Milwaukee County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1909 (part 18 of 35)

Joel Hayman, deceased, for many years a prominent citizen .and prosperous farmer of the town of Oak Creek, Milwaukee county, was born in the beautiful valley of the Taw, Devonshire, England, April 20, 1827. His parents were Joel and Mary (Oldrich) Hayman, who were also natives of England, born there in 1800 and 1803, respectively. They immigrated to the United States and located in Milwaukee county, when Wisconsin was a territory. They took up government land, cleared it and established their home. James, a brother of Joel Hayman, Sr., came to the county several years previous to 1836, and like his brother took up a considerable tract of government land and was accounted one of the wealthy farmers of the county at his death. Two children were born to Joel Hayman, Sr., and wife: Joel, Jr., and Mrs. Frederick Layton, who were reared on the farm in Oak Creek. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hayman were members of the Episcopal church in England, and after settling in Oak Creek, Mr. Hayman conducted services in a school house for many years, and with his wife was instrumental in establishing and organizing the first Episcopal church, in 1869. He passed to the far shore from which no traveler returns, Oct, 4, 1873, ar,d was survived only a year by his devoted wife and helpmate, who had shared the hardships and suffering incidental to a life on the frontier. Joel, Jr., was given the advantages of scholastic training in the public schools of the town -of Oak Creek; he learned the carpenter's trade and combined that vocation with farming. Upon his father's death he inherited the -old homestead, and from time to time added to his farm until he had 160 acres of the best land in the town. Mr. Hayman was progressive, introduced the most modern methods of farming into the town and demonstrated that they paid. He was a Republican in politics and always took an active interest in the policies that affected the welfare of the country. He entered actively into the local government, was supervisor of the town of Oak Creek for seven terms, and held the responsible position of school treasurer for many years. He was reared in the faith of the Episcopal church and was one of the active workers in that organization all his life. Mr. Hayman crossed the great divide after a life devoted to the interests -of his fellow men, unselfish, kindly and loving, and his death was a distinct loss to the community where he had been a leader for so many years. On April 25, 1866, he was married to Grace Dawson, born in Cambridgeshire, England, Aug. 1, 1841, the daughter of James and Orpha (Layton) Dawson, both of whom were natives of England, born there on April 7, 1812, and July 16, 1812, respectively. They came to this country and located in Milwaukee in 1865, where Mr. Dawson followed his trade, that of carpenter. They reared a family of seven children, of whom two sons and three daughters are still living: Albert, Robert, Mrs. George Dickens, Mrs. Otto Streckenald, and the wife of our subject. Mr. Dawson was called from the cares of life on Feb. 3, 1875, and was survived by his widow, who died in 1882. Eight children were born on the hospitable old farm to Mr. and Mrs. Hayman: Elizabeth, Alfred, George (deceased), Grace, Joel, Mary, Robert, and Helen. During his life Mr. Hayman was a prominent member of the old Settlers' Club, and in no place was his loss more keenly felt.

John Schroeder, 504 Galena street, Milwaukee, was born in Hanover, Germany, Dec. 27, 1827, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Cuhring) Schroeder, both natives of the same place. His father was a carpenter by trade and followed that vocation, both in his native land and after he came to the United States. He located in St. Louis, Mo., his death occurring about 1858. The son was educated in the Lutheran parochial schools of St. Louis, although his opportunities for intellectual improvement were limited by the necessit3r of early assisting in his own support. He worked for a time as a teamster in St. Louis, removing in 1846 to Milwaukee, where for some years he followed the same occupation, and later forming a partnership with Mr. Seyfried in the lumber business. He continued as a partner in this firm for six years, and then inaugurated an independent branch, which he developed, until to-day he stands at the head of the lumber industry in the northern portion of the Middle West. He has a large saw-mill at Ashland and employs nearly 500 men in his mill and lumber yards. In politics Mr. Schroeder is allied with the Democratic party, and in religion with the St. John's Lutheran church. His large business concerns leave him comparatively little leisure for social life, but he enjoys the reunions of the original settlers of the city in the Old Settlers' Club, to which he belongs, and he also has membership in the social organizations connected with St. John's church. On March 4, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Luhring, daughter of Henry and Anna (Wintherst) Luhring, natives of Hanover, Germany, and their children are, in the order of their ages : Henry, William, Frederick, Louisa, Rose, Emma, Ernestine and Frida. Three of the daughters - Louise, Rose and Emma - are married, as are also two sons, William and Frederick. The last-named is in business with his father, as are also Flenry and William. Although Mr. Schroeder is past eighty years of age he is still an active force in the commercial world. His life is tvpical of the opportunities which the last century offered to men who were capable, honest, and not afraid of work, and his closing years are surrounded with all the comforts and luxuries to which by his years of strenuous attention to business he is justly entitled.

Charles E. Tegge, president and treasurer of the Tegge Lumber Company, and now residing at No. 786 Eleventh street, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, Jan. 21, 1862, and is the son of Frederick and Sophia Tegge, both natives of the same place, the former born on Dec. 6, 1834, and the latter on March 3, 1837. The father came to the United State in 1867, remaining in Chicago for a short time, and then removed to Milwaukee, where he engaged in the lumber business until his retirement from active life in 1905.

Charles E. attended the parochial schools until he was fifteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the shoe-making trade, and he worked at this for four years. Deciding that other lines offered a more lucrative opening than that of his trade he prepared himself for business life by taking a course in Mayer's Commercial College, in which he was duly graduated. He then accepted a position with the lumber firm of Hatch, Holbrook & Company. In 1890 the firm was changed to Joseph Holbrook, and subsequently to Page & Landeck, Mr. Tegge serving as secretary and treasurer of the last-named firm for a period of three years. Upon the dissolution of the firm Mr. Tegge formed a new partnership with Mr. Schonberg, and in 1895 the firm was incorporated, the name remaining the same as before. In 1897 the father and son, Frederick and Charles E. Tegge, assumed the management of the business, the latter acting as president and treasurer of the company. Although not active in political affairs, Mr. Tegge supports the Republican party ; his church membership is with the Emanuel Lutheran society, and although his numerous business duties do not leave him much time for social life or entertainment, yet his strongly musical tastes lead him to seek pleasure and diversion from the cares of commercial life in that line. He is a member of the Milwaukee Musical Society and also of the Acapplo Choir. Mr. Tegge's marriage to Miss Maria Zell, daughter of Frederick and Emily (Kujadh) Zell, of Milwaukee, occurred on Oct. 5, 1886, and to this union six children have been born, one of whom died in infancy. The others in the order of birth are Henry, Lydia, Gertrude, Paul, and Carl.

August C. Beck, now at the head of one of the chief manufacturing plants of the city, was born in Milwaukee, March 21, 1875. He acquired his education chiefly in the public schools of the city and was graduated in the East Side high school, later taking a course in the Spencerian Business College of the city. At the age of seventeen he entered the firm of C. A. Beck, Sons & Company, and worked his way through all of the departments until he became the owner and manager of the business. This he has developed to a high degree of efficiency. The chief product of the plant is the celebrated Diamond Steel Flooring. The firm also manufactures all kinds of packing boxes, which are particularly noted for the dove-tail construction. During the past few years the plant has been fitted up with the most modern machinery and appliances, one of the most important being the dove-tailing machine. Mr. Beck is also interested in the retail lumber business, and in all the lines connected with his business takes a front rank in the commercial circles of the city. He belongs to the Holy Rosary Catholic church, and in politics is independent. On Feb. 10, 1903, he was united in marriage to Miss Elsie M. Cudahy, daughter of Patrick and Anna (Madden) Cudahy, of Milwaukee. Their three children - Catherine, Pauline, and Robert - are aged respectively four and three years and one year.

William Allen, deceased, was born at Cazenovia, N. Y., June 2, 1825, and was the son of Rufus and Betsey (Chandler) Allen. The father was interested in the tannery business in Cazenovia, which business he conducted for many years, and later, coming west with his son, George, settled in Milwaukee. William Allen was reared and educated in Cazenovia, where he acquired a practical and commercial education, after which he entered business with his father. In 1846 he came west and located in Milwaukee, and with money furnished him by his father he opened a leather store with E. P. Allis - who in later years became a great manufacturer - under the firm name of Allis & Allen. In 185 1 the father and two sons, George and William, organized the Wisconsin Leather Company, and in a short time built up a large leather industry. They also started a large tannery at Two Rivers, Wis., and acquired a large tract of land covered mostly with hemlock timber. Subsequently Mr. Allen started a tannery on the south side of the Kinnickinnic river, making it one of the most important leather industries in the United States. On Jan. 20, 1883, Mr. Allen died and was buried in Forest Home. In later years, through depression in this line of business, the company dissolved, and the businesss of the firm went into the hands of Pfister & Vogel. Mr. Allen's life was devoted to his home and family, and he was also much interested in all lines of educational work. His pleasure he found chiefly in traveling; every year, with his wife and family, he took a trip to Eastern points, and in 1881 made an extended trip through Europe. In politics he was Republican, and he belonged to the old Presbyterian church. He was a trustee of the church, the leader of the choir for a number of years, and a charter member and trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen were born seven children, namely :: William R., June n, 1849; George C, Dec. 11, 1850; Fanny B., April 26, 1854; Harry M., Oct. 15, 1855; Harriet F., Jan. 3, 1861 ; Edward B., Jan. 11, 1872; Fred V., Feb. 22, 1875. Of these, three sons and one daughter reside at home. Mrs. Allen, whose maiden name was Emily Jane Curtis, is the daughter of Martin and Eliza (Hitchcock) Curtis, of Oswego, N. Y., and she was united in marriage to William Allen on July 5, 1848. Her family was among the earliest settlers of the Cream City, coming in 1839. Mrs. Allen is a woman of great refinement of character, a devoted wife and mother, and is now spending the afternoon of life in her beautiful home at 571 Van Buren street, Milwaukee.

