USA > Wisconsin > Fond du Lac County > Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume II > Part 13
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The last named attended the public schools of Fond du Lac until eighteen years of age and then became a river man, working in the lumber woods during the winter months, while in the summer seasons he was employed at the stone mason's trade. In 1900 he embarked in business as a contractor on his own ac- count and has since remained an active representative of that branch of activity, his well directed labors having been attended with success.
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On the 12th of July, 1898, at the time of the Spanish-American war, Mr. Revoir enlisted in Company A, Fourth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, from which he was discharged on the 29th of January, 1899, at his own request. In politics he is an independent republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in St. Patrick's Catholic church. Mr. Revoir has made good use of his opportunities. He has prospered from year to year and has con- ducted all business matters carefully and successfully, and in all his acts dis- plays an aptitude for successful management.
ALVIN CHARLES BUSLAFF.
Alvin Charles Buslaff, who engages in the general mercantile business in Osceola township, is a native of Fond du Lac county, his birth having occurred on the IIth of June, 1868. His father, Frederick Buslaff, was born in Germany, on January 27, 1832, and there he began to learn the miller's trade. In 1848, together with his brother Ludwig he emigrated to the United States, their des- tination being Wisconsin. He first located in Mayville, this state, where he served out an apprenticeship to his trade. From there he came to this county ·and for eight years thereafter was employed in the McCarthy flour mill, located three miles east of Fond du Lac. During that time he established a home by his marriage to Miss Caroline Rahling, the event being celebrated in 1858. She was a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Lubeka) Rahling, who came to Wis- consin in 1855. They first located in Empire, where they resided for many years, but were living in Osceola township at the time of their death. In 1864, Mr. Buslaff bought eighty acres of unbroken land in Osceola township and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He made the necessary improve- ments and cleared his land of brush and timber and placed part of it under culti- vation, but the drudgery involved in farm labor proved to be too much of a strain on his health, so he sold his place and resumed his trade. He again became iden- tified with the McCarthy mill, going from there to Boltonville and some seven or eight years later he bought a mill a Waucousta, where he had previously been employed. It was operated by water power and the dam caused the river to overflow the farming lands in that region, thus involving Mr. Buslaff in litiga- tions, which were in the courts for fifteen years. Despite the difficulties he en- countered, he continued his business, and for thirty-five years was actively en- gaged in the operation of this mill. He passed away in January, 1901, at the age of sixty-nine years. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Buslaff, our subject being the fifth in order of birth. The other members of the family are as follows : William, who died at the age of two years; Louis; Hattie; Dora; Frederick ; and Caroline.
Reared at home and educated in the common schools, the early years in the life of Alvin Charles Buslaff were passed in very much the same manner as those of other lads living in the rural sections at that time. After leaving school he assisted his father with the operation of the mill until he was twenty-one, and then started out to make his own way in the world. He first went to Fond du Lac and identified himself with mercantile pursuits, remaining there for about one and a half years. He next went to New Cassel, this county, to clerk in Pool's general mercantile store. Seven years later he severed his connection with this enterprise and located at Eden, where he occupied a similar position for five years. Feeling at the expiration of that period that he was in every way qualified to establish a business of his own he came to Osceola township, erected a building at Waucousta and put in a stock of general merchandise. He established his business in 1906 and three years later he had the misfortune to have his building entirely destroyed by fire. He resumed activities at the earliest
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possible date, subsequently erecting the store he is now occupying, which is located on his original building site. Mr. Buslaff's long years of experience as a clerk well qualified him for his present duties, as is evidenced by the capable manner in which he conducts his business. He carries a large assortment of general merchandise in the selection of which he exercises good judgment, his various lines being well adapted to the needs and circumstances of his patrons. His wares are truthfully represented, his terms reasonable and his treatment of customers most courteous and considerate, it being his effort to satisfy his patrons if possible. His policy is such that he has won the confidence of the people and now has a well established trade. He derives a good income from his business, owns his residence, which he has recently remodeled, and is num- bered among the prosperous citizens of his community.
