USA > Wisconsin > Langlade County > History of Langlade County, Wisconsin, from U. S. government survey to present time, with biographical sketches > Part 57
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67
LEON D. HARTFORD. Born at Loyal, Clark County, Wisconsin, March 10, 1871. Son of Fifield C. and Hattie Merrill Hartford. In boyhood attended common schools of Loyal. Went to Spencer, Mara- thon County at age of ten, with parents. His father died in 1887 and the following year he moved with his mother to Antigo, then a little village. Was em- ployed by Stacy & Merrill, following which he enter- ed the barber business which he followed for twelve years. Mr. Hartford then purchased the F. A. Mil- lard book store which he conducted for ten years, then consolidating with F. A. Millard, the firm being known as Millard & Hartford. January 24, 1889, he was married to Bertha Williams, of Antigo, Wisconsin. Mr. Hartford has served with credit as Supervisor,
294
HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
Alderman, Deputy City Clerk under Peter Chadek, was a member of the new court house building committee and was active in war drives during the World War.
HON. CHARLES J. HANZEL. The career and life of every public man possesses interest to his fellow man and to posterity, particularly if his abilities have elevated him to an honorable office in which he has displayed honest effort and fidelity in the perform- ance of its many responsibilities. Pre-eminently is this true when executive position is involved and es- pecially is interest excited when the subject is so well
and Paul Hanzel. As a boy he secured but a meagre education in the parochial schools of his birthplace. When but twelve years of age he secured employment in the factory of the Mckinney Hinge Company and for three years industriously labored. He then en- tered the employ of the Star Enameling and Stamp- ing Company at the age of fifteen and served as a laborer for two years with that Company. He then accepted a position with the Globe Trading Stamp Company rising from 1899 to 1906 to the rank of Man- ager. Resigning his position he went to work for the Akron Truss Company, of Akron, Ohio, became the
HION. CHARLES J. HANZEL
Elected Mayor of Antigo in April, 1920. Mayor Hanzel at once inaugu- rated an extensive program of city improvement. He became the Democrat nominee for Congress from the Ninth Congressional District in 1922, but withdrew from the race, when the Supreme Court ruled against placing the Democrat candidates in the regular party column.
known and respected as the Mayor of the City of Antigo. The signal services of Hon. Charles J. Han- zel to the city of Antigo have won for him an undying place among the illustrious citizens, dead and living, who have been vital or instrumental to the future welfare of Langlade County.
Charles J. Hanzel was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania, June 18, 1882, the son of Margaret (Herman)
Vice President of that Company, serving as a trav- eling salesman as well. It was in the year 1912 that he decided to locate in the city of Antigo, and at once engaged in the wholesale liquor business from 1912 to 1917. He became a candidate for Mayor of Antigo at the request of many friends and in the elec- tion of 1920 he was victorious over John Benishek, who ran for re-election. The administration of Mayor
295
HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
Hanzel has been marked with achievements that will serve as monuments to him when he has passed to his reward. (Mayor Hanzel's administration is dis- cussed fully elsewhere in this work).
Mayor Hanzel was unanimously endorsed in the convention of Wisconsin Democrats, held at Milwau- kee, Wisconsin, in June, 1922, to become the standard bearer of the Democrats in the Ninth Congressional District of Wisconsin and was chosen as that party's candidate for Congress.
He was united in marriage on January 16, 1916, to Mary E. Neff, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Neff, and resides at 1016 Sixth Avenue, Antigo, Wisconsin.
