USA > Wisconsin > Fond du Lac County > Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume II > Part 83
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Otto Fenner was educated in the district schools of his native county and pur- sued his studies until he was seventeen years of age. He then entered the em- ploy of his father and worked for him until 1885. In the following year he was married and bought ninety-five acres of land from his father, which he improved and cultivated along scientific lines for some time. He later added to his hold- ings by buying the property of his brother Ferdinand, and this together with his original farm gave him one hundred and seventy acres of fine land in Lamartine township. He is still residing upon that property and has made it one of the best cultivated farms in this section of the county. It is equipped with substantial
MR. AND MRS. OTTO S. FENNER
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barns and sheds for the protection of grain and stocked with one of the finest herds of cattle in Wisconsin, among which are seven head of thoroughbreds.
On February 18, 1886, Otto S. Fenner was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Cortta and they are the parents of nine children, Arthur, Lydia, Emma, William, Edward, Viola, Herbert, Florence and Oscar. Mr. Fenner is a republican and has served his party in various capacities. He was a member of the town board of Lamartine for two years and executed capable work as superintendent of roads. He has been interested in the cause of education during all his active life and has served as a member of the school board for twenty years. He be- longs to the Evangelical church and is a prominent figure in its affairs. He has one of the most scientifically cultivated farms in Lamartine township. His opin- ion is always of weight in agricultural circles and he has attained a degree of prosperity which is the natural outcome of continued and intelligent endeavor along any line.
HENRY J. IMMEL.
Henry J. Immel, vice president of the Immel Construction Company, of which he was the first president, has been successfully identified with the build- ing interests of Fond du Lac since 1907. He is a native of this county, his birth having occurred at Empire, on the 5th of April, 1869, and he is a son of Joe and Margaret (Smith) Immel, both natives of Germany. There the father passed the first eighteen years of his life, at the expiration of which time he came to the United States and located in Wisconsin, becoming one of the pio- neers of Fond du Lac county. Here he met Miss Smith, who emigrated from Germany about three years later than he did and located in Empire, where they were married. Agricultural pursuits always engaged the attention of Mr. Immel, who passed away on the 15th of February, 1888, at the age of sixty-three years and seven months. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Immel number eleven, all of whom are still living. Elizabeth, who married George Smith, and is the mother of three sons, Edwin, Albert and George, is a resident of Fond du Lac. Henrietta married Frank Stroemer of Fond du Lac, and they have three chil- dren, Clara, Emma and Archie. Frank, who lives in Empire, married Gusta Grienart and they have five children, Milton, Mabel, Ruth, Mildred and Wil- liam. Emma is living at home. Louis married Alvina Grienart and they have five children, Ada, Lester, Martha, Helow and Elmer. Margaret is unmarried and living at home. John M. married Emma Bohm of this city and they have one daughter, Leona. Katherine married Reynard Biertengroos and is living in Washington state. Hannah became the wife of Charles Jahn of this city and they have one son, Clarence. Mamie married Dr. Clason. Henry J. is the sub- ject of this sketch.
The early years in the life of Henry J. Immel were passed in the town where he was born. He attended the public schools until he was fifteen, after which he assisted his father with the work of the farm for three years. After the death of his father he left home and learned the mason and carpenter trades. Upon the completion of his period of apprenticeship, he followed both occupa- tions for three years, and then entered the employ of the Chicago & North- western Railroad Company. Six months later he left their service and re- turned to his home town, where he worked at his trades until 1907. In the latter year he located in Fond du Lac, and during the first three years of his residence here engaged in contracting and building. At the expiration of that time he organized, with the assistance of others, the Immel Construction Company, of which he was the first president. He is now vice president of this company, while his brother, John W., is the president, C. A. Lyncis, secretary, and H. J.
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Kleineschay, treasurer. Although they have only been engaged in business for two years, they have built up a large patronage and are meeting with a goodly measure of success.