William E. and Henry Trowbridge, respected brothers, living on the Trowbridge road, were both born in Milwaukee, the former on Nov. 15, 1841, and the latter on Sept. 29, 1848. They are both sons of William S. and Abigail C. (Richardson) Trowbridge, and the parents were both born in New Hartford, N. Y. The sons are direct descendants of the Trowbridges who came to America from England early in [be Sixteenth century. The father received his educational advantages in the public schools of his native city and graduated at the University of New York with the degree of civil engineer. After graduation he became a railroad engineer and was engaged in the construction of the first railroad in New York state in 1834. Subsequently he removed to Chicago, and in his capacity as engineer made many trips into Wisconsin, as far north as Green Bay. Both the sons received the educational advantages afforded by the public schools of the vicinity. When William was but twenty years of age he enlisted, in August, 1862, in Company B of the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin infantry for service in the Civil war. With his regiment he saw service at the battle of Perryville, and was in the fight at Stone's River under the gallant Gen. Philip Sheridan. During the campaign about Chattanooga he was engaged in the fights at Chickamauga and Chattanooga, and at the final struggle on Missionary Ridge received a wound which temporarily impaired his usefulness as a soldier. He was sent to Milwaukee to recuperate, and while there was given a second lieutenancy in the Sixteenth Wisconsin, and in that capacity served with Company B until the cessation of hostilities. When he had received an honorable discharge he engaged in the manufacture of matches with Colonel Bingham. This industry occupied all his attention until 1868, when he migrated to Montana to engage in mining ventures. He remained there some four years, and in 1872 mover farther west to Nevada. There he stayed for seventeen years and then returned to Milwaukee to take charge of the farm, of which he has been the capable manager ever since. On June 25, 1902, William Trowbridge was united in marriage to Miss Emily L. Childs, a daughter of Stephen and Harriet (Richardson) Childs, of New Hartford, N. Y. They have no children. Henry Trowbridge was engaged in farm work until he was twenty-six years of age. He then entered the service of the government as a storekeeper, and held the position for seven years. Then for three and a half years more he was a ganger in the employ of the government. When he left the government employ it was to engage in farming. In 1901 Henry Trowbridge was stricken with paralysis and has since been an invalid, unable to participate in the active affairs of life. Both brothers are Republicans in their political views, but neither ever allowed his name to be used in connection with the candidacy for any public office. Although they do not belong to any church their lives have been exemplary and are well worthy of emulation.

Nicholas Zweifel, who has a national reputation as a grower of carnations, was born at North Milwaukee on Feb. 21, 1870. He is of direct Swiss descent, his parents, Henry and Regula (Stuessi) Zweifel, having both been born in Lintthal, Switzerland. In his youth the father followed agricultural pursuits in his native land, and after coming to this country in 1854, rented a farm near North Milwaukee. Having the natural Swiss liking for dairying he established a milk route, which he conducted for a number of years. Later he purchased a larger farm, which he worked until 1875. In that year, his wife's health failing, he returned with his family to Switzerland. Sixteen years later, in 1891, he again migrated to Milwaukee and has since been living a retired life with his daugh- ter, Mrs. William Bleck, at 897 Sixteenth street. The mother passed away in May, 1898, and her remains are interred in the Wanderer's Rest cemetery. In the family were three children. One son, Albert, died in Switzerland. Nicholas Zweifel, the subject of this memoir, received his scholastic training in the public and high schools of Switzerland, whither his family had removed while he was but an infant. When he had completed his primary education he studied for two years at an agricultural school in that country, and when seventeen years of age started out to earn his living. For two years he worked in Berne, Switzerland, in the leading floral establishment there. In 1889 he returned to Milwaukee and secured employment with William Edlefsen, with whom he remained some two years. Then he accepted a position as superintendent of a large greenhouse in Des Moines, la. In 1893, on again returning to Milwaukee, he embarked in the retail flower business at Fourteenth street and Groeling avenue. Being successful from the start, in eight years Mr. Zweifel was able to realize his ambition, and in 1901 purchased twelve acres of land in North Milwaukee and erected a large greenhouse establishment. The demands of the business have since made it necessary to make additions to the greenhouses, which today contain over fifty thousand square feet of glass. Mr. Zweifel devotes himself exclusively to the growing of carnations, and has made himself an enviable reputation in that line. At the recent National Flower Show in Chicago he was highly honored by receiving a goodly number of first class premiums for especially well-grown flowers, and also for new varieties of carnations. In politics he is a Republican, but has never aspired to public office. He is liberal in his religious views, not believing that the code of right living is influenced or directed by any creed or sect. Professionally he is identified with the Florists' Club, the Society of American Florists, and the American Carnation Society; he is also a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias. On Oct. 28, 1901, Mr. Zweifel was united in marriage to Miss Johanna M. Ronneburger, of Milwaukee, a daughter of Gustav and Louise (Hanisch) Ronneburger. They have no children. Bert Leslie Sayles. - The twentieth century is essentially that of the young business man, with his progressive methods and modern ideas. There is no better example of this than the subject of this sketch, Bert Sayles, who is a native of Wisconsin, born at Saylesville on Sept. 27, 1883, the son of Fred and Caroline (Brown) Sayles, both natives of the same place. His paternal great-greatgrandfather was one of the pioneer settlers of Wisconsin, who fearlessly faced the dangers of a new country and took up land in what was nearly an unbroken wilderness. On part of the land he reclaimed from the virgin forest, a town has sprung up, which was named for him and which is an honorable memorial to his name. The father of our subject was reared in the town where he was born and received his education at the public schools. He engaged in farming when he reached manhood's estate, and it was on this farm that Bert L. was born. Two of our subject's brothers and his sister remain with his mother on the old homestead in Waukesha county. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Saylesville until he was fifteen years of age, when he left school to help his father on the farm. A year later, in 1900, he came to Milwaukee and started to work for the Eureka Laundry Company. He had not been in the city long when he engaged in the commission business and continued in that line for two years. He then sold out his business and bought an interest in the Independent Laundry Company. The following year he was able to dispose of his interest in the laundry with profit and returned to the Eureka Company. Within about eighteen months Messrs. Sayles, Soderberg & Roach organized the Crown Laundry Company, which has since been changed to the White Cloud Laundry, at 914 Winnebago street. They met with well deserved success in their chosen line and for eighteen months conducted a large concern. On Oct. 26, 1908, Mr. Soderberg withdrew, Mr. Roach having withdrawn about a year previously, and at present Mr. Sayles is conducting the business alone. Mr. Sayles is still young, but is recognized as one of the successful business men of the Cream City. He is a Republican in politics and a stanch supporter of the party. On Dec. 31, 1903, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Sayles and Clara, the daughter of Elizabeth and Lewis Loose, of the town of Tippecanoe. They have two children: Grace, born Aug. 1, 1906, and Earl, born Aug. 8, 1907. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sayles are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Sayles is a domestic man and devotes his time to his family and business.

George Carl Soderberg, formerly one of the proprietors of the White Cloud Laundry at 914 Winnebago street, Milwaukee, was born at Christianstad, Sweden, on Sept. 11, 1874. He is a son of Carl and Johanna (Jonason) Soderberg, both natives of Sweden. The father received an excellent musical training in his native land and was professionally engaged all his life. In 1880, two years after the death of his wife, he came to America and located in Chicago, where for many years he was director of a large band and an instructor in clarinet and violin playing. His death occurred in 1898, and he left a daughter and two sons. George C. Soderberg, the subject of this review, received his educational advantages in the common schools of his native land. When but fourteen years of age he became apprenticed to a mason contractor, but stayed with him but a short time, leaving to serve an apprenticeship as an iron moulder in a foundry. After he had mastered the vocation he worked as a journeyman in it, and thereby earned a sufficient competence to pay his passage to America in 1892. He arrived in Chicago on June 17 of that year and soon afterward secured employment in a shoe factory. Subsequently he went to work on the Chicago canal, and when he left the position he had with the construction company he became the employe of a laundry at 221 North Clark street in Chicago. During the four years in which he was employed in the establishment he thoroughly mastered every detail of the work, and then for a period found employment in other laundries in Chicago in order that he might become acquainted with every modern device used in the industry. On May 22, 1898, he came to Milwaukee to accept a position with the Domestic Laundry. He remained in this capacity until 1906, when in connection with B. L. Sayles and A. J. Roach the Crown Laundry Company was organized. In July, 1908, Mr. Roach retired and Mr. Soderberg, in connection with Bert L. Sayles, opened the White Cloud Laundry. Although the business had been established but a comparatively short time it had had a wonderful growth, due in large measure to Mr. Soderberg's traits of industry, thrift and scrupulous honesty. Mr. Soderberg withdrew on Oct. 26, 1908, leaving Mr. Sayles in charge of the business. Fraternally and socially Mr. Soderberg is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Foresters and the Prudential Insurance Company. In political matters he is allied with the Republican party, but has never found leisure to devote to seeking public office. His religious views are Protestant and he is one of the devout worshipers in the Swedish Lutheran church. Mr. Soderberg has been twice married. On Aug. 10, 1899, occurred his marriage to Miss Ida Scholtz, of Milwaukee, who died on Jan. 22, 1903, leaving him two children : Elnora, born in 1900, and George, born Aug. 25, 1902. Mr. Soderberg's second wife was formerly Miss Ida, daughter of John and Minnie Wagenknecht, of Milwaukee.

