Milwaukee County Wisconsin Biographies

Nancy H. Adsit
ADSIT, Mrs. Nancy H., art-lecturer, born in Palermo, Oswego county, N. Y., 21st May, 1825. At the age of thirteen years she assumed entire charge of herself and her fortunes. The expenses of a collegiate course, in Ingham University, were met by teaching and journalism. Her earlier work was mostly in the line of poetic effusions and several series of "Lay Sermons" under the signature of "Probus." These sermons aroused intense antagonism in clerical circles. "Probus," the unknown, was adjudged by a general council "guilty of heresy," and the sermons were denounced and condemned. The series was completed, however, and her identity was held sacredly between herself and the editor, and not until many years later, by her own voluntary confession, was the writer identified. Mrs. Adsit was married to Charles Davenport Adsit, of Buffalo, N.Y., 13th December, 1862. They removed to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1865, where Mr. Adsit died in 1873, and his wife immediately assumed the entire charge and management of a general insurance agency. She was the first woman in general insurance in this country, and, so far as is known, in the world. Mrs. Adsit, after a successful career, sold the business and resumed the pen. Her contributions to the London "Art Journals," many years since, brought a request for a series of articles on the "White and Black in Art," or "Etching and Engraving." An entire year was consumed in preparing this work. Months before the articles were completed the demand for parlor conversation on the topics which so absorbed her induced Mrs. Adsit to open her home to classes for study. During the last thirteen years she has given her lecture courses in nearly all the principal cities east and west. Her name is now prominently identified with art education, both in this country and abroad.
(Source: "American Women, Fifteen Hundred Biographies", Vol 1, Publ. 1897. Transcribed by Marla Snow.)

Amanda L. AIKENS
AIKENS, Mrs. Amanda L., editor and philanthropist, born in North Adams, Mass., 12th May, 1833. Her father's name was Asahel Richardson Barnes. Her education was received in Maplewood Institute, Pittsfield, Mass. After her marriage to Andrew Jackson Aikens she removed to Milwaukee, Wis. In November, 1887, Mrs. Aikens began to edit" Woman's World," a special department of "The Evening Wisconsin," of which her husband was one of the proprietors, published in Milwaukee. She was at one time president of the Board of Local Charities and Corrections, two years president of the Woman's Club of Milwaukee, two years chairman of the Art Committee, and has been vice-president of the Wisconsin Industrial School for Girls, and for ten years the chairman of its executive committee. During the Civil War she was an indefatigable worker. It was she who made the public appeals and announcements through the press when the question of a National Soldiers Home was agitated. In the history of Milwaukee, published in 1881, there is a long account of her various labors for suffering humanity in that time of strife and bloodshed, the War for the Union. She traveled extensively in Europe, and her newspaper letters were really art criticisms of a high order. She was one of the most enthusiastic and successful of those who raised money in Wisconsin for the Johns Hopkins Medical School in Baltimore, for the purpose of admitting women on equal terms with men. She helped largely in organizing the first Woman's Republican Club of Wisconsin, and was a State delegate to the National Conference of Charities when it met in Baltimore. In 1891 she read a paper before the State Conference of Charities in Madison, Wis. Mrs. Aikens had much to do with the introduction of cooking into the public schools of Milwaukee. She was long identified as an officer or director with the Art Science Class, a literary organization for the purpose of developing a taste in architecture, painting, sculpture, and science. One-hundred-fifty ladies belong to th1s class, and it has done more for the direct education of women in the arts and sciences than any other society in the State. Mrs. Aikens will long be remembered as a talented woman in the literary sense of the word, a loyal wife, a devoted mother, and a philanthropist of the truest and tenderer type. She died at her home in Milwaukee, 20th May, 1892. Few, if any, local interests concerned in the advancement of women but lost a thoughtful, efficient promoter at her death.
("American Women, Fifteen Hundred Biographies", Vol 1, Publ. 1897. Transcribed by Marla Snow.)

John Robins ALLEN, professor mechanical engineering; born, Milwaukee, (Milwaukee Co) Wis., July 23, 1869; son of James Morrill and Eliza Jane (Stanton ) Allen; educated in public schools of Milwaukee, Ann Arbor High School, University of Michigan, B. S., 1892, M. E., 1896; married at Ann Arbor, Oct. 9, 1894, (Washtenaw Co) Lola H. Conrad. Secretary L. K. Comstock Construction Co., Chicago, 1893; member firm of Ball & Allen, consulting engineers, Chicago, 1894-96; teacher mechanical engineering University of Michigan since Oct. 1896, professor, same, since 1903. One of the organizers of firm of Brush & Allen, engineers, Detroit, 1904, firm becoming Brush, Allen & Anderson, 1907. Member American Society of Ventilating Engineers, Detroit Engineering Society, National Association of Stationary Engineers (honorary), American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Democrat. Baptist. Member Phi Gamma Delta. Club: University. Recreations: Hunting and fishing. Offices: Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and 1331-1332 Penobscot Bldg., Detroit. Residence: 226 S. Ingalls Av., Ann Arbor. [Source: "The Book of Detroiters". Edited by Albert Nelson Marquis, 1908 - Submitted by Christine Walters]

Percy Anneke
Source: Little Sketches of Big Folks in Minnesota. (Publ. 1907) Transcribed by Marilyn Clore

ANNEKE Percy S, Duluth. Res 523 E 2d st, office Fitger Brewing Co. Brewer. Born Aug 20, 1850 in Milwaukee Wis, son of Fritz and Mathilda F Anneke. Educated in public schools Milwaukee; college course in Switzerland. First engaged as bookkeeper in bank Milwaukee; with Schlitz Brewing Co until 1885; moved to Duluth and entered firm of A Fitger & Co brewers; incorporated 1905 as Fitger Brewing Co of which he has been sec and treas to date. Member Commercial , Kitchi Gammi and Yacht clubs.

