Milwaukee County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1909 (part 30 of 35)

Mead P. Vallier, prominent in Milwaukee horticultural circles as a skilled florist, was born in the town of Lake, Milwaukee county, on Jan. 1, 1870. Lie is a son of Joseph and Catherine Vallier, the former of whom was born in Canada and the latter in Germany. The father came to Milwaukee while the city was still in its primitive stage and located on a farm in the town of Lake, where he spent the rest of his life, earning his livelihood by doing a general farming business. He died on May 20, 1884, and the mother passed away on Nov. 22, ten years later. They left a family of seven children, all but one of whom, a daughter, are living. The subject of this review attended the common schools and completed his scholastic training by a course in the Bay View high school. At the age of sixteen years he left school to enter the employ of the Illinois Steel Company as messenger. His capacity and integrity were appreciated by those for whom he worked, and step by step he was promoted until he occupied the position of paymaster and cashier. After serving two years in the latter capacity he removed to Pittsburg, Pa., to become chief clerk in the office of the American Steel & Wire Company. In this latter position he served eight years and then returned to Milwaukee. After purchasing a tract of land on the Austin road he erected a large greenhouse, and has since been busy in the management of it. The venture proved a success from the start, and he has done a most profitable business, not alone as a florist but also in raising vegetables for market purposes. In politics he is independent, and the demands of his business enterprise do not allow him the leisure to devote to political activity. He is a liberal in his religious views, not believing that to lead a righteous life a man must necessarily be bound by any creed. Fraternally he is prominent as a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and socially as secretary of the Milwaukee Flowrer Club. On June 20, 1894, Mr. Vallier was united in marriage to Miss Mary McKivitt. a daughter of William and Mary McKivitt, of the town of Lake. Six children have come to bless this union : Mead, Agnes, John, Joseph, Catherine and Mary. Edwin Austin, a prominent horticulturist and a member of one of the oldest families in Milwaukee county, was born in the town of Lake, Milwaukee county, on May 16, 1852. He is a son of Isaac and Sarah S. (Fitch) Austin, both natives of Syracuse, N.

Y. The father as a boy worked on the Erie canal, and continued his labors there until he had served in the capacity of captain for four years. In 1842 he came to Milwaukee, and for two years worked on one of the first tugs that took merchandise off the vessels that came into Milwaukee harbor, the river at that time not being navigable. Then he purchased a tract of land just outside of what was then the city limits, and followed agricultural pursuits until 1893. In that year he removed to Nebraska and there successfully conducted a farm until his death, in 1905. His remains were brought to Milwaukee and interred in Forest Home Cemetery. His wife died in 1904. Edwin Austin was one of the ten children in the family, of whom six were sons and four daughters. His scholastic training was limited to the district schools in the town of Lake, and when he had completed the prescribed course of studies he started out to earn his livelihood by clerking in a general store. He was occupied in this capacity for a number of years, and then embarked in the marine supply business under his name. The labor was not congenial, however, so that he disposed of it by sale and engaged in the horticultural line, raising flowers, plants and hot-house vegetables. This latter venture has proven itself profitable from the start, and it has developed exceptionally well since he undertook it. In his political belief Mr. Austin is a stanch adherent of the tenets of the Republican party, but has never sought public office. In religious matters he is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Austin's wife was formerly Miss Leila P. Austin, a daughter of Clinton and Perone (Howard) Austin, of Milwaukee. Their children, Andrew D., Edward, Perone and Lavina, all make their homes with their parents. Mr. Austin has a beautiful home at Lake Shawano, where the family spend the summer months.

Otto H. Tamms, one of the well-known floriculturists of Milwaukee county, was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, on Jan. 24, 1881. He is one of the eight children of Frederick W. and Catherine C. (Hayungs) Tamms, both native Germans. The father was engaged as a coal merchant and a ship captain in his native land, occupations which kept him busy until his removal to the United States, in 1888. He came direct to Milwaukee and located on Jones Island. He became the owner of a fishing tug named the "Arthur," and with two sons was engaged in the fisheries industry until 1905. In that year he purchased a tract of land in the town of Lake and on it erected a large green house. He still maintains an interest in the Jones Island fisheries, and at one time was president of the Jones Island Protective Association. He retired from an active business life some time ago and is now living with his wife, a daughter, Emma C, and the subject of this sketch, in the town of Lake. During the war between Germany and Denmark he served as a soldier in the German army. Otto H. Tamms received his scholastic training in the German schools, the public schools of the South Side and the Cream City Business College. At the age of eighteen years he became an employ of the

United States government at the Jones Island Life Savin- Station. He served in this capacity for three years and then became associated with his father in the fishing business, shipping smoked fish to all parts of the West. In 1903 he purchased a few acres of land in the town of Lake and established himself in the business which now occupies his time. When his father retired he assumed the active management of the latter's interests, and is now extensively engaged in the culture of flowers and small vegetables. Ever since its inception the enterprise has been a financial success, due in large measure to Mr. Tamms' habits of frugality and industry. In politics he is a Republican and he is affiliated with the German Evangelical church.

Fred S. Schmeling. - Among the- prominent florists and successful business men of the Cream City, none have been more conspicuous for honest business methods than Fred S. Schmeling. Although he is not a native of this country, and was unacquainted with the English language when he landed on the shores of the new world, inpatient industry and ceaseless devotion to business, he has outstripped thousands in the race for wealth who were better equipped than he for the battle of life. Mr. Schmeling was born in Berlin, Germany, Aug. 22, 1859, the son of Charles and Mary Schmeling, both natives of the same place. His father was educated in his native country, and after he grew to manhood was employed on a great country estate, where he was superintendent of the training stables. He continued in this vocation until his death in 1875. He was survived by his widow and four children. Mrs. Schmeling lived until 1906, when she was called on her last long journey and was buried on Easter Sunday of that year. One of her children died some years ago; Frank is the superintendent of a large estate in Germany, and the daughter lives in Milwaukee. Fred S., the subject of this sketch, was an ambitious young man and determined to make his way in the world ; he was only sixteen years of age when his father died, and as greater opportunities were offered in America he bade adieu to his old home and family and sailed for the new world. His first labors in this country were with his uncle, who was a florist in Ottawa, 111., but within a short time he came to Milwaukee and entered school. When he had acquired the rudiments of a practical English education he was employed by Dr. Emis, on Mitchell street. When he left that position he was associated with Currie Brothers in the florist's business for seven years. During the years he was in the service of these men, Mr. Schmeling was prudent, and by 1886 had accumulated sufficient capital to buy a piece of land in the town of Wauwautosa, where he erected a green-house. Since that time he has built up a large trade through honest dealing and a determination to please his customers. To-day he is one of the leading florists of the Cream City. Mr. Schmeling has made a specialty of carnations, roses, and Japanese lilies, with which he has met with great success. He belongs to no party and pays allegiance to no party's principles, exercising his privilege of franchise as his conscience dictates. He believes in voting for the best man for the place in the city and national government. He is married to Mary, the daughter of Nicholas and Mary (Meier) Brise, residents of Milwaukee. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schmeling: Rosie. Edward, Mamie. Hugo, and Lillie. All the children are living at home, the boys being interested in the florist's business with their father. Mr. Schmeling belongs to no secret societies, being a domestic man, but he is a member of the National Florists' Association, and with his family is a member of the German Catholic church, in which he was reared.

Peter Joseph Deuster, one of the old and honored residents and influential citizens of Wauwatosa, is a native of Germany, born at Cologne, in the beautiful valley of the Rhine, Feb. 13, 1841, the son of John and Catherine (Cornelius) Deuster, both natives of the same place. The father was a well-educated man who learned the tailor's trade and worked at that vocation until he came to America, in 1844. After coming to Wisconsin he worked for a short time on a farm, but within a short time bought a lot in Milwaukee and opened up a tailor shop at the corner of Cass and Lyon streets. It was one of the first establishments in the city and Mr. Deuster continued to occupy the same building until his death, in 1897. His wife survived him ten years. They had a family of seven children, of whom only two are now living. Peter J. received his educational advantages at St. Mary's parochial school until he was fifteen years old, when he started to learn the tailor's trade with his father. Subsequently he established himself in the tailoring business on West Water street. Two vears later he moved to East Water street, but was there only a short time when he sold out and moved to the Blue Mound Road, where he opened a saloon which he conducted with great success for. fourteen years. After disposing of his saloon, Mr. Deuster engaged in the florist's business, but was able to dispose of that some years ago and has since been enjoying a well-earned respite from active life at his home on the corner of Blue Mound and Deuster streets, town of Wauwatosa. Mr. Deuster is a Democrat in politics, and while he is interested in the policies of the party has never taken an active part. His wife was formerly Miss Elizabeth Baggier, the daughter of Theodore and Anna Marie (Dederichs) Baggier, residents of Milwaukee. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Deuster: Catherine, deceased ; Theodore ; Anna ; Alexius ; Lillian, deceased ; Frank ; Marion ; Alexander; Eleanor, the wife of Peter Megas; Joel, and Dillman. Mr. Deuster is a very domestic man and devoted to his family, who are members of the Roman Catholic church. He is a member of the St. Francis Society.