Mr. Immel married Miss Emma Gohmann, a daughter of William Goh- mann, who located in Empire in 1862. He there purchased forty acres of land and engaged in its improvement and cultivation until his retirement from active life in 1905.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Immel are members of the Lutheran church and he also belongs to the benevolent society. He is identified with the Business Men's Club and the Builders & Traders Exchange. His political support he gives to the republican party, and while residing in Empire he held the office of town treas- urer for two years. Mr. Immel has always led a very active life and highly de- serves the success which is now crowning his efforts as the result of close ap- plication and unremitting diligence.
FRANK M. McGAULEY, M. D.
Dr. Frank M. McGauley, with office at No. 86 South Main street, is now engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Fond du Lac, where he has made his home since six years of age. A thorough college course fitted him for the labors and responsibilities that now devolve upon him and further reading and research keep him in touch with all that is of vital importance to the pro- fession brought out through investigation and research by its leading members as the days go by.
He was born in Empire township, Fond du Lac county, July 27, 1876. His paternal grandparents came to the middle west from New York, settling in Wisconsin at an early period in its development. They made the journey by way of the lakes but the boat on which they sailed was burned and they lost all of their household goods. They therefore had to start out anew in Wisconsin with nothing. Soon the grandfather of Dr. McGauley cleared a tract of land in Empire township but he was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring a little later while he was yet in middle life. His wife survived him for many years and had passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey. In their family were the following named: Jerome, Thomas, Stephen, Peter, Mary, Veronica, Marcella and Lucinda.
Of this number Thomas U. McGauley was the father of Dr. McGauley. He was born in New York and was there reared as a farmer boy in the vicinity of Catskill. In 1857 he came to Wisconsin with his parents and located on a farm in Empire township. He was the second oldest son and upon the father's death the responsibility of providing for the family largely devolved upon him. He cultivated the old homestead farm for a considerable period but afterward started out in life independently, purchasing a portion of the old homestead, which he had to clear of the timber and improve. Thereon he reared his family, providing for their support through the cultivation of his one hundred acres of land. About thirty years ago he removed to Fond du Lac, where he has since lived. For a time he was employed by the Deering Harvester Company, the Mil- waukee Harvester Company and still later by the International Harvester Com- pany, remaining upon the road as a traveling salesman for those houses for several years. 'He then learned cabinet-making, which he has followed for the past twelve years, although he is now about seventy years of age. He and his wife are both consistent members of the Catholic church. He married Catherine A. Dyer, a native of Massachusetts, her parents having been early residents of Byron township, where they built a log cabin and lived in true pioneer style. Her father, John Dyer, was more than ninety years of age at the time of his
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death, while his wife had reached the age of eighty-eight years. Their chil- dren were: John, Patrick, Michael, Andrew, Catherine and Mary. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas U. McGauley was blessed with four children: Frank M., of this review; Mae, wife of J. Wells McCoy, a resident of Fond du Lac; and Leo and John, deceased.
Dr. Frank M. McGauley has made his home in Fond du Lac from the age of six years. He was graduated from the high school in 1895 and later was bookkeeper for the Winnebago Manufacturing Company for six years. He turned from commercial to professional pursuits, however, with the feeling that he would find the latter more congenial and entered the Northwestern Medical School, at Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1905. He then served as interne in Columbus Hospital at Chicago for fourteen months and afterward opened an office in Fond du Lac, where he has practiced continuously to the pres- ent time. That his work meets with high approbation is indicated in the large number that solicit his professional service in this city and the surrounding country. Almost continuous demands are made upon his time and energies and broad humanitarian principles prompt him to put forth his best efforts in behalf of those who know him.
On the 28th of June, 1907, Dr. McGauley was married to Miss Nora E. Mc- Kenna, a daughter of Maurice and Nellie (Fagan) McKenna. They have one child, Estella Mary, and they also lost a daughter, Margaret, who died in infancy.
