Milwaukee County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1909 (part 10 of 35)

Samuel Jacob Schram, one of the proprietors of Schram's Lively, Undertaking and Embalming Establishment, was born at Milwaukee, Wis., Dec. 8, 1861, the son of Jacob and Laura (Klaus) Schram, both natives of Prague, Bohemia. For a mention of the parents see the sketch of Julius Schram, elsewhere in this volume. Samuel Jacob Schram received his education in the Second ward school of Milwaukee. At the age of fourteen he entered the box factory of Charles Leverenz and worked here for three years. He then entered the employ of the Joseph Moffett Co. and learned the marble cutter's trade. A few years later he went to Nebraska and located at O'Neil, where he conducted a general merchandise business. He returned to Milwaukee six years later and opened a grocery store on the corner of Sixth and Walnut streets. One year later he disposed of this business and entered the livery business with his two brothers. He took up the study of embalming and in 1898 received a certificate from the Clark's School of Embalming and he established himself as an undertaker in connection with his brothers' livery business. He has met with great success along this line and the firm of Schram's livery and undertaking establishment is well known in Milwaukee. In politics Mr. Schram is an adherent of the Democratic party; in church affiliations he is a member of the Jewish church. On March 24, 1898, he was married to Miss Jennie, daughter of William and Fannie (Hammerschlag) Benjamin, of Milwaukee, and to this union has been born one child, Lester, now attending school. Fraternally Mr. Schram is a member of the Odd Fellows, the B'nai B'rith and the State LIndertakers' Association.

Julius Schram, one of the proprietors of Schram's Milwaukee Livery, Undertaking and Embalming Establishment, located at 347-49 Eleventh street, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., May 15, i860, the son of Jacob and Laura (Klaus) Schram, both natives of Prague, Bohemia. The father learned the shoemaker's trade in his native country, but never followed it as an occupation. He was also a fruit dealer. In the early fifties he came to Milwaukee with his wife and three children - Charles, Lewis and Lucy. Here he established a flour and feed store on Chestnut street and remained in this business for a few Years. Fie sold this business and in connection with his brother, John D., he started a sheep skin tannery on Commerce street and was interested in this business up to the time of his death, which occurred April 19, 1869. The mother died March 18, 1899. They were the parents of seven children - Charles, Lewis, Lucy, Silvia, Julius, Samuel and David. Charles is in the employ of the St. Paul railroad in Chicago; Lucy is now Mrs. Herman Gross, of Milwaukee; Silvia is Mrs. Samuel Schwartz, of Chicago. David and Samuel are with Julius in his business, and sketches of them will be found elsewhere in this volume. Julius Schram was educated in the Milwaukee public schools and in Engleman's Academy. At the age of thirteen he started to learn the harness maker's trade with Carl Schafer. He then learned to be a carriage trimmer and was employed in this capacity by Wechelberg & Brown for seven years. In 1880 he engaged in the buying and selling of horses, and six years later he established a livery business on Vliet street. He was very successful in this line of business and it having grown to such proportions as to require more spacious quarters, in 1893 he removed to his present location at 347-49 Eleventh street. He is not active in politics, but votes the Democratic ticket. His church affiliations are with the Jewish church. In fraternal circles he is a member of the Odd Fellows, Sons of Hermann, B'nai B'rith, Royal Arcanum, Maccabees and B'rith Abrams. On Sept. 22, 1891, he was married to Miss Laura, daughter of Elias and Fredericka Kindskopf, of Milwaukee. They have one child, Loraine, who is attending school.

Oswald Rogers, who conducts a large wholesale cream and milk establishment at 178 Twenty-third street, was born at Rock Prairie, Rock county. Wis.. Nov. 5, 1846, the son^of Jacob M. and Betsey Rogers, the former born in Troy, N. Y., June 3, 1795, and the latter in Glen Falls, N. Y., June 8, 1805. Jacob M. Rogers, the father, was one of the pioneer settlers of Milwaukee, he having come west in 1836 and located here. He first engaged in the contracting business building streets and roads and he also built several of the light houses on Lake Michigan, both in Milwaukee and in other cities along the lake shore. The light house at the foot of Wisconsin street was built by him. In the early forties he removed to Rock county and settled on a farm. Here he became quite prosperous, but a fire destroyed all his property and he returned to Milwaukee. He bought a large tract of land just outside of what was then the city limits, but which now is much of the west side. Here he established a milk business and furnished milk to all of the leading hotels. He died June 7, 1880. and the mother died Feb. 17. 1888. They were the parents of sixteen children, nearly all of whom live in Milwaukee county. Oswald Rogers received his education in the Milwaukee public schools. At the age of eighteen he left school to work on the farm and assist his father in the milk business. He had charge of the delivery of the milk for eighteen years. After the death of his father he took entire charge of the business. In 1903 he sold out the retail business to Grindley & Co. and since that time has devoted his entire attention to the wholesale business. He handles nearly 3,000 quarts of milk and about 300 gallons of cream daily. He supplies all the leading hotels and restaurants in the city and also many of the dining cars on the railroads. He has his headquarters at his home and the milk is shipped in from different places throughout the state. He employs six men all of the time to help him carry on his business. On Oct. 5, 1885, he married Miss Mary F. Clapp, daughter of Rev. Luther Clapp, of Wauwautosa. He takes an active interest in politics and votes the Republican ticket. In religion he belongs to the Grand Avenue Congregational church.

Charles Dana Richards, a gardener at 1144 Second street, Milwaukee, was born at Bradford, Canada, Aug. 10, 1847, the son °f Daniel H. and Sarah H. (Dana) Richards, both natives of the Empire state. Daniel H. Richards, the father, was one of Milwaukee's oldest settlers. Coming west from New York in 1835, he lived for one year at Peoria. 111., then on July 14, 1836, came to Milwaukee and established the first paper published in Milwaukee, "The Advertiser," which has since become "The Evening Wisconsin." He was also interested in many enterprises tending to further the interests of the city. He was one of the leaders in the movement to secure the Rock River canal and was one of the founders of the first railroad entering Milwaukee. Mr. Richards came of a family of thirteen children, Chief Justice Richards, of Bradford, Canada, being one of his brothers. He himself was a classmate of Stephen A. Douglas. He died Feb. 12, 1873, an& his Avife died in 1891. Charles Dana Richards received his education in the Second ward school of Milwaukee. At the age of eighteen he left school to help work in his father's o'arden and since that time has continued the occupation of a gardener. He has a beautiful garden situated on an elevation that overlooks the entire city. Mr. Richards married Miss Eliza Lee, daughter of William Lee, of Milwaukee, and they are the parents of four children - Frank B., Charles D., Jr. ; Henry B. and William L. In politics Mr. Richards belongs to the Democratic party and as a representative of that party served as alderman from the Thirteenth ward from 1883 to 1888. In religion he is a member of the Episcopal church. Mr. Richards belongs to no societies or clubs.

Thomas Henry Moffitt, one of the leading retail milk dealers of Milwaukee, was born in Cavan county, Ireland, Sept. 17, 1868, the son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Gregg) Moffitt, both natives of Cavan county, Ireland. The father was a farmer in his native country and never came to America except for a visit of -a few months. He died in 1898 and the mother in 1902. They were the parents of ten children, all of whom are living but one. Four boys and two girls live in America. Mary Ann, one of the girls, lives with her brother Thomas in Milwaukee. Thomas Henry Moffitt received his education in the district schools, of his native county. At the age of fifteen be began working on a farm in the summer time, but still attended school in the winter. At the age of seventeen he, with two brothers, embarked for America and landed at Bristol, R. I. Six months later they came west and located in Stebinsville, Wis., where Thomas worked on a farm for nearly a year, then came to Milwau- kee. Soon after he entered the employ of a Mr. Wheeler, who owned a farm in the town of Wauwautosa, and lie remained with him for four years. Returning- to Milwaukee, he continued the milk business which he had established while living on the farm and conducted that for six years. Removing to Oconomowoc, Wis., he established a cream and milk business and remained there Eor sixyears, when he returned to Milwaukee and became an agent for a b< " »k company for one year. 1 le then returned to the milk business and now conducts a large retail establishment at 250 Twenty-eighth street. On Nov. 16, 1898, Mr. Moffitt was married to Miss Jennie M. Lyman, daughter of Albert and Frances ( Purner) Lyman, and to this union two children have been born - Elizabeth May. July 14, 1900. and Alace Adell, April 21, 1908. In politics Mr. Moffitt is an adherent of the Republican party, while in church affiliations he is a Methodist. Mr. Moffitt is a home-loving man and belongs to no societies or fraternal organizations.

Paul Charles Rohde, assistant taxidermist at the public museum, was born in Milwaukee, Oct. 23, 1880, the son of Charles Alexander and Alvina (Ackerhausen) Rohde, both natives of German}-. The father received his early education in his native country and while yet quite young came to America and direct to Milwaukee, first engaging with Delorme & Quentin, and afterward was in the book business with George Brunder. Later he started in the book business for himself. He remained in this business for many years, then entered the firm of WeSsenborn & Co., wholesale notions, and is still connected with that company. He is the father of four children - Hugo, Clara, Paul and Walter, all living at home. Paul Charles received his education in the public schools of Milwaukee. At the age of sixteen he left school and for a time helped his father in the book business. In 1898 he entered the employ of the Public Museum as an apprentice in the taxidermist's department and has steadily worked his way up until he is now assistant taxidermist and he is recognized as an expert along that line. On Oct. 3, 1906, Mr. Rohde was married to Miss Lola Mueller, daughter of Henry P. Mueller, of Milwaukee, and they are the parents of one child, Carla Lola, born May 28, 1908. He is a member of the Milwaukee Turners and of the Wisconsin Natural History Society.