Theodore Van Beck, a substantial farmer of the town of Lake, and the town treasurer, was born at Cleves, Germany, on Jan. 18, 1844. a son of Gerhardt and Mary (Kuepper) Van Beck. The father was a Earmer in his native land and was highly successful. He came to America in September, 1854, and made his way directly to Milwaukee. Here he worked for a few years as a laborer until he had secured a sufficient competence to enable him to purchase a farm in the town of Lake, on which he did general farming and truck gardening until the time of his death, in 1878. The mother passed away a few years the schools of his native country, and continued it after coming to this country, in the Trinity parochial and the Fifth district schools. When but fourteen years of age he left school and began work in the brick-yards of George Burnham. After a period of service with Mr. Burnham, he leased a farm on the Oconomowoc road, but conducted it for one season only. He then removed to Bay View and for seven years raised crops on shares for Mann brothers. When he severed that connection it was to go to New Berlin to learn the trade of Cooper, and when he had become a journeyman he removed to Chicago and worked at his trade. He was soon offered a similar position in Milwaukee and returned to work in this city. For seven years he was employed in the capacity of cooper here, and by the end of that time had accumulated a sufficient sum to enable him to purchase the property on which he now resides. His success can best be measured by the excellent income which the property now yields him. The first money he earned after leaving home he gave to his father, who purchased for him the first piece of land on which he farmed. In his political relations Mr. Van Beck is a staunch Republican, and his popularity among his neighbors may be judged from the fact that he lias served his town as supervisor and is now for the second time the incumbent of the office of town treasurer. In his earlier life Mr. Van Beck was a Democrat, but broke away from that party when it advocated the free-silver issue. He was reared in the Roman Catholic faith and is to-day a devout communicant of the German Catholic church. On July 5, 1865, Mr. Van Beck was united in marriage to Miss Minnie von Vonderen, a daughter of William and Mary von Vonderen, of Milwaukee. To this union were born eight children, two of whom, Ida and Joseph, are deceased. All the others - Elizabeth. Anna, William, George, John, and Mary - are married and the sons are all farmers.

Christ Gomber, a prosperous market gardener of the town of Lake, Milwaukee county, was born on Oct. 20, 1855, a son of Christ Gomber, who was born in France in 1830. The father was reared and received his early educational advantages in the schools of France. At the age of ten years he came to Milwaukee direct from France with his brother, Fred, and secured employment of Alex Douglas in the town of Lake. He remained in Mr. Douglas' employ until his marriage, and then he purchased a forty-acre tract of land and sent for his parents. He erected a log house on his property, which was a part of one of the school sections, and he carried on a general farming business until the time of his death, which occurred on June 22, 1895. Beside his agricultural interests the father had considerable money invested in land in California, where three of his children reside. The mother died on April 7, 1880. Of the eleven children born to the parents, eight are living. All of Christ Gomber's educational advantages were received in the brick schoolhouse in the town of Lake. When sixteen years of age he left school and entered the employ of his father, with whom he worked until he had reached his twenty-fifth year. Soon after his marriage he purchased twenty acres of his father's property and started business as a truck gardener, an occupation which has since furnished him with plenty to do and a lucrative income. A few years ago he built the beautiful home where he now resides. His success has been contributed to in large measure by his capacity for hard work, his attention to details, and his scrupulous honesty. In his political belief Mr. Gomber has always been a member of the Democratic party, and as the successful candidate of that organization, served as a member of the county board of supervisors for two terms, his first election occurring in 1898, and in 1907 he was elected to fill the same office. He was reared in the Catholic faith and is to-day one of the most devout communicants of that church. On Jan. 16, 1883, Mr. Gombers was united in marriage to Miss Carolina Hundt, a daughter of Adolph and Berna D. (Cordes) Hundt, of Milwaukee. The children born to this union, and the dates of their birth, follow: Clara. Dec. 15, 1884; Matthew, Jan. 18, 1886; Edward, Feb. 29, 1888; and Julius, April, 1895. Two others died in infancy.

Reinhart Jensen, a thrifty truck-gardener of the town of Lake, was born on a farm in that town on Jan. 27, 1867, a son of Andrew and Adelaide (Cross) Jensen, the former of whom was born in Christiana, Norway, and the latter in the state of New York. The father was a sailor on the high seas until about i860, in which year he settled in New York. During the four years following he made short trips out from New York harbor, and in 1864 he removed to Milwaukee. During the early years of his residence here he made his home with his father-in-law and earned a livelihood as a sailor on the Great Lakes. Finally he purchased a small tract of land in the town of Lake, and is today engaged there in general gardening. Reinhart Jensen, the subject of this review, attended the common schools in his native town and also completed a course in the high school at Bay View. He was but eighteen years of age when he finished his course, and during the next few years he assisted his father in the cultivating and managing of his property. When he left the parental home it was to go to work in the shops of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company. After several years of employment there he returned to again assist his father, and remained with him until 1896. In that year he erected a beautiful little home on ten acres of ground which had been bequeathed him by his grandmother, and he has since that year done general gardening on the property. He has met with well-merited success. In his political belief Mr. Jensen has Republican proclivities, but does not take an active interest in the campaigns. He has been for a number of years one of the inspectors of election in his district. In religious matters he is extremely liberal, believing that to live rightly a man must not necessarily be bound by creed or sect. On ( >ct. 6, 1886, Mr. Jensen was united in marriage to Miss Louise Wynobl, a daughter of Cornelius and Emilia Wynobl, of the town of Lake. They have no children.

Gustav Adolph Budzien, one of the prominent gardeners in the town of Lake, was born at Milwaukee on Feb. 28, 1861, a son of Jacob and Eva (Koss) Budzein, both natives of Prussia, Germany.

The father lived in his native country until he had attained his majority, and shortly afterward married and emigrated to America. He came direct to Milwaukee and for a period was engaged at anything which would bring him a livelihood. lie finally entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company in the building of their yards. When the work was completed he purchased a few acres of land on Oklahoma avenue and embarked in the general gardening business. He prospered to such an extent that within a few years he was enabled to acquire more land and extend the field of his operations. Up to the time of his death, which occurred in April, 1874, he was actively engaged in the management of the place. His widow still makes her home on the property. The father's remains are interred in Forest Home Cemetery. All the seven children born to the parents survive. Gustav A. Budzien, the subject of this review, received his educational training in the public and German schools of the South Side of the city. His father's death when he was but thirteen years of age necessitated his leaving school to take up the duties and responsibilities of the oldest member of the fatherless family. He remained with his mother until he was married, and then purchased a tract of land in section twenty of the town of Lake. He erected on this property a hot-house and a home and has since been very successful in the conduct of the place. His patronage now consists largely of commission houses, with which he does a large amount of business. Reared in the school of hardship and privation, he early learned the details of business and has brought to bear all those qualities of thrift and industry which make so much for success. In his political belief he is allied with the Republican party, but aside from conscientiously exercising his right of franchise he takes little interest in the campaigns of his party. On Oct. 17, 1886, Mr. Budzien was united in marriage to Miss Ernestina Burmeister, a daughter of John and Sophia (Trost) Burmeister, of Milwaukee. Seven children, all living at home, have been the issue of this union. Their names and the dates of birth follow: Meta, Aug. 21, 1887; Emma, Aug. 27, 1890; Bertha, Sept. 10, 1892; Amanda, Nov. 3, 1894; Hugo, Feb. 18, 1896; John, Sept. 25, 1898, and Archie, June 28, 1903.

Ernest Carstens, a skilled and well-known florist of Milwaukee, was born near Hamburg, Germany, on Dec. 25, 1857, a son of Henry and Magdelina Carstens. Both parents were born near Hamburg and passed their entire lives in their native land. The father was a carpenter by vocation, and his death occurred in 1900. His wife passed away in 1878. Of the five children born to the parents, all but the subject of this review are now living in Germany. Ernest Carstens received all the educational advantages afforded by the public schools of his native land. At the age of fifteen years he left school to learn the art of floristry, and after he had completed his apprenticeship he worked in various of the foremost establishments in the different large cities of Germanv. In 1882 he came to the United States and settled in Huron, S. D., where for twenty-one years he was continuously engaged as a gardener. In 1903 he removed to Milwaukee, and, purchasing five acres of land on the Howell road, erected a green-house and embarked in the flower trade. He makes a specialty of raising carnations, not, however, to the exclusion of other hot-house plants, and he wholesales his products to Milwaukee firms. Throughout the citv he has become recognized as a most skilled horticulturist, whose ability to cultivate carnations and other flowers borders on the marvelous. Mr. Carstens is independent of political affiliation and exercises his right of franchise as his conscience and judgment direct, rather than at the dictation of party leaders. He was reared in the Lutheran faith and is today a devout communicant of the church of that denomination. On April 18, 1887, Mr. Carstens was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of John and Anna Smith, of Mitchell, S. D. To this union have been born three children : Clara, William and Francis, all of whom are living at home.

