USA > Wisconsin > Milwaukee County > Milwaukee > History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume II > Part 12
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 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86
On the 16th of December, 1908, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Jessie Conger of Eaton, Ohio, a niece of General Andrew L. Harris, governor of Ohio from 1909 until 1911 and lieutenant governor of that state under Major William Mckinley. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born two children: Conger, ten years of age; and Jane Louise, a little maiden of three summers.
Mr. Williams belongs to the Knights of Pythias, also to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he is a member of the City Club, the Milwaukee Athletic Club and the Press Club. His social position is an enviable one, while his record as a lawyer places him at a point of leadership in connection with the profession in this city.
JOHN RAYMOND SMITH.
A man of most progressive spirit is John Raymond Smith, who was the organizer of a company known as Ray Smith, Incorporated. This company was planned to take over the operation of hotels and in this connection Mr. Smith is now at the head of the Republican House of Milwaukee. His plans are always definitely defined, his purpose is strong and resultant and he never stops until he has reached the goal. He is, therefore, a most valuable factor in connection with hotel management and his standards of service in this connection are at all times- high.
Mr. Smith is a native son of Wisconsin, his birth having occurred in Reedsburg, March 4, 1882, his parents being Seymour and Margaret (Durick) Smith. He is a descendant of John Smith, pioneer colonizer of Virginia. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Reedsburg and of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and throughout his life he has been connected with the hotel business. In 1896 when a youth of but fourteen years he entered the employ of the Hotel Pfister in Milwaukee and there remained for almost a quarter of a century, or until 1920, during which period he worked his way upward through various departments and in 1911 assumed the management of that famous hostelry. He became known as one of the youngest hotel managers in the United States. He severed his connection with the Pfister in order to form the Ray Smith, Incorporated, a company organized for the operation of hotels. They purchased from the Kletzsch Brothers the Republican House in Decem- ber, 1919 and Mr. Smith has since been in charge. He was one of the active workers in charge of Michigan and Wisconsin to secure cooks for the first army which was mobilized for the government after America's entrance into the World war, turning to the hotel men of America to assist the government in its gigantic task of feeding the army. He is recognized by hotel men as an authority in the United States on cost accounting and food control and efficiency in food departments of hotels, having written numerous articles for hotel papers and for the United States government on subjects relative thereto.
.
JOHN RAYMOND SMITH
111
HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE
In Milwaukee. on the 30th of June, 1908, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Cecelia Mack, a daughter of Gustav A. Karass, a furniture manufacturer of Milwaukee. The three children of this marriage are: Lawrence Hubert, John Raymond, Jr., and An- toinette. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church. Mr. Smith is a republican in his political views, having always supported the party and its principles. He belongs to the Rotary Club, to the Milwaukee Athletic Club, the Ozaukee Country Club and to the Milwaukee Association of Commerce, but his activity has always centered in the line of business in which he entered as a youth of fourteen years and his prominence in this field is indicated in the fact that he is now president of the Milwaukee Hotel Association, president of the Wisconsin Hotel Association, president of the Northwestern Hotel Men's Association, president of the Yellowstone Trail Association and president of the Sheridan Road Association of Milwaukee. He stands for advancement in many fields of endeavor and his life illustrates what can be accomplished through individual effort, intelligently directed. From a humble position he has worked his way to leadership among the hotel men of the country and his opinions are regarded of equal worth and value on many questions of public con- cern.
MAX SCHOETZ, JR.
18842
Max Schoetz, Jr., den of the Marquette University School of Law at Milwaukee, was horn in Menasha, Wisconsin, December 27, 1882. His father, Max M. Schoetz, was born in Milwaukee and was a son of Michael Schoetz, a native of Bavaria, Ger- many, whence he came to the United States in young manhood. After residing for a' time in Milwaukee he removed to Boltonville, Washington county, Wisconsin, and there established a wagon making shop. He served in the northern army during the Civil war and was wounded. His son, Max M. Schoetz, became a member of the bar, practicing successfully at Menasha, and for many years he filled the office of mayor there, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration. He married Barhara Landgraf, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and died in 1911. Her father, Andrew Landgraf, was a hotel proprietor who was born in Darmstadt, Germany. He married a Miss Walter, whose father was one of the most prominent residents of Milwaukee in early times. Andrew Landgraf, coming to the new world in early life, served as captain of a transport on the Mississippi river during the Civil war as a representative of the Union army. He removed from Louisville, Ken- tucky, to Theresa, Wisconsin, while the war was in progress and after the close of hostilities he established the Theresa House, which became a well known hotel of Theresa and is still being conducted. Mr. Landgraf afterward removed to Menasha, Wisconsin, where he established the present Landgraf Hotel, conducting it to the time of his death, which occurred when he was fifty-five years of age.
