USA > Wisconsin > Brown County > History of Brown County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume II > Part 47
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Charles Pfotenhauer was educated in the public schools of Green Bay and from the time he was thirteen years of age assisted his father in the conduct of his buffet. When he was nineteen he left home and for two years engaged in various activities, at the end of which time
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he returned and entered the saloon business first as an employe and later independently. He located his buffet on the site of his father's original enterprise and he is still active in the conduct of this saloon. It is one of the oldest establishments of its kind in Green Bay, having been founded in 1879. Mr. Pfotenhauer owns one of the finest buffets in the city and is a veteran in the ranks of his fellow business men. He has a liberal patronage and his place is high class in every way. His business is grow- ing owing to his constant fair-dealing and his earnest desire to please his patrons.
Mr. Pfotenhauer was united in marriage to Miss Anna Peters and to their union was born one child, May, who is the wife of Fred Zitlow, a prosperous farmer in Lawrence township. For four years previous to her marriage Mrs. Zitlow taught in the public schools. She and her hus- band have two children: Herbert, who is six years old; and Carroll, aged two. Mrs. Pfotenhauer passed away in 1882.
Mr. Pfotenhauer has served as assistant chief and later as chief of the Green Bay fire department. He affiliates with the Lutheran church, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum. He also belongs to the Turner society of Green Bay. He has that ability in the management and control of his enterprise which comes of long familiarity with the details of its operation. He started his career with high standards of conscientiousness and integrity and by strict adherence to them has been able to meet success- fully the difficulties along the way.
ARTHUR COURTENAY NEVILLE.
It is the peculiar function of a lawyer to participate in the various lines of activity in his city. He sees diverse sides of life and in his hands rest the peace, happiness and sometimes even the life of his clients. Upon the honesty of lawyers depends the strength of our national justice ; upon his soundness of judgment depends the efficacy of our legal institutions; in his hands rests the faith of men in the laws under which they live. An attorney of many years' standing in this city and one who has done much to keep the profession of law up to its present high standard of legal attainment is Arthur Courtenay Neville, a practicing attorney at Green Bay, with offices at No. 7. Parmentier building. Mr. Neville came from Pottsville, Pennsylvania, to Green Bay, Wisconsin, with his parents. John C. and Catherine (Lawton ) Neville, in 1856. The family came originally from England. A representative of the line settled in Ireland during the time of Cromwell and the name was changed to its present form. On the maternal side the lineal record dates back to John Layton or Lawton, who was born in 1630 and died in Boston, December 17, 1690, the first of the name to settle in America. The Lawton family is of English origin and its pedigree dates from early times. The record of the family in America was published from the time of John Lawton to the present in the Boston Transcript. John C. Neville, the father of the subject of this sketch, was
ARTHUR C. NEVILLE
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
AUTOR, LENAY, AND TILDER FOUNDATION
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at the time of his death, in 1898. probably the oldest practicing attorney in northwestern Wisconsin, having been a member of the Brown county bar for about forty-two years. His ability as an advocate was widely known and he was famed as a most impressive orator. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, July 27, 1815, and in 1836 or 1837 came to America, landing in New York. whence he removed to Pottsville, Pennsylvania. In 1840 he began the reading of law and was admitted to the bar in July. 1842. He became extensively known in Pottsville, where he practiced from that time until he came to Green Bay on December 27, 1856, following his profession until his death, October 30, 1898, at the age of eighty-three years. On April 11, 1843, he married Catherine D. Lawton, and to this union were born six children, two of whom are now living, namely, Arthur C. and Sophia A. Mrs. Neville preceded her husband in death, passing away in 1876, and both are buried in Woodlawn cemetery in this city. John C. Neville was classed as one of the great lawyers of his day and his fame extended far beyond the limits of his county. He took a promi- nent part in local politics, was district attorney for twelve years, city attorney for eight years and mayor for one term. He was a member of the state legislature from 1860 to 1861, serving in that capacity during the first year of the Civil war. He was called a war democrat on account of his political affiliations and beliefs.
