USA > Wisconsin > Fond du Lac County > Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume II > Part 71
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On the 15th of May, 1901, at Oakfield, Mr. Sommerfield was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Mae Austria, a daughter of William and Lizzie (Kraemer) Austria. Her father, who has lived retired for several years, was a miller during his active business career. William F. Sommerfield is a republi- can in politics and served as justice of the peace in Oakfield for one year, while for five years he acted as village clerk. He then served out the unexpired term of C. H. Moore, president of the village, who had died. In 1912 he was elected to that office and is now the able incumbent in that position. At the present time he is also a candidate for the assembly from the second district. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, while his religious faith is that of the Baptist church. In every relation of life he has been found true and loyal to the trusts reposed in him and his life has been in conformity with a high standard of conduct.
FRANK SCHUJAHN.
Frank Schujahn is the proprietor of one of the most up-to-date and pros- perous cheese manufacturing establishments in this county, his plant and ware- houses being located at 184 and 186 West Second street, Fond du Lac, and his residence at No. 46 Cottage avenue in that city. He was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, on the 13th of March, 1872, his parents being Ludwig and Mary (Fehland) Schujahn, both of whom were natives of Germany. His paternal grandparents, Henry and Carolina (Gabriel) Schujahn, emigrated to America in 1848, and settled in Dodge county, where they engaged in farm- ing, both having passed away at that place many years ago. Their children
were five in number, namely: Ludwig, Mary, Louisa, Bertha and Otto. The maternal grandparents of our subject likewise emigrated to America, settling in Dodge county, where they died well advanced in years. Two children were born unto them, August and Mary. Both the grandparents Fehland were twice married. Three children were born to the mother by her second hus- band, Mr. Raabe: Herman, August and Louisa. By his second wife Mr. Fehland also had three children: Reinhold, Otto and Lydia.
Ludwig Schujahn, the father of Frank Schujahn, was by occupation a farmer. He emigrated to America in 1848 and located in the town of Hubbard, Dodge county, this state. Here he continued his residence until 1887 and then removed to Crab Orchard, Kentucky, where he remained for one year and then removed to Bowling Green, that state, at which place he still resides, being at this time seventy-two years of age. His wife was called to her final rest in
.
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1905, when fifty-eight years of age, passing away in the faith of the Lutheran church, to which Mr. Schujahn also belongs. During his residence in Dodge county, Ludwig Schujahn has filled several town offices. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, as follows: Reinhold, of Michigan City, In- diana; Frank, a resident of Fond du Lac; August and Ernest, both of whom reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky; Lydia, the wife of Frank Rupnow, of Juneau, this state; Hulda, the wife of Peter Weidemann, of Franklin, Ken- tucky; and Paul, now serving in the United States army in the Philippine Islands.
Frank Schujahn was born and reared in Dodge county and was educated in the public schools. At the age of fifteen he began his independent busi- ness career. At that time he apprenticed himself as cheese-maker and after becoming proficient in this vocation, in 1893, he established himself in the cheese business at Huilsburg, where he continued to conduct his business for nine years. He then removed to Theresa, staying at this place three years, and in 1905 he purchased an interest in the Winnebago Cheese Company, in Fond du Lac, and removed to that city. This company was incorporated for twelve thousand dollars in 1906 and in 1909 Mr. Schujahn became its sole owner and has since continued in the manufacture and sale of cheese products, selling his goods in all parts of the United States.
On the 26th of November, 1893, Mr. Schujahn was united in wedlock to Miss Anna Kiekhaefer, a native of Germany, and a daughter of Carl and Carolina (Lailia) Kiekhaefer, whom she accompanied on their emigration to this country when still but a child. The family located at Juneau, at which place Mrs. Schujahn grew to womanhood and received her early education in the public schools. Her father was a carpenter by trade but in later years engaged in farming. He maintained his residence at Juneau until the time of his death, which occurred in 1903, when he had attained the age of sixty- three years. He is survived by his wife, who still resides at Juneau. They had eleven children, four of whom grew to maturity, namely: Ferdinand, Wil- liam, Bertha and Anna. Unto our subject and his wife have been born four
children : Edna, Meta, Alwin and Walter. Mr. and Mrs. Schujahn are mem- bers of St. Peter's Lutheran church. The former is affiliated with the repub- lican party and is one of the well known, reliable and successful business men of this county, his specialty being the manufacture of cheese. He is a man always to be relied upon to give his influence and help toward the advance- ment of any meritorious cause affecting the best interests of the people in his state and county.
