USA > Wisconsin > Brown County > History of Brown County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume II > Part 39
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EDWARD GAROT.
The personal qualities which are responsible for business success are essentially the same in every line of activity, for industry, energy and con- centration will win in the end over almost every obstacle. The success of Edward Garot, now a member of the firm of Garot Brothers, heating and plumbing contractors of Green Bay, is due entirely to his possession of these characteristics. He is a native of Green Bay, born October 4, 1873, and is a son of Frank and Victorine Garot, both of whom are still resi- dents of Green Bay, where the father lives retired.
Edward Garot attended the public schools of his native city until the age of fourteen years, when he laid aside his books to learn the plumbing business, working as a journeyman until he had earned enough money to start in business for himself. The plumbing department is absolutely in- dependent of the heating branch of the business. Edward Garot is in charge of the plumbing and is also associated in the other line with his brother. They have worked together in harmony since their partnership was formed in 1895, and they have made the business one of the most prominent of its kind in the city of Green Bay.
On June 6, 1899, Edward Garot was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Hughes, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Hughes, old residents of Neenah, Wisconsin. They are the parents of six children: Winifred and Bernard, both of whom are students in the public schools of Green Bay; Irene and Katherine, twins; Edwin; and George. The family reside at No. 427 South Madison avenue in a beautiful home which Mr. Garot has recently entirely remodeled.
Politically he is entirely independent of party lines, never seeks office but takes an interest in local and national questions. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and prominent in the Knights of
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Columbus. He was reared in the Roman Catholic faith and has educated his children in its doctrines. He has obtained a reputation in his native city for honorable and high-minded business principles and upon this firm foundation rest his past prosperity and his future progress.
JOHN HOBERG.
The name of John Hoberg has a good sound in the city of Green Bay, for he was the founder of an industry which in the course of years has become one of the most important enterprises in the city of Green Bay and is known today as the John Hoberg Company, a paper manufacturing concern, the plant of which occupies a ground space of more than two acres. From small beginnings this immense industrial establishment has. developed under the able guidance of our subject, who was at its head for a number of years as president and since has been succeeded by his son, Frank H., who ably discharges the duties and fulfills the responsibilities which have fallen upon his shoulders.
John Hoberg was born in Prussia in about 1840 and was a son of Chris- topher and Mary ( Keiser) Iloberg. In 1840, when but an infant, he was brought to America by his parents, who were seeking in the new world those opportunities which were denied them in the fatherland. Upon their arrival they first settled in Detroit, Michigan, where they remained for about seven years. Christopher Hoberg was a tailor by trade, an occupa- tion which he had followed on the other side of the Atlantic, but later engaged in this country in the brewing business. As the west seemed to hold out to him advantages of more rapid success, he came in 1847 to the state of Wisconsin and made settlement in Sheboygan, where he estab- lished the first brewery in the town. In 1854, however, he withdrew from the brewing business and engaged along mercantile lines, continuing in that occupation for a number of years. In 1880 the father removed with the family to Kaukauna, Wisconsin, where the wife and mother passed away in February, 1883. The grief over the loss of his lifelong and faithful companion and helpmate so affected Mr. Hoberg, who was not in the best of health, that he followed her to the great unknown on the very next day and they now rest side by side in their last sleep in the cemetery in She- boygan. Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Hoberg were the parents of twelve children, of whom six grew to maturity. Joseph, who crossed the coun- try to Portland, Oregon, where he made his home; John, our subject ; Cas- per, of Brownsville, Oregon ; Christopher, of the same place ; Louis, of She- boygan, Wisconsin; and Josephine, who became the wife of Nicholas. Thisen of the same place.