Herman E. G. Schwan, a thrifty market-gardener, living on the Thompson road in the town of Lake, was born in the province of Brandenburg, Germany, on Sept. 9, 1867, a son of William and Wilhelmina (Faehnel) Schwan, both natives of the Fatherland. The father was engaged in gardening prior to his migration to America and Milwaukee, in 1882. On his arrival here he purchased ten acres of land and embarked in the market-gardening trade. Although he and his wife are each seventy-eight years of age, they still retain all their faculties to a remarkable degree and are active in the conduct of the farm. Of the eight children born to them, four - Herman, William, Jr., Emma and Mary - survive. Herman Schwan received all his educational training in the common schools of his native land. At the age of fifteen he stopped his studies to accept a clerical position with a grocery firm in his native land, but did not remain with it for any great length of time. Upon coming to America and Milwaukee he accepted a position with Mr. Middlemas, a florist, and severed his connection there at the end of a year to remove to La Crosse, Wis. In the latter place he was employed by the John A. Salzer Company, florists, and thence removed to St. Paul, Minn., to engage in the same work. I'pon returning to Milwaukee after his sojourn in St. Paul he was variously employed for two years. He then established himself in his present location on the Thompson road, and since 1894 has been doing a general farming business, selling produce to Milwaukee commission houses. His success has been attained through his perseverance, his thrift, and his careful attention to details, and his career has always been one well worthy of emulation. In his political views Mr. Schwan is allied with the Republican party, but has never sought nor held offices of public trust. He is a Protestant in religious matters and one of the most devout of the communicants of St. Paul's Lutheran church, in Cudahy. On Dec. 7. [893, .Mr. Schwan was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Faehnal, a daughter of August and Wilhelmina (Heller) Faehnal, of

John Grobschmidt, deceased, for many years a prominent citizen of the town of Lake, .Milwaukee county, was born in the province of Luxemburg, Belgium, Jan. i, 1820, the son of John Grobschmidt, who was a native of the same place. John Grobschmidt was a farmer, who also manufactured wine, as is a very common thing in Europe. He met with well-deserved success and reared a family of eight children, only two of whom left their native country and came to America, the subject of this sketch and Peter, his brother. Our subject received his scholastic training in the public schools of his native country. After leaving school he served an apprenticeship at the cooper's and wagon-maker's trade, which he followed until 1847. He was ambitious, opportunities did not present themselves as he desired in his native land, and he determined to seek a broader field in that land of opportunities, America. Bidding adieu to friends, family and Fatherland, he sailed for the United States, and, after landing, went directly to lUtffalo, N. Y. From there he moved into Ohio and to St. Louis, where he worked at his trade, and finally he came to Milwaukee. He worked at his trade for some time and subsequently went to work for Jordan Puetz, who had a farm in the town of Lake, but after four years he established a cooperage shop of his own on a small farm he bought. He gradually increased the output of his shop and at the same time bought more land until he had about two hundred acres of the finest farming land in Milwaukee county. Mr. Grobschmidt never gave up active life and managed both his farming and manufacturing interests up to the time of his death, Feb. 9, 1908, and he was laid to rest in the cemetery at St. Francis, Wis., after a life of devotion to his family. He was a Democrat in politics, and though he never aspired to public office, always took an interest in local affairs. In 1850 Mr. Grobschmidt was united in marriage with Catherine, the daughter of Jordan and Elizabeth (Hennisi Pietz, of Milwaukee county. Six children were born to this union - George, Christ, John, Charles, William and Mary - of whom only George, John and William are living. Mrs. Grobschmidt's parents were among the early settlers of Milwaukee county. Her father took up land in an early day and reared a family of eleven children, of whom Mrs. Grobschmidt was the oldest. She is a member of St. Ann's Society of the Catholic church of St. Francis, in which her husband was a member and willing worker. Mr. Grobschmidt made many friends in the town of Lake, and his death was a loss to the whole community.

August Mueller belongs to that sagacious and industrious class of German pioneers who have so materially helped in the development of Milwaukee county. He was born in West Prussia, Germany, June 7. 1839, the son of parents who were both born and reared in the Fatherland. The father was a farmer in Germany, but died when August was only three years old. The mother bravely shouldered the responsibilities of both parents and reared her little family. In 1870 she came to America with her family and located in Milwaukee. Three years later Mrs. Mueller moved to her son's home, at Spencer, Wis., and lived there the remainder of her days. She died in her eighty-third year, leaving three children : August, Charles and John. The last two still live on farms near Spencer, Wis., and August, the subject of this brief review, was given the benefit of scholastic training in Pomerania, Germany, until he was fourteen years of age, when he left school and began to work as a gardener on a large estate in his native country. In 1870, desiring a larger field for his activities, he came to the United States with his family. They came directly to Milwaukee after landing, and August worked in the roller-mills for two years. At the end of that time he obtained a better position with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company and remained in its employ five years. Mr. Mueller had always loved the country and outdoor life, and during the years he worked in Milwaukee he was prudent and saved up sufficient money to leave the city and engage in farming. The first year he rented a farm, but was not satisfied with that and bought a small tract of land that he could call his own. By hard work he improved it and in time bought more land, until he had one of the finest farms in the county. Since Air. Mueller bought his land the county has become more thickly settled, and in 1894 the town of Cudahy was formed and Mr. Mueller wras able to dispose of his farm to the Cudahy brothers. He reserved his homestead, but his other property was so valuable that he was able to retire from active life and enjoy a well-earned respite from labor in the sunset years of his life. Mr. Mueller is a Republican in politics, and while he always takes an interest in local affairs, has never aspired to hold office, devoting his time to his farm and his family. On Jan. 5, 1868, Mr. Mueller was united in marriage with Augusta Rutz, the daughter of John and Iva Rutz, natives of Willenburg, Germany. Five children have been born to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mueller : Otto, deceased ; Rose, who is married and living in Racine, Wis. ; John, Mary and Julia. John is engaged in work for the Cudahy Packing Company at Cudahy, Wis., and Mary and Julia are both married and living in Cudahy. Mr. Mueller is the proud grandparent of seventeen children, whom he is watching grow up, honored among the citizens of Milwaukee county. The family are members of the German Lutheran church, the faith in which they were reared.

Herman Nuelk, an honored and respected citizen of Milwaukee county, and one of its most prosperous farmers, was born in Germany in 1862. His parents were John and Minna Nuelk, who were born in the "Vaterland" in 1814 and 1818, respectively. They immigrated to the United States in 1869, and soon after reaching this country located in .Milwaukee county and took up land. Herman, the subject of this sketch, was only seven years of age when his parents came to America and he received his educational discipline at the district school near his home in Milwaukee county, and subsequentlv attended the German school. After his studies were finished he engaged in farming-, and soon bought a farm of his own on which he has continued to reside for many years. Mr. Nuelk is a self-made man, and his success in life has been due to his capacity for management, work, and attention to every detail of the farm himself. He has prospered in accordance and is recognized as one of the substantial men of the county. On April 8, 1888, was solemnized the marriage of Herman Nuelk and Miss Minnie Differt, the daughter of Frederick and Lizzie ( Wauke) Differt, residents of Milwaukee county. Six children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nuelk: Edwin, Bernard, Herbie, Elsie, Eddie, and Lydia. Mr. Nuelk has ever given a loyal support to the Republican party, but has never been a seeker for official preferment. He is active in local affairs and is the school clerk for district No. 8, Milwaukee county.

Jacob Diderrich, of Granville, one of the prominent citizens and prosperous farmers of Milwaukee county, was born near Brown Deer, town of Granville, March 18, 1869, being the son of John N. and Margaretha (Gengler) Diederrich. Both parents, who are now deceased, were natives of Luxembourg, Germany, that beautiful, rugged country drained by the Moselle river. They immigrated to the Lmited States and settled in Milwaukee county, where Jacob was born. He was educated at St. Kathrine's schools, at Granville Center, for more than eight years, and after his studies were completed began to run the farm. Mr. Diderrich has twice crossed the ocean to visit the country where his parents were born and reared. Fourteen years ago he bought a farm of his own in the town of Granville, where he has continued to live ever since. He has progressive ideas as to farm management and conducts one of the best-equipped and successfullyoperated farms in the county. On June 5, 1897, he married Anna, the daughter of John M. and Katrine (Thomas) Diderrich, and though the two families have the same name they are not related. Mrs. Diderrich's parents were both natives of the valley of the Moselle, Luxembourg, Germany. She has six children, who are being reared and educated in the town of Granville: Marguerite, Susan. Joseph, Mary, Anna and Katie. Mr. Diederrich is a member of the Farmers' Equity Association. With his family he is a member of the German Catholic church and one of its substantial supporters. He is a Democrat in politics and one of the active members of his party.

Henry Graff, - On his attractive farm in the town of Granville, Milwaukee county, but a few miles from the city, resides this honest and sterling citizen of his native state. Mr. Graff was born on his father's homestead in the town of Granville, Feb. 28, 1855. the son of George and Mary (Pfiel) Graff, who were among the pioneer settlers of Milwaukee county. Both parents were natives of Germany, and the father served in the army of the Kaiser for three years. They immigrated to America to take advantage of the opportunities presented in a new country, and soon after landing on the shores of the United States, came west to Milwaukee county and took up land, where they reared their family. Henry, the subject of this sketch, was reared in the town of Granville, and received his scholastic training at a district school which he attended ten or twelve years. After leaving school he worked on a farm for a number of years and accumulated sufficient capital to buy a place of his own. Twelve years ago he established himself on the fine farm where he has continued to reside. Mr. Graff's success has been due to his own efforts, his capacity for work, and excellent management, and to-day he is recognized as one of the substantial and prosperous farmers of Milwaukee county. On May 18, 1900, he married Emma, the daughter of George and Henrietta Stoandy, residents of Mequon, Wis. Mr. Graff has never aspired to political office, but has given his allegiance unreservedly to the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church, to which their parents belonged.