Stephen Henry Surman, a popular wholesale and retail cigar dealer at 132 Wisconsin street, Milwaukee, is a native of the Empire state, having been born in Norwich on March 10, 1875. His father and mother were both born in England. While still a youth the father, Thomas F. Surman, came to the United States and settled on a farm near Norwich, N. Y. After attaining- his majority he embarked in the grocery business in Norwich, a business which he continued until 1888. In that year he removed to Syracuse. N. Y., where, for some years, he was engaged in the wholesale grocery business. From Syracuse he went to Philadelphia with Mr. John Scott, and under the firm name of John Scott & Co., conducted a large grocery business until his retirement in T898. The mother died in 1904, leaving three children : Elizabeth, a nurse in the Georgetown hospital; Stephen, the subject of this memoir, and Frank, who is in the employ of his brother. The father was a member of the New York militia for eight years. Stephen H. Surinam after receiving such educational advantages as the public schools of Norwich afforded, left home at the age of fourteen to enter an importing house at Syracuse. He remained there but a short time, however, leaving to go into the retail cigar business with John F. Whelan. After eight years he came to Milwaukee to assume the management of the Hotel Pfister cigar stand, a position he held for two years. The following year he was in the employ of Edward Kalman, leaving him to open the cigar stand in the Wells building for Leo Abraham. After six years of successful conduct of this place he purchased the stock of Edward Kalman and has since been most successfully engaged in the business. His political affiliations are with the Republican party and in a religious way is a communicant of the Episcopal church. Fraternally he is associated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Royal League and the Milwaukee Athletic Club. On May 23, 1899, he was united in marriage to Miss Ida Bierbach, daughter of Otto and Louise (Schmitz) Bierbach, of Milwaukee.

Richard R. Parry, proprietor of a prosperous express business with offices at 119 Michigan street, Milwaukee, was born at Cambria, Wis., on June 15, 1874, a son of Richard L. and Ellen (Roberts) Parry. Both parents were natives of Bangor, Wales, where the father was a carpenter by vocation. In the late fifties he came to the United States and located in New Orleans, La. His residence there continued until the beginning of hostilities of the War of the Rebellion, when, being a sympathizer of the Union cause, he left the country and returned to Wales. After the close of the war he returned to the United States with his wife, and made his way directly to Cambria in 1867. He resumed his work as a carpenter contractor, and continued at it there until 1871. After the disastrous Chicago fire of that year he removed his family to Milwaukee and himself went to Chicago, where he had an active part in the rebuilding of the burned city. LTpon the completion of his work there he returned to Milwaukee and remained there until his death on Sept. 19, 1892. He left a family of eight children - Flenry, Hugo, Richard, John, William, Jane (Mrs. Alex Dusty), Anna and Margaret. Henry died on June 28, 1897; Margaret on March 1, 1897, and Hugo on Jan. 21, 1907. Richard R. Parry, after completing the courses afforded by the public schools of Milwaukee, left school at the age of sixteen to become apprenticed to an electrician. For a year he was with the Milwaukee Electric Light Co., and during the five years following he served as night inspector of lights for the same company. For a period of several years he was employed in the general electric business in different cities in the state and for a portion of the time was with Richard Mansfield, the actor, as electrician for his theatrical company. Returning to Milwaukee he started with small capital a general express business. The venture met with success from the first, until todav he has six teams con- stantly employed. By thrift and industry, honesty and square dealing, he has built up a business which is second to none in the city. Politically he is independent, exercising his right of franchise as he thinks it will best help the upbuilding of the city and the state. Mr. Parry is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Benjamin Gregory is a well known florist of Milwaukee, whose greenhouses are at 1339 Humboldt avenue. He was born in Cambridge. England, on May 20, 1858,, a son of James and Eliza Gregory. The father received his education in the schools of his native land and up to the time he reached his majority he worked as a landscape gardener. When he had just come of age he was made the head landscape gardener and overseer of the Quintanis estate, one of the large English estates, a position which he held until, he died. There were eleven children in the family, seven sons and four daughters, and all but one grew to maturity. The father died in 1878 and the mother passed away twenty years later. Benjamin Gregory received a somewhat limited education in his native land and when but seventeen years of age came to the United States with his brother. In New York he learned the art of floristry and after he had mastered his profession found employment on many of the large estates in both New York and New Jersey. On March 20, 1885, he received the announcement of his selection as head florist of the David Ferguson greenhouses in Milwaukee and came at once to this city. His connection with "Mr. Ferguson continued for a period of seven years. Then he established the business which has since been a means of livelihood to him. Its success is in large measure due to his habits of frugality, industry and strict attention to business, and today it is recognized as one of the most prosperous florists' establishments in the city. In politics he is a Republican, but has never sought political office, and in religious matters he is affiliated with the Baptist church. On Sept. 10, 1890, Mr. Gregory was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Kirk, a native of Scotland, and a daughter of James Kirk. They had no children. Mrs. Gregory passed away on Aug. 20, 1900, leaving behind her an influence for good which years cannot efface. Two nieces, Anna and Lylia, and a nephew, Edward, who is learning the art, make their home with Mr. Gregory.

Stephen Gesell, president of the Campbell Laundry Company, is a native of Dusseldorf, Germany, where he was born on Feb. 6, 1872. He is a son of Anton and Elizabeth (Seitz) Gesell. both native Germans. The father was a broker for some years in his native land, and later managed a hotel. Of the sixteen children in the family Jacob, Paul and Stephen came to the United States. The father died in 1885 and the mother in 1902. Stephen Gesell received his scholastic advantages in the Fatherland. When but fourteen years of age he left school and under the direction of his brother-in-law learned the trade of butcher. The desire for reading was almost a mania with him and after absorbing the contents of all the books he could get on the subject of America he became instilled with the idea of coming to the United States. In 1891 he was enabled to fulfill his life's desire, and he immigrated direct to Milwaukee. Here he secured employment in the Thiele meat market on Third street, and for a period of ten years was engrossed in his trade. Seeing a chance for advancement he accepted a position as driver for the Campbell Laundry Company, and gradually, by enterprise and industry, was promoted to positions of responsibility until at the time of Mr. Campbell's death he was given entire charge of the concern. In 1907 he purchased a half interest, and by 1908 the business had prospered to such an extent that he was enabled to purchase of the stock, until now he is sole owner and president. He is a man of progressive public spirit and does all in his power for the betterment and advancement of the city along commercial lines. Although a Republican he does not participate actively in the campaigns, being too engrossed to devote his time to anything but his business. He is a communicant of the German Catholic church. His only social relations are with the Independent Order of Foresters and the Laundrymen's Club. On April 29, 1896, Mr. Gesell was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Steffen, a daughter of William and Augusta (Brach) Steffen, of Waukesha. They have no children.

Charles Menger is a well known and popular florist of Milwaukee. He was born in Bernburg, Germany, on Sept. 14, 1866, and is a son of Fred and Ernestine (Stroemer) Menger, both natives of Germany. The father in the Fatherland was a brewer by profession, and was employed in that trade up to the time he came to America in 1881. Upon coming to the United States he secured employment with the Pabst Brewing Company of Milwaukee, and came direct to this city upon his arrival. For several years he remained with the Pabst company, and severed his connection when he had accumulated a sufficient competence to purchase a small tract of land on what is now Twenty-seventh street. Here he did market gardening for a number of years, but in 1893 retired from that occupation and built a greenhouse on his property, which at the time of his retirement in 1903 had grown to large proportions. He and his wife now make their residence at 538 Twenty-seventh street. The three sons born to them are all living. Charles Menger, the subject of this review, received his scholastic training in the schools of his native land. While still a youth in his native land he mastered the florist's art, and after coming to the United States with his parents worked with his father in market gardening and later in the greenhouses. When the father retired in 1903 he assumed the active control of the business, which has had an exceptional growth under his skillful management. In his politics Mr. Menger is not allied with any of the existing political parties, preferring to exercise his right of franchise as his conscience and his judgment dictate. His religious relations are with the Lutheran church. His time is largely devoted to his business, but he finds leisure to enjoy the meetings of the Florists' Club and the Liedertafel Society, with both of which he is identified as a member. On Nov. 2~. 1895, occurred Mr. Menger's marriage to Miss Anna Oes- treicker, a daughter of Anton and Ernestine (Wendtlandt) Oestreicker, of Milwaukee. Two children have been the issue of this marriage - Carl, born Nov. 17, [896, and Hilda, born July 17, [898.

