USA > Wisconsin > Fond du Lac County > Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume II > Part 58
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HERMAN G. HASS.
Herman G. Hass, who was one of the most energetic and substantial business men of Fond du Lac, was born in Germany, March 22, 1857. He came to the United States with his parents, Frederick and Florentina Hass, in 1863. The family settled in Fond du Lac, where Frederick Hass purchased a site and entered upon an era of prosperity in connection with brick manufacturing. Two years prior to his death he associated his son Herman, who had received his education in the public schools and Professor Mann's Business College, with him in the operation of the brick plant. The latter continued in this line of business as manager of his father's plant for three or four years but eventually built a plant of his own, which he managed for fifteen years. His business was successful and he became well known as one of the prosperous manufacturers of Fond du Lac county. In 1906 he severed his connection with the brick plant and oper- ated a sand and gravel business and also purchased a fertile and productive farm of three hundred acres in Empire township. While he personally supervised the operation of that place he maintained his residence in the city of Fond du Lac, never taking up his abode upon the farm. While he was out hunting on his farm near Lake de Neveu his gun was accidentally discharged, inflicting a serious wound. He was at once conveyed to St. Agnes' Hospital in Fond du Lac, where, surrounded by a loving family and friends, he passed away seven hours later, maintaining consciousness to the very last. The funeral services were conducted December 14, 1911, by Rev. Collins, who officiated at solemn high mass, and his remains were interred in Calvary cemetery at Fond du Lac, Mayor Frank J. Wolff, M. K. Reilly, F. J. Gruenhech, A. M. Trier, H. E. Towhig and Fred Frazier acting as pall bearers. Thus passed from this life one who had been an active and valued factor in early affairs and in business circles. For about twenty years he had been continuously in office and made an excellent record in that connection. He was alderman and supervisor from the old eighth ward of Fond du Lac and served on the board of education for twenty consecutive years. His cooperation was an important factor in advancing the public welfare along various lines.
MR. AND MRS. HERMAN G. HASS
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
On the 17th of October, 1883, at the St. Joseph's parsonage, Herman G. Hass was married to Miss Margaret Gahagan, the Rev. Father Trant officiating. She is a native of Sheboygan county, where her family has been well known since the early days of pioneer settlement. Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hass became the parents of four children : Laura May, who died at the age of eight years ; Clar- ence F. ; Melvin H. ; and Violet Marguerite.
The elder son, Clarence F., is now operating the home farm. He was born in Fond du Lac, September 23, 1884, and acquired his education in the public schools and Fountain City Business College and the University of Wisconsin summer school until nineteen years of age, after which he learned the machin- ist's trade, which he followed for five years in Milwaukee. He was afterward a mechanic at Port Arthur, Texas, and made that city his home for some time. Eventually he was persuaded by his father to return to Fond du Lac county and assume charge of the farm in Empire township. He has since been thus engaged and is conducting the farm along progressive and scientific lines. The place is still owned by his mother, who, however, makes her home in Fond du Lac, where she is well known in social circles, her beautiful and comfortable home being a favorite resort with her many friends.
Like the other members of the family, Clarence F. Hass is of the Roman Catholic faith, holding membership in St. Joseph church of Fond du lac. He concentrates his efforts upon his agricultural interests and the attractive and highly improved appearance of his farm shows how thorough, systematic and practical he is in his work.
HERMAN BORCHARDT.
Herman Borchardt is one of the well known, thrifty and successful general farmers of Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, where his energy and efficiency in the operation of one hundred and sixty acres on section 22, Springvale township, have resulted in his attaining conspicuous prosperity. He is a native of Germany where his birth occurred on November 18, 1845. His parents were William and Mina (Zahn) Borchardt, both of whom were born in the fatherland. His father was a laborer in his native country and in 1869 came with his family to the United States. He settled first in Detroit and afterward came to Mani- towoc county, Wisconsin, where, in association with his son, the subject of this review, he followed farming in the employ of others. He later moved to Cooperstown and then to Montpelier township in Kewaunee county, where he resided until his death in January, 1897. His wife's death occurred long before his in Cooperstown in 1869. They had a family of five children: Herman; Henry, who is engaged in farming in Kewaunee county; Charles, of Michigan ; and Nina and William, both deceased.