William Sieger, a prominent citizen and well-to-do farmer of the town of Granville, Milwaukee county, was born at Berlin, the capital city of Germany, July 19, 1858, the son of John Sieger, born in Germany on Oct. 18, 1820, and Emile (Stuch) Sieger, also a native of Germany, born May 20, 1822. His parents always remained in the old country. When young the elder Sieger served for three years in the German army and was then mustered out of the service. William, the subject of this review, was given the advantages of the public schools of his native land, and also served the prescribed time in the army of the Kaiser. He came to the United States in 1883, and soon after landing on the shores of this country came to Milwaukee county and located in the town of Granville, where he was engaged in farming for eight years. In 1892 he came into Milwaukee and attended school for one term. Mr. Sieger secured a position with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, and his services proved so efficient that he remained with the road for ten years. During that time he accumulated sufficient capital to retire from the company and buy a farm in the town of Granville, where he has been engaged in farming for the past seven years. Today he is one of the substantial and successful farmers of the county. On Aug. 20, 1883, he married Ernestine, the daughter of Gottfried and Ernestine Wuhr, both natives of Germany. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sieger, and they have led happy lives on the farm : Amelia, Wilmut, Lena, Clara, William and Martha. Mr. Sieger does not belong to any secret societies, but is a stanch Republican in politics, and with his family is a member of the German Lutheran church.

Charles F. Ehlenfeldt, one of the sturdy German-Americans who has figured conspicuously in the development of Milwaukee county, is a native of Wisconsin, born in the town of Granville, July 7, 1875, the son of Charles and Minnie (Fauchert) Ehlenfeldt, who were born in Germany in 1843 ar>d 1844, respectively. They came to the new world to avail themselves of the many opportunities it presented to the determined and ambitious young man and w-.man. A rich reward was theirs; they took up land in the town of Granville, built their home and raised their family in plenty. ( lharles F., the subject of this sketch, was reared on this homestead in Milwaukee county, received his early educational dicipline in the district schools near his home, and subsequently attended the German school at West Granville for three terms. He always assisted his father on the home place, and after his school days were over devoted his entire attention to farming. As his parents grew older he assumed more and more of the responsibilities, and to-day he is the owner of the farm where he first saw the light of day. Mr. Ehlenfeldt has paid strict attention to business and is recognized as one of the most substantial citizens of ( iranville. He pays unswerving allegiance to the Republican party, though he has never aspired to public office. On Sept. 16, 1896, he was married to Minnie, the daughter of John and Freda Fielback, residents of North Milwaukee. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ehlenfeldt are communicants of the German Lutheran church.

Frederick William Knabel is one of the progressive and energetic German-American farmers of Milwaukee county, whose ability and high personal character have contributed to its growth and development. He is a native of Wisconsin, born near North Milwaukee, July 24, 1847, tne son 01 Casper and Hanna (Leister) Knabel. The father was a native of Germany who immigrated to the L nited States at an early day. Before he left the Fatherland he had served in the army of the Kaiser for three years, and took part in several of the battles that occurred during the rise of several of the German states, from 1830 to 1837. When Casper Knabel first came to the new world he located in Pennsylvania, where he met and married Hanna Leister, a native of Bucks county, Pa. They heard of the wonderful opportunities in the new western states and territories, and came to Wisconsin which was covered with virgin forests. Nothing daunted by the wilderness, Frederick's father took up land in Milwaukee county, built his rude home of logs, lit his hearth fire, and was at home. He cleared his land and engaged in farming. Many were the hardships of those pioneer days. Flour of a course kind was made by grinding the grain by hand between stones; salt had to be obtained from Chicago, and Indians were more frequent visitors than white men. Mr. and Mrs. Knabel had lived in their new home in the wilderness six years when Frederick was born. He received his educational training at the district schools of the town of Granville, and then assisted his father on the farm. As he grew to manhood's estate he assumed more of the burdens and responsibilities of the place, and as a reward for the care and loving devotion, received the old place as a present from his father. Mr. Knabel has always remained on the home place, which his parents hewed from the wilderness, and to-day he is one of the oldest residents and most substantial citizens of the county. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party ; he is always interested in the welfare of the community, and he takes an active part in local affairs. For fouteen years he has given a devoted service to the interests of education, being school clerk, and for nine years he has held the responsible position of school director. On June 6, 1872, he was united in marriage with Marguerite, the daughter of Peter and Christine Hennes, who were among the earlv settiers of North Milwaukee. Six children have been born on the hospitable old homestead, where there has always been plenty to supply each child with greater advantages than his parents dreamed of having in their childhood. John, Clara, Julia, Anna, Frank, and Emma have all been reared to maturity on the farm where their father was born. Mr. Knabel and his family are devout members of the German Catholic church.

Henry L. Schletz, is a native of Wisconsin, born in Milwaukee on May 24, 1864, the son of Joseph Schletz, a native of Germany, and Caroline (Heuer) Schletz, who was born and reared at Hamilton, Wis. The grandfather served in the German army and took an active part in his country's wars, fighting against the valiant army of Napoleon. Joseph Schletz, our subject's father, sprang from that hardy, sturdy race which is noted for its indomitable will and perseverance, and he immigrated to the new world to carve out his own fortune. After landing on the shores of America he came to Wisconsin and located in Milwaukee, where he married and established his home. Henry L., the subject of this sketch, was reared in his native city and attended the public schools for two years before he entered the German Lutheran Academy. In five years he completed a course of study with great credit to himself, and then engaged in commercial life, being employed by the Kirkland & Starkey Brick Company. Mr. Schletz became one of the trusted and confidential employes, and during his eighteen years of service with this firm won nothing but esteem and respect from his employers and fellow-workmen. After severing his connection with this company he went to Montana for a year, but returned to Milwaukee and became associated with the Blatz Brewing Company, with whom he remained three years. In 1902 Mr. Schletz bought his present fine farm in North Milwaukee, where he has since engaged in farming with marked success. He is progressive in his ideas and methods, and by excellent management has become one of the prosperous citizens of the county. He is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and is a member of the church in which he was raised, the German Catholic. He is also a member of St. Joseph's Society, and a willing worker in both it and the church.

Louis F. Tennessen. - The opportunities of the West have developed many successful farmers who challenge admiration, and to the thoughtful man a valuable lesson is to be gained from the lives of these sons of the soil. Louis F. Tennessen, whose career is but briefly outlined in this sketch, is a self-made man, one who by personal merit, mental vigor, and integrity climbed to his present position in the county. He was born in the town of Granville, Milwaukee county, Dec. 14, 1865, the son of Mathias and Kathrine Tennessen, who were born in Germany in 1832 and 1837, respectively. The father was in active service in the German army before he left his native land to establish a home in the new world. He landed in this countrv in i8=;6, and cominsr west located in Milwaukee county, where he purchased a farm and followed that vocation all his life. Mathias Tennessen was called away from this world in 1897, passing to the land from which no traveler re- turns. Louis, our subject, was reared on his father's farm in the town of Granville, and received the rudiments of a practical education in the Granville public schools. At the age of seventeen years he went to work for his father on the farm and continued in partnership with him until he died, when Louis took charge of the farm and business, which he has successfully carried on ever since. In addition to the farm he runs a hotel and saloon in Granville, which his father had established some years before his death. Mr. Tennessen is a Democrat and takes an active part in local politics; he has been justice of the peace and notary public since 1902, and is the present incumbent of the office of school clerk in district No. 9. He is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church, and is widely known for his prowess as a hunter and fisherman. Mr. Tennessen conducts one of the finest hotels in Milwaukee count}', where he dispenses a gracious hospitality to all his patrons.

John Drefahl was born in Milwaukee on June 15, 1862, the son of John and Caroline (Borne) Drefahl, both of whom were born and reared in Germany. The parents determined to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the new world and bidding adieu to home and kindred, sailed for America. They landed in 1853, after thirteen weeks on the water, and came directly to Milwaukee. The father was a mason in the Fatherland and followed that vocation after he was established in his new home. With every prospect bright, a happy home and fine children. Mr. Drefahl was cut down in his prime and laid to rest in 1863. He was survived by his sorrowing wife and children. Left to face the world alone, Caroline Drefahl shouldered the responsibilities and reared her family. She died on March n, 1908. Before Mr. Drefahl came to the United States he had served in the German army and was honorably dismised at he close of his term of enlistment. John, the subject of this sketch, received a practical education in the public schools of Milwaukee. He began life on his own account as a farmer, and though he had little means to begin with, fortune has dealt kindly with him. In 1887 he bought eighty-nine acres of land, and he now has a beautiful home in Milwaukee county. For many years he has been in the dairy business, which he has conducted successfully and profitably. Mr. Drefahl is a Republican and takes an active part in local affairs. He is clerk of the school board. In 1883 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Drefahl and Clara, the daughter of Christopher and Emily Ebert, of Milwaukee. They were among the earlv settlers of Milwaukee, and after locating in the citv Mr. Ebert engaged in the cooperage business. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Drefahl: Clara. Delia, Herman, John. Alma, William, Henry, Arthur and Minnie, who died in childhood.

