroading for three years. During the summer months, for five consecutive seasons, he engaged in the threshing business, and at that time was one of the county's leading threshermen. He became proprietor of the Antigo Bottling Works in 1919 and operated that plant until December 1, 1921, when he sold to the Taylor Beverage & Candy Co. of Rhinelander, Wis.

Mr. Greskoviak has since been engaged in financing and distributing a fumigating container, which will, no doubt, have a great demand. The container can be worn in a pocket and is a safeguard against diseases, particularly colds and influenza. Mrs. Agnes Greskoviak is still living, residing in Antigo township. Albert Greskoviak passed away on April 29, 1922, and is buried in the Antigo Catholic cemetery. He had sold his farm in 1920 and spent his last years in retirement in the city of Antigo.

MICHAEL F. CROWE, a retired pioneer locomotive engineer, residing at 836 Superior street, Antigo, Wisconsin, was born in Schuylkill County, Pennsyl- vania, on June 11, 1850, the son of Cornelius and Mary (Garvey) Crowe. He was the fifth of eight children. When he reached the age of twelve he was taken out of school to begin work in the anthracite coal mines. The Civil War was then raging and due to the shortage of man power the boys were used in menial work about the mines. It was Mr. Crowe's duty to haul coal from the mines on a cart to which a mule was hitched. At the close of the war, 1865, he moved with his parents to Neenah, Winnebago County in 1866. A half year later, Cornelius Crowe took up a tract of land in Grand Chute township, near Appleton, Wis. When Mr. Crowe had worked for three years on the farm he started out to seek his fortune, going to Cheyenne, Wyoming, which then consisted of nine buildings, eight of which were saloons and the ninth a trading post. English traders were there at that time purchasing buffalo hides. Mr. Crowe hired out to a Mr. Van Dueren, cattle owner, of Red Oak, Iowa, as a cattle herder. The equipment consisted of two bronchos, a revolver and a sawed-off shotgun, used to blind cattle in a stampede.

He stayed in that service for two years, being stationed between Cheyenne and Ft. Larma, Wyo. He returned to the farm in Grand Chute and a little while later hired out as a brakeman on the old M. L. S. & W. R. R. Co. Gerry Donohue was then Superintendent and the road went as far as New London, Wis. He first "braked" for Conductor "Vet" Graves. Accidents among brakemen were numerous and therefore Mr. Crowe entered the firing service in 1877. Three years later he was promoted, 1880, to the rank of an engineer. He first piloted Engine No. 1, called the "Ben Jones." He served as an engineer on the old Lake Shore road until it was purchased by the Northwestern road in 1893 and thereupon Mr. Crowe was in the employ of the latter concern in passenger service for nearly thirty years and for eight years on the Wolf River Branch out of Antigo, Wis. He was pensioned after nearly fifty years of railroad service on December 1, 1921. May 14, 1922, Langlade Division, B. of L. E., of which he has been a member for over forty years, presented Engineers H. Darton and George Watson, together with Mr. Crowe, with a Badge of Honor, which they prize very highly.

Mr. Crowe was united in marriage August 12, 1884, to Mary Hickey, daughter of Michael and Mary Hickey, of New London, Wis. To this union three children were born, as follows : George, deceased, was born May 27, 1885, in Antigo, Wis. He attended the public schools and graduated from the Antigo High School after which he was employed as an accountant in the C. & N. W. offices of Antigo. He enlisted when the World War broke out and served as a Lieutenant in the Medical Detachment of the 81st Field Artillery. He died in service at Camp Mills, N. J., on October 30, 1918, and was buried with military honors at Antigo, Wis.

Niel Crowe, the second son, was born April 27, 1889. He is a physician and surgeon at Delavan, Wisconsin. He served in the World War as a Captain, being stationed at Manchester, England, in the Western General Hospital there.

John Earle Crowe, the third son, was born December 27, 1896. He is now a student in the College of Medicine of Marquette University, from which he graduates as a dentist in 1923.