LEAPS 100 FEET TO RESCUE MAN

W. E. Bouthlette, Milwaukee Baggageman, Dives from High Bridge at Fort Snelling
The La Crosse Tribune (Saturday, 16 Aug. 1913) page 4 – Submitted by Diana Heser Morse

W. E. Boghlette, Milwaukee railroad baggageman, well known among railroad men of this city, last night figured in one of the most heroic rescues ever known on the Milwaukee road. Bouthlette jumped from a fast moving passenger train into the Mississippi river, saving the life of an unknown man. Application is to be made for a Carnegie medal for Mr. Bouthlette.

Bouthlette was running on passenger train No. 3 from Chicago. As was his habit when not occupied in handling baggage in the car between stations, he was standing in the open doorway, looking ahead on the tracks.

As the swiftly moving train crossed the Mississippi bridge at Fort Snelling he saw a man knocked by the pilot into the river, over a hundred feet below. Without a minute's hesitation, Bouthlette was seen by his fellow baggagemen to leap from the door. The impetus of the train aided him in the dive, and he struck the water without harming himself.

When the baggagemen saw Bouthlette leap from the car they were amazed, not knowing that there was a human life at stake in the river. The train was stopped and the crew went down to the bank. It was ten minutes before Bouthlette got hold of the drowning man.

The man is thought to be a tramp, as he was dressed rather roughly. He has not been identified, and was still unconscious this morning.

EMIL F. BRATZ
Source: Utah since Statehood: Historical and Biographical Volume 2; By Noble Warrum; Publ. 1919; Transcribed and submitted by Andrea Stawski Pack.

Emil F. Bratz, handling investments and real estate, with offices in the Eccles building in Ogden, was born upon a farm about thirty miles north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a son of Michael and Wilhelmina (Becker) Bratz, who became early residents of Wisconsin, establishing their home in that state upon their arrival in the new world from Germany. They left their native country in order to escape its military domination. The father did not wish to serve in the army and consequently sought the freedom and opportunities of the new world. He made his way to Wisconsin, where he settled upon a farm in the midst of a forest. He felled the trees, prepared the land for cultivation and in the course of time was gathering good crops; in fact he developed a splendid place from the wilderness and remained one of the progressive agriculturists of the region for many years. Both he and his wife have now passed away.
Emil F. Bratz, who was one of a family of six children, pursued his education in the district schools near his father's home while spending his youthful days upon the home farm and later he had the benefit of instruction in the Northwestern University at Watertown, Wisconsin. He left that institution in 1878 to enter upon his business career in connection with George P. Dangers at St. Cloud, Wisconsin. They opened a general mercantile store there, successfully conducting the business from 1881 until 1889 and also owning and operating a large grain elevator. Their trade steadily increased and their business became one of the profitable commercial interests of that district, but eventually Emil F. Bratz severed his connection with the locality in order to become a resident of the west. In the spring of 1890 he arrived in Ogden, where he established a real estate, insurance and loan agency, and through the intervening years has conducted a large and profitable business of this character, save that a few years ago he closed out the insurance department. He now gives his attention, however, to real estate, loans and investments and is accorded a large clientage. He is also a director of the Hurst Realty & Mercantile Company of Ogden and holds the office of secretary and treasurer in that organization.
On the 6th of July, 1898, Mr. Bratz was married to Miss Emma Klessig, of Wisconsin. He belongs to the Weber Club, also to the Ogden Golf and County Club and gleans much of his recreation from the game of golf. He is quiet and unassuming in manner but a man of high standing in business who has made many friends during the period of his residence in Ogden. His sterling worth commends him to the confidence and the high regard of all with whom he has been associated. He is recognized as a man of thorough reliability in his chosen field and while he does not seek to figure prominently in public affairs he nevertheless manifests a marked devotion to the public good and his cooperation can at all times be counted upon to further interests that are of value to the city and to the commonwealth.