Mr. Buslaff was married in 1901 to Miss Mary Audler, a native of Auburn and a daughter of Charles and Anne Audler, and to them have been born five children: Marie, John Alvin, Alice, Florence May, and Arthur Charles.
In matters of religious faith Mr. Buslaff is a Baptist while Mrs. Buslaff was reared a Lutheran. He has never actively participated in local politics, although he is not remiss in matters of citizenship, but on the contrary is interested in every movement that affects the welfare of the community.
REV. JAMES B. MCFARLAND.
If it is true that, "Not the good that comes to us but the good that comes to others through us is the measure of our success," then indeed has the Rev. James B. McFarland lived his life to good purpose and success in its truest sense is his. Father McFarland was born in Massachusetts, in 1852, of Irish parentage. The family home was established in Wisconsin by his parents in 1856. He re- ceived his education at St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee and after preparing for the ministry, to which he had determined to devote his life, he accepted a charge at Cedarburg, over which he presided during the years 1875 and 1876. In the latter year he went to Elba, Dodge county, and subsequently followed his calling at St. Rosa, Racine, Wisconsin. In 1895 he was called to Eden to suc- ceed Father Johnson as pastor of St. Mary's and St. James' churches and this parish has since continued to be the field of his earnest labors. He has been zealous and unremitting in his efforts to raise the standard of morality in the community and his teachings have taken deep root in the hearts of many who have heard him, bearing rich fruit in better lives and higher ideals. He is greatly beloved among his parishioners and his upright life and beneficent work have been inspiring influences not only to the members of his own church but to many others who have come to know him.
WILLIAM PINNOW.
William Pinnow is now engaged in the scientific cultivation of seventy acres of rich Byron township land, and has been very successful in his chosen field of endeavor. He was born in Germany, October 9, 1867, and is a son of August B. and Bertha (Spellslosher) Pinnow, both of whom were born in that country. August B. Pinnow crossed the Atlantic to America in 1884 and settled in the township of Byron on May 26 of that year. He spent four years working in a quarry in that section and bought eighty acres, of farm land in 1888. When his wife died two years later he sold his holdings in Byron township and removed to Wood county where he still lives in the eighty-third year of his age. He
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and his wife were the parents of ten children, three of whom are now deceased. Those still living are, Anna, Matilda, Lizzie, William, Otto, Emma and George.
William Pinnow was educated in the excellent schools of his native country which he attended to the age of fourteen. He then laid aside his text-books to take up the study of the cooper trade and at this he worked for two years. When the family came to America and settled in Byron township he worked with his father in the quarries of that section and continued to engage in this occupation for fourteen years. He saved his money with thorough German thrift and in 1895 was able to buy seventy acres of the finest farm land in the district and he has since been engaged in the cultivation of his holdings. He has been extremely successful and his farm is conducted according to up-to- date methods. He is constantly improving his barns and outbuildings and is the owner of a fine herd of graded cattle. His prosperity is increasing year by year and his work has done much to make agriculture a progressive science.
On June 14, 1894, Mr. Pinnow was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Aelke, a daughter of Carl and Kathryne Aelke. Her father was a native of Germany and followed the occupation of a shepherd in his native country. Mr. and Mrs. Pinnow are the parents of five children, Herbert, Irving, Emma, Erna, and Martha.
In his political views Mr. Pinnow keeps himself entirely independent of party lines. He is a liberal and broad-minded man and prefers to think for him- self upon national and local issues. He is always interested in any movement which looks toward the improvement of his native district and has served with much ability as road supervisor for three years. He is a member of the Lutheran church in which faith he was reared. His farm is one of the most progressive properties in Byron township and its development is due entirely to Mr. Pinnow's unremitting and careful efforts.
HENRY GRAHL.
