BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
CHRISTIAN ANDERSON, light-house keeper, born Dec. 29, 1825, in Norway; August, 1844, came to Racine, Wis.; in 1845,
came to Chicago ; July 5, 1846, came to Manitowoc ; started a tailor shop which he continued several years. He
afterward bought a vessel which he sailed several seasons, then sold and bought a farm where he worked about seven
years. He then removed to Manitowoc and followed teaming-about two years; afterward ran a threshing-machine two
seasons. He then opened a boarding-house which he continued till 1876, when he was appointed to his present position.
Married, in 1866, to Sarah Torrison of Norway. They have two children, one son and one daughter. He has four children
by a former marriage, three sons and one daughter.
JAMES S. ANDERSON, attorney and counselor at law, Manitowoc first settled in Kossuth Township, Manitowoc Co., September,
1852, with his parents. He lived at home until he was about eighteen years of age He enlisted in Co. A, 5th Regt.
Wis. V. I., April 22, 1861, and served three years and four months, being in the battles of Antietam, Gettysburg,
and many of the important battles participated in by the Army of the Potomac. He received several slight wounds,
but same out sound and was mustered out at Madison, Wis., August, 1864. He returned to Appleton and attended the
Lawrence University, and graduated from that institution in the class of 1870, after which he studied law and was
admitted to the Bar in Manitowoc, December, 1871; then he began the practice of law. He was born in Kelvin Haugh,
near Glasgow, Scotland, Dec. 25, 1842. He married a daughter of the Hon. J. T. Mills, of Grant County, Miss Eva
M. Mills, July 17, 1873. She was born April 15, 1846. They have two children, Minnie H. and Joseph M.
O. R. BACON, M. D., druggist, Manitowoc, is a native of Stillwater, Saratoga Co., N. Y. When about the age of fourteen
years, his father removed to Otsego County, N. Y. There he attended school. At the age of 20 he removed to Rensselaer
County, there studied medicine, and graduated at Castleton, Vt. In 1854 came to Manitowoc, and was engaged in teaching
school several years. He has also been Superintendent of Schools, Town Clerk, etc. In 1865 he established this
business, which he has since continued, being now the oldest resident druggist in the city.
J. W. BARNES, firm of Barnes & Mendlik, general merchandise, Manitowoc, is a native of Erie County, Pa. At
the age of seven years he came with his parents to Naperville, Ills. There he worked at the printer's trade about
three years, then removed to Waukesha, where he attended school. In 1862 came to Manitowoc; was employed a short
time in his brother's bank. After spending about a year in Cincinnati and St. Louis he returned to Manitowoc and
engaged in the merchandising firm of Goodenow & Barnes. This partnership continued about three years. He then
carried on the business alone about three years. Then the firm of Vilas & Barnes was established, which was
continued about six years. Mr. Vilas retired from the business, and soon after Mr. Mendlik was admitted a member
of the firm, which now continues. Mr. Barnes has been Chairman and Alderman of the Fourth Ward.
ALBERT C. BECKER, firm of Becker & Teitgen, hardware, Manitowoc. Born Oct. 9, 1850, in Prussia. Came to Milwaukee
with his parents in 1855. Two years later they removed to Manitowoc, where he has since resided. At the age of
fourteen he commenced to learn the tinner's trade, and except four years railroading he has followed this business
since. He established this business in 1875. Married, in 1877, to Alvina Teitgen of Manitowoc County. They have
two sons.
F. BECKER, saloon and billiards, Manitowoc. Born March 29, 1823, in Prussia. He emigrated to Milwaukee in 1853,
and the following year came to this city and opened a bakery, carrying on that business until 1861, when he raised
a company, being himself commissioned captain, the 9th Wis. I. He remained in the service for about two years,
then returned to Manitowoc and opened his present business. He has been Chief of the Fire Department for two years.
Married, in l847, Miss Mena Boate of Prussia. They have three children, one son and two daughters.
JOHN BIBINGER, of the firm of Bibinger & Day, wholesale and retail dealers in all kinds farm machinery, Manitowoc,
was born in Germany, July 23, 1846. He came with his parents to America in 1848, and they lived in Pennsylvania
about eight years. Moved to Milwaukee and lived four years. He went into business in 1873 in Manitowoc, He was
married in that city, Sept 22, 1873, to Miss Augusta Teitgen. She was born in Newton, Manitowoc Co., 1855. They
have two children, Ellma A., born Oct. 8, 1874 and Arthur J., born June 9, 1876.
SAMUEL COLEMAN BLAKE, M. D., one of the representative men of Manitowoc County and one of the best read, and the
most eminent physician and surgeon in Northern Wisconsin, was born in the city of Bath, Me., July 25, 1826. He
was the oldest child of the Rev. S. P. Blake, of the Maine Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He was educated at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary at Kents Hill, from which he graduated at the age of twenty with
honors. During this time, his father's pecuniary circumstances were such that he could give his son no aid in paying
his way through his educational course, and he was obliged to earn sufficient money for that purpose by his own
efforts, during the time that he was prosecuting his studies. In 1850, he entered the Tremont Medical School, Boston,
where he read medicine. In the years 1852-53, he was "house pupil" in the Massachusetts General Hospital,
of Boston, and July 22, 1853, he graduated in medicine from the medical department of the Harvard University, having
entered that institution three years earlier. After graduating. Dr. Blake became a member of the Massachusetts
State Medical Society and of the Boston Medical Association, to gain a membership in which required a most thorough
knowledge of medicine and surgery. He settled in the city of Boston, where he practiced his profession between
three and four years. In 1856 the doctor removed to Chicago, and immediately became a leader in his profession
in that great metropolis, which position he maintained through an active and extensive practice until 1877, when,
on account of poor health, he removed to Manitowoc. Since living here, he has also been actively engaged in the
practice of his profession. In the second year after going to Chicago, he was connected with the Spring course
of lectures in Rush Medical College. Oct. 27, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Adaline Jones, an estimable
lady of fine mental qualities, a daughter of Hon. Benjamin Jones, one of the earliest settlers of Chicago, and
the founder of the city of Manitowoc. She has borne him three children, who are all living - the oldest being Charles
C, born April 1, 1859; the next Benjamin J., born Aug. 22, 1864, and the youngest Otis Henry Tiffany, born Nov.
