USA > Wisconsin > Fond du Lac County > Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume II > Part 86
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Lyman W. Thayer, whose name introduces this review, was the third in a family of five children, four of whom are now living. The public schools of his native town afforded him his early educational opportunities and later he pursued a course in the Jones Commercial College at St. Louis. In 1880 he entered the lumber business in Wisconsin in partnership with Benjamin Single, one of the men most prominently identified with that line of activity in the state. In his early youth Mr. Thayer had been associated with Mr. Single and later was able to buy an interest in the business. His partner was not only one of the prominent representatives of the lumber trade but was also actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, cultivating four hundred acres of land, upon which he made extensive improvements. This farm was inherited by Mr. Thayer upon the death of Mr. Single, whose daughter he had married, and for many years there- after he was active in the cultivation of his fields but disposed of his holdings in 1909.
It was on the 19th of June, 1878, that Mr. Thayer was united in marriage to Miss Rosetta Single, a daughter of Benjamin and Jane S. (Boswell) Single. The father came to the United States in 1836, settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1843. In that year he removed to Wausau, where he en- gaged in the lumber business and later was largely connected with various lines of business activity in that city, including several of its banking enterprises. In 1883 he came to Ripon and soon afterward purchased a large stock farm, upon which he resided until the time of his death on the 22d of January, 1906. His place comprised four hundred acres of as rich and fertile land as could be found in the state and he employed scientific methods in the development of his property. He erected commodious and modern buildings furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock, and he made the breeding of high-grade stock a special feature of the place, keeping a large herd of Hereford cattle and also breeding Englishshire horses. His various business interests were carefully directed and led to the attainment of a gratifying measure of success. He passed away in 1906.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thayer were born five children: Lulu, who was born April 1, 1879, and died January 29, 1910; Benjamin S., a graduate of the Wis- consin State University and now assistant civil engineer in the government reclamation service with headquarters in California, where he resides with his wife and one child; Lyman W., Jr., a resident of Keokuk, Iowa, where he is con- nected with a prominent construction company ; Donald E., who lives at home ; and Eugenia, who died April 16, 1894, at the age of three years.
Mr. Thayer's political career began in 1892, when he was elected a representa- tive to the state assembly. He served with much ability for one term and in 1894 was elected to fill out the unexpired term of Mr. Smead in the state sen- ate. The creditable record which he made in that connection led to his reelection for a full term of four years and he was chosen president of the senate, retiring in 1900 on the completion of his sixth consecutive year as a member of the upper house. He was chairman of the joint caucus of the two houses that nomi- nated Mr. Quarrels for the United States senate and he also served as chairman of the appointment committee. He did not hesitate to render active service in local office and for eight years was a member of the county board of Fond du Lac county, acting as its chairman for one term. His opinions have long carried weight in the councils of his party and he has been allied with many movements which have constituted important features in republican successes. He has ever stood for progress and improvement along political lines and has indorsed many of the wholesome and purifying reforms which have been gradually growing up within the party and constitute one of the most hopeful political
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signs of the age. As a Mason Mr. Thayer is well known, holding membership in Ripon Lodge, No. 95, F. & A. M., and Berlin. Commandery, No. 10, K. T. He and his family are devout members of the Episcopal church, in the work of which he is actively and helpfully interested. In every relation of life he has held to high ideals and he has never deviated from a course which his judgment has sanctioned as right between himself and his fellowmen. Nature endowed him with talents and ability of high order and these have been worthily used for the benefit of his fellowmen as well as in his own interest.
BERNARD SHERIDAN.
Bernard Sheridan has been successfully engaged in the livery business at Fond du Lac for the past two and a half years but was formerly identified with general agricultural pursuits and still owns a farm in Byron township. He is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Fond du Lac county, three generations of Sheridans having been born in Byron township, where his birth occurred in 1854. His parents, Bernard and Elizabeth (Mor- gan) Sheridan, are both deceased, having died some years ago. The mother was a native of the state of New York.