The Crowe family has resided in Antigo since 1882. M. F. Crowe has been identified with much of Antigo's public work, served for thirteen years on the City Council from either the Third or First wards, was Chairman of the Board of Public Works for four years when the sanitary sewers were laid in Antigo, was for two years Chairman of the Board of Public Property and was a member of the Council Committee selected at one time to investigate the feasibility of a municipal gas plant.

FRED FREDERICK GOEMAN. One of the leading and most successful farmers of Rolling township, Langlade County, is Fred Frederick Goeman, who was born in Hanover, Germany, on September 12, 1869, the son of Fred and Augusta (Frisch) Goeman. When thirteen years old he came to the United States with his mother. One year before then his father had imigrated to America to seek his fortune. The family came direct to Antigo, Wisconsin. Young Goeman attended the evening English school under Rev. A. Grimm. For three years he lived in the city of Antigo and then his father purchased a farm in Rolling township. The farm consisted of 200 acres. Here Mr. Goeman spent all of his life. He was united in marriage to Amelia Hattel. To this union seven children were born : Max A., Walter, Arthur, Fred, Irma, Esther and Mildred.

The Goeman family attends the Peace Evangelical church of Antigo. Mr. Goeman has served for many years as a school Treasurer in his school district.

As a farmer, Mr. Goeman has taken a keen interest in pure blooded stock. He has thirty-eight head of Holstein and high grade cattle. He also has been successful with full blood Poland China hogs.

The Goeman family is one that has long enjoyed the friendship and esteem of the best people of the community which has been their home so many years and they are in every detail worthy of the high place they occupy in popular confidence and respect.

JOSEPH CRUMMEY. Lumbering furnished to Langlade County many of its potential and industrious citizens. It opened up a wide avenue of commerce in a day when agriculture and other industries were just in their infancy. From all parts of the United States east of Wisconsin settlers came into Langlade County during the pine rush. Joseph Crummey, one of the pioneer lumbermen of the Wolf River country, was born in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, on February 7, 1849, the son of Johanna and John Crummey. He attended the rural schools of Summit Township of Waukesha County and after his school days assisted his father on the farm. He then moved to Oshkosh, Winnebago

County, Wisconsin, at the age of nineteen, being a resident of that place from 1868 to 1885. He then moved to Antigo, then a small village, and spent the greater part of his career here as a lumberman or he followed railroading.

Mr. Crummey was united in marriage on September 11, 1876, to Miss Jennie Cusick, daughter of Phillip and Serina Cusick, of Oshkosh, Wis. To this union nine children were born, two of whom, James and Mary, are deceased. Those living are William, Serina, Jennie, Katherine, Joseph, George and Agnes, of Anti-

CLARENCE J. TE SELLE. A prominent lumberman and member of the Langlade County bar, was born in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, on August 7, 1887. He received a common school education and completed the High School of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. In 1905 he entered the State University at Madison and graduated from the College of Letters and Science in 1909 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He graduated from the College of Law, University of Wisconsin, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1911. Following his admission to the State Bar in 1911, he be-

Joseph Crummey, Jr., was married to Clara Cheslak on May 2, 1916. Mrs. Crummey passed away on July 24, 1922, and is buried in the Antigo Catholic cemetery.

The Crummey family attends St. John's Catholic church of Antigo. The subject of this sketch has led a life unmarked by exciting events, yet a straight-forward career has gained for him the high regard of all with whom he has come in contact.

gan the practice of his profession in Antigo in 1912. Attorney Te Selle was elected District Attorney of Langlade County for three consecutive terms (1913- 19).

At the outbreak of the World War, Mr. Te Selle was appointed Government Appeal Agent (see Military Chapter) by Provost Marshal General E. H. Crowder and served in this capacity with the Selective

Service Board of Langlade County during the war. Also organized the Langlade Council of Defense at the request of the State Council of Defense and served as its Secretary and on its Executive committee during its existence. He organized the Langlade chapter of the American Red Cross and was elected and still is a member of its Board of Directors. He served as Chairman of the Victory Loan committee, which successfully put over the united war fund campaign in Langlade County. He was appointed as Chairman of the Four Minute Men, speaking organization in the county and was probably connected with more diversified war activities in Langlade County than any other citizen.