19, 1872. They were all born in Chicago. In the year 1858, Dr. Blake was associated with Prof. Daniel Brainard,
De Laskie Miller and J. P. Ross, of the Rush Medical College, in organizing the old City Hospital, of Chicago,
and with them composed its medical and surgical staff until he entered the medical service of the United States,
at the commencement of the late Rebellion. The outbreak of the war found Dr. Blake in the midst of a large and
lucrative practice, and the occupant of many high and honorable positions in his profession, but with true patriotism,
marked with that large-hearted generosity and forgetfulness of self-interests which has always characterized his
acts through life, he abandoned his more lucrative practice, and offered his services to his country in her time
of need. They were accepted with alacrity, and he was appointed by Gov. Richard Yates surgeon of the 19th Reg.
Ill. V. The regiment was immediately ordered to Missouri, passing via Quincy, 111. At the latter place, through
appreciation of the eminent ability of the surgeon of the 19th, Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut detailed him from his regiment
to act as surgeon on his staff. While in Quincy, the doctor organized a large division hospital, which remained
in that city until the close of the war. In July, 1861, Dr. Blake was transferred to the 39th Reg. 111. V., and
with his regiment went to St. Louis, and from there to East Virginia, and was with Gen. N. P. Banks in his celebrated
campaign through the Shenandoah Valley. During the several bloody battles of this campaign, the doctor was always
found promptly on the ground, ministering to the many and grievous necessities of the wounded. Later in this campaign,
the doctor was detailed from his regiment by Gen. Banks, and placed in charge of the general hospital of the division,
which responsible position he occupied during the remainder of that campaign. As a proof of the estimation in which
the doctor was held by his companions in arms, we take the liberty of inserting the following extracts from among
letters
received by him during and immediately after his service. They will explain themselves.
Head-quarters 1st Div., Dept.of Shenandoah, near Edinburg. Va.
April 12,1862.
DR. SAM'L. C. BLAKE, Surgeon 39th Reg., I. V.-
DR. SIR:
* * * I have had ample opportunity of estimating your services as a hospital surgeon, and feel much pleasure in
being able to testify to the care and attention bestowed upon the men, and to the professional skill displayed
on many occasions, when the service required it. in field hospitals, where many things needful for the comfort
of the sick soldier have to be improvised, a faithful devotion ,to duty and self-sacrifice are qualities eminently
needed; in your display of these 1 have also been witness, and put on record here my complete approval of, and
satisfaction with, your conduct ac the Brigade Hospital, Hancock. I am, doctor, Yours, Respectfully,
THOMAS ANT1SELL, Brigade Surgeon Vols. and Medical Director 1st Div., Dept. of the Shenandoah.
The next, which will suffice, is from Gen. Osborne, the first colonel of the 39th Ill. V., afterward promoted to
major general, and now Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to the Argentine Republic.
Head-quarters 39th Reg. I. V., Harrison's Landing, James River, Va.
Army of the Potomac, Aug. 5, 1863.
DR. S. C. BLAKE-
MY dear old surgeon:
If at any time you should need my good offices, they shall be freely given you for that good name and reputation
which you won for yourself and my regiment in the medical department of the army in the field, and I cannot forget
that high and never to be forgotten compliment paid me as your commanding officer by Maj. Gen. Williams, in your
behalf, for your distinguished services when in charge of the general hospital. Please accept the kindest wishes
of, Yours truly,
Thomas O. Osborne, Major General
In 1862 Dr. Blake was compelled to resign his position in the army on account of chronic diarrhea, which he had
contracted in the service during the severe and fatal winter and spring campaign preceding. After returning home
to Chicago, the doctor was incapacitated from any active labor in his profession for more than a year. In 1863,
having sufficiently recovered from his illness to go into active practice, he was honored with the appointment
of County Physician of Cook County, Ill. In 1865, he was appointed City Physician of the City of Chicago, which
responsible position he held two years, discharging the duties thereof with credit to himself and to the city.
He was one of a number of prominent gentlemen and ladies in Chicago who founded the present flourishing Women and
Children's Hospital of Chicago, and was one of the consulting physicians and surgeons until he moved to Manitowoc
in 1877. In 1869, he, in association with Dr. W. H. H. Byford, and other prominent physicians of Chicago, organized
the Women's Hospital Medical College of Chicago, and became one of its faculty, occupying the chair of professor
of diseases of the mind and nervous system, a position of eminent honor and usefulness, for about seven years.
In 1868, Dr. Blake, while a member of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Cook, in connection with the late
Hon. James H. Reese, after long and faithful urging, prevailed upon the Board to occupy the old City Hospital as
a county hospital, and this was the beginning of the present magnificent Cook County Hospital, which is the pride
of Chicago, and an honor to the State. After the doctor left Chicago to live in Manitowoc, recognizing his eminent
ability in his profession and worth as a gentleman, the physicians and surgeons of his old home, Chicago, at a
meeting of their society, elected him an honorary member thereof, and the following extract from a letter from
his old and time-tried friend, Dr. Byford, will attest:
Chicago, Ill., Jan. 15, 1878.
