USA > Wisconsin > Brown County > History of Brown County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume II > Part 40
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Mr. Abrams stood for progress along all lines and furthered every movement which he deemed of value to his community and the state at large. He was a member of the Horticultural Association, was vice presi- dent of the Fair & Park Association and was vice president of the Soldiers Orphans Home at Madison. In politics, too, he was active, stanchly advo- cating democratic principles. He served from 1864 until 1867 as a mem- ber of the general assembly and was then elected to the senate. He proved an active working member on the floor of both houses and was connected with much important constructive legislation. In his home city, too, he was a leader and in 1882 and 1883 served as mayor of Green Bay, while in 1885 he was once more elected to that office. He was thoroughly informed con-
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cerning the leading questions and issues of the day and became well known as a public speaker during the campaigns.
In 1854 Mr. Abrams was united in marriage, in Montgomery county, New York, to Miss Henrietta Taylor Alton, a native of New York and a daughter of James Alton. Her mother, at the time of the marriage of Mrs. Abrams, was the widow of Commodore Germain, commander of the Iron- sides. Mr. and Mrs. Abrams became parents of two daughters and a son : Kate, the wife of Hamilton Townsend, of New Orleans; Ruth, the wife of Dr. C. McVeigh ; and Winford, the present mayor of Green Bay.
Mr. Abrams held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and the Royal Arcanum. His brethren of those organizations, the community in which he lived and the state at large recognized him as an honorable man, well worthy the friendship and regard which his good qualities called forth. He never failed to respond to the call of duty, to seize a legitimate opportunity as it arose or to further the interests of city, state and nation along lines of practical reform and improvement. There were in his life many qualities worthy of commendation and of emulation, not the least of which was his own high sense of personal honor.
ERNEST A. PLUMB.
Ernest A. Plumb, an agriculturist in charge of the interests of the Menominee River Sugar Company in Brown county, has advanced through various important positions to his present place of responsibility, having large interests under his direction. He is recognized as a man of sound business judgment and keen discernment and well merits the trust that is reposed in him. He has been almost a lifelong resident of Wisconsin and is one of her native sons, his birth having occurred in Stockbridge, Calut- met county, January 24, 1858. His father, Albert A. Plumb, was born in Euclid, Ohio, in 1836. From his boyhood days until his majority he followed farming. He was twenty-five years of age when in August, 1861, his patriotic spirit prompted his response to the country's call for aid and he joined Company K, Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry. While at the front he was captured by the Confederates and died in Andersonville prison, July 8, 1864. He had enlisted from Clinton, Wisconsin, and was taken prisoner in February, 1864. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary S. Sweet, was born in New York in 1840 and is now a member of the Veterans home of Waupaca, Wisconsin. The father was a member of the Congregational church and a man whose well spent life won him high regard wherever he was known.
Ernest A. Plumb is the only surviving child of his parents' marriage. When eleven years of age, at the time of his mother's second marriage, he went to live with his grandfather, after which he attended school and worked on a farm, being thus early trained to habits of industry. When eighteen years of age he took up the profession of teaching which he fol- lowed throughout the succeeding decade, proving one of the capable
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instructors in the district in which he labored. He next entered the com- mercial department of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Com- pany, but after four months became an employe of the Northwestern Railway Company, acting as warehouse man at first, but gradually win- ning advancement until in 1892 he resigned as chief clerk and cashier of the local freight office at Appleton, Wisconsin. Coming to Green Bay he inaugurated the service of the Western Railway Weighing Association and Inspection Bureau, with which he was identified for twelve years. In May, 1904, he was chosen secretary of the Golden Dawn Mining Company and went to Alaska in full charge of the interests of that Company in the north- west. He had many interesting experiences during that period. Upon his return he engaged in the real-estate business, becoming connected with the William H. Brown Company as Chicago salesman of lands and real estate. In October, 1905, he entered into active connection with the Menominee River Sugar Company, which he has represented to the present time as agriculturist. The growing importance of agriculture attracted his atten- tion and the success of that great department of labor in this county is largely the result of his study and devotion to the scientific principles of the work as well as the practical phases of the business. He is a man of recognized business ability and enterprise, watchful of opportunities, and displays sound judgment in controlling important affairs.
