Milwaukee County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1909 (part 8 of 35)

Alexander Kremers, M. D., is one of the younger members of the medical fraternity in the city of Milwaukee, but in the comparatively short time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession his success has been such as to augur well forhis future career. He was born in Milwaukee on Sept. 9, t88i, son of Adam and Bertha (Schmidt) Kremers. the former of whom was born in Germany on April 23, 1837, and the latter in Milwaukee in January, 1850. The paternal grandfather was Peter Kremers, a native of Germany who migrated to America and located in Manitowoc. Wis., in 1848. living a number of years in that city, and then moved to Milwaukee, where he died. The maternal grandparents were George. John and Johanna (Finkensieber) Schmidt, both natives of Germain- wdio set- tied in Milwaukee in a very early day and there spent the remainder of their lives. Adam Kremers, the father of the subject of this review, was eleven years old when he accompanied his parents to America, and after growing' to manhood engaged in the mercantile business at Alanitowoc for a number of years, being also secretary of the Milwaukee Gas Light Co. He is now living retired. Of the six children born to himself and wife five are living. Dr. Kremers received his primary education in the public schools of Milwaukee and then took a course in the West Bend High School. After due preliminary work he entered the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago and graduated in that institution with the class of 1905. He then served as interne at the Milwaukee County Hospital and as house physician at the Emergency Hospital for a time, after which he located at Athens, Wis., for the practice of his profession. He remained at Athens about six months and then, desiring a larger field, he removed to Milwaukee, and has since been engaged in practice here, meeting with unqualified success. Politically he maintains an independent position, and he is liberal in his religious views.

Edward E. Kalmerton, M. D., a practicing physician of Milwaukee, was born in Sheboygan county, Wis., on Oct. 1, 1854, son of Ernst and Sophia Kalmerton, both of whom were natives of Westphalia, Prussia. The father migrated to America in the 40's, at the age of twenty-six years, and his wife came the year following. The marriage took place in Pennsylvania immediately upon her arrival, and the next year the parents of the subject of this review migrated to Wisconsin and settled in Sheboygan county, where the father entered a tract of government land and became an extensive farmer. The Indians were plentiful at that time in that portion of Wisconsin, but Mr. and Mrs. Kalmerton lived to see the almost wilderness in which they settled developed into a well-improved and progressive section of the state. They became the parents of six sons and two daughters, all of whom are living with the exception of two sons. Dr. Kalmerton received his early education in the public schools of his native place, attended the high school at Sheboygan Falls, and later took a course in the state normal at Oshkosh, working his way through school without financial support fmm any source. He followed the profession of teaching for a period of ten years, in which occupation he met with merited success, and he served as principal of the Weyauwega (Wis.) schools for two years and the Ada (Minn.) schools one year. Following this he received the nomination for the office of county superintendent of schools on the Republican ticket. During his long service as a pedagogue he made preparation for the study of medicine, and in due time matriculated at the Rush Medical College at Chicago, in which institution he graduated with the class of 1887. Following his graduation lie located in Ashland, Wis., where he practiced his profession and had charge of the hospital at that place for two years. At the end of this period he removed to Milwaukee, where he entered the general practice and had charge of the Isolation Hos- pita! For some time; then left the city and attended to a country practice for eight years. Returning then to Milwaukee, he lias since been continuously engaged in practice, and the success that ha^ a1 tended his endeavors is \cr\ gratifying to himself and his large circle of friends. He was married on Oct. 1. [891, to Miss llattie V., daughter of Eli and Lucy (Armstrong) Stilson, of Oshkosh, Wis., the former of whom died in 1883 and the latter is living at the advanced age of eighty-two years. To the union of Dr. and Mrs. Kalmerton there have been horn two children : Harold, who died in infancy, and lulward Stilson. The Doctor is a Republican in his political views and is very active in the councils of his party. Pro fessionally he has membership in the Milwaukee County and the Wisconsin State Medical associations, and he is the medical examiner for the Modern Woodmen of America and the National Union.

Joseph Breslauer, one of the members of the A. Breslauer Company, and a prominent business man of Milwaukee, was born in Milwaukee on Nov. 25, 1858, and is a son of Abraham Breslauer, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. His education was received in the old West Side high school. He left the latter institution in 1872 to enter business with his father in the clothing store on Third and Chestnut streets. In this capacity he worked until 1883, and then, when his father disposed of the business, he assisted him in the organization of the A. Breslauer Company, lie has been one of the active spirits in the same concern since that time, and its success can in large measure be contributed to his enterprise and thrift. He is allied with the Republican party in his political beliefs, but has never sought public office, the pressure of business affairs making it impossible for him to listen to the urgent solicitations of his friends to become a candidate. His fraternal relations are with the Travelers' Protective Association and the Milwaukee Musical Society. In religious matters he is actively identified with the Jewish Temple, which has no more loyal a member than Mr. Breslauer. On March 28, 1893, occurred his marriage to Miss Jettel, a daughter of Reuben and Paulina Breslauer, both born in Germany. The issue of this marriage has been four children: Samuel, born in 1894; Johanna, born in 1895; Paula, born in 1899; and Clarence, born in 1902. Mr. Breslauer is very popular among the Jewish element in the Cream City, and is recognized as one of the substantial business men of the city.

Henry Harnischfeger, of the firm of Pawling & Ilarnischfeger, manufacturers of traveling cranes, and one of the largest manufacturing firms in the Cream City, was born in Germany. Me is a son of Konstantin and Christina ( Adrian ) I larnischfeger. both of whom were born in Germany, the former in 18 17 and the latter in 1818. The father conducted a tannery in the Fatherland, where he died in 1889. Henry Ilarnischfeger received his preliminary educational advantages in the public schools of Germany and in 1872 came to the United States, arriving in New York on April 9. lie secured employment with the Singer Sewing Machine Company of New York and remained with that concern for more than nine years. At the end of that time he came to Milwaukee with the Whitehill Sewing Machine Co., being foreman of the milling department. In 1882 he became acquainted with Alonzo Pawling, who was in the employ of the Whitehill Company as a pattern maker. Mr. Pawling, in 1883. with Mauritz Weiss, opened a machine and pattern shop. They dissolved partnership in 1884, at which time Mr. Harnischfeger took over the interest of Mr. Weiss. Since then the firm has continued in business, first doing jobbing work, but later the business enlarged, and in 1889 the firm commenced the manufacture of traveling cranes. The factory is today one of the largest in the city.> Mr. Harneschfeger's business ability. learned by close attention to business while in New York and by attending evening school, stood him in good stead in the development of his venture and has contributed in large measure to its success. He is independent of party affiliation in political matters, and is a liberal in his religious views. In fraternal and social matters he is prominently identified with the Deutscher Club, the German-English Academy, the Milwaukee Musical Society and the Milwaukee Turnverein. On Aug. 30, 1892, Mr. Harnischfeger was united in marriage to Miss Marie Kauwertz, a daughter of Frederick and Marie (Geyer) Kauwertz, of Milwaukee, and a granddaughter of the late Rev. Mr. Geyer. Four children were born to this union, two of whom are deceased. The two survivors are Frieda, born Nov. 25, 1894, and Walter, born Dec. 23, 1895.

Sol H. Ettenhein is a striking example of the class of self-made men who have contributed so largely to Milwaukee's rise as a commercial center of the Middle West. He is a son of E. H. and Henrietta (Strauss) Ettenhein and was born in this city on Feb. 22, 1859. The father was born in 1818 and the mother in 1817, and the former was a merchant who came to Milwaukee in 1853 and engaged in the mercantile business on Juneau avenue. His death occurred in 1865. Sol H. Ettenhein received the limited educational advantages afforded by the public schools of the city, and while still a youth was obliged to seek employment in order to contribute to the support of the fatherless family. His first labors were in a grocery and drygoods store and his duties occupied him from four in the morning to six at night, for the paltry income of sixty-five cents a week. Then for a period of years he was with H. S. Mack & Company, following which he was engaged as a commercial traveler for several seasons. His own business was started when he opened a retail clothing store at 1017 Winnebago avenue, and his success brought to the front those qualities which are so essential to the growth of any business. Through misfortune all his worldly goods were lost in 1902, but undaunted he embarked a year later in the real estate business. Reared in the school of hardship and privation, he had become imbued with traits of thrift and enterprise which stood him in good stead in the starting of a new business. That he has been well repaid for those months when he was compelled to forego many of the pleasures of life is evidenced in the measure of success which now crowns his every effort. In politics duties has restrained him from becoming a candidate Eor public office. Fraternally he is prominently identified with the Knights of Honor and the Columbian Knights, and is a devout and sincere communicant of the Jewish Temple. On Dec. 4, 1881, Mr. Ettenhein was united in marriage to Miss Lena Mannikin, a daughter of J. M. and Henrietta (Sandels) Mannikin, of Milwaukee. Five children have been the issue of this union, three of whom survive: J. M.. born in [883; Florence, born in 1887; and .Milton B., born in 1894.