John Hoberg was a boy of little more than seven years when he came with his parents to Wisconsin. He attended school in the then small ham- let of Sheboygan and there grew to manhood. He early in life showed enterprise and decision and versatile talents which seemed to destine hint more than anything else for a business career. His parents, wisely recog-
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nizing the abilities in the son, permitted him to fashion and carve out his own business career and from 1858, when a youth not yet twenty years old, we find him in business, located in Sheboygan, and he also shipped produce and traded all over the Lake Superior country and engaged in various commercial lines in and around Sheboygan until 1879, in which year he removed to North Kaukauna, where he built the first exclusive pulp mill in the place and conducted the same for about a year. In 1880 he gave up this enterprise and we find him again in the produce-shipping business and it was he who in 1881 shipped the first car of grain ever sent from that town. When, in 1882, the boom in South Kaukauna set in, he crossed the river, recognizing the opportunity in the rapid settlement of the community, and engaged there in the mercantile business, also buying and selling real estate. He soon received substantial returns from his care- ful investments and his business and built a number of residences and busi- ness houses in the place. The mining excitement which prevailed at Bessemer in 1885 drew his attention to the opportunities presented in this district and he moved there and again engaged in general mercantile pur- ·suits and the real-estate business and was successful in both at this place for two years, being called back to South Kaukauna when another boom had set in on account of the rich coal finds in the neighborhood. In 1891 he first conceived the idea of the foundation of the great business which today is carried on under the name of the John Hoberg Company. In a building which had been erected in 1881 as a machine shop and which was later known as The Atlas Brass & Iron Works he began the manufacture of tissue and similar papers from silica fiber, and from the first the busi- ness prospered. The factory began its operations in 1892 and its plant has been located in Green Bay since 1895. Gradually they added to the man- ufacture of tissue paper, papers, napkins and other specialties of similar material, and this is the product of the factory to the present day. In 1893 the firm was incorporated and John Hoberg became its president and he remained at the head of this large institution until 1900, when to a certain extent he withdrew from active connection with the business, turning over the management and presidency to his eldest son, Frank H., although he was daily seen around the plant, active and interested in its growth and progress. His death was brought about by a deplorable accident in July, 1904. He and his son, Frank H., had worked together in inventing and perfecting a new paper-making machine. They had erected a new factory building and had installed the machine therein and the new plant had been in operation but three days when John Hoberg, while dressing a belt, caught his hand in the transmission, that member being drawn between the belt and the pulley, throwing him violently to the floor and bursting a blood vessel in his head. He only lived nine days after this accident.
In 1867 John Hoberg chose as his partner in life Miss Lastine Frie- mouth, a daughter of Nicholas and Marie Friemouth, natives of France, who in 1847 came to South Kaukauna, where the father was engaged in the fishery business. Mr. and Mrs. Hoberg were the parents of nine chil- dren. Frank H. is at present the president and general manager of the John Hoberg Company and of him more extended mention is made in
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another part of this book. John J., who was born in Sheboygan, Wiscon- sin, September 28, 1871, received his education in that city and Kaukauna and married on July 17, 1893, Miss Maud Blair, and they have two chil- dren, Irene and Seda. Next in order of birth are Rosa, Henry and George C. William was born in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, March 3, 1882. Anton was born in Kaukauna, November 3, 1884, and on September 28, 1905. mar- ried Miss Carrie Rothe, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rothe. Nicholas and Lastine died at the ages of seven and six years respectively.
John Hoberg during his life was very active and influential in local political circles although he did not seek the reward of public office for himself. ITis life work has been of the greatest of benefit to the growth and upbuilding of the city of Green Bay and the establishment which he founded today gives work to nearly two hundred employes. Mrs. Lastine Hoberg, who survives him, is still actively connected with the affairs of the John Hoberg Company, of which she is vice president, leaving the heavier burden of the office of president and general manager to her son Frank. She is highly respected in Green Bay, where she has made many friends.
HON. ROBERT J. McGEEHAN.
The late Robert J. McGeelian was by public opinion placed among the most enterprising, successful men of his part of Wisconsin and was a man who by virtue of his ability and consistent life enjoyed the good- will and high regard of his fellow citizens. He was born at Peel, Welling- ton county, Ontario, Canada, August 26, 1854, and was a son of John J. and Mary Ann ( Driscoll) McGeehan. The father came to Wisconsin with his wife and family in 1870 and settled at Wrightstown, Brown county, where he engaged in farming.