Julius Kroscher, the genial and capable proprietor of the Carnival Laundry, was born in Milwaukee on April 11, 1870. He is a son of Oswald and Fredericka (Jaloss) Kroscher, the former of whom was born at Frankfort and the latter in Mecklenberg, Germany. The father was a cabinet-maker in the old country and was very successful until his coming to America in 1854. For some time after coming to Milwaukee he was engaged in the same vocation and then learned the carpenter's trade. As a journeyman in the latter trade he worked for many years for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company. In 1888 he retired from active participation in the field of work and has since been enjoying a well-earned respite from the strenuous duties of a busy career. Although now eighty years of age he retains to a wonderful degree the possession of all his physical and mental faculties. The mother, now seventy-six years of age, is also hearty and well. The father was a pioneer settler of the city and was one of the men who enlisted to fill the last of Wisconsin's quota for the Civil war, his service extending through 1865. Of the seven children born to the parents six survive. Julius Kroscher, the subject of this review, received all his educational advantages in the public schools of Milwaukee. When but fourteen years of age he entered the employ of the T. A. Chapman Company as a cash boy, and won promotion through the various departments until, when he resigned in 1898, he held the responsible position of receiving clerk for the firm. In the year above named he established the Carnival Laundry on a small scale, at the corner of Fond du Lac avenue and Nineteenth street. During the four years in which he remained at that location the business prospered to such an extent that he was enabled to erect the building which he now occupies at 1832 Fond du Lac avenue. Since that time his patronage has increased immensely, due in large measure to the quality of work turned out by the laundry, and Mr. Kroscher now employs sixteen people in the conduct of his business. His standing among his fellow laundrymen may best be judged by the fact that he is the present incumbent of the office of vice-president of the Laundrymen's Club. In his political belief he is a stanch adherent of the policies of the Republican party, but has never aspired to hold public office. He is a Protestant in his religious views and is enrolled as a member of the Plymouth Congregational church. On Oct. 30, 1893, occurred Mr. Kroscher's marriage to Miss Gertrude J. Mentink, a daughter of John W. and Martha (Cooper) Mentink, of Watertown, Wis. Two sons have been the issue of this union : Ralph M., born Feb. 14, 1895, and William C, born Oct. 19, 1897.

Charles Haubert, retired, a respected and substantial citizen of the town of Lake, was born in Germany, on Nov. 10, 1830, a son of Joseph and Anna (Hoffman) Haubert. Both parents were born in the Fatherland, the father at Oldenburg and the mother in the province of Prussia. The father was reared in his native land, and when he had attained his majority he served an apprenticeship as a harness-maker, a trade which furnished him a livelihood until he came to America in 1857. He made his way directly to Milwaukee, where he again found employment in his vocation for some years. Subsequently he removed to Whitewater, Wis., where he passed away several years later at an advanced age. In his earlier life he served in the army of Napoleon. Charles Haubert is the eldest of a large family of children born to his parents. He received a fine education in the public schools of his native country and for a time was engaged in a course of study in preparation for holy orders. Lack of funds, however, necessitated the abandonment of his ideal and he took up life with courage. From his father he learned to be a master harness-maker, and was thus engaged at the time he determined to migrate to America to seek his fortune. He arrived in Milwaukee in September, 1848, and secured employment at his trade in various shops in the small city. During this period of his life he worked for different lengths of time in Detroit, Mich., and Buffalo, N. Y., returning to Milwaukee from the latter place. Up to the time of his father's death he had no other occupation than his trade, and then, when the homestead was divided, he moved onto the farm and has since resided there. For many years he was actively engaged in the conduct of it, but in late years has practically retired from the personal supervision of it, and it is now managed and conducted by his sons. In his political belief Mr. Haubert is a stanch adherent of the principles of the Democratic party, but the only office which he has ever held has been that of school clerk of the town of Lake. He was reared in the Catholic faith and is today a devout communicant of the church of that denomination. On Oct. 27, 1857, occurred Hr. Haubert's marriage to Miss Barbara Guttmann, a daughter of George and Catherine (Curee) Guttman, of Milwaukee. A large family of children have been the issue of this union, three of whom - Joseph, Adam, and Mary - are deceased. George, the eldest, lives in North Dakota; Catherine is married and lives in Milwaukee, as does Barbara, who is also married ; Anna lives at home ; John, Frank and Peter now manage the farm; and Henry, who is married, lives in Milwaukee.

John Burmeister, who conducts a modern and flourishing market-gardening business on the Chicago road, in the town of Lake, was born in Milwaukee on March 27, 1872. He is a son of John and Sophia Burmeister, both of whom were born in Germany. The father learned the art of gardening and was successfully engaged in it until 1870. In that year he came direct to Milwaukee from the Fatherland and embarked in the dairy business in the town of Lake. Taking advantage of the better opportunities afforded by market gardening, he discontinued his dairy and thereafter, until the time of his retirement in 1896, devoted himself exclusively to gardening. His wife passed away in 1895, and he is now enjoying a well-earned respite from hard labor at his home on the Howell road. John Burmeister, the subject of this review, received excellent early educational advantages in the old Burdick school in the town of Lake, a German Lutheran parochial school, and the Eleventh district school of Milwaukee. When but fifteen years of age he left school to learn the art of gardening under the preceptorship of his father, the greenhouse which the latter owned being one of the first erected in the town of Lake. He was actively engaged in assisting his father up to the time of his marriage and then entered business for himself on the Howell road. He was so successful that he disposed of this place by sale and purchased a larger place on the Chicago road, where he is now engaged. His produce, consisting chiefly of hot-house vegetables, he sells to Milwaukee commission houses. In his political views Mr. Burmeister is allied with the Republican party, but aside from judiciously exercising his right of suffrage he takes little interest in politics. On June 16, 1895, Mr. Burmeister was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Shimunok, a daughter of John and Mary Shimunok of Milwaukee. To this union were born, on July 16, 1896, a son, Harry; on Oct. 12, 1899, a daughter, Edessa ; and on May 12, 1908, another daughter, Viola.