Philip Orth, president of the firm of Philip Orth & Company, flour and feed dealers, doing a large business all over the state, was born in Germany on March 17, 1845. He is one of nine children, eight sons and a daughter, of Adam and Elizabeth I Kegner) Orth, both of whom lived all their lives in Germany. He was reared in the Fatherland and attended the public schools of that country until he was nearly twenty years of age. In 1865 he migrated to the I nited States and located in Milwaukee. For the first three years he devoted his time to the study of American institutions and business methods in Markham's Academy and the Spencerian Business College, in 1868 entered the employ of the Mechanics' Insurance Company in a clerical capacity, and subsequently was for a time employed as a bookkeeper for another firm. In 1878 he embarked in the flour, feed and grain business, and for thirty years has been conducting it with almost unparalleled success. His inherent traits of enterprise, frugality and sterling integrity have won for him a large patronage and many friends. Mr. Orth has not allied himself with any of the existing political parties, preferring to cast his vote as his judgment dictates rather than be bound by the will of party leaders. With his family he is a member of the German Lutheran church and one of the most devout and earnest members of the congregation. He is much engrossed in business, but finds leisure to get recreation in the gatherings of the Milwaukee Musical Society, of which he is a prominent member. He also belongs to many other German societies and institutions. On Aug. 12, 1891. Mr. Orth was united in marriage to Miss Martha Meinecke, a daughter of Edward and Pauline (Von Zastrow) Meinecke, of Milwaukee. To this union have been born four children : Philip, Edward, Frederick and Margaret; born in 1893, 1895, 1898 and 1900, respectively.

Ernst Pommer, the proprietor of the E. Pommer Company, dealers in wholesale California and Rhine wines, was born in Germany on Nov. 8, 1858. He is a son of Henry and Lizette Pommer, who resided in Halle a. d. s. Germany. The father was a tinner by vocation and conducted a store in the Fatherland. His death occurred in 1895. Ernst Pommer, the subject of this review, acquired his educational advantages in the public schools of his native land, but left them in 1872 in order to become a bookkeeper. In 1878 he migrated to the I nited States, and came direct to Milwaukee after landing. For several years he was employed in clerical capacities in various stores and offices, and then with the savings which he had accumulated during- these vears of work he established the E. Pommer Company. The venture proved successful from the start and it is today not only one of the oldest but also one of the most flourishing in the city. Mr. Pommer's only social relations are with the Deutscher Club, and in politics he is a member of the Republican party, but has never sought nor held public office of any character. He is a communicant of the German Lutheran church. On June 6, 1888, Mr. Pommer was united in marriage to Miss Mary Schroeter, a daughter of Otto L. Schroeter, of Watertown. The issue of this union has been one son, born in 1889, Walter, who is now a senior in the Milwaukee University School.

Louis Hallbach, one of the well-known furriers and rising business men of the Cream City, with an establishment at 454 Milwaukee street, is an American by birth, born in New York city, N. Y., on Feb. 29, 1872. His parents, Peter C. and Eva (Gatting) Hallbach, were both natives of Germany, who immigrated to the Lmited States. His father was a furrier in the old country and has continued that vocation since coming to America. Louis received his education in the public schools of Kentucky until he was sixteen years of age, and in 1888 began to learn the furrier's trade. Seven years later he came to Milwaukee to enter the employ of the Hansen Empire Fur Factory as an expert furrier. Mr. Hallbach was very ambitious and not content to remain in the employ of others for any length of time and in 1900 established himself in business in the Goldsmith building; but finding these quarters inadequate to conduct the business satisfactorily, he removed to 454 Milwaukee street, where he has continued to carry on his business ever since. He is a self-made man and his prosperity is due entirely to his tireless industry and business ability. His establishment is one of the finest ladies' tailoring and fur houses in the city and turns out only the highest class goods. Mr. Hallbach has built up a substantial house, due to his fair dealing and desire to please his customers. He is affiliated with no political party, believing it better to exercise his privilege of franchise to vote for the man who stands for national and municipal reform and clean politics rather than be bound by party ties. He is a member of the Royal League and is associated with the Knights of Pythias. In 1895 ne married Miss Mate Peck, of Albany, N. Y., and they have one child, Peter Francis, who is eleven years old. The family are members of the Roman Catholic church.

Peter F. Piasecki, an efficient clerk in the office of the city comptroller, a dealer in phonographs at 441 Mitchell street, and major of the Third battalion. First regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, was born in Milwaukee on May 30, 1876. He is a son of Theophile and Catherine (Tnda) Piasecki, both natives of Posen, Germany, who came to Milwaukee in 1873. The father for twentyfive years was in the employ of the Illinois Steel Company's Milwaukee branch. Tie died in October, 1904, at the age of fifty-two \ ear> and his widow passed away on July 6 of the following year in the fiftieth year of her age. Of the nine children in the family seven grew to maturity - Peter !-'., Stanley E., Veronica. Agnes, Pelagia, Helen and Conrad. Peter F. Piasecki, the subject of this review, was reared in Milwaukee and obtained his education in the public and parochial schools of this city. At the age of fifteen years he entered the employ of the Kuryer Polski as a carrier and later as a typesetter. In 1001 he had been made manager of the paper, hut held the office only a year, resigning to accept a clerical position in the office of the city comptroller. In [906, at the solicitation of his many friends, he was a candidate feu- the nomination for city comptroller, but met defeat at the primaries. In January, [908, he embarked in his present business of selling phonographs, dealing in both Victor and Edison machines, and although the venture is still young it has been very successful in a financial way. For the past "fifteen years Mr. Piasecki has been prominently identified with the Wisconsin National Guard. In [894 he joined Company l'> of the Fourth infantry as a private, and by the time the company was mustered into the Cnited States service for the Spanish-American war, in 1898, he had been promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. ( )n its being mustered in the company letter was changed from B to K and on the reorganization of the National Guard, in December, 1898, it became known as Company K, First Wisconsin infantry. When the reorganization was effected Mr. Piasecki became first lieutenant and in 1901 was made captain of Company K. In the latter capacity he served for four years until in 1905 he was commissioned major of the Third battalion of the regiment, in which capacity he is still serving the state. Fraternally the major is identified with the Polish National Alliance, the Allen K. Capron Post, Spanish War Veterans and the Fraternal Equitable Union. He is also an honorary member of the Harmonic Singing Society. On Oct. 25, 1901, Mr. Piasecki was united in marriage to Miss Emily Sonnenberg, daughter of Paul and Magdaline ( Dix ) Sonnenberg, of Milwaukee. Two children have been the issue of this union: Flattie and Peter F. Major Piasecki and family are communicants of St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic church.

Edward C. Houde, the general manager and secretary of the Shelley-Houde Co., Majestic Building, Milwaukee, is a Canadian by birth. He was born in the province of Quebec, on July 18, 1872. a son of Edward C. and Rosana (Durocheir) Houde, both French Canadians. In 1876 his parents removed to St. Paul, Minn., and it was there that Edward C. Houde was reared to manhood and obtained his educational advantages in the parochial and public schools. At the age of eleven years he began his business career as a messenger boy in a hat shop in St. Paul and later became connected with the firm of Ransom .K- Horton, at the time the largesl hatters and furriers in the Minnesota city. He remained with "this concern some five years, a portion of the time as their traveling representative. In 1803 he came to Milwaukee to assume a position as manager of the hat department with the 1 tub Clothing Company, a connection which he filled with satisfaction to the firm and its patrons for eight and a half years. At the end of that period, in

1902, he entered the employ of Gimbel Brothers, as the buyer and manager for their men's and children's hat department. This latter position he held for a period of six years, leaving" on May 16, 1908, to embark in the business on his own account under the firm name of the Shelley-Houde Company. Although the firm has been in business but a short time, it has met with a remarkable success, which augurs well for its future. Mr. Houde's personal popularity, due to his genial, courteous manner, has had much to do in helping to build up the business. On May 18, 1896, Mr. Houde was united in marriage to Miss Daisy Hasfeldt, of Milwaukee. Both of the children born to them - Rose and Joseph - died in infancy. Mr. Houde is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church and fraternally is associated with the Knights of Pythias and St. John the Baptist Society.

Max Szarzynski, a pharmacist of prominence at 786 First avenue, was born in the village of Zaborowo, province of Posen, Prussian Poland, on Oct. 11, 1859, a son of Charles and Frances (Fryzewski) Szarzynski. Until he had attained his majority he lived in his native land, receiving his educational advantages in the gymnasium. For two 3^ears he taught school, and in 1884 he came to the United States. He located in Milwaukee, becoming associated in business with his brother Charles, from whom he acquired his knowledge of the drug business. After three years he opened a pharmacy of his own at 410 Mitchell street. He continued in business at this place until 1890, leaving it to enter his present shop on First avenue. His success is ample evidence of his industry and honesty. Mr. Szarzynski was married on May 15, 1887, to Miss Catherine Kleser, daughter of Mathias and Anna (Gagazka) Kleser. To this union have been born two children, Mathias and Lucy. The family are communicants of St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic church and the father is a member of the Sokol Society, the Polish Alliance, the Polish Business Association and the Polish Sharpshooters. In his political' relations he is affiliated with the Republican party.

Frank J. Kowalsky, a well-known pharmacist whose place of business is at 744 Forest Plome avenue, is a native of Milwaukee, where he was born on Feb. 2, 1883. He is the fourth in order of birth of the family of eight of John and Mary (Speichert) Kowalsky, both natives of Germany and of Polish descent. The father was a barber by trade who came to Milwaukee in 1865 direct from Germany, and from the time of his arrival until his death on June 22, 1907, he conducted a shop at 619 AValnut street. The other children of the family are Anna (Mrs. Theodore Schmitt) ; Adolph F., John J., Celia, wife of Peter Skorch ; Alex T., Joseph B., and Adelaide. Alex and John are in the granite business at Seattle, Wash., John being the president and Alex the secretary and treasurer of the Washington-British Columbia Granite Company, Inc. Adolph is connected with the Kowalsky-Ehlich Hardware Company, of Milwaukee, and Joseph is a bookkeeper for the same firm. Frank J. Kowalsky, the subject of this memoir, was brought up in

Milwaukee and received such preliminary education as the public and parochial schools afforded. During 1902-1903 he was a student at the Milwaukee Mutual College, studying pharmacy. The following two years he served as an apprentice clerk and then, after passing the examination given by the state pharmacy board, he entered, in December, 1906, the pharmacy business under his own name. The success which he has attained is ample evidence that he is a wide-awake, energetic business man.