Henry Grahl has been successfully engaged in the lumber business at Eden for the past twelve years and is one of the respected and substantial citizens of Fond du Lac county. His birth occurred in Berlin, Germany, on the 30th of October, 1864, his parents being Henry and Wilhelmina (Bonikel) Grahl, the former likewise a native of Berlin. It was in 1870 that Henry Grahl, Sr., em- igrated to the United States with his wife and three sons, namely: August, who is deceased; Henry, of this review; and Ernest. The family home was estab- lished in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The father had worked as a cabinet-maker in Germany and after coming to this country was employed as foreman in the Mihils sash and door factory of Fond du Lac for five or six years. Sub- sequently he purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in the northeast- ern part of Eden township, all of this land being covered with timber. With the assistance of his sons he cleared the property of its timber and devoted his at- tention to its cultivation until he put aside the active work of the fields and went to live with his son Paul. Two sons, Paul and William, had been added to the family in Fond du Lac, while Julius and Annie were born on the home farm in Eden township. Henry Grahl, Sr., passed away in March, 1909, two weeks after his golden wedding, at the age of seventy-three years. His widow survives and makes her home with her son Paul, being now sixty-eight years of age.
Henry Grahl, who was a lad of six years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world, obtained his early education in the public schools of Fond du Lac. He was a youth of twelve when his parents estab- lished their home on the farm in Eden township and assisted his father and brothers in its operation until eighteen years of age. During the following five
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years he spent the winters at work in the pine woods of Wisconsin, and under the . direction of his father, who was a building contractor, he also gained a good knowledge of the building business. He then started out as a contractor on his own account and his success in that connection is indicated by the fact that he erected nearly all the buildings in the village of Eden. In 1900 he embarked in the lumber business at Eden on a small scale but the enterprise has since, grown to extensive and gratifying proportions under his able direction. The success which he now enjoys is the reward of constant application to business and careful economy. He has ever commanded the respect and esteem of those ; in his service and has not tolerated the incompetent or idle workman. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, a genius for devising the right thing at the right time, joined to everyday common sense, guided by resistless will power, are the chief characteristics of the man. He is regarded as a repre- sentative and enterprising business man and wherever known is held in the highest esteem.
In 1891 Mr. Grahl was united in marriage to Miss Ida C. Sieloff, who was born in Germany and was brought to this country when still but a baby by her parents, August and Mary Sieloff. Our subject and his wife have seven children, namely: Wilhelmina, Albert, Dorothy, Alice, Herbert, Lawrence and Henry. It was in 1911 that Mr. Grahl erected the handsome modern residence at Eden in which the family now resides.
Mr. Grahl supports the republican party when national questions and issues are at stake but at local elections casts an independent ballot. For a period of five years he ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of supervisor. He is one of the liberal supporters of the Evangelical church to which his wife belongs. At all times his life has been active, useful and honor- able and it is his genuine personal worth that has gained for him the favorable, position which he occupies in the regard of those who know him.
TIMOTHY MAGHER.
Timothy Magher is engaged in the cultivation of two hundred acres of land in Empire township and is one of the progressive agriculturists of that dis- trict. He was identified with railroad interests in Fond du Lac for many years, and is well known for his able work in this capacity." He was born in Ireland in 1844 and is a son of John and Mary (Burke) Magher, both natives of the Emerald isle. The family lived in their native country until their son Timothy was eighteen years of age. In 1862 they crossed the Atlantic to America and landed in New York city, where they remained for three and one-half years. During their residence there Timothy Magher worked in the em- ploy of the United States government at the New York arsenal. He was at this time the sole support of his father and mother, who were in feeble health and required constant care. Mr. Magher performed his filial duty will- ingly and eagerly, and his cheerfulness and gentleness with his aged parents are. the evidence of his honorable and worthy character. In New York state he married and immediately came to Wisconsin, settling in the city of Fond du Lac. He accepted a position in the employ of the Northwestern Railroad Com- pany and was in various positions identified with this corporation for fourteen years. He has now entirely abandoned his work along this line but the reputa- tion which he made for efficiency, alertness of mind and systematic industry still remains. During the period of his residence in Fond du Lac he invested his savings in Empire township land, being actuated by a firm belief in the agricul- tural future of the state of Wisconsin. When he severed his connection with. the Northwestern Railroad Company he moved upon his farm and has since
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resided in Empire township and cultivated the soil. He has made extensive im- provements upon his property and added to his holdings at various times. His farm comprises two hundred acres and is one of the highly improved properties in the district. In 1907 Mr. Magher erected a handsome home completely mod- ern in every detail in which he and his family are now residing. At the same time he erected a number of new barns and outbuildings equipped with all the most modern farm machinery and these improvements made his property one of the model farms of Fond du Lac county.