Bernard Sheridan was reared on the home farm and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and which claimed his attention until he came to Fond du Lac about two and a half years ago. The farm in Byron township is still in his possession, however. During the period of his residence in the city of Fond du Lac he has been engaged in the livery business and in this connection has won a gratifying and well merited measure of success.
In 1874 Mr. Sheridan was united in marriage to Miss Anna McIntyre, whose parents are still living in this county. Our subject and his wife have four chil- dren, as follows: Bernard F., thirty-six years of age, who wedded Miss Cath- erine Netzinger, a daughter of Peter Netzinger; William H., who is thirty-four years old; Edward L., a young man of thirty ; and Johanna May, who is twenty- four years of age.
In politics Mr. Sheridan is a stanch democrat. He served as chairman at Byron for two years and in 1900 was elected county sheriff, discharging the duties of that office in a highly commendable and fearless manner. He belongs to St. Joseph's Catholic church at Byron and at one time served on its board of directors. That his life has at all times commanded the high respect which is uniformly tendered him is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
PAUL J. DANA.
Paul J. Dana, a popular and well known citizen of Fond du Lac, has been engaged in business as the proprietor of a retail cigar store since 1908. His birth occurred in this city on the Ist of May, 1876. His father, George P. Dana, who was born about 1850, is engaged in business as a hardware merchant. He was an old-time gunsmith and made guns by hand during the period of In- dian warfare. Unto him and his wife were born eight children. Alex is engaged in the real-estate and insurance business at Fond du Lac. Paul J., of this review, is the next in order of birth. Leona is the wife of a Fond du Lac lawyer and has two children, Genevieve and Charles. George, who wedded Miss Agnes Boyle, makes his home in Fond du Lac. Leo, who married Miss Tillie Weber.
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of Fond du Lac, is a traveling insurance adjuster for the insurance company represented by his brother Alex. Walter had just completed a course in medicine and opened offices in Fond du Lac when his demise occurred in 19II. His death was a great blow to the family, all the other members of whichi still survive. Arthur is a practicing physician of Fond du Lac. Victor likewise makes his home in this city.
Paul J. Dana attended the graded and high schools in the acquirement of an education and also pursued a course of study in a business college. When a youth of sixteen he entered his father's hardware store, remaining in his ser- vice for a period of sixteen years. In 1906 George P. Dana became sheriff of Fond du Lac county and our subject discharged the duties of under sheriff for two years. In 1908 Paul J. Dana embarked in business as the proprietor of a retail cigar store and has since conducted the same with gratifying success. He also conducts a first-class pool and billiard room in connection with his store and owes his success to his personal popularity and the high class of trade to which he caters.
Mr. Dana was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Normile, a daughter of Michael Normile, who is a lineman of Fond du Lac. Mr. Dana is an independ- ent democrat in politics and served as an alderman for two years, from 1898 to 1900. He belongs to the Business Men's Association and fraternally is con- nected with the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Columbian Knights of Wisconsin. St. Mary's church numbers him among its communicants. In the city where his entire life has been spent the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
ALBERT RAU.
Albert Rau has been successfully engaged in business as a wholesale and retail flour and feed merchant of Fond du Lac since 1908, his establishment being located at No. 214 South Main street. His birth occurred in Nevada, Missouri, on the 2d of August, 1869, his parents being Michael and Alwin (Schneider ) Rau, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Wisconsin. Michael Rau remained a resident of the fatherland until twenty-one years of age and then crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating at St. Louis, Missouri, where he was married. Subsequently he made his way to Chilton, Wisconsin, in an emigrant wagon and there worked as a laborer for several years. Later he took charge of an elevator at Chilton, conducting the same until the time of his retirement. He is a Methodist in religious faith, while his wife belongs to the Lutheran church. They are still residents of Chilton, Wisconsin. Michael Rau served as a private throughout the entire period of the Civil war and made an excellent record as a brave and loyal defender of the Union during that long and sanguinary struggle. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, as follows: Albert, of this review; William, who is a resident of Chilton, Wiscon- sin ; Selma, who is the widow of Jacob Haessley and resides in Chilton; Herman, who is now serving as sheriff of Calumet county, Wisconsin, and makes his home at Chilton; Clara, the deceased wife of William Link; George, living in Antigo, Wisconsin; Ernest, who is a barber of Chilton; and Meta, the wife of John Huntz, of Wausau, Wisconsin.