Arthur C. Neville received his early education from a governess and later went to the public schools of Green Bay, which he left at the age of seventeen years to accept a position as clerk and messenger for the firm of Dousman & Elmore, with whom he remained for nearly two years. His next position was that of bookkeeper with the Chicago firm of Carter & Jones, lumber merchants, which occupation he continued until 1869. when he was appointed assistant bookkeeper for : the wholesale grocery firm of Sprague, Warner & Company, remaining in this connection until the fall of 1871, when he returned to Green Bay, accepting the position of bookkeeper in the Commercial National Bank which he held until the next spring. In that year he entered the law firm of Neville & Tracy, reading law in their offices for three years, when he was admitted to the bar by the circuit court in the spring of 1874. and has practiced his profession in this city with brilliant success since that time. Politics has always been one of the intense interests of Mr. Neville's career. He is a democrat and a firm believer in the policies for which that party stands. He is active in public affairs and served as mayor of Green Bay from 1888 to 1890, making a record for proficiency in public office which has seldom been equalled in this city. He takes an interest in local history and his work along lines of research has been marked by a rare intelligence and successful results. He is a member of the State Historical Society and a char- ter member and one of the organizers and president of the Green Bay His- torical Society, which has done much important work along this line during the years of its existence. Mr. Neville is a firm believer in the future of Green Bay and is active in the promotion of its commercial and industrial life. He is one of the organizers and charter members of the Business Men's Association, of which he held the office of secretary during the first twelve
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years of its existence. He was one of the organizers and the secretary for many years of the Green Bay Water Company, resigning the latter posi- tion in 1910. He was one of the founders and the first president of the Kendall Manufacturing Company, now called the Green Bay Planing Mill. He at one time extended his business activities to De Pere, Wisconsin, when he was appointed receiver in conjunction with George F. Merrill, of Ashland, Wisconsin, for the National Iron Company of that city, and they ran the business for two years successfully. He was also at one time active in the Green Bay Iron Company which has also ended its existence.
Mr. Neville was twice married, his first union being with Miss Harriet Reynolds, who died six months after their marriage. His second wife was Mrs. Ella (Hoes) Peak, a daughter of Judge John Van Alen Hoes, a nephew of Martin Van Buren, president of the United States from 1837 until 1841. The second Mrs. Neville had one daughter, Marion, at the time of her marriage to the subject of this sketch, who is now the wife of George Grant Mason, residing at Tuxedo Park, New York.
Arthur C. Neville is one of the most popular citizens of Green Bay and is widely known and universally liked in this city. He was for many years commodore of the Green Bay Yacht Club, is a prominent member of the county and state bar associations and is also active in the national association. He holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and the Elks and is a follower of the Episcopal religion. He is a keen and dis- criminating lawyer, well versed in the details of the profession, capable of a high degree of scrupulousness on moral questions and recognized in this city as a man of high and irreproachable character.
I. E. LEVITAS, M. D.
Dr. I. E. Levitas is one of the most promising young physicians in Green Bay where he has been practicing medicine and surgery since 1910. He maintains his office at 205 Wilner building and is bringing to his pro- fessional duties the energy and fidelity which mark his character. He was born at Marinette, Wisconsin, December 17, 1885, and is a son of John and Sarah Levitas, who are now living in Green Bay. The public schools of Marinette afforded Dr. Levitas his early educational opportuni- ties and he was graduated from the high school in 1903. He entered the University of Chicago in that year and pursued his studies in that insti- tion until 1906, when he entered Rush Medical College and received his degree in medicine in 1908. He spent the two years following his gradua- tion as house physician for the Michael Reese Hospital and gained very valuable experience in this capacity. In 1910 he came to Green Bay and established his office in this city and has practiced his profession with gratifying success since that time. He is interested in every new develop- ment of modern medicine and has progressive and original ideas along professional lines. He is secretary of the Brown County Medical Asso- ciation and holds membership in the Wisconsin State Society and the
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American Medical Association. He has also been prominent in the affairs of the Fox River Valley Medical Society and is a firm believer in the value of professional intercourse with his colleagues. He resides at 211 North Jefferson street, Green Bay, and is well known and widely popular in social circles.