CAPTAIN JOHN J. ROBERTS.
Captain John J. Roberts, who is one of the honored veterans of the Civil war, is also numbered among the most successful business men of Waupun, where he is engaged in the general banking business as president of the State Bank of Waupun. He was born February 5, 1842, and is a son of Owen R. and Jane (Cadwalder) Roberts, both of whom were natives of Wales. The father with his wife and family emigrated to the United States in 1847, making his first location in Columbia county. Wisconsin, where he purchased land and later engaged in the cultivation of a rented farm. He subsequently removed to Cambria, Wisconsin, where he continued to live to the time of his death. He was a stanch republican, and he and his wife were loyal members of the Protestant church. To Mr. and Mrs. Owen R. Roberts seven children were born: Robert D., a retired farmer living in Aberdeen, South Dakota; C. A., of Chicago, who was in the employ of Marshall Field & Company for forty
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years; John J., of this review; Jane, who is deceased; Eleanor, a resident of Aberdeen, South Dakota; Margaret, who married J. Pace, of Minnesota; and Catherine, who passed away in infancy.
John J. Roberts was a native of Wales and with his parents emigrated to America in 1847. He was reared at home and received his early education in the public schools of Wisconsin. He remained under the parental roof un- til 1860, at which time he started in life for himself and took up work as clerk in the general merchandising store of William E. Smith at Fox Lake, Wis- consin. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volun- teer Infantry, and continued to follow his command until he received an hon- orable discharge, at which time he was mustered out of service in April, 1863. He returned immediately thereafter to his home in Wisconsin and in company with J. B. Vosburg organized the Forty-eighth Regiment of Volunteer In- fantry, in which J. B. Vosburg served as a commissioned captain and John J. Roberts of this review as first lieutenant. Mr. Roberts was commissioned captain at the close of the war but did not serve in that rank during the Civil conflict. After peace was declared he continued in the army service for one year, during which time his command was in the western part of Kansas, where they were engaged in the suppression of the Indian uprising which at that time was disturbing the frontier pioneers in that portion of our country. He later served as quartermaster at Fort Dodge for some time and in 1866 he returned to Fox Lake, Wisconsin, where he was in the dry-goods business for three years. In the fall of 1870 he removed to Waupun and in company with L. Smith engaged in the general retail and wholesale mercantile business in that city. His partnership with Mr. Smith closed at the time of the latter's death which occurred in 1871, after which time Mr. Roberts as sole owner successfully conducted the business in his own name until 1895. He then sold the stock of merchandise, retaining, however, the real estate and buildings used in connection with the conduct of that business. In 1895 he received the appointment as warden of the Wisconsin State Penitentiary from Governor Upham and continued in that office until the expiration of Governor Upham's term, after which he was reappointed to the same office by ex-Governor Scofield and continued in the service of the state as warden of the penitentiary until 1899. In addition to his city real-estate holdings he is also the owner of a very large farm in North Dakota. In 1906 he purchased stock in the State Bank of Waupun and was later, in 1907, elected to the responsible office of president of that well known banking institution, since which time he has de- voted himself to a large extent to the interests of the banking business.