Robert J. McGeehan was reared at home and received his early edu- cation in the district schools. During the school interims he was em- ployed at work on his father's farm and in sawmills in the vicinity of his home. In 1878 he came to De Pere and established himself in the agri- cultural implement business under the firm name of Robert J. McGeehan, under which name the business was conducted until January, 1910. In that year he incorporated the company under the name of Robert J. Mc- Geehan Son & Company, of which he was the president until the time of his death. In addition to his implement business he was also inter- ested in many of the principal industries in De Pere and was one of the organizers of the State Bank of De Pere, of which he was vice presi- dent during the remaining years of his life. He was also vice president and manager of the De Pere Electric Light & Power Company and vice president of the J. P. Dousman Company.
Mr. McGeehan was united in marriage at De Pere, October 3, 1882, to Miss Bridget E. Hines, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine Hines, of Kaukauna, both of whom died when Mrs. McGeehan was a small child. To Mr. and Mrs. McGeehan five children were born, Grover
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Thomas, Elmer James, Marie Elizabeth, Margaret Katherine and Eleanor. The father of this family died at De Pere, July 9, 1911, and the mother with her five children is now living in their beautiful home on North Broadway.
Mr. McGeehan was a loyal member of the democratic party and one of the influential men in the state councils of that dominant political or- ganization. From 1884 to 1885 he served as alderman of De Pere and was county supervisor from 1887 to 1890. He was twice elected as mayor of De Pere and continued to serve his city in that capacity until April, 1900. For five years he was a member of the board of trustees of the County Asylum for Chronic Insane, was chairman of the Brown county democratic central committee and at different times was a delegate to state and congressional conventions. He was twice elected to the Wis- consin state assembly, his first election having occurred in 1888, and on the completion of his term in that body he was reelected for the term of 1890-1892. He was also elected state senator and served a four year term, from 1892 to 1896, and in 1904 he was a presidential elector on the democratic ticket. He was an active member of the De Pere Busi- ness Men's Association as well as the Brown County Agricultural & Me- chanical Association, of which he was president for three years. He was a member of the Catholic church and one of the trustees of St. Fran- cis' church for many years. He was one of the organizers and presi- dent of Branch 46, Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, and in 1906 was state director of that order. He was also a member of the Catholic Knights of America and was a charter member of Columbus Court, No. 315, Catholic Order of Foresters, and also a charter member of Green Bay Council, No. 617, K. C.
The Hon. Robert J. McGeehan was one of the citizens of Wisconsin whose name was a synonym for probity and uprightness of character. He so lived as to be worthy of the confidence of his fellowmen without regard to political affiliations and while a loyal member of the Roman Catholic church he was equally respected and loved by the Protestants of the community and state in which he lived, and the occasion of his death was not alone an irreparable loss to his family but it removed from Wisconsin one of her most cherished and highly esteemed citizens.
EMIL YSEBAERT.
Emil Ysebaert is operating one of the finest buffets in Green Bay and has won success by the practical application of good business qualities. He was born in the city in which he now resides on May 2, 1884, and is a son of August and Theresa ( Henevaast) Ysebaert, natives of Belgium. The father came with his family to America at an early date, and located in Oconto, Wisconsin, where he followed the trade of a miller for some time, later going to Green Bay. Here he engaged in lumber scaling and eventually took up truck gardening, continuing in this line of activity until 1903. In
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that year he opened the old Green Bay House and gave his energies and attention to the management of this hotel until his death, February 16, 1905. when he was fifty-two years of age. His wife is still living at the age of fifty-three, and makes her home with our subject. To their union were born six children, five of whom are still living: Martin, who is conducting a saloon in Green Bay; Emil, the subject of this sketch; Mary, who lives at home ; Louisa, the wife of H. Tulsman, a fireman in Green Bay ; and Ida, residing at home.
After completing his education in the public schools of his native city Mr. Ysebaert aided his father in the conduct of his truck-gardening enter- prise for several years. When this business was disposed of he helped in the management of the old Green Bay House until July 1, 1907, in which year he established himself in his present business. He conducts one of the largest and most up-to-date buffets in Green Bay.
MIr. Ysebaert wedded Miss Gertrude Larscheid, who was born Janu- ary 29, 1890, and who is a daughter of Lorenz and Margaret (Seibel) Lar- scheid. Mr. and Mrs. Ysebaert have one child, Catherina, born December 17, 1912. Mr. Ysebaert was reared in the Roman Catholic faith. He does not affiliate with any particular political party and never seeks public office.
OTTO C. GIESE.