NICHOLAS FELDIIAUSER.
Nicholas Feldhauser is a contractor and builder of Green Bay, well known in business circles because of the extent and importance of his activities. Aside from his building operations he is a stockholder in vari- ous corporations, all of which profit by his sound business judgment and spirit of enterprise. Green Bay numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred May 17, 1868. His father. John Feldhauser, was born near the Rhine in Germany and when a young man came to America, settling in Brown county, where he was employed as a laborer. It was after his arrival in the new world that he married Clara Biebel, who now resides at 1540 Elm street, Green Bay, at the age of seventy-three years. The father passed away at the age of seventy-four years. In their family were thirteen children, of whom twelve are living: Joseph, a resident of Green Bay; Josephine, the wife of A. Van Roy, of Preble township ; John, living in South Dakota ; Anna, the wife of R. Reis, of Preble town- ship ; Paul, of Green Bay ; Nicholas ; Rosa, the wife of Z. Pigon, of Green Bay; Emil, of Manitowoc, Wisconsin: Barbara, a widow; Mathias and Anton, both of Green Bay: and Mary, the wife of W. Andrews, of the same city.
After acquiring a common school education Nicholas Feldhauser engaged in gardening in the employ of Smith Brothers. After five years spent in that way he took up the carpenter's trade, which he has now followed for sixteen years. When he had mastered the business and spent some time in the employ of others he began contracting and building on his own account. He has done a general contracting business and a liberal patronage has been accorded him, for his skill and ability as well as his trustworthiness are widely recognized. As he has prospered he has extended his efforts to other fields and is now connected with the East River Planing Mill Company as one of its directors, is a director of the Farmers Bank of Green Bay and a stockholder of the Green Bay Canning Company. He is a man of determined purpose and indefatigable energy and will brook no obstacles that can be overcome by persistent and honor- able effort.
On the 17th of September, 1889. in St. John's church, Mr. Feldhauser was married to Miss Gusta Direce, a native of Belgium, who was brought to America by her parents when but a year and a half old. Mr. and Mrs. Feldhauser have two children: Maud, twenty years of age, who is a student in the Gregg University at Chicago; and Gordon, sixteen years old, a high school student.
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Mr. Feldhauser was reared in the Catholic church. He holds mem- bership with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Equitable Fraternal Union, the Odd Fellow's lodge and the Rebekahs. He is likewise a mem- ber of the Green Bay Benevolent Association, of the Green Bay Com- mercial Club and the Brown County Builders Association, with which he has been identified for many years. All these indicate the nature and breadth of his interests and the principles which govern his conduct. He has held the office of supervisor and been a member of the county board. representing the city. He is interested in all that tends to make Green Bay a progressive, enterprising center and his business activities have been an element in its growth and substantial progress. He is at the same time a man of kindly spirit and generous impulses and those who know him as a friend can always count upon his good offices.
EDWARD KOLDROWICZ.
Edward Koldrowicz, living in Green Bay, where he fills the position of United States deputy collector, Internal Revenue department, was born in that part of Poland which belongs to Germany on the 30th of Septem- ber, 1872. His father, Frank Koldrowicz, is now living in Webster, Massachusetts. In early manhood he came with his wife and family to the new world and has since followed the barber's trade, which he learned in his native country. His wife bore the maiden name of Anastasia Wrzyszczynski. The only daughter of the family is Mary, who is mar- ried and makes her home in Massachusetts.