William W. Thompson, one of the oldest and most respected gardeners and florists of the town of Lake, was born at Woodstock, Vt., on March 13, 1832. He is a son of Jared and Minerva (Hayden) Thompson, both of whom were natives of Connecticut and who removed to Vermont shortly after their marriage. In the latter state the father was interested in the manufacture of combs, and subsequently was engaged as a shoemaker. In 1838 he brought his family west and located in the town of Lake, Milwaukee county, engaging in general farming. He was one of the pioneers of the town and a prominent figure among the early settlers, for many years acting- as local preacher at the Sunday services held by the people. Of the ten children born to the parents, four are deceased. Both parents are dead, and their remains are interred in the cemetery known as Thompson's cemetery, which the father donated to the town. All the educational advantages which William W. Thompson, the subject of this review, received, were those afforded by the log schoolhouse of the Thompson district in the town of Lake. When eighteen years of age he left school and became a traveling representative in the western part of the state for a Milwaukee firm for four years. At the end of that time the California gold-fever had swept the country and Mr. Thompson determined to seek his fortune in the far west. After four years of privation and suffering in that region he returned to Milwaukee and joined his father in agricultural pursuits. A year later he entered the employ of his brother on a farm adjoining the father's. He was elected constable of the town, and when his term expired he again left the state, going this time to Missouri. There he was successfully engaged until the outbreak of hostilities of the Civil war, and when he had returned to Milwaukee he enlisted, on Aug. 4, 1862, as a private in Company K of the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin infantry. With his regiment he participated in the battle of Perryville on Oct. 8, 1862, and his valorous conduct in that battle won him a promotion to sergeant. The exposure and hardship incident to the campaigns impaired his health, and on Feb. 17, 1863, he received an honorable discharge from the service. He again returned to Milwaukee and assisted his father for a time, and then leased the place of his father. After a year he purchased a twenty-acre tract near Cudahy, and for four years conducted it as a market garden. When he sold at the end of that period he removed to Chicago, where for a year he was engaged in the realty business with his brother Julius. Living within the limits of the city was not congenial to him, however, and he traded some of his Chicago holdings for the twenty-six acres in Milwaukee county upon which he now resides. Up to 1892 he did a general farming business, and then built a large greenhouse, where he now raises vegetables, flowers and hot-house plants. Although seventy-six years of age he still retains the active management of the property, being assisted by his sons. Although Mr. Thompson has strong Republican proclivities he does not allow his party fealty to influence his better judgment in the exercise of his right of franchise. He is extremely liberal in his religious views, not believing that the blind following of creed influences the standard of right living. On March 10, 1857, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Kettner, a daughter of Daniel and Abigail Kettner, of Milwaukee. Seven children were born to bless this union, of whom three - Lewis, Ellen, and Francis - are deceased. William and Fred assist their father and Charles owns a place of his own. Hattie Rrazee Thompson, only daughter, resides at Lyons, Wis. Mr. Thompson's only fraternal relations are with Wolcott post of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Victor Schuerbrock, one of the prominent farmers of the town of Lake, who has materially aided in the development of Milwaukee county, is the descendant of a long line of sturdy Germans. He was born in the province of Westphalia, Prussia, April 29, 1836, the son of Anthony and Mary (Schutte) Schuerbrock, both natives of the same place. His father was reared and educated in Germany, and after leaving school became a farmer and followed that vocation until he immigrated to America in 1843. The family reached this country in the fall of that year and went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where the father contracted typhoid fever and within six weeks died, leaving his wife and three children alone in a new country. The mother assumed the responsibilities of both parents and reared her two sons and daughter. In 1872 the cares of life were lifted from her shoulders and she was laid peacefully away. Victor, our subject, and the only one of the children who is still alive, was educated in the Catholic schools of Cincinnati, and at the age of twelve left school to work on a farm near the Queen City. Four years later, with his mother, he moved to Milwaukee, where he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for thirty years. Mr. Schuerbrock was a skilled workman and was interested in the building of many of the large churches and fine residences of the Cream City, and was one of the men who built the ill-fated Newhall House, in the burning of which so many people lost their lives. Mr. Schuerbrock had always liked the country and farming. He saved his earnings, and in 1862 invested his capital in a farm in the town of Lake, where he has continued to reside ever since. In July, 1864, Mr. Schuerbrock responded to Lincoln's call for volunteers and enlisted as a private in Company C, Seventeenth Wisconsin infantry. WTith the other members of the regiment he took part in the battles around Atlanta under General Sherman, including the actions at Jonesboro and Lovejoy's Station. He was with Sherman on his famous march from Atlanta to the sea and up through the Carolinas, and performed gallant service at Savannah, Columbia, and Bentonville. After Johnston's surrender this regiment participated in the grand review at Washington, D. C, was mustered out on July 14, 1865, and soon after disbanded in Wisconsin. Mr. Schuerbrock served most gallantly and was honorably discharged. After the close of the war he returned to his home and family. He is a Democrat, and while he takes a deep interest in politics has never sought public office. On May 10, 1859, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Schuerbrock and Barbara, the daughter of Peter and Margaret (Schoenhofer) Schommer, who lived in Milwaukee county. The following children came to bless this union : Ida, the wife of John Koenig, of the town of Lake; Catharine, living at home; Jeanette, at home; andEmily, Elnora, Adolph, Anna, Henry are all dead. Mr. Schuerbrock and his family are all devout Catholics and members of the church.

Frank Schuster. - The life history of the subject of this biographical sketch illustrates most forcibly that neither wealth nor the assistance of influential friends at the start is essential to sue- cess and usefulness in the world. Frank Schuster, one of the prominent and prosperous farmers of the town of Lake, is a native of the Badger State, born in the town of Lake, Milwaukee county, Aug. 28, i860, being the son of Joseph and Myra (Fishier) Schuster, who were born in Bavaria, Germany, in 181 1 and 181 5, respectively. Joseph Schuster was a farmer in his native land, but was ambitious and came to the new world with the great tide of immigrants who came to Wisconsin about the middle of the nineteenth century, and materially aided in the development of this great state. lie landed in this country in 1842 and came directly to Wisconsin, locating at Bay View, where he was engaged in various occupations for a short time. Subsequently he secured a position as stationary engineer for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and gave thirty-seven years of faithful service to that company. In 1879 he left the employ of the railroad company and moved to a farm, which he had bought while working in the shops. The farm was situated on the old Chicago road, near the present town of Cudahy. Mr. Schuster conducted his farm until he was called to his last rest in May, 1892. He was survived by his widow, who was laid to rest beside him in the St. Francis cemetery, May 3, 1907. They left a family of six children, five boys and one girl, of whom only Mrs. Anna Frederick, if Milwaukee, and our subject are still living. Frank received his early scholastic training in a little school on South Bay street, taught by Miss Esterbrook, subsequently he attended the public and Holy Trinity schools, but he stopped his studies at the age of fourteen and went to work, carrying water for a gravel train crew at one dollar a day. Three years later he went home to his father's farm to assist him in the management of the place, and remained with his parents until his father's death, when his years of devotion and kindness were rewarded, as he inherited the old home farm, on which he continued to reside until 1893, when he sold out and moved to his present comfortable home. Mr. Schuster is a very domestic man, and devotes his time to his family and to the care of his property. He is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of Milwaukee county and has a large circle of acquaintances. He is a loyal and ardent supporter of the policies of the Democratic party. On Nov. 26, 1885, Mr. Schuster was united in marriage with Anna, the daughter of Jordan and Elizabeth (Bauer) Puetz, who were well-known residents of Milwaukee. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schuster: Jordan, Joseph, Albert, Frank, Edmund, Adolph, Charles, and Florence, all of whom are at home.

William H. Perrigo, Jr., a successful veterinary surgeon and dentist of Milwaukee, was born at Prairie du Chien, Wis., Oct. 1, 1869, of mixed New England and Norwegian ancestry. His father, William H. Perrigo, Sr., was one of the prominent pioneers of Milwaukee, and lived to the advanced age of eighty-three years, passing away on Sept. 27, 1908, and his remains are interred in Forest Home cemetery. He was born in Georgia. Vt., Sept. 6, 1825, the son of Warren and Delia (Allen) Perrigo. Warren Perrigo was a pilot on Lake Champlain for a number of years, and afterward settled on a farm on the border of the lake in 1836, near the city of Saint Albans. From Saint Albans he moved to Chatteaugay, N. Y., and there remained until 1843, finally coming west to Milwaukee. William H., Sr., had only a limited opportunity to obtain an education in the common schools of Vermont before coming west to Milwaukee with his father. On his arrival he immediately entered the employ of George Dousman, and later that of McClure & Williams, in the elevator at the north side of Broadway bridge. For the first six years he served as manager at an annual salary of $300, followed by eleven more years of faithful service in the same capacity, but at an increased salary. He was then appointed a member of the Milwaukee police force and continued as such for a period of three years. After this he became a "curb-stone broker", and as such frequently handled wheat in large quantities. It was at this period of his life that he laid the foundation of his fortune. In 1861 he entered the employ of the St. Paul Railway Company as grain inspector, and was placed in charge of the company's elevator at Prairie du Chien, remaining there until 1873. He then returned to Milwaukee and was there engaged in inspecting wheat at the St. Paul Company's elevator until 1881. He was an active Republican in politics, and in 1879 was elected to represent the Fifth ward in the common council, serving in this capacity two terms of three years each. He was an extremely influential member of the council, and is known as the father of the Belgian brick pavement scheme in Milwaukee, a pavement which was for many years considered the best of any in use, and the first of which was laid in the Fifth ward at the special instance of Mr. Perrigo. He was also the father of the ordinance which established the Fifth ward school building, and of the ordinance which made provision for filling the marshes in that ward ; he was likewise one of the committee authorized to purchase the Fifth ward hay-market from its private owners. For a considerable period of time Mr. Perrigo dealt extensively in real estate and did a large business as a money loaner. He was a member of the Excelsior Lodge of Free Masons, No. 175, and <if the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 2. His wife, who passed away in 1885, was formerly Miss Mary Bergh, a native of Norway. Their son, William H., Jr., has lived practically his whole life in Milwaukee, as he came to the city with his parents when only three years of age. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Milwaukee and in the Spencerian Business College, after which he thoroughly prepared himself for his chosen profession at the McKillip Veterinary College of Chicago, in which well-known institution he was graduated in March, 1901. Upon receiving his diploma he returned to his home in Milwaukee and at once entered upon the active practice of his profession. Dr. Perrigo has had no occasion to complain of his success, and has built up a large and lucrative business. In addition to a large clientage among the leading corporations of the South Side, he has a very large general practice. He is an enthusiast in his profession, and his abilities command both the respect and confidence of the public at large. The doctor is a member of the McKillip Veterinary Medical Association; the Amercian Veterinary Medical Association, of which he is secretary for the State of Wisconsin; of Excelsior Lodge, No. 175, F. & A. M., of Milwaukee; and of Walker Lodge, No. 123, Knights of Pythias. Like his father he is a staunch adherent of the Republican party in politics, but he has never sought public preferment on his own behalf.