Dear Dr. Blake - The Society of Physicians and Surgeons took great pleasure in electing you an honorary member
of that body. Several of the gentlemen spoke in terms of warm friendship, and with great good will wished you prosperity
and happiness in your new home.
I am, as ever, your very true friend,
W. H. H. Byford
Dr. Blake has been a member of the Massachusetts State Medical Society, Boston Medical Association, Illinois State
Medical Society, Chicago Society of Physicians and Surgeons and the American Medical Association. He has many times
been elected to represent his profession in both the State and national associations of physicians, and has always
been an active and loyal member of his profession. In religion he is a Methodist, having been an active and conscientious
member of that organization since he was a young man. He has ever sustained an enviable reputation as a man of
honor and integrity, as well as for rare skill and success as a medical practitioner. No considerations of policy,
professional or mercenary, affright him from the exercise of righteous judgment, or deter him from the expression
of a conscientious opinion. He sturdily adheres to the path of rectitude in his profession, and looks upon quackery
as an impious tampering with human life, and puts it aside with scornful detestation. Such a course has its reward,
and gains the applause of all who behold it. It shames the mountebank, strengthens the young physician and crowns
the profession with an honorable reputation. But the doctor is as highly esteemed for his qualities of heart as
he is admired for his qualities of mind, talents, and attainments. He is a gentlemen of a kind and generous nature,
with warm impulses, and generous to a fault. His charities are open-handed as well as open-hearted, and he is held
in equal estimation by dwellers in cots and in palaces. He mingles with the latter with ease and grace, and associates
with the former without endangering his dignity. He has no affectation or egotism to alienate the one, or haughtiness
of behavior to repel the other. He has served his generation so well that its prayers would continue his term of
service for many years to come.
P. J. BLESCH, general merchandise, Manitowoc, born Jan. 6, 1827, in Germany; in 1848, came to New York; in 1849,
came to Milwaukee ; in 1850, removed to Manitowoc, carried on the business of cabinet making three years. In 1853,
he opened this store, and with the exception of about four years, has continued in this business since. Mr. Blesch
held the office of County Treasurer during 1861 and '62. He was married in 1853, to Margaret Kellner, of Germany.
They have three children-two sons and one daughter.
G. BLOQUELLE. general merchandise, Manitowoc, is a native of Germany ; was born June 27, 1833. Came to this place
in 1S56, and opened a gun shop; continued this business till 1861, when he enlisted in Co. B, 9th Wis. Inf.; served
his enlistment and returned to Manitowoc, and carried on a gun shop till 1867, when he established this business;
he has been City Marshal one year. Married in 1867, to Kesena Schuette, of Germany; she has one son by a former
marriage, Emil Bench, now practicing law.
CHARLES BOCK, general merchandise, Manitowoc, was born Dec. 5, 1837, in Prussia. In 1852, he came to Manitowoc,
where he has since resided. He occupied the position of clerk for fourteen years, and in April, 1866, he established
his present business, beginning in small way. His business has increased, until now it amounts to about sixty thousand
a year. He now owns and occupies a fine brick building, 30x80 feet, two stories and basement, which cost about
six thousand dollars. He was married in 1858, to Miss Albertine Zumach, of Rockland, Wis. They have eight children-four
sons and four daughters.
JONAS L. BRANDEIS, general merchandise, Manitowoc, born Nov. 14, 1836, in Bohemia. In 1858, came to Milwaukee.
In i860, removed to Manitowoc; the following year he opened a small store and has now worked into a large and flourishing
business, giving employment to six clerks. He was the first wheat buyer in Manitowoc, paying part in cash and part
in goods. He was married June, 1861, to Miss F. Tweles, of Milwaukee. They have four children-three sons and one
daughter.
HENRY W. BROWN, Sec. 7, Manitowoc Tp. Owns 80 acres, 70 of which are under cultivation. Mr. B. was born in Vennor,
Madison Co., N. Y., Jan. 7, 1815. He moved from New York to Norwich, Pa., with his mother, in 1824, where they
lived until 1845, when they moved to Manitowoc and settled en his farm. There was only one board shanty between
his place and Manitowoc City at that date. There were then three small stores on the north side of Manitowoc River,
in what is now a large city. The country was all heavily timbered, and nothing but the wilds of vast forests faintly
echoed the sound of the hardy pioneer's ax. A number of years ago, Mr. Brown's mother visited the East and shortly
after died there. Mr. Brown was married, June 26, 1845, m Lumber Township, Clinton Co., Pa., to Miss Rosanah Richey;
she was born Oct. 12, 1824. They have five children-Sarah E., married to Samuel Hall, is living in Manitowoc City;
Edward R. married and living at Bailey's Harbor, Door Co.; Claudius V. B., married and living in same place as
his brother; Mary A., married to John A. Smith, and is at present at home, and William H., now living in the far
West.
F. C. BUERSTATTE, druggist, Manitowoc, was born Sept. 12, 1846, in Prussia. At the age of four years he came with
his parents to this place; he enlisted December, 1863, Co. F, 26th Wis. I., and served to the end of the war; participated
in the battles of Resaca, Ga., Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., Peach Tree Creek, Siege of Atlanta, and others. In 1867 he
returned to Manitowoc, and at once commenced to learn the druggist trade; after serving his apprenticeship, he
established this business in 1872. Married in 1871, to Augusta Gennrich, of Germany. They have four children, three
sons and one daughter.
