USA > Wisconsin > Fond du Lac County > Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume II > Part 55
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
practice in Greenbush, Sheboygan county, where for four years he followed his profession. He then moved to the city of Sheboygan for one year and in 1890 established his residence in Brandon where he has since practiced. He is a keen student of the details of his profession and keeps pace with modern advancement by constant reading and research. He gives his energies and services to his patients and has built up a flourishing practice in this city where his high conscientiousness and ability are well known.
On June 24, 1885, Dr. Root was united in marriage to Miss Jennie W. Hamilton, a daughter of Dr. Charles McNeal and Clarissa (Wade) Hamilton. Mrs. Root's father was born in Troy, Orleans county, Vermont, on August 6, 1810, and was of Scotch ancestry. His wife was a native of New Milford, Pennsylvania, where her birth occurred May 29, 1823. She was an army nurse during the Civil war and met her husband during his term of service as first lieutenant in the Twenty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Their marriage occurred in 1862 near Cairo, Illinois, and they later located in Greenville, in the same state where Dr. Hamilton had practiced before the breaking out of the war. He died at Greenbush, Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, on April 2, 1881, and his wife's death occurred at the home of our subject in Brandon, on the 27th of March, 1895. Dr. and Mrs. Root became the parents of three children. They lost one son and one daughter, both of whom died in infancy. Their other child, Leslie N., was born on the 24th of January, 1887, and is the wife of Loren S. Bowne, a teller in the Union National Bank of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Mrs. Root is a descendant of Pelatiah Hamilton who was born on the 6th of April, 1785, and who married at Bath, New Hampshire, in 1806, to Miss Hannah Holman, whose birth occurred on February 9, 1789. Mrs. Root has one sister, Nellie M., who married George L. Barrett of Lakota, North Dakota, and had five half-brothers and sisters, namely: Charles B. of Omaha, Nebraska; Lucia T., now Mrs. Henry Ruddell of Denison, Texas; Fannie L., the deceased wife of Richard Waite of California; and Henry L. and Abbie, both of whom died in infancy.
In his political affiliations Dr. Root is a consistent republican and a firm advocate of the principles and policies of that party. He served for three terms as a member of the board of health in Brandon and belongs to the State Homeo- pathic Society. He is affiliated with the Masons, holding membership in the lodge and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife is a charter member of the Royal Neighbors, but the Brandon lodge is now dis- banded. Dr. Root is a shareholder and was one of the organizers of the local telephone company of Brandon. He is at present recognized as one of the leading and prominent physicians of the city and his practice extends throughout Fond du Lac county. He realizes the responsibility which the medical profession en- tails and his standards go beyond those of mere professional ethics to include ideals of personal service. He appreciates the higher side of his calling and his efficiency has gained greater force and effectiveness by his wide humanita- rianism.
MAURICE FITZSIMONS, JR.
Maurice Fitzsimons, Jr., who has been successfully identified with the com- mercial circles of Fond du Lac for twenty-five years, is conducting the boot and shoe store founded by his father more than half a century ago. He is a native of this city, his birth having occurred on March 26, 1867. His parents are Maurice and Catherine (Lawler) Fitzsimons, both natives of Ireland, the father having been born in County Meath and the mother in County Kilkenny. Maurice Fitzsimons emigrated to the United States in 1847, locating in Fond
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du Lac during the pioneer days. Here he established the business now con- ducted by his son, and as he was a man of energy and capability became one of the foremost citizens of that period, and did much to forward the industrial and commercial development of this city. He had long ago withdrawn from active business and was living in retirement at the time of his death, which occurred in 1910. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fitzsimons, four of whom are now deceased. In order of birth those living are as follows : Michael ; Nora ; Marcella ; J. P., who is a priest of the Roman Catholic church ; Maurice, Jr., our subject ; and Thomas.