E. H. BRODHEAD, C.E. he was born in Plattekill, Ulster Countv, N.Y., in 1809. His father, Oliver Brodhead, was a farmer. Sir. Brodhead worked on the farm during the summers, and attended school in the winter months, till he was eighteen years old. Subsequently, he attended Willett's Academy in Dutchess County. In 1830 West Point was the only institution where engineering was taught as a separate branch. Desirous of taking a shorter course, he obtained private instruction from the professors of that institution; the practice of which has since been discontinued. Here he was prepared for field work, and for constructing railroads, then just commencing. In 1832, leaving West Point, he obtained a situation on the Ithaca and Oswego Railroad, then about to be commenced under John Randall, Chief Engineer. In 1833 and 1834 he was appointed deputy surveyor-general, for the purpose of retracing the boundaries of the Onondaga Reservation, and especially the town of Syracuse. The same year he was appointed assistant engineer on the Utica and Schenectady Railroad.
Soon after his engagement on this work, the chief engineer, William Young, transferred him to the charge of the Hudson and Berkshire Railroad. He completed the survey and location of that line of road in 1834 but, as the company was not then ready to commence its construction, he became the assistant engineer, under Alexander Twining, on the Hartford and New Haven Railroad. Soon after the completion of the location of the line, and the work put under contract, Mr. Twining resigned; and Mr. Brodhead was appointed chief engineer. The work was finished in 1837, with the flat rail, then almost exclusively in use in this country. In 1836 he made a survey as chief engineer for the Housatonic Railroad, and acted as consulting engineer for Mr. Talcott in making a contract with Mason and Bishop for its construction. In the fall of that year, Mr. Brodhead was married to his present wife, a daughter of Nathaniel Fletcher of Newburyport, Mass. In 1837 he removed to Brooklyn to enter upon the survey, in connection with John Stoddard, of the new portion of the city under a commission by the legislature. This work required great care and accuracy, and was not finished till 1839. The canal commissioners chose him to survey the country for the extension of the Black-river Canal, between Booneville, Watertown, and Sackett's Harbor on Lake Ontario, and Ogdensburg on the St. Lawrence River. In 1840 Gov. Seward appointed him chief engineer under an act passed by legislature, authorizing a survey to be made of the northern portion of the State, known as the " John Brown" tract. The report of this survey, with the estimates, maps, and plans, was completed and submitted to the legislature in 1841. The next year, he surveyed a route for a railroad from Catskill on the Hudson River, to Canajoharie in the valley of the Mohawk. A small portion of the route had been built, but was so badly located and constructed, and the whole route proved of so formidable a character, that, upon his report, the project was abandoned, and the portion constructed taken up. In 1843 the canal board resident engineer appointed him to the enlargement of the Erie Canal, between Little Falls and Syracuse, and also to act in the same capacity on the Chenango and Black River Canals. This work was completed in 1845, when he accepted the position of chief engineer and superintendent of the Hartford and New Haven Railroad, then in operation to Springfield, Mass. He remained in charge of the work until 1848, when he was tendered the situation of chief engineer of the Hartford and Willimantic Roads, and as he preferred to construct, rather than to superintend, railroads, he accepted the position. In its course, the route crossed the Connecticut River and the Bolton Mountain. In order to reach the summit of this mountain, and save as much rock excavation as possible, it became necessary to adopt a grade of sixty feet to the mile for a distance of five miles, which at that early day, before locomotives had been improved in their capacity to overcome steep grades, was a work of no small interest. This work was completed in 1850, when he returned to Utica to take charge of the survey of a route extending from Schenectady to Syracuse, a distance of one hundred and thirty miles. In the winter of 1851 Mr. Holton, a director of the Milwaukee and Prairie du Chien Railroad, employed Mr. Brodhead to finish constructing the road, which had been completed as far as Eagle. There were many features in the construction of this road which were of a serious character, but it was finally completed in 1857. The last year of his connection with this road, he was president of the company. In 1853 Mr. Brodhead was selected as one of a commission of three to investigate the first serious collision that occurred in the Northwest. It took place between two train of cars, one upon the Southern Michigan Railroad, and the other upon the Michigan Central, at the crossing of the two roads, at a point about seven miles south of Chicago. In the report upon the subject, a recommendation was made, that a regulation should be adopted, that all trains, before crossing the track of another railroad, should come to a stand-still. This plan has since been adopted, and in most States has become a law. In 1857 he closed his business in engineering, having been engaged in it for twenty-five years. During this year, he and his wife made a trip through the Southern States. In April, 1863, he was appointed president of the Farmers' and Millers' Bank, on the resignation of its former president. Mr. Brodhead is still in the same office, though the bank has been reorganized into a national bank. In 1871 he accepted the office of water commissioner "for the purpose of constructing a system of water-works for the city of Milwaukee. This duty was performed without compensation, and the works have been completed, and turned over to the city in June, 1875. Mr. Brodhead attributes a portion of his good health to outdoor exercise. The name of Mr. Brodhead has, for many years, been prominent in the engineering profession. Through his zeal and industry, the East and the West are indebted for their improved railroad facilities. In our State, the iron band connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi remains a monument of his untiring zeal and energy. His name will ever be honored by the citizens of Milwaukee for the part he performed in bringing to a successful completion the perfect system of water-works in their city.
[Source: "An Illustrated History of the State of Wisconsin"; By Charles Richard Tuttle; Publ. 1875; Transcribed and donated by Andrea Stawski Pack. ]

James S. BROWN
Brown, James S., a Representative from Wisconsin; born in Hampton, Me February 1, 1823; attended the public schools; moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1840, and studied law; was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1844; prosecuting attorney for Milwaukee county in 1846; attorney general for Wisconsin in 1848; mayor of Milwaukee in 1860; elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-eighth Congress (March 4, 1863-March 3, 1865); died in Chicago. Ill., April 16, 1878.
[Source: "A Biographical congressional directory From the 1st ( 1774) to the 62nd (1911) Congress"; By United States Congress; Publ. 1918; Transcribed for Genealogy Trails by Andrea Stawski Pack]

Matthew Hale Carpenter
Carpenter, Matthew Hale, lawyer, jurist, United States senator, was born Dec. 22, 1824, in Moretown, Vt. He was for several years a district attorney for the state of Wisconsin; and practiced his profession before the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1869-75 and 1879-81 he was United States senator from Wisconsin; and served as president pro tem of the United States senate. He died Feb. 24, 1881, in Washington, D.C. while a member of the senate.
[Herringshaw's National Library of American Biography: Contains Thirty-five Thousand Biographies of the Acknowledged Leaders of Life and Thought of the United States, by William Herringshaw, 1909 – Transcribed by Therman Kellar] Note: buried at Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin according to wikipedia.org

Source: History of Virginia From Settlement of Jamestown to Close of The Civil War by Robert Alonzo Brock and Virgil Anson Lewis, 1888 – Transcribed by AFOFG]