Otto C. Giese, who makes his home on section 23, Suamico township, has for the past four years conducted a cheese factory at Big Suamico with gratifying success. His birth occurred at Brillion, Calumet county, Wiscon- sin, on the 13th of November, 1880, his parents being Charles F. and Amelia ( Buss) Giese, both of whom are natives of Germany. The father was born in 1856, while the mother's natal year was 1858. Charles F. Giese, who was brought to Wisconsin when eight years of age, was for many years en- gaged in business as a cheese maker. He now follows farming in Suamico township, and both he and his wife are widely and favorably known here. Their children are eleven in number, namely : Otto, Adolph, Richard, Mar- tha, Charles, Jr., Arthur, Ida, Ray, Alfred, Elmer and William.
Otto C. Giese attended the schools of his native town until fourteen years of age and then worked in a box factory for a few years, subsequently be- coming a cheese maker. In 1908 he purchased the factory at Big Suamico and has since been successfully engaged in its conduct. He is now adding a creamery to the plant and when this is erected will have the most com- plete factory for the handling of dairy products in Suamico. A young man of enterprise and ability, he has already won a creditable measure of pros- perity in his business undertakings and well deserves representation among the substantial citizens of the community.
On the 18th of November, 1902, at Flintville, Mr. Giese was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Therrian, her parents being Louis and Jennie (Burdeau) Therrian, the former a farmer of Suamico township. They now have five children, as follows: Carl, Donald, Milton, Arline and Iola. Mr. Giese gives his political allegiance to the democracy and in religious
OTTO C. GIESE
THE NEW YORY PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTON, LENDE IN
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faith is a Catholic. He is identified with the Fraternal Reserve Association of Suamico and also of the Wisconsin National Life of Oshkosh. Upright and honorable in all life's relations, he is highly respected and esteemed in the community where he resides.
HON. WINFORD ABRAMS.
Politics is a game to be played for pleasure-or it is a weighty and serious occupation ; politics is a power to be used for selfish personal ends, and offices within the gift of the people are things to be bandied about dishonestly for petty personal gain-or the power which goes with a responsible political office is a high and sacred trust reposed in a man by his fellow citizens who delight to honor him and to whom he owes the deep obligation of honor and good faith. The aspect which politics assumes in any given city depends upon the quality of the men who are prominent in it. A man who is doing his utmost to make politics take on a higher and greater aspect in this city is the Hon. Winford Abrams, mayor of Green Bay. He was born here, January 20, 1868, his parents being W. J. and Henrietta (Taylor) Abrams. The family is of British origin, but has been in this country for over one hundred years. His father, who came from Washington county, New York, in 1856, was a railroad man. He was prominently identified with democratic politics in this city, held the office of mayor in 1881, 1883 and 1884 and was a member of the state senate for some time. He died September 12, 1900, in his seventy-fourth year, and is buried in Woodlawn cemetery. He is survived by his widow and three children: Mrs, Hamilton Townsend, of Chicago, Illinois; Mrs. Carter Tobey, now residing at Mountain Home, Idaho; and Winford.
The last named acquired his primary education in the public schools, supplemented by a course at the Green Bay Business College. After leav- ing the business college he accepted a position as wagon driver with the American Express Company, receiving for his services thirty dollars per month and working on an average of eighteen hours a day. He held this position for six months, when he became floor hand and later shipping clerk for the Joannes Wholesale Grocery Company, with whom he remained for three years. His next position was as tie and timber buyer for the Kewaunee, Green Bay & Western Railroad Company, in which capacity he continued during the construction of the line and after its completion became fireman and later locomotive engineer, in which capacity he served from 1894 to 1900, when he resigned to take control of his father's real- estate and mortgage loan business, of which he is still active manager. His previous varied training in a business way well qualified him for his pres- ent duties, in the discharge of which he displays keen discernment, unfal- tering energy and the ability which ever enables an individual to carry for- ward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. His public career in which he has been conspicuously successful, began in 1902, when he was elected to the Green Bay city council and was made a member of the finance
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committee in the same year. He served altogether as alderman for six years. In 1903 he was appointed chairman of the finance committee and so remained until his election as mayor. In 1904 he was selected by the common council as its president under the mayoralty of R. E. Minahan. In 1908 he was chosen chief executive of Green Bay and has been twice reelected, now serving for the third term of two years. No higher testi- monial of capable service, of a practical and business-like administration and of loyalty to the public welfare could be given than the fact that he has three times received the indorsement of the people for the office.