JASPER W. ALLERTON. Born in Waupaca County, April 30, 1857. At early age moved with par- ents to Aztalan, Jefferson County. The lad attended the common schools. At the age of 19 he moved to Eureka, Wisconsin. November 26, 1881, he married Annah Nicholson, of Eureka. Ten years later moved to Antigo, where he engaged in contracting and build- ing business until his death January 7, 1913. His re- mains were interred at Eureka, Wisconsin, January 9, 1913. Jasper W. Allerton was the father of six children, one of which, Volney, died in infancy. The other children are Willis, Harry, Floy, Ruth and Doris. J. W. Allerton was a member of the M. W. A., I. O. O. F., Rebekahs, and held various public offices, including Alderman, representing the second ward of Antigo. Oliver Hazard Perry Aller- ton, his father, was a pioneer Antigo merchant, com- ing here in 1887. He died at Manitowoc, December 31, 1899, and his remains rest there. The Allerton family genealogy is traced from Mr. Isaac Allerton, a fifth signer of the Pilgrims' Compact when they came to America, December 20, 1620.
Harry Allerton served in the U. S. Army during the World War.
EMIL OTTO HERMAN HINTZ. Born August 2, 1898, in the city of Antigo, Wisconsin. Son of Martha and Herman Hintz. Received common school education, graduating from Polar graded schools in 1912. Started learning the cheese and dairy business at Polar. After a year in cheese factory entered other employment. Became owner of Norwood Cheese Factory on September 16, 1921, purchasing from Frank Barta. The subject of this sketch is a member of the Lutheran church.
JOHN H. BURNET. Born in the city of Manito- woc, March 3, 1863, son of Esther Sibree and Gilbert W. Burnet. His boyhood days were spent in the city of Manitowoc where he attended the public schools, graduating from the Manitowoc High School. In 1882 Mr. Burnet began railroad work for the old Mil- waukee, Lake Shore & Western railroad out of Mani- towoc. He has followed railroading for a period of forty years. June 30, 1890, Mr. Burnet married Lona Morse, of Jay, Vermont. Two boys and two girls were born to this union. One girl died in infancy. The Burnet family sent two to participate in the World War. Gilbert W. served in the aviation with credit
and Anne served as a government nurse at Camp Mc- Clellan, Alabama. John, Jr., was not old enough to enter the war. Mr. and Mrs. Burnet moved to Anti- go in March, 1888, and make their residence at 303 Superior street. Mr. Burnet is a member of the Masonic lodge. Gilbert and John Burnet are now engaged in horticulture and bee raising at Prineville, Oregon.
FRANK RIENDL, SR. The quality of a man's usefulness in a community is not impaired by the fact that he leads a quiet and unpretentious life. If a cit- izen goes on a straightforward, manly way, giving his best energies to the task before him and performing his just share of civic responsibility he proves a ster- ling citizen, as forcibly as does the most prominent individual. To this type belongs Frank Riendl, Sr., who was born December 24, 1854, in Bavaria, Prov- ince of Germany. He was the son of Frank and Ter- esia Riendl. During his early boyhood he attended Bavarian schools. In June, 1869, he came to Apple- ton, Outagamie County, and later engaged in track service. In 1876 he was married to Katherina Reichl. Five children were born to this union. Mr. Riendl has been identified during his residence at Antigo with several successful business enterprises. He is a member of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Order of Eagles, in all of which he is active. He is a member of the St. John's church congregation, Antigo, and has served for years as a trustee of the congregation. Both Mr. and Mrs. Riendl are favorably known among Lang- lade County's best people. Mr. Riendl came to An- tigo in 1883 as roadmaster for the old Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western railroad. His subdivision then was from Antigo to the end of the track at Rhinelander and Watersmeet.
During the world war, Mr. Riendl was one of the leading patriots, giving unstintingly for the cause of America.
J. M. KUBICHEK. Came to Langlade County in 1907, locating at Neva, where he engaged in farming and cattle buying. He was married to Anna Chadek on June 19, 1906, to which union three children, two girls and a boy, were born. Came to Antigo in 1915 and engaged in the retail meat business. In 1922 purchased Flanagan building and on July 1, 1922, he opened up Kubichek market there. While in Manito- woc County he was Township Treasurer in Rapids township, Justice of the Peace at Neva, and a Repub- lican candidate for Sheriff of Langlade County in 1922. He is a member of the L. O. O. M., C. Z. B. J., and resides at 1326 Third Avenue.