Mr. Plumb was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Leathart, who was born in Ripon, Wisconsin. in 1858, a daughter of William and Catherine (King) Leathart, the former a native of eastern Canada and the latter of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Plumb have one child living, Mary Lecel, the wife of J. H. Jones.
In politics Mr. Plumb is a stanch republican and an active worker in the interests of his party, doing all in his power to further its growth and secure the adoption of its principles. He is now allied more particularly with the progressive wing of the party, seeking with patriotic ardor to promote the best interests of the people. His fraternal relations are with the Royal Arcanum, the Masonic lodge of Green Bay and the Royal Order of Moose at Green Bay, and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. Brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by persistent and honorable effort, he has steadily worked his way upward and throughout his life has displayed the enterprising and progressive spirit which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the middle west. At the same time he has never been neglectful of his duties of citizenship or his relations to his fellowmen and the many sterling traits of his character have gained him an enviable position in public regard.
CARL MANTHEY.
Carl Manthey is the president of the Cart Manthey Sons Company conducting an extensive business as manufacturers of granite and marble monuments at Green Bay. For over forty years he has been identified with this line of activity and through his industry and intelligence has
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built up a thriving and profitable business which is one of the largest of this kind in the state. A native of Germany, Mr. Manthey was born in Stettin, May 11, 1851, a son of Herman and Henrietta Manthey, who were also natives of that country, whence they came to America in 1869, settling in Chicago. Subsequently a removal was made to Wisconsin and - the father, whose death occurred in 1883, was laid to rest in Morrison. He was survived for about fourteen years by his wife, who died in 1897, her grave being made in Wunders cemetery at Chicago.
In the schools of his native country, Carl Manthey acquired his early education and there served an apprenticeship as gardener and florist. He was a youth of about eighteen years when he came to America with his parents. He worked in Chicago as a florist until 1871, but at the time of the great fire, which destroyed most of the business section of the city, he changed his occupation and entered the granite and marble monu- ment manufacturing business which he followed in Chicago until 1873. That year witnessed his arrival in Wisconsin. He was employed at his trade for different periods in Appleton, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac and in 1879 came to Green Bay, where he conducted a monument business for one year in partnership with G. Kurtz. On the Ist of October, 1880, pur- chasing his partner's interests, he became sole proprietor of a business which constituted the nucleus of the present extensive manufacturing con- cern, of which he is president. This business existed in its original form until 1910, when it was incorporated under the style of the Carl Manthey Sons Company, Mr. Manthey admitting his sons to a partnership. Herman A., becoming vice president and Carl, Jr., secretary and treasurer. Follow- ing its policy of expansion the company in 19HI erected at the corner of Washington and Chicago streets a large plant thoroughly modern in construction and the most efficiently equipped in the state. The building is one hundred and sixty-two feet long by sixty feet wide and the most modern machinery has been installed to facilitate the work. The sales of the house extend throughout Wisconsin and the neighboring states and the attractive quality and excellence of the output have made the name of the company well known throughout northern Wisconsin and Michigan. One monument shipped to Menominee, Michigan, was recently completed at a cost of five thousand dollars and is in every detail thoroughly artistic and beautiful. A large number of the fine monuments which ornament Green Bay's beautiful cemetery are the handiwork of this firm. The busi- ness is regarded as an important factor in the industrial life of Green Bay. Its growth and development are largely due to the constructive methods and straightforward policy of Carl Manthey who, starting out in life practically empty-handed, has gradually advanced until he occupies a prominent and influential position in business circles. He is also connected with the Wood- lawn Cemetery Association, of which he is the vice president. He keeps in touch with modern advancement along the lines of his business through his membership in societies seeking to further the interests of monument dealers. In fact he was instrumental in founding and becoming one of the charter members of the National Retail Monument Dealers' Association, which was organized in Milwaukee in 1904 with twenty members. Its
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growth is indicated by the fact that there is now an enrollment of over one thousand members. Mr. Manthey has always been prominent in the coun- cils of this organization which owes much of its growth to his executive power and administrative ability.