Rudolph Preuss, one of the well-known florists and market gardeners of the city, was born in Klein Hauswalde, Germany, on March 30, i860, a son of 1 lans and Carlina (Deering) Preuss. Both parents spent their entire lives in the Fatherland, where the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits. They left a family of eight children, six sons and two daughters. Rudolph Preuss is the youngest of his father's family. He took advantage of the scholastic training afforded by the German common schools, and upon completing his school work became apprenticed to a florist. During his stay in Germany he found employment in many of the largest floral concerns in the country and became a thorough master of the art. In the fall of 1884 he migrated to the United States and located in Erie, Pa. After a year spent working there in his chosen profession he came in the spring of 1885 to Milwaukee. Here he secured employment with A. M. Freidach on Forest Home avenue ; then for various periods of time with Frank Delgen, Mr. Armstrong and T. L. Hanson, remaining with the latter some two years. In 1888 he purchased the property at the corner of Vine and West Twentyfourth streets and five years later erected the greenhouse which he is now SQsuccessfully conducting. Beside fhe culture of flowers he makes a specialty of raising fresh vegetables for the market. Both features of his business have been eminently successful in a financial way, due largely to his untiring labor, enterprise yand strictly fair dealing with his patrons. In politics he is allied with, the Republican party, but owing to the pressure of his business does not find time to devote to an active participation in the affairs of the party. In religious affairs he is prominent as a member of the Lutheran church, and is identified fraternally with the Knights of the Maccabees. He is also a member of the Florists' Club. On April 6, 1892, Mr. Preuss was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Timm, a daughter of William and Emilie (Wielbold) Timm, of Cascade, Wis. Four children have been the issue of this marriage. Oswald, born Aug. 16, 1894, is awav at school; andithe others, Arnold, born Oct. 17, 1896; Irma, born Aug. 4, 1899, and Irving, born Nov. 17, 1901, attend the public schools and assist their father in their 'spare time.

Charles Augustus Ammon, one of the efficient foremen in the employ of the Milwaukee Gas Company, was born at Princeton, Scott county, 'la., on Sept. 25, 1862, and is a son of Charles A. and Margaret Ammon. The father, who was a contractor by vocation, died when the subject of this memoir was still an infant. His widow passed away at Chippewa Falls, Wis., in 1897. Charles A. Ammon 'received a somewhat limited education in the common schools of Princeton, Ta. When but twelve years of age he began his business career as an employe of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad and remained with them for a period of three years. Then he removed with his mother and his stepfather to Merrill, Wis., and secured employment with a lumbering firm as an employe in a saw mill. In 1891 he was given active charge. of the management of a mill at Harshaw, Oneida county, Wis., and remained there until 1898. In that year he went to Alabama to supervise the construction of a mill, and when he had finished the work a year later returned to Milwaukee. Here he again became associated with the Chicago & Northwestern railroad as an inspector in the engineering department. The construction of many branches of that road has been. done under his personal direction. In January, 1908, he severed his connection with the railroad company and became associated with the Milwaukee Gas Company in the position which he now holds. In politics he is a zealous adherent of the tenets of the Republican party and as the successful candidate of that party served for a time as a justice of the peace in Oneida county. He was also the representative of his district in several state conventions before the adoption of the primary election law abolished that institution. In religious matters he is associated with the Presbyterian church. On June 27, 1881, Mr. Ammon was united in marriage to Miss Nellie L. Day of Waupaca, Wis., and a daughter of Martin and Emily (Osborn) Day. To this union was born, on Jan. 19, 1883, a son, Frank R., now a practicing attorney of Milwaukee. He devoted all his spare time for several years to the study of law and passed the state bar examination with high honors. He is intensely interested in politics and does much to insure th£ success of the Republican party.

Frederick Ernst, whose life work and study in the art of floristry have made him one of the most successful floriculturists in Milwaukee, was born in Marburg, Germany, on March 24, 1882, and is a son of Julius and Sophia (Moutoux) Ernst. Both parents were born and lived their entire lives in Germany, where the father was a minister of the gospel of the Lutheran church. He died in 1889 and the widow passed away seven years later, leaving a family of three sons and a daughter. Frederick Ernst received his education in the common schools of the city of his birth and at the age of fifteen became apprenticed to a florist. In three years he had mastered his trade and began a tour of Germany, working in practically all the large greenhouses in that country. In 1904 he came to America and located in St. Louis, Mo., where for four months he worked at his trade in the exposition grounds. When the fair closed he came to Milwaukee and secured employment with Charles Johannsen, the florist. This position he retained for a year and then for a short time worked in Joliet, Til. In 1906 he returned to Milwaukee and purchased his present establishment. His habits of frugality and industry and his knowledge of the art have made his venture successful from the start. Beside raising flowers and plants of all descriptions he does a great deal of gardening at the homes of private families in his immediate neighborhood. He is a communicant of the Lutheran church, of which his father was a minister, but is not allied to any political party. On Sept. 3, 1906, Mr. Ernst was united in marriage to Miss Louise Thai, of Milwaukee, a daughter of Carl and Louise (Kersten) Thai. Thev have no children.

Theodore Boettcher, a prosperous florist and respected citizen of Milwaukee, was born at Frankfort-on-the-Oder, Germany, on April 3, 1863. He is a son of August and Mar) (Sir-) Boettcher, both of whom were born at Frankfort. The father was all during his life engaged in floriculture. His death occurred in 1902 and his widow makes her home with her only child. Theodore lioettcher took advantage of the limited educational opportunities afforded by the schools of his native country and at the age of fifteen \ ears started his career by becoming apprenticed to his father in the latter's greenhouse. Until 1896, when he immigrated to America, he remained in business with his parent. 1 lis first residence in this country was in a small town in North Dakota, where he earned a livelihood by work in a flour mill and gardening. After three years there he came to Milwaukee and entered the employ of Curry Brothers in their greenhouses, severing his connection with them after a year to remove to Pine Lake, Wis., where he was engaged in the same vocation. In 1903 he returned to Milwaukee and purchased the floral establishment at 1414 Groeling avenue, which he is now so successfully conducting. His success may be attributed in large measure to his sterling integrity, his frugality and his knowdedge of the business learned by years of hard work. In politics he is a Republican, but his business occupies so much of his time that he takes no active part. His church relations are with the German Evangelical society. Socially he is identified with the Milwaukee Liederkranz, the Garfield Benefit Association and the Forwards Benefit Club. On May 11, 1889, occurred Mr. Boettcher's marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wundrich, a daughter of Carl and Rosalia Wundrich, of Frankfort, Germany. Three children have come to bless this union - Erick, Hattie and Elsie.

Gustav Holtz, a florist whose years of training make him one of the most successful in Milwaukee, was born in Stadt-Ilm, Germany, on Aug. 10, 1864, a son of Herman and Sophia (Shleurner) Holtz. Both the parents were born in Germany, where the father won renown in floriculture. In 1890 he came to the United States and located in Hammond, Ind., where he was engaged in the same vocation up td the time of his death, which occurred in February, 1905. The widow still resides in Hammond. The seven children of the family are all living, although widely scattered throughout the United States. Gustav Holtz, the subject of this memoir, received the scholastic training afforded by the schools of his native land. When but thirteen years of age he became associated with his father and remained with him for a year, learning the rudiments of the vocation which he desired to follow during his lifetime. The following two years he spent as an apprentice at Dr. Doran's floral institute in Germany and when he had mastered his trade he worked at it in various of the leading establishments in the Fatherland. Tn t888 he migrated to Milwaukee and for ten years worked as private gardener and florist for H. B. Kellogg. The following five years he occupied by serving in the capacity of florist at the summer home of Hon. George Brumder, and for another five years in the same capacity for Valentine Blatz. When he severed his connection with Mr. Blatz he established the business which he is so successfully conducting to-day. His excellent training and his inherent traits of industry and enterprise have given him a patronage which is continually growing. In politics Mr. Holtz is independent of any party ties. His religious relations are with the German Lutheran church and fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Florists' Club. On April 24, 1891, Mr. Holtz was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Graf, daughter of William and Marie Graf, of Germany. To this union have been born the following children : Annie, Ella, Herbert, Helen and Flora. Two others died in infancy.

Charles F. Kitzerow, who conducts a modern florist's establishment on the Port Washington road, was born in Milwaukee on Nov. 17, 1863. He is a son of William and Catherina (Hildebrand) Kitzerow, both of whom are natives of Germany. The father made a good living in the Fatherland as a painter. When Milwaukee was but a village he migrated to this city and for several years afterward was an instructor in the schools. When the war with Mexico broke out he enlisted as a private and is to-day the only surviving member of the company with which he served. Later he saw service as a volunteer in the Civil War. Most of his active career he was engaged as a floriculturist in the greenhouse which his son now conducts. Lie retired from active business in 1906 and is now residing in Chicago. His wife died in February, 1904, and her remains are interred in Forest Home cemetery. Of the seven children in the family all but one son, William, survive. Charles F. Kitzerow. the subject of this review, took advantage of the educational opportunities afforded by the public schools of Milwaukee. When seventeen years of age he left school and started in to learn floristry under the direction of his father. Since the completion of his apprenticeship he has never engaged in other business, being associated with his father until the latter's retirement. It was at that time that he assumed the active management of the enterprise. His long training and thorough knowledge of the business assured him success from the start, and his many friends have not been surprised at the rapid strides which the concern has taken since his assumption of its conduct. Although his father was much interested in politics and served as town chairman and town clerk, and also as a school commissioner, Mr. Kitzerow is independent in his political relations, finding little leisure to devote to campaign activities. Tn religious matters he is affiliated with the German Lutheran church, but fraternally is not prominent, as it is his aim to devote li is spare moments to his family. On Dec. 25. 1885, Mr. Kitzerow was united in marriage to Miss Dora Anderson, a daughter of John and Johanna (Lush) Anderson, of Milwaukee. Four children have been the issue of this union - Walter, Charles, Milta and George. Walter is studying to become a minister of the gospel and Charles is a telecraph operator. The others live at home and are attending the public schools.