When his school days were over Edward Koldrowicz began clerking in a dry-goods store and afterward occupied a clerical position in a bank. He came to America when nineteen years of age, arriving on the Ist of November, 1891, and was employed in a woolen mill, thus starting out in business circles in the new world. Subsequently he secured a position in the Milwaukee land office, which a year and a half later was transferred to Oconto, Wisconsin. Mr. Koldrowicz then took charge and occupied the position for eight years. He then turned his attention to real-estate deal- ing and operated in that field until 1904, when he was appointed deputy collector. However, he still deals in real estate to some extent but never allows outside interests to interfere with the faithful performance of his duty. At different times he has held other offices. While in Oconto county he filled the position of postmaster for four years, was also jus- tice of the peace for six years and was town clerk. Ile has made a credit- able record, always prompt, capable and faithful in meeting the obligations that devolve upon him, and thus he has won high commendation. His political support has always been given to the republican party.
Mr. Koldrowicz was married to Victoria Slupecki, who was born in Milwaukee, a daughter of Joseph and Emilia Slupecki. Her father, noir (leceased, engaged in gardening. The mother survives. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Koldrowicz have been born three children, Alice, Irene and Edward.
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Mr. Koldrowicz was reared in the Catholic faith. He belongs to the Polish National Alliance Society and has membership relations with the Woodmen of America. Laudable ambition prompted him to leave his native country and seek a home in the new world when he was still a youth in his teens, but he has never had occasion to regret his determina- tion, for he has steadily worked his way upward, utilizing the opportuni- ties that have come to him, has made for himself a good living and has enjoyed a comfortable home and the friendship of many with whom he has been brought in contact.
JOHN J. TIELENS.
The great agricultural state of Wisconsin has been brought to its pres- ent state of productiveness and prosperity through the efforts of such men as John J. Tielens, who is the son of one of the prominent pioneers of Humboldt township. In the development and improvement of his excellent farm he is carrying out the prediction and adhering to the standards of his father who plowed the first furrow on a tract of unbroken land in this section in 1854. It was upon the old homestead farm that John J. Tielens was born May 31, 1876. His parents, William and Johanna (Soquet ) Tielens, were natives of Belgium. The father was twenty-two years of age when he came with his young wife to the United States, set- tling immediately in Green Bay. After six months, however, he made arrangements to purchase sixty acres of wild land in Humboldt township and invested his capital, which consisted of but five dollars, in a sack of flour and an ax. He cleared the land of timber and upon the place built a small log cabin which he continued to occupy until he erected the fine modern residence that now stands upon the property. As his financial resources increased he added to his holdings from time to time and prior to his death, which occurred in 1901, when he was sixty-nine years of age, he was the owner of two hundred acres of highly improved and well developed land which he divided among his children before he passed away. At the time the Tielens home was established in this section of the state there were no roads whatever in the district in which they lived. The provisions which they needed had to be carried part of the way from Green Bay, which was their closest trading place and was ten miles dis- tant from the Tielens farm. At that early period in the development of the county the father spent much time in making shingles by hand, this being the only way in which one could earn ready money at that period. At length he saved enough money to purchase a yoke of oxen and a wagon and with these he would haul the shingles to town while his wife remained at home busy at work in making more shingles. She was of great assist- ance to him at all times and particularly in the pioneer days when he was endeavoring earnestly to get a start, notwithstanding the difficulties and obstacles of pioneer life that barred his path. All the conditions and evi- dences of frontier experiences were seen here at that time. Wolves,
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bears and other wild animals were numerous. There were many Indians who would visit at the Tielens cabin and although they could not speak a word of English they managed by signs and motions to make it under- stood that they wanted food and lodging. Their request was granted, for it was well known that the family might be the victims of Indian treachery if they refused to comply with the wishes of their red-skinned neighbors. Members of the household were many times followed by bears and wolves while they were looking for the oxen which were allowed to run at large when not in use. Should it sometimes be necessary to visit a neighbor at night they were compelled to use torches so as to keep the wolves from attacking them. Such were some of the conditions of pioneer life which the Tielens and other families faced in order to establish homes here and lay the foundation for later success.