COLONEL JOHN B. CARY
Colonel Cary was born in Hampton, Virginia, in 1819, a son of Col. Gill A. Cary, of Hampton, who was born March 18, 1783, and died in March, 1843; son of John Cary of Back River, Elizabeth City county, Virginia, born 1740, died 1795; son of Miles Cary, "The Elder,'' owner of "Peartree Hall," Warwick County, Virginia, who died in 1766; son of Miles Cary who died in 1724, who was a grandson of Miles Cary, "The Emigrant," who came to Virginia from Bristol, England, in 1640, and died in Warwick county, Virginia, 1667. His mother was Sarah E. S., daughter of Major James Baytop, of Gloucester County, Virginia, born September 18, 1789, died in April, 1879. He was educated at Hampton Academy, and at William and Mary College, graduating from that time honored institution July 4, 1839. For five years he taught school, then was seventeen years principal of Hampton Academy, which was disbanded April, 1861, on the secession of the State of Virginia.
He entered the Confederate States' service as Major of Virginia Volunteers; was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel after the fight at Bethel, and assigned to the 32nd Virginia Regiment; was subsequently appointed Assistant Adjutant and Inspector-General at the request of Gen. JohnB. Magruder, and assigned to duty on his staff, serving through the Peninsular Campaign, and the Seven Days' Fights around Richmond. After Gen. Magruder's transfer to the Trans-Mississippi Department, Col. Cary was transferred to the Paymaster's Department, in which he served until the close of the war, on duty in Richmond.
After the evacuation of Richmond, and the surrender at Appomatox C. H., he returned to Richmond, and was paroled April 24, 1865. He farmed for one year: then in February, 1866, was elected General Agent of the Virginia Penitentiary. He went into business also, as general commission merchant, with the lute W. A. Armistead, of the firm of Armistead, Rice Cary & Co., later Armistead & Cary.
Colonel Cary was removed from his official position by the Commander of Military District No. 1, December 24, 1868. In January, 1869, he entered the Insurance business as General Agent of the Piedmont Life Insurance Co.: after a few months, he went to New York, as a member of the firm of Morriss & Cary, but soon accepted an appointment as General Agent of the Piedmont and Arlington Life Insurance Co., serving as such nearly two years. He was then for several years associated with Gen. Harry Heth, as General Agent and Manager of the Virginia Department of the Life Association of America, of which he subsequently became sole manager, resigning this position at the close of 1887. In January, 1878, he was appointed General Agent for Virginia of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co., of Milwaukee; and in 1883, with his son (T. A. Cary,) under the firm name of John B. Cary & Son, was appointed to the position they still hold as General Agents of this Company for Virginia and North Carolina.
Colonel Gary served as Treasurer and Superintendent of the Democratic City Committee, of Richmond, Virginia, for about six years, to July, 1886, when he was appointed Superintendent of Schools for the City of Richmond, which position he resigned in February, 1889. Himself and family are members of the Seventh Street Christian Church, Richmond.
At Seaford, Matthews County, Virginia, in January, 1844, he married Columbia H. Hudgins, of that county. The record of their children is: Gilliena, unmarried; John B., jr., died in August, 1861, aged thirteen years; Lizzie E.,married Wm.T. Daniel, of Richmond; Elfie M.,married John L. White, of Caroline county, Virginia; Sallie Campbell, married Louis P. Knowles, of Pensacola, Florida; T. Archibald, married Maria B. Abert, of Columbus, Mississippi.

William J. CARY
Cary, William Joseph, a Representative from Wisconsin; born in Milwaukee, Wis., March 22, 1865; attended the public schools; at eighteen a telegraph operator; served as alderman 1900-1902; elected sheriff of Milwaukee county in 1904; elected as a Republican to the Sixtieth and Sixty-first Congresses (March 4, 1907-March 3, 1911). Re-elected to the Sixty-second Congress.
[Source: "A Biographical congressional directory From the 1st ( 1774) to the 62nd (1911) Congress"; By United States Congress; Publ. 1918; Transcribed for Genealogy Trails by Andrea Stawski Pack]

Hon. Enoch CHASE, M.D.
He was born at Derby, Vt., Jan. 16, 1809. He worked on the farm till he was sixteen years of age, when he met with an accident which unfitted him for working on a farm, and caused him to study medicine. In 1831 he graduated from Dartmouth College. In July of that year he settled at Coldwater, Mich. He was appointed adjutant in the Michigan militia, in 1832, in the Black-Hawk war. He removed to Milwaukee, April 9, 1835. His family was the first to settle on the south side of Milwaukee River. He was the only practicing physician in Milwaukee till 1836. He was secretary of the first public meeting held in the place, and drew up the first memorial sent to Congress for an appropriation for a harbor. The first religious service by a Methodist was held m his house in June, 1835. He became a member of the judiciary committee on public lands, and was elected by the settlers at the court-house, on March 13, 1837. When he came to Milwaukee, Solomon Juneau and his employees, Horace Chase, Joel S. Wilcox, Albert Fowler, White J. Evans, and a few transient characters were there, of whom Horace Chase is the only man still a resident.
In 1837 he moved to the farm where he now resides. He was a member of the assembly in 1849-51, 1853, and 1870. He received the Whig vote in 1850. He was the third president of the "Old Settlers' Club. In April, 1835, there was no tavern between Chicago and Milwaukee. In coming from Coldwater, Mr. Chase found considerable difficulty in finding accommodations for his family at night. The first two nights they were obliged to sleep on the "soft side of a floor," and the last night on the bare ground near Oak Creek. Dr. Chase was married to Julia Ann Ellsworth, March 24, 1835. She died Jan. 5, 1837, leaving an infant daughter. He was married to Nancy M. Bromley, Sept. 24, 1837, who is the mother of ten children, five of whom are still living. Dr. Chase is upright and just; and his word is as good as his bond. He is an obliging man, and a pleasant neighbor.
[Source: "An Illustrated History of the State of Wisconsin"; By Charles Richard Tuttle; Publ. 1875; Transcribed and donated by Andrea Stawski Pack.]