JAMES CHERF. In 1879 a hardy pioneer, John Cherf, erected a log cabin on the southeast corner of Fifth Avenue and Superior Street. He came here from Manitowoc County. His son, James Cherf, was then an infant, and therefore can be called a distinct Langlade County product as he has lived here since. James Cherf was born March 25, 1879, in Coopers-
296
HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
town, Manitowoc County. He attended the Antigo public schools during his boyhood. With school days over he engaged in camp work for twelve years and then for fifteen years has been engaged in the bee business, in which he is known as an authority. Mr. Cherf married Charlotte Heller, May 22, 1906. In October, 1919, he purchased the old Marsh orchard, section 30, Polar township. The Cherf family con- sists of Mr. and Mrs. Cherf and three girls and three boys. Mr. Cherf is a member of the Eagles, Beavers and Moose lodges, the Langlade County Bee Keep- ers' Society, which he aided to organize, and also the State Bee Keepers' Association.
JAMES JENSEN. Born May 5, 1878, in Hosby, Denmark. Came to America in 1900, going to Clinton- ville, Wisconsin, where he stayed for a half year. Worked for Hon. Ed. Nordman, at Polar, Wis. En- gaged in farming and mill work until 1911 when he went into the harness and bicycle business. Married February 14, 1906. Took wedding trip to boyhood home in Denmark. Maiden name of wife, Hanna N. Hanson, of Clintonville. In 1920 Mrs. Jensen passed away, leaving five sons and two daughters to mourn with her husband. November 20, 1920, Mr. Jensen was married to Alice Johnson, of Neenah. They re- side on Tenth Avenue, Antigo, Wis. Mr. Jensen is a member of the I. O. O. F., and attends the Baptist church. He is a man of pleasing personality and has a host of friends.
GUSTAV WINTER was born in Gibson township, Manitowoc County, March 13, 1868. He attended public schools and followed agriculture as an occu- pation. October 8, 1903, he married Ada R. Stiewe at Milwaukee. They moved on a farm in Kewaunee County. Two and a half years later they moved to Antigo, where the Winters grocery was started in 1906. He moved his store into the present quarters in February, 1912. Mr. Winters passed away in the prime of life, February 4, 1914, and his remains were interred in the old cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Ada R., and five sons. The business which he founded is conducted still by his wife, and is known as the Ada R. Winter Grocery, 633 Superior Street, Antigo, Wisconsin.
J. W. OTIS. Born March 7, 1876, in New York state, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Otis. Moved to Oshkosh with parents in 1878. Attended public schools of Oshkosh. As a youth he worked in Osh- kosh, in Michigan, and in the west. Stopped at Springbrook House in pioneer days of Antigo and this little village appealed to him. Went west to Seattle, San Francisco and Portland, coming to Antigo in June, 1895. Engaged here in contracting and build- ing business. Purchased site of Otis building from auctioneer for $1500 May 31, 1907. Built splendid two-story structure, personal monument to his integ- rity and progress, in 1910. Engaged since in mater- ial, oil and cement business. Continued contracting until 1909, two years after purchase of Teipner site.
July 1, 1915, took his son, Lyle L. Otis, into partner- ship, which still exists. In 1890 Mr. Otis was mar- ried at Seattle, Washington, to Miss Maggie Burns, to which union one son, Lyle, was born. Mr. Otis is a member of the Beavers, F. R. A., the Association of Commerce, and is enthusiastic over Antigo's fu- ture. He has long been an advocate of Antigo adver- tising itself to its own people and is a strong believer in the great potential possibilities of the northern tourist trade, much of which flows through Antigo and Langlade County.