Michael Wabiszewski, founder and proprietor of the Lehigh Portland Sidewalk Company, is a native of the province of Posen, German Poland, where he was born Sept. 7, 1870. He is a son of Frank and Antonia (Kalinowski) Wabiszewski, who came to Milwaukee direct from the Fatherland in 1889. The father is a shoemaker and is still engaged in his trade. There are three children in the family: Sylvester, Michael and Lottie, now the wife of Anton Mikolajewski. Michael, the subject of this sketch, was reared in his native land and attended the common schools of that country. In 1887 he emigrated to the United States and located in the Cream City, working first at the machinist's trade, which he had learned in Germany. In order to become acquainted with the English language he attended evening school. After seven years of work as a machinist he served an apprenticeship to the mason's trade, and was employed in that line on concrete work until 1903. It was in that year that he established his present firm, which has had a most successful career since. His honesty and square dealing, and the high grade of workmanship of the firm have given it a reputation which is most enviable. Mr. Wabiszewski for three years served the state as a member of Company K, First regiment of infantry, Wisconsin National Guard. He is a communicant of St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic church, and fraternally is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Polish National Alliance. In his political belief he is a Democrat. In 1891 he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Pauline Dyksnski, a native of Poland. Mr. Wabiszewski is much respected and admired by all who know him.

John Kantak, the junior member of the firm of Kantak Brothers, commission merchants and dealers in flour, feed, etc.. is a native of Milwaukee, his birth having occurred on March 24, 1880. Fie is a son of Mathias and Elizabeth (Roztankowski) Kantak, of whom a sketch appears in the memoir of Max Kantak, the senior member of the firm of Kantak Brothers. John Kantak was brought up in Milwaukee, receiving his education in the Polish parochial schools of this city. L'p to 1899 he worked at various occupations, and in that year formed with his brother the partnership which has been so successfully conducted since. The business was started on a small scale at first, but has gradually developed until today it is the largest of its kind on the south side of the city. The firm has won a reputation for honesty and square dealing, which accounts in large measure for its popularity. Mr. Kantak is a communicant of St. Josephat's Polish Catholic church. In politics he is allied with the Republican party and he is the assistant secretary of the Polish Mutual Loan & Building Society. Fraternally his associations are with the Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America and the St. Roman Society. Mr. Kantak's wife was formerly Miss Stella Radka, daughter of F. and Mary (Cybel) Radka, both natives of German Poland, and pioneer residents of Milwaukee.

Jacob D. Smoke, a prominent fish merchant of the Cream City, is a native of Wisconsin, having been born at Two Rivers, Manitowoc count)'', on March 22, 1855. He is a son of David and Annie (Pfister) Smoke, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Germany. The father was a pioneer of Two Rivers, having located there in the early forties, and was associated with most of the early enterprises of the region. He was at different times fisherman, lawyer and merchant, and was the first man to use a gill net in Lake Michigan. Manitowoc harbor, which was built in the early sixties, is a monument of his handiwork. As a representative of the Two Rivers district he rendered distinguished service in the lower house of the legislatures of 1864, 1866 and 1868. His death occurred in 1870 and he left a family of nine children - Alvina, now Mrs. Louis Marshall ; Jacob D. ; Kittie, wife of Horle Nelson ; Theresa, now deceased ; Julia ; Emily ; Rachel ; Iona and Clara, both deceased. Jacob D. Smoke, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Manitowoc county, receiving such educational advantages as the schools of the vicinity offered. LJpon the completion of his studies he followed the lakes for twelve years as a sailor, during the latter two of which he was captain. He located permanently in Milwaukee in 1884, and from that time until 1901 he was variously engaged in well drilling, railroading and rolling mill work. In the latter year he embarked upon the business which is now his life work and in which he has had such a successful career. In politics he allies himself with the Democratic party, and has had much influence in bringing about the success of that party in the recent campaigns. Fraternally he is also prominent, being a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Smoke's wife was formerly Miss Lena Weis, daughter of Jacob and Margaret Weis. of Milwaukee.

Frank Stollenwerk, of the firm of F. & T. Stollenwerk, dealers in flour, feed and baled hay at 680 Smith street, Milwaukee, is one of the leading produce merchants of the city. He is the son of Joseph A. and Mary (Schummel) Stollenwerk, both natives of Rhenish Prussia, who emigrated to America and settled in Milwaukee county about the middle of the nineteenth century. The elder Stollenwerk was a boy of sixteen when his parents settled near new Coeln, and he lived at home until the death of both parents by cholera in 1850. when he took charge of the farm and ran it until he retired from active business life in 1890 and went into the city of Milwaukee to live. Frank was one of the fourteen children born to Joseph Stollenwerk on the old farm. He was reared there and received his education at St. Stephen's parochial school.

At seventeen years of age he became apprenticed tu his brother Elias, who was a contractor and builder, to learn the carpenter's trade. For sonic years he worked as an apprentice and Eor five years as a journeyman carpenter. His brother Elias then took him into bis business as a partner in the contracting- business. Mr. Stollenwerk gained a wide business experience while with his brother and in 1800 embarked in the haw Iced and Hour business with his brother Thomas for a partner. This new line has proved a success and trade has increased so rapidly that they are the leading commission dealers in Hay View. On May 30, [900, Mr. Stollenwerk married Mary Rehorst, the daughter of John and Annie (Hartman) Rehorst, of Milwaukee. They have been made happy by three daughters: Loretta, Marcella and Adley. The family are devout Catholics and members of St. Augustin Roman Catholic church. Mr. Stollenwerk belongs to several Catholic societies; St. Peter's, Knights of St. George, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and is a loyal member of the Democratic party.

Nicholas Stollenwerk, the senior member of the prosperous firm of Stollenwerk Pros., hardware merchants, of 938 Kinnickinnic avenue, Milwaukee, was born in Lake township, Milwaukee count)-, March 23, i860. He is the son of Joseph A. and Mary (Schummel) Stollenwerk, who were born in the beautiful Rhine country, of Rhenish Prussia. Nicholas' grandfather, Hubert Stollenwerk, with his family migrated to the United States in 1846 and settled on a farm in Milwaukee county, where they were prosperous and happy. During the dreadful cholera epidemic of 1850, Hubert Stollenwerk and his wife were carried away by this most dreaded disease, leaving their three children to carry on the work of the farm. The oldest son, Joseph, Nicholas' father, born in 1830, who was sixteen years of age when his parents came to America, shouldered the responsibilities of the family when his father and mother died and continued to farm the old homestead until 1890, when he gave up active life and retired from business and has since resided in Milwaukee. Nicholas, the third of the fourteen children born to Joseph Stollenwerk, was reared on the hospitable old farm in Rake township and attended the parochial school of St. Stephanie's Roman Catholic church. At the age of sixteen years he began to work in the rolling mills at P>ay View and followed this occupation for three years, then served an apprenticeship of twelve years at the carpenter's trade, at which he worked as a journeyman carpenter for a number of years and met with such success that in 1892 he formed a partnership with his brother Joseph T. and embarked in the hardware business on Kinnickinnic avenue. The business has been most prosperous and continues to be the largest hardware store on the south side. On Now 13, 1883, Mr. Stollenwerk was united in marriage with Margaret, the daughter of Peter J. and Susan (Toomet) Hurlsback, who were among the early settlers of Lake township, Milwaukee county. The issue of this marriage has been four children: Arthur, Nora. Roman and Clemens. Mr. Stollenwerk and his family are members of St.

Augustin Roman Catholic church. He is also a member of the Order of Catholic Foresters, St. Peter's Benevolent Society, and represented the Democratic party as alderman of the Seventeenth district of Milwaukee in 1905 and 1906.

John C. Arnold, florist, with greenhouses at 1494-1508, Fort Washington avenue, and a store at 44 Juneau avenue, is one of the representative business men of Milwaukee. He is a native ot Baden, Germany, where he was born Aug. 1, 1859, a son of John and Johanna (Breuninger) Arnold, who made their home there during their lives. John, jr., received his educational discipline in the schools of Baden, where he grew to manhood, and after his education was finished he learned the florist business in his native land. In 1888 he migrated to the United States and for about a year and a half was employed in Brooklyn, N. Y., and Jersey City. During the summer of 1889 he came to Milwaukee and three years later established himself in the business he had learned before leaving Germany. Mr. Arnold has excellent taste and business ability, which has resulted in a prosperous business. In 1892 he married Agnes (Glock) Wisner, who was the owner of a florist establishment, and the two concerns were combined, and since that time have been conducted by Mr. Arnold. Mrs. Arnold died March 18, 1908, leaving a saddened, deserted home. His long residence in the Cream City has caused Mr. Arnold to become one of the best known and most popular florists, as his establishment is the second oldest in the city. He is one of Milwaukee's most public-spirited and progressive citizens, an Independent in politics and a member of the Milwaukee Maennechor, the Milwaukee Liederkranz, Milwaukee Liedertafel, Maennechor Eintracht, "Gesellchaft Eintracht and Maennechor Fidelia.