Clarence W. Clarke
Source: Herringshaw's American blue-book of Biography: Prominent Americans of 1912- An Accurate Biographical Record of Prominent Citizens of All Walks of Life; submitted by Therman Kellar

Clarke, Clarence W., investments; born Milwaukee, Wis., September 18, 1864; son Spencer W. and Marie (Foat) Clark; editor in public school; married, Minneapolis, 1888, Bella Scott; children: Marjorie L., born 1892; Winchester Scott, born 1893. Consecutive engaged as miller, traveling agent, and banker; now president and director Bankers' Loan and Investment company, Hudson River Land company. Was member common council, New Haven, Conn.; trustee New Haven Public Library; treasurer New Haven Republican club; was nominated for city sheriff of New Haven on Republican ticket; alderman for 7th Ward, city of Yonkers, two terms. Has been delegate to many conventions in N.Y. and Conn. Congregationalist. Member Elks and Masons; ex-president New Haven Orchestral Club; ex-member New Haven Grays (Co. F, 2d Reg't, C.N. G.). Recreations: Music, fishing, baseball. Clubs: Republican (N.Y. City), Union League (New Haven), City, Corinthian Yacht (Yonkers, N.Y.), Also Shenandoah Club, Roanoke, Va.

Henry Clement
Little Sketches of Big Folks in Minnesota (Publ. 1907) Transcribed by Liz Dellinger

CLEMENT Henry. St Paul. Res 956 Portland av. Office 371-373 Sibley. Lace merchant. Born Feb 27, 1869 in Sauk City Wis. Son of Florian and Christine (Vonwald) Clement. Married in 1895 to Ida Mueller of Wausau Wis. Attended public schools at Sauk City Wis until 1885; business college in Milwaukee. First employed with J & E B Friend Lace Importing Co Milwaukee 1885-91; with Goldberg & Co laces 1891-97; removed to St Paul in 1900 and organized the firm of Clement, Dranger & Co whol and importers of laces. Member Commercial Club and B P O E.

James K. Cogswell
Cogswell, James Kelsey, naval officer, was born Sept. 27, 1847, in Milwaukee, Wis. In 1869 he entered the United States navy; and has served on the flagship Pensacola and on the battleship Oregon. He was retired in 1904 with the rank of rear-admiral. He died Aug. 14, 1908, in Jacksonville, Fla.
[Herringshaw's National Library of American Biography: Contains Thirty-five Thousand Biographies of the Acknowledged Leaders of Life and Thought of the United States, by William Herringshaw, 1909" Transcribed by Therman Kellar]

Frederick William COTZHAUSEN
He was born at Cambach, an ancient castle near Aix-la-Chapelle in Pepine, Prussia, July 21, 1838. He received private tuition at home till he was ten years of age, when he entered the Gustavus Adolphus College at Meurs, where he remained until 1853. After graduating, he removed to Cologne, and devoted himself for two years at the Academy of Arts and Commerce, especially to the study of mathematics, natural science, and modern languages. Having again graduated cum laude, he emigrated to the United States in 1856, and settled at Milwaukee, where he has resided ever since. He is by profession a lawyer, and confines himself closely to the pursuit of his vocation. He was a candidate for office but once, and was elected, almost without opposition, in 1872, to represent the third district in the senate. He refused a re-nomination. He is the public administrator in and for the city and county of Milwaukee. He was a member of the Board of Regents of normal schools. His ancestors have always been Democratic.
[Source: "An Illustrated History of the State of Wisconsin"; By Charles Richard Tuttle; Publ. 1875; Transcribed and donated by Andrea Stawski Pack.]

Charles Erdmann
Source: Little Sketches of Big Folks in Minnesota (Publ. 1907) Transcribed by Anna Parks

ERDMANN Charles Andrew, Minneapolis. Res 612 9th av S E, office 802 Pillsbury bldg. Professor anatomy U of M. Born Aug 3, 1866 in Milwaukee Wis, son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Fuchs) Erdman. Attended public schools in Milwaukee; Univ of Wis 1887; U of M, M D 1893; post-graduate work in London and Vienna 1900. Member American Assn of Anatomists; American Medical Assn; Minn Academy of Medicine of Medicine and other scientific and learned bodies.

William Evans
Little Sketches of Big Folks in Minnesota (Publ. 1907) Transcribed by Anna Parks

EVANS William E, Mankato. Res 825 S Front st. Minister of religion. Born in 1862 in Merionithshire N Wales, son of Lewis and Catherine (Morris) Evans. Married March 4, 1890 to Margaret Ellen Hughes Bala N Wales. Educated in the Pennal Board School Brynarvor Town Grammar School, Aberystwith Commercial School 1882-84; Bala Theological College 1884-87; Edinburgh (Scotland) Univ 1887-89. Came to the U S 1890 and resided in Milwaukee until 1894. Pastor Welsh C M churches of Mankato and Zion 1895 to date. Member K of P.

Fred Farrar
Little Sketches of Big Folks in Minnesota (Publ. 1907) Transcribed by Anna Parks

FARRAR Fred Andrew, Brainerd. Banker. Born April 6, 1861 in Milwaukee Wis, son of Andrew P and Sarah J. Farrar. Married Feb 20, 1895 to Ethel M Small. Educated in high school and business college Jackson Mich. First engaged in store room dept and as timekeeper for N P Ry until 1882; variously employed as bkpr and clk until 1889; mngr of dry goods store until 1892; city clk 1892-1900; entered First National Bank as teller Jan 1, 1900 and has been successively asst cashr and cashr. Dir and treas Minn Park Region Land Co; member city council; served as quartermaster sergeant 3d Regt M N G. Member Commercial Club; Masonic fraternity, 32d degree; K T; Shrine; B P O E and K of P.