The Sate Bank of Waupun was organized in 1903 with an authorized paid- up capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars, the original incorporators be- ing E. M. Beach, J. C. Sherman, Oscar Hanisch, J. S. Morris and H. J. Hart- gerink. At the time of the organization of the bank the corporation purchased a suitable building in which to conduct its business and in 1911 the building was remodeled and newly equipped for the greater convenience of its officers and patrons, and it is now one of the best and most up-to-date bank buildings in this portion of the state, being a fine two-story structure with suitable offices on the second floor. In 1906 the bank was reorganized and at that time the following officers and directors were elected: J. J. Roberts, president ; H. J. Hartgerink, vice-president; Fred W. Luck, cashier; Oscar Hanisch, assistant cashier ; and Oscar Hanisch, W. E. Rank, J. J. Roberts, Fred W. Luck, H. J. Hartgerink, J. S. Morris and A. Lemoness, directors. The State Bank of Waupun is one of the well known and among the most successful institutions of its kind in central eastern Wisconsin and does a large and increasing busi- ness in both Dodge and Fond du Lac counties.
Captain Roberts was united in marriage in 1868 to Miss Jennie Smith, a daughter of Alexander and Sarah (Grant) Smith, natives of Inverness, Scot-
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land. They came to America about 1830 and settled in Commerce, Michigan where they remained until their death. An uncle of Mrs. Roberts was Wil- liam E. Smith who was governor of Wisconsin for two terms and very promi- nent in public life. , Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are the parents of three children : Jessie, who married Dr. T. M. Welsch, who is a practicing dentist of Waupun ; Myra, at home; and Ira Smith, who is a traveling salesman. Captain Roberts is one of the loyal adherents of the republican party and a man high in the councils of that political organization. In Masonry he has attained the thirty- second degree of the Scottish Rite. He was for some time master of the blue lodge of Waupun. He is also one of the influential and popular members of the Grand Army of the Republic and is a member of the Loyal Legion of Mil- waukee. Captain Roberts is one of the well known and useful citizens of the state of Wisconsin. His record as a soldier and a business man reflects great credit upon the integrity of his character and his well known business ability. As warden of the penitentiary at Waupun he enjoyed the distinction of be- ing one of the most efficient and popular officers who have ever served in that office and on his retirement from that service he carried with him the respect of the citizens of Wisconsin for the efficient manner in which he had carefully protected the interests of the people, at the same time exercising a merciful, considerate and helpful control over the unfortunate inmates of that penal institution, and his name now as then is a synonym for all that is straight in business, upright in character and useful as a loyal, patriotic citizen of his state and nation.
GUSTAVUS FRANCIS HORNER.
Gustavus Francis Horner, engaged in the insurance business in Ripon, has for more than a half century been a continuous resident of Wisconsin and his life record is a credit and honor to the state with the history of which the name of Horner is indelibly associated inasmuch as his father, the Hon. John Scott Horner, was one of its territorial governors. Extended mention of him is made elsewhere in this volume. The son was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 26, 1840, and was about three years of age when he was taken to Washington, D. C. and resided with his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Watson. His early education was acquired in the schools of the capitol city, where he remained until 1852, when he rejoined his parents at Green Lake, to which point they had in the meantime removed. In 1854-5 he was a student in Ripon College and on completing his course there took up the profession of teaching which he followed until 1860. He then accompanied his parents on their removal to Ripon and entered business circles of this city as a clerk in the grocery store of Joseph Hall, one of the early merchants here. Subsequently he turned his attention to the wheat and produce business, continuing opera- tions along that line until 1878. He has always figured as one of the leading and enterprising business men of this city and possesses the energy and deter- mination which carries forward to successful completion well formulated plans. In 1886 he became connected with the coal and lumber trade as the senior part- ner of the firm of Horner & Middleton. He is now conducting an insurance business, for indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and, al- though possessed of a comfortable competence as the result of his former busi- ness operations, he is still an active factor in the world's work for he could not be content to do otherwise.
On the 14th of December, 1865, Mr. Horner was married to Miss Anna L. Ballou, in Booneville, Oneida county, New York, where her birth occurred. her parents being William and Harriet Ballou. To Mr. and Mrs. Horner were
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
born three children, of whom one, a son, died in infancy. The daughter Alice is the wife of Frederick M. Brigham, formerly of Toledo, Ohio, and now of Philadelphia. Gustavus B., the son, was married in 1900, to Grace Corliss and has three daughters, while Mrs. Brigham also had three children, of whom one son is yet living. Gustavus B. Horner is engaged in the insurance busi- ness with his father, who has been connected therewith since 1874. The father continued in the coal and lumber trade with Mr. Middleton for a quarter of a century and then withdrew to concentrate his energies upon his present line of business.