In 1919 Attorney Te Selle quit the practice of law and became Secretary-Treasurer of the Henshaw Lumber Company and is still in this business.

LUTHER E. FARNHAM. One of the best known Langlade County families and one of the most highly esteemed ones is represented worthily by Luther E. Farnham, a prominent resident of Antigo. Mr. Farnham was born on March 22, 1858, the son of Eliza and Abner Farnham, at Lake Geneva, Walworth County, Wisconsin. He attended the public schools of his native city and then entered Whitewater Normal, planning to qualify for the teaching profession. Mr. Farnham taught for three years in Walworth County, following which he became engaged in agriculture, which he followed for twenty years.

On December 11, 1883, he was married to Hattie Allen, to which union three children were born, namely: Florence, now Mrs. C. G. Dittmer, Madison, Wis.; Lila E., Mrs. E. A. Yahr, deceased; and Alice A., now Mrs. Carl Duchac, of Antigo.

Mr. Farnham came to Antigo to make his home on September 7, 1907. He was associated with E. H. Yahr in the coal and wood business from 1912 to 1919 when that firm sold out to Dakin & Strong. Since 1916 Mr. Farnham has been the Langlade County representative of the Inter-State Oil Company and he devotes his attention exclusively to that business. The Inter-State Oil Company enjoys an extensive patronage in and adjacent to Antigo and Langlade County.

Mr. Farnham has never been active in public life in Antigo. He held township and school offices at Augusta, Wisconsin, where he lived nine years, from 1898 to 1907. The Farnham residence is at 524 Hudson street, Antigo, Wis.

FRANK E. VANDERVEST, barber, was born March 14, 1872, at Ludington, Michigan, the son of Adelate and Joseph Vandervest. After attending the public schools he began to learn the barber business which he has followed for thirty years. He came to Langlade County in November, 1898, from Mattoon, Shawano County. With the exception of three years, he has since, been a resident of Antigo. Mr. Vandervest was married to Vetline Ano, daughter of Israel Ano, pioneer Norwood township settler. Three children were born to this union, one passing away. Mr. Vandervest has his barber shop located in the Ullman block on Superior street. His first barber shop was located on the present site of the Neff-Roberts building over seventeen years ago. Mr. Vandervest is a member of the E. F. U. and M. W. A. fraternities. The Vandervest family resides at 308 Superior street.

CARL KRAUSE, shoe merchant, was born in Germany, June 17, 1878. He came to America at an early age. After attending the public school, high school and Wittenberg Academy, he came to Antigo. Here he was employed at various occupations, woodworker, engineer for Crocker Chair Co. for seven years, clerk for Louis Krom eleven years and two years in a clerical position with E. S. Rayworth. He opened the Champion Shoe Shop, Fifth avenue, in 1913, since moved to his present location. Mr. Krause was married to Emilie Moldenhaur in Antigo, February 23, 1903. Two children were born to this union, a boy and a girl. Mr. Krause is an active member of the Peace Lutheran church, is a trustee of the church and a member of the parochial school board. The Krause residence is at 1124 Third avenue.

I. D. STEFFEN, M. D. Thrice Mayor of Antigo and a representative citizen who has taken an active part in the advancement of the city, was born at Hortonville, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, December 17, 1855, the son of John and Applonia (Stark) Steffen. The Steffen family moved to Wisconsin from New York state in the spring of 1855. As a boy Dr. Steffen attended the rural schools of Hortonville and then entered Lawrence University from which he graduated in 1879. By thrift and diligence he was able to earn enough money to take him through the Rush Medical College of Chicago. Previously he had studied medicine under Dr. Hardacker of Hortonville. In 1900 Dr. Steffen took a post graduate course in surgery and medicine in the New York Post Graduate Medical School and Hospital, New York City.