Dr. and Mrs. McGauley are members of the Catholic church and he also belongs to the Knights of Columbus. Politically he is a democrat and has served as city physician and health commissioner. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His professional relations are with the Fond du Lac County and State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association, and through the proceedings of those bodies he keeps in close touch with the advanced work that is being done by the profession. His work and his social qualities have combined to win him warm regard and the high esteem of all with whom he has come in contact.
SAMUEL PETERSON.
Samuel Peterson is one of the respected and successful business men of Fond du Lac, where he is engaged in the milk and ice cream business, which he conducts under the name of Peterson's Pure Milk & Ice Cream Company. His factory and store-rooms are located at No. 388 Sherman street. Mr. Peter- son is a native of Denmark, his birth having occurred in that country on April 9, 1862. He is a son of Peter and Maria (Rasmussen) Mortenson, both of whom were natives of Denmark. The father followed farming for a livelihood and was engaged in that occupation during his entire life, his death occurring many years ago in his native land. The mother emigrated to America in 1882 and the following year established her residence in Sheboygan. To Mr. and Mrs. Mortenson five children were born. Rasmus married in Denmark and died there in 1898. Martin married Louisa Munter, of Denmark, and they now reside in Fond du Lac with their family of two children, Martha and Adeline. Olegaard passed away at the age of seven years. Samuel is the subject of this review and Maren concludes the family.
Samuel Peterson was reared at home in Denmark and emigrated to America in 1882. He at once made his way to Wisconsin, where he was engaged as a laborer in various occupations for the succeeding ten years. He later was em- ployed in the cabinet-making business, filling the position of foreman of the shop, and so continued for seven years. In 1902 he engaged in the milk and
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cream business and has since been continuously so engaged and has met with deserved and gratifying success. The business is conducted under the name of Peterson's Pure Milk & Ice Cream Company and its factory and equipment are located at No. 388 Sherman street, Fond du Lac.
Samuel Peterson chose as his companion in life Miss Anna Hansen, a native of Sweden and a daughter of Hans and Botilda (Hansen) Peterson. The father, who was also a native of Sweden, passed away in that country in 1872 and the mother emigrated to the United States in 1900, coming direct to Wisconsin. Her death occurred in Oshkosh in 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have three children, Alma, Emma and Roloff.
Politically Mr. Peterson is affiliated with the socialist party, and fraternally he is a member of the Equitable Fraternal Union and also of the National Union and the Danish Brotherhood of Oshkosh. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Peterson is an energetic and industrious man, giving his entire time and attention to the care and promotion of his lucrative and rapidly increasing milk and ice cream business. He is a man of integrity and unques- tioned honor in all business transactions and is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends.
EDGAR A. GOVE.
A native son of Fond du Lac county and a factor in its agricultural develop- ment is Edgar A. Gove, who was born on the farm where he now resides, on section 24, Springvale township, on May 22, 1861. He is a son of Richard G. and Martha (Lewis) Gove, natives of Vermont. His father was of old New England stock and labored in the lumber camps of his native state until he came west. He settled in Fond du Lac county at an early date and was numbered among its pioneers. He purchased eighty acres of land which was then entirely undeveloped and erected a little log cabin upon his holdings and this he made his home until the death of his wife in 1866. In that year he went back to Vermont and upon his return journey was accompanied by his mother-in-law, who man- aged his home for him until her death. The father of our subject died upon his farm in 1897. His wife was born in Tuppertown, Vermont, and came to Fond du Lac county with her husband. To their union were born three children : Edgar A., the subject of this sketch; Martha, the wife of William Smith, a thresher in Empire, Wisconsin; and Ada, who died in childhood.
Edgar A. Gove attended district school No. 1, Springvale township, and his early life was spent in assisting his father with the work of the farm. He has resided upon his present tract of land with the exception of the summer of 1885 when he was employed near Fargo, North Dakota. He has added twenty acres to his father's one hundred and now owns one of the finest farms in this section. He carries on general agriculture and stock-raising and has a dairy herd of twenty high-grade Holsteins, whose head is a registered animal. He is a share- holder in a threshing outfit which he owns in partnership with two of his neigh- bors. The firm which was organized nine years ago is still doing a large amount of work throughout Springvale township and in the neighboring districts.