George A. Heiden is the proprietor of the large livery and undertaking establishment at 1365-7 Green Bay avenue, where a fine new building, 50 by 150 feet in dimensions, is now in progress of construction, which when complete will be one of the bestequipped and most commodious establishments of the kind in the city of Milwaukee. Mr. Heiden is a native of Milwaukee, son of Joachim and Albertina (Lutz) Heiden, who migrated to America from Germany in 1851 and located in Milwaukee. Joachim Heiden owned and operated a large dairy for many years and retired from active business life in 1893. He made many investments in city property, which rapidly increased in value with the growth of the city, and during the later years of his life Mr. Heiden occupied himself solely with the care of these interests. He died in Milwaukee on March 16, 1905, his eighty-first birthday. Seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Joachim Heiden reached mature years : John, deceased; Minnie, wife of Adam Heeb ; Lena, deceased, wife of Robert Lipchow ; Fred ; Charles ; George A. ; and Amanda, who married Rudolph Spitz. George A. was born in Milwaukee, April 22, 1868, attended the public schools in Milwaukee, and at the age of eighteen years followed in the footsteps of his father by becoming a dairyman. In this business he was successfully engaged six years, when, attracted by the hope of larger profits, he embarked in a confectionery business. After two years in this occupation he worked for a year at the carpenter's trade and was then employed one year in a drug store. Upon learning of an attractive opening in the livery business, in which he had always desired to engage, Mr. Heiden opened a livery barn on Green Bay avenue, where he has built up a large and successful business. On Dec. 14, 1907, the building was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $15,000, partially covered by insurance. L ndaunted by this great misfortune, Mr. Heiden immediately let contracts for a new building, which will considerably surpass the old one in size and equipment. Mr. Heiden expects to have an establishment fitted with every modern improvement and appliance for both livery and undertaking. He has made a careful study of embalming and will be able in his new quarters to satisfy every demand made upon him by his constantly increasing business. No establishment in the city will be better fitted to do undertaking and embalming by the latest scientific methods. On April 20, 1889, Mr. Heiden was married to Miss Katie Ische, daughter of George and Mary (Blinem) Ische, prosperous farmers in the town of Milwaukee. Four children have blessed the marriage: Elsie, Edith, Arthur, and Mildred. The family are regular attendants at the Evangelical Lutheran church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Heiden are members. Mr. Heiden belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America; the Junior Lodge, O. M. P.; the Columbus Lodge of Milwaukee; the Fidelia Singing Society; the McKinley Lodge of Wisconsin, and others. He is affiliated with the Republican party, but has never sought office.

Robert Emmet Cochrane, M. D. V., Veterinary Inspector for the United States Government at Milwaukee, Wis., was born at Chicago, 111., Feb. 16, 1871. He is the son of Capt. John W. and Catherine (Flaherty) Cochrane. His paternal grandparents were Capt. Robert and Ellen (Smith) Cochrane, natives of Scotland, the former being born at Saltcoats in 1807, and the latter at Stevenston in 1812. Capt. Robert Cochrane was a seafaring man, and, after having sailed the salty seas for many years, in which he touched at the leading seaports of the world, he came to the United States in 1832. He settled first in New York, where he acted in the capacity of a pilot. In 1834 himself and family settled at Oswego, N. Y., where he entered^ the service of Pardee & Carrington and was given command of their finest vessels, finally bringing out their magnificent schooner, Ireland & Scotland. He was considered in those early days one of the most successful masters on the great lakes. In the spring of 1846 he was appointed master of the propeller, Vandalia, owned by Capt. John Doolittle, and noted for being the first screw propelled steamer sailing on the great lakes. He was master of this vessel for two years, afterward becoming master of some of the largest lake steamers. He was the first man in Chicago to fit riggings on vessels, that work having previously been done at Buffalo. Later he returned to New York, where he piloted ships out of New York harbor, as did also his two brothers, David and Alexander. He died in 1850, leaving surviving him the following children: David M. ; Ellen, wife of John McKenzie; James W. ; Agnes, wife of Capt. Daniel Maybee ; John W. ; Alexander, and Robert. Of these Capt. John W. Cochrane, father of our subject, was born in Oswego, N. Y., Dec. 4, 1843. At the age of sixteen he shipped before the mast on the schooner G. D. Norris with Captain Carroll, then on the Phalroppe and the brig City of Erie. He was the mate on the schooner Ben Flint, of which his brother, David, was master. He was master of the schooner Parker and of the A. J. Mowery, also of the brig Montezuma and the scow Nellie Church, in the lumber trade. In 1872 he became master of the steamer, Hilton, later getting command of the Jacob Bertschy, a passenger steamer plying between Milwaukee, Manistee, Pentwater and Ludington. In 1875 ne was made master of tin; steamer, City of Cleveland, for one year. In 1876 he bought a <me-fourth interest in the steamer Colin Campbell. In 1889, under his superintendency the steamer Marion was built, which vessel he commanded until t8qo when he took command of the steamer Parks Foster, in which position he stayed three years; and he then engaged on the Pere Marquette, No. 4, which steamer he sailed until the close of the season of 1904, when he retired from active service. His family consisted of four children : Robert E., our subject; Marion Eleanor; Willard D., and Geneva Margaret. His wife died on April 24, 1897. Dr. Robert E. Cochrane, our subjct, was brought to .Milwaukee with the family when two years of age. He was educated in the Fifth ward public school. He began the study of veterinary surgery at the Toronto Veterinary College in 1897, and was also graduated in the McKillip Veterinary College, Chicago. During 1900 he spent one year in private practice in Milwaukee. He was then appointed by the United States government Veterinary Inspector in the Bureau of Animal Industry in the Department of Agriculture, a position which he still occupies with eminent success. He served the first year of his appointment at Omaha, Neb. He has been permanently stationed at Milwaukee since 1902. He is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The doctor is a genial, courteous gentleman, a master in his profession and popular always. In politics he is a Republican.

Senator Henry H. Bodenstab, one of the representative members of the bar of Milwaukee, and the junior member of the firm of Froede & Bodenstab, 780 Third street, is a native of Sheboygan county, Wis., born at Herman, June 29, 1874, being the son of Julius and Frederike (Schuett) Bodenstab, natives of Hanover and Breslau, Prussia, respectively. The paternal grandparents, Dr. Henry and Annetta (Jasper) Bodenstab, came to the United States in 1846, landing in New York in July of that year and arriving in Wisconsin on Oct. 1, 1847, an^ they settled in Sheboygan county. Dr. Bodenstab took up land, and while living on his farm continued to practice medicine for a number of years. In 1868 he moved to Sheboygan and continued in his profession there until his death in 1875. On his seventy-fourth birthday his family consisted of six children : Augusta, who married Casper Petersen ; Fred ; Julius ; Matilda, who married John T. Hertel ; George, and Louisa. Flenry's maternal grandparents, Christian and Wilhelmina (Goldebeck) Schuett, were natives of Prussia who immigrated to the United States and were among the pioneer settlers in the town of Herman, Sheboygan county, where they located in the fall of 1854. They took up land and cleared a farm, upon which they continued to reside all their lives. Julius, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Hanover, Prussia, Jan. 13, 1834, came with his parents to the United States in 1846, and stopped for about a year and a half in Albany, N. Y., before locating in Sheboygan county in 1847. He worked for his father until the age of twenty-eight, and on Aug. 21, 1862, enlisted as a private in Company C, Twenty-seventh Wisconsin infantry, and was mustered into the service on March 7, 1863. On Sept. 8, 1862, he received his first promotion to second lieutenant of Company C, and on March 17, 1863, he was transferred to Comapny I of the same regiment and given a commission as first lieutenant. This regiment took part in the siege of Vicksburg, was in General Steele's Camden expedition and on different expeditions in Arkan- sas. In 1865 it was ordered to New Orleans and remained there until the evacuation, then went to Mcintosh Bluff, and after the surrender of the enemy was sent to Mobile and from there to Brazos Santiago, Texas. On Aug. 2, 1865, Mr. Bodenstab, with the other members of the regiment, was mustered out of the service at Brownsville, Texas. Returning home after the close of the war, he again engaged in farming at Howard's Grove, Wis., and continued in that occupation until 1876. During this time he held various political offices. He had the honor of being justice of the peace for twelve years, was a legal adviser of some note, served in the state assembly in 1873 and 1874, and was postmaster at Franklin, Sheboygan county, for two years. Since 1887 he has been a resident of Milwaukee, where he has been successfully engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business. His three children - Bertha, William, and Henry H. - were all born on the old Bodenstab homestead in the town of .Herman, Sheboygan county, Wis. Henry was reared there until he was twelve years of age, when he came to Milwaukee with his parents. His elementary education was received in the country schools of Sheboygan county and the Sixth ward (Humboldt) school. After finishing his studies in the public schools he took courses in the Spencerian Business College and the Oshkosh Normal School. He had determined upon a professional career, and for that purpose went to Ann Arbor. Mich., where he entered the law department of the State University, in which he was graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1898. Previous to entering the University of Michigan he had passed the state bar examination of Wisconsin in 1896, while he was in Judge Neelen's office. He has been in the active practice of his profession in Milwaukee, since 1898, with gratifying success. On Jan. 29, 1899, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Bodenstab and Anna Gilbert, of Arena, Wis. Mr. Bodenstab is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters and Knights of Pythias, and in politics he is a Republican. He has always taken an active part in the interest of his party, and is at present a member of the Milwaukee Charter Convention of 1908, being one of the forty-nine members elected, of which twenty-one are Republicans. He represents the Fourth senatorial district in the state senate of Wisconsin, having been elected in 1908.