HECTOR McDONALD. Born August 5, 1856, at Park Hill, Ontario, son of Alexander and Margaret McDonald. Entered the public schools of Park Hiil and after graduating from eighth grade entered Park Hill High School. Engaged in agricultural pursuits following school years. Moved to Wis- consin in 1883, and was married at Cascade, Wis- consin, to Miss Anne Duggan. Came from Es- canaba, Michigan, to Antigo in 1886 and has resid- ed here ever since. He has been connected with the C. & N. W. R. R. Co., and its predecessors since 1886. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have five children; two boys, William and Norman; and three girls, Loretta, Leona and Gladys. The subject of this sketch is an active member of Antigo Council No. 1002, Knights of Colum- bus and a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen. Mr. McDonald resides at 702 Lincoln street, Antigo, Wisconsin. He has opti- mistic views regarding Antigo's future welfare.
JAMES w. HERMAN, Antigo tailor, was born on September 15, 1870, the son of Joseph Herman, of the town of Michocott, Manitowoc County. Came to Antigo, a pioneer, September 29, 1880. Located with parents on a farm on Section 26, township 31, range 10 east. Attended public schools and followed farming until age of twenty. Became apprentice to Julius Below in tailor trade. Followed apprenticeship for five years and in May, 1897, went into business for himself. He married September 29, 1898, to Minnie Mathias, of Antigo. One child, a boy, Lee Herman, born to this union. Mrs. Herman died February 22, 1910. On June 21, 1911, Mr. Herman married Barbara Dvorak, to which union three child- ren were born-one boy and two girls. Mr. Herman has his tailor shop in the Hill building. He is a mem- ber of the E. F. U., Z. C. B. J., Eagles and Sokol. His residence is at 1027 Fourth avenue, Antigo. An- tigo was a vast wilderness when he came here with his father and mother nearly 43 years ago.
FRANK CHARLES KRAUSE. Born January 25, 1876, at Pommer, Germany. Came to the United States when four years old. Came with parents from New York to Seymour, Outagamie County. Lived there four years and moved with parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Krause, to Antigo in 1885. Attended the public schools and high school when it was located where second ward is today. Engaged in clerical po-
297
HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
sitions for C. F. Dallman, Julius Schlemmer, J. P. Hughes, M. Krom, J. C. Lewis and A. Goldberg, then went into the flour and feed business for himself in 1914. Married September 4, 1903, to Miss Emma Moldenhauer, at Pella. Mr. Krause owns his residence at Fifth Avenue and Pine Street, also the Krause build- ing on Fifth Avenue. His father, Louis, was a pioneer Antigo tailor.
FRED ZWICKY. Born in Oshkosh on December 29, 1871. Came to Antigo in October, 1884. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Zwicky. Settled in Norwood township on a farm. Walked from Aniwa to farm home in Norwood township when arrived. Married May 25, 1884, to Miss Nellie Beard. To this union was born five children, three girls and two boys. Mr. Zwicky has been a member of a Norwood town- ship school district board. Worked for H. A. Kohl seven years, John Hessel ten years, Marsh & Raess in grocery business and with W. H. Pardee. Two sons, Ira and Harry, served in World War. Recalls day when Fifth avenue was wilderness and when cat- tle and oxen waded through Springbrook where it now crosses Fifth avenue. He has resided at 720 Cedar street for past 22 years. He is a member of the F. R. A., Beavers, I. O. O. F., and Masonic orders. Six sis- ters and a brother came to Norwood township with him. His father came here in 1883.
E. G. HUTCHINS. Born at Neenah, April 16, 1871. Came to Antigo first in 1885, entering em- ployment of Herman, Becklinger & Herman. Mar- ried to Alzada A. Cheever, July 6, 1892. Six children, five boys and one girl, were born. Eight years after marriage was employed by N. E. Preston Music House. Remained with N. E. Preston until 1909. In 1910 after year with H. N. Jewell Music House moved to Merrill where he stayed three years. Moved to New Lisbon from Merrill where he was employed as car inspector for ten years for the C. M. & St. P. R. R. Co. Came to Antigo in August, 1919, from New Lisbon and in October, 1920, took over N. E. Preston Music House, now known as Hutchins Music House, 632 Fifth Avenue. Member of M. W. A., I. O. O. F. lodges. Baptist by faith for past 32 years.