In 1884, Dr. Steffen was married to Miss Effie L. Nye of Hortonville, Wisconsin. To this union five children were born as follows : Bernice E., now Mrs. E. S. Nelson, of Antigo; Dr. Lyman A., who was graduated in medicine from Rush Medical College on June 10, 1912, served as a Major during the World War, being attached to the British Expeditionary Force, and now associated with his father in Antigo; Glydon F., deceased; Margaret, instructor in history, and Richard D. Steffen, a student. Mrs. Steffen passed away on July 25, 1922, and was laid to rest in the Antigo cemetery.

Dr. Steffen was first elected mayor of Antigo in 1890 and then served again in 1899-1900 and was the first mayor elected under the commission form of government, in 1914. During his administration in 1890, the water system was laid out, in 1899 and 1900 his administration was instrumental in putting in a proper sewerage system in the city, a very necessary improvement. Dr. Steffen is a member of the Langlade County Medical Society, the Wisconsin State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, and the American Association of Railway Surgeons. For the past thirty years he has been surgeon for the Chicago & Northwestern railroad. Dr. Steffen opened the first hospital in the city of Antigo in 1890. Fraternally he holds memberships in the Masonic orders, has served as Master of the Blue Lodge and as High Priest in the Chapter. He was also the first eminent Commander of the Antigo Commandery, Knights Templars. Dr. Steffen is a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is President of the Langlade National Bank of Antigo since 1918. Previously he was a vice-president and a director of that institution. Dr. Steffen came to Antigo two years after the city was incorporated, 1887. He has seen Antigo and Langlade County grow from a hamlet and wilderness to a splendid progressive community. Among the many positions of honor and trust that the doctor has held while a resident of the city of Antigo was an appointment to a position on the State Board of Health by Governor J. J. Blaine in June, 1921. This appointment was unsolicited and came as a surprise. It is a position of honor and a recognition of the qualifications of this distinguished Antigo citizen.

IGNATZ FRANK PAWLAK. A well known railroad man of Antigo, was born in Gala, Poland, the son of Mary and Stanislaus Pawlak. He attended parochial schools and during summer vacations worked on his parents' farm as a boy. When twenty-one years of age he came to the United States. One year previously his mother had died, his father having died when he was but two years old. Both are buried in the city of Jarazrewo, Poland. Coming to the United States Mr. Pawlak came direct to Antigo and stayed here for a year. He then moved to Chicago and three years later to Milwaukee, from where he returned to Antigo. He then bought a farm in Rolling township and engaged in agriculture for five years. He again moved to the city of Antigo to become chief blacksmith for the C. & N. W. shops. He previously conducted a blacksmith shop on Fourth Avenue for twelve years, assuming the position with the Northwestern in the fall of 1912.

Mr. Pawlak was united in marriage on April 18, 1893, to Frances Jankowski, daughter of Constantine Jankowski of Rolling township. To this union five children, three of whom are dead, were born. Those deceased are : Mary, Felix and Agnes. Helen and Frank reside with their parents at 803 Clermont Street. The Pawlak family attends St. Hyacinth church. Mr.

Pawlak is a former Treasurer of the church congregation. During the World War he was active in promoting the cause of America among his fellow men.

GEORGE HADLER, JR. The soil of Langlade County has attracted new settlers from every part of the United States and Europe. Progressive farmers are found everywhere in the county. Among them is George Hadler, Jr., who moved to Norwood township on September 10, 1917 from Plymouth, Sheboygan County. Mr. Hadler purchased eighty acres and in December, 1920, added 40 acres to his fine farm. George Hadler, Jr., was born in Plymouth tov.'nship, Sheboygan County, July 15, 1869, the son of George and Christine Hadler. He attended the public schools and then engaged in agriculture. October 26. 1906, he was united in marriage to Freida Lange. Two children, boys, Herbert John Albert, age H and Willard Edward John Hadler, age 6, blessed this union, which was severed March 14, 1917, when Mrs. Hadler passed away following an operation. She was laid to rest in the Plymouth Lutheran cemetery. George Hadler, Jr., his mother, and children then came to this county. George Hadler, Sr., died February 2, 1916. The Hadler family profess the Lutheran faith. The Hadler farm is situated in the Maple Grove district.