Albert Rau, who was a little lad of six years when his parents established their home in Chilton, was there reared to manhood and attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. After leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade and followed that occupation for six years, while later he worked at the butcher's trade for a similar period. Subsequently he spent three years as an employe of the W. W. Cargill Company in an elevator at
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Chilton and was then transferred to Black Creek to conduct a station for that firm. After acting in that capacity for four years he spent two years at El Dorado in the service of the Lytle-Stoppenback Company of Milwaukee. In the fall of 1905 he came to Fond du Lac and for three years had charge of the ele- vator of the W. W. Cargill Company on West Second street. Severing his con- nection with that concern, he embarked in business on his own account as a flour and feed merchant and has since conducted both a wholesale and retail business of this character with gratifying success.
On the 12th of June, 1895, Mr. Rau was united in marriage to Miss Anna Engebrecht, a native of Germany, whose parents were early settlers of Athens, Marathon county, Wisconsin. They lived to an advanced age and reared. a family of four children, namely: Gustav, Louisa, Augusta and Anna. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rau has been born one daughter, Irene.
In politics Mr. Rau is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in St. Peter's Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. He is now serving his second term as church trustee and has acted in that capacity for six years altogether. He belongs to the Krankenverein of St. Peter's Lutheran church and is also a member of the Lutheran Aid Association, now serving for the third term as secretary of branch No. 75. His aid and cooperation can be counted upon to further every movement calculated to benefit the community and he and his estimable wife are held in high regard by their many friends.
WILLIAM F. KASCHUBE.
A well improved and highly cultivated farm of one hundred and six acres, located in Ripon township does credit to the agricultural skill of William F. Kaschube. He is a native of Fond du Lac county, his birth having occurred on the 3Ist of December, 1870, and a son of Charles F. and Johanna (Weishoff ) Kaschube. The parents were born, reared and married in Germany, whence they emigrated to the United States in 1867, coming direct to Ripon. During the first four years of their residence here the father worked out by the month on the old Jennings farm, thus acquiring the means to engage in farming for himself. At the expiration of that period he bought eighty acres of land in the vicinity of Springvale, which he cultivated with very good success for nine- teen years. Disposing of this place, in 1891 he purchased the farm now owned by our subject in Ripon township, and here continued his agricultural pursuits until his death on the 26th of February, 1908. He was survived by his wife, who passed away on January 22, 1910. They were the parents of four children, those beside our subject being as follows: Reka and Johanna, who are deceased ; and an infant, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kaschube were both members of the German Lutheran church. He enjoyed the full rights of citizenship, giving his political support to the democratic party. He took an active interest in all local affairs and at one time served on the town board of Springvale, discharging the duties of his office with efficiency. His early advantages had been limited, but through reading and observation he became widely informed on all questions of the day.
William F. Kaschube was given the advantages of a common-school educa- tion, and after laying aside his text-books devoted his entire time and attention to the cultivation of the home farm. He came into the title of the property upon the death of his father, and here he is engaging in general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. His homestead, which is known as "Oak Lawn Farm," is one of the most attractive and valuable places in the community. He has a comfortable residence, large commodious barns and outbuildings, which have
MR. AND MRS. CHARLES F. KASCHUBE
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been substantially constructed and are kept repaired. He makes a specialty of the breeding and raising of high-grade Holstein cattle, his herd now numbering fifty head. Mr. Kaschube leads an active, enterprising life as is evidenced by the general appearance of his fields and the condition of his stock, everything about his place manifesting the competent oversight and careful regard for details that invariably accompany prosperity.
On the 21st of March, 1900, Mr. Kaschube married Miss Bertha Bobzin, of Ripon, who is descended from one of the early pioneer ยท families, her people having located here more than forty years ago, and they have become the parents of three children: Elmer, who is ten years of age; Karl who has passed the ninth anniversary of his birth; and Viola, who is anticipating her seventh birth- day.