On October 20, 1896, Mr. Gove was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Henning, a daughter of Fred and Reka (Henning) Henning, both natives of Germany. They came to America and located in Fond du Lac county where they are now living upon their farm on section 25, Springvale township. The father is actively engaged in farming and is numbered among the earliest set- tlers in his district. Mrs. Gove was born in Eldorado township and died on March 29, 1909, and is buried in Rosendale cemetery. She and her husband became the parents of seven children: George Richard, born October 20, 1897,
now attending school in Rosendale ; Clara Mabel, who has who is
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managed her father's home since her mother's death and is attending district school No. I, Springvale township; William Edgar, born August 28, 1901, also attending school; one child, born June 27, 1903, who died in infancy; Esther, born September 19, 1904, who died on December 13, of the same year; Edna, whose birth occurred on January 13, 1906, and who died on the 28th of June of the same year ; and Charles, whose birth occurred June 1I, 1908.
In his political views Mr. Gove is a consistent republican and served for three years as school treasurer in school district No. I. His wife was a member of the German Lutheran church. He has added to the resources of his county one hundred and twenty acres of land, drained, fenced and improved, and has won his success by practical activity which is the basis of productive agriculture.
OTTO E. WODSEDALEK.
Otto E. Wodsedalek is the proprietor of an up-to-date and well stocked gentle- men's furnishing and shoe store, located at North Fond du Lac. He was born in Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, on the 17th of September, 1883, and is a son of Frank and Mary (Posepny) Wodsedalek, both natives of Bohemia. The father emigrated with his parents to America when he was but six years of age. As he grew to maturity he followed the business of farming for a livelihood and in that vocation he was very successful. His death occurred on the Ist of June, 1895. The mother came to Wisconsin at the age of nineteen and is still living * on the home farm in Kewaunee county. In their family were five children, four of whom survive. Bessie married Edward Wessellek, an ironmolder, and they reside in Kewaunee. To them two children have been born, Alice and Lucella. Frank married Anna Jeralek, of Kewaunee, and they have one child. Otto E. is the subject of this review. Jerry is engaged in teaching in the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
Otto E. Wodsedalek was reared in his parents' home and educated in the public schools of Kewaunee. At the age of fifteen he started out in life for him- self as an apprenticed shoemaker and continued to follow that trade for a period of thirteen years, during which time he was employed by a number of people at various commercial centers in this state. On February 7, 1912, he opened a gentlemen's furnishing and shoe store at North Fond du Lac and engaged in business for himself. He carries a full line of up-to-date, first-class stock and has met with gratifying success.
Mr. Wodsedalek gives his political allegiance to the republican party, and fraternally he is connected with the Equitable Fraternal Union. He is one of the enterprising business men of Fond du Lac and has already established for himself an enviable name in the business circles of Fond du Lac county, where he is much esteemed and highly respected for his strict attention to business interests and his upright character.
EMIL T. GREBE.
Emil T. Grebe is one of the progressive and enterprising young business men of Fond du Lac where he is conducting a bakery by modern and systematic methods which have won for him success. He is a native of Wisconsin, having been born in Forest township on August 3, 1888, and is a son of Henry and Mar- garet Grebe, the former of Germany and the latter of Forest township. His father came to Fond du Lac county when he was only seven years of age and was educated in the public schools of the city of Fond du Lac. He is now con-
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ducting a grocery store at No. 92 North Main street in that city and has attained a gratifying degree of success. He and his wife had seven children: Paul; Emil, the subject of this review ; Martin ; Rudolph ; Oscar ; Bernhardt ; and Leona.