Max Schoetz, Jr., acquired his early education in St. Mary's parochial school at Menasha and afterward attended the high school there, from which he was gradu- ated with the class of 1898. Determining upon the practice of law as a life work, he became a student in the Lawrence College at Appleton, Wisconsin, and was graduated therefrom in 1902 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, this constituting the initial step which has brought him ultimately to the high professional position which he now occupies. From 1902 until 1904 he was a clerk in the Commercial National Bank of Chicago and in the latter year became law clerk for the firm of Bouck & Hilton, attorneys of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he remained until the following year. He then entered the University of Wisconsin Law School and was graduated in 1908 with the LL. B. degree. The same year he became a law clerk for the firm of Rubin & Zabel, well known attorneys of Milwaukee, and in 1910 he entered upon the general practice of law, heing now senior partner in the firm of Schoetz & Williams, with offices at 902 Majestic building. From 1914 until 1916 he served as second assistant city attorney of Milwaukee and in the latter year he became dean of the College of Law of Marquette University and has since continued in this position. From 1918 until 1920 he served as the first assistant city attorney of Milwaukee. He has made steady progress in his profession and his capability is widely recognized, as is evi- denced in the fact of his high position as a law educator and the liberal clientage accorded him in general law practice. In addition to his law practice Mr. Schoetz is a director and the vice president of the Vliet Street Bank, which he organized in 1920 with a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars and which now has a surplus of twenty thousand dollars. He is likewise treasurer of the Interstate Ex- change, conducting an automobile liability business. Of this company he was one of the organizers and he also was instrumental in forming the Community Building & Loan Association. Mr. Schoetz deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as he worked his way through the law school, being revision clerk of the state senate, steward of his fraternity and a law clerk in the law office of Olin & Butler.
112
HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE
On the 27th of June, 1913, Mr. Schoetz was married to Miss Mollie Knoernschild, a daughter of Charles Knoernschild, the secretary and treasurer of the Gem Ham- mock & Fly Net Company. The father was horn in Darmstadt, Germany, and was brought to Milwaukee by his parents when hut a year old. Mr. and Mrs. Schoetz have become parents of a daughter and two sons, Barbara, Max and David.
Mr. Schoetz belongs to the Sigma Nu fraternity of the University of Wisconsin, also to the Phi Alpha Delta, a law fraternity, and is a member of the International Club at Madison, a member of the Order of Coif, which is the honorary law fraternity, and is also a member of Pere Marquette Council of the Knights of Columbus of Milwaukee, in which he is serving as advocate. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, his membership being in St. Michael's parish. Along strictly pro- fessional lines he has membership with the Milwaukee, Wisconsin State and American Bar Associations and he enjoys the confidence and respect of his colleagues and con- temporaries by reason of what he has accomplished and by his close conformity to the high standards and ethics of the profession.
ARCHBISHOP MESSMER.
The estimates and measurments which men fix upon a given human life, its value as a factor in inspiring the nobler impulses, in prompting higher aims and in radiating the spirit of beneficent service, are usually deferred until such life has spent its earthly existence. Tribute is too frequently reserved until the grave has made its claims, when we begin retrospectively to weigh and record accomplishments and achieve- ments.
It may be a far more graceful task to inveigh the living present in aid of recog- nizing the charm, the services, and the accomplishments of the worthy and great who may still he among us. Shall any one charge flattery when the living appraise the living justly? Or can any one deny the virtue of rendering tribute presently or retro- spectively where tribute is due? In discerning true nobility in others do we not exalt ourselves?