The family affiliate with the German Lutheran church of which Mr. Kas- chube has been a trustee for the past five years, and fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a democrat and for fourteen years has been a member of the school board and he has also served as road commissioner. Last year he ran for town clerk but there was a tie vote and he lost in the drawing, the office being given to his opponent. Mr. Kaschube is held in favorable regard in his community, where during the long period of his residence he has manifested those qualities which well entitle him to the respect of all with whom he has dealings.
MICHAEL SCHMITZ.
Michael Schmitz is developing and improving his excellent property of one hundred acres in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and to his farming is bringing those practical qualities of system and personal industry which are the foundation of productive agriculture. He was born in Marshfield township, this county, October 7, 1886, and is a son of Anton and Katie (Konz) Schmitz, both of whom were born in that township, the father in 1858 and the mother in 1859. Anton Schmitz has followed agriculture for a number of years and is now ranked among the substantial and representative citizens of his district. His wife passed away in 1902. To them were born seven children. Tony, an agriculturist residing at St. Joseph, Wisconsin, married Miss Lena Gerhard, by whom he has three chil- dren : Edgar, Clarence and Elmer. Rose gave her hand in marriage to Peter Feltner, of St. Joseph, who is now engaged in the liquor business at Fond du Lac and by whom she has two children, Raymond and Gilbert. Michael, of this review, is the next in order of birth. Joseph died in infancy. Albert is in the employ of his brother Michael. Ottila passed away in infancy. Gertrude makes her home with her brother Michael.
Michael Schmitz was educated in the Catholic school of Marshfield township and continued his attendance until he was thirteen years of age. He has been identified with agriculture from his early childhood with the exception of, one year which he spent as a carpenter. He remained upon his father's farm and worked upon a salary until 1909. After the above mentioned period which he spent in carpentering, he purchased in 1910 one hundred acres of land in Fond du Lac township, which he has since operated with gratifying success. He carries on the work of his farm along modern and progressive lines and is already numbered among the enterprising and substantial citizens of his district. He is gradually increasing his stock and now owns twenty-one head of cattle and four high-grade horses.
On November 15, 1910, Mr. Schmitz was united in marriage, in Marshfield township, to Miss Matilda Beuchel, a daughter of Frank and Mary Beuchel. Vol. II-37
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Her father was a prominent farmer in Marshfield township and still follows that occupation.
In his political beliefs Mr. Schmitz is a consistent democrat but the engrossing duties of his farm prevent his taking any active part in public affairs. He is a Roman Catholic and holds membership in St. Mary's church at Fond du Lac. He is one of the many young farmers who, influenced by the modern spirit of progress, are carrying on their agriculture by a definite system and he is meeting with excellent success.
MATHIAS HALBACH.
Mathias Halbach is well known in Fond du Lac county for he was born here and has been identified with agricultural pursuits here since his childhood, gain- ing his experience as a boy upon his father's farm and making practical applica- tion of it in the operation of the excellent and systematically managed place which he owns in Marshfield township. He was born June 18, 1878, upon his father's farm in Calumet township. The family is of German origin, the grand- parents of our subject having been born and reared in the fatherland. Mr. Halbach's parents were Joseph and Katherine (Longfeldt) Halbach, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Fond du Lac county. The father followed farming in Calumet township during his active life and was numbered among the representative and substantial citizens of the community. He was a member of the board of commissioners and did able work as a director of the local poor farm.
Mathias Halbach is one of thirteen children born to his parents and his early life was spent in aiding his father in the work of the home farm. He gained valuable experience in this way, learning the details of agriculture and the best methods of farm operation. At the age of twenty-six he began life for himself, purchasing land in Marshfield township, where he now resides. He is a hard and steady worker with long experience in the best and most practi- cal farming methods. He has by industry and well directed activity made his land productive to its fullest extent and has gained for himself a distinct place in agricultural circles. He is living in an attractive modern home upon his property and is one of the most highly esteemed residents of Marshfield town- ship.