Emil T. Grebe was educated in the district schools of Forest township and also in the German Lutheran school of that district. He spent three months in a business college and when he laid aside his books was employed as a grocery clerk working for five years in his father's store. He then acted as collector of accounts in Fond du Lac for two years, abandoning this line of occupation in order to learn the bakery trade. He has established himself independently in business and has attained at an early age a gratifying and well deserved pros- perity. He is a republican in his political beliefs but has never sought public office. He belongs to the Lutheran church in which faith he was reared from childhood. He resides with his parents at No. 124 West Follette street, in Fond du Lac, and has many warm personal friends in the city where he has resided for many years. His business life is intelligently ordered and quietly progressive and his store is a most attractive commercial enterprise. He is already respected in Fond du Lac as a representative of the best elements in the business life of the city and his future success is assured.
CHARLES R. DUDLY.
Charles R. Dudly, who is living retired in Lamartine township, but was for many years identified with the agricultural interests of Fond du Lac county, was born in New Hampshire, on the 18th of February, 1834. He is a son of Timothy and Elizabeth K. (Davis) Dudly, also natives of New England, the father's birth having occurred in Vermont in 1804, and that of the mother in New Hampshire. He was a carpenter but in connection with his trade he also practiced veterinary surgery, both in New Hampshire and Iowa, where he lo- cated with his family in 1855. Here he and the mother passed the remainder of their lives, her death occurring in 1868. They were the parents of six children, of whom our subject is the eldest.
The first twenty-one years in the life of Charles R. Dudly were passed in his native state, whence he accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa in 1855. After five years' residence in the Hawkeye state he came to Wisconsin, locating on a farm in Fond du Lac county. Here he has ever since made his home and during the intervening years has been an interested observer of its progress and development, toward which he has contributed his quota. For many years he was successfully identified with agricultural pursuits and during the pioneer period he also engaged in teaming, and hauling hay and grain to Fond du Lac. He was diligent and thrifty, intelligently directing his energies toward the achievement of a definite purpose. As a result he prospered in his undertakings, becoming known as one of the substantial citizens of his com- munity. For some years past he has been living in retirement, making his home with his son Fred, one of the well known agriculturists of Lamartine township.
At Fond du Lac on the 5th of May, 1861, Mr. Dudly was married to Miss Jeannette Hankins, a daughter of James M. and Lucy Hankins. The father was the owner of one of the first sawmills in the county and he also engaged in farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Dudly were born four sons. William H., who is a chemist residing in Minneapolis, married Minnie Pike, of Lamartine, and to them have been born seven children. Fred M., who is farming in Lamartine township, chose for his wife Elizabeth Jane Willis, a native of Fond du Lac county. Albert, whose energies are also devoted to farming married Meta Stuart and they have one child. Frank, who is farming in this county, married Ruth Willis of Fond du Lac, where she passed away leaving one child.
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In matters of religious faith Mr. Dudly is a Methodist, while his political sup- port he accords to the republican party. He is widely and favorably known in this community, where he is accorded by old and young the respect ever merited by those who have led honorable and upright lives.
JAMES THOMPSON.
The attractiveness of Wisconsin as a place of residence is indicated in the fact that many of her sons have remained within her borders, feeling that no better opportunities or advantages could be elsewhere obtained. Among this number is James Thompson who was born in 1859. His parents were Robert and Bridget (Ford) Thompson, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They came from the Emerald isle to the new world in 1849 and settled first in the east, but after living in that part of the country for about three years they resumed their westward way and at length settled in Winnebago county, this state. Afterward they took up their abode in Eldorado township, Fond du Lac county, about 1865, and were soon well known among the enterprising farming class of this region.
James Thompson was about six years of age at the time of the removal to this county, and in the public schools he pursued his education, making good use of his time and opportunities so he laid a substantial foundation for his success in later life. He and his father did all the clearing upon the home place and erected all the buildings. The father died in 1891 and for about nine years was survived by his wife who passed away in 1900.
James Thompson has been a lifelong farmer and the energy and industry which he has brought into his business are the measures of his success. He has worked long and diligently and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates that his time has been well spent. He takes little active part in public affairs, especially along political lines. He attends the Catholic church. For almost a half century he has lived in this county and has a wide acquaintance while his many sterling traits of character have gained for him the regard and good-will of those who know him.
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