"Archbishop Messmer is still among us," writes William George Bruce. "It has been my privilege, as an humble layman, to study his character and observe his great services at a close range. Let us analyze his worth as an ecclesiastical leader, as a man and a citizen. He has reached the pinnacle of a remarkable life-remarkable in . service, in character, in accomplishment. He is still intensely active, giving each day of himself all that his generous heart and wonderful talents are capable of. In fact, never during his whole career was he able to do more work within the compass of a single day than he is now doing. He pursues his task with tireless energy from early morn until late hours of the night."
With the growth of the archdiocese his duties have increased in volume and in importance. Complicated and involved situations arise hourly. The demands upon his time and attention are incessant and pressing. Some of his problems are trying and vexatious. He approaches every task, every problem, every duty, cheerfully, con- scientiously and hravely, and is equally courteous to the humblest and the highest.
What Archbishop Henni has accomplished in constructing a firm foundation Arch- bishop Messmer has achieved in strengthening and heautifying the superstructure. A worthy successor to the great pioneers and builders who have preceded him, he has extended, amplified and embellished the structure which they had so wisely planned and reared. Under his inspiring leadership it has assumed greater dignity and grace in outline and proportiou.
He approaches his task from the viewpoint of a scholarly executive and a spiritual leader rather than from the angle of a plant manager or a financial director. A great love for his fellowmen tempers and guides all his acts and conclusions. The charitable, the sympathetic, and the Christian spirit predominate his thoughts, his deliberations and his decisions. It would be as difficult for him to deal harshly with any one as it would be impossible for him to deal unjustly. No man could follow the precepts of Christ more faithfully and exemplify His teachings more effectively.
Sebastian Gebhard Messmer was born August 29, 1847, at Goldach, a picturesque village situated on the banks of Lake Constance, in the Canton of St. Gall, Switzerland. Goldach is located at a distance of an hour's ride from St. Gall, the capital of the Canton of the same name. It is said of his father that he was a God-fearing man and a strict disciplinarian. His mother Rosa (Baumgartner) Messmer was a pious woman who reared her children along the righteous path. The parental home which overlooks the lake is known under the name of "Zum Rüttli".
Sebastion was the eldest of five children and at an early age manifested a par- tiality for his church and became an altar boy. In his playful moments he was in- clined to assume the part of priest and instruct his associates in serving mass and to follow him in prayer. Temperamentally he was hright and active and even as a boy
RT. REV. SEBASTIAN G. MESSMER
Vol. 11-8
115
HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE
revealed elements of leadership and that determination which served him so well in later life.
By an odd coincidence young Sebastian served mass in the year 1862 for Bishop Henni whom he was destined in after years to succeed as Archbishop of the Diocese of Milwaukee. This occurred at the preparatory seminary of St. George at St. Gall where Messmer made his classical studies, and where Archbishop Henni was an occasional visitor.
In the year 1866 he began the study of philosophy and theology at the University of Innsbruck, where he enjoyed the privilege of coming under the charge of some of the great theologians of his time. About this time he formulated the ambition to par- ticipate in missionary labors in foreign lands.
The decision to come to America had its inception with a visit by the venerable Bishop Bailey of Newark, New Jersey who had come in the year 1869 to Innsbruck to secure workers for the missions of the new world. On the completion of his studies Messmer was ordained July 23d, 1871, and a week later read his first mass at the parish church of his native village, Goldach. On this occasion Rev. Dr. Otto Zardetti, who had been a schoolmate of Rev. Father Messmer, and who later became the Bishop of St. Cloud, Minnesota, preached the sermon.
Father Messmer arrived in this country in September, 1871, and was immediately appointed professor of theology at Seton Hall College, South Orange, New Jersey. In 1885 he became the pastor of St. Peter's church at Newark. During the previous year he was called to Baltimore to assist in the preparatory labors for the Baltimore council. The services he rendered here were rewarded by a degree of Doctor of Canon Law conferred upon him by Cardinal Gibbons in 1886. The pastorate at Newark, which he had filled in conjunction with his professorship at Seton Hall College, was re- linquished again by him during the year. He found it impossible to do justice simultaneously to both his college and the parish work.