Anton Novak, the printer and publisher of the Domacnost and the Organ Bratrstva, both well known and popular Bohemian publications of Milwaukee, Wis., is one of the representative members of the Bohemian newspaper fraternity in the United States. He is a native of Bohemia, born there April 9, 1845, the son of Joseph and Catherine (Pazdernik) Novak, and was reared to manhood in his native country, where he received an excellent education in the public and high schools. Like so many of the warm-hearted sons of Bohemia, Mr. Novak loved a free country and a land of free speech. Desiring these and to make his way in the world, he emigrated to the United States, the land of opportunity, in 1866, and settled in Milwaukee. Soon after reaching the Cream City he started to learn the printer's trade in the printing office of the old Daily News. After mastering his trade he worked as a journeyman printer for over five years, lie was an excellent workman and during this period won the confidence of his employers by his ability and faithful attention in duty. In 1880 he determined to start in business for himself, nnd began the publication of the Demacnost, which was cordially received by the Bohemians of the city and has become one of the most popular paper's, with a circulation of over 8,000 copies. Encouraged by the success and popularity of his first paper, Mr.

Novak determined to broaden his field of work and in 1904 started the Organ Bratrstva, a fraternal monthly magazine, that has met with even greater favor than his first paper, and while still in its infancy has a circulation of 17,000 copies. Mr. Novak is one of the oldest Bohemian residents of Milwaukee and is one of her most worthy, enterprising and progressive citizens, and through his papers is one of the directors of progressive ideas. May 6, 1871, he was united in marriage with Mary, the daughter of Wenzel and Catherine Dimmer, both of whom were pioneer settlers of Milwaukee, who settled there in 1853. By this union there are five children : Arthur, Richard, Julia, Rosie and Helen. Mr. Xovak is a member and hearty supporter of the Republican party, a member of the Bohemian Turner Society, of the Sokol Society and of the C. S. P. S. His home is at 1803 Cold Spring avenue.

Joseph Weishan, one of the well-known and prosperous sanitary plumbers of Milwaukee, wdio has a plumbing establishment at the corner of Mitchell street and First avenue, is a native of the Cream' City, born Nov. 16, 1872, the son of William and Louisa (Fahrlander) Weishan. Both his parents were Germans by birth ; his father was a shoemaker by trade, who came to the United States in the early fifties. He settled at Wheeling, Va., when he first came to America, and remained there about ten years before he decided to move west, and located in Milwaukee, where he carried on his trade and reared a family of thirteen children, eight of whom are still living: John: Louis; Mary, the wife of Frank Taster ; Joseph; Lizzie, the wife of Henry Saroft* ; Lena, the wife of John Winkler ; Annie, and Rosa. William Weishan died in 1889 and was greatly missed and mourned by his widow and surviving children ; the mother still lives at the hale old age of seventy-two years. Joseph was reared to manhood in Milwaukee, where he received his educational advantages in St. Mary's and St. Anthony's parochial schools. When only fourteen years of age he became an apprentice at the plumbing trade, and three years later began to work as a journeyman plumber. Mr. Weishan wras an excellent workman and ambitious and after working at his trade for a number of years determined to go into business for himself, which he did at his present location in 1905. Since that time he has been very successful and has become well known in the business circles of the city. In 1894 Mr. Weishan married Gusta, the daughter of Adolph Brochardt, of Milwaukee. They have four children : Sadie, Lorene, Esther and Joseph, Jr. Mr. Weishan is a Democrat in politics and a member of St. Anthony's Roman Catholic church and is also a well known and popular member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and a member of the Master Plumbers' Association.

Stanley E. Piasecki, a pharmacist of Milwaukee, who resides at 710 Wentworth avenue, is a native of the Cream City, born April 12, 1878. He is a son of Theophil and Catherine (Inda) Piasecki, natives of Posen Poland. The father emigrated to the United States in 1872 and located at Syracuse, N. Y. This was the period when so many Germans and Poles were settling in the new country to the west and Theophil Piasecki joined the army of westward migration and settled in Milwaukee two years after reaching America. After reaching Milwaukee he pursued his trade as a miller. There he met and married his wife and reared a family of seven children : Peter F., Stanley E., Veronica, Agnes, Pelagia, Helen and Conrad. Mr. Piasecki died in Milwaukee in 1904, an upright and respected citizen, greatly mourned by his wife and children. But two short years elapsed before the faithful wife followed her husband and was laid to rest by her sorrowing children in 1906. Stanley received his education in the parochial and public schools of Milwaukee. He was ambitious and desired a position which could be obtained only by a professional education, and in order to secure it took a private course in pharmacy under a graduate of pharmacy. He successfully passed the examination given by the Wisconsin State Board of Pharmacy and was admitted to practice in the state in 1896. He has held several excellent positions in Milwaukee and since 1902 has had charge of the rubber and cigar departments of the Drake Bros.' wholesale and retail drugstore on East Water street. Mr. Piasecki was married Sept. 25, 1902, to Bertha, the daughter of Julius and Mary (Bodeman) Malinowski, natives of Poland, who emigrated to the United States in 1872 and located in Milwaukee. The issue of this union is one daughter, Evelyn M. Both Mr. Piasecki and his wife are members of St. Stanislaus Polish Roman Catholic church. Mr. Piasecki became a member of the AVisconsin National Guard in 1897 as a private in Company B, Fourth regiment, and when the Spanish-American war broke out was transferred to the First Wisconsin regiment, Company K, which was stationed at Jacksonville, Fla., for seven months. He was mustered out with the other members of the regiment at Milwaukee in September, 1898. In December of the same year he became a charter member of Company K, known as the Kosciusko Guards, First Wisconsin National Guards, as sergeant. In a short time he was promoted to second lieutenant, then to first lieutenant, and has proved so able and capable a commander that on July 6, 1906, he was given a commission as captain of the guards. Mr. Piasecki is a member of the Polish Young Men's Alliance and commander-in-chief of that organization for the United States. He is also a member of Allyn Capron*Camp, Spanish-American War Veterans, and of the Harmoni Polish Singing Society. He is affiliated with the Republican party in politics. Frank H. Cichocki, the able foreman of the composing room of the Nowiny Polskie, a Polish daily that was established in Milwaukee in 1908, was born at Rogozno. West Prussia. Aug. 14, 1876. He is the --"ii of Batholomew and Elizabeth (Matyjewski) Cichocki. who immigrated to the United States in 1882 and settled in Milwaukee. The father found employment at the Allis-Chalmers Company, but died two years later at the age of thirty-nine years, as a result of an accident at the works, leaving a wife and five children: Andrew; Julia, the wife of Michael Penkalski ; Frank II.; Annie, the wife of family came to America, and from that time he has resided in Milwaukee, and was educated at the parochial (St. Hyacinth's) and public schools of the city. After leaving- school he was employed in the ECuryer Polski office, where he served an apprenticeship of three years and after that was regularly employed by the paper until [898. Me was a member of Company 1!, Fourth Wisconsin National Guard, and at the call of his country enlisted in Company EC, Firsl Wisconsin infantry, for the Spanish-American war. Me was in camp at Jacksonville, Fla., and after being in the service of the United States for six months returned to Milwaukee with his regiment and was mustered out at the South Side armory. Soon after his return home he resumed his position as foreman of the composing room of the Kuryer Polski, and only left the paper seven years later to associate himself with the Nowiny Polskie, which was established in March, 1908. He had become interested in the new paper as a stockholder and accepted the position of foreman of the composing room. While Mr. Cichocki's period of service with the Nowiny Polskie has been short, it has been marked with great success. He is a member and supporter of St. Hyacinth's Catholic church and a prominent member of the Polish Gymnastic Society, the Literary Society of St. Hyacinth's Congregation and the Polish Sharp Shooters' organization and president of the St. Augustin Society, the Moniuszko Society, the Sokol Polski No. 1 and past commander of Allyn Capron Camp No. 19 of the Spanish War Veterans. In politics he is a stanch member and supporter of the Republican party.

John Weiher, who is a prominent grading contractor of Milwaukee, with offices at No. 878 Franklin Place, was born in the province of German Poland, Nov. 7, 1859. He is the son of Joseph and Catherine (Ervant) Weiher, who came to America in 1864 and located in Milwaukee. There were two children in the family - John and Anna, the wife of John Slizewski. The mother is dead, but the father, Joseph Weiher, is still living in Milwaukee at the hale old age of seventy-eight years. John Weiher was only five years of age when his parents came to the United States, and as soon as the family were settled he was sent to St. Mary's parochial school. After receiving a good education and attaining his majority, he entered the employ of the city of Milwaukee as fireman and served at stations Nos. 6 and 4 for four years and seven months. While with the fire department Mr. Weiher's attention was called to the importance of good streets and he studied the subject. In 1883 he severed his connection with the city to embark in business for himself. He has progressive ideas in regard to street work and since 1883 nas become one of the successful grading contractors of Milwaukee. In 1898 he established a livery and undertaking business at 331 Pulaski street, but went out of this business in [',107. In 1885 Mr. Weiher was united in marriage with Anestatia, the daughter of Joseph and Catherine Stormowski, of Milwaukee. They have eight children: Lillian, Emily, Alfred, John, Arthur, Blanch,

Eugenie and George. Mr. Weiher is a member of the Democratic part)' and for fifteen years served as alderman of the Eighteenth ward ; he is also a member of St. Hedwig's Polish Roman Catholic church, the St. Albert's Society, Kraczewski Society, Sacred Heart Society and a Knight of St. Casimir's.