HUGH E. ST. CLAIR was born June 27, 1876, at Northport, Waupaca County, Wisconsin. His parents were C. Marvin St. Clair and Susan Ainsworth St. Clair. He moved to Langlade County with his par- ents in 1900. On February 6, 1902 he was married to Miss Edith Cone, of Beloit, Wisconsin. Settled at Kent and lived there three years and then moved to Fifield, Wisconsin. After two years he returned to Lily, Langlade County, where he has lived ever since. Four children bless the marriage of Hugh St. Clair and Edith Cone,-three boys and one girl. He has a splendid farm near Lily. He has been elected town chairman successively since 1917. He came to Lang- lade County as a lumberman when it was very un- settled. Went into the eastern section and engaged
in farming, which he considers the future of Lang- lade County. The St. Clair place is located on Sec- tion 35, township 33, range 13. Mr. St. Clair has been Supervisor, Assessor and Treasurer of Lang- lade township respectively.
FRANK SAMOLINSKI. Among the residents of Antigo township who have, by industry and thrift, made an excellent mark in agricultural pursuits, is Frank Samolinski, a native of German Poland. Mr. Samolinski was born in the city of Jerwiki, Poland, on August 6, 1867, the son of Marcella and Peter Sam- olinski. He attended the public schools and later en- gaged in blacksmith business in Poland until he reached twenty-three years of age. He then came to the Uniter States, settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eight years later he moved to Antigo township, Lang- lade County. Mr. Samolinski has a fine fifty-seven acre farm, part of which is in Rolling township.
The subject of this sketch was united in marriage to Veronica Wudarski to which union seven children were born, three of whom are dead, namely, Frank, Jr., Steve and Joseph. Stella, now Mrs. Louis Smith of Antigo township, John and Leo, both of Antigo township, and Peter, who resides on Superior street, Antigo, Wisconsin, are the other children. Peter Samolinski is proprietor of the Economy Shoe Repair Shop of Antigo and also is an athlete and wrestler of note. Frank Samolinski and family are members of St. Hyacinth's church of Antigo. Mr. Samolinski is a member of the Polish Federation of America.
DENNIS VANOOYEN. It was to the pioneer who blazed the way to civilization and made a vast wilder- ness bloom and blossom like a rose that credit and honor is due. The Vanooyen family was one of the earliest of Langlade County settlers who played their part in the general advancement of Antigo and the County. Dennis Vanooyen, the subject of this sketch, was born in the city of Appleton on November 26, 1883 the son of Nina (Rodney) and Paul Vanooyen. Dur- ing his boyhood he attended the public schools of Antigo and later began his apprenticeship as a mason and bricklayer. He is an expert in his chosen trade, which he has followed for many years. Mr. Van- ooyen has laid brick in the construction of some of the best buildings in the city of Antigo.
The Vanooyen family moved to Langlade County when Dennis was seven years old.
Dennis Vanooyen was united in marriage to Miss Ina Boettcher, the daughter of Ferdinand Boettcher, pioneer Norwood township settler, on June 8, 1905. To this union five children were born, namely, Leon- ard, Marvel, Viola, Floyd and Charles. The Vanooyen residence is at 321 Watson street, Antigo, Wis.
Fraternally Mr. Vanooyen is active as a member of the Beavers Reserve Fund Fraternity, the Order of Owls, The Loyal Order of Moose, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He has been often honored with offices of trust and responsibility in each of these named orders. The parents of Mr. Vanooyen are
298
HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
still living, having seen Antigo and vicinity grow from "a wilderness hamlet" to a modern little city of nearly ten thousand inhabitants.