Stephan Walczak, a prominent wood, coal and coke dealer of Milwaukee, whose place of business is at the corner of Becher and Greenbush streets, was born in German Poland on Dec. 24, 1869. He is a son of Valentine and Josephine (Mikolajenski) Walczak, both of whom passed their entire lives in their native land. Mr. Walczak attended the schools of the land of his nativity and was reared to manhood in the city of his birth. Hearing of the decidedly better business advantages to be had in America he determined to emigrate, and in 1890 made the trip to Milwaukee. After a year spent in obtaining a knowledge of the language and business methods, he embarked in the business which he has since been so successfully conducting. Reared in the school of hardship and privation, he learned thoroughly the lesson of frugality and industry, and brought to bear those qualities in the undertaking. His success was assured from the start, because of his genial and courteous treatment of his patrons and his scrupulous honesty. On Nov. 11, 1894, Mr. Walczak was united in marriage to Miss Stanislawa Majchszak, a daughter of John and Rosalie Majchszak, of Milwaukee. To this union have been born six children : Wladislaus, Wancislaus, Bronislaus, Clara, Kunegunda, and Alicia. The family are all communicants of St. Hyacinth's Polish Catholic church. In his political view the father is a staunch Republican, but has never found the leisure to devote to making a campaign for public office. His only fraternal relations are with the Catholic Order of Foresters.

William H. Devos, Collector of Customs at Milwaukee, was born in that city on Nov. 19, 1857, being the son of John J. W. and Sarah (Breen) Devos, natives of Holland, where the father was born in 1821 (died in Milwaukee in 1906) and the mother in 1829 (died in Milwaukee in 1905). The father was a carpenter by trade, coming to the United States in 1844 and to Milwaukee in 1845, and here he followed his calling for several years. In 1855 he was elected a member of the Common Council for the Ninth ward, as a Democrat, and was re-elected in 1859, but he resigned in i860 to go to Dodge county, Wis., where he owned and operated a large saw-mill and farm. In 1865 he returned to Milwaukee and purchased an interest in a wood and coal business, which he soon disposed of on account of his health. In 1868 he went into the milling business, and in this he continued until 1895, when he disposed of his holdings and retired to private life. The name of the paternal grandfather was Voss, and he and his people were natives of Germany, but owing to his dislike of being compelled to render service in the German army he expatriated himself, and settling in Holland he took the name of Devos, which the family still retains. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Milwaukee and graduated in the Spencerian Business College of that city. Soon after his graduation he began assisting in the management of his father's enterprises, and this he continued to do until his father retired in 1895. In that year he engaged in the coal and building material business with Edward F. Whitwall, and in 1905 this firm was consolidated with the Penn Coal and Supply Company. On Nov. 10, 1879, Mr. Devos married Miss Susan N., daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Bril) Van Peenen, who were natives of Holland, and who came to the United States in 1854. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Devos has been blessed with four children, as follows: Sarah S., wife of William Vandalu, born in 1880; John A., born in 1882; Arthur W., born in 1886, and Antoinette, born in 1890. In 1894 Mr. Devos was elected a member of the Common Council from the Ninth ward, as a Republican, it being the same position which his father had filled as a Democrat from the same ward, nearly forty years before. He was renominated for the position in the spring of 1896, but was defeated. In the fall of 1896 he was elected state senator representing the Sixth district, and he was re-elected in 1900. In December, 1901, after serving during one session of his second term, he resigned the senatorship to accept the positin of Collector of Customs at Milwaukee, to which he had been appointed by the President. Hon. William H. Devos is a gentleman of an active, nervous temperament, and whatever he undertakes he does to the utmost of his abilities, which are of a high order. This is strikingly evidenced in his administration of the position which he now fills. When he assumed charge of the office in 1902 he found that many local merchants were entering their goods at seaboard cities and paying the duties there. At once he began a systematic training of importers to have their goods shipped to Milwaukee and to have the duties paid here. What was the result? The receipts of the local customs office increased from $420,000 in 1902, when Mr. Devos took the office, to over $800,000 in 1907, nearly doubling the income of the office. So it is thus again strongly shown that it makes a difference who conducts an office, for man differs from man as star differs from star. One man administers his office energetically, treating it as a sacred trust given him by the people, while another treats it as a private snap and goes to sleep on the job. In religion Mr. Devos is a Presbyterian, and he is also a Mason and a member of the Knights Templar. He is held in high esteem by all who know him, and he is a gentleman who is deeply devoted to the upbuilding of the city of his birth.

Olaf Rehnquist, the president and treasurer of the Olaf Rehnquist Company, select tailors of Milwaukee, is a native of Sweden, born there on Oct. 6, 1855, the son of Andrew and Katrina (Olson) Rehnquist, both natives of Sweden, who lived and died there. The father was a tradesman and carpenter who lived in the central part of Sweden. He had a farm, where his children were reared, but at the same time carried on his profession. Olaf was the second child in a family of four boys; he attended the common schools of his native country and after leaving school served an apprenticeship of five years at the tailor's trade. For a few years he followed tailoring in Sweden, and when twenty-four years of age emigrated to the United States and located in Chicago. He soon found work and remained there for three years before he came to Milwaukee, in 1883, to accept a position as cutter for James Lowry, a merchant tailor. Mr. Rehnquist was industrious and a keensighted business man, prospered during the six years he was with Mr. Lowry, and he started a shop for himself in 1889. His patronage increased rapidly, and as he found it growing too large for one man to handle, formed the present company, which is one of the prominent tailoring establishments of the city. In 1882 Mr. Rehnquist was married in Chicago to Miss Adolphina Ternberg, a native of Sweden. To this union have been born six bright children : Hilda. Nels, Judith, Mamie, Edna, and William. Mr. Rehnquist and his family are members of the Swedish Congregational church.

Fred J. Mayer, the manager of the Milwaukee factories and vice-president of the F. Mayer Boot and Shoe Company, was born in Milwaukee on May 29, 1862. He is the second son of Frederick Mayer, of whose life a full account appears in the sketch of George P. Mayer, elsewhere in this volume, which sketch also gives a history of the F. Mayer Boot and Shoe Company. Fred J. Mayer received his primary education in the parochial schools of -Milwaukee. After leaving school he learned the shoemaker's trade by serving an apprenticeship on the bench, and in 1880, when his father established the May Boot and Shoe Company, he became an employe of the concern. In 1882 he left the company, and as a journeyman shoemaker worked in larger factories in the East and South. Returning to Milwaukee in 1885, he again became associated with his father's concern. He started as a foreman of one of the rooms in the factory, and has worked up through the various grades of the business until several years ago he was chosen manager of the Milwaukee branch, his practical knowledge of the whole industry equipping him especially well for the duties which devolve upon him. He is also vice-president of the company and was one of the directors of the progressive policy which has put the Mayer quality far in the lead in the field of competition. St. John's Lutheran church of Milwaukee has a no more loyal member than Mr. Mayer. On May 5, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Bues, a native of Milwaukee and a daughter of Fred Bues, a contractor. To this union have been born eight children, of whom six are living: Helena, Irma, Eleanora, Louis, Paula and Sophia. Mr. Mayer is a man of splendid integrity, courteous manner, and excellent business acumen, and he is recognized as one of the leaders in commercial life in the Cream City.