Herman Borchardt attended school in Germany and after laying aside his books was employed for several years as a hostler. He came to the United States with his parents in 1869, and immediately began working upon a farm in Manitowoc county. He was successful and economical and in 1875 was able to purchase his first tract of land, comprising eighty acres located in Montpelier township, Kewaunee county. Here he lived and followed agriculture for twenty- five years, adding at one time twenty acres to his holdings and conducting his enterprise along the most modern and scientific lines. In 1901 he sold his original farm and came to Fond du Lac county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 22, Springvale township, and where he is today active as a general farmer. He is interested in stock-raising and breeds high-grade cattle and horses for the market. He conducts a sanitary and up-to-date dairy, keeping a herd of thirteen cows and this branch yields him a handsome income. Vol. II-23 Vol. II-25
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
In 1873 Herman Borchardt was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Thu- row, a daughter of Henry and Louise Thurow, natives of Germany. Mrs. Borchardt's parents came to the United States in 1869 and remained for some time in Detroit. They later located in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin and after- ward removed to Kewaunee county, in the same state. In 1902 they took up their residence in Fond du Lac county, where the father followed farming. He is today one of the prominent agriculturists in Springvale township. To Mr. and Mrs. Borchardt have been born thirteen children, ten of whom are still living : Henry A., a farmer of Springvale township, whose sketch appears else- where in this work; August, who is following agriculture in the same section and who is also mentioned on another page of this volume; Bertha, who married Herman Raube, a farmer of Springvale township, by whom she has seven chil- dren; Herman, a farmer living in Metomen township, who married Miss Rosa Nest; Ida, the wife of Robert Stark, who rents a portion of Mr. Borchardt's land and makes his home with our subject; Minnie, who married Henry Stark, a prominent agriculturist of Eldorado township, by whom she has one child ; Charles, who passed away at the age of twenty-three years; Amelia, who mar- ried August Voge, a farmer of Springvale township; Laura, Esther and Alfred, all of whom live at home, and two who died in infancy.
In his political affiliations, Herman Borchardt is a republican and always votes the party ticket although he never seeks public office. He and his wife attend the German Lutheran church of Rosendale, Wisconsin. He is a farmer of the modern kind, intelligent, educated, progressive and a student of economics as applied to planting and harvesting, and in his possession of these qualities is an exemplification of a type which is raising agriculture to the position of a progressive science.
WILLIAM CARR.
William Carr, a successful and enterprising agriculturist of Eden township, is the owner of a well improved farm which annually yields tribute to his labor in golden harvests. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Fond du Lac county, his birth having occurred in Eden township, on the 27th of February, 1863, in the old log cabin erected by his paternal grandfather. He is a son of John Carr, a native of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States with his father, Joseph, and two brothers in early manhood and settled in Wis- consin in the '50s, taking up a tract of land in Eden township, this county, that was wild and covered with heavy timber. The grandfather of our subject erec- ted a log cabin thereon and made his home therein until called to his final rest in 1863. John Carr, the father of William Carr, enlisted in a Wisconsin regi- ment at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war and was killed in the service in 1864, thus laying down his life on the altar of his adopted country. Prior to his enlistment he had married Miss Hannah Frost, a native of England, who was brought to this country by her parents when seven years of age.
William Carr spent his youthful years in the acquirement of an education and in the work of the home farm, pursuing his studies during the winter months and assisting in the labors of the fields during the summer seasons. He re- mained on the home place until twenty-eight years of age, when he was married and moved to Iowa, where he purchased land and followed farming for three years. On the expiration of that period, preferring his native state as a place of residence, he returned to Wisconsin and purchased a farm in Eden township, in the further cultivation and improvement of which he has since been busily engaged. His labors as an agriculturist have been attended with success and he is widely recognized as a substantial and representative citizen of his community.