In other membership connections Mr. Manthey is also well known, be- longing to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which he joined in 1874, and the Green Bay Turn Verein. For the past thirty years he has been very active in the affairs of the last named and is now one of its trustees.
On the IIth of July, 1874, Mr. Manthey was married to Miss Elizabeth Hansch, who was born in Krotoschin, Germany, December 4, 1852. They are the parents of four sons. Herman, the vice president of the company, married Lillie Jackman and has four children. Otto, who holds the posi- tion of city salesman with the National Grocery Company of Escanaba. Michigan, married Ida Reimer and they have two children. Carl, secretary and treasurer of the company, married Eliza DeWan and they have two children. Erwin, the youngest son, is attending Carroll College at Wau- kesha, Wisconsin. The family residence at No. 1132 Pine street was entirely remodeled by Mr. Manthey a few years ago and is one of the attractive homes of the city. The Manthey family is well known here and its mem- bers occupy an enviable position in the regard of their fellow citizens.
In politics Mr. Manthey is entirely independent of party affiliation, pre- ferring to vote for the men whom he considers best qualified for office. He has never sought political preferment, desiring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs which have been carefully conducted. Close appli- cation and energy have brought him to a creditable place in industrial cir- cles and in his life of honorable and useful activity in an important branch of industry he has built up for himself a reputation for honesty and integ- rity and thoroughly efficient business methods.
HENRY RAHR. SR.
Henry Rahr, Sr., was about to retire to enjoy the fruits of his former labor, when death overtook him in April, 1891. He had been engaged in the brewing business, establishing the East River Brewery in 1866 and con- ducting it along progressive lines until 1890, when he gradually withdrew from the business, leaving the management to his sons. He was born in the city of Wesel, on the Rhine, Germany. December 25, 1834, and remained in the fatherland until nineteen years of age. Favorable reports reached him concerning the opportunities of the new world and he determined to try his fortune on the American continent. Arriving in the United States he gradually made his way westward, going from place to place, and late in the same year he arrived at Green Bay. Here he accepted the position of mail carrier, his route being between Green Bay and Manitowoc. He served in that capacity for some time, often making the journey on foot through the wild forest which then covered the district, there being no
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regularly laid out roads. He afterward took a position in his uncle's brewery in Manitowoc and was thus employed until he felt that his capital, acquired through industry and economy, was sufficient to enable him to engage in business on his own account. This was in 1858, when in company with A. Hochgreve, he established what was known then as the Shantytown, now the Hochgreve Brewing Company. In 1866 he came to Green Bay and established the brewery that now stands as a monument to his industry, enterprise and business management at East River, one of the largest breweries today in northern Wisconsin. The beginning was small but the trade increased year by year, necessitating enlarged facilities. The enterprise proved to be a profitable investment and through the efforts of Henry Rahr, Sr., it was built up to its present proportions. In manufac- ture Mr. Rahr ever held to a high standard. It was in 1866 that he estab- lished what is known as the East River Brewery, erecting necessary build- ings, including ice houses. The plant now has a capacity of seventy-five thousand barrels per year and employment is furnished to one hundred men. Mr. Rahr was engaged continuously in the business from 1866 until 1890, when he concluded to retire and placed the management of the brew- ery in the hands of his sons, Frederick and Henry, Jr., the latter of whom is now deceased.