John T. Nichol, who is a mason contractor of Milwaukee, is a native of the Cream City, where he was born in May, 1857. His father. John Nichol, was a native of County Armagh, Ireland, who migrated to the United States in 1848 and settled in Milwaukee. His mother was a Canadian by birth. For many years his father, who was a mason by trade, was engaged in the contracting business in Milwaukee, but at the outbreak of the Civil war he responded to the first call for volunteers and enlisted in Company K, Seventeenth Wisconsin infantry, in 1861, serving until the close of the war. He died in 1869, at the age of thirty-six, leaving a family of five children : John T., Catherine, Mary J., the wife of Joseph J. Brink; Ellen, the wife of James Robinson, and Arthur J., the present deputy building inspector of Milwaukee. John T. Nichol was reared in Milwaukee and received his education in the public schools of the city. After the completion of his studies he served four years as an apprentice at the mason's trade and worked as a journeyman mason for twenty years, but for the past fifteen years has been a mason contractor. In 1884 he married Mary, the daughter of Michael and Margaret Gerin, of Milwaukee. To this union three children have been born: John, James and Charlotte. Mr. Nichol is a loyal member of St. John's Roman Catholic church and a prominent member of the Builders' Club. In politics he is allied with the Democratic party and during Grover Cleveland's administration was storekeeper in the revenue service for four years. And he also performed efficient service as inspector of public sewers under Mayor Sommers.

Bruno Majchrowicz, a popular watchmaker and jeweler of 474 Mitchell street, was born in Posen, Germany, June 5, 1871, a son of John and Michalena Welniz Majchrowicz. He was reared in Posen, received a high school education, served a three years' apprenticeship at the watchmaker's trade, and for seven years wras engaged in business for himself at Gostyn, German Poland. He came to the United States in 1902 and located in Chicago, where he worked as journeyman until March, 1905. when he came to Milwaukee, entering the employ of Herman Miller, jeweler, for four months. In July nf the same year he embarked in business for himself, in which he has since continued successfully. On Feb. 4, 1896, he married Miss Francis, daughter of Nicolai Werbel, of Gostyn, Poland, and they are the parents of four children, named as follows: Miecylaw. Fanina, Tadenz and Wladystaw. Although Mr. Majchrowicz has not been long in this country, he has much more to show for it than many who have been here a much longer time. He is of a nervous, active disposition, determined to succeed if attention to business and hi mesty of purpose lead that way. Pie is spoken of in very complimentary words by those who have watched his course. He is not deeply interested in religion or politics.

Bolislaus Wisniewski, a leading carpenter, contractor and builder, is a representative of one of the oldest contracting firms in the eit_\ of Milwaukee, his father having been engaged in the business over twenty years before him. He was born in Russian Poland, Dec. 12, 1877, a son of Theodore and Sophia Milewski Wisniewski, who came to the United States in 1881. coming direct to Milwaukee, where the father worked at his trade, that of cabinet making, for several years, and then he engaged in the contracting business as a builder. He died June 3, 1902, at the age of sixty. He reared a family of eight children to maturity: Mary, wife of Steffen Berkowski; Leocadia, wife of Joseph Radtki; Bolislaus; Stanislaus; Helen, wife of Joseph Kraczeck ; Ladislaus ; Frederick, and Edward. Our subject was reared in Milwaukee, being only four years old when the family reached here, and was educated in the parochial schools and the English night schools. He learned the carpenter's trade from his father and worked for him until the latter died, when our subject took hold of the business in his own name and has conducted it since, giving employment to a large number of men. On Jan. 22, 1902, he married Miss Frances, daughter of John Tadajewski, now of Milwaukee, by whom he has one son, Edward. Mr. Wisniewski is a member of St. Hyacinth's Polish Roman Catholic church; of St. Valentine's Society; of the Polish Association of America, and of the Sharpshooters' Club. In politics he votes the Democratic ticket. He is a good citizen, who attends to his own affairs and is worthy of confidence.

Marion A. Szukalski, a prominent hardware merchant of 1027 Windlake avenue, Milwaukee, was born in Manitowoc county, Wis., in 1875. the son of Paul and Constantia (Budzbanowski) Szukalski. pioneers of Manitowoc county, where the family settled in 1865. Our subject is a brother of Teofil Szukalski, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this book. He was reared in Manitowoc county and educated in the public schools of that county and at Beaver Dam High School. After leaving school he engaged in boring wells and running a threshing machine with his brothers up to 1898, when he came to Milwaukee and embarked in the hardware business for himself at Windlake avenue, in which he has been eminently successful. He married, in 1898, Mary Plachin, a native of Russian Poland, and has two children, Marian and Edwin. He is a member of St. Cyril's Polish Roman Catholic church. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Szukalski is a young man who is up-to-date in his methods and is blessed with other valuable traits of character that count for success in any business pursuit.

Klemens Borucki, the well-known contractor and builder, of 1008 Ninth avenue, Milwaukee, was born at Mt. Carmel, Pa., Sept. 7, 1872, the son of John and Joanna Gruszczynski Borucki, who were natives of German Poland. The father came to America in 1870. locating in Mt. Carmel. Pa., where he was employed in the coal mines for several years, till he was compelled to quit on account of injuries received in the mines. In 1891 he came to Milwaukee, where he is still engaged in working in the pork packing houses.

He reared a family of five children : Klemens, Thomas, Helen, Agnes and Sallie. Thomas was killed in the coal colliery in 1888 at the age of fourteen years. The oldest of these, our subject, was reared in Mt. Carmel until eighteen years of age. He then spent three years in Baltimore. Md., coming to Milwaukee in 1891 with the family, and here he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he labored as a journeyman until 1902, when he embarked in the general contracting" business, in which he has met with extraordinary success by the application of economy and strict business methods in his dealings with everybody. On Sept. 28, 1897, he married Miss Annie, daughter of August and Man' Prell, of Milwaukee, by whom he has four children : Helen, Edmund, Alex and Klementine. For several years he was a member of the National Guard of Wisconsin and at the breaking out of the Spanish-American war enlisted in Company K, First Wisconsin volunteers, in which he held the rank of quartermaster ; and after serving five months he was honorably discharged with the rest of his company. He is a member of the St. Augustine Young Men's Society, the largest of its kind in Milwaukee ; the Polish Sharpshooters, the Spanish-American War Veterans, the Polish National Alliance of America, and a member and secretary of St. Hyacinth's Polish Catholic church, one of the largest Polish congregations in Milwaukee. In politics he casts his vote with the Republican party, though he is not much of a politician, being better adapted and devoted to the careful study of his business, in which he is gradually working out for himself an enviable position among his progressive associates.

John B. Zaun, or "General" Zaun, as his many friends admiringly style him, manager of the South Side branch of the Schlitz Brewing Company of Milwaukee, was born in Mequon, Ozaukee county. Wis., July 26, 1852, a son of Jacob and Christina Strauss Zaun, both natives of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, who came to Wisconsin in 1840, settling in Mequon township, Ozaukee county. The father first secured 160 acres of land, cleared and improved it, adding to the acreage opportunely, and he lived there until his death, which occurred in 1865, at the age of fifty-six. At his death he left each of his children an eighty-acre tract of land. The}* are the following: Catherine, wife of Henry Laun ; Andrew; Eva, wife of Herman Heysen ; Christina, wife of William Meyer, and John B., the popular subject of this sketch, who was educated partly in the public schools and finished his education at Northwestern University at Watertown, Wis. After attaining his majority he turned his hands to teaming for four years in Ozaukee county. During the winter months he was in the employ of the Hamilton Paper Cornpan)-. In 1884 he became manager of the South Side branch of the Schlitz Brewing Company and has held that position for nearly a quarter of a century to the entire satisfaction of his employers and customers, for, while he is a welcome visitor and a splendid entertainer, he is a careful business man. He is married, his wrife being Formerly Miss Bertah, daughter of Hon. Frederick AY. Horn, of Cedarburg, Ozaukee county, Wis. Their union was blessed with three daughters: Flora, Josephine and 1 1 attic, all residing at home, 674 Walker street. Frederick W. Horn was a man of great prominence, as liis protracted and distinguished services in the Wisconsin legislature strongly indicate, for he was ;i member of the Senate during the years of [848-49-50 and [891-93; a member of the I [ouse in i85i-54-57-5<j-oo-o7-(>S-/2-75-82-87 and '89. This is truly a great career and very few men in any state in the Union have given so much of their time to the affairs of the commonwealth, and very few possess the popular qualities and the confidence of their constituents to such a high degree as did the Hon. Frederick \Y. I lorn. "General'" Zaun and his family are members of the Lutheran church ; he is also a member of Schiller Lodge, No. 3, K. of P., of which he is Past Chancellor, being also a member of Uniform Rank No. <>, EC. of P., and he is at present General of the Wisconsin brigade, U. R. K. of P. He is a member of Lake Lodge, 189, F. & A. M. ; Wisconsin Chapter, Ivanhoe Commandery, Consistory and Shrine. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, because he is a strong believer in the grand old German idea of "personal liberty," the idea that every man may eat, drink and wear what he pleases within the law. Among his friends he is highly thought of, being a royal good fellow, who considers all mankind as brothers.