George Thomas Platzer, deceased, who was one of the most successful druggists in the city before his death, was born in Bavaria, Germany, on March 16, 1842, a son of Wolfgang and Margaret Platzer. The father, who was a tailor by vocation, brought his family to Milwaukee in 1844 and was engaged in his trade all his active life. His death occurred a few months after his retirement from active business in 1891, and his widow died some years later, leaving a family of two children. George T. Platzer was the third in order of birth of the five children born to his parents. I lis early educational training was received in St. Mary's parochial school and he completed his studies by a course in the seminary at St. Francis. His profession he learned with a firm in Cincinnati, Ohio, with which he was associated for several years. On his return to Milwaukee he purchased the stock of a store on Winnebago street, and for ten years was successfully engaged in the conduct of the store. Early in 1880 he removed to a new store on the corner of Potter and Bishop avenues, where eight months later, on Aug. 13, 1880, he passed away. He was a man of keen business acumen, thoroughly conversant with all the details of his profession and a popular citizen. In his political belief he was a stanch adherent of the principles of the Republican party and in religious matters was identified with St. Joseph's Catholic church. On July 9. 1872. Mr. Platzer was united in marriage to Miss Anna Baumgardner, a daughter of Joseph and Christinia Baumgardner, of Milwaukee. Mrs. Platzer's parents were both born in Tyrol, Austria. Her father was a tailor, who came to Milwaukee in 1856, and for many years was employed by David Adler & Sons. Some years before his death he was engaged in the grocery business. His demise occurred on April 28, 1899, and his widow passed away on March 1, 1907. To Mr. and Mr. Platzer were born five children - Frances, the wife of P. W. Krill, of Fort Wayne, Ind. ; George and William, twins: Frank J., a resident of Fort Wayne, Ind. ; and Thomas, a watchmaker of this city.

Henry Salentine, deceased, was one of the prominent and prosperous business men of Milwaukee for over twenty-six years before his death. His parents were Mathias and Marie (Moure) Salentine, who emigrated to the United States about the middle of the nineteenth century. The father settled in Milwaukee first and conducted a farm for some time, but he heard of the "golden west" and moved to California, where he became engaged in farming and mining, and Henry was born at Nicholas, Cal.. Aug. 17. 1866. Not long after this the father disposed of his interests in California with profit and returned to the Cream City to make his home. The mother died several years ago, but the father still lives at a hearty old age with the widow of the subject of this sketch. Five children were born to Mathias and Marie Salentine, of whom Henrv was the youngest. He received his educational advantages in the public schools of Milwaukee, and when only eighteen years of age his father put him in charge of the hardware business which he had established upon his return from California. The young man was ambitious, paid strict attention to business, and this, combined with his natural ability, earned for him the reward he deserved, and the store at Third and National avenues became one of the most popular in that part of the city. For twenty-one years he carried on the business of H. Salentine & Co., with credit to the concern, and in 1905 disposed of the hardware business to Peter Laveis and embarked in the sheet metal work, which he conducted with as much success as he had the hardware business. Two years later he retired to enjoy a well-earned respite from the activities of his busy life. But a 3rear elapsed before he passed over the great divide, after a life which was unselfish, upright and devoted to his family and friends. His loss was felt by the whole community and was mourned by his friends and his devoted family. In 1890, on Nov. 25, Mr. Salentine was united in marriage with Miss Marie Esser, the daughter of John and Theresa (Sturm) Esser, of Milwaukee. Their home was gladdened by four children - Clarence, who is studying drafting and pattern making in the Milwaukee School of Trades ; Irving, Marcella and Mildred, who are all at home with their mother. Mrs. Salentine's parents were natives of Germany ; her father was a brewer, who came to the United States in i860 and located at Albany, N. Y. Some years later he came west to Chicago, but was there only a short time when he came to Milwaukee. Subsequently he conducted a brewing business at Sauk City, Wis., for five years, but disposed of it and became a hotel keeper at New Albin, la. After conducting the hotel for three years Mr. Esser sold it and returned to Milwaukee and became associated with the Pabst Brewing Co. Within a few years he earned a sufficient competence to retire some years before his demise, which occurred in 1905. During his life Mr. Salentine was closely connected with the Democratic party and was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, and with his family was a member of Trinity Catholic church.

Richard Bernhard Pritzlaff, deceased, for many years a prominent and influential figure in the commercial life of Milwaukee, was born in Pommern, Prussia, Germany, on March 3, 1859. He was a son of August and Caroline (Moldenhauer) Pritzlaff, both native Germans. The father was an instructor in the parochial schools of the Fatherland and came to Milwaukee in 1867. Here he was engaged in pedagogic work in St. Stephen's school on the south side until his death. The mother died in 1898. Richard B. Pritzlaff was the sixth in order of birth of the nine children in the family. He received his educational advantages in the common schools of Germany and after coming to this country attended the public schools of Milwaukee for a time. When he had completed his scholastic training he received some valuable experience in business under his uncle, John Pritzlaff, in the John Pritzlaff Hardware Company as bookkeeper. At the time of his death he was head buyer for this firm and was a partner in the Pritzlaff Brothers Company at 171- 173 Reed street. After his death his widow disposed of all his stock in both companies. In politics he was an ardent adherent of the principles of the Republican party, and served as a member oi the school board. St. Stephen's church never had a more willing worker, nor a more earnest member, than Mr. Pritzlaff, and probably nowhere was his loss more keenly felt than in the church, lie was also identified with the Iroquois Club, On June 16, 1881, Mr. Pritzlaff was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Prasser, a daughter of Andrew and Fredericka ( Wolff) Prasser, of Milwaukee.. Both parents were born in Germany. The father on coming to this country located first in New York and shortly afterward moved to Milwaukee, where he was established for many years as a furniture dealer on Lake street. 1 Ie retired from active participation in business several years before his death, which occurred on Jul}- 9, 1895. His widow is still living, making her home at 356 Madison street. The father was a stanch Republican in his politics and served in the common council as the alderman from his ward. He was also a member of Armin lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. To Mr. and Mrs. Pritzlaff were born seven daughters - Alma, Elsie, Amelia, Emma, Helen, Clara and Ruth.

Joseph Oscar Ogden, retired, one of the most respected citizens of Milwaukee, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 16, 1833. His father was James Kilborn Ogden, who was born in Elizabethtown, N. J., on July 30, 1793, and his mother was Margaret (Hall) Ogden, a native of Baltimore, Md. The father's educational advantages were limited to the country schools. When twenty-one years of age, in 1814, he removed to Cincinnati and established there the first pottery west of the Alleghany mountains. His marriage occurred in 1818 and his union was blessed with the following children: Ezekiel Hall, Elizabeth Hall, Sarah Anna Wood, Joseph Oscar and Albert Hall. He was a most successful business man and was known in all walks of life as an upright, honest Christian gentleman. He was a direct descendant of the Ogdens who settled in Elizabethtown in its early history. Joseph O. Ogden, the subject of this review, attended the public schools of Cincinnati and rounded out his scholastic career by a course at Herron Seminary in the same city. In 1849 he came to A^ilwaukee and for a year served in a clerical position in the Magie & Swain Clothing Cornpan}'. Then for a number of years he was again a resident of Cincinnati and later of Philadelphia, Pa., where he was engaged in the malleable iron industry. When he returned to Milwaukee it was to retire from active participation in business affairs. He has a beautiful home at 2324 Sycamore street. In politics Mr. Ogden is a Republican, but has never aspired to public office. He is»a devout communicant of St. James' Episcopal church. On Feb. 14, i860, Mr. Ogden was united in marriage to Miss Esther A. Swain, a daughter of 'James Swain of Milwaukee. Her parents were both natives of Elizabethtown, X. J., and the father was a merchant tailor who came to Milwaukee in 1848 and was in the merchant tailoring business at r68 East Water street for a good many years. For a term he was adjutant-general of the Wisconsin National Guard. When the War of the Rebellion opened he accepted a commission as a colonel in the quartermaster's department and served throughout the struggle. After the war he settled in Memphis, Tenn., where he died in 1880, eleven years after his wife's demise. Tq Mr. and Mrs. Ogden were born the following children: Fannie B., deceased; Sarah L., wife of George W. Goodman, of Milwaukee; Margaret Hall, now Mrs. W. K. Kilgore, of Oak Park, 111. ; James K., a varnish manufacturer located at St. Paul, Minn.; Alberta, wife of Harry P. Trayser of this city; Franklin, deceased; and Bell Armour Reis, of St. Paul, Minn., secretary of the Twin City Varnish Co.