At different times Gustavus Francis Horner has figured prominently in con- nection with public office. In the spring of 1873 he was elected city clerk and clerk of the municipal court of the city and town of Ripon, serving in that capac- ity for a period of ten years, with an interval of four years, reentering the office in 1883. In 1874 he was elected by the county board as superintendent of the west district of Fond du Lac county comprising six townships. He acted in that capacity for four years and when the county system was abolished and the city plan adopted he served for two terms. He has always been a demo- crat, following in the political footsteps of his honored father, and his popular- ity and confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen are indicated by the fact that he has always received a strong republican vote. While his father's prominence gave him position, his own personal worth has maintained him in the high regard and confidence of his fellowmen, his business record and his public service alike entitling him to the warm regard and good-will of all who know him.
JOHN LAWLESS.
John Lawless is one of the enterprising and up-to-date farmers of Friend- ship township, where he was born June 2, 1862. He is a son of Matthew and Mary (McCabe) Lawless, both of whom were natives of Ireland. He was reared in the township of Friendship and there received his elementary edu- cation in the public schools. In early life he engaged in farming and has since continued in that line, having met with gratifying success.
Mr. Lawless was united in marriage in 1894, in the township of Friend- ship, to Miss Ella E. Fox and they are the parents of four children: Anas- tasia, sixteen years of age; Mary, who is twelve years old; and Joseph and John, who are ten and eight years of age, respectively. Mr. Lawless belongs to the democratic party and served in the office of town clerk from 1891 to 1896. He and his family are members of the Catholic church and Mr. Lawless is a member of the advisory board of the church in which he holds membership. He is a man who enjoys the confidence and esteem of all his associates and during his entire life, which has been spent in the township of Friendship, he has ever been regarded as one of the trustworthy and substantial citizens of Fond du Lac county.
ROY D. TILLOTSON.
Roy D. Tillotson is one of the well known attorneys of Waupun where he is successfully engaged in the general practice of his profession. He was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, September 12, 1873, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth A. (Robbins) Tillotson, both of whom were natives of New York, the father of Vernon county and the mother of Niagara county. The pa-
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ternal grandparents were Lewis W. and Caroline E. Tillotson, who settled in Wisconsin in the late '50s where they were engaged in general farming during the remaining years of their lives. The father of our subject was engaged in the manufacture of cigars in Waupun until the time of his death which occurred July 8, 1877. The mother was a daughter of James and Anastasia Robbins, who removed from New York state and settled first in Fond du Lac county but later took up their abode in Dodge county. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Tillotson two children were born: Roy D., the subject of this review ; and Libby C., who died at the age of seven years.
Roy D. Tillotson was reared at home and received his early education in the public schools of Waupun. After passing through the lower grades he was graduated from the high school and later became a student in the Wisconsin University at Madison from which institution he was graduated with the degree of A. B. in the class of 1895. He later read law under C. E. Hooker of Wau- pun, and was admitted to the Wisconsin bar in 1897, since which time he has been continuously and successfully engaged in the general practice of law in Waupun.
Roy D. Tillotson was united in marriage in 1896 to Miss Kitty B. Simpson of Waupun, her father being one of the well known and successful agricultur- ists of Dodge county. To Mr. and Mrs. Tillotson two children have been born, Alexander and Mary. Mr. Tillotson is one of the well known and highly respected lawyers of Fond du Lac county and is a man interested in every public measure seeking the improvement of the people in his county and state.
WILLIAM TANK.
William Tank is one of the members of the well known firm of Tank Brothers, who are among the successful manufacturers of butter in Fond du Lac county. The factory is located at Van Dyne, in Friendship township. Mr. Tank was born in the town of Eldorado in 1884, where he was reared and received his elementary education. As a young man he was first engaged in farming and in that occupation continued for a number of years. Later, in copartnership with his brother George, he established a butter factory at Van Dyne and to the interests of the business he has since devoted his entire at- tention.