In 1904 Mr. Halbach was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Blondeau, by whom he has two children: Marvin, who was born December 17, 1907; and Joseph, whose birth occurred on February II, 1910. Mr. Halbach is a Roman Catholic and is a regular attendant at St. John's church. He has never sought public office, preferring to devote his entire time to agricultural pursuits, in which he has gained success by hard work and by thoroughly practical business qualifications, and his fine farm stands today as an evidence of the value of his activities.
GARRETT E. GROESBECK.
Garrett E. Groesbeck is one of the well known citizens of Fond du Lac county where he is successfully engaged in the conduct of the Four Mile House located four miles west of Fond du Lac on the Fond du Lac and Brandon road. He was born in the city of Fond du Lac, August 10, 1871, and is a son of Elias and Dora B. (Brown) Groesbeck. The father was born near Sharon, Wiscon- sin, May 21, 1844, and has followed farming. He now owns a comfortable
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home on Scott street, Fond du Lac. His wife was born August 27, 1849. They became the parents of five children : Garrett E., the subject of this sketch; Musette G., who is residing at home with her parents; Elmer C., who married Melvina Cortilla, of Fond du Lac, by whom he had three children, James C., Dora B., and Melvina; John H., who married Viola Bird, a daughter of William Bird of Fond du Lac and has three children, Mildred, Gladys and John H., Jr .; and Stephen W., who married Hertha Bleascam, and is the father of one child, Nathan.
Garrett E. Groesbeck was reared in his parents' home and received his early education in the public schools at Crystal Lake, Wisconsin. At the age of thir- teen he began to work on his father's farm, where he continued until he attained his majority. At the age of twenty-one he rented a farm and was engaged in its cultivation for two years, after which he removed to Fond du Lac with his par- ents, who at that time sold their farm and took up their abode in that city. In Fond du Lac Garrett Groesbeck found his first employment as bartender for the B. W. Elmer Company and continued in that work for five years. He then removed to Richmond, Virginia, where he engaged in farm work for two years, after which he returned to Fond du Lac. In 1911 he opened the Four Mile House located four miles west of Fond du Lac on the Fond du Lac and Brandon road, and has since devoted his entire time and attention to the conduct of that wayside inn and has been very successful in his business. In addition to his interests at the road house he and his wife are joint owners of forty acres of farm land in Calumet county.
Mr. Groesbeck was united in marriage to Miss Edith C. Auringer, of Stock- bridge, Wisconsin. She was born September 28, 1886, and is a daughter of George H. and Minnie (Shaw) Auringer. Her father is one of the well known real-estate dealers of Minnesota. Mr. Groesbeck enlisted in Company E, Sec- ond Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served with his regiment during the Spanish-American war. He is affiliated with the republican party and he and . his wife are members of the Methodist church. He is one of the well known citizens of Fond du Lac and enjoys the confidence and good-will of all his friends and associates.
JOHN P. L. BIRSCHBACH.
John P. L. Birschbach, who owns a hundred and twenty-five acres of land in the vicinity of Taycheedah, which he devotes to diversified farming, is a native of Fond du Lac county, his birth having occurred in the year 1875. The family is well known in this section, his father, Anton Birschbach, having been one of the pioneer settlers of Taycheedah.
There was no event in the early life of John Birschbach to distinguish his boyhood and youth from those of the average lad who is born and reared in the rural sections. He was educated in the common schools and at the same time qualified himself for the vocation he is now following by assisting his father with the tilling of the fields and care of the crops. When prepared to begin his independent career, he and his brother located on the place he now owns and engaged in cooperative farming. He subsequently purchased his brother's interest in the property and here he has since continued his agricultural pursuits alone. During the period of his ownership he has diligently applied himself to the devel- opment of the place, and has succeeded in bringing the land into a much higher state of productivity. He has cleared many of the bowlders from his fields and has enlarged his barn and built a granary, each year marking an improvement in his farm, which under his capable and systematic management will ultimately be converted into one of the attractive and valuable properties of the community.
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