Henry Melvine Shaw, deceased, for many 'years one of the old and respected citizens of Milwaukee, was born in Bordentown, N. J., on Dec. 22, 1824. He was a son of John J. and Clara (Melvine) Shaw, the former of wdiom was born in Bordentown, N. J., and the latter in Philadelphia, Pa. The father was a merchant, who came west in the early fifties and located in St. Paul, Minn. He built the Merchants' Hotel, one of the best-known hostelries of that city, and for a number of years was its proprietor. Before his death he retired and returned to the east, his death occurring in New York City. The mother died when the subject of this sketch was but an infant. There were two sons in the family - Henry and William. Henry M. Shaw received his educational advantages in the public schools of Philadelphia. At the age of twenty-five he came west and became associated with his father in the latter's business interests. This association was kept up until his death on' July 27, 1862. In his political beliefs Mr. Shaw was always allied with the Republican party, but was never an aspirant for any public office. On June 25, 1854, occurred his marriage to Miss Anna Anderson, of St. Paul, a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Nichols) Anderson. Mrs. Shaw's father was born in Hungary and her mother in Philadelphia. The father came to the United States as a boy and located in New York, where he became associated in the fur trading business with John Jacob Astor. After his marriage he came west and with Mr. Astor established a fur trading post on the site of the present city of Saginaw. Mich. Later he removed to St. Paul, where he was engaged in the fur trade with the Indians. He retired some twenty years before his death, which occurred in 1885, at tne advanced age of one hundred and three years. The mother died in 1880, at the age of sixty-three. Mrs. Shaw, the widow of the subject of this memoir, was born in New York City. Two of her children are living - Ella, wife of Dr. J. P. Carmichael, a dentist of Milwaukee, and Harry M., a resident of Chicago.

Carl Steinmueller, retired, a prominent and respected citizen of the city of Milwaukee, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on Feb. [6, 1839. He was the second child in order of birth of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Steinmueller, the latter of whom died in Milwaukee in and the former in 1890, leaving a family of six children. The father was a laborer, who emigrated to America in 1863. Carl

Steinmueller received his educational advantages in the common .schools of Germany, and from the time he had completed his studies until coming to America with his father's family in 1863 he worked on a farm. Soon after his arrival in Milwaukee in that year he secured employment with the Plankinton Packing Company. His connection with that firm continued until its purchase by the Cudahy Company 3 and he remained in the same capacity with the latter company when it took over the business of the Plankinton concern. Later he was made a foreman in the plant, and was serving as such when he retired from active participation in business life in 1901. In politics he allies himself with the Republican party, but has never sought public office. On Oct. 12, 1862, Mr. Steinmueller was united in marriage to Miss Frederica Gabert and to this union have been born three children - Charles, Albert and Annie, now Mrs. Alfred Hunkey.

Captain Edward A. Tighe, deceased, was for many years a wellknown lake captain and later one of the prominent lumber merchants of Milwaukee. He was born at Dublin, Ireland, Aug. 8, LS42, being the son of Edward and Catherine (Mulleren) Tighe, both of whom were born and reared in this historic old town on the Lift'ey, the capital city of Ireland. Edward Tighe, Sr., was a surveyor, who was actively occupied in his profession until he died, leaving a wife and four children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the oldest. After her husband's death Catherine Tighe determined to come to America and give her children the advantages offered by a new and growing country. They immigrated to the United States and soon after landing located in Milwaukee, where the opportunities on every hand attracted and held them. Mrs. Tighe continued to live in Milwaukee until the cares and responsibilities of life were lifted from her and she passed peacefully away just as the new century dawned. Edward, Jr., attended the public schools of Milwaukee and after completing a course in the high school with great credit, his mother determined to send him back to the mother countrv to finish his education. He soon sailed for Dublin, his native town, the largest city in Ireland and one of the most important educational centers in Europe, He matriculated at Trinity college, which was chartered in 1591, and is one of the richest corporations and most important educational institutions in Ireland. After completing his studies in this grand old college Mr. Tighe returned to the United States and went on the lakes. He began as a sailor in order to learn the lake trade thoroughly and was rapidly advanced from one position of responsibility to another, and within a short time was commanding a boat of his own. He was a good manager, keen and far sighted in business deals, and his investments proved so successful that in 1881, when he was only thirty-nine years of age. he had accumulated money enough to leave the lakes and engaged in the lumber business in Milwaukee. A year later, in 1882, he was united in marriage with Mrs. John D. Allcott, the daughter of Michael and Marguerite (Moran) Ryan.

both old residents of Milwaukee. Airs. Tighe's father was a sturdyson of the Emerald Isle, who immigrated to the United States in 1852. He was a machinist by trade and followed it after reaching this country ; first at the North Milwaukee round house and later at the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad shops. He retired some time before his demise, which occurred Feb. 2, 1899. His wife still lives in Milwaukee, a bright old lady already counting more than threescore years and ten, as she is eighty-five years of age. Four children were welcomed to the Tighes' hospitable home - Alvin A., who graduated from Georgetown University,, Washington, D. C, in 1908; Thomas G., who is engaged in the lumber industry at Manistee, Mich. ; Leonard, who is in business with his brother in Manistee ; and Eva M., who is at home. Though not aggressive in his political views, Mr. Tighe was a stanch supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, in which he manifested a loyal interest. With his family he was a member of the Gesu Roman Catholic church and it lost a devout and loyal supporter when he died Dec. 29, 1906. He was affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. ,

Henry Charles Porth, deceased, died at the early age of thirtytwo years, but in his short career as a man of affairs he demonstrated the possession of extraordinary qualifications as a business man. and had his life been spared he doubtless would have achieved enviable distinction in the industrial world. Mr. Porth was born in the city of Milwaukee on Jan. 19, 1854, the son of Joseph and Ottillia (Hetzel) Porth, the former a native of Prussia and the latter of Germany. The father immigrated to the United States in early manhood, and locating in Milwaukee engaged in the cooperage business, first by himself and afterward in partnership with his three brothers - John, William and Anthony. Later he engaged in the wholesale liquor business, in which line of activity he was employed until he retired from business about two years before his death, that event occurring in 1881. He became quite prominent in public affairs in the city of Milwaukee, and as a Democrat was elected at different times to the positions of assessor and member of the board of aldermen. He and his wife were members of St. Joseph's church, and they were the parents of three children - Henry Charles, George W. and Tillie, the last-named being the wife of M. F. Schmidt. I lenry Charles Porth received his education in the public and high schools of the city of Milwaukee, and afterward took a course at the Spencerian Business College. He began his independent career as a messenger boy for Alexander Mitchell in the old Mitchell Bank, and remained with that institution for a period of eight years, being successfully promoted to positions of responsibility and trust. He became teller in the German Exchange Bank, of which M. von Baumbach was president and Rudolph Nunnemacher cashier, and he remained with this institution four years. In 1876 he established a wood and coal business, with office and yard at No. 52 Oneida street, corner of River street, and his partner in this enter- prise was II. J. I'auly. The firm had three schooners with which they transported their wood and coal, and they continued the business for a number of years, after which Mr. Porth engaged in the commission business, in which he was employed at the time of his death, that deplorable event occurring on Feb. 24, 1886. I [e was an ardent Democrat in his political views, although he never entered public life in the way of holding office, and socially he was a member of the American Legion of Honor, the benevolent Society and the North Side Turner Society, of which organization he officiated as president for some time. Mr. Porth was married on Nov. 7, 1876, to Miss Anna M. Pleisch, of Milwaukee, a daughter of Christian and Rosa (Nunnemacher) Pleisch, and to this union there were born two children - Erwin J., who is by occupation a bookkeeper, and Irma, who resides at home with her mother. The parents of Mrs. Porth were natives of Switzerland, who migrated to America in 1843 ar>d settled in Milwaukee, where the father engaged in the commission business. They were members of St. Mary's church and (of the Singing Society. Christian Pleisch, the father. at the breaking out of the Civil War, enlisted as a private in Company K, Fourth Missouri cavalry. This regiment was formed by the consolidation of two battalions, known as the Fremont Hussars and Benton Hussars, each having six full companies, the union being effected in November, 1862, though the two battalions had been in existence for about one year. During the fall of 1862 and the succeeding winter the regiment was under command of General Davidson in southeast Missouri, forming a part of the expedition to Batesville. In the spring of 1863 it was ordered to report to General Rosecrans in Tennessee, but before reaching its destination was stopped by General Asboth at Columbus, Ky., where it was attached to the Sixth division. Sixteenth corps. Air. Pleisch contracted yellow fever about this time and died of that dread disease on Aug. 13, 1863. His wife survived him many years and died in August, 1889.