Henry Miller, a well-to-do and progressive farmer, of the town of Oak Creek, living near South Milwaukee, was born at Biern, Germany, Feb. T4, 1850. His parents were Peter and Catherine (Klein) Miller, born in Germany in 1808 and 1810. respectively. They immigrated to the United States about the middle of the nineteenth century, located in the town of Oak Creek, in 1852, and took up 120 acres of land, all of which has been kept in the farm except four acres that were sold to the railroad. Peter Miller cleared his farm and became one of the most prosperous of the early settlers of the county. For fourteen years he was road overseer, was one of the men who always stood for progress and improvement, and he was an important figure in movements for town improvements. During his life Mr. Miller reared ten children, only five of whom are still living - three sons and two daughters. With his family he was a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Miller passed over the great divide in 1885, after a life that was unselfish, upright, and devoted to his fellow-men. His widow survived him only five years and passed to her long rest in 1890. Henry, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm and attended the public schools of the district, and after his studies were finished began to assist his father on the farm. He still owns 116 acres of the old homestead which his father cleared more than half a century ago. He has a fine home and is one of the progressive farmers who realize the value of modern methods, and he has installed all the improvements that he can use on his place. He takes an active interest in the policies of the Republican party, of which he is a stanch supporter, and with his wife, is a member of the Lutheran church. On June 20, 1872, he married Emma Schmidt, born in the town of Oak Creek, Jan. 26, 185 1, the daughter of Adam and Julia eSchmidt, both of whom were born in Germany, came to the United States and located on a farm in the town of Oak Creek in 1850. Mrs. Schmidt was called from the cares of this life in 1864, and her husband died in 1877. They had five children - two sons and three daughters - all of whom are living. To Henry Miller and his wife have been born eight children : Lena, Charles, Henry, Julia, Oscar, Emma, Katie, and George, who have all been reared and educated on the fine old homestead which their father owns.

Lewis H. Goelzer, of Oakwood, Milwaukee county, is recognized as one of its most prosperous and substantial citizens. He is a native of Wisconsin, born at Oakwood, Nov. 13, 1872, the son of Jacob Goelzer, who was born at Franklin, Wis., and Mary Goelzer, a native of Germany. The paternal grandparents were Daniel Goelzer, of Bavaria, Germany, and Margaret (Weingard) Goelzer, who was born in Prussia. Daniel came to America in 1836, but returned the next year to marry, and when he brought his wife with him, located at Franklin, Milwaukee county. In partnership with a Mr. Maher, he purchased one of the first sections of land in the township, directly from the government, the patent to which was signed by President Taylor. Subsequently Mr. Goelzer bought 208 acres additional land, which made him one of the largest landholders in the county. His wife died in 1868, and from that time he lived very quietly until called from the cares of life in 1900, a1 the hale old age of ninety-two years. During his life Mr. Goelzer reared five children : Lucy ; Lewis D. ; Jacob, our subject's father; Caroline, and Daniel. [acob was reared on his father's farm near Franklin and became a farmer, owning 140 acres of land. In 1863 he married Mary Gnetlich, whose parents were among the pioneer settlers of Milwaukee county. Seven children were horn to this union: Emma, August, Caroline, Lewis, Ida and Katherine. Lewis, the subject of this sketch, received his educational discipline in the district and public schools of the town of Oak Creek, and then finished a course in the Oak Creek high school. When his studies were completed he engaged in farming and soon bought a place of his own, and he now owns 126 acres of the best land .in the county, where he does general farming. Mr. Goelzer is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party and always takes an active part in politics. When only twenty-four years of age he was elected to the responsible position of town clerk, which position he still holds.

John L. Holm, one of the old residents and prominent citizens of Oakwood, Wis., was born in the town of Oak Creek, Milwaukee county, April 20, 1874. His parents were John and Mary Holm, who were born at Mecklenberg, Germany, July 13, 1825, and in 1834, respectively. The paternal grandparents, John and Dora Holm, immigrated to the United States at an early day and located near Worth, 111., where the grandfather lived until 1873 and the grandmother until 1893. The father came to Milwaukee county in 1853, and there met and married his wife, in 1857. Seven children were born to this union : Henry, Helen, Dora, Ida, Emma, Mary, and John, who is the subject of this review. The father was a Republican, and with his wife was a member of St. John's Lutheran church. The elder Mrs. Holm passed away on Sept. 2, 1891. John received his preliminary education at the public schools of the town of Oak Creek and then attended the high school at Oakwood, where he graduated with credit, and he has since had charge of his father's farm. He has never specialized, but does general farminq- on his fine farm of ninetv-four acres. Mr. Holm was united in marriage on June 10, 1908, to Miss Carrie Zimmermann, who was born in Racine county. She is the daughter of Valentine and Minnie (Miller) Zimmermann, of Caledonia. Mrs. Zimmermann died in March, 1894, and her husband still resides at Caledonia. They had a family of eight children - six daughters and two sons. Mr. Holm is a Republican, and while he always takes an active interest in politics has never aspired to office. Both he and his wife are members of St. John's Lutheran church.

Benjamin Baden, a popular resident of Milwaukee county and one of its substantial farmers, is a native of the county, born at Franklin, Feb. 16, 1861, the son of Peter and Johanna Gertrude (Schliegh) Baden, both of whom were born in 1 [olland, in 1819 and 1818, respectively. The father of the subject of this sketch came to America in 1844. He remained in New York city, two years later he was joined by his wife, and then moved to Milwaukee during the early days of settlement. Peter Baden located in Franklin and bought the farm where his five children were born. He cleared his land and became one of the best farmers of the county, having learned farming in Holland. On Feb. 8, 1899, he was called from the cares of life, and is survived by his wife - the partner of the hardships and triumphs of an existence on the frontier - only two years, as she died on March 1, 1901. During their lives both Mr. and Mrs. Peter Baden were members of the Reformed Lutheran church. Benjamin, the subject of this sketch, received his educational training at the public schools of the town of Franklin and as soon as his studies were finished engaged in farming. He soon bought a place for himself and he now owns 120 acres of the finest land in the county. Mr. Baden does general farming and runs a large truck form, where early vegetables are raised for the Milwaukee market. Mr. Baden is a member of the Republican party, in which he takes an active interest, and he has held several public offices; from 1896 to 1906 he was supervisor of the town of Franklin, and in 1906 was re-elected to the same position. Besides the time devoted to this, he is a director of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of the towns of Franklin and Oak Creek. On March 26, 1885, Mr. Baden was married to Jennie, the daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth Breker, both early settlers of Milwaukee county. Five children have been born and reared on their parents' farm : Peter E., Elizabeth, Carrie, Herbert, and Jeanette, all of whom are living. The family are all members of the Reformed Lutheran church.

Frederich H. Schmidt, of Oakwood, Milwaukee county, is a native of Wisconsin, born at Franklin, Nov. 3, i860, the son of Frederich and Rosina (Knoell) Schmidt. The father was born in Alsace-Lorraine, that beautiful country which lies between Germany and France, and the mother was a native of Germany. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Frederick Schmidt, and his wife, Mary Ann Schmidt, emigrated to America from the Fatherland in 1845, and came to Wisconsin at the time so many of the sturdy sons of Germany were opening up and developing the territory. They took up land in the town of Franklin, cleared it, and engaged in farming until they died. Mr. Schmidt was called from the cares of life in 1875 and his widow survived him only three years. Frederich's maternal grandparents were Henry and Marguerite Knoell, who were among the early settlers of the town of Franklin, locating here in 1844. They became farmers and continued to live there all their lives. Mr. Knoell died in 1868 and his wife in 1873. Our subject's father came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1845, when fifteen years of age, and after working on his father's farm for several years bought a place of his own and married Rosina Knoell. Ten children came to bless this union, of whom only three are now living. Mr. Schmidt was a Republican in politics and always took an active part in local affairs. He was chairman of the county board for about fifteen years and supervisor For several terms. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church, the faith of their fathers. Mrs. Schmidt died in 1886, and from that time her husband lived very quietly, until he too was railed on the long journey from which no traveler returns, Jan. 30, 1896. Frederich, Jr., the subject of this review, was reared on his lather's farm and received his educational training at the public schools of the town of Franklin. After finishing his studies, Mr. Schmidt engaged in farming, and has since successfully continued in that vocation. He owns and manages one of the large truck farms that supplies the Milwaukee market with garden vegetables. He combines truck farming, general farming and stock raising, owning some of the finest pure-blooded Jersey cows and Duroc hogs, and he is now one of the substantial and progressive farmers of the count}'. He is a stanch member of the Republican party, and while he takes an active interest in politics, his bus}' life leaves him no time for public office. On June 5, 1888, Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage with Philopina Knoell, a native of the town of Franklin, born there on Sept. 14, 1868, the daughter of Valentine and Philopina (Zimmermann) Knoell. Mrs. Schmidt's father came to Franklin in 1836, with his parents, who took up land and lived there all their lives. When he grew to manhood's estate he married and reared his family in the s^rae locality where he was reared. Mr. Knoell's wife, Miss Zimmermann, came to Franklin in 1838 and there her parents were farmers. They lived to see the county become one of the most important and thickly populated in the state, though it was a virgin forest when they took up land. To our subject and his wife five children have been born to comfort them in their declining years : Sadie L., Myron, Winifred (deceased), Fred (deceased), and Orin. The family are members of the Lutheran church.