Gradually during the course of his life in this county William Tielens became identified with the public interests of the district in which he resided and the recognition of his ability and trustworthiness led him to be constantly sought in relation to the furtherance of public projects such as constitute important features in the development of a new country. For twelve years he served as township chairman in a most creditable and acceptable manner, standing always for right and progress and giv- ing his influence to every movement for the promotion of the general welfare. He was also a member of the school board for twenty years and the cause of education found in him a stalwart friend. Although he had but little opportunity to attend school in his childhood his broad read- ing, study and experience in later years made him a well-informed man. He recognized the value of educational training and never faltered in his efforts to promote the interests of the schools and make them a source of practical training for the responsibilities of later life. His death was the occasion of wide-spread regret throughout Humboldt township where he had so long resided. All who knew him paid tribute to his sterling worth in the respect, confidence and good-will accorded him. His wife survived him until April, 1911, passing away at the age of seventy-nine years. In their family were eleven children, six of whom are living : Frank; William; John J .: Mrs. J. P. Coppens and Mrs. J. Magley, both of Humboldt : and Mrs. A. Vandenbush, of Holland, Michigan.
Reared on the old homestead farm John J. Tielens attended the district school in his youth and when not busy with the work of the schoolroom was employed in the fields. After completing his education he spent two winter seasons in the lumber camps of the northern Wisconsin woods and at the age of twenty-one assumed the management of the home farm. Two years later he purchased eighty acres in Humboldt township and to this has since added ten acres. He now has one of the fine farm proper- ties in his part of Brown county and his work is carried on along pro- gressive lines, his practical efforts resulting in the capable development of the fields which return to him golden harvests as the reward for his care and labor. He has made substantial improvements in the buildings upon his place and all of the accessories and equipment of a model farm of the twentieth century are here found. In 1904 he rented his land and
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purchased a blacksmith shop in Eaton township where he carried on business for two years. On the expiration of that period, however, he sold his interests and returned to the farm upon which he has since resided.
In 1896 Mr. Tielens was united in marriage to Miss Hortense Boncher, a daughter of John B. and Theresa Boncher, both of whom were born in Belgium. Mr. and Mrs. Ticlens became the parents of four children : Lillian and Marie, who were born April 17. 1897, and January 5, 1899, respectively, and are graduates of the country schools; Arthur, whose birth occurred on the 21st of November, 1903; and Myrtle, who died at the age of four months.
Mr. Tielens gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has done able work as road supervisor and also as a member of the school board. He and his wife are numbered among the industrious, progressive and enterprising residents of Brown county and in his business career he is carrying forward according to modern ideas the work instituted by his father in pioneer times. This is one of the old and honored pioneer fami- lies of the county, the name of Tielens figuring in connection with its history for about six decades.
HERMAN SCHMIDT.
llerman Schmidt is living retired in Green Bay, where for many years he was prominent in the general contracting and building business. He became identified with this work in 1890 and during the period of his activity constructed many of the most important buildings in the city. He is a native of Germany, having been born in Niederzehr, West Prussia, September 14, 1854, a son of Frederick and Louisa (Wohlfeil) Schmidt, natives of Germany. The father was born in 1822 and was a laborer, fol- lowing this line of occupation until his death. He and his wife became the parents of eight children, five of whom are still living, including: Carl, who is engaged in farming and resides in Green Bay; William, also of Green Bay ; Augustina, who married Fred Holtz, of Green Bay ; and ller- man, of this review.
Herman Schmidt received his education in the public schools of his native country and afterward learned the mason's trade. When he was eighteen years of age he came to America, settling in Green Bay, where he followed his trade until 1890, in which year he established himself in the general contracting and building business, acquiring gradually an excel- lent patronage. His ability along this line soon became well known and as his business expanded he was called upon to take charge of the con- struction of various business structures and public buildings which stand today as an evidence of the excellent quality of his work
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