HENRY C. BUHSE, County Clerk, Manitowoc, is, a native of Mechlenburg, Germany; born July 3, 1843; came to Milwaukee
with his parents Aug. 11, 1848. In the Fall they removed to Waukesha County, settled on a farm, where they remained
till 1857, when he came to Two Rivers, where he attended school; afterward clerk in the Pose-office. In the Spring
of 186r he went to Madison, where he also attended school. He enlisted in Co. B, 9th Wis. I.; served three years;
was promoted to orderly sergeant, September, 1862, and in 1864 was commissioned first lieutenant, Co. A, 45th Wis.
December, 1864, he returned to Two Rivers, followed the fishing business, then removed to Chicago, where he remained
about a year; returned to Two Rivers, and was employed by the Two Rivers Manufacturing Co. He afterward went to
California, Oregon, and other points. In the Fall of 1880, he was elected County Clerk ; he has also held various
other local offices.
HENRY B. BURGER, firm of Rand & Burger, ship builders, Manitowoc, is a native of Germany, born Dec. 17, 1839;
came to New York in 1848, with his parents. In 1857 came to Milwaukee, where he commenced to learn the ship building
trade, which he has since followed. In 1872, came to Manitowoc; the following year he became a member of this firm.
They are doing a very extensive business, and have built some of the largest vessels on the lakes. Married in 1863,
to Miss Mary Esslinger. She was born in Buffalo, N. Y. They have four children.
BYRON BURMEISTER, dealer in fruit, and vessel owner, Manitowoc, was born April 20, 1852, in Mishicott, Wis. In
the Fall of 1859, the family removed to Two Rivers; in 1863 came to Manitowoc. At the age of sixteen he commenced
to learn the carpenter trade, continuing about six years, sailing at intervals. In 1875 he bought the schooner
4 'Alice," 12 tons measurement. Sold her in the Winter of 1876, and bought the schooner "Eliza,"
of 30 tons. In 1879 he traded her for the "Ellen ft Cocharen," of 32 tons. Jan. 4, 1881, he, with his
father, bought the schooner "Gertie Wing,".of 17 tons, and in April, 1881, he, with his father and brother,
bought the scow " W. R. Sloan," of 72 tons. They are employed in the bark and fruit trade. Their dock
is on the south side of Eighth street, on the east side of the street, and has a frontage of 150 feet. They have
also a cellar 20x30 feet, for the storage of fruit.
HANS CHRISTENSEN, wines, liquors and cigars, 103 South Eighth street, Manitowoc, was born March 26, 1852, in Denmark.
In 1870 came to Milwaukee; in 1872 removed to Two Creeks and worked for Pfister & Vogel, at their tannery six
years. In 1878 came to Manitowoc and commenced this business. Married in 1873 to Emma Burmaster, of Manitowoc County.
They have three sons.
GEORGE COOPER, firm of Truman & Cooper, merchant millers and wholesale dealers in flour, feed, hay, coal, etc.,
Manitowoc, is a native of England. Emigrated to America in 1855, and located at Neshota, Wis.. There he was employed
in the lumber business till 1863, when he, with Mr. Jones, bought the property, consisting of one steam mill one
water mill, and a large quantity of land, store, etc., and continued in the manufacture of lumber very successfully
till 1877, when he re-moved to Manitowoc, and has since been a member of the above firm.
GOTTLIEB DAMLER, County Treasurer, Manitowoc, is a native of Germany, born Sept. 25, 1826; came to Sheboygan June
6, 1851, there he remained seven months, then removed to Two Rivers, followed there the boot and shoe business
till 1873. He had learned this trade in his native country, having served there ten years ; he has also been engaged
in the manufacture of brick from 1873 to 1876; when he was elected County Treasurer, which position he continued
to hold during his residence in Two Rivers. He held offices of Assessor, Town Treasurer four years, School Treasurer
sixteen and a half years, has been Chairman of the Town and County Board of Supervisors during 1873, '74 and '75,
and has been the recipient of many other public honors.
JOHN DENWAY, manufacturer of hosiery, etc., Manitowoc, employs forty-five hands, and manufactures on an average
fifty dozen hose per day. He was born in Oswego, N. Y., Dec. 23, 1845, and lived there until he was about seventeen
years of age. He enlisted in 1861, Co. B, 8th Missouri Zouaves, and served four and a half years, and was mustered
out at St. Louis, Mo., in 1865. He participated in the battles Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Arkansas Post, and the
first charge of Vicksburg, under Gen. Sherman; he was in nearly all of the western battles of any importance ;
after being mustered out he went to Chicago, and went into the business of hose manufacturing for eleven years,
then he went to Janesville; was there some time in same business. He came to Manitowoc in January, 1880, and began
his present occupation; He was married in Chicago March 9, 1876, to Miss Minnie Pautz; she was born in Manitowoc
County, May, 1857.
WILLIAM F. DICKE, firm of Lehmkuhl & Dicke, general merchandise and sewing machines, Manitowoc, was born Aug.
30, 1857, in New Bremen, Auglaize Co., Ohio. When a child he came to Manitowoc with his parents. After completing
his schooling he worked at various kinds of employment, was clerk for J. Schuette & Bros, from 1872 till the
Fall of 1877, when this firm was established; married in the Spring of 1880 to Miss Bertha Wagner, of Manitowoc;
they have one son, Kurth.