Lieut.-Col. Jerome A. Watrous, United States Army, was born in Conklin, Broome county, N. Y., Sept. 6, 1840. When four years old his parents removed to Wisconsin. Four years later, his father, Capt. O. J. Watrous, died, and his mother and her children returned to York State. The subject of this sketch wrorked on a farm for his board and clothes and three months of schooling each winter, until he was fifteen. At sixteen he taught school one term in Pennsylvania, and in 1857 he returned to Calumet county, Wis. He taught school the winters of 1858-59; attended Lawrence I niversity part of a term, then began his career as a printer, and a few months later as an editor. He was an editor and publisher at Appleton when the Civil war broke out, and he enlisted under President Lincoln's first call, but the company, like thirty others, was not ordered to camp. He again enlisted, under the next call, and was mustered in on July 16, 1861, as a private in Company E, Sixth Wisconsin infantry. The following winter he was made ordnance sergeant of a brigade, and after the battle of Antietam was advanced to ordnance-sergeant of a division. He re-enlisted at the end of three years, was made sergeant-major of his regiment, and a little later, first lientenant and adjutant, finishing his service as adjutant-general of the "Iron Brigade" on the staff of Gen. John A. Kellogg. His horse was shot under him at the battle of Gravelly Run, Va., March 31, 1865, and he was captured and taken to Libby prison. For service in the last-named battle he was brevetted captain. Upon muster out, May 15, 1865, the young officer returned to his calling as an editor, first on the Jackson County Banner. In 1866 he was county superintendent of schools, and that fall he was elected to the state legislature from the counties of Jackson and Clark. He declined a re-nomination, and in 1869 became one of the editors and proprietors of the Fond du Lac Commonwealth, and was one of the founders of the present Daily Commonwealth. In 1870 he was the Republican candidate for Congress in that district. In 1879 he became one of the editors and proprietors of the Milwaukee Telegraph, and for fifteen years was its editor, during which time he served as collector of customs for the Milwaukee district, and also as department commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. He served as colonel and later as brigadier-general on the staff of Gov. J. M. Rusk. At the opening of the Spanish-American war General Watrous tendered his services to both the governor of the state and the president. On June 15, 1898, he was commissioned a major in the regular army and served on the Atlantic coast until June, 1899, when he was made chief paymaster of the Department of the Columbia, on the staff of Gen. YV. R. Shafter, with headquarters at Portland, Ore. The following year he was assigned to duty at Manila. Six months later he was made chief paymaster, Department of the Visayas, and in December, 1901, Avhen the four departments were consolidated into two, Major Watrous became chief paymaster, Department of the South Philippines, on the staff of Maj.-Gen. J. T. Wade. In September, 1904, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, United States army, and retired for age. Since then he has followed his old calling as writer and now resides at Whitewater, Wis. Colonel Watrous has been a Thirty-third degree Mason since 1888.

George Wilbur Peck, the sixteenth governor of Wisconsin, was born in Henderson, Jefferson county, N. Y., on Sept. 28, 1840, the son of David B. and Alzina Peck. When he was three years of age his parents removed to Wisconsin and settled near Whitewater, and in the schools of that vicinity the future governor received his early educational advantages. In 1855 he entered the office of the Whitewater Register as an apprentice, and when he had mastered his trade worked as a journeyman on various papers in the state, finally becoming foreman of the Watertown Republican. He then served for a time as hotel clerk at Janesville, remaining there until the proprietor failed in i860, and then established the Jefferson County Republican. In 1863 he disposed of his interests and removed to Madison, where for a time he was engaged as a type-setter on the Wisconsin State Journal. Later in the same year he enlisted as a private in the Fourth Wisconsin cavalry, and after the cessation of hostilities was mustered out as a lieutenant. Upon his return to the state he started the Ripon Representative, but sold t in 1868 to go to New York to accept an editorship on Pomroy's I (emocrat. Three years later Mr. Peck returned to Wisconsin and became the editor of the La Crosse branch of the same paper, and in 1S74 purchased a half interest in it. The same year he started

Peck's Sun, which he removed to Milwaukee in [878. While in La Crosse he served one year as chief of police of the city, and during the legislative session of 1874 he was chief clerk of the assembly. Peck's Sun became famous after it was removed to the Cream City, its paid circulation at one time being 80,000. Mr. Peck was not again active in politics until 1890, when he was elected mayor of Milwaukee on the Democratic ticket by a majority of 6,000 votes. In the fall of the same year he was nominated for governor by the Democratic state convention and was elected by 28,000 plurality. Two years later he was again nominated and again elected, by 8,000 majority. In i8<)4 he was his party's candidate for governor, but with the balance of his party throughout the Northwest, went down in defeat. Ten years later, in 1904, he again became his party's choice for the gubernatorial nomination, but failed of election. Thus it will be seen that Mr. Peck has the unique distinction of having been four times a candidate for governor of the commonwealth. He is well known throughout the country through his humorous writtings. In i860 Governor Peck was united in manage to Miss Francena Rowley, of Delavan, Wis. Since his retirement from office he has lived retired in Milwaukee.

William Bertram. - The lives of the self-made men of this century seldom furnish incidents of romance ; it is energy and perseverance that give them distinction, not circumstances. One who has fought a good fight and come to the front is the man who heads this sketch. William Bertram was born in Germany on Nov. 25, 1848, and is a son of August and Wilhelmenia (Metz) Bertram, who were born in Germany in 18 13 and 1807, respectively. His father was a farmer in the Fatherland, and reared two sons and one daughter. The family were Lutherans, and in that faith the father died in 1868, leaving the wife and three children. The brave mother took up the battle of life and reared her children ; when they had reached maturity the cares of life slipped from her shoulders and she passed to her long rest in 1886. Our subject remained in Germany until he was thirty-four years of age, when he came to the new world to make his fortune, and located in Wisconsin. Immediately after his arrival in this country he worked on a farm for six months as a laborer, while he learned the Engdish language. Within four years, by industry and care, he had accumulated enough capital to buy a farm in Milwaukee county, and he is now the proud owner of seventy-one acres of excellent farming land where he has introduced many of the improvements and modern methods of conducting a farm. Mr. Bertram has not confined himself to any one line, but does general fanning. He is a stanch Republican in political allegiance, and with his wife is one of the willing workers in the Lutheran church. Mr. Bertram was married on Feb. 9, 1874, to Marie Lacher. a native of Germany, born there in 1846, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Reder) Lacher. They have five fine children : Martha, Otto, Lizzie, Max and Charlie

Greenfield, Milwaukee county, Aug. 23, 1871, the son of Henry and Caroline (Tetzlau) Gennerotsky. The father was born at West Faher, Germany, and the mother is a native of the same country, born there in 1S35. They determined to avail themselves of the opportunities offered in America, and bade adieu to the Fatherland and sailed for the new world. After landing they came west and were among the first settlers in the town of Greenfield, Milwaukee county, where the subject of this sketch was born. This first farm Henry Gennerotsky sold and bought sixty acres of land in Franklin, where Fred still lives. Mr. Gennerotsky cleared his land, built a new home, and was just settling down to enjoy the sunset years of his life, when he was summoned by the Angel of Death. His wife still lives, having counted her three-score-yearsand-ten, and she is a hale old lady of seventy-three years of age. She bore eleven children, of whom only four are now living. Both she and her husband were members of the Lutheran church. Fred, the subject of this sketch, was given the benefits of an education in the parochial and public schools of Milwaukee county. After finishing school he returned to his father's farm to care for the family and manage the property, and after his father's death assumed the entire control of the estate of sixty acres, which he is still in charge of. So far his life has been devoted to the happiness, welfare and comfort of others. In January, 1905, he married Ella Torkamp, the daughter of Herman and Minnie Torkamp, of the town of Franklin. Mrs. Gennerotsky's mother died some years ago, but her father still conducts his farm in Franklin. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gennerotsky - Herman and Herbert - both sturdy boys who delight their fond parents' hearts. Mr. Gennerotsky is a Republican in politics, and with his wife he belongs to the Lutheran church.