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
In 1891, Mr. Carr was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Mahoney, who was born on the old Mahoney farm, her father being James Mahoney. Unto them have been born three children, Floyd, Hazel and James. Mr. Carr is a devout communicant of St. Mary's Catholic church, to which his wife also belongs. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he has never sought nor desired office. The fact that his life has been honorable and worthy of public regard is indicated in that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from boyhood.
STEPHEN MAND.
Stephen Mand, who engages in diversified farming in Peebles township, where he owns sixty acres of land located on section 28, is a native of Fond du Lac county, his birth having occurred in Taycheedah in 1859. He is a son of Michael and Marie (Clausen) Mand, natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to the United States in the late '40s, coming direct to this county. Here the mother passed away in 1868 and the father on the 25th of May, 1906.
The entire life of Stephen Mand has been passed in Wisconsin. His early advantages were very limited and such education as he received was acquired in the district school. While still in his boyhood he began assisting about the farm and when a little older he went to work in the lumbering camps, cutting wood for sixty cents a cord, fifty cents of which was given in payment for his board. He applied himself earnestly and worked diligently at anything he undertook and ultimately acquired sufficient means to enable him to purchase his present farm. Ten acres of this he has cleared, while from the remainder he has removed the boulders and stones. All of the improvements on the place have been made during the period of his ownership; the development has been slow, but permanent, each year marking an advance. In connection with the cultivation of his farm Mr. Mand engages in the stone business, but the greater part of his time is devoted to the further improvement of his homestead in which he takes great pride.
In 1886, Mr. Mand was married to Miss Hannah McCabe, a daughter of Terrence McCabe, a resident of Fond du Lac county, and to them have been born seven children: Kate, Michael, who married Miss Seidel; Nora, the wife of Frederick Koenig; Peter; Mary; Margaret; and Frank.
The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church and are mem- bers of St. Peter's parish. His political indorsement Mr. Mand gives to the democratic party, but he has never been identified with the official life of the community. His has been a hard life. Everything he possesses has been ob- tained through long hours of unceasing toil and by the practice of rigid economy and thrift. He finds great satisfaction in the knowledge, however, that such success as has come to him is the result of his individual effort, and that he is indebted to no one for the prosperity he is now enjoying.
WILLIAM E. RANK.
William E. Rank for many years has been successfully engaged in the gen- eral merchandising business in Waupun. He was born in that city, August 26, 1866, and is the son of Charles and Christina (Luick) Rank, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father, who was born in Putbus, Pommern, Germany, was a soldier in the German army before emigrating to America in 1848. He celebrated his marriage in Milwaukee and some time later estab-
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
lished his home in Waupun, settling there one year before the railroad was built into that city. He was a merchant tailor by trade and to that business continued to devote his attention until the time of his death, which occurred in 1891. The mother is still living at the age of eighty-five. They became the parents of five children: Louise, who died in infancy; Mrs. Adolf Rothe, who is a resident of Kilbourn, Wisconsin; Mrs. W. E. Brooks, residing at Waupun ; C. A., a merchant of Waupun; and William E., of this review.
William E. Rank was reared in his parents' home and received his early education in the public schools of Waupun. He remained under the parental roof and was engaged in his father's store until the time of the latter's death. He then in company with his brother purchased the stock and continued the business under the firm name of Rank Brothers for a period of twelve con- secutive years, during which time they met with gratifying success. He then sold his interest in the establishment to his brother and later purchased the general merchandising business of C. & E. W. Jones, taking in Albert Donovan as a partner in 1907 and to this he has since devoted his time.
On November 21, 1907, Mr. Rank was united in marriage to Miss Maude E. Emery, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter F. Emery. The Emery family came from New York state. Mrs. Rank is a member of the Congregational church and he belongs to the Masonic lodge and the chapter.