He held his position at Seton Hall College for a period of eighteen years, when in 1889 he was called to the Catholic University of America at Washington to accept the professorship of canon law. Before entering upon his new duties he went to Rome, where he exemplified his studies in canon law under the illustrious Dr. Giustini of the Collegio Appolinare. His work at the Catholic University proved most congenial to his taste and temperament. The study assigned to his care proved fascinating and he rejoiced in the thought that he had reached the great goal of his life. Here he would remain.
But destiny decreed otherwise. On December 14, 1891, he was appointed Bishop of Green Bay, as the successor of Bishop Katzer who had been chosen Archbishop of Milwaukee. This distinction came to him in the form of a shock rather than a pleasure. He begged Rome to relieve him of the new task but the decision was final.
Consequently he was consecrated bishop of Green Bay in St. Peter's church, Newark, on March 27, 1892. Here by a delighttul coincidence the consecration was performed by his schoolmate and lifelong friend, Bishop Zardetti of St. Cloud, Minnesota, the same friend that had preached the sermon when at the village church in Switzerland the young priest, now the newly consecrated bishop, had read his first mass.
On April 4, 1892, he left for Green Bay, where he was accorded a cordial welcome on the part of clergy and laity. He assumed his new task with enthusiasm and energy. The diocese numbered one hundred and twenty-six churches and seventy-two schools. A writer who knew something of his work said: "Everywhere in the diocese religious life was quickened, the influence of the church strengthened and the spirit of cordial harmony intensified."
Bishop Messmer remained in the diocese of Green Bay for eleven years, when he was called on December 19, 1903, to succeed the late Archbishop Katzer. Two months later he came to Milwaukee to take up the responsible duties of the archdiocese. The reception accorded him here was most cordial.
In his address of welcome the late Monsignor Keogh among other things said: "The clergy and laity have approved with glad acclaim your appointment as their arch- bishop-the approval is sincere and unanimous, irrespective of race, language or previous preference. Your scholarly attainments, your untiring zeal for religion, your intrepid leadership in every movement for the betterment of the people, your prudent and fatherly rule in the diocese of Green Bay, have merited and received the approval of our holy father, who has pleased to promote you to a wider field of usefulness, where you will be able to do even greater good for God and His church."
The archbishop, in extending his thanks, said: "It is a great comfort and con- solation when the new shepherd is received by his flock with such a loyal welcome. I know that I am unworthy of the place to which I have been appointed but there is one consolation. I have not sought the place. I have only obeyed the supreme shepherd of the flock of Christ, and as I have obeyed him I have a right to expect the same obedience of you. This work must be carried on in the spirit of Christian devotion and in loyal faith."
116
HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE
During the first year of Archbishop Messmer's administration important changes were made in the province of Milwaukee. The diocese of Superior was created. This reduced the archdiocese of Milwaukee by one thousand seven hundred and fifty-five square miles, which area was added to the dioceses of La Crosse and Green Bay. At the time of the separation the archdiocese of Milwaukee had two hundred and eighty- six secular priests, fifty-five priests of religious orders, two hundred and sixty-one churches and one hundred and thirty-five parochial schools. Today the archdiocese of Milwaukee numbers three hundred and three churches, one hundred and sixty-five parochial schools, three hundred and thirty-eight diocesan priests, and one hundred and two priests of religious orders.
During his administration in the year 1920 he inaugurated a movement in behalf of the educational and charitable institutions of the archdiocese. It meant that the transition period from a pioneer to a reconstruction basis had arrived.
St. Francis Seminary, which had been conceived and constructed in an early day must, in its physical appointments, be brought more nearly up to modern standards of efficiency. The charitable institutions, which had grown in point of service beyond their own capacity, required more adequate financing. Many of them were over- crowded and burdened with indebtedness.
His Grace, Archbishop Messmer, approached this huge enterprise with courage and persistency. He realized the wisdom of strengthening the several institutions hy lifting them from their restricted condition to one of greater service and extended efficiency. This memorable project will live as one of the crowning achievements of his administration.
Those who have been fortunate enough to come into personal touch with him have been impressed with his charm of manner and his genial disposition. If he has listened with serious concern and has shared in the discussion by submitting his sug- gestions, his counsel or his decision, there were also moments when he responded to the lighter vein that was introduced. A humorous turn in a conversation, a witty re- mark or a unique incident always brightened his countenance with a smile or drew forth a happy peal of laughter. His personality constantly radiates kindliness and friendship for those about him. At the same time among the latter there remained always the consciousness that he was actuated by a great ideal, a large purpose and a sacred mission.