In 1864 Mr. Magher was united in marriage in New York state to Miss Honora Normal and to this union were born two children: William, who died when he was ten years of age; and David, who is living with his father on the home farm. Mrs. Magher died in 1885 and in 1889 Mr. Magher was again married, his second union being with Miss Maggie Finnegan, a daughter of Thomas Finnegan, one of the pioneer settlers of the state of Wisconsin. By his second marriage Mr. Magher is the father of one son, Frank, who was graduated from the State Normal School at Oshkosh.
Politically Mr. Magher gives his allegiance to the democratic party and has served his district as school director for many years. He belongs to St. Mary's Catholic church of Eden and is a regular attendant at its services. He is a quiet and unassuming gentleman, fond of his home and keenly interested in the public welfare. He proves his public spirit by his private life and in his agricul- tural career has been an influencing factor in the development of the resources of Wisconsin.
GEORGE STRONG.
George Strong is the proprietor of one of Fond du Lac's popular cafes and restaurants located at No. 13 Forest avenue. He was born in the town of Em- pire, January Ist, 1866, and is a son of Stephen and Margaret (Kreamer) Strong. His father is a native of New York, his birth having occurred in Washington county, that state. His mother was a native of Germany who with her parents emigrated to America :when she was a. child of but eight years of age. Stephen Strong was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Kreamer in 1854. ; For a liveli- hood he followed the business of farming and in that business was very success- ful. For the past twenty-five years he has lived a retired life. To Mr. and Mrs. Strong four children were born: Ellen, who married Charles Williams, a retired farmer, by whom she has one child, Richard; Jennie, who died May 30, 1882, at the age of twelve; George, the subject of this review; and Anna, who married Harry Cantzler, a prosperous farmer of Fond du Lac county, by whom she has four children, Lizzie, William, Martin and Raymond. Mr. and Mrs. Strong celebrated their golden wedding in the year 1904 and two years later the mother of this family passed out of this life.
George Strong was educated in the public schools at Empire and after com- pleting his elementary education was engaged in work on his father's farm until he was twenty years of age. He left the parental roof at the age of twenty and started in life for himself as a lumberman in the Wisconsin forests. To that business he continued to devote his entire time for a period of four years, after which he removed to Minnesota, where he remained for one year, and at the expiration of that time he moved to Fond du Lac, where he opened a first-class cafe, to which he has since given his constant attention. He started in the cafe business in 1893 and has been very successful in his undertaking in that particu- lar line of business. His establishment is located at No. 13 Forest avenue.
Mr. Strong was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bassett, of Fond du Lac. To them two children have been born, Gladys and Stephen. Mr. Strong is affiliated with the republican party and he and his wife are both members of
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the Catholic church. He is one of Fond du Lac's enterprising citizens and is known among his friends and the public as a man of integrity, and prompt and reliable in all his business transactions.
CARL KRUEGER.
Carl Krueger is a farmer whose efficiency in the details of agriculture has been an important asset in the development of his district. He owns and oper- ates one hundred and fifteen acres of improved and developed land in Ashford township, Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and the present importance of his enterprise is entirely the result of his practical care and supervision. Mr. Krueger was born in Germany in 1870 and is a son of Fred and Augusta (Bietz) Krueger. His parents came to America in 1882 and settled first in Lamar, where the father remained for a number of years, and here the mother died in 1910. To their union were born four children: Carl, the subject of this sketch; Otto, who still lives on the old homestead; August, who lives near Oakfield; and Henry, who also makes his home in this state.