Mr. Abrams was married in Green Bay, June 5, 1894, to Miss Ottilie Rhode, a daughter of Dr. Henry and Eva M. Rhode, the former a promi- nent physician of Green Bay, who died in March, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Abrams have one daughter, Henrietta Alton, now a student at St. Joseph's Academy in this city. The family residence is at No. 915 South Quincy street and was erected in 1899.
Winford Abrams is a prominent member of the Royal Arcanum and active in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and Loyal Order of Moose. He is a faithful representative of these organizations, loyal to their teachings and principles. He has made a creditable record as a business man but it is because of his public service, perhaps, that he is held in highest esteem by his fellow townsmen. He has ever regarded a public office as a public trust and a promise made as one to be fulfilled. He has never deviated in any respect from the high standards which have marked his career since its beginning. His father was active in public affairs before him and traditions of high and honorable service which made him a suc- cessful mayor for many years are active and vital in the political career of his son.
W. J. ABRAMS.
There is little dissension of opinion concerning the fact that railroad proj- ects have contributed more largely to the settlement, development and utilization of resources in different sections of the country than any other single enterprise or activity. Because of his operations in the field of rail- · road building and manipulation W. J. Abrams deserves mention as one of the foremost citizens of Green Bay and eastern Wisconsin. It is also a widely recognized fact that he did much to develop the almost inexhaustible resources of the Fox river valley, and the success which he achieved in the conduct of his growing and extensive business affairs enabled him to live retired for a few years prior to his death, which occurred on the 12th of September, 1900. He was born on the 19th of March, 1829, in Cambridge, Washington county, New York, a son of Isaac T. and Ruth ( Hall) Abrams, who were natives of the Empire state, the father being a business man of West Troy, New York. He died in 1868, while his wife passed away in 1870. She was a granddaughter of Captain Alexander Thomas, who in December, 1778, was commissioned by the general assembly of Rhode Island
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a captain in Colonel Topham's regiment of the Rhode Island line for service in the Revolutionary war. Through his mother Mr. Abrams was also con- nected with Lyman Hall, one of the signers of the Declaration of Inde- pendence, and in the paternal line with Lord Townley of the English house of peers.
After acquiring his more specifically literary education in the schools of Cambridge and of Troy, New York, Mr. Abrams entered the theological school at Williamstown, Massachusetts, with the intention of taking up the work of the ministry, but the condition of his health forced him to abandon this plan and he spent some years thereafter in travel, utilizing that means of recuperation. Throughout that period he continued his studies in art and literature and he also wrote quite extensively, publishing various essays under different non-de-plumes. He remained throughout his life a man of letters, not so much in production as in interest, for matters literary always claimed his deep attention.
In 1850 Mr. Abrams came to northern Wisconsin and for some time thereafter was engaged in making railroad surveys from Lake Michigan to Ontonagon. He established his permanent residence in Green Bay in 1861 and became identified with the Collingwood, Sarnia and Buffalo lines of steamers. Until 1870 none were more prominent in the development of water transportation facilities for the town and surrounding country than was Mr. Abrams. He was ever a man of resourceful ability, recognizing and utilizing opportunities. He never regarded any position as final but rather as the starting point for successful accomplishment in still other fields. In 1870 he directed his attention to railroad enterprises and was one of the promoters of the Green Bay & Lake Pepin Railroad. He made the survey and obtained the charter for the road and became officially con- nected therewith, serving as secretary of the company for many years. At length that road was merged with the Green Bay & Minnesota and later became a part of the Green Bay, Winona & St. Paul system. He was also the leading factor in the building and operation of the Kewaunee, Green Bay & Western Railroad, which was built in 1891 and was thirty-five miles in length. He acted as its president to the time of his death. Along various other lines he contributed to the development of the Fox river valley, readily seeing and seizing opportunities that others passed heedlessly by. He never seemed to overestimate his own capacity and powers and he knew best how to conserve his strength and to utilize the resources at his command.
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