Anthony Christian Ewens, Jr., deceased, who was a real estate dealer and one of the substantial citizens of Milwaukee for a number of years, was born in Milwaukee on Dec. I, 1868. He was a son of Anthony C. and Anna (Schuh) Ewens, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Milwaukee. The father came to Milwaukee from the Fatherland in 1848 and secured employment as a mail carrier in the postoffice service. Later, when the branch offices were stablished, he was made superintendent of the Twelfth street branch. When he severed that association he engaged in the real estate business with his now deceased son, Anthony C, Jr. When the dark cloud of war hovered over the horizon of national unity Anthony C, Sr., enlisted in the Twentysixth Wisconsin infantry and took a gallant part in the suppression of the rebellion. Politically he is a Republican, but has never aspired to public office, and in fraternal matters is identified with the Wolcott Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Anthony

C. EwenSj Jr., the subject of this review, received his educational advantages in St. Joseph's parochial school, Marquette College and the Spencerian Business College. His first labor after leaving school was as office boy with Wheeler's real estate and insurance office ; then bookkeeper for Richter, Schuber & Dick. This connection continued until 1895, when, in partnership with his father, he engaged in the realty business. His thorough methods, his keen business acumen and his genial, kindly disposition won him many friends and a large business, and it has never been said by any with whom Mr. Ewens had business dealings that unfair advantage was ever taken, nor that he ever was the least trifle dishonest. This business was successfully conducted by Mr. Ewens until his death, which occurred on June 16, 1907. In his political relations he was allied with the Republican party, but despite the urgent solicitation of his many friends, he never allowed them to use his name in connection with the candidacy for any public office, the pressure of business affairs being so great that he felt that he could not spare the leisure necessary to devote to public office. He was a deeply religious man, and was one of the founders of St. Ann's Catholic church, of which, for nine years, he was lay secretary. His fraternal relations were with the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Foresters and the Alumni Association of Marquette College, and he was also a member of the Board of Underwriters. On Oct. 2.J, 1891, Mr. Ewens was united in marriage to Miss Rose Meindl, a daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Lang) Meindl, of Milwaukee. Mr. and Mrs. Meindl were both born in Germany and came to Milwaukee about 1855. The father was foreman of the Charles Swain Wood & Coal Company's 3'ards for thirty-five years, but retired some years before his death, which occurred on June 18, 1901. The mother passed away on April 3, 1906. To Mr. and Mrs. Ewens were born eight children - Rose, Irene, Edmund, Anthony, Rowland, Coletta, Waldman and Clara.

Jacob Josten, deceased, was one of the useful citizens of Milwaukee, where he followed the business of sign painting and decorating, and evidences of his skill and artistic taste are in evidence in all parts of the Cream City. He was born in the city that was the scene of his successful career March 23, 1857, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Berger) Josten, both of whom were natives of Darmstadt, Germany. The father migrated to the United States in 1850 and first located in the city of Philadelphia, where he conducted a meat market for some time. Selling his business there he later removed to Milwaukee and was employed as a butcher in <me of the Layton packing establishments, in which line of work he continued until the time of his death, that event occurring in 1870. The mother survived until July 3, 1895. They were the parents of four children, of whom the subject of this review was the second born, and the names of the others were Charlotte, Marguerite and George. Jacob Josten received his education in the public schools of Milwaukee, and when about to initiate his inde- pendent career learned the trade of sign painting, in which he was destined to achieve unqualified success and win more than local renown. He followed this occupation, together with artistic decorating, all of his active life, and in 1871 opened his place of business at No. 209 Second street. He built up an excellent business and gave constant employment to twenty-five or thirty men. Ik- did all of the decorative work on the St. Francis Seminary building, the Polish church, the new Majestic Theater building, and many other public buildings of the city. Mr. Josten departed this life on Aug. 1 (j, [899, and his widow still continues the business established by her husband, the location now being on State street. The subject of this review gave loyal support to the time-honored principles of the Democratic party, but never essayed the role of an office-seeker, and his religious affiliations were with the St. Joseph Catholic church. Mr. Josten was married on May 17, [881, to Miss Theresa Kastenholz, daughter of John and Christina (Schmitz) Kastenholz, and to this union there were born five children - Charlotte, who is deceased ; Alice, Theresa, James and Alfred. James is a bookkeeper by profession and Alfred is now a student in Rheude's Business College and Drafting School. The parents of Mrs. Josten were both born in Germany, and the father followed the trade of a carpenter. In 1852 he came to Milwaukee and continued working at his trade until about thirty years ago, when he retired. He is still living at the advanced age of ninety years, and his good wife passed away on May 11, 1906. The father is an uncompromising Democrat in his political views.

Paul Weise, one of the well-known and popular furniture dealers and house decorators of Milwaukee, was born in West Prussia, Germany, July 3, 1863. He is the son of John Weise, who was born and reared there. He was a merchant grocer and continued in this business in the old country until 1897, when he retired from active business and came to America to make his home with his children in Milwaukee. He lived a very quiet retired life after coming to Milwaukee and died in 1902. Paul was the second of the four children born to his parents and received his scholastic training in the schools of the Fatherland. After finishing his studies he served an apprenticeship as an upholsterer and decorator, which vocation he followed in the old country until he was nineteen years of age, but desired to widen his field of activities and came to the United States and almost immediately located in Milwaukee. For three years he worked at his trade, but was not contented to work for others as a paid employee, and in 1886 started a shop of his own on Albion street. Under Mr. Weise's skillful management the business has steadily grown and he now manufactures and handles furniture, carpets, shades, draperies and all kinds of house furnishings. In connection with this he runs a vacuum cleaning establishment for cleaning carpets, draperies, curtains and other perishable household decorations. The house has twenty-seven thousand square feet of floor space and a corps of thirty-five employes, and it requires three delivery wagons to care for the business. Mr. Weise was united in marriage with Ida Kaestner, the daughter of Bernhardt Kaestner, some years ago. Mrs. Weise's father was a wagon maker by trade, who emigrated to the United States about 1850 and located in Mihvaukee, where he carried on the wagon business for twenty years before he retired to enjoy a respite from the busy life he had led. His death occurred in 1907. His widow is still living in Milwaukee, having passed the fourscore years and ten; she is a heart}", happy old lady. Mr. Weise is a thirty-second degree Mason and is also a member of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Association and Citizens' Business League.

James Sheriffs, deceased, was a pioneer settler and manufacturer of Milwaukee, in which city he spent the greater part of his life and to which he came when he was 28 years old, becoming prominent in the iron manufacturing industry in a very short time thereafter. He Avas born in Banff, the chief town of Banffshire, Scotland, Sept. 22, 1822, and was early apprenticed to the ironmakers' trade, his schooling being limited by a desire to take up mechanical pursuits, impelled by an ambitious and independent spirit. After serving a four years' apprenticeship at the Banff foundry, where he was taught the trade of molding in all its branches, he followed the custom of the country and journeyed through England, Ireland and France, working in some of the leading shops of those countries as a journeyman molder. Becoming inspired by the glowing accounts of the opportunities for success which awaited young men of enterprise and energy in America, he resolved to migrate to the United States, and in April, 1848, landed in New York City. After his arrival in the "land of the free," he traveled quite extensively over the United States, spending some time in Detroit, Chicago and St. Louis, before finally deciding to locate in Milwaukee. His first work in the Cream City was as superintendent of Lee & AValton's establishment, known as the Menomonee Foundry, which was located on Reed street, where, for many years afterward, the old Union depot stood. While under his supervision this foundry turned out the castings for the first locomotive in the West. This, locomotive was known as an inside connected engine, and was built for and used by the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad Company. In 1854, shortly after settling in Milwaukee, he engaged in business for himself, opening a machine shop and foundry known as the Vulcan Iron Works, now called the Sheriffs Manufacturing Company, located at the corner of South Water and liarclay streets. He operated this establishment as the sole proprietor until the time of his death, that deplorable event occurring on July 18, 1887, and thus his independent and remarkably successful career covered a period of thirty-three years. On three different occasions during that time he suffered the complete loss of his shop and tools, but with characteristic enterprise he applied himself to the task of rehabilitation, and, Phcenix-like, arose from the ashes of each disaster and soon had his works in operation again.

lie devoted his time and energy largely to the building of marine machinery of all kinds, and in 1876 he became the inventor of what is known as Sheriffs' propeller wheel for use on all kinds of steam vessels. Vessels equipped with this wheel are conceded to be superior to all others for speed and other attainments, and it is used extensively, not only on the great lakes, hut in all the navigable waters of the globe. The wheel has a world-wide reputation, and its invention was a valuable contribution to that branch of the great industry of transportation which is performed on water. Marine engines and boilers also formed a large portion of the output from Air. Sheriffs' establishment. Although never an office-holder, Mr. Sheriffs was an uncompromising Republican in politics, and was often tendered official positions, which he always refused. He was. however, prominently identified with the party work, and on several occasions served as chairman of the Republican Central committee, and was an able and forcible public speaker, fie was a prominent Odd Fellow, being a member of Cream City Lodge, No. 139, and was also an honorary member of the Marine Engineers' Association, No. 9. He was a leading member and one of the founders of the Hanover Street Congregational church, of which he was a liberal supporter, and he served as a member of the board of trustees and as deacon of the same for a number of years. Mr. Sheriffs was married on Dec. 6, 1850, at Jericho, Waukesha county. Wis., to Miss Christina Duncan, who, with six children born to this union, still survives to honor the memory of a kind husband and indulgent father. Of these children, Thomas W., the eldest, is the manager, secretary and treasurer of the Sheriffs Manufacturing Company ; John H., in the employ of the Hoffman & Billings Manufacturing Company at Milwaukee; Jennie E., the wife of Fred E. Carrolton ; James A., of the Locomobile Company, and a resident of Chicago; Mary A., the wife of John T. Llewellyn, who is the president of the West Pullman Malleable Iron Company; George D., who is mentioned more at length in this review. George D. Sheriffs, the youngest son of James Sheriffs, and the efficient vice-president of the Sheriffs Manufacturing Company, was born in the city of Milwaukee on Feb. 13, 1869. He received his education in the public schools of his native city and at the Milwaukee Academy, and entered upon his independent career as a bookkeeper for John Dosch & Sons, in which position he remained for a period of two years. He then commenced an apprenticeship at the machinists' trade, serving four years in Milwaukee and three years in Glasgow, Scotland, and thus thoroughly equipped he returned to Milwaukee, acting for seven years as the secretary and manager of the Western Malleable and Gray Iron Company, at Port Washington. In 1893 ne a^so embarked in the sand and gravel business, in which he still continues, and he is the secretary of the Central Concrete Company and a stockholder in the Pennsylvania Coal and Supply Company, a stockholder in the Milwaukee Cement Block Co.. and is also interested in the real estate and insurance business. In politics he gives allegiance to the men and measures of the Republican party, and he served as a mmber of the board of supervisors in 1906-08, also serving as treasurer of the school board for thirteen years. His religious affiliations are with the Hanover Street Congregational church, and fraternally he is a member of Excelsior Lodge, No. 175, Free and Accepted Masons. He is also associated with the Builders' Club, the Builders' and Traders' Exchange, and the South Side Civic Association. He was married on June 3, 1896, to Miss Anna E. Dewey, daughter of Charles C. and Sarah E. (Bevins) Dewey, prominent residents of Milwaukee, and with one son - Emmet D., who is now a student in the Racine Military College - the family resides at the corner of Thirty-fifth street and National avenue, in a beautiful home which Mr. Sheriffs erected in 1905. Charles C. Dewey, the father of Mrs. Sheriffs, was born in Westfield, Mass., and came to Milwaukee in June, 1836. He was by trade a harness and saddle maker, and opened the first shop of that kind in the city. He also built the first brick block on East Water street. He was married in September, 1830, to Miss Olive Sackett, who was born in Sandersfield, Mass. To this union there were born seven children, six of whom are deceased, leaving but one son, Charles J. Dewey, who is given appropriate mention on another page of this work. The first wife of Mr. Dewey having died, he was married a second time in February, 1870, to Miss Sarah A. Bevins, a native of Pittsfield, Mass., who became the mother of Mrs. Sheriffs. The father died on Sept. 21, 1887, and the mother in 1892.