Henry Rahr, Jr., who succeeded his father as the head of the brewing business and later was president of the Henry Rahr Sons' Brewing Com- pany, was a man widely known throughout Brown county and the state. He was born in Green Bay, December 6, 1865, in a house which stood on the site the brewery now occupies. He had been associated in the brewing business with his father and on the latter's death became general manager of the concern. He had received his education in the public schools of his native city. When only twenty-five years of age he was honored by election to the city council from the fourth ward. His fraternal affiliations include membership in the Green Bay Lodge of Elks, the Turner Society, and he also belonged to the local branch of the Travelers' Protective Association. He was deeply interested in the growth of his native city and any movement inaugurated for the expansion of commercial activity and the welfare of the people found his ready support. Beside his brewing interests he filled the position of president of the Calumet & Green Bay Development Com- pany. His death occurred September 24, 1909, at the age of nearly forty- four years.
Henry Rahr, Sr., had purchased some time before his death a property at Monroe and Walnut streets on which to build a modern residence hav- ing made all the plans, but he passed away before the house was finished. His death took place April 12, 1891, as the result of heart failure aggravated by an attack of grippe, from which he had suffered for several weeks. He was a public-spirited man, charitably inclined, kindly in all his acts, honor- able in all his transactions and always to be relied upon. During the years 1876, 1877 and 1878, he was a member of the common council and did much to advance the city's welfare.
In 1860 Mr. Rahr, Sr., was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Quat- soe, a daughter of Peter and Mary Quatsoe, natives of Belgium, who came
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to Green Bay in 1853. Three brothers of Mrs. Rahr are now making their homes in Brown county. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rahr, Sr., were the parents of four children, the two sons who are mentioned above and two daugh- ters, Angeline and Flora. The surviving son, Frederick Rahr, is carrying on the business left by his father and brother. Henry Rahr, Sr., always maintained a foremost place among the German American citizens of Green Bay, enjoying the warm regard and friendship of those with whom he came into contact.
JEROME R. NORTH.
Among the more successful and capable members of the bar of Green Bay is numbered Jerome R. North, practicing as a member of the firm of Greene, Fairchild, North, Parker & McGillan. He dates his residence in this city from 1871, having been brought hither by his parents, George L. and Helen R. North. His father has for many years been well and favor- ably known as a musical director of marked ability.
Jerome R. North was born in Oswego, New York, August 23, 1870, and was, therefore, only about a year old when brought to Wisconsin. Accordingly his education was pursued in the schools of Green Bay until he had graduated from the high school with the class of 1888. In prepara- tion for the practice of law he studied in the office and under the direc- tion of the firm of Ellis, Greene & Merrill and while he was still in the office the personnel of the firm changed, leading to the organization of the firm of Greene & Vroman. With the latter Mr. North remained until 1892, when in further preparation for a professional career he matriculated in the law school of Columbia University of New York city as a special student, continuing his studies there in 1892 and 1893. Upon his return to Green Bay he was admitted to the bar, in 1894, and reentered the office of Green & Vroman and still remained with them after the firm name of Greene, Vroman & Fairchild was adopted, in 1896, owing to the admission of Mr. Fairchild into the firm. At length he himself became a partner and his con- nection with the firm has been continuous as employe and partner since 1888. He has won for himself very favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods which he has followed. He has remarkable powers of concentration and application and his retentive mind has often excited the surprise of his professional colleagues. He stands high in the discussion of legal matters before the court, where his comprehensive knowledge of the law is manifest and his application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his professional acquirements.
Mr. North is now serving as a member and is the president of the board of law examiners of Wisconsin. He was also until recently presi- dent of the Union Building Loan & Savings Association of Green Bay and De Pere and is a member of the Brown County, Wisconsin State and American Bar Association. He is likewise a director of the Oconto City
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Water Supply Company and in business affairs as well as in professional connections is demonstrating his ability to attain success.
In Green Bay, on the 4th of October, 1893, Mr. North was united in marriage to Helen Bacon, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin H. Bacon. Mrs. North's father died March 17, 1906, and was laid to rest in Woodlawn cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. North have three children: Reynolds Bacon, attending the University of Wisconsin and Ludlow Frey and Virginia, who are pupils in the public schools. The family reside at No. 832 South Mon- roe avenue in a pleasant home which was erected by Mr. North in 1903.