Herman Scherff, who is the able traffic manager of the Gettleman Brewing Co., of Milwaukee, was born in the province of Saxony, Prussia, April 25, 1842. being the son of Traugott and Theresia Fischer Scherff, who came to this land of liberty and personal freedom in 1859, locating at Oshkosh, Wis., for one year, and in i860 they moved to Milwaukee, where they resided until their respective deaths. The father was a manufacturer of all kinds of leather goods, hence manufactured and dealt in gloves, trusses, suspenders, etc.. in Milwaukee for twenty years, until he retired after a useful business life in 1880, and in 1902, having rounded out more than four-score years and ten, he went to sleep in the Lord at the age of ninety-one years. He reared a family of five children: Wilhelmina, widow of William Mensior; Charles; Fredericka, wife of William Kalenbach ; Herman, and Augusta, deceased wife of Julius Eckhart. Our subject was educated in the German public schools and also in private schools, after which he served an apprenticeship of three years at the cabinet maker's trade, and then came to the United States with his parents in 1859, and has been a resident of Milwaukee since i860 except two years spent in La Crosse. He served the land of his adoption in the Civil war, enlisting Aug. 1, 1861, in Company C, Ninth Wisconsin infantry, as a private and took part in the battles and skirmishes of his regiment, including the battles of Jenkin's Ferry. Ark., and Newtonia, Mo., till he was honorably discharged from the service in Milwaukee, Dec. 6, 1864. After the war he entered the service of the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Co., taking at the same time a course of instruction in the Spencerian Business College. He was adjuster for the Wheeler & Wilson Co. for ten years, and since 1878 has been in the employ of the A. Gettleman Brewing Co., serving as agent and collector until

1902, and since the latter date he has been serving as traffic manager. In 1875 he married Miss Delia, daughter of Alexander and Louisa Schneider Doelger, of Milwaukee, and by this union has two sons, Henry H., assistant purchasing agent for the Johnson Service Co., of Milwaukee; Walter A., a traveling salesman of Sacramento, Cal. In religion our subject and family are Lutherans; in politics he is a Republican. He is a member and Post Commander of Robert Chivas Post, No. 2, G. A. R. He has been a member of Aurora Lodge, Xo. 145, I. O. O. F., since 1868 and of the Milwaukee Gymnastic Association since 1866. In all the places which he has filled he did his duty with great care and fidelity and he has the confidence and hi°Ji regard of all who know him.

Teofil Szukalski, the successful general contractor of 632 Smith street, Milwaukee, was born in German Poland, Oct. 18, 1864, a son of Paul and Konstantine (Budzbanowski) Szukalski, who emigrated to the Lmited States in 1865, settling in Manitowoc, Wis., where the father died. There were eight children in the family: John, a priest in the Polish Catholic church ; Teofil ; Thomas ; Katherine and Annie, twins (Katherine, wife of Stephen Kaminski, and Annie, the wife of Chares Stachowiak) ; Marian, and two dead. Our subject was reared in Manitowoc and gained his education in the parochial schools and the public schools of the county, after which he pursued the vocation of engineer for portable engines. He came to Milwaukee in the spring of 1892, when he held the position of foreman and manager for John J. Crilley for eleven years. He then embarked for himself in the general contracting business, in which he has made substantial success, and lives in a handsome cement block resident at 632 Smith street. On June 16, 1891, he married Miss Gertrude, daughter of Michael and Mary (La Buy) Neuman, of Beaver Dam, Wis., and they have nine children : Mary, Katherine, Marian, Eullia. Xorbert, Bernard, Alice, Ruth and Gertrude. Himself and family are all Roman Catholics and devout members of St. Cyril's Methodius Polish Catholic church. He is a Democrat in politics and has been honored by his party with the position of superintendent of the city sewers for two years. He is a very worthy, reliable and industrious business man. in whom every one has confidence.

Frederick W. Wedig, the prominent undertaker of Milwaukee. was born in that city March 30, 1867, a son of John and Katie (OtO Wedig, both natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1845, settling in Milwaukee, where they both lived and died. The father was a millwright bv trade and followed that vocation all of his life. The}' reared a family of five children: Alvina, wife of Fred Schumacher; Frederick; Albert; Annie, wife of Charles Hagen, and Fredericka, wife of Charles Gaulke. Our subject was reared in Milwaukee and educated in the Lutheran schools and in the evening sessions of the public schools. He began his career in the undertaking business by attending to the livery department for Henry Vogt, then working his way onward and upward until he understood all of the details of the business; however, he still spent some

Herman and Wilhelmine (Lang) Rediske, both natives of Germany, for smne time he had full charge of the business. Being now a man of varied and complete experience in the business and being also a licensed embalmer, he resolved, in 1895, to reap the rewards of his knowledge for himself, so he opened rooms for business at 1013 Third street, where he has since conducted an establishment with signal success. In 1894 he married Miss Katie, daughter of John and Marguerite Breuer, of Milwaukee, and the)' have three children - John, Walter and Linda. He and his family are consistent members of the Lutheran church and he votes the Republican ticket. He is also a member of the German Society and of the North Side Old Settlers' Club. By strict attention to all of the details of his peculiar and trying business, by kindness and careful consideration for the feelings of the bereaved ones, he has won the regard of those for whom his services are given in the last sad rites at the portals of death.

Vincent M. Strzempkoski, the proprietor of the Strzempkoski Clothing Company, 458 Mitchell street, was born in German Poland, June 16, 1880. He is a son of Andrew and Estella Strzempkoski, who came to America in 1883, locating in Bay City, Mich. The father was a musician, an expert on the violin. They moved to Milwaukee in 1900, where they continue to reside, the father devoting himself to his natural inclination, the occupation of a musician. The father's family consists of four sons, named Thomas, Stanislaus. Vincent M. and George. Vincent M. remained in Bay City, Mich., until he was eighteen years of age. He received his education by attending the parochial schools of that city, and finished his education in Milwaukee by attending night schools and taking private instruction. He began life as a clerk in a clothing store at five dollars per week, and followed that vocation for over seven years, his salary gradually increasing until it reached twenty-five dollars per week in 1906. Having now full knowledge of the clothing business and its kindred branches and being ambitious to establish a competency for himself, he embarked in 1906 in the clothing and gents' furnishing business at 458 Mitchell street. His keen business sense, his careful attention and polite demeanor toward his customers have brought him a fine trade and he is eminently successful, and is one of the most popular merchants on the South Side. He is a member of St. Stanislaus Polish Roman Catholic church, of the Young Men's Polish Society and of the Gaweizda Society, of which he is treasurer. He affiliates with the Democratic party. Success is smiling on him because he merits it.

Rediske Brothers. - Frederick and Frank Rediske, under the firm name of Rediske Brothers, are carpenters and contractors, located at 692 Forest Home avenue. The name of Rediske for nearly one-third of a century has been prominently identified with the building interests of Milwaukee. Charles Rediske, the founder of the branch of the family in the United States, was born in Germany and he came to this country with his parents and settled in Milwaukee before the Civil war. The parents of the Rediske Brothers were

Herman and Wilhelmina Lang Rediske, both natives of Germany. The father was reared to manhood in Milwaukee, where he learned the carpenter trade, and for over thirty years was engaged in the business of carpenter, contractor and builder. He was, also, for a short time prior to his coming to Milwaukee, occupied as a millwright in Michigan. At one time he was interested in a distillery in Milwaukee with his brother Frederick. This proved a failure owing to the erection of a very heavy tank on an upper floor which the building was too weak to support; a collapse followed and he then abandoned the business. The father, Herman Rediske, died Jan. 17, 1905, at the age of fifty-one, leaving a family of four sons - Frederick, Albert, Henry and Frank, all natives of Milwaukee. Fred and Frank learned the carpenter trade under the instruction of their father, and, at his death, they succeeded to the business, which they have since carried on and successfully advanced under the firm name of Rediske Bros. Frederick was educated in the Lutheran parochial schools and at Imig College, while his brother Frank was educated in the public schools of the Cream City. Frederick, the senior member of the firm, was born March 5, 1876, and on March 17, 1898, married Miss Annie Jones, of Milwaukee. Both brothers display the sturdy honesty and industry of the German character and are enterprising and highly respected business men of this city. Stanley F. Polski,6o8 Lincoln avenue, Milwaukee, is a prominent manufacturer of cisterns, pumps and tanks. He is a native of Posen, German Poland, whence he came to the United States in 1883, to be followed in 1892 by his parents, Constantine and Josephine (Zentara) Polski. Upon their arrival in America Mr. and Mrs. Constantine Polski resided for a time in Milwaukee and later went to Beaver Dam, Wis., where they now reside. Stanley F. Polski was born Oct. 16, 1867, attended school in his native city until his sixteenth year and then decided to seek his fortune in the United States. In 1883 he settled in Plymouth, Pa., where he found employment in the anthracite coal mines. There he remained three years and in 1886 traveled farther west and was employed in a tannery in Milwaukee until 1892. He attended night school during winter in order to study the English language and in 1892 left Milwaukee. For some time Mr. Polski had no settled home and at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he enlisted as sergeant in Company K, First Wisconsin volunteer infantry, and served from April until November, when he was honorably discharged from the service. Returning to Milwaukee, Mr. Polski engaged in his present business, which he has successfully conducted at his present location since May, 1905. Special attention is given to well boring and cleaning and Mr. Polski is well equipped to care for his large and growing business. In 1902 he was married to Miss Victoria Gultz, daughter of Michael and Frances (Nowah) Gultz, of Milwaukee. Mrs. Polski is also of Polish descent. One child, Helen, was burn to this marriage. Mr. Polski is a member of the Polish 1 atholic church, lie also belongs to the Polish Lancers and to ( !apron Post of Spanish War Veterans. He is independent in political views.