J. DONOHUE. assistant superintendent Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railroad, Manitowoc, was born in Ireland,
May 12, 1845. He emigrated with his parents to America, December, 1845, they settled in Pennsylvania, and lived
until 1853, when they moved to Sheboygan Falls. The subject of our sketch lived there until Spring, 1861. He was
station agent at Glenbeulah until 1862. He then went to Milwaukee in the employ of Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien
Railroad as fireman until March, 1865, and returned to Sheboygan County and went in employ of the Sheboygan &
Fond du Lac Railroad as baggage master, Fall, 1866, and bought grain for same company until 1868; was superintendent
also. In the meantime the railroad went into the hands of S. M. Barrett, Cincinnati, O., when Mr. D. went in his
employ until Spring, 1871. The railroad again changed hands to T. F. Strong, of Fond du Lac. Mr. D. remained with
him until August, 1871, after which he went into the employ of M., L. S. & W., at Sheboygan, taking charge
of the grading and laying the iron. After completing the same, he took charge of the passenger and freight train
until Spring, 1873, then took charge of grading and laying the iron from Sheboygan to Manitowoc City; after completing
the same to latter city, he was appointed roadmaster and assistant superintendent in Fall, 1873, and held the same
until Fall, 1876, since which time he has held the position as above mentioned. He was married to Miss Abbie A.
Clark, May 12, 1874, in Sheboygan County, She was born near Providence, R. I., June, 1844. They have two children,
Abbie A. and Hazel B.
AUGUST F. DUMKE, Manitowoc Iron Works, first settled in Township Newton, Manitowoc Co., 1853, and farmed five years.
In 1858 he moved to Manitowoc City and worked at mill wrighting and as miller in a grist mill. In October, 1861,
enlisted in Co. B, 9th Reg. Wis. V. I. going as first lieutenant. In Spring, 1862, he was promoted to the captaincy
of his company; he resigned in March, 1863, on account of failing health; he returned home and built the machinery
for a planing mill put the same in operation and followed the business until 1865, sold out, and in Fall, 1865,
began his present large works in company with John Kline. This partnership continued two years, and Messrs. Haverland
and Wilharms bought the interest of Mr. Kline. Mr. Dumke continued in company five years, and then bought the entire
interest, and has since operated alone. He was born in Prussia, Dec. 8, 1824. He was. married in 1851 to Miss Wilhelmina
Guhr; she was a native of the same country, born June 20, 1825.
JOHN FRANZ, real estate and insurance, Manitowoc, born Nov. 15, 1832, in Prussia. In 1856 he came to Two Rivers,
worked in the factory most of the time till 1863. He then was elected to different local offices, which he held
till 1867, when he was elected Register of Deeds ; held this office till 1877. Since then he has been engaged in
his present business; he has been elected twice Alderman, married in 1854 to Catherine Heinz of Prussia. They have
four children, one son and three daughters. Mr. Franz has held the office of Notary Public continuously since 1865.
HENRY ESCH, general merchandise, Manitowoc, is a native of Prussia, born June, 1830, came to Vincennes, Ind., in
1853, there worked at the gunsmith trade three years; in 1856, came to Manitowoc, worked at his trade about two
years; he then opened a small store, and by strict attention to business he has worked into a large and flourishing
trade, occupying two large stores and giving employment to six clerks. He was married, in 1854, to Elizabeth Bierhans,
of Prussia. They have seven children, five sons and two daughters.
HUBERT FALGE, Clerk Circuit Court, Manitowoc, is a native of Bohemia; came to Manitowoc County in 1868; has been
engaged in school teaching till 1877, when he was elected to his present position. Married in i860 to Mary Ludwig
of Bohemia, she died July 7, 1880, aged thirty-seven years; have five children, one son and four daughters.
JACOB FLIEGLER, firm of Fliegler & Haupt, Wisconsin Central Mills, Manitowoc, born Nov. 6, 1837, in Baden,
Germany. September, I844, he came to Chicago, where he remained until 1852; he then removed to Waukesha. Sept.
16, 1858, he came to Manitowoc. where he has since resided. He built the first swing bridge in Manitowoc, which
was in the Fall of 1858. He afterward was engaged by different firms in the lumber business for several years.
In 1865, he, with Mr. Waldo, opened a flour, feed and grocery and provision store ; continuing this business till
June 5, 1869, when he bought out the interest of Walter Lyons, consisting of saw and grist mills, lands, etc. Operating
this business till 1873, he then bought an interest with Wahle & Haupt, proprietor of the Wisconsin Central
Mills; the firm then became Fliegler Wahle & Co., and in 1877 the firm changed to Fliegler & Haupt, which
it has since continued.
C. GELBKE, of the firm of C. Gelbke & Bro., manufacturers and dealers in boots and shoes, was born in Prussia,
March 15, 1828. He emigrated to America in June, 1857, and settled in Manitowoc City. He worked at his trade first
year for Mr. Roberts, and five years for Mr. Shultz. In 1863, they established their business as above noted and
since continued the same. He was married, October, 1860, in Manitowoc County, to Miss Wilhelmina Haupt, she was
born in Hessen, Germany, 1836. They have one adopted daughter.
HENRY GREVE, planing mill and sash factory, Manitowoc, was born Feb. 29, 1828, in Mecklenburg, Germany. At the
age of fourteen years, he began to learn the trade of joiner and furniture maker. He followed his trade until 1853,
when he emigrated to New York, working at his trade for two years in that city. In 1855, he came to Manitowoc and
in 1866 he started a furniture business, which he conducted for five years. In 1868, he started a planing mill,
and in 1879 added to his business the manufacture of staves, all of which he is now successfully conducting. He
enlisted in 1862, Co F, 26th Wis. Inf., and was wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville, Va., in 1863, and was
discharged on account of physical inability. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees and is an Alderman and
member of the County Board and has been City Assessor, besides having held various other offices. In 1853, he married
Miss Helene Lehmann, of Mecklenberg. They have one son.