HOWARD T. SACKETT, D. D. S.
Dr. Howard T. Sackett is widely known in Fond du Lac, where for more than thirty years he has been actively and successfully identified with both pro- fessional and business circles. For the past three years he has been secretary of the Berry Rail Clamp Company, but prior to that he was engaged in the practice of dentistry. He is a native of the state of Ohio, his birth having oc- curred in Tallmadge on the 13th of June, 1852. His parents were Hiram and Eliza A. (Treat) Sackett, likewise natives of Tallmadge, to whom were born nine children, our subject being the second in order of birth.
Dr. Sackett was reared in the town of his birth and received his early educa- tion in its graded and high schools. Having decided upon a professional career he subsequently matriculated in the dental department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, that state, from which institution he was awarded the degree of D. D. S. with the class of 1879. Immediately thereafter he re- turned to Ohio and established an office at Cuyahoga Falls, which he main- tained for two years. From there he came to Fond du Lac in 1881, continuing to engage in the practice of dentistry in this city during the succeeding twenty- eight years. As he was painstaking and skilful and did his work thoroughly he succeeded in building up a lucrative practice, and was recognized as one of the representative members of his profession. Having devoted thirty years of his life to the work, Dr. Sackett decided in 1909 upon a change, so he sold his practice and turned his attention to commercial activities. He has ever since been secretary of the Berry Rail Clamp Company of this city, and has manifested the same efficiency and capability in the discharge of his business duties that characterized him as a dental practitioner.
In the early years of his professional career in Fond du Lac, Dr. Sackett was married to Miss Hattie Brown, a daughter of Edwin and Ruth (Pier) Brown, the father a native of New Berlin, New York, and the mother of this city. Edwin Brown came to Fond du Lac when a young lad with his father, Isaac Brown, an architect and builder, who had the distinction of erecting the first courthouse in this county, and also many other business and public build- ings as well as some of the finest residences of the pioneer period. Here he
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
was educated and reared to manhood, an attorney by profession, and when the call came for troops during the early days of the Civil war he went to the front as Captain of Company E of the Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, and was killed on the battlefield of Antietam in September, 1862. Mrs. Sackett belongs to an equally distinguished pioneer family in the maternal line, her grandfather having been Edward Pier, who was not only one of the city's leading business men but for many years he was prominently identified with local business af- fairs. He was born in Vermont. He was a man of more than average fore> sight and sagacity and through his determination of purpose and resourcefulness inspired the confidence in his fellow townsmen that made him a leader in both commercial and political affairs. During the greater part of his business career he was identified with local banking circles, having been president of both the Bank of Northwest, now First National, and the Fond du Lac Savings banks. He was a member of the first board of county supervisors, of which he was president for ten years, and he also served as county treasurer for several terms. He was also state senator from this district and for ten years was superin- tendent of the poor, while at one time he was a member of the board of trus- tees of the state insane asylum at Madison. The "Old Pier" homestead, which was built in 1837, was the first house erected in Fond du Lac.
Dr. and Mrs. Sackett have three children: Edwin H., of Billings, Montana ; Arthur J., of Washington, D. C. ; and Ruth E. They are members of the Episcopal church and fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, while in politics he is a republican. While engaged in the practice of dentistry he was a member of the Wisconsin State Dental Association, of which he was at one time president, and for a year he served as president of the local dental society. Dr. Sackett is held in high regard in both professional and business circles in the city while to himself and family is extended the hospitality of the best homes. During the thirty-one years of his residence here he has shown him- self to be a man of sterling worth and integrity and so lives his life from day to day as to entitle him to the respect and esteem of his fellowmen.
ROBERT P. BIRSCHBACH.
Robert P. Birschbach, owning a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Taycheedah township, is extensively engaged in dairy farming and also raises live stock to some extent. His birth occurred in Forest township, Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, in 1873 his parents being Anton and Gertrude (Fuhrmann) Birschbach, the former a native of Germany and the latter of this country. His paternal grandfather was Christian Birschbach.