Joseph Stubenbeck, an honored citizen and prosperous farmer of Milwaukee county, was born in Milwaukee on Oct. 5, 1845, the son of Ferdinand and Minnie Stubenbeck, who were natives of Germany. They immigrated to the United States about the middle of the Nineteenth century and located in Milwaukee. Joseph was descended from a long line of sturdy Germans, and after completing his studies in the public schools engaged in farming. He was industrious, paid strict attention to the details of all the farm work, and to-day is regarded as one of the most substantial farmers of the county. Mr. Stubenbeck is a Democrat, gives unqualified indorsement to the principles of that party, and with his family is a devout member of the Catholic church, in which he was reared. His wife was formerly Miss Hattie Kohla, the daughter of Joseph and Regina Kohla. Two children were born to this union, George and Willie. Mr. and Mrs. Stubenbeck are well known in the county, and nowhere is a more gracious hospitality dispensed than at their home.

August Voeks, one of the sturdy sons of the "Vaterland" who have done SO much for the building up of Wisconsin, was born in Prussia, Germany, Jan. 6, 1834, the son of Jule and Marie Voeks, who were born and reared in the same country, and where they resided all their lives. August, the subject of this sketch, received his education in the public schools of his native land, and after finishing his studies became a farmer. He heard of the great opportunities presented in America, and immigrated to this country when eighteen years of age, landing in Milwaukee on June 28, 1852. Within a short time he went to work as a farm hand, seven and a half miles north of Milwaukee, but was not content to remain a paid employe for any length of time, and by care he was able to save up enough capital to buy a piece of land of his own. At different times he has added to his land and now owns one of the finest farms in the county. Mr. Voeks is a stanch Democrat, takes an active interest in politics and local affairs, and at the present time is supervisor and school treasurer. On Sept. 7, 1857, he married Miss Annie Kruger, and eleven children have been made welcome and reared on the homestead in Milwaukee county : Fred, William, Emma, Louis, Otto, Louise, August, Henry, Minnie, Pauline and Carrie. Air. Voeks and his family are communicants and willing workers in the Lutheran church.

Lawrence Gengler, one of the best-known and most useful citizens of his years and occupation, was born in the town of Granville, Milwaukee county, Sept. 5, 1875, son of John and Barbara Gengler. The parents were natives of Germany who immigrated to America, the land of promise to so many sturdy sons of the "Vaterland", and they located in Milwaukee county at an early day, where they carved a farm from the wilderness, and established a home. There their children were born and reared in a home supplied by the generous hand of nature. Lawrence, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on his father's farm and obtained the rudiments of a practical education in the schools of his native town. Subsequently he attended Milwaukee College, where he finished a course with great credit. After leaving college he engaged in farming, in which vocation he has since continued. Mr. Gengler has met with success in his chosen life-work, due to his untiring energy, attention to the details of his farm, and his up-to-date methods, which have brought him twofold profits. On Nov. 8, 1900, Mr. Gengler was united in marriage with an estimable young lady and four children have been born to bless this union : Arthur, Rhea, Lydia and Sedonia, who all lead happy, care-free lives on their father's farm. Mr. Gengler is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party and always takes an active interest in politics. Both he and his wife are devout Catholics, and members of that church.

Michael J. Poellman, one of the substantial and progressive farmers of Milwaukee county, is a native of Wisconsin, born at Hartford, Washington county, Jan. 20, 1876. His parents were John M. and Margaret Poellman, both natives of Bavaria, Germany, who immigrated to the United States at an early day and located in Wisconsin. Michael's father was a well-to-do man, and determined that his son should have an excellent education. Michael attended the public schools and then finished a course at

Marquette college, Milwaukee, and subsequently went to the State University at Madison, where he did most creditable work. After leaving' the university he engaged in farming, and worked on different farms for some time before he became associated with his father. In 1900 he bought a farm from his father, and this he has since conducted with great success. Mr. Poellman has introduced new and modern methods of farming on his land and has demonstrated that they pay. He is a member of the Democratic party and takes an active interest in its policies; he is always interested in the welfare of the community, and to this end has been elected road commissioner. On May 28, 1907, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Poellman and Katherine Becker, the daughter of Nicholas and Margaret Becker, both residents of Wisconsin.

George Haeberlein, one of the representative farmers of Milwaukee county, is a native of Wisconsin, born at Milwaukee, March 5, 1859, of sturdy German stock. His parents were Paul and Margaret Haeberlein, natives of Germany, who immigrated to this country and located in the state when it was an untamed wilderness, and almost covered with virgin forests. Paul Haeberlein took up land, cleared it, established his home and raised his family. Both he and his wife were among those hardy German pioneers who developed this great state and placed it in the front rank it occupies to-day. George, the subject of this sketch, received his education in the public schools near his home, and then was sent to private schools to finish his studies. After leaving school he went to work on his father's farm, and when twenty-five years of age his father gave him the old homestead, where he still continues to reside. Mr. Haeberlein has progressive ideas, takes an active interest in the questions of the day, and is one of the successful farmers in his district. He is a public-spirited man, has been road master for a number of years, and at present holds that position for a term of three years. On Dec. 1, 1893, Mr. Haeberlein was united in marriage with Annie Kolpack, the daughter of William and Ernestine Kolpack, of Wisconsin. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Haeberlein, on the farm where there is always enough and to spare for each child - Alma, Hulda, Helen, Tillie, George, Emma, Agnes, Arthur, Florence and Ruth - all of whom have led happy lives at the dear old home. Mr. Haeberlein belongs to no secret societies, but is a willing worker in the Lutheran church, of which he is a communicant.

Joseph V. Quarles is a native son of Wisconsin who has won well-merited distinction in the professional and political world by close application and the development of extraordinary talents with which nature so generously endowed him. Judge Quarles was born at Kenosha (at that time known as Southport), Wis., Dec. 16, 1843- son of Joseph V. and Caroline (Bullen) Quarles, the former of whom was born at Ossipee, N. H., in 1800, and the latter at Han- Y., in 1803. The father died in 1873 and the mother in The maternal grandfather of Judge Quarles was General Bullen, who was a leading man in the earlv times amonsr the Ke- nosha county settlers, having located in that county himself in 1836. He it was who led the settlers, or "squatters" as they were called, to the land sale at Milwaukee in 1838, where they protected their rights against the speculators who sought to dispossess them of the land which they had improved. Armed with hickory sticks, etc., as their weapons of warfare, they succeeded in driving the speculators from the field, and each one of the settlers secured the land he had improved as a "squatter." Joseph V. Quarles, Sr., came to Southport, now Kenosha, in 1838, and afterward became a member of the firm of Mitchell & Quarles, wagon manufacturers, which was an important industrial establishment in Southwest Wisconsin until 1858, when it went out of existence as a result of the widespread financial depression of 1857. Judge Quarles attended the public schools of Kenosha, graduating in the high school of that place in 1861, after which he spent some time in teaching. In 1862 he matriculated at the University of Michigan, but at the end of his second year in that institution he left college for the purpose of becoming a soldier in the Civil war. In May, 1864, he enlisted as a private in Company C of the Thirty-ninth Wisconsin infantry and was elected first lieutenant of his company. The regiment was organized at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, for the 100-days' service and left the state on June 13. It reached Memphis, Tenn., on the 17th and was assigned to the Third brigade, of which Col. Buttrick of the regiment was commander. The command had a brush with Forrest's cavalry near the Hernando road, the enemy, 5,000 strong, breaking through the picket lines and entering Memphis. Judge Quarles was engaged in guard and picket duty until his term of service expired, and he was mustered out at Milwaukee on Sept. 22, 1864. He immediately re-entered the University of Michigan and graduated with the class of 1866, receiving the scholastic degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then began the study of law and in 1868 was admitted to the bar upon examination. Entering at once upon the practice of his profession with headquarters at Kenosha, he rapidly rose to prominence and was honored with the positions of mayor of Kenosha, district attorney and at different times member of both houses of the Wisconsin legislature. During a portion of the time when he was located at Kenosha he had as a partner in his legal practice his brother, Charles Quarles, but later Judge Quarles removed to Racine, where the law firm of Quarles & Winslow was formed, the junior member of which was John B. AVinslow, at present chief justice of the state supreme court. After the elevation of Judge Winslow to the circuit court bench Thomas W. Spence became a member of the firm and its name was changed to Quarles & Spence. This firm continued to practice at Racine until 1888, when it was removed to Milwaukee, and four years later the firm of Quarles, Spence & Quarles was organized, the additional member being Charles Quarles. Judge Quarles remained connected with this firm until 1899, when, Inning been elected to represent Wisconsin in the United States senate, he severed his relations and turned his attention to legislative duties at Washington. After serving one term he retired from the senate in 1905, and soon thereafter was appointed by President Roosevelt to the position of Judge of the United States court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The sequel has shown the wisdom of the president in elevating Judge Quarks to this high judicial station. Endowed by nature with the judicial temperment and schooled by nearly forty years of actual practice at the bar, his analytical mind soon fathoms the intricacies of each case that comes before him. Firm without being unnecessarily harsh, and with the welfare of the body politic always uppermost in his mind, his decisions are based upon the principles of absolute justice. Off the bench the Judge is a genial, companionable gentleman. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and the Loyal Legion, and also the Milwaukee and Old Settlers' clubs, in all of which he is deservedly popular because of his many sterling qualities and his general good fellowship. On Sept. 25, 1868, Judge Quarks and Miss Carrie A. Saunders, of Lawrence, Kan., were united in marriage and this union has been blessed by the birth of three sons, viz : William C, Joseph V.j Jr., and Edward L.