CLARENCE E. GRIDLEY, dentist, Manitowoc City, was born in Rochester, N. Y., May 7, 1856; he left Rochester in 1872,
and traveled through the West in the practice of his profession, having learned the same in Rochester, beginning
in 1870 and finishing in Detroit, Mich. He also attended the Detroit Medical College. He went from the latter city
to Winona, Minn., and practiced his profession a short time, and from there he went to Manitowoc, Sept. 24, 1877,
and began business in company with Mr. S. N. Buck, and at the end of one year, Mr. G. bought the interest. He was
married in Manitowoc, Nov. 7, 1878, to Miss Lillian H. Randall, of Appleton; she was born in the latter city, Aug.
31, 1861. They lost one son, Sept. 4, 1880. They now have an infant son.
H. GUTTMANN, manufacturer and dealer in harness, saddles and collars, Manitowoc, was born April 19, 1831, in Prussia.
In 1856, he came to Two Rivers. He was employed by the Wisconsin Leather Co. for three years, when he moved to
Manitowoc, and ran a tannery till 1876. In 1870, he opened a leather store, and two years later he added harness
making to his other business. He has been Alderman two terms. In 1858, he married Miss A. Bertram, a native of
Prussia, by whom he has seven children, five sons and two daughters.
JOHN HALL, Sec. 7, Manitowoc Township, born in Ireland, Feb. 2, 1831. He emigrated to America with his mother,
three brothers, and one sister, and settled in Blackstone, Mass., where the brothers worked two years in a cotton
factory. They moved to Dodgeville in the Fall of 1850, and worked at mining the following Winter, and in the Spring
of 1851 they moved to Manitowoc City, where they lived eighteen months, and moved on their farm in Fall of 1852,
where the family lived some time, and where he is now located. Followed lumbering twelve years on beginning life
in Wisconsin, since which time he has been engaged in farming. He was married in Manitowoc City, October, 1867,
to Miss Jane E. Sniffin; she was born in Kenosha, Sept. 11, 1846. They have four children-Berlin, born Aug. 13,
1868; Jay, born Dec. 22, 1869; Gordon, born Sept. 3, 1872; Louisa, Dec. 1, 1876. At the date of Mr. Hall's settlement
there were only two families between his farm and the city. He has seen the county spring up from its early pioneer
settlement. He owns 227 acres of land, 200 under cultivation.
ANDREW HANSEN, wagon-maker, Manitowoc, was born March 13, 1834, in Denmark. He learned his trade of blacksmith
and wagon-maker in his native country. July 6, 1855, he came Manitowoc, where he has since resided. In 1878, he
built his brick shop which he has since occupied. It is supplied with a steam boiler and engine of fifteen-horse
power, the first of the kind ever used in the city. He has been Alderman several terms, besides holding other local
offices. He was married, in 1857, to Miss Mary Andersen, of Norway, by whom he has four children, three sons and
one daughter.
JASPER HANSON, firm of Hanson & Scove, ship builders, Manitowoc, was born in Denmark, Jan. 5, 1832. In 1854
he emigrated to America, and located in Manitowoc during the same year. He first worked in the saw mill of Benj.
Jones & Co. The mill now operated by this firm stands on the same site as that occupied by the mill in which
he was first employed. Mr. Hanson continued in this employment until 1856, when he commenced working in the ship-yard,
as a carpenter and general workman, continuing until 1866, when he established business himself with A. D. Jones.
Mr. Jones retired from the firm two years later, when H. M. Scove was admitted as a partner. The firm of Hanson
& Scove has not changed since. The yards have turned out some of the largest craft on the lakes, both sailing
vessels and steam tugs, among which may be mentioned " Guido Pfister," and " Thomas L. Parker."
JOHN HARDOW, harness, Manitowoc, born in this place Aug. 3, 1854. At the age of fifteen he commenced working in
.a brick yard; continued about one year; in 1870 he commenced to learn the harness trade, and has since worked,
at this trade; he established this business June, 1881; married Sept 16, 1878, to Frederica Kirchner. She was born
in Saxony; they have one son, Charles.
CHARLES HAVERLAND, Central House and saloon, Manitowoc, settled at Port Jarvis, N. Y., July 4, 1854; lived there
one year and moved to Hawley, Pa., and worked in a machine shop of Pennsylvania Coal Co. until 1861; then came
to Manitowoc. He first engaged in the millwright work, and in company with Messrs. A. F. Dumke and Wilharms, ran
the Manitowoc Iron Works five years, then he went into the milling business one year and from that into the hotel
and saloon business. He was born in Germany, Sept. 21, 1823. He was married to Miss Amelia Birkholz, March 26,
1854, and emigrated to America the same year. Mrs. H. was born in Prussia, Jan. 2, 1830.
CHARLES F. HECKER, retired, Manitowoc. Born Nov. 26, 1819, in Prussia. In 1848, he came to this country, engaged
in farming till about 1865; he then removed to the city and opened a general store, which he continued about two
years; since then he has been engaged in real estate. In 1874, he built the two-story and basement brick store
now occupied by T. C. Buerstatte, druggist. Mr. Hecker has held various local offices. He was married in 1848,
to Charlotte Hecker; she is a native of Prussia. They have two daughters, Miss Charlotte, now engaged in teaching
school, and Miss Augusta, engaged in music teaching. She first took a course of studies with Prof. Buling, of Manitowoc,
and later, two courses with Prof. Luneng, of Milwaukee.