Carl Krueger was educated in the public schools of Fond du Lac county and has been identified with agriculture during all his life. His early years were spent in helping his father in the work of the farm and for eighteen years he has owned his present tract of land. He acquired his property by pur- chase and it was at that time entirely unimproved. He immediately began to break the soil and fence the fields and in the course of time the ten acres which he cleared of timber were bringing a good return for the care and labor bestowed upon the fields. He erected good buildings and worked earnestly and persistently to make his farm productive. This he has succeeded in doing and is now classed among the representative agriculturists of his section.
Mr. Krueger wedded Miss Eliza Arndt, a native of Germany, who came to America before her marriage. To their union were born seven children: Rein- holdt, aged eighteen years; William, seventeen; Freddie, twelve, Esther, nine; Leona, five; and Ella and Zelma, twins who are three years of age. Mr. Krueger is independent of political lines and party, and always votes according to his personal convictions. He has never sought public office although he is intelli- gently interested in the affairs of his district. He belongs to the Lutheran church, holding membership in Lamar. His agriculture is practical and productive and he has made a steady advance toward prosperity. His success is now attained and has come to him as a natural result of his thorough efficiency.
W. H. ENGLEBRIGHT.
By competent management and unfaltering industry W. H. Englebright is winning success as proprietor of the Hotel Englebright. For a number of years he has been connected with hotel interests and his study of the needs and wishes of the public as regards hotel service has been an important factor in the at- tainment of his present position in the hotel business. He was born in England, January 16, 1857, his parents being William and Martha (Eaton) Englebright. In 1873 he came to America, having previously acquired a fair education in the public schools of his native country. He located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he clerked for a number of years. In 1890 he turned his attention to the hotel business, purchasing the Tremont hotel, which he conducted successfully until 1901. In 1900 he purchased the old Wood's hotel, taking possession on
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the Ist of July of that year. In 1901 he established his residence in Ripon and became the active manager of the hotel with which he is now connected, con- trolling a hostelry which in its equipment and service ranks favorably with any in this part of the state. The hotel was opened by Mr. Wood in 1872 and was conducted under the name of Wood's hotel until 1896. The original owner sold it to his brother, William Wood, who was successful in its management for some time. The next owner was Frank Grove, who disposed of his holdings to Mr. Clute, from whom W. H. Englebright purchased the hotel in 1900. Since personally assuming its direction he has made many improvements, developing a hotel that would be a credit to a city of much larger size. He remodeled the build- ing entirely and when all alterations were completed furnished it comfortably and tastefully. The hotel contains thirty-five rooms, steam-heated and well lighted. It is conducted on the European plan and the enterprising business methods of the owner and his reliable dealings commend him to the confidence of the travel- ing public. There is a large, well lighted dining room, the cuisine is excellent, and among other features of the place are an up-to-date bar and a modern and sanitary barber shop. Aside from his management of the hotel Mr. Englebright has consummated some profitable real-estate transactions. It was he who sold the site upon which the Masonic Temple now stands and also the ground upon which the plant of the Ripon Produce Company is located.
At Oshkosh, in 1885, Mr. Englebright was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Carpenter, who passed away in July, 1907. In December, 1908, he wedded Miss Evelyn Minors, of Oshkosh, and to them a daughter, Mary, was born, on the 5th of May, 1911. Politically Mr. Englebright is a republican, consistent in his support of the party principles yet never seeking office. He belongs to the Episcopal church. Fraternally he is a prominent Mason with membership in Ripon Lodge, No. 95, F & A. M .; Ripon Chapter, No. 30, R. A. M .; Berlin Com- mandery, No. 10, K. T .; and Wisconsin Consistory and Tripoli Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Order of the Eastern Star. He has achieved an enviable degree of success as a hotel proprietor, owing to progressive methods and a consistent policy of expansion. It has been said that there is no better criterion of the condition of a town than its hotels, and the well appointed and well managed hostelry is an indication of an enterprising, progressive city. Judged by the Englebright hotel, the standard of Ripon is therefore easily determined.
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