Maurice Fitzsimons, Jr., was reared at home and obtained his education in the graded and high schools of Fond du Lac, where he pursued his studies until he was a youth of sixteen years. He then laid aside his text-books and began his commercial training as a clerk in his father's store. As he was active and diligent and possessed more than average business sagacity he made marked progress, and at the age of twenty years was placed in charge of the store, which he has ever since conducted with excellent success. During the long period of his connection with this enterprise, Mr. Fitzsimons has greatly increased and developed the business, and is recognized as one of the leading representatives of the boot and shoe trade in the city.
In religious faith Mr. Fitzsimons is a Roman Catholic and belongs to St. Joseph's parish. His political indorsement he gives to the republican party, save at municipal elections when he gives his support to the candidate he deems best qualified for the office, regardless of party affiliations. He is widely known in social and business circles of Fond du Lac, where he has passed his entire life and has many stanch friends, whose loyalty is accorded him by rea- son of his personal worth.
JAMES P. REILLY.
James P. Reilly, general manager of the American Chemical Company of Fond du Lac, was born in Empire, Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, on the 2d of May, 1873. He is a son of Michael and Margaret Reilly, both natives of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States during their early years and lo- cated in Wisconsin. They were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living, our subject being the youngest member of the family. Richard, who is the oldest resides in Empire, Fond du Lac county, married Mary Cody of Fond du Lac county and to them have been born six children, Thomas, Mary, Martha, Joseph, Marcella and Francis. Thomas, who is living in Chicago, Illinois, married Jennie Kelly, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and they are the parents of seven children, Frank, Florence, Oliver, Harold, Beatrice, Norman and Clar- John who is residing in Empire, this state, married Hannah Blewett of El Dorado, and they have eleven children, Loretta, Edward, Pierce, Leo, John Jr., Paul, Margaret, Ruth, Eleanor, Lucille and Eugene. Michael K., who is the next in order of birth, is living in Fond du Lac. William T. married Jennie Stack of Fond du Lac county, where they continue to reside. Mary became the wife of James Doud of this city and has ever since made her home here.
ence.
After completing the course of the public schools of his native town, James P. Reilly attended the Normal school at Oshkosh. Completing his sophomore work he taught for a year, but at the expiration of that time he enrolled in the Wisconsin University, where he pursued his studies until a junior. He next matriculated in the law department of that institution, being graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1897. He was admitted to the Wisconsin bar the same year and engaged in practice until 1900, when he became associated with others in the organization of the American Chemical Company. They incorporated
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in 1901 with Mr. Reilly as general manager and he has ever since been retained in this capacity in which he has given efficient and highly creditable service. The company, which is one of the thriving industries of the city, engages in the manufacture of Celery Fo-Mo. Their factory is located at 350 South Main street and is provided with such modern appliances in the way of equipment as are essential to the successful operation of a plant of this nature. Mr. Reilly is a man of much sagacity, fine powers of organization and good execu- tive ability all of which well qualify him for the manifold duties of his present position.
Mr. Reilly was married at Madison, Wisconsin, to Miss Lucy R. Cosgrove of that city and to them have been born three children, Grace M., James P., Jr., and Lucy R. The parents are communicants of the Roman Catholic church and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is pregressive and public- spirited in matters of citizenship and is one of the enthusiastic members of the Business Men's Club, while he votes the democratic ticket. Mr. Reilly is direct- ing his interests with intelligence and foresight, concentrating his entire forces upon a definite achievement and as a result he is meeting with a goodly measure of success in his undertakings.
HERMAN W. GABEL.
Herman W. Gabel is a member of the firm of Gabel Brothers, machinists, who for two years have been successfully engaged in business at number 13 East Third street, where they have a well equipped and thoroughly up-to-date shop. A native of Fond du Lac county, his birth occurred in the village of Luco on March 2, 1878. He is a son of Carl and Dorothy (Hill) Gabel, who were born, reared and married in Germany. They emigrated to America in 1872, coming direct to this county and locating in Luco. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gabel, our subject being the youngest son. In order of birth the others who are living are as follows: William, who married Bertha Lodges; Otto, who married Lizzie Tajashe and has one son, Roland; Ferdinand, who married Rose Hollinger and has two children, Helen and Lillian; Fred, who married Bertha Hollinger; Louisa, who married William Miller and has two sons, Leo and William; and Emma, who is living at home with her parents. All of the children with the exception of the oldest daughter are residents of Fond du Lac.