Mr. Tank was united in marriage, in the town of Eldorado, to Miss Emma Martin, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Martin. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church, and Mr. Tank was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for a number of years. He is one of the enter- prising and reliable business men of Van Dyne and enjoys the confidence and esteem of the citizens of Fond du Lac county, in which he is widely known.
GEORGE TANK.
George Tank is one of the proprietors of an up-to-date butter factory lo- cated at Van Dyne, where he is successfully engaged in partnership with his brother, in the manufacture and sale of butter. He was born in the town of Eldorado in 1888 and there received his early education in the public schools. He was for some time in early life engaged in farming and later, in partnership with his brother William, he established a factory at Van Dyne, which has since been operated under the firm name of Tank Brothers, in the
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manufacture of butter. Mr. Tank has since devoted his entire time to this business and has met with marked success.
Mr. Tank was united in marriage in the town of Eldorado to Miss Elsie Bender. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church. The firm of Tank Brothers, located at Van Dyne, isone of the business concerns which reflects credit upon the community in which it is engaged in the general manufacture and handling of butter. Since the establishment of the firm it has continued to do an increasing volume of business and has always borne a high reputation for integrity in business matters and is by public opinion placed among the leading concerns of its kind in that part of Fond du Lac county.
FRED W. SMITH.
Fred W. Smith makes his home on section 26, Lamartine township, where he is farming one hundred and twelve acres of land and is active and promi- nent in local public affairs. He was born in the section in which he now re- sides on the 16th of June, 1859. His father, Andrew Smith, came to Wiscon- sin from his native state, New Hampshire, in 1848 and farmed upon his original purchase of eighty acres of land in Fond du Lac county until his death in 1893. Mr. Smith's mother was in her maidenhood Miss Sevina C. Hodgdon, also a native of New Hampshire who came from that state with her husband and died in Fond du Lac in 1911. They were the parents of seven children: Belle M., who became the wife of S. H. Dunlap by whom she has two children; Josephine A., who married James Whittaker, and after his death was united in marriage with L. Annis, of Minneapolis, by whom she has three children ; Harriet M., who became the wife of Irving Wright by whom she has four children ; Fred W .; Lulu G., who married Ed Crosby, and is the mother of two children; Ina G., who became the wife of J. F. Kellogg by whom she has five children; and one who died in infancy.
Mr. Smith received his early education in the district schools of Lamartine township and with the intention of becoming a teacher entered the Oshkosh State Normal School and took a course in that institution. He taught in the Wisconsin schools for fifteen years and his record in this capacity was marked by intelligent efficiency and a wide degree of general culture. He began his agricultural life in 1893 in which year he bought his present farm on section 26 and has been successful in its development and improvement since that time. He is well versed in all the details of general farming and is interested in the most approved methods of drainage and crop rotation. He gives some atten- tion to the raising of stock and keeps constantly six head of cattle and three horses. He is one of the representative farmers of the district, and by reason of his activity along progressive lines of expansion has made his holdings pro- ductive to their utmost capacity. The most important interest aside from his farm pursuits is his identification with local politics. He is a republican and a stanch supporter of the principles of that party. For ten years he was clerk of Lamartine township and during eight years' service as road superintendent he brought about many needed improvements in country districts. He was treasurer of the school board for six years and justice of the peace for ten years. He is now and has been for the past twelve years a notary public in Lamartine township. His public life has been distinguished by remarkable efficiency and a thorough grasp of local conditions. His long service in va- rious capacities has made him known as an official whose honor could never be questioned and whose energies were always given to worthy causes. He be-
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longs to the Methodist Episcopal church and his fraternal relations are limited to the Modern Woodmen of America.
Mr. Smith is well known in Lamartine township of which section he is a native son. His childhood was passed here and his active career has been devoted to the promotion of its agricultural resources. During this time his genuine worth, his high principles and his progressive ideas have commended him to the respect and esteem of his neighbors, all of whom are his stanch friends.
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