W. H. HEMSCHEMEYER, Justice of the Peace, Manitowoc. Was born May 19, 1833, in Hanover, Germany. In 1848, he came
with his parents to Manitowoc County, and until the age of nineteen he attended school and assisted on their farm;
he then engaged in mercantile pursuits till 1862, when he entered the army of the rebellion. He held commissions
both as lieutenant and captain, remaining in the service till July, 1865; he participated in the battles of Fredricksburg,
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and in 1863, their corps was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, and participated
in the battle of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Sherman's march to the sea, and others; he returned to Manitowoc
and again engaged in mercantile pursuits till 1877. He has held the offices of City Clerk, Register of Deeds, and
has been a member of the Assembly for the Third District, for 1879 and 1880; he was also a delegate in 1880, to
the Republican National Convention at Chicago, from the Fifth Congressional District.
CHARLES HOYER, merchant tailor, Manitowoc. Was born Dec. 24, 1829, in Austria. In 1853, he emigrated to America,
locating in Milwaukee, in which city he opened a merchant tailor store, remaining in that business until 1865,
when he removed to Manitowoc and continued his business. He carries one of the largest and finest stocks in this
city. In 1855, he married Miss Wilhelmena Lutzer, of Prussia. They have three sons and two daughters.
JOSEPH HOYER, boarding-house and saloon, Manitowoc. Born March 19, 1832, in Austria. In 1854, he went to Milwaukee;
the following year he came to this city and opened a boot and shoe store, employing three or four men; he continued
this business until 1866, when he opened his present business. He married, in 1857, Miss Katherine Bourkhardt,
of Baden, by whom he has four children, two boys and two girls.
F. W. HUEBNER, deceased, family residence, Sec, 5. P. O. Manitowoc, he was born, Jan. 6,1809, in Prussia. Came
to Manitowoc in 1845, in 1848, he settled on his farm, consisting of 160 acres, which is one of the oldest and
best improved farms in the township. He was married in the Spring of 1837, to Julia Lissing, of Prussia ; she was
born March 14, 1810 ; she has three children-Amelia, Fred, and William J. He has two children by a former marriage,
Mollie and Hannah. He died May 28, 1881; their son William J., now the owner of this property, was born Oct. 28,
1854, on this farm.
A. D. JONES, Register of Deeds. Born May 25, 1835, in Chicago. The following year he came with his parents to Manitowoc;
here he received a common school education; in 1853, he went to Monroe, Conn., and attended the academy there three
years; then returned to Manitowoc and engaged in the lumber business, which he continued till 1865. Since this
time he has been managing his father's business, which is now principally real estate. He was elected Mayor in
the Spring of 1872; this office he held till 1877; was City Clerk from 1878 to 1881; he was appointed to the office
of Register of Deeds, February, 1881, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Anton Brusch. His father, Benjamin
Jones, who was the founder of Manitowoc, died Aug. 11, 1881. The following is an extract taken from one of the
city papers:
BENJAMIN JONES, familiarly known to almost every person in this county as "Uncle Ben," died last Thursday
morning at 4:45 at the residence of his son, Hon. A. D. Jones, in this city, after a lingering business of over
two years. Mr. Jones was the founder of the city of Manitowoc and one of the early settlers of Chicago. He was
born in the State of Massachusetts July 24, 1795, and was, at the time of his death. in the 87th year of his age.
When a child, his father moved to the State of New York, taking his family with him, but soon afterward died,
leaving young Benjamin almost alone in the world to take care of himself at the tender age of ten years. At the
age of sixteen, he enlisted in the War of 1812, and served until the end of the war. When about thirty years of
age he was married, at Pendleton, Niagara Co., N. Y., to Miss Electa Smith, a sister of Hon. Perry P. Smith, now
of this city.' By her he had twelve children, only three of whom are living. In the year 1833 he moved with his
family, then consisting of a wife and four children to Chicago, taking with him a small stock of groceries. He
sailed from Buffalo on the schooner "United States" in the latter part of the Summer of 1833, and arrived
off Chicago in the month of October, having been six weeks on the passage. The vessel came to anchor off the mouth
of the river, then a mere creek, with no pretensions toward a harbor, and Mr. Jones went on shore to secure a temporary
place for his family fore-side until he could provide a permanent home for them. During the night a terrible storm
arose, and in the morning nothing could be seen of the vessel which contained all of his earthly treasures. After
a vain search for several days he came to the conclusion that the vessel had gone to the bottom, which however,
luckily proved not to be the case. The vessel was torn from her moorings by the violent gale, and was drifting
on to the shore where Michigan City now stands, but, by an opportune shift of the wind, she was enabled to make
St. Joseph harbor, and was saved from destruction. After the gale subsided, she again set sail for Chicago, arriving
this time in safety, bringing to Mr. Jones his family, restoring them, as it seemed to him, from the dead. He
immediately set about building for himself a house and store, choosing for a site South Water street, between Dearborn
and Clark, where he did a prosperous business for several years. Chicago had then about 3,000 inhabitants, and
Mr. Jones was one of its principal merchants. He also speculated some in real estate, and when he left Chicago,
a few years later, he had accumulated a large property. He at one time owned the block upon which the new Custom
House now stands, and he sold it to Capt. Bigelow for $7,500. Mr. Jones was contemporary in Chicago with Chas.
Walker, Thomas Church, Wm. B. Ogden, Geo. W. Snow, B. F. Haddock and Bro., G. S. Hubbard, Major Kinzie, Wm. Jones,
his brother, and that class of old citizens, and is among the last of them to pass away from earth. In June,
1836, Mr. Jones came to Manitowoc, then a wilderness, and purchased about 2,000 acres of land where this city now
stands, and adjoining, and has spent more than forty years of his life here. He immediately entered extensively
into the lumber and milling business, employing a large number of men. In the Fall of 1837 he put up one of the
first four houses ever built in this city, and in which his daughter Adaline (now the wife of Dr. S. C. Blake,
late of Chicago), was born, she being the first white child in Manitowoc County. The house is still standing
upon the corner of Seventh and York streets, and is well preserved. In 1854-55 Mr. Jones associated with him
Hon. George Reed and Mr. Jacob Leups, and the three projected the Lake Michigan & Mississippi Railroad, intended
to be run from Manitowoc via Neenah and Menasha west to the Mississippi River. After two years' labor in grading,
etc., a difficulty arose between the parties, and the project was abandoned, Mr. Jones losing thereby upward of
$100,000. Every public charity of this city or county has associated with it the name of Benjamin Jones. Nearly,
if not all, of the churches of this city are indebted to him for the sites they now occupy, as is the city for
its parks and grounds for other public institutions. Mr. Jones was pre-eminently a man of sterling worth.