Matthew Henry Gregory
Little Sketches of Big Folks in Minnesota (Publ. 1907) Transcribed by Richard Ramos

GREGORY Matthew Henry, St. Paul. Res 1071 E Minnehaha st, office Mendota and Whitall sts. Manufacturer. Born Oct. 10, 1862 in Nottingham England, son of Matthew and Ann (Neale) Gregory. Married Nov 10, 1887 to Lillian Erdman. Educated in the public schools of Milwaukee, Oshkosh and Northport, Wis 1867-76. Moved to St Paul 1883; was employed in the box mnfg business until 1898 when the Minn Box Co was established by the firm of Gregory, Ward & Letford; Ward withdrawing 1899 the business was continued by Gregory & Letford until 1903. From that date until 1905 the business was conducted alone; then being reorganized under the same name with Mr. Gregory as mngr and treas. Member of Dayton’s Bluff Commercial Club.

Edward Albert Haenck
Little Sketches of Big Folks in Minnesota (Publ. 1907) Transcribed by Richard Ramos

HAENCK Edward Albert Holmer, St Paul. Office 417-419 Bradley bldg. Civil engineer and surveyor. Born April 16, 1845 in Harbleck, Schleswig-Holstein Germany, son of Bay August and Anna (Alberts) Haenck. Attended public school at Oldensworth; private school st Schwabstedt; college at Rendsburg; univ at Kiel; artillery and engineering school at Berlin. Served in german army during Danish-Austrian-French War; came to the US 1871; employed by Milwaukee Construction Co as surveryor 1871-72; city engineer La Crosse Wis 1872; county surveyor of Ramsey county Minn 1872-73; practiced as civil engineer and surveyor St Paul 1873 to date. Has military medal of honor 1864; cross of Koenig-graetz medal of French War; member Deutscher Krieger Verein St Paul.

Hugo O. Hanft
Little Sketches of Big Folks in Minnesota (Publ. 1907) Transcribed by Richard Ramos

HANFT Hugo O, St Paul. Res 69 The Buckingham, office Court House. Lawyer. Born Dec 16, 1871 in St Peter Minn, son of Oscar H and Anna (Engelke) Hanft. Educated in the common and high schools of New Ulm Minn; Germa-American Teachers’ Seminary Milwaukee Wis; law dept U of M, LL B 1896, LL M 1897. Prin of Peru Ill High School 4 years; asst county atty for Ramsey county 1900-1906; then elected judge municipal court. Enlisted in the 13th Minn Vol Inf as private and was discharged as bat adj after service in the Philippines.

William P. Harmon
Little Sketches of Big Folks in Minnesota (Publ. 1907) Transcribed by Richard Ramos

HARMON William P, Minneapolis. Res 1905 Penn av S, office 524 2d av S. Printer. Born March 31, 1865 in Princeton Wis, son of Hiram H and Luanna (Phelps) Harmon. Married June 3, 1890 to Mary Edna Clark. Educated in common schools. Learned printer’s trade and engaged in same Milwaukee until 1888; in Minneapolis 1888-94; edited Princeton (Wis) Republican 1894-96; sec and treas Hahn & Harmon Co Inc printers Minneapolis 1896 to date. Member Commercial and Publicity clubs and Masonic fraternity.

Harrison LUDINGTON
OF the eighteen men who have served Wisconsin in the capacity of chief executive, only one ever received from the public a sobriquet that became popular and permanent. From his hearty and straightforward manner of expression and action, Mr. Ludington earned the title of "Bluff Hal," and in local campaigns in Milwaukee was known to the masses by no other name. He was born in Putnam County, N. Y., on July 31, 1812, and has therefore reached a greater age than any other governor save Gov. Dodge, who was almost eighty five at the time of his death. His early life was devoted to severe manual labor, relieved by a few "winter " terms in the district school-all the educational advantages he was ever permitted to enjoy.
At the age of twenty-six years he started, on foot and by stage, for the West, and became a permanent settler of Milwaukee in November, 1838. Time the people of the Cream City have had ample time to take the measure of Mr. Ludington, as he has been active and prominent among them during more than half a century.
On settling in Milwaukee, he at once entered upon the business of general merchandising in the "Juneau Warehouse," with his brother Lewis, under the firm name of Ludington & Co., at the
corner of East Water and Wisconsin streets. On this corner stands the Ludington Block, to mark the spot where he began his successful and honorable commercial career in the West.
In 1851 Mr. Ludington entered as senior member into the firm of Ludington, Wells & Van Schaick, which concern, in the manufacture of lumber, soon became one of the most prosperous, as it was among the largest, producers in the Northwest. It is said that during the entire period of his long mercantile and manufacturing career he never knew what it was to be embarrassed in business.
In politics he was in early life a Whig, but became a Republican in 1854-as soon as there was even a skeleton of the Republican party to which he could attach himself. His chief interest in political matters consisted in choosing good men for office; yet he was twice elected Alderman and thrice Mayor of Milwaukee, which was in those days - 1871-2-3-4- supposed to be a safe Democratic city.
Mr. Ludington proved to be an exceptionally good Mayor, his great business and executive ability enabling him to manage the public as he had his own finances-with intelligence, economy and success. He was ever a man of deeds, and his public and private life is known and made up of what he has done, not what he has said:
"The executive capacity attributed to Gov. Ludington can hardly be better illustrated than by a reference to his prompt and benevolent action, while Mayor, in rendering aid to Chicago during the great fire, and to the wonderful energy as well as generous spirit displayed in collecting and forwarding relief to the suffering people of the stricken city. By means of his prompt and energetic action the people of Milwaukee were not only enabled to furnish valuable aid in subjugating the flames, but were also permitted to send successive car-loads of clothing and provisions to the flying population before the full extent of the awful calamity had been realized."