Frank Kempsmith, deceased, was, from 1888 until 1901, the moving spirit in the Kempsmith Machine Tool Company, an institution which he established and managed until failing health compelled his retirement a few years prior to his death. He was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., on May 9, 1848, and was the son of Herman and Catherine (Scharp) Kempsmith, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father, who followed the trade of a machinist, migrated to America in early life and located in Philadelphia, where he held the position of foreman in a loom manufacturing establishment for thirty-eight years, throughout all of his active career. He died in 1869, and his wife survived until 1887, when she too passed away. They were the parents of four children - Herman, Frank, Paul and Amelia. The family were communicants of the Presbyterian church. Frank Kempsmith received his education in the public schools of Philadelphia and began his apprenticeship at the machinist trade in the United States arsenal at that place. At the age of seventeen years he began his independent career, going first to Springfield, Mass., where he was for some time employed in a rifle factory, and he worked in other Eastern shops, including Carvin's, in New York, and Brown & Sharpe's, being noted for his high skill, good judgment and conscientious work. From the time he began his mechanical career, at the age of thirteen years, as a workman at the bench he gained an enviable came West and was for a time a model maker in the agricultural shops at Canton. Ohio, and in a branch establishment of the same firm in Akron. Me then worked in Mansfield, Ohio, for a lime, and then returned to Philadelphia. Later he again came to Ohio and accepted the position of superintendent of the shops of Warner & Swasey at Cleveland, the kick telescope being constructed there during that time. From there he went to Springfield, ( )hio, and with two partners started in business building machine tools; but after a year's stay in that city, in 1888 he removed to Milwaukee, where by himself he built up the business known as the Kempsmith Manufacturing Company, originating the milling machines which are known by his name. His shop was a good one ; he took great pride in it, and every piece of work turned out had to be up to his high standard of workmanship. His health failing, in 1901 he sold his business and lived the remainder of his life in retirement at his beautiful home which he had built for his family at 382 Eighteenth avenue, and there he died on April 10, 1904. In the American Machinist of April 21, 1904, the following tribute is paid to his memory: "The death of Frank Kempsmith, of Milwaukee, which, as noted last week, occurred April 10, comes to the editor of this journal as a personal affliction. To have known him intimately and f> >r many years and to have been a shopmate of his was a rare privilege. Kempsmith was the kind of man of whom the world never can have enough ; quiet, unassuming, clean-minded, honorable and true, he played life's game to the end through all manner of vicissitudes, bearing manfully the most trying bereavements and in the end grimly facing a death which for years he knew to be inevitable. The cause of death was sarcoma, on account of which one of his eyes had to be removed some years ago. * * * A young son who was especially dear to him and upon whom his hopes were largely centered fell a victim to Milwaukee's grade crossings, and about the same time the malady of which we have spoken manifested itself. Broken in spirit, he sold out his business and retired. Afterward and for a time he seemed better, gained hope and expressed a desire to be back at work again, but for some time past his health had been again declining. At the time of his death he was nearly fifty-six years old." Mr. Kempsmith was a Democrat in his political affiliations, although in local matters he always exercised the privileges of citizenship by supporting the men he thought best fitted for the positions sought without regard to party alignment. He was a member of Lake lodge of the Masonic order, and of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Mr. Kempsmith was married on Oct. 6, 1880, to Miss Abbie Rhodes, daughter of William and Alzoa (Winslow) Rhodes, of Mansfield, Ohio, and to this union there were born five children : Alzoa, Frank. Winslow, Walter and Milton. Of these all are deceased but Frank, who resides with his mother at Milwaukee. The father of Mrs. Kempsmith was born in Summit county, Ohio, Dec. 8, 1820, and the mother in

Saratoga, N. Y., Feb. 3, 1828, the former receiving" his education in the public schools of his native county, and the latter in the schools of the city of Cleveland, also attending the seminary at Painesville, Ohio. At the beginning of his career the father engaged in the grocery business at Mansfield, Ohio, where he remained nine years, and then went to California, where he was engaged in the ranching business for the same length of time. Returning to Mansfield, he again engaged in the grocery business, continuing so employed until he retired about two years before his death, that event occurring on March 2, 1886, the mother having passed away on Feb. 16, 1869. The members of the Rhodes family were Baptists in their religious faith, and the father was a member of the Masonic order and the I. O. O. F. His political affiliations were with the Republican party.

Jacob Wurster, deceased, was one of the leading general produce and commission merchants of Milwaukee, and is remembered as one of the most successful among Milwaukee's men of affairs during the past four decades. He was a native of Milwaukee county, having been born in the town of Greenfield on July 22, 1842, the son of Adam and Dorothy (Christian) Wurster, both of whom were natives of Switzerland. The father migrated to the United States in early manhood and located in the town of Greenfield, Milwaukee county, where he became a very successful farmer and was able to retire several years before his death and live the remainder of his life in comparative ease and comfort. He was a member of the Lutheran church, adhered to the Republican party in affairs political, and the general esteem in which he was held was evidenced by the fact that he was called upon to fill at different times various important official positions in the township. To him and his good wife there were born five children : Jacob, Mary, David, Christina and John. Jacob Wurster was educated in the public schools of the town of Greenfield and at the German-English Academy in the city of Milwaukee. At the outset of his independent career, he established a feed store on Reed street, in Milwaukee, and after continuing in that line of business for several years he engaged in the elevator business, conducting both establishments at Nos. 252 and 254 Reed street for a period of more than thirty years. He became one of the charter members of the Chamber of Commerce and continued his association with that institution until the time of his death, April 4, 1906. In politics he gave a strict adherence to the men and measures of the Republican party, although he never aspired to official position, and his religious affiliations were with the St. Stephens' Lutheran church. He was a member of the Exposition Association and the State Fair Association. Mr. Wurster was married on Nov. 15, 1868, to Miss Amelia Dishinger, daughter of Alowis and Celia (Harr") Dishinger, prominent residents of the town of Greenfield, Milwaukee county, and to this unimi there were born nine children, of whom the following specific mention is appropriate in connection with this review: Henry L.

is a resident of Chicago, where he has a lucrative position as bookkeeper; Charles R. follows the same occupation and also resides in the cit\ of Chicago; Albert J. resides in Chicago and fills a responsible position in the postoffice ; Elsie resides at home; Arthur !\. is a bookkeeper and is employed in the city of Milwaukee; Edward resides in Milwaukee, where he has the position of buyer for the firm of Shubert & Siller; Walter has a position in the office of the Wadhams Oil Company; Olga resides in Milwaukee, as does also Gilbert J., who is in school. The parents of Mrs. Wurster were born in Wien, Germany, and the father was a farmer by occupation and at one time held the office of tax commissioner. He came to the United States in early manhood and first located at Erie, Pa., where he followed farming-. Five years later he removed to the town of Greenfield, Milwaukee county, where he lived the remainder of his life, meeting with flattering success as a farmer and retiring about ten years before his death. The mother died in Milwaukee. The family were members of the Catholic church, in which the father held the office of recording secretary for a time. In politics he affiliated with the Democratic party, but did not aspire to public office, although he served as member of the school board for a time. As a young man he served in the insurgent army during the Revolution in Germany, and it was at the close of that struggle, in common with many of his compatriots, that he came to America. The mother wras a singer of local renown, and for many years sang in the church choir.