PROSSER BROTHERS. Agriculture offers bless- ings in the greatest plenty, but does not allow us to take them in idleness. True there are those who are content to travel along the rut of mediocrity, taking from their land a bare living, but the full measure of success in farming only comes to those who are wil- ling to work hard and faithfully, to observe changed conditions and practices and to remember that the only true success in life is that gained through hon- orable dealing. In this connection it is not inappro- priate to mention the achievements of the Prosser Brothers.
In the spring of 1914 five young men took over 225 acres of excellent agricultural land in section 17, An- tigo township. Since then they have developed this farm into one of the county's most productive areas. The entire acreage is under intense cultivation. They have 160 acres in Elcho township also under their care and proprietorship, 60 acres of which are cultivated.
In 1922 the young men planted the largest potato field in the county. 140 acres of their potatoes are of the Early Ohio and Early Irish Cobbler varieties. They also have the Rural New Yorkers and the Rus- set Rurals. The potatoes have yielded on an average of between 250 and 350 bushels per acre, de- pending upon the variety.
When the Prosser Brothers took over their place a farmer, less successful and not willing to experiment, scoffed at producing profitable yields of crops in "a farm of quack grass". The scoff of that farmer has been turned into amazement as the Prosser place developed.
Situated at the junction of 64 and 39, state high- ways, and with the Wolf River Branch, C. & N. W. near by, the city of Antigo but a mile away, the Pros- ser farm is ideally located. Soon a warehouse and a Fairbanks-Morse scales will be installed and a spur track run from the Wolf river branch to the ware- house. Then the Prosser brothers, James, Harold, Marvin, Ray and John, will engage in not only the cultivation but the purchasing of potatoes in carload lots.
FRED BUELOW. The vocation of tilling the soil has been numbered among the honored occupations since early history. Among the good, practical agri- culturalists of Langlade County, who thoroughly un- derstand their vocation and who have secured full measure of success in the intelligent application of their own knowledge in the conduct of their farm is Fred Buelow, who has been a farmer all of his life. Mr. Buelow was born in Germany on July 30, 1865, the son of Fred and Vendelina (Stricker) Buelow. When six years old he moved to Edgerton, Rock County, Wisconsin. A year later the family moved to Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, and after
residing in that county for six years they moved to Clintonville, Waupaca County. For thirty-eight years Mr. Buelow resided in the county, having his farm in the town of Matteson. In 1915 he moved to Enter- prise, Wisconsin, and resided on his eighty acre tract of land there for three years. He then moved to An- tigo township, Langlade County, Wisconsin, in No- vember, 1917. He has fifteen acres of well devel- oped land and is engaged in general farming and the cultivation of strawberries. He supplies the Antigo market with his luscious strawberries in season.
Mr. Buelow was married to Minnie Steenboch, a native of Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, on Novem- ber 10, 1892. To this union eight children were born, namely, Arthur, who resides on the eighty acre farm at Enterprise, Wis .; Hilda, now Mrs. William Kunzie of Enterprise, Wis .; Walter, Otto, Viola, Lydia, Ray- mond, and Gordon, all of Antigo township. While a resident of Matteson township Mr. Buelow was hon- ored with fifteen years of successive duty as a school officer in District No. 3.
The Buelows are members of the Antigo Peace Evangelical church.
FRISCH BROTHERS. Jure 15, 1914, Joseph and Peter Frisch purchased the greenhouse of William King. The Frisch Brothers at once remodeled the in- stitution so that the plant now has eighteen thousand square feet of glass.
Peter Frisch, one of the proprietors, resides at 116 Seventh Avenue. He was united in marriage to Miss Olga Olson on April 13, 1918, to which union, one child, Robert, was born.
Joseph Frisch, the other proprietor, was married to Lucille Justin, July 28, 1917. They have three children, James, Jean and Stanley. Their residence is at 106 Seventh Avenue.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.