Frank C. Espenhain, deceased, who made an impress upon the commercial life of Milwaukee long before he became a resident of that city, was born in Belleville, 111., in 1843. He received his early education there, and when a young man went to St. Louis, where he enlisted in a Missouri infantry regiment and saw active service during the Civil war. After the cessation of hostilities he determined to make St. Louis his home, and became interested in the dry goods business there. Promotions came to him rapidly, and within a few years he was conducting, a store of his own. Subsequently he established branch stores at Belleville, 111., and Terre Haute, Ind., and in 1875 established the Milwaukee store, which in time became one of the foremost drygoods houses in the Northwest. Mr. Espenhain continued to reside in St. Louis until 1902, in which year the growth of the Milwaukee end of the business necessitated his removal to this city. He purchased a residence at the corner of Twelfth street and Grand avenue, but soon after coming his health became impaired and aside from his business he had to devote himself entirely to maintaining his health. In the summer of 1904 he went with his wife to Petoskey, Mich., in the hope of bettering his condition, but he gradually failed, and on Sept. 2, took the long journey. Besides his widow he left four daughters: Mrs. Xklson, of St. Louis; Mrs. Ortwein, of St. Moritz, Switzerland; Mrs. Walker, of Denver; and Mrs. Schulze, of Milwaukee; and a son, Frank.

John C. Ludwig, judge of the circuit court of Milwaukee, is a native of the city where he resides, and was born on Dec. 1, 1850. His parents, Joseph and Gertrude (Schaefer) Ludwig, were both Germans. John C. acquired his early education in private schools. At the age of fourteen he left school and served an apprenticeship with a jeweler, remaining in this work until he was twenty years of age. At that time he decided to follow the legal profession, and began his studies in the office of Mann & Cotzhausen, of Milwaukee, being admitted to the bar on March 25, 1875. He soon afterward entered upon the practice of his profession, continuing his work as an attorney until his appointment to the position of judge of the superior court, now circuit court, of Milwaukee county, to fill the vacancy made by the death of Judge E. L. Gilson. The appointment was made by Governor Peck, June 13, 1892, and before the expiration of the term, Jan. 1, 1894, Judge Ludwig was elected for the ensuing term of six years. Although his early educational advantages were somewhat limited, he is a man of wide reading and culture, and has been a hard student all of his professional life. The same qualities which enabled him, unaided and in the face of many obstacles, to rise to a high and responsible position, also conferred the power to efficiently fill it. He possesses in a large degree the judicial attributes, and his rulings as judge have been generally accepted by his confreres as well grounded in law and equity. Judge Ludwig is a Democrat in his politics, but during his long term as judge he has not been active in political affairs. He was school commissioner for the First ward of the city from 1877 to 1880, and trustee of the asvlum for the chronic insane of Milwaukee county from 1890 to 1892. He has always been active in the social and benevolent life of the city, and belongs to a number of the leading clubs and other organizations having these ends in view. In religious matters he is a communicant of the Catholic church.

Adolph Doctor, deceased, was born in Prussia in 1845, an<^ came direct to Milwaukee with his parents from the Fatherland in 1852. After he had completed the scholastic training afforded by the public schools of the city he learned the trade of butcher, and several years afterward established, at the corner of Grand avenue and Fourth street, a butcher shop, in partnership with his brother, Meyer Doctor, now also deceased. The venture flourished from the start, and in 1889 Mr. Doctor was enabled to retire with an excellent competency which allowed him to live quietly until the time of his death, which occurred on Dec. 20. 1894. At the time of passing away he was the oldest member of Kilbourn lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he was an honorary member. He was also a prominent member of the Old Settlers' Club and several other organizations.

Currie Brothers, florists, of Milwaukee, includes the following members : James Currie, born at Fenwick, Ayrshire, Scotland, June 10, 1853; Adam Currie, born in Girnan, Ayrshire, Dec. 24, 1854; and William, born in the same place, Dec. 8, 1856. There are also two sisters, Mary A. G. and Jessie, who are residents of Milwaukee. The father of the family, James Currie, born July 3, 1827, also in Ayrshire, came to Milwaukee in 1886. His whole life was devoted to landscape gardening and floral culture. He laid out the famous crardens of Sir Peter Coates on the banks of the Doon and was much interested in the beautifying of the city, especially the public parks. He was a member of St. Andrews' Society and the Mil- waukee Curling Club. His death occurred Oct. 29, 1905, and he is buried in Forest Home Cemetery. The Curries have been residents of Ayrshire since the days of Wallace of the Thirteenth century and the family is numerous in that shire, the Milwaukee family being the first to emigrate from the ancestral home. Mrs. Currie, born Anne Boyd, in Ayrshire, is a descendant of Lord Boyd, whose estates were confiscated because of his adherence to the cause of the Pretender, Prince Charles. Lord Boyd, or Earl of Kilmarnock, was born in 1704, was taken prisoner at Culloden, tried for treason, and executed at the Tower of London, his being one of the last three executions for political offences in the Tower; the other two were the Lords of Balmerino and Lovat, all convicted after the rebellion of 1745. The death of William Boyd, Earl of Kilmarnock, ended the title and the estates in the family. The old castle, called "Dean Castle," near Kilnnarnock, in Ayrshire, is still standing and many relics of the earlier and more distinguished period have descended to Mrs. Currie, who is still living and resides in Milwaukee. The Currie Brothers came to Milwaukee some ten years before their parents and sisters. They were reared in the romantic Burns country, and about two miles from the birthplace of the famous Scotch poet. On settling in the metropolis of Wisconsin the brothers immediately began business as florists and seed-men, and have continued in that line ever since, becoming an incorporated company some five years ago. Their business has been most prosperous, and is extended to all parts of the country, particularly in the West. Their education was obtained in their native land, in the public schools and the academy of Ayrshire. In religious faith the family follow that of their nationality, the Presbyterian ; in politics they support the Republican party, but have never taken an active part in political movements. James was united in marriage on July 3, 1878, to Miss Jeannie A. Harper, daughter of William and Mary (Baxter) Harper, the former of Kilmarnock, Scotland, and the latter of Loch Gelly, Fifeshire, of the same country. William Currie married, on Jan. 1, 1880, Sarah E., another daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Harper. Adam married, on Sept. 23, 1882, Miss Annie E. Fraser, daughter of William and Isabella (Fraser) Fraser, of Invernesshire, Scotland. James, the oldest of the brothers, has four children, namely: William B., who married Beatrice Washburn, and has one son, James W. ; Florence B. ; Alice M. ; and Jeannie Y., Adam has two sons, Allister J. F. and Herbert. William also has four children : Jessie V., Ray J., Effie H., and Edith W. ; the three youngest live at home, but Jessie, the eldest, is married to Thomas E. Marshall, a lumber and coal merchant of Ripon, Wis., and has two daughters, Doris N. and Effie M. All of the members of the firm are Free Masons. James being Past Master of Kilbourn Lodge, and Adam and William are Thirty-second degree Masons, Scottish Rite, and also Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

Frank P. Van Valkenburgh, deceased, the only son of Frank B. Van Valkenburgh, a practicing lawyer in Milwaukee since 1855, and of Emeline (Wells) Pratt, his wife, was born in Milwaukee on

June 8, 1863, and was by descent from his great-grandfather, B. J. VanValkenburgh, a member of the Wisconsin Society of the Sons the American Revolution. He graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., in 1882, a "K. O. A.," was admitted to the bar in Milwaukee in 1887, and practiced his profession in that city until the day of his death, in 1900. He married Jane I. Swoope, of Pennsylvania, on Christmas day, 1885, and was the father of three children, of whom one, the only son, is now a midshipman in the United States navy. In 1894 he was assistant city attorney of the city of Milwaukee, immediately upon leaving that office he was appointed assistant district-attorney of the United States for the Eastern district of Wisconsin, and he filled that position so much to the satisfaction of the attorney-general that he was kept in it for over a year after his principal was retired. Mr. Van Valkenburgh was a great admirer of all mechanical devices and was an acknowledged connoisseur in matters of art. During the life of the Columbian Exposition he spent much time in Chicago as correspondent of the Milwaukee Telegraph, contributing to the columns of that paper many letters which elicited praise from its readers and are still highly prized by those desiring to know what was shown at the most wonderful exposition the world ever saw. A close student of the laws, national and international, he was one of the originators of the Milwaukee Law School, and was for some years clean of its faculty. He was an enthusiastic bicycler, as chief consul of the League of American Wheelmen in Wisconsin did yeoman service in that and the national organizations, working long and accomplishing much for the cause of good roads in his native state, and he was greatly interested in all plans for the amelioration of the ills of the poor, becoming especially interested in the scheme for opening co-operative stores wherever they seemed to be needed. In his death his family lost a loving and devoted member, and the state an energetic and accomplished citizen, who anxiously devoted himself to the service of his countrv. Something- of the esteem in which he was held by those who knew him best may be gathered from the notices published at the time of his untimely death. The following resolutions were adopted by his class in the law department of Marquette University :