Robert P. Birschbach early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm. The work of the fields has claimed his attention throughout his entire business career. The farm which he now owns and operates em- braces one hundred and twenty acres of land and is well improved in every particular. When the property first came into his possession he replaced the old buildings thereon by a new barn and such other outbuildings as are necessary for the shelter of grain and stock. He is extensively engaged in dairy farming and also raises considerable stock, which he sells principally to local buyers at Fond du Lac. His undertakings as an agriculturist have been attended with success and he has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as a representative and substantial citizen of his native county.
In 1899 Mr. Birschbach was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Schmitz, whose parents are numbered among the old settlers of Taycheedah township.
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children, all of whom are living except Albert, who passed away when quite young.
At the polls Mr. Birschbach casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democratic party. The cause of education has always found in him a stanch champion and for the past five years he has served as school clerk. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Cath- olic church. A man of high worth and sterling integrity, Mr. Birschbach is widely respected and esteemed in the county where his entire life has been spent.
CHARLES A. RANK.
Charles A. Rank is among the best known and most successful business men of Waupun, where he is engaged in the conduct of a general merchandising business. He was born September 5, 1847, and is a son of Charles F. C. and Christina (Luick) Rank, both of whom were natives of Germany. A more extended review of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. C. Rank is published in the biography of W. E. Rank, in another portion of this work.
Charles A. Rank received his early education in Waupun, passing through the lower grades and completing his studies in the high school of that city. Leaving school he was engaged in a machine shop for three and a half years, and afterward was associated with his father in the merchandising business until the time of the latter's death. In January, 1892, in partnership with his brother he engaged in business, in which they continued until 1903, at which time. he purchased his brother's interest in the place. He has since, as sole owner, given his entire time to the operation of a general merchandising store, in which enterprise he has been very successful.
Charles A. Rank was united in marriage in 1892 to Miss Eva Mosher, a daughter of Asa and Deborah Mosher. The parents of Mrs. Rank were among the early residents of Waupun. For some years they lived in Minnesota but later moved back to Waupun, Wisconsin. Mr. Mosher died on February 5, 1906, and his wife on November 1, 1908. Mr. Rank is one of the well known citizens of Waupun and in the business circles of this portion of the state he is known to be a man of strict integrity in business transactions and in every way worthy of the confidence of the people.
JOHN SEIBEL.
John Seibel devotes his time and energies to the operation of a farm of ninety-four acres, which he owns on section 2, Taycheedah township. His birth occurred at Taycheedah, Fond du Lac county, on July 11, 1861, his parents be- ing Henry and Elizabeth (Feffer) Seibel, both of whom were natives of Ger- many. John Seibel attended the district schools in his youthful years but his educational advantages were limited, for his assistance was required in the work of the home farm. General agricultural pursuits have claimed his attention throughout his entire business career. He now owns a farm of ninety-four acres on section 2, Taycheedah township, and all of the improvements thereon were made by himself. Moreover, when the property first came into his pos- session he found it necessary to clear away the timber before the land was ready for the plow. The place is well improved and productive and is planted to corn, barley and oats, which Mr. Seibel sells to local dealers.
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
In 1892, John Seibel was united in marriage to Miss Anna Oldenberg, a native of Friendship township, this county, where her parents resided until they passed away. Our subject and his wife have one son, Arthur, who is under the parental roof. John Seibel is a republican in politics and at one time served on the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in Fond du Lac county and are well and favorably known here.
JOSEPH CARBERRY.
A short distance out on the Oshkosh road stands the old Carberry Corners, which has been the seat of the family of that name for many years. Its present inhabitant is Joseph Carberry, who has made it his home since 1892 and has im- proved the farm land surrounding it until it is now one of the most valuable tracts of cultivated land in the vicinity.
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