PETER HIGGINS, SR. Was born October, 1846, in Tipperary, County Mayo, Ireland. At age of four he came to the U. S. with his parents, settling in Chilton, Calumet County, Wisconsin. Attended the common schools, then engaged in farming in Chilton township on Fond du Lac road. In 1868 he married Kate Lynch, a sister of Thomas Lynch, Antigo's first Mayor. Five children were born, three boys, Henry, Peter, and William and two daughters. Peter Higgins moved to Ackley township in 1889 settling on the old John Nelson farm, section 10, town 31, range 10 East. 160 acres was on the old Nelson place, 40 acres he purchased from the Baldwin Estate and 80 acres from Frank Metcalf. Here he lived thirty years. He died in the spring of 1919, having been preceded in death by his wife. His remains were interred in the Antigo cemetery. Peter, Henry and William Higgins, sons, reside in this county. Henry Higgins was born on November 4, 1869. He married Elizabeth Kennedy October 28, 1893. Two children bless this union, one boy, Eugene, and one girl, Mrs. Oscar Jerke, Kaukauna. Wis.

He is a member of the L. O. O. M., E. F. U., Beavers R. F. F., and has for the past five years been employment agent for the Langlade Lumber Company, Antigo, Wis. He resides at 1423 N. Superior street, Antigo, Wis.

OLIVER SHADICK, SR. A pioneer citizen, who first trod Langlade County soil in 1869 is the subject of this sketch. Oliver Shadick, Sr., was born in the town of Clayton, Winnebago County, December 22, 1849 and spent his boyhood on a farm with his parents. At age of 20 he cruised through the Military Road country up as far as Gardner's Dam, thence crossed over the Wolf, struck out west, traveling by compass and sun, and camped one night on the site of the Faust mill in Antigo, on Springbrook banks. May, 1871, Mr. Shadick bought eighteen 40's of timber that scaled 2^ 2 logs to the thousand. November 18, 1875 he took up a homestead claim 1 2 rn'le south of Phlox, section 35,

Township 30, Range 12 East, the first in Norwood. November 23, 1880, Mr. Shadick married Caroline De Broux of Grand Chute, Outagamie County. Eleven children were born to this union, eight of whom are living. Mr. Shadick moved from Phlox, Norwood township in the summer of 1887 to Antigo and lived there until 1912 when he moved to Pearson, Ainsworth township, where he now resides. He has seen Langlade County grow from a wilderness to "The Best County in the State."

MATT WACHAL, JR. Was born in Ackley township April 29, 1897, the son of Mary and Matt Wachal, Sr. He attended the Ackley schools and then engaged in agriculture. In 1919 Mr. Wachal took over the 40 acre farm which he now possesses. It is known as the old Sobish or McDonald place and is located in Fernwood district. Rolling township. Mr. Wachal was married to Mary Noskowiak of Rolling township, June 2, 1919. Two children, girls, bless this union. The subject of this sketch finds time to get acquainted, is an enthusiastic member of the L. O. 0. M. and is well respected in the township and county. He was the organizer and President of the Fernwood Telephone Company. He has successfully served as Clerk of the Fernwood school district.