Herman W. Gabel was reared in the village of his birth and educated in the public schools. At the age of seventeen years he laid aside his text-books and apprenticed himself to the machinist's trade. He subsequently went to Milwau- kee where for eight years he was employed in machine shops of that city. He was ambitious and during two years of that time he attended night school after his hard day's toil and took a course in mechanics, thus acquiring a wider knowledge of those subjects pertaining to his particular line of work. From Milwaukee he came to Fond du Lac, where he continued to follow his trade and was for eight years employed in the largest shop in the city. Realizing that the future held little promise for him as an employe, he in 1910 resigned his position and together with his brother Fred opened the establishment they are now conducting at 13 East Third street. As they are both skilled mechanics, employ good material and do their work promptly and thoroughly, making their deliveries at the time specified, they are building up a good trade and always have orders ahead. While their establishment is small, their equipment is very complete, their shop being provided with everything essential to the successful operation of a plant of this kind.
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Mr. Herman W. Gabel married Miss Ella Jeske of this city and to them have been born two daughters, Dorothy and Ruth.
In matters of faith they are Lutherans, while in his political views Mr. Gabel is a democrat, but favors many of the teachings of the socialist party. He is a member of the International Association of Machinists and for eight years was treasurer of this organization. Mr. Gabel is a very energetic man and uses good judgment and intelligence in the direction of his undertakings, and the success that has come to him is entirely attributable to his perseverance and unremitting industry.
HENRY C. PLEUSS.
The financial prominence and importance of Henry C. Pleuss who is today the leading hardware merchant in Brandon, Wisconsin, gives little hint of the penniless condition of the German boy who came to America in 1878, unknown and without money but eager in his ambitions and hopeful of favoring oppor- tunities in the new world. He was sturdy and resolute and even in his penni- less condition had the foundation of his present success in his industry and in- telligence. Henry C. Pleuss not only began life for himself but also cared for his mother and younger brothers. He was himself only nineteen years of age when he was obliged to assume mature responsibilities. He was born in Old- enburg, near Bremen, Germany, on November 29, 1859, and is a son of John D. and Mary (Bleichwel) Pleuss, both natives of the fatherland. His father was a farmer and followed agriculture in Germany for many years, dying in that country on November 10, 1872. His wife came to the United States with her children in 1878 and located in Brandon, Wisconsin, where she spent the remainder of her life. She died in 1901 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lena Jack of Bismer, Michigan. She and her husband were the parents of seven children: Herman, who is a traveling salesman with headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin; Henry C., the subject of this sketch; Meta, the wife of Charles Meister, a hardware merchant of Idaho; Lena, who married Fred Jack, a tailor in Madison, Wisconsin; Dietrich J., a saloon keeper in Brandon; Mary, who married Charles Geidel, who is a pattern maker in Madison; and John, who died in childhood.
Henry Pleuss attended school in Germany and received what little educa- tion he had in that country. He followed farming and has earned his own living since the time he was ten years of age. His father was an invalid for four years before his death and was unable to support his family. From his early childhood Mr. Pleuss did his share in contributing to the general living fund and took care of his mother all during her life. He came to the United States in 1878, having been preceded four years before by his brother Herman, who had located in this country in 1874. His letters home were filled with the accounts of the opportunities to be had in the new country and were an influence in the decision of Mr. Pleuss to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. In 1878, therefore, he accompanied his mother and her younger children to America, locating with his brother Herman in Brandon. The family was poor and en- tirely dependent upon the support of the two eldest boys. The struggle was hard and often discouraging but Mr. Pleuss and his brother worked at anything they could get to do and by strict ecenomy soon saved a small sum of money. With this in 1885 they opened a temperance saloon in Brandon. In the conduct of this enterprise they strove to combine the social elements of a modern buffet with restriction in drinks. The enterprise was successful although the partner- ship was dissolved after two years and Henry Pleuss operated the saloon him- self for five years. In 1893 he disposed of his establishment and entered the
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hardware business in partnership with George W. Sargent, Jr., under the firm' name of Sargent & Pleuss. In 1906 Mr. Pleuss purchased his partner's interest and has since been the sole owner of one of the leading enterprises in the city. He carries on a general hardware establishment and has combined with it a plumbing, tinning and repair business. His stock is complete and varied and kept attractively and tastefully arranged. His business methods are beyond reproach and his administrative and organizing ability have made his enter- prise grow and expand into a mercantile establishment which while it promotes his private prosperity is also an asset in the community.