Charles Allen Radcliffe, deceased, who wras prominently connected with the manufacturing interests of the city, was a native of Milwaukee, but a Manxman by descent, born July 14, 185 1, the son of Charles and Eliza (Caine) Radcliffe, both of whom were born and reared in the Isle of Man. The father w-as a shoe merchant, who immigrated to the United States about 1845 and located in Milwaukee, where he engaged in the shoe business for four or five years. He then wrent to Sheboygan, Wis., and continued in the same occupation until his death Nov. 24, 1872. Eliza Caine was married to Charles Radcliffe May 14, 1846, and bore seven children : John T., Elizabeth E., Charles A., Mary Jane, Julia Eliza, John H. and Thomas G., who wrere twins. Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffe were communicants of the Methodist church, of which Mr. Radcliffe was deacon for a number of years in Sheboygan. While residing in Milwaukee he bought a considerable amount of land on East Wisconsin street, but sold it before he mewed away from the city. The mother lived only a few years after the family located in Sheboygan and passed away Jan. 15, 1859, leaving a saddened home and motherless children. Charles, Jr., received his educational advantages in the public schools of Sheboygan and finished a course in the high school. After graduating he taught school for a short time in his home town and then came to Mihvaukee in 1869, and immediately found employment with the Judd-Hiles Sash & Door Co., and remained with this firm several years. He learned the business thoroughly and filled various positions of trust. When the company was reorganized and became the Rockwell Manufacturing Co., he was taken into partnership and became known as one of the progressive and successful manufacturers of Milwaukee. In 1895 Mr. Radcliffe sold out his interests in the Rockwell company and went to Chicago, where he started a factory for True & True, a sash and door company. After this concern was satisfactorily established he returned to Milwaukee. The Chicago enterprise proved such a success that Mr. Radcliffe was called to Merrill, Wis., within a short time to build and start a factory there. When this undertaking was completed he returned to Milwaukee. During his business career he had earned a sufficient competence to build a beautiful home and he retired from active life to enjoy during the sunset years, a well-deserved rest. He died March 24, 1899, leaving a widow and four children. On Jan. 9, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Maria Belle, the daughter of Arthur John and Margaret (Weldon) Dadd, both residents of Milwaukee. Five children came to brighten their home : Alice Bell, who has a position in the public library ; Laura Edna, deceased ; Margaret Eliza, the wife of Joseph Stamm ; Arthur Charles, a pattern maker ; and Gladys Pearl, deceased. Mrs. Radcliff's parents were both natives of England, who came to Milwaukee about 1840; her father was a painter and decorator, who followed this occupation from the time he located in Milwaukee until his death, June 15, 1877, at the age of forty-eight. Mrs. Dadd still lives in Milwaukee, and on Dec. 24, 1908, she will be seventy-six years old. Mr. Dadd and his wife were members of the Episcopalian church and the banners which are preserved at St. Paul's remain as monuments of the former's work in church decoration. Frederick Layton and Rev. Dr. Keene erected a tablet to his memory in St. John's church, of which he was a lo}^al supporter during life. Mr. Dadd was a Republican in politics. ' As an early settler he belonged to the volunteer fire department of Milwaukee, Company No. 1. Mr. Radcliffe's political affiliations were with the Republican party. His fraternal relations were with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His death was keenly felt among his large circle of acquaintances, friends, and by his fraternity brothers. His wife still resides at 2>77 Nineteenth avenue.

Jacob Dudenhoefer, deceased, was for many years eugaged in the wholesale wine and liquor business in the city of Milwaukee, and in that line of endeavor he met with success of the most unequivocal order. He was born at Alsheim, a village of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, on May 21, 1842, the son of Conrad and Clara (Matern) Dudenhoefer, both of whom were also natives of Germany. The father was a farmer and owned a large estate in the Fatherland, upon which was an extensive vineyard, and there he and his wife spent their lives, the latter dying at the age of forty- Four years. They were the parents of five children: Thomas, Franz, Jacob, Joseph and Anna. Jacob Dudenhoefer received his education in a high school at Darmstadt, Germany, and after serving an apprenticeship of three years went to Berlin, where he worked as a dry goods clerk in one of the Royal stores for a period of three or four years, fie then entered the wholesale wine business, in which he remained for a time, after which he came to America and located at Milwaukee about the year 1869. His first employment after coming to the Cream City was as a traveling salesman for the L. Fuldner Company, wholesale wines and liquors, and he remained in that capacity for a period of twelve years. In 1880 he established a wholesale wine and liquor business for himself and continued so engaged until his death, which event occurred on March 2, 1901. The establishment is located at No. 339 Grove street and 339 First avenue, and from the beginning it grew very rapidly until at the present time it is one of the largest places of business in the city. It is an incorporated concern and is known as the Jacob Dudenhoefer Company. Mr. Dudenhoerfer gave an unswerving allegiance to the principles of the Democratic party, and his religious faith was expressed by membership in the Trinity Roman Catholic church. He was also a member of the Old Settlers' Club, the Milwaukee Musical Club, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and of the Deutscher Club. The subject of this review was married on Feb. 18, 1873, to Miss Catherine Lohagen, of Milwaukee, daughter of Adam and Eva (Feldmann) Lohagen, and to this union there were born five children, as follws : Lena and Clara, both of whom reside at home with their mother ; Henry, who is deceased ; Hedwig, the wife of Emil Langers, of Milwaukee ; and Elsa, who resides at home. The parents of Mrs. Dudenhoefer were both born in Westphalia, Germany, where the father was the proprietor of a distillery and brewery. He migrated to America and located in Milwaukee county in 1847. He owned and operated a large farm in the town of Lake, where Mrs. Dudenhoefer was born, and there he died in 1857. The mother afterward moved to the city of Milwaukee, where she spent the remainder of her life. To these parents there were born seven children, and Mrs. Dudenhoefer was the sixth in the order of birth. The family were all faithful members of the Catholic church.

Jacob Wellauer, of Wauwatosa, Milwaukee count}". Wis., for many years one of the prosperous and substantial business men of Milwaukee, was born in the Canton of Thurgau, Switzerland, on Nov. 6, 1840. His parents, Henry and Anna (Vetterle) Wellauer, were natives of the same place, the former having been born on March 15, 1797, and the latter in 1799. They came to America with their family July 3, 1849, and settled at Brookfield, Wis. Here Mr. Wellauer, Sr., bought a farm of eighty acres and was engaged in farming until 1862. Then, with a reasonable competence, he gave up the active management of the farm, and spent the remaining years of his long and useful life in ease and comfort. His death took place on March 30, T883. His wife, who was the mother of his seven children, and his devoted helpmate for so many years.

passed away in June, 1872. Of their seven children, Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of John Hoffman ; Catharine, deceased, was Mrs. William Nass; the third child, Henry, is also deceased; Mary, now residing" at Brookfield, Wis., is the wife of Henry Breu; Salome, deceased, was Mrs. Kuhn ; Anna, the wife of John Ryf, now resides in Oshkosh, Wis., and the biography of the seventh child, the subject of this sketch, follows: Jacob Wallauer received his education in the public schools of Milwaukee and Brookfield, and remained on the farm assisting his father until he was twenty-one years of age. He then went to Oshkosh, Wis., where he spent two years learning the dairy business. In 1863 he came back to Milwaukee, where he engaged in the fancy grocery business. He followed this occupation until 1872, and by persistence and industry, combined with excellent business judgment, succeeded in building up a lucrative trade, and accumulated considerable money. In the latter year he gave up the retail branch of his business and devoted himself exclusively to the wholesale branch of the trade. In addition to his other extensive business enterprises, he served for ten years as secretary and vice-president of the Northwestern Woolen Mills, which grew into a business of large proportions under his energetic and skillful management ; he was also interested in sausage manufacturing for a number of years. In 1897 he wras enabled to retire from active business pursuits, having acquired, by his own exertions, a handsome competence. Some twenty-five years ago he bought the fine farm of 160 acres in the town of Wauwatosa, on which he now resides. He has lavished money on his farm and has a beautiful home. Here, in the enjoyment of the fruits of a well-spent life, in which he has built himself a comfortable fortune through his own industry and ability, and surrounded by everything that makes life pleasant, lie has determined to spend the evening of his life, and can at the same time know that all he has and is he has earned and become by his personal exertions. He has, too, that reputation for integrity and unwavering principle which are of more value than unlimited wealth. He is still hale and hearty and his face gives no indication of the decay of bodily power, while his mental faculties retain all the vigor and keenness of his more active days. Mr. Wellauer is a Protestant in religious matters, while his wife is a zealous adherent of the Roman Catholic church. He was married on Nov. 6, 1867, to Miss Anna Hahn, and after the death of his first wife, without issue, was married a second time, nn May 11, 1892, to Miss Lena Offermann, daughter of Paul and Catherine ( Kaldscheidt) Offerman, of Sauk City, Wis. By his latter marriage he has a daughter and two sons ; the daughter, Anna, lives at home and is attending school at Holy Angels' Academy; the sons. Jacob Henry and Henry Conrad, are also both at home and going to school. Mr. Wellauer receives great pleasure from his fraternal associations, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Sons of Hermann, and of the Swiss Club. In his private life he is an exemplary husband and father, and in his intercourse with his Eellowmen he is an affable and courteous gentleman, who enjoys the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.