Charles Cuppel, an extensive real estate dealer and a substantial citizen of Milwaukee county, was born at Philadelphia, Pa., on Sept. 4, 1838. He is a son of Charles and Gertrude (Ringling) Cuppel, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1829 and located at Philadelphia, and later for a number of years he had direct charge of the millstone cutting of the Morris factories at Baltimore, Md. Prior to removing to Baltimore, however, he lived for a time at Easton, Pa. On Oct. 12, 1846, he arrived with his family in Milwaukee and entered the business of contracting, which he continued until his death in 1849. The mother passed away in May, 1903. Charles Cuppel is the eldest of the four children born to his parents. A sister, Margaret, is the wife of C. G. Taylor, a retired citizen of Milwaukee, living at Twenty-first avenue, near Layton Park; another sister, Catherine, is the wife of Henry Bruhno, a candy manufacturer, residing at 234 Twenty-first street; and Eliza is the third daughter in order of birth, and is the widow of William Taylor, deceased. Mr. Cuppel also has a half brother, William C. Layer, in the meat business at Grand avenue and Twenty-first street. Mr. Cuppel attended the Fourth ward school of this city and received all his educational advantages in that institution. Upon the break- ing out of the Civil war he enlisted on April 17, 1861, in the First Wisconsin infantry for the three months' service. At the expiration of that time he enlisted in the Second Wisconsin cavalry and was mustered out at Austin, Texas. He went out with the first company organized in Wisconsin, and was honorably discharged with the last company to return to the state ; and he did service in man}' of the important engagements. He is a member of E. B. Wolcott Post, Grand Army of the Republic. In 1866 he began his business career as a general produce merchant, and subsequently developed into a commission business, which furnished him an excellent income for four years. He then became a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and for twenty years devoted himself to buying and selling in that body. During this period he invested heavily in real estate, and when he retired from active participation on the board of trade it was to give all his attention to his realty interests. His office is at the corner of Greenfield and Fifty-third avenues, and the success he has attained bespeakes his business acumen and his capacity for hard work. In his political belief he is a devout adherent of the principles of the Democratic party. He was chosen by his many friends as a candidate for the legislature in 1898. He is an intensely public-spirited citizen and gives freely to any enterprise that makes for the betterment of the community. The site on which the West Allis Presbyterian church now stands is a donation of Mr. Cuppel's to the society. He is very fond of children, and most of his charity is directed toward their benefit. Mr. Cuppel has been twice married. On July 3, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Whicher, a native of New Hampshire. This lady passed away on June 11, 1901, leaving no children, and on Aug. 18, 1902, occurred his marriage to Miss Agnes J. Roberts, a native of Watertown, Wis., and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Roberts. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were both born in New York state. and came to Watertown early in their lives. They lived there but two or three years, however, and then removed to Milwaukee, where the father was engaged in the teaming and transfer business for a number of years. Subsequently he retired, and he and his wife now make their home with Mr. Cuppel.

George Madison Hinkley, deceased, who during his lifetime was prominent as a mechanic and inventor, was born in the state of New York on May 24, 1832, and was a direct descendant of a line of Empire State pioneers. While he was still an infant Mr. Hinkley's parents removed to Ohio, where both died, the father's death occurring when the son was but seven years of age. The burden placed upon the mother's shoulders when the father passed away was so heavy that it was necessary that some of the children be sent away to be reared, and the subject of this sketch, then but seven years of age, made his home with friendly neighbors for some five years. He then became apprenticd to a carpenter and worked at that vocation for a few years. Before he was eighteen years old he had also mastered another trade, that of bridge-building, and lie removed to Michigan to engage in the work. When work grew slack in that vocation he built sawmills, and was thus engaged when the dark cloud of war darkened the horizon of national unity. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in the First Michigan cavalry, subsequently being made corporal of his company. During his service of three years he served terms in the Florence, Libby, and Andersonville prisons. Upon his return to Michigan he became manager of a mill at Muskegon, but after a year determined to remove to Wisconsin, upon the request of John Eldred, for the purpose of building a mill for him. When the structure was completed Mr. Hinkley became its manager and served in that capacity for three successive years. When he resigned, it was that he might perfect some inventions in sawmill machinery, upon which he had been working for a number of years. In 1874 he entered the employ of the E. P. Allis Company as the head of their saw-mill department and brought that branch of the business up to its present high standard. Mr. Hinkley's name to-day is the foremost in the world among the inventors and makers of saw-mill machinery. He remained with the Allis Company until the day before his death, and was apparently in the best of health, but the duties of an arduous life had told upon his strong constitution, and he passed away within thirty minutes after being taken ill, the cause of death being ossification of the arteries about the heart. He was a man of exceptional determination, versatile intellect and great capacity, intensely fond of his home and home life, in which he spent all of his leisure moments. Of fine public spirit, he was ever ready to assist to the best of his ability every worthy enterprise. The first investment he ever made was the purchase of the homestead of twenty acres, which was later divided among his sons. He was also the owner of some city property, some boiler stock, and a number of mortgages. Fraternally he had attained to the thirty-second degree in Masonry. Although he was a life-long Republican he never sought to become the candidate of his party for public office. Mr. Hinkley was twice married. His first wife was Miss Sarah Tubbs, of Michigan, to whom he was united on Oct. 18, i860. Her death occurred in 1865 and she left two children. George C. married Miss Ida McDufty, of Hartford, Wis., and had two children : Newton, who was accidently shot and killed during the past year; and George, a student in the high school of West Allis, in which village his father is engaged in the real estate and loan business. The other child of Mr. Hinkley's first marriage was Miss Sarah, now deceased. On Feb. 25, 1868, Mr. Hinkley was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Langdon, born near Janesville, Wis., on Jan. 29, 1849, a daughter of David Wyman and Rhoda (Hickok) Langdon. Mrs. Langdon was born on a farm at the foot of the White Mountains in Vermont and the father was born in New York state. Their marriage occurred in Wisconsin in 1844, where the father was engaged as a stationary engineer. Soon after their marriage they removed to Ohio and there resided for twelve years. In 1861 they returned to Wisconsin, the father obtaining employment in his vocation at Omro, where the mother died on May 9, 1876. In 1878 Mr. Langdon removed to Milwaukee and made his home with Mrs. Hinkley until his death, which occurred on June 19, 1888. To Mr. Hinkley, by his second marriage, one son, Earl Langdon, was born on Nov. 29, 1875. He married Miss Maria Case, of West Allis, by whom he had two children, Helen C. and Jessie. The son is an expert electrical engineer and had charge of the new electrical plant at West Allis until impaired health necessitated his retirement in order to recuperate.

Dr. Michael J. Nugent, founder of the well-known Nugent Sanitarium, at the corner of Wells street and Hawley Road, Milwaukee, Wis., and the president and treasurer of the institution, was born at Mendota, Minn., on Nov. 17, 1859. His parents were Michael M. and Margaret (Howell) Nugent, the former of whom was born on July 10, 1826, in County Tipperary, Ireland, and the latter in County Limerick, Ireland. The father was for many years a prosperous lumberman, contractor, and farmer, but has been retired from active business for the past twenty years, and is now living at an advanced age in Milwaukee. He came to American in the year 1845 and first located in Milwaukee, where he followed the business of a contractor until 1853, when he went to the territorv of Minnesota to assist in the erection of Fort Snelling, near St. Paul. Minnesota was then a very sparsely settled region and largely in the possession of the Sioux, Chippewas, Winnebagoes, and other tribes of Indians. Mr. Nugent was a noted Indian fighter, and on more than one occasion performed some of the most dangerous and difficult scouting duty ever done in the Northwest country. He participated in the siege of Glencoe and Forest City, Minn., and took part in numerous skirmishes and minor engagements with the hostile Sioux. He was distinctively a pioneer in opening up the far NorthAvest, conducted many expeditions into that unsettled portion of our country, and did an extensive and profitable freighting business over a wide section of the country. His wife died on Feb. 3, 1893. They were the parents of ten children, all but two of whom grew to maturity and seven of whom are still living, to-wit: Ellen, deceased wife of Q. Brady, St. Paul, Minn.; Edward, a merchant now living at Maple Lake, Minn. ; John, deceased ; Michael J., the subject of this sketch; Patrick, who died in infancy; James, a resident of St. Paul, in charge of the Nugent Sanitarium at that place; Mary, wife of John Bohan, of Minneapolis, who for twentysix years has been a miller with the Pillsburys ; William, a merchant at Maple Lake, Minn. ; Margaret, wife of Abner Dueber, St. Cloud, Minn. ; and Julia, wife of Frank Thielman, a merchant at St. Cloud, Minn. Dr. Nugent received an excellent education, being a graduate of the St. Paul Academy, a select school for boys, and also of the St. John's LTniversity. When only twenty-one years of age he became principal of the schools at Sauk Rapids,