MARTIN D. ROBRECHT. In the early history of Langlade County there are many accounts of the trials and brave sacrifices of those who are numbered among the first settlers of the various districts and townships. Without these courageous pioneers the bustle of urban existence would not at this day replace the low flight of the prairie chicken, the wild fowl and the Wolf pack. Among the families that have contributed their share toward the development of Langlade County is that of Martin D. Robrecht, Senior and family. Martin D. Robrecht, Jr., was born in Bremen, Germany, September 18, 1870, the son of Martin D. and Johanna (Koch) Robrecht. When a child of thirteen he moved with his parents to the United States. The journey across the Atlantic was a stormy and perilous one for these hardy imigrants to the New World. They left Germany on January 23, 1883, and arrived at Defiance, Ohio, their destination, February 13, 1883, being twenty-one days on the trip, two days of which were spent going from New York to Ohio. The father settled on a farm in Henry County, Ohio, in the spring of 1883 and in the fall of 1886 decided to locate in Northern Wisconsin. Arriving in Langlade County the family lived with the Carl Frill family, pioneer Antigo township settlers, until their own little cabin home was erected in Polar township on section 30. Martin Robrecht, Sr., purchased a half of the Johnson Hutchins homestead located in the section named in Polar township. The country was a vast wilderness. Thus young Martin became a valuable asset to his father in chopping away the forest trees, pulling stumps and clearing the farm, which was a tract of virgin timber. Forty acres were cleared with the axe. It was on this farm that Martin Robrecht Sr., spent the rest of his life, which ended December 14, 1912. He has lived to see a prosperous farm grow from a once wild country; to see a city where when he came Antigo was but a hamlet. His wife still lives on the farm.

Martin Robrecht, Jr., was united in marriage July 15, 1902, to Mallie Haefs of Algoma to which union nine children were born: namely, Glenford, Raymond and Norman, deceased; six living are: Arnold, Howard, Esther, Marvin, Elmer and Ervin. The Robrecht family resides at 234 Dorr street, Antigo, Wis.

Since coming to Langlade County, Mr. Robrecht has held various offices of responsibility and trust. He was Assessor of Polar township for two years; leaving the farm he became engaged as a carpenter for the Chicago & Northwestern railroad for a time; was employed as City Marshal of Antigo under the Mayoralty term of the late T. W. Hogan for a year. In 1900 he was appointed as a Deputy State Conservation Warden and served efficiently until 1908 for eight years. He has held the office of Deputy Sheriff for the past twenty years. In 1913 he became branch manager of the Pabst Brewing Company interests in Antigo and on September 29, 1919, he purchased their entire interests and now conducts a beverage and soft drink distributing agency of his own. He was appointed as Under- Sheriff by Edward Buchen. Mr. Robrecht is a member of the Masonic order, being the youngest member ever initiated into the Antigo lodge, is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and the Eagles fraternity. In 1922 he was a Republican candidate for Sheriff of Langlade County.

Mr. Robrecht is an extensive property holder and in the successful pursuit of his life work in Antigo and vicinity has gained a wide acquaintance and a host of friends.

ROBERT C. WOJAN. Is an early resident of Antigo, who has, by his energy and progress, made a success of the years he has resided in the county. He was born August 17, 1882, in Germany, the son of Augusta (Wentdland) and Charles Wojan, also early Antigo residents. When but three years of age he moved with his parents to Antigo. Here he attended the public and parochial schools. His educational years over young Robert began life at various occupations, principally with the P. J. Koelzer Flour & Feed store, an early Antigo institution. He began his plumbing trade with the J. C. Lewis Hardware Company for which firm he was employed a number of years. February 16, 1910, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Ebert, also a native of Germany, daughter of August Ebert, a brother of Fred Ebert, a former Antigo fire department chief, who has been active in other city affairs. To this union two children were born, namely: Herbert, now nine years old and Robert, Jr., age 3. The Wojan family attends the Peace Lutheran church, of which Mr. Wojan is a member of the Church Council.

They reside at 320 Lincoln street. Since 1906 he has been connected with the Louis Peters plumbing shop of Antigo, having been in the plumbing business since 1902.

Charles Wojan passed away April 21, 1915, and his wife followed him in death May 24, 1921. Eleven children were in the Wojan family. Robert, Richard, Emma, now Mrs. Louis Strehlow, Emil, Edward and Esther, all live in Antigo and Mary, now Mrs. August Uebel, resides at Hurley, Wis. William, Otto and Paul are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wojan are buried in the Antigo cemetery. The late Charles Wojan was born May 1, 1852, and while in Langlade County was an early employe of the Milwaukee, Lake Shore and Western railroad.