In 1886 Mr. Pleuss was united in marriage to Miss Mary Heidel, a daughter of Fred and Mary (Zell) Heidel, natives of Germany. Their marriage occurred in the fatherland and they came to America in the early '6os, locating on Green Lake prairie where for a number of years the father engaged in farming. Later he moved to Chicago and then to Brandon where he now resides and is engaged in the building and moving business. To Mr. and Mrs. Pleuss have been born four children, the two eldest of whom died in infancy. The others are Margaretta, who is a student in Ripon College, a member of the class of 1914 and who lives at home; and Arnold, who is pursuing his education in the Brandon high school and who helps his father in the work of the store in his leisure hours.
In his political affiliations Mr. Pleuss is a consistent democrat, but beyond casting his vote at each election takes no active part in public affairs and has never sought public office. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Com- pany of Brandon and he and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church of that city. Mrs. Pleuss belongs to the Brandon Social Club.
Henry C. Pleuss is entirely a self-made man and has all the virtues of sturdy independence and reliability which give force to that name. He has struggled up from penury to wealth but his material prosperity is not his real success. That has to do rather with the qualities which made him prosperous -the patience, the fidelity to duty, the serving of others, the hard working against discouragements, and the industry, intelligence and loyalty which have made him today not only an important and prominent merchant but a worthy and upright man whose standards of integrity are high.
HENRY W. MULLER.
Henry W. Muller, who is at present ably serving as supervisor of Forest township, has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and is now the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and twenty-three acres. A native son of Fond du Lac county, he has remained within its borders continuously since his birth, which occurred in Forest township in 1857. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Ack- enbach) Muller, both of whom were natives of Germany, were married in the United States and arrived in this county in the early '50s. Henry Muller, Sr., purchased a farm of eighty acres in Forest township and erected a log cabin near the creek, at the present home of our subject. That the country was still largely wild and undeveloped is indicated by the fact that Indians camped around the old homestead and fox and deer were frequently seen in the region. Mr. Muller found it necessary to undertake the arduous task of clearing the timber from his land and encountered many of the difficulties and hardships of frontier life. By dint of untiring perseverance and well directed energy he gradually developed his property until it became an excellent farm, in the super- vision and operation of which he was successfully engaged until called to his final rest in February, 1912. The period of his residence in this county covered
MR. AND MRS. HENRY W. MÜLLER
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more than a half century and the circle of his friends and acquaintances was a wide one.
Henry W. Muller was reared on the home farm and has devoted his time and energies to the work of the fields since old enough to handle a plow. He assisted his father in clearing the land and aided materially in the development and cultivation of the home place. The property is now in his possession and embraces one hundred and twenty-three acres of rich and productive land which annually yields golden harvests.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Muller chose Miss Agnes Seibel, by whom he has seven children, namely: Edna, Louis, Herbert, Anna, Ervin, Katie and Florence. All are still under the parental roof.
Mr. Muller gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is now serving in the capacity of township supervisor. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church, to which his wife and children also belong. Both Mr. and Mrs. Muller are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth and upright, honorable lives.
MATHIAS SHERIDAN.