This signal action brought to him a special acknowledgment of thanks and gratitude by the authorities of Chicago, and a complimentary resolution by the Common Council of Milwaukee.
In 1873 Wisconsin underwent a marked political upheaval. Wm. R. Taylor, Democrat, was at that time elected by more than 15,000 majority, so that in 1875 the Republicans were anxious to place their strongest man in nomination and attempt to regain control of the State. With that object in view, solely, the convention met at Madison and concluded unanimously that Mr. Ludington was the man, and nominated him by acclamation. The campaign was ably and persistently fought on both sides, the natural advantages being with the Democrats, who elected their entire ticket-with the exception of Governor-by fair though reduced majorities.
Mr. Farwell and Mr. Bashford were elected in the same manner; so Mr. Ludington is the third and last to receive the honor of an election while those on the ticket with him suffered defeat. He resigned the position of Mayor of Milwaukee to be inaugurated as Governor, in January, 187P. At the end of his term he did not wish to be re-nominated, and has since lived in perfect retirement.
His reliable business sense cropped out in the opening paragraph of his first message to the Legislature, as follows: "It may not be considered unbecoming for me to express some doubt as to the wisdom of the provision of the constitution, which makes it the duty of the incoming Governor to communicate to the Legislature the condition of the State, and recommend such matters to them for their consideration as he may deem expedient. It would appear that such information and recommendation might more properly come from the citizen who had administered the affairs of the State during the past year, than from one who has just been called from other occupations to that duty.
So quietly and smoothly did he manage the affairs of Wisconsin that the people never became fully aware of the great executive ability of Gov. Ludington. In some respects he had no equal, and all public affairs, large and small, were conducted on strict business principles. In handling and comprehending masses of figures-financial reports or election statistics-no one in the capitol could match him; and he frequently found delight and pride in showing the clerks how to add long columns of figures swiftly and without an error.
The most perplexing and annoying matters that engage the attention of a governor are the "pardon cases." These are numerous, and sometimes sad by reason of surrounding circumstances, and appeal so strongly to the heart as to endanger an unbiased judgment and the proper administration of justice. In these cases, with their adjuncts of the appeals, prayers and tears of relatives and the trickery of paid advocates, Gov. Ludington would sit with extreme patience for hours and listen, but not utter a word. Almost invariably, at the conclusion of the argument, he was prepared with a final decision, and gave it there and then, thus ending all suspense. And those familiar with these matters declare that he was always right-subsequent investigations disclosing no reason for a reversal of judgment.
One of the secrets of his success was absolute freedom from worrying-ability to "shed trouble" as a duck's back sheds water. Frequently, indeed generally, in five minutes after deciding a case that had occupied several hours with testimony, arguments and personal appeals, he would be found on the sofa in the executive chamber, taking what he called "a snooze." Thus, having decided a matter, he put it instantly behind him-devoted no time to wandering whether he had committed an error, whether he would ever regret it, or to other probable consequences. It was with him as with Pilate- "What I have written, I have written."
There is another fact that exemplifies Mr. Ludington's perfect business instinct, as well as his capacity for details. Once every week, as long as he was Governor, he went carefully through all the books and records of the executive office. The executive clerks were the same as they had been, and as they are now-capable and experienced, and enjoying his confidence; but he must know of his own personal knowledge that the public business, and all of it, was being promptly and properly done.
Though a man, generally, of few words, Gov. Ludington is a most genial companion, and in all matters, public and private, broad-gauge, kind and large-hearted. He rarely gets out of temper, and never loses his head. In business he is a safe councilor in social life a generous, true and unswerving friend, and everywhere a sturdily honest man.
[Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara; By Acme Publishing Co., Chicago; Publ. 1889; Pgs. 168-170; Transcribed and submitted by Andrea Stawski Pack]

Edward SALOMON
1862-1909
Hometown: Stroebeck, Prussia
Party: Republican
Other Information: Edward Salomon was born around 1828 in Stroebeck, Prussia. He fled to Wisconsin while a college student at the University of Berlin along with a number of other "Forty-Eighters" who were sympathetic to the revolution there. He lived briefly in Manitowoc before relocating to Milwaukee in 1852, where he studied law and set up a successful law practice. In 1861, Salomon received the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in order to secure Wisconsin's German vote. He won office and became acting governor in 1862 after Governor Louis P. Harvey was drowned while visiting Union troops. As governor, Salomon promoted the war effort by raising fourteen new Wisconsin regiments, by strictly enforcing the draft, and by suppressing the draft riots in the state. His position on the draft riots lost him the Republican Party's nomination in 1864, and he returned to private life as a Milwaukee attorney. In 1869 he moved to New York City in order to r epresent powerful German interests in America. He moved back to his native land in 1894, where he died in 1909.
[Source: "Dictionary of Wisconsin Biographies" - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]