No man could be more vigorous that he is in the application of time and the regulation of personal habits. The physical and mental man is constantly taxed to the utmost. The working hours are fixed at a maximum and the periods of rest and recreation are held at a minimum. He is an early riser and carries his duties into the late hours of the night. He reads until sleep asserts its demands. His food is simple and sparingly taken.
What an exalting lesson is afforded in this noble life! After having passed the three score and ten milestone in age he continues to work with the enthusiasm and vigor of youth and the experience and wisdom of maturity. What an example to the layman who prematurely seeks his ease and comfort! At his age most men deem their earthly labors completed and seek quiet and seclusion. He continues to apply all his strength and energy to the calling to which his life has been dedicated.
In a brief sketch on the life and labors of Archbishop Messmer written by Chan- cellor Traudt and published in The Salesianum, for April, 1917, he closes with the fol- lowing paragraph : "We have every reason to be proud of the men, providential men, who ruled the archdiocese of Milwaukee since its establishment, the saintly Archbishop Henni, the scholarly Archbishop Heiss, the learned Archbishop Katzer, and of our present beloved, pious, learned and scholarly Archbishop. We pray God that Arch- bishop Messmer may be spared to us for many years."
The splendid task of writing a complete and exhaustive biography of the noble warrior in the canse of Christ will some day fall to the lot of some one worthy of the same. It will require the intimate touch of the priestly hand rather than of the layman, and will be assigned to one capable of valuing the beneficent influences which have radiated for a half century from a great mind and generous heart.
CARL FRESCHL.
The name of Carl Freschl is well known not only in Milwaukee and Wisconsin but throughont the country, for he was the pioneer manufacturer of knit goods west of the Alleghanies and his initiative led to the practical utilization of an idea that con- stituted a most potent element in his success-the manufacture of Holeproof Hosiery. This he undertook in 1898 and continued in the business successfully for a number of years, when he retired. Nothing more truly indicates the value of an article than the fact that it has imitators. No sooner had Mr. Freschl placed his Holeproof Hosiery on the market than others began to use his idea, but from the beginning he
CARL FRESCHL
EDWARD FRESCHL
121
HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE
continued in the lead and no other manufacturers have really rivaled the Freschl company in its output.
Carl Freschl was born in Prague, Austria. He spent the first twenty-six years of his life in his native land and then emigrated to the United States, settling first in Manchester, New Hampshire. Later. however, he continued his westward journey and became a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, where in 1872, he founded the Kalama- zoo Knitting Works, this being the first hosiery manufacturing plant established in the middle west. He conducted business at Kalamazoo for a decade and in 1882 removed his plant to Milwaukee, where he conducted his interests under the same name until 1904. In that year he organized the Holeproof Hosiery Company. It was AIr. Freschl who originated the idea of guaranteeing hosiery and he began the manu- facture of this kind in 1898. The idea was immediately endorsed by the public and the business proved a great success from the beginning-not from the fact of its being guaranteed but by reason of the good quality of the hosiery manufactured. A con- temporary writer has said of his work: "Never before had manufacturers of hosiery been able to guarantee satisfactorily their products, and it was Mr. Freschl's technical ability to put on the market an article which would stand all the tests of wear, com- bined with his courage to take the public into his confidence and issue an out and out guarantee, which caused such a revolution in the hosiery business and which well accounts for the remarkable success of the Holeproof company. The idea of guaran- teeing his product was only a manifestation of his deep-seated honesty. During his years in business the late Carl Freschl became widely known and was not only ad- mired by all who understood his pioneer work, but was greatly beloved by those most intimately associated with him." Owing to illness Mr. Freschl ultimately retired from active connection with the business, which was taken over by his sons and associates and is still carried on by them. The father retired in 1908, spending his remaining days free from business responsibilities. The Holeproof Hosiery Company has its chief factory and general offices in Milwaukee but also has offices in New York, Chi- cago and on the Pacific coast, and the extent of the business is indicated by its foreign incorporations, which include the Holeproof Hosiery Company of Canada, Limited, at London, and the Holeproof Hosiery Company at Liverpool, England.
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.