Mathias Sheridan is farming on one hundred and forty-five acres of land in Fond du Lac county and is specializing in the breeding of high-grade cattle and horses. He has attained a gratifying degree of success in his chosen field of activity and is one of the well known and highly esteemed citizens of his district. He was born in the township of Byron, February 26, 1851, and is the son of Philip and Alice (Ward) Sheridan, both natives of Ireland. The father was born in County Meath on December 25, 1817, and came to Fond du Lac county in 1840. Here he took up a homestead claim and lived in a log cabin upon his holdings until 1850, when he destroyed his original home and built a more modern residence. He was active in the cultivation of the soil and very successful in the operation of his farm, where he resided until his death, in March, 1908. His wife was born in Waterford, Ireland, and came to America at an early date. Mr. and Mrs. Sheridan were married in Eden township, Wisconsin, and became the parents of six children, two of whom are still living: Ann, who makes her home in Chicago; and Mathias, the subject of this sketch.
Mathias Sheridan received his early education in the district schools of Byron township. He pursued his studies during the winter months and in the summer assisted his father in the work of the farm. He laid aside his books when he was twenty-one years of age and has given his entire attention to agri- culture since that time. Until his father's death Mr. Sheridan remained upon the home farm and assisted in its labors. He started for himself when his father passed away and has been continuously successful since that time. He is now the owner of one hundred and forty-five acres of improved and productive farm land on section 15 in Byron township and is the owner of twelve head of fine cattle and six head of thoroughbred horses.
On October 24, 1876, Mr. Sheridan was united in marriage in Eden to Miss Mary Jane Carr, a daughter of Edward and Catherine Carr, of Byron township. The parents were pioneer settlers of Fond du Lac county and were numbered among its prosperous citizens. To Mr. and Mrs. Sheridan have been born the following children : Alice, the wife of Charles McCoy, of Fond du Lac; Eunice Marie; Philip Edward; Catherine, who became the wife of Joseph Melton, of Fond du Lac ; Emmett ; Frank; Agnes; Ralph; and Ellen, who died in 1899.
In his political affiliation Mr. Sheridan is an independent democrat and has served his fellow citizens as road commissioner for many years. He also was active in affairs of the school board for nine years and did successful and efficient Vol. II-24
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work in this line. He holds membership in the Catholic church of Byron and is educating his children in the faith in which he himself was reared. He is one of the progressive and scientific farmers of Fond du Lac county and is doing much to make the occupation of stock-raising one of the important industries of that section.
LYMAN F. SWIMFORD.
Lyman F. Swimford has for the past forty years been continuously en- gaged in business as a house-mover of Fond du Lac and in this connection has won a gratifying measure of prosperity. His birth occurred in this city on the 7th of December, 1850, his parents being Luther and Sarah (Boyer) Swim- ford, the former a native of Ashland, Ohio, and the latter of New York. Luther Swimford removed to Neenah, Wisconsin, in 1844 and the following year came to Fond du Lac. By trade he was a blacksmith. Unto him and his wife were born four children, as follows: George, who is a house-mover of Cleveland, Ohio; Lyman F., of this review; Bella, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; and James, who resides in Fond du Lac and whose wife is a native of Minnesota.
Lyman F. Swimford attended the public schools until fifteen years of age and also spent several terms as a night-school student. Subsequently he em- barked in business as a house-mover and this work has claimed his attention continuously since or for a period of forty years. He also takes contracts for the drilling of wells and in both branches of his business has labored so ably and acceptably that his success has been assured. He also has a creditable military record, having served for four years as a member of Company E, Second Wisconsin Guards.
Mr. Swimford was united in marriage to Miss Barbara F. Begenhauer, of West Bend, Wisconsin, her father being Valentine Begenhauer, a butcher by trade. Our subject and his wife have two children. Lillie lives in Fond du Lac, is married and has five children. Birdie gave her hand in marriage to William Churchill, a painter and decorator of Fond du Lac. Mr. and Mrs. Churchill now make their home in Milwaukee and have three children, Ned, Helen and Doris.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Swimford has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believing its prin- ciples most conducive to good government. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church. In the city where his entire life has been spent he enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance. His life has been that of the business man who year after year works on steadily, seeking to present his interest in no sensa- tional way but gaining that patronage which comes as the reward of earnest, persistent and honorable labor.
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