WISCONSIN never had but one naturalized German in the gubernatorial chair - Edward Salomon - and he was in every respect a credit to his native, as well as his adopted, country. He was born in 1828, near the city of Halberstadt, in Prussia, where his father was a prominent civil and military official. He was educated in the Lutheran faith in his native city and afterward was a student in the University of Berlin. Having more than the average share of enterprise and ambition, young Salomon emigrated to America in 1849, settling at Manitowoc, Wis. Here he jumped into instant favor, being handsome, polished, and of courtly but pleasant manners.
In 1852, after serving as school teacher, County Surveyor and Deputy Clerk of the Court, which offices came to him about as rapidly as possible, he moved to Milwaukee for the purpose of studying law, having already become, by the closest application, a fluent and correct writer and speaker of the English language. In 1855 he was admitted to the bar after a thorough examination by the Justices of the Supreme Court and at once formed a partnership with Winfield Smith, which continued until Mr. Salomon removed to New York City in November, 1869. In Milwaukee he soon became by his personal qualities as popular as he had been at Manitowoc and by conscientious and thorough study earned also the reputation of being a sound and accurate lawyer.
On arriving in America Mr. Salomon quite naturally espoused the cause of the Democratic party, but during Buchanan's time was "estranged by the palpable truckling of its leaders to the slave power," and in 1860 openly declared his conversion to Republican principles. In 1861 he was nominated for Lieutenant-Governor on the ticket with Louis P. Harvey, and was elected by a larger majority than had up to that time been given to any gubernatorial candidate on either ticket. He served with dignity and fairness as President of the Senate, and on April 19, 1862, owing to the death by drowning of Gov. Harvey, was called to exercise the functions of chief executive. His comparative youth, and supposed unfamiliarity with political matters, caused some apprehensions to many of his own party, but these were allayed within a very short time after he assumed the chair. He remained Governor until January, 1864, and it is certain that during his time the labors of that office were continuously more arduous than they ever were before or have been since. The duties carrying out within this State the war measures of the national government, of organizing the regiments furnished by the State during that time, and of the selection of officers, of overseeing their equipment and maintenance, which were afterward transferred to federal officers, devolved during the time largely upon the Governor. His zeal was untiring, and his industry unceasing.
For months in succession he was found in the executive office at Madison at all hours, from eight in the morning until twelve at night; and no labor was deemed by him too arduous, no fatigue too great to be borne, if it seemed likely to insure success in the great work which he took upon himself. His activity necessarily brought upon him the hostility of many of the opposite party, and especially of those individuals upon whom the war seemed to impose special hardships.
The vigorous measures by which he promptly subdued the insurrection against the draft in Ozaukee and Washington counties were the occasion of much praise, and upon the other hand of the bitterest censure. Edwin M. Stanton Secretary of War issued in 1862, what was then known as the "stay-at-home order." It prohibited citizens liable to military service from leaving for Canada, or foreign country. This order was particularly obnoxious to a certain large class of naturalized citizens who proposed to, and did in considerable numbers return to their native lands to escape the draft. Gov. Salomon having been born abroad, these people were very angry because he took such a decided stand in enforcing the terms of Stanton-s obnoxious order. He caused a number of people who were arrested for participating in the riotous proceedings to be brought to Madison, and there confined in camp prison for some weeks, until, partly by the intervention of writs of habeas corpus, and partly by the voluntary act of the Governor under authority of the general government, they were discharged. This prompt and energetic action was the means of allaying all future dangers of resistance to the draft, although it made for the Governor almost as many enemies as new friends.
Gov. Salomon's official acts arc part of the history of the State, but among them may be named the calling of an extra session of the Legislature in the year 1862, for the purpose of conferring the right upon the soldiers to take part in the elections, which right was duly conferred; and for the purpose of empowering the municipalities of the State to raise money for the payment of bounties to volunteers. During his term of office a very large proportion of the troops who saw active service in the field were sent from the State, and each regiment and each company carried into the field the evidences of the conscientious care and the earnest forethought of Gov. Salomon. He visited the army in order to see with his own eyes how the boys fared in the field, and was a great favorite among the Wisconsin troops wherever he met them. He spared no pains to contribute to their welfare, and among the old veterans there will always exist the warmest remembrance of Edward Salomon.
Gov. Salomon was warmly urged by his friends to be a candidate for the nomination of Governor in the fall of 1863, but declined persistently, until at the request of his friends in the army, who made it a point of duty with him, he reluctantly consented, but so late in the campaign that James T. Lewis, then Secretary of State, had become conspicuous as a candidate. Gov. Salomon, being prompted by his first position from making efforts for his own success, failed of the nomination, though by a narrow margin.
In 1868 Mr. Salomon's friends brought him forward as a candidate for United States Senator to succeed James. R. Doolittle. The campaign was in many respects a memorable one, and resulted in the election of Matt. H. Carpenter, a resident also of Milwaukee. Having received at about this time flattering offers to locate in New York City, Mr. Salomon concluded to accept and has since made that city his home and the seat of his professional labors. His practice is very large and profitable, and generally of a pleasant though important and responsible nature. He has been for some time, for instance, the agent of the German Empire, a position frequently requiring his personal advice presence in Europe. He also takes an active part in national politics, more, however, as an independent and reformer than as a strict adherent to any party, and in these positions wields a large influence.
[Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara; By Acme Publishing Co., Chicago; Publ. 1889; Pgs. 148-150; Transcribed and submitted by Andrea Stawski Pack]

Gilbert E. SEAMAN
Milwaukee, Wis., - Major Gilbert E. Seaman, Milwaukee, was at one time a regent of the University of Wisconsin and for many years was connected with the Wisconsin national guard. In the Spanish-American war he served as surgeon to the 4th Wisconsin volunteers and later was made a major and surgeon in the United States medical corps. He went to the Philippines where for more than a year he had charge of the 2nd Reserve hospital and also saw field service. After returning to the United States he continued in the national guard and was appointed surgeon general of the Wisconsin guard. He spent several months at Camp MacArthur prior to this departure for France.
[Source: "The Quincy Daily Journal", Thursday June 27, 1918 – transcribed by Debbie Gibson]

Dr. Nicholas SENN

William K. TASKER, superintendent telegraph and chief clerk to general superintendent Pere Marquette R.R.; born Milwaukee Co., Wis., No. 17, 1866; son of David and Jennet (Haggart) Tasker; educated in public schools of Saginaw, Mich.; married at Clare, Mich. (Clare Co) , Feb. 17, 1892, Winifred M. Merrill. Began railway career as messenger at Saginaw, at age of 15, in employ of the Flint & Pere Marquette R.R., now the Pere Marquette Rd.; served consecutively as night operator, day operator, ticket agent, relief agent and train dispatcher until 1903; was chief train dispatcher, 1903-05; superintendent of telegraph and chief clerk to general superintendent, same road, since 1905. Mason, Knight Templar; member Maccabees. Club: Transportation. Recreation: Reading. Office: Fort St. Depot. Residence: 95 N. Grand Blvd. W. [Source: "The Book of Detroiters". Edited by Albert Nelson Marquis, 1908 - Submitted by Christine Walters]