E. A. MORSE. Former Congressman from the 9th Congressional District, was born on a farm in Racine County, Wisconsin, the son of Addison J. and Susette (French) Morse on May 11, 1870. He spent his boyhood days on the farm and there attended the public schools, later entering Ripon College from which he graduated in 1893. January 1, 1894, he became the Superintendent of the County Schools of Racine County, which position he occupied with success. He left the educational field for law, which he chose as his proper field and in 1899 entered the law department of the University of Wisconsin, graduating in 1900. He came direct to Antigo, Langlade County, after his graduation and began the practice of law. His legal work was interrupted, however, by his successive reelections to the Sixty-First and Sixty-Second congresses, where Mr. Morse made a fine record.

Mr. Morse is President of the Morse & Tradewell Company, a corporation whose activities embrace law, real estate, loans, insurance, lumbering, and other business enterprises. Before his election to Congress, Mr. Morse served as City Attorney of Antigo and it was during his term of office that the first revision of the ordinances of the city was made.

In 1896, he was married to Myra Tradewell, daughter of Wesley and Jane Tradewell, to which union one child, Catherine Susette, was born. The Morse residence is at 600 First Avenue. Mrs. Morse is active in church and social affairs in Antigo and a leader in the Antigo Woman's Club.

Mr. Morse is largely responsible for the Antigo post office as it was during his term in Congress that the appropriation for the erection of this splendid public building was passed. The measures were introduced into Congress by him.

Fraternally Congressman Morse is a Mason, with Commandery affiliations, and is a member of the B. P. 0. E. and the M. W. A. The Morse family attends the Congregational Church.

EDWARD GOEBEL. Among the prominent pioneers of Langlade County there are none better known and no more highly respected citizens than Edward Goebel, the Editor of The Antigo Banner and founder of The Antigo Herold. Mr. Goebel was born in Saalfeld (Saale) Germany on December 10, 1864, the son of Ernestine (Kitt) and Herman Goebel, and the first of four children. As a boy and youth he attended the public schools of Saalfeld, graduating from the high school of that place in 1881. He then studied Bookkeeping and Journalism and before immigrating to America was engaged on the Saalfeld Kreisblott, a publication now in its 106th year of life, and on the exchange list of The Antigo Banner. Mr. Goebel was ambitious to come to America, the land of which he had heard so much, and when but nineteen years of age he arrived in New York City in the fall of 1883. He went westward to Fort Howard, Brown County, Wisconsin, and spent six months with relatives. His first employment in America as a Journalist was on the Green Bay Landsmann, a German weekly publication. He then associated himself with the Appleton Wecker, becoming its Editor in 1886. Two years later Mr. Goebel severed his connections with the Wecker and moved to Antigo, Langlade County, Wisconsin. Antigo was then a city of but three years of age. He launched the Antigo Herold, the first issue appearing on October

Kuwakd Goebel

20, 1888. The Herold from then on played an important part in the commercial, political, economic and social advancement of Antigo and its vicinity. December 5, 1919, Mr. Goebel sold The Herold and launched The Antigo Banner, which is discussed in a chapter elsewhere in this work. The Banner he now edits and publishes weekly.

Mr. Goebel was united in marriage on November 10, 1888, to Minnie Weltzine, a daughter of Johanna (Schoknecht) and John Weltzine of Greenville, Outagamie County, Wisconsin. To this union five children were born, namely: Elsie, now Mrs. F. S. Baldwin, Superior, Wis.; Flora, now Mrs. F. W. Mehne, Antigo, Wis.; Cecelia, now Mrs. 0. J. Swanson, Elcho, Wis.; Harvey and Erwin, both of Antigo, Wis. The Goebel home is at 242 Field Street, Antigo, Wis.

Fraternally, Mr. Goebel is an active Beaver and a member of the Order of Owls. Mrs. Goebel is a member of the Ladies of the G. A. R. (MacPherson Cir-

During the World War, Mr. Goebel proved himself a very loyal citizen. His newspaper was active in the support of the United States and its allies. One son, Harvey, was overseas, fighting with the 107th Trench Mortar Battery, Antigo's unit. Erwin was too young to enlist.