Fraternally Mr. North is an Elk, while politically he is a republican. He has served as a member of the board of health and he is chairman of the board of trustees of the Union Congregational church. All this indi- cates that his interests are wide and varied and he is an active and helpful member of the different organizations with which he has been and is con- nected. Indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and he is never content to sit down and let others do all the work. He recognizes the fact, too, that there is something more in life than the attainment of suc- cess in business and thus he gives his time and labor in cooperation with movements relative to the public welfare and to the moral progress of the community.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SMITH.
Benjamin Franklin Smith came to De Pere, Wisconsin, in the autumn of 1851 with his father, Daniel Smith, who died at De Pere, in September, 1853, and was the first person buried in Greenwood cemetery. Daniel Smith had lost his estate in Canada by indorsing a paper for a false friend, and came to Wisconsin hoping to make a new home. At the age of eighteen, B. F. Smith assumed the responsibility of providing for his mother and three younger children by engaging to work for the leading lumber company of De Pere with such good-will and determination that at the age of nineteen years he had charge of a lumber mill, receiving a foreman's wages. In 1857 he married Annie Maria, youngest daughter of Dominicus and Kezia (Dingley) Jordan of De Pere, a family of culture and high standing. Mr. Jordan, who had been a merchant in Maine, continued in the same pur- suit at De Pere, and feeling the need of an associate after the death of his son, Robert, he naturally turned to Mr. Smith, who became his partner for two years. Mr. Smith then purchased Mr. Jordan's interest, and continued the business for three years when he sold out to David M. Loy. From 1863 to 1866 Mr. Smith was engaged with Mr. Jordan in lumbering on the Wolf river, after which he again took up the mercantile business at the old stand, on the corner of Broadway and James streets, which he still owned, and where he continued for nearly forty years. In his large mercantile busi- ness he was often engaged in side lines as auxiliary means of income, and such as the state of development of a new country appeared to meet. Dur- ing the lumber era he opened a lumber yard, built a commercial dock, secured
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTON, LEMAX AND TILDER FOUNDATIONE
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the Goodrich Company's boats for economic shipments, a part of this time the company running four boats a week to meet this traffic. In 1869 Mr. Smith interested himself and others in building the National Iron Com- pany's furnace. This furnished a market for charcoal, and the rough wood which until then was an incumbrance upon the land, was profitably used and the rich red clay lands converted from forest to agricultural fields. To meet the needs of the locality, Mr. Smith and A. G. Wells, his son-in-law, also built an elevator to handle grain and other farm produce. These and many other semi-public interests he promoted and aided, adding to his own pros- perity and that of the vicinity. The National Iron Company's enterprise, on account of its wider benefits to the locality, has given Mr. Smith the greatest satisfaction. He was its president and cashier for the first four years, until it was prosperously established, when he sold his stock.
After retiring from active business in 1895, Mr. Smith became one of the charter members and largest stockholders of the National Bank of De Pere and has been a director continuously since.
His interest in education may be inferred from the fact that his two daughters are graduates of Rockford College, Illinois, and his son of Wis- consin University.
While Mr. Smith has never sought office, he has taken an active interest in political questions, holding office only when it sought him. He has served several terms on the city council, board of supervisors and as chairman of the county board. He became a member of the First Presbyterian church soon after he came to De Pere and has served as a trustee most of the time since. He is a Mason of long standing, having joined soon after he became of age.
Mr. Smith's home is at the corner of Broadway and William street, the old Jordan homestead, where he moved in 1869 at the request of Mr. Jor- dan, just previous to his death. Mr. Jordan had chosen Mr. Smith as his executor and trustee to administer his estate, the care of which for thirty- six years has recently ended by the death of Mrs. Smith, the last surviving member of Mr. Jordan's family, on September 15, 1912.
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