Gustav Raetz is a manufacturer of high-class carriages in Milwaukee, whose plant, established in 1885, is located at the corner of Madison and First avenues. I le is a sun of John and Sophia ( Bohl) Raetz, the former a native of Baden Baden and the latter of Mecklenburg, Germany. John Raetz emigrated to the United States about 1852 and located in Milwaukee, where he met and married Miss Sophia Bohl, whose father, John Hold, came to Milwaukee in 1853, and was there engaged in the dairy business. John Raetz was employed in Milwaukee in several different capacities and finally established himself in the grocery business, in which he remained until his death, Jul}' 29, [886. Of his family of ten children eight reached mature years - John, Fred (deceased), Gustav, Henry, George, Emma, wife of Mr. Heath; William, and Ida, who is Mrs. John Deinlein. Gustav, the subject of this sketch, was born in Milwaukee, May 28, 1865, attended the public schools in Milwaukee and the German-English Academy, and was apprenticed three years to a carriage-maker. Three years he worked as a journeyman and in 1885 opened a carriage shop of his own at the corner of Madison and First avenues, where he is at present located. Mr. Raetz has won success in his business by careful attention to its details and a keen eye for possible improvements in his manufactured product. His carriages have a reputation for honest construction and he supplies a widely distributed list of patrons. Sept. 4, 1886, Mr. Raetz was married to Miss Augusta Mueller, daughter of August and Minnie (Koehnke) Mueller, who were natives of Germany and prominent pioneer settlers of Columbus, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Raetz have two children living, Charles and Lorraine. Mr. Raetz is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias and a member of the South Side Turners. He is a loyal supporter of the Republican party and takes an active interest in political questions. Three terms he has served as alderman from the Eighth ward and commenced his fourth term in the spring of 1908.

Frank Poznanski is the well-known mason contractor of 825 Eighth avenue, and succeeded to the business of his father, Anton Poznanski, who was a prominent South Side contractor. Anton Poznanski was born in Kcynia, Poland, son of Andrew and Mary (Kopyblowski) Poznanski, with whom he came to the United States in 1855. The family resided in Milwaukee and later in Wausau, where Andrew died. His wife, who survived him, died at the age of seventy-eight years in Milwaukee. Anton, their son, learned the mason's trade and became a successful contracting mason in Milwaukee. He erected man}' important buildings and enjoyed a reputation for skill and reliability. He married Miss Frances Socha, of Milwaukee, a native of Milwaukee, and daughter of Polish pioneers of that city. Mrs. Anton Poznanski is believed to be the first child of Polish parents born in Milwaukee who is living at the present time. Nine children were born to Anton Poznanski and his wife Frances: Frank, .Annie, wife of George Elliott; Winnie, wife of John Smijewski; John. Anton, Stanislaus, Kate, Leo and Constantine. Mr. Poznanski died in Milwaukee, April 20, 1807. at the age of forty-five years. Frank Poznanski, the subject of this sketch, was born in Milwaukee, Oct. 9, 1877, attended both public and parochial schools and Marquette College and became a mason and plasterer under the able instruction of his father. He worked with his father until the death of the latter and at that time assumed the responsibilities of the business. He has since showed himself worthy of the confidence reposed in him by his father's patrons and has executed numerous important contracts in a most efficient manner. He is prompt in attending to matters intrusted to him, and his careful work speaks for itself. In accuracy and painstaking attention to the details of his work Mr. Poznanski excels, and his integrity is unquestioned. Nov. 29, 1902, Mr. Poznanski was married to Miss Helen Czapiewski, of Milwaukee, daughter of Joseph Czapiewski. Two charming little daughters complete the family circle, Helen and Frances. Mr. Poznanski and his family are devout members of St. Hyacinth Roman Catholic church, and the former belongs to the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and the Polish American Alliance. He is a most loyal supporter of the Democratic party, although his business cares leave him but little time for active participation in politics.

Joseph Jankiewicz, proprietor of the large general hardware store at 391 Rogers street, is one of the most prominent merchants on the South Side of Milwaukee. He was born March 7, 1864, in Wongrowitz, Germany, son of August and Valentina (Miloston) Jankiewicz, who left their home in Germany for the United States in 1880 and settled in North Carolina. After one year spent in that state they traveled westward and located in Milwaukee, which was their home until their death. Their son, Joseph, the subject of this sketch, was educated in Germany in the parochial schools, and accompanied his parents to North Carolina and Milwaukee. Upon his arrival in Milwaukee he attended night school in order to obtain a more thorough command of the English language. He was first employed as a nailer and then worked six years as a stationary engineer. From 1894 to 1904 he operated a grocery store and saloon on the South Side, and in 1904 engaged in the hardware business, in which he has met with marked success. He carries a large stock of hardware, including tins, paints, oils, glass, blinds, etc., and pays particular attention to all kinds of tin, copper and sheet-iron work. Fie is supplied with every sort of modern appliance for satisfactory work and his stock is up-to-date in every respect. He is a man of absolute integrity and merits the success which has attended him by strict attention to his business. Nov. 15, 1885, Mr. Jankiewicz was married to Miss Catherine Drechta, of Milwaukee, daughter of Anton Dreclita. who came to Milwaukee from Poland. Ten children were born to them, of whom but four are living - Annie, Mary, August and Amelia. The family are devout members of St. Josaphat Polish Roman Catholic church, and Mr. Jankiewicz belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and the Polish Alliance, Polish Sharpshooters and the South Side Army and Polish Business Men. He is a loyal adherent of the principles of the Democratic party and has served two years in the city council as alderman for the Twelfth ward, being a candidate for re-election in the spring of 1908. Mr. Jankiewicz takes an active interest in the affairs of his neighborhood and always responds prompthj to any call made upon him in the interest of the community . I le is an enterprising and progressive citizen in every respect.

Frank J. Grutza, senior member of the firm of Grutza & Co., real estate, loans and insurance, 417 Mitchell street, is one of the foremost Polish citizens of Milwaukee. He was born in German Poland, son of Frank and Antoinette (Haase) Grutza, who came to the United States in 1874 and lived five years in Lenox, Mass., removing from that city in 1879 to Milwaukee. Five children were born to Frank Grutza and his wife Antoinette : Anne, who became a nun of the Felician Order; Frank J., John J., Stanislaus, and Veronica, who married Peter Mulzoff. Mrs. Grutza died in Milwaukee and some years later Mr. Grutza married Miss Mary Lewendowski. also a native of Poland. Five children blessed this union: Agnes, Rose, Frances, Amanda and Bernard. After taking up his abode in Milwaukee Mr. Grutza passed the remainder of his life there and was identified with the Polish community as one of its most respected citizens. Frank J., the subject of this sketch, was born Oct. 6, 1869, was brought to Massachusetts by his parents when a little lad five years of age and attended the public schools of Lenox and Milwaukee. He also attended a parochial school in Milwaukee and Pio Nono College. He was first employed in the cigar manufacturing establishment of William Graf three and one-half years and the succeeding three years in a grocery house as clerk. Aug. 3, 1893, he was appointed deputy clerk of the municipal court and since June 20, 1907, has held the office of chief deputy. About 1893 Mr. Grutza engaged in the real' estate business on the South Side and in Xovember, 1905, became associated with M. J. Forecki under the firm name of Frank J. Grutza & Co. The partners established themselves in offices at 417 Mitchell street and have done a flourishing business in real estate and loans at that location. At present the firm handles a very large and important business, employing several assistants, and has become an important factor in South Side business circles. Mr. Grutza has found time to devote to many other honorable enterprises beside his personal business, among which was the erection of the Kosciusko monument. He was one of the foremost promoters of the Kosciusko Monument Association and its financial secretary. This association received the contributions for the $13,000 Thaddeus Kosciusko memorial monument, which was presented to the city of Milwaukee by the Polish citizens, and also superintended its erection. Mr. Grutza was master of ceremonies upon the impressive occasion of the unveiling of the monument. He is a devout member of St. Stanislaus Polish Roman Catholic church. He is president of the Polish-American Association and financial secretary of the Polish National Alliance, Branch No. 253, and belongs to the Harmonia Singing Society, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World. In addition to the positions of trust already referred to Mr. Grutza is president of the Skarb Polske Mutual Loan and Building Society, one of the most important associations of the kind in the state, and financial secretary of the Kosciusko Hall Association, of which he is also a stockholder. Affiliated with the Republican party, Mr. Grutza takes an active interest in local and national issues. He has served as chairman of the Republican committee of the Fourteenth ward for ten years and is a member of the Republican county committee. Mr. Grutza places his high abilities at the service of his Polish countrymen whenever desired and at the same time maintains a devoted allegiance to the land of his adoption. He was married Oct. 3, 1894, to Miss Nettie Niestatek, of Milwaukee, daughter of John and Josephine Niestatek, and four charming children have blessed this union - Irene, Adeline, Thaddeus and Regina.

Wladislaus S. Zaleski, a retired merchant tailor of Milwaukee, was for a number of years the head of the important tailoring house of Zaleski, which gave employment to about twenty tailors and supplied an extensive retail trade. He was born in Posen, Prussian Poland, June 27, 1864, son of Victor and Martha (Schwartz) Zaleski. He attended the public schools in his native town and was graduated from the high school at the age of sixteen years. Pie received three years of paid instruction in tailoring and was employed two years in Dresden, where he learned cutting and gained much skill and experience in that branch of tailoring. He was employed in responsible positions in the large tailoring establishments of Dresden, Warsaw, Berlin and Paris, but having a fondness for travel, decided to try his fortunes in America. He located in Ithaca, N. Y., where he was employed four years as cutter by George Griffin. In 1893 he traveled farther west and, upon reaching Milwaukee, found his services immediately in demand. Mr. Zaleski was cutter for the firm of Louis Lachmann two years, and at the end of that period established himself in business on the South Side, where his business has grown and prospered ever since. Mr. Zaleski has invested considerably in real estate in Milwaukee and some of his holdings have become very valuable. Having acquired a large property, Mr. Zaleski decided, in 1907, to leave the confining work of the store and therefore disposed of his interests in that business. He now gives his entire attention to the management and improvement of his holdings. Having been an active supporter of the Republican party since his naturalization, Mr. Zaleski was prevailed upon by his many friends to accept the nomination on that ticket for city treasurer in iqo8. He has the best interests of the city at heart and is read}* at all times to render active support to projects which have civic improvement for their aim. In 1896 Mr. Zaleski was married to Miss Matilda Puinger, of Milwaukee. Mr. Zaleski is a devout Roman Catholic and a member of St. Stanislaus Polish Roman Catholic church. He also belongs to the Polish National Alliance, the Polish-American Society, the Polish Turners' Society, the Polish Singing Society, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and others.