His life and career has been one of assiduous industry and stern integrity. Charitable to the erring, kind and
generous to the sick and needy, and just to all, he won the respect and love of all who knew him. He was one
of God's noblemen-an honest man. In his long and extensive business career here, not one single spot is upon his
record. In his habits he was remarkably correct. Strictly temperate, he was never addicted to the use of
either liquor or tobacco, and was of the highest morality. Mr. Jones was never sick until about three years
ago, when he had an attack of apoplexy, since which time he has been absolutely helpless, and during all of which
he has been faithfully and tenderly cared for by his only son, Hon. A. D. Jones. His three children now living,
all reside here, the other two being Mrs. A. J. Blake, wife of Dr. S. C. Blake and Mrs. Emily J. Colby, the widow
of Manitowoc's first county judge. He will be mourned by them as a kind, faithful, and indulgent father, and
by the community as a generous, kind-hearted, sympathetic neighbor and pure, high-minded, patriotic citizen. His
remains were conveyed to Chicago for interment in Oakwood cemetery, beside those of his wife, who died in Chicago
in 1859.
Portrait of Mr. Jones not received in time to be inserted in this place. It will be found on page 31.
ERNST KERN, deceased, formerly engaged in general merchandise, at Manitowoc, was born Feb. 14, 1828, in Bavaria.
In 1821 he emigrated to America, and located at Milwaukee, where he resided for two years. He then removed to Manitowoc,
where, in company with Mr. Beer, he opened a general store. The partnership was continued until 1865, when Mr.
Beer died. He then purchased his partners interest, and continued the business alone until he died, May 21, 1876.
Since his death Mrs. Kern has carried on the business, ably assisted by her son, Julius Kern. He married Miss Minnie
Zinns, in 1861, who was a native Alsace, France. They have two children, one son and one daughter.
M.KETTENHOFEN, proprietor North-Western House, Manitowoc, born April 2,1825, in Prussia; came to this county in
1854. Worked at the lumber business till 1859, then clerked in a store one year. He then opened a hotel in Neshota,
which he continued three years. In 1863, he came to Manitowoc and took charge of the Williams House, where he remained
three years, when it was destroyed by fire. In 1869 he bought these premises and erected this hotel, which he has
since successfully conducted. When in his native country he served three years and four months in the Prussian
army.
CHRIS. KOEBKE, restaurant, saloon and billiard hall, Manitowoc. Born Oct. 7, 1838, in Mecklenburg, Germany. He
came to Manitowoc in 1857, and was engaged in various kinds of labor for about eighteen months. Then went to St.
Louis, and worked as gardener in Shaw's and O'Fallen's and Carter's garden, remaining in that city for about two
years and one half. Sept. 15, 1861, he returned to Manitowoc and opened this business, which is now one of the
finest in this city. He married in 1876, Miss Bertha Rode, of Hesse-Darmstadt. They have one son, Walter Koebke.
J. A. KOEHLER, general merchandise, Manitowoc. Born Dec. 29, 1827, in Prussia. Came to New York in the capacity
of a sailor in 1849. At the age of thirteen years he commenced sailing, continuing at this business until 1859,
when he retired from the lakes and established his present- business. He was captain the last five years he followed
the lakes. From a small beginning he has worked into a large and prosperous business. Married in 1857, to Fredonca-Kanser,
of Mecklenberg, They have five children, one son and four daughters.
P. J. KOELZER, general merchandise, Manitowoc. Born Nov. 3, 1831, in Prussia. Sept. 15, 1851, he came to New York,
and was there engaged in the manufacture of furniture seventeen years. In 1869, he came to Manitowoc, and opened
a general store; which he has since successfully continued, being obliged to enlarge his store on account of his
increasing business. Married in the Spring of 1853, to Sarah Doyle. She.is a native of Ireland. They have five
children, two sons and three daughters-two daughters are teaching school. Joseph assists his father in their business.
ALBERT LANDRETH, seed grower and dealer in all kinds of seeds; Manitowoc, was born in Bristol, Bucks Co., Pa.,
Feb. 4, 1858, and at the age of five years he went with his parents to Battle Creek, Mich., and lived there about
thirteen years. His father, Mr. John Landreth, followed the above business there. Albert L. came to Manitowoc in
1876, and was in his brother's employ three years. He went to Sheboygan, and was there one year. He then returned
to Manitowoc, and began his present business. He was married, October, 1880, in the latter city, to Miss Anna F.
Hoes. She was born in Manitowoc, November, 1861.
CHARLES LEVERENZ, general blacksmith and manufacturer of wagons, buggies, etc., Manitowoc, was born in Germany,
May 1, 1823. He came to America in 1851, and settled in Manitowoc City, and since then has followed blacksmithing,
etc., as above stated. He was married, January, 1843, in Germany, to Miss Sophia Kousear. She was born in Germany,
Feb. 22, 1826. They have seven children - Fredericka, William F., Augusta, Henrietta, Charles F., Frank and Arthur.