Minn. A year later, in 1882, he embarked in the general mercantile business, which engaged his attention for a period of some fourteen years. During this period he was likewise engaged in the wholesale tea and coffee business, his company being known as The Early Breakfast Coffee Company, of Minneapolis, Minn., and St. Louis, Mo. For the past twelve years he has also been interested in the Nugent Sanitarium at St. Paul. In 1900 Dr. Nugent came to Milwaukee, where he founded the famous Nugent Sanitarium, known far and wide throughout the Middle West for its successful and scientific treatment of chronic and nervous diseases, and alcoholic and drug addiction. The sanitarium is situated at the corner of Wells street and Hawley Road, and can be conveniently reached by the Wauwatosa car line, being only a twenty minutes' ride from the heart of Milwaukee. Dr. Nugent has recently opened another sanitarium of a similar character in Montreal, Canada. In addition to the skilled medical attendance provided at the Nugent Sanitarium in Milwaukee, the patient is assured of rest, quiet, and comfort, and is surrounded by beautiful grounds and a home-like environment, which make for a speedy restoration to normal health. While living in Minnesota, Dr. Nugent took a lively interest in National Guard matters, and was a member of the State Militia for three years. He enlisted as a private in Company F, Second Minnesota National Guard, rose to the rank of corporal, and was mustered out as such in 1887. He served for some time as president of the alumni association of St. John's University. He was also president of the Retail Merchants Association of Minnesota for a term of four years, and acted as president of the Merchants' Protective x\ssociation of St. Cloud for six years. He has been a life-long Democrat in his political affiliations, but has never been a mere partisan, and could always be counted upon to support the best measures and men. He served as alderman of the First ward, St. Cloud, Minn., for two terms, and was an influential member of the Minnesota State Central Committee for a period of eight years. He was reared in the Roman Catholic faith, and is a zealous and liberal supporter of his church. He was first married on June 24, 1884, to Miss Mary Edelbrock, a daughter of Joseph and Eva M. Edelbrock, of St. Cloud, Minn. Four children were the fruit of this union : Olivia, now the wife of S. E. Riley, connected with the Mueller Furnace Company, of Milwaukee ; Leon, a graduate of the Milwaukee Medical College ; Arthur, a student in Marquette College ; and Irene, a student at Holy Angels Academy. The doctor lost his first wife on April 29, 1895, and was again married on July 18, 1907, to Mrs. Mary Murphy, of Milwaukee, a native of Detroit, Mich. Mrs. Nugent is the mother of two children by her former husband, their names being Reginald and Madeline, the former of whom is attending the Jesu School, and the latter ITolv Cross School.

Charles F. Pfister needs no introduction to the people of Milwaukee county, as his name stands as a synonym for that push and enterprise that has brought the Cream City into the front ranks of American municipalities. He was born in the city to whose upbuilding he has given so lavishly of his efforts, and -he is the son of Guido Pfister, to whom also a. great deal of Milwaukee's past greatness was due. The father was born in Hohenzollern, Germany, Sept. 13, 1818, and there spent his youth and early manhood, laying well the foundation for his future achievements, the scenes of which were to be found in free America. On July 13, 1842, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Gasser, who bore him two children, a daughter who became the wife of Frederick Vogel, Jr., and a son, Charles F., whose name introduces this review. In 1845 Guido Pfister migrated to America and located temporarily in Buffalo, N. Y., but two years later he came to Milwaukee, with the business interests of which he was identified during the remainder of his exceedingly active career. As an introductory venture he opened a leather store, and at about the same time, in association with Frederick Vogel and J. H. Schoellkopf, established a tannery on the Menomonee river. The firm was styled Guido Pfister. & Co., and its plant was the nucleus of the present mammoth establishment of the Pfister & Vogel Leather Company. Guido Pfister was honest and industrious, quick to grasp the problems of the expanding commercial situations of a developing country, and was fearless in taking advantage of these situations. Ever pushing forward in the field of his particular endeavor, he also reached out and gave both his moral and financial assistance to a number of budding enterprises which have since developed into some of Milwaukee's soundest institutions. He was the prime mover in the organization of the Milwaukee & Northern Railroad Company ; was one of the founders of the old Merchants' Exchange Bank ; he was a director in each of the above-named concerns and also in the Northwestern National Insurance Company, and he was a trustee of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. The present Pfister & Vogel Leather Company, which is a continuation of the pioneer firm of Guido Pfister & Company, is the largest producer in its particular line in the Lmited States, and its trade extends to all parts of Europe. In 1874 Frederick Vogel, Jr., a personal sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume, became a stockholder in the company, and in 1883 Charles F. Pfister also became financially interested in the business. Since the demise of Guido Pfister and Frederick Vogel, Sr., the affairs of the company have been managed by the following efficient corps of officers : President and general manager, Frederick Vogel, Jr. ; vice-president, Gottlieb Bossert; treasurer, Charls F. Pfister; secretary, Aug. H. Vogel. From the comparatively small beginning in 1847 the volume of business has increased until at the present time it amounts to $14,000,000 annually. Charles F. Pfister, the immediate subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of Milwaukee and early in life started a business career, becoming interested in the leather industry as mentioned above, connecting himself with the Pfister & Vogel Leather Company, of which as stated he is now the treasurer. Though still compara- tively young Mr. Pfister has won for himself an enviable position among the business men of Milwaukee. Through his able management and that of his associates the Pfister & Vogel Leather Company has reached its present mammoth proportions, and in other lines his business acumen is evidenced by remarkable success. He has always been especially active in affairs pertaining to the advancement of Milwaukee and has given his personal and financial assistance to a number of enterprises of a public nature, which have been a potent force in placing Milwaukee among the prominent cities of the world. The extensive street railway system was earnestly promoted by him at a time when only the shrewdest business foresight could point to ultimate success, and the magnificent Hotel Pfister stands as a monument to his enterprising nature. He was one of the managing officials of the Merchants' Exchange Bank before it was merged with the First National, and he is now a controlling spirit in the last-named institution. Though never an office-holder or a seeker of political preferment he is an untiring worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and he is recognized throughout the state and the country at large as a wheel-horse of the organization. It may be said that politics is his diversion and not his business, but he brings the same sagacious thought and remarkable energy into action in his political work as he does in his management of business affairs. In 1897 ne purchased the Milwaukee Sentinel, the newspaper representative of the Stalwart faction of the party in Wisconsin, and has continued with the greatest fearlessness to guide it so as to influence the public mind in favor of what he considers the best policies for his party and his country to adopt. As a newspaper the Sentinel is the leading publication in the state and the power that it wields is recognized far beyond the confines of the commonwealth, to the upbuilding of which it is particularly dedicated.

Alvin C. Brazee, judge of the Municipal Court, and a leading attorney of Milwaukee, was born in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee county, July 24, 1855. His parents, Benson and Althea F. (Neal) Brazee, were both natives of New York state, the former of Fayetteville, Onondaga county, and the latter of Hudson, Columbia county. The father came to Wisconsin in 1835, locating on government land in Wauwatosa, which land he developed into a fertile and well-cultivated farm, which was his home until 1870, when he sold it and removed to Winnebago county, but later returned to Milwaukee county, making his home in the citv until his death in 1886. The mother was the daughter of Capt. John F. Neal, who participated in the War of 1812. She was a woman of education and culture, and was a teacher for some years before her marriage. Her home was in Wisconsin from her sixteenth year until her death, in April, 1880, in her fifty-second year. Both of the parents were members of the Congregational church and active forces in the social and religious life of the communities where they resided. Alvin C. received .his education in the public schools of Wauwatosa, and at Ripon College, leaving the latter institution, however, before he completed the full course of study. He was an apt student, with a quick and retentive memory, which enabled him to stand well in his classes without the usual amount of effort, leaving too much leisure for outside matters for him to acquire the reputation of the model scholar. He left college without having decided upon any definite career, and he tried several lines, before he finally settled down to the study of law in 1876. He began in the office of Finch & Barber, of Oshkosh, was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and began the practice of his profession in company with Charles W. Felker, of Oshkosh. In 1879 he went west, spending a year in Superior, Neb., where he opened a law office, but subsequently returned to Wisconsin, settling in Milwaukee, where he has since practiced, having had at various times partnerships with Messrs. C. S. Brown, V. W. Seeley, A. W. Bell, J. H. Stover, and being at the time of his election to the office of district attorney of Milwaukee county, a member of the firm of Brazee & Stover. During his private practice he had considerable experience and acquired a wide reputation as a successful attorney in criminal cases, following, in addition to this line, a general law practice. His first election to the position of district attorney, in 1894, was by a plurality of 6,900, and bis efficiency in the conduct of his office was recognized by an increased plurality upon his re-election in the fall of 1896. He was again elected in 1898. In May, 1900, and while serving as district attorney, he was appointed by Governor Scofield to the Municipal Court bench, to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Wallber. In 1901 he was elected judge, re-elected in 1907, and is still on the bench. Mr. Brazee, while engaged in active practice, was recognized by the members of his profession as an able lawyer, and as one who prepared his cases with great -care and skill, omitting nothing that could strengthen his position or present it with clearness and force to a court or jury. Outside of his professional life he is a man of wide reading, and has a large and carefully selected general library to which he devotes much of his leisure. In politics he is a Republican and has been a strong champion of the principles of his party, but outside of office connected with his profession has never cared for personal preferment. He was married on Aug. 10, 1884, to Miss Alice M. Beaver, of Chippewa Falls, a woman of much culture and refinement of character, and who before her marriage was for some time a most successful teacher. One daughter, Enola, has been born to this union, and she is now nineteen years old.

David Stuart Rose, mayor of Milwaukee and a leading attorney of that city, was born in Darlington, La Fayette county, Wis., June 30, 1856, and is the son of James R. and Phoebe A. (Budlong) Rose, the former of Scotch and the latter of German descent. James R. Rose was also a lawyer, educated in Albany, N. Y., a Democrat, and a man who exercised a wide political influence in his party. He came west in 1852 and formed a partnership with Judge Cothren, of Darlington. Mrs. Rose was a graduate of the