Judge Louis M. Kotecki is a rising young man of Milwaukee and justice of the peace in the Tenth district. I le is of Polish origin, son of Albert and Barbara Kotecki, who emigrated from Poland in

1873 and made their home in Chicago. Albert Kotecki was a successful tailor and was engaged in this occupation for some years in Chicago. In 1884 he removed with his family to Milwaukee, where he was engaged in the same business until 1003, when he retired from active business life to enjoy the fruits of his labors. Six children, all of whom are living, make up his family: Frank, Louis M.. Adam. Victoria, Laura and Mary. Louis M. was born in Chicago, July 8, 1880. lie attended public and parochial schools in Milwaukee and received private instruction at a Polish high school. 1 le began to carry papers for a Polish newspaper when he was a lad and at the age of fifteen years became a reporter on the staff of the same paper, the Kuryer. Soon the position of advertising agent was offered to him and later that of collector. The last two positions he still retains. From 1894 to 1906 Mr. Kotecki attended the evening sessions of the Milwaukee Law School and acquired, by careful study, a knowledge of the law which has been of the greatest value to him in his career. In 1904 he was elected constable of the Tenth district, which contains three wards, the Eleventh, Twelfth and Fourteenth, and having satisfactorily tilled this office, was, in 1906, nominated for justice of the peace in the same district. Mr. Kotecki is a staunch Democrat in political matters and is active in the support of his party. In the election of 1906 he was defeated, but in August, 1907, was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of justice of the peace and has since been the incumbent of that office for the Tenth district. Mr. Kotecki is a wise and impartial judge and has won the confidence of his constituents to a flattering degree. In 1908 he was again nominated, this time to succeed himself, and was elected to the office which he now holds. He has merited by close application to his duties and sincere devotion to his calling, the success which has attended him and he has every prospect of becoming very prominent in his profession. Judge Kotecki is a devout member of St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic church and also belongs to the Polish Turners' Society, the Polish National Alliance, the Roman Catholic Polish Association and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Henry Ziemann, a prominent building contractor n\ Milwaukee, has been engaged in that business since i8c;7, and since 1907 at his present location, 813 First avenue, where he has a shop employing fifteen or more men. He is the son of August and Lizzie (Gloess 1 Ziemann. who were pioneer citizens of Milwaukee. August Ziemann was born in Pommern, Germany, and his wife in Hesse- Darmstadt. They settled upon a farm in the outskirts of Milwaukee and Mr. Ziemann occupied himself with farming and milling, and resided there the remainder of his life. Henry Ziemann. his son. was born in Milwaukee, Aug. 22. 1862. attended public school in Milwaukee and also a business college. He served his apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade and worked nine years as a jour- neyman. He then established the business in which he is at present engaged and in which he has met with flattering success. Many handsome residences and other buildings in Milwaukee and surroundings have been erected by Mr. Ziemann, who is a builder of the highest attainments. Among these are the residence of Fred Thetmeyer on 20th avenue, the residence of Albert Kunde on Mc- Kinley Boulevard, the apartment building belonging to Capt. John Cochran on the corner of Scott and Greenbush streets, etc. In 1889 Mr. Ziemann was married to Miss Sophia Kurtz, daughter of George and Maggie Kurtz, of Milwaukee. Two children have gladdened their home, William and Henry. Mr. Ziemann is a member of the Ebenezer Lutheran church. He is not allied with any political party, although he takes an active interest in everything which tends to promote the welfare of the city.

Frank E. Buestrin, is a native of the Cream City, and was born on Oct. 14, 1864, the son of Henry and Catharine (Bloss) Buestrin. He is of pure German lineage, and his paternal grandfather came to America from Prussia in the year 1839 and settled in Milwaukee. (For other remarks concerning our subject's ancestry, see sketch of his father, Henry Buestrin.) He was educated in the public schools of Milwaukee and in the Spencerian Business College of the same city. Upon leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1876 became associated with his father in the general contracting and building business. After his father's death in 1893 tne business passed into the hands of his sons, Frank E., Henry F., and August H., who have since conducted it under the firm name of Henry Buestrin & Sons. Mr. Buestrin has always been affiliated in politics with the Republican party, and in the spring of 1894 a number of his political friends prevailed upon him to accept the nomination of alderman, to represent the Seventh ward. He was elected and earned for himself the general commendation of his associates in the council, and of his constituents, by reason of his businesslike conduct of affairs and his conscientious attention to his official duties. He served as a member of the committees on schools and railroads, and was chairman of the committee on City Hall and Library. Both his public and private career have been clean, honorable and successful ; he is straightforward in all his dealings with his fellow men, and richly deserves the public recognition of his worth and standing which he has received. He has been president of the Builders' and Traders' Exchange. He was married on Nov. 21, 1893, to Miss Paula, daughter of Ferdinand and Julia (Grossenbach) Reuter, of Milwaukee, and is the father of two children, Frank and Margaret by name.

Henry Buestrin (deceased), long known as one of Milwaukee's leading and enterprising business men, was one of the city's pioneer builders, and did much to promote the development of the Cream City. He was born in the town of Kammin, near Stettin, Prussia, on Aug. 9, 1829, and in 1839 came to America with his parents, David and Anne Buestrin, settling in Milwaukee. The father owned a farm for many vears on the west side of East Water street, and later engaged in building and contracting, a vocation he had followed in his native land. He reared a family of four daughters and one son: Frederica, wife of Gottlieb Gust; Bertha, wife of Anton Fernicke; Emily, wife of Frank Willie; Rosa, wife of Augusl Poletz, and Henry, the subject of this sketch, who, at an early age, learned the carpenter's trade, and as soon as he had acquired a thorough knowledge of its details, branched out as a contractor on his own behalf. By i860, through the exercise of great energy and pluck, he had risen into prominence, and was then known as the most capable contractor and builder in the city. Many of the beautiful and substantial structures of Milwaukee attest the capability of the man who erected them, and in this connection it may be truly said that much of the beauty of the city is due to the skill of Henry Buestrin in his building operations. Among the many notable edifices, with the erection of which he had more or less to do, may be mentioned the following: The Immanuel Presbyterian Church ; the Pfister Block ; the Philip Best Building ; the Northwestern Insurance Building", and the Exposition Building. He superintended the erection of the Waterworks buildings, and was one of "the early champions of the great sanitary project known as the flushing tunnel, which has done so much to improve the health conditions of the city. Mr. Buestrin was especially noted for his skill in moving and raising brick structures - some of them of vast weight - such as the Milwaukee County Bank, Treat's Hall, the Mabler & Wendt Building, and the enormous brick chimney at the Phoenix Mills, which he moved in 1880. This chimney had a base of 8 feet, was 95 feet high, and weighed 225 tons; it was raised 10 feet and moved 150 feet, which remarkable work was accomplished without the least damage to the structure, and was the first job of the kind ever attempted in America. For a few years Mr. Buestrin was associated in business with August Kieckhefer, and later on took his sons into partnership. The sons inherited their father's ability and are worthy successors of one who did so much for the material well-being of Milwaukee. Mr. Buestrin was never actively interested in politics, but adhered to the principles of the Republican party. He was reared a Lutheran and maintained his connection with that church until his death. He was married Nov. '20, 1855, to Miss Catharine Bloss, a native of Germany, and eight children grew to maturity. Emily, wife of John E. Hutchings ; Anna, wife of August Kieckhefer; Augusta, wife of Oswald Ulbricht; Frank E. ; August H. ; Henry F. ; Katharine, wife of Otto H. Habhigger, and Lizzie. Mr. Buestrin was a member of both the American and German Old Settlers' clubs, and was for many years an active member of the old volunteer fire department. He was a man of strict integrity, of unblemished reputation, and was honored and respected by all who knew him. He died on Feb. 21, 1893.

John S. Altstadt is a prominent funeral director and embalmer of the South Side, having succeeded to the business of his father, with whom he was formerly associated. He is the son of John and Catherine (Ronk) Altstadt, who were natives of Germany and em- igrated in early life to the United States, making their home in Milwaukee. Mr. Altstadt senior was educated in Germany and learned the carpenter's trade, becoming an expert cabinet-maker and wood-worker. He came to Milwaukee in 1865 and after working at his trade for a few years, established himself in the furniture and undertaking business on the South Side. Of his family of four children, John S., the subject of this sketch, is the only survivor. He was born in Milwaukee, June 19, 1873, was educated in the Roman Catholic parochial schools of his native city, and became a valued assistant to his father in the undertaking establishment. Upon the retirement of his father in 1902, the entire responsibility of the business devolved upon John S. Altstadt and he has since successfully conducted it alone. He has a complete and up-to-date equipment and leaves nothing undone, which will give satisfaction to his patrons. Night or day he is promptly at their service. Mr. Altstadt was married Oct. 24, 1900, to Miss Hattie Lohagen, daughter of Henry F. and Mary (Haderer) Lohagen, of Milwaukee. Four children have blessed the marriage, Ralph, Marie, Aloisus and Norbert. The family are devout members of St. Anthony's Roman Catholic church and Mr. Altstadt belongs to the St. Anthony Society, and the Family Protective Association. He is not associated with any political party but gives considerable thought to the important questions of the day and votes as he